mamalizknits

Snow Daze

2011-01-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

This is how we spent our snow day yesterday.

Randominium

2010-12-08T09:27:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling super un-motivated today. It's bitter cold outside yet the sun streaming through the window is so warm it feels like I'm sitting on the beach - ahhhh. How about some random bullets:

I'm working on a care package for my college freshman brother. So far I'm putting in cookies, wool socks, a knitted hat, cash, what else? Ideas? He is facing finals next week and is stressed out to the max, poor guy. I wish I could put a plane ticket in that care package because I miss him terribly and feel the need to feed and spoil him thoroughly.
My son told me this morning that when I volunteer in his classroom it increases his popularity by at least 10%. That gave me a chuckle. I'm glad I can help, buddy.
My littlest man has had an ear infection for three weeks but the real pain seemed to come to a peak earlier this week. He spent Monday and Tuesday laying on my lap watching cartoons. It's torture when your kid is in pain. This morning he seemed ready and roaring to face the day which is great... so far so good! Lets hope that this darn ear infection is going to go away and STAY away now.
I'm knitting Route 66 socks, I'm crocheting a mega granny square afghan out of my Peace Fleece stash, I'm knitting slipper socks for my husband, a sweater for my oldest son. Needless to say, my needles and hooks are busy and progress is slow. Hopefully I'll have it all done by Christmas. The Route 66 socks are total selfish knitting though and of course what is drawing all of my attention. I'm awful like that.
I'm going to make lots of Christmas cookies this year and will be mailing out most of them. I'm thinking Egg Nog Snickerdoodles from the latest Cooks Country, peanut butter dream bars (old 4H recipe), waffle cookies (Grama Betty's prize recipe), chocolate peppermint sandwich cookies (Cooks Country), I saw a recipe for hazelnut lemon curd cookies (also Cooks Country) that I'd like to try, and I dunno -- whatever else strikes my fancy. I hope to get most done this weekend. I'll also make, truffles, peanut clusters, fudge and dipped pretzels. Most will be going to my sorely missed brother.
I made some penny rug Christmas ornaments. Two are designated for my boys -- I stitched their names on to the backs of them yesterday. (photos to come) I took one of the ornaments that my Grandma Martha made me off of our tree as a reference. It felt so wonderful to use one of her hand made ornaments as a guide. It felt like she was sitting right there with me and I was reminded of so many reasons why I loved her and also how much I am like her today.
I have a kit to make two needle felted gnomes that I'm going to make in to ornaments. I think my parents will get a kick out of them.
We bought a waffle iron a few weeks ago. It's been fun to make waffles with my boys. They both love to mix up the batter and the little man is in charge of letting me know when the red light turns to green.
We have NO snow. Well, a dusting but that is it. We're all twiddling our thumbs waiting for the first big wallop of snow. When, oh when will it be?
When I tell people out here that my boys love to sled, they correct me and say "oh, you mean sliding?" I think it's because 'sledding' refers to snowmobiling out here.
I miss all the Christmas lights in Des Moines... we used to love driving around looking at lights. There are a couple of houses here that decorate but nothing like living in a city.

OK -- back to my sock, my sunshine, and my tea. Cheers!

Non-Knitting!

2010-11-29T10:13:00.001-08:00

Look! I finished a project and I did not knit it. I took an impromptu lesson on penny rugs a couple weeks ago and have been blanket stitching pieces of wool together ever since. It's so simple and is a nice break from the knitting.

This pillow is definitely country cutesy which really isn't my style. But it's seasonal and I can stand it for the Christmas season. I'd love to work up some of my own designs. I see visions of sheep -- pumpkins -- owls -- with an artsy fresh funky feeling. I don't know when I'll get to that but it'd be fun. Until then, I'm having fun trying new kits.

There are kits galore for penny rug and applique projects online (no surprise there). I have been browsing the kits at Winterberry Cabin lately. This is the next kit I'm going to try. I also love all of the Wooly Lady applique kits... especially the pillows!

Anyway, it's been fun to find another hobby other than knitting that is still related to wool. There's just something about wool.

Ascutney Aran Hat

2010-11-26T07:04:00.001-08:00

Ascutney Aran Hat by Melissa Johnson from 99 Yarns & Counting

Size 7 needles
Stonehedge Fiber Mill Shepherd Worsted - Sage colorway

This was a very satisfying project. The pattern is fun with many different techniques ... provisional cast on, Kitchener stitch, fun cables, double decreases on the crown. A fun project, indeed.

The YARN -- oh my word my friends -- the yarn is incredible. I am a sucker for classic worsted wool. I gravitate to it whenever I'm in a yarn store. I love it for it's versatility. It's truly the 'box of crayons' yarn of them all in my opinion. Stonehedge Fiber Mill has an amazing rainbow of colors for their Shepherd Worsted merino top and this sage green was a beauty... it was heathery and had just the slightest hint of yellow in it that just added a touch of sunshine to it. But beyond the color, this yarn is the softest worsted weight classic wool I've ever felt or knit with. Yes, obnoxiously I put that in bold face that is how much I love it. This yarn is not terribly easy to find and there aren't any yarn stores in Maine that carry it. I bought mine from a Ravelry friend. You really should seek this yarn out for yourself and enjoy it. I know you will!

Triple Seed Stitch Cowl

2010-11-24T07:33:00.000-08:00

This cowl was pure delight to knit. I used Malabrigo Rios (Indiecita colorway) that I got on a whim at Halcyon Yarn recently. I just love this colorway and this yarn is truly squishy buttery soft.

The pattern is just my own... with size 6 needles, CO 112 sts, join in to the round being careful not to twist stitches, k1p1 for three rounds, the p1k1 for three rounds... repeat until you're close to running out of yarn. Then repeat in pattern for 2 rounds, then bind off in pattern.

I washed and blocked and this cowl got even squishier and softer! It'll be a lovely, lofty, lightweight neck warmer for a friend this winter.

Year in Pictures - Week ?

2010-11-23T07:05:00.000-08:00

So I've gotten severely off track with my Year in Pictures project. I'm not going to try to play catch-up. I'm just going to post a couple favorites and move on. I don't think I'm going to be able to stay completely organized like I want to, but I'm still going to participate as much as I can.

We live in the woods and have exactly one neighbor. They made sure to let us know that the boys need to come Trick or Treat at their house on Halloween. They are so great at making our boys feel special and we appreciate it so much.

We have an amazing little Japanese Maple tree in our side garden. It was spectacular this fall. It turned the most perfect shade of red well after all the other trees were past their peak. It was a wonderful late fall treat. They're all gone now, but it's a nice treat to look back on the pictures.

A break in the clouds behind our house on a peaceful fall evening.

We had stuffed acorn squash for supper the other night. It was good but well... very squashy... and while I like squash, I don't LOVE it. The rice was superb though. I used Alton Brown's brown rice salad recipe and it was fantastic.

My son is growing like a weed! He already wears my shoes and they're going to be too small soon enough (probably a good thing since he looks silly walking around in my shoes) but he also can easily wear my handknit socks. I caught him rifling through my handknit sock drawer the other day looking for a pair ... my first thought was "EEEK! I need to find a new place to hide all the letters to Santa!" But then I was just so thrilled that my socks fit him. We have sorted out all of the 'boyish' handknit socks that I have for him to borrow for a while. It won't be long at the rate he's growing but hopefully we can get through the winter.

On a side note, I don't think he believes in Santa anymore but we sort of have this 'wink wink' agreement about Santa. He knows that he has to keep it alive for his brother.

Year in Pictures - Week 4

2010-10-15T17:00:00.000-07:00

22:365

10/7 - a little out of town shopping.

23:365

10/8 - Fryeburg Fair

24:365

10/9 - I will never get tired of playing lincoln logs.

25:365

10/10 - It was gorgeous tonight. The wind finally died down and we spent a long time playing outside.

26:365

10/11 - Pardon the odd reflections -- I took this through our kitchen window. It's impossible to tell how big these turkeys are in this photo but they're huge. We have dozens that circle the house throughout the day. They're our feathered friends that we've watched grow up from little babies earlier this summer. It was so funny when they were young because they'd jump and hop around in the tall grasses to get the grains off the top.

27:365

10/12 - a favorite snack

28:365

10/13 - steamy lake -- the air was cold this morning but the lake is still warm.

Year in Pictures - Week 3

2010-10-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

15: 365

9/30 - Yet another rainy gloomy day. Today the little man sat at the table most of the afternoon making pictures while Eric and I moved furniture around.

16: 365

10/1 - Just a quick errand to run but the view was incredible. I had to pull over to take it in and get a quick snap.

17:365

10/2 - The sun was setting and making pretty shadows on the wall... this chair is where I do most of my knitting.

18:365

10/3 - Today was a gorgeous fall day. This is Horseshoe Pond in Stow, Maine. We had fun frolicking in the woods... we hiked a little, we explored deep woods back roads, we found new places to canoe. We went back roads all the way in to North Conway, NH to avoid as much traffic as possible ... our route took us up and over Hurricane Mountain -- what a fun road that is.

19:365

10/4 - Joe Booker Stew -- (beef stew with dumplings) Here I am testing the dumplings ... they weren't quite done. This stew was phenomenal. I don't know if you can call mine the traditional 'Joe Booker' because I didn't use the salt pork... but it was still great. The leftovers were even better and I put half away (sans dumplings) in the freezer, too.

20:365
10/5 - Today I sat at the kitchen table for hours seaming up my new cardigan. The pattern is October Frost by Lisa Lloyd. I was shooting to be done this week so I really pushed it and got it finished. It still needs to block, but over all I'm absolutely thrilled with the end result. FO Photos to come!

21:365

10/6 Remember last year when I had woodstove envy? Well then you can probably guess how happy we are that we have a woodstove now! Wow how far we've come in one year. I can't believe that this is the third house we've lived in since that post last year. That's two of the three huge moves we've made since February of 2009. I'm still reminded constantly about all that we've been through in such a short amount of time... I'm very eager for it to all start fading in to the background. We're working on that -- life is settling down quite a bit and for the most part we're very happy with how everything worked out... and the woodstove sure is a nice bonus!

photos taken this week: 46

Year in Pictures - Week 2

2010-10-04T06:12:00.000-07:00

8:365

9/23 MISS! No pictures taken today

9:365

9/24 - Today it's cloudy, humid, foggy, and all around gloomy... but the leaves reflected on the lake are still pretty!

10:365

9/25 - This is what 2 cord of firewood looks like. That's 11200 lbs of wood! We worked all day to transfer it from the pile in the front yard to neatly stacked on the patio and ready for winter. I'm excited about all of the cozy nights in front of the wood stove... but kind of sad that I've lost my view on the patio.

11:365

9/26 - I can already see that one of the challenges with this project will be picking just one photo per day. Today would be one of those days. After a long, hard, busy week we took off on a Sunday drive up to Rangeley to do some leaf peeping... it was still very wet and gloomy and the views were limited. However, we did still see some amazing foliage. My favorite photo from the day was this one of my oldest son. I love that he's getting more interested in photography and is so observant. He takes some pretty good shots, too!

12:365

9/27 - I forgot to post the goodies I got from when we visited Harrisville Designs a couple weeks ago. I got this yarn in a kit to knit the Bumblebee Jacket by Vivian Hoxbro. I have been a big fan of these kits for a long time. They were on deep discount in the store so it was just meant to be.

13:365

9/28 - With my new work schedule and Tommy's new preschool schedule, the only day that we have with just each other is Tuesday. I really look forward to these days with my little man. It's odd to go from being attached at the hip 24/7 to one day a week just the two of us. Today it was another rainy gloomy day but we didn't let it dampen our spirits... in this photo we're taking a walk up our driveway.

14:365

9/29 - One of my kitchen window sills. The marigold on the right is one that Jacob brought home from school last year for Mother's Day. The tart in the warmer is 'Pumpkin Cupcake' from Yankee candle, and the house is holding Dove chocolates.

photos taken this week: 223

Year in Pictures - Week 1

2010-09-22T16:39:00.001-07:00

She started it and I thought I'd play along. Happy Birthday to us!

1:365 Minestrone

9/16 -Today is my 33rd birthday. I made a big pot of minestrone (my fave) and as you can see it was messy. I have very limited counter space in this house (why does it seem like every time we move I lose counter space?!) The soup was delicious and since it was my birthday, I didn't have to clean this mess up.

2:365 Work

9/17 - I worked at the yarn shop today. I'm thrilled about this new arrangement. New faces, new friends, new opportunities. I kept thinking all day long that 'wow, I'm getting paid for this!'

3:365 Budding Artist

9/18 - Smiley faces with arms and legs are my new favorite pieces of art and are pure genius.

4:365 Ahh Lake

9/19 - It's meditative to live near a natural body of water for numerous reasons. For me it's very therapeutic to take it all in every time I'm going to and from home. Each time I drive through here, I give thanks. The leaves have changed quite a bit since I took this photo... I'll have to do a comparison shot.

5:365 Pikes Hill

Not the greatest photo but I'm going to stay true to my task at hand... it's the only photo I took today. This road is incredibly steep... I wasn't to the steep downhill yet. At the top of the hill the view is enough to cause one to get teary -- the mountains to the west, our small town in the valley below and the hills beyond. But don't get too choked up and keep that foot on the brake because it feels like it's straight downhill from here!

6:365 A Walk in the Woods

9/21 - The boys and I took a walk after school today. It was just too nice to head inside to make dinner and do homework. We can't wait for many more walks throughout the fall. The colors will be amazing.

7:365 Hopscotch

9/22 - We add a few squares every time we come outside. Since taking this I think we're up to 96.

photos taken this week: 128

Harrisville Designs

2010-09-09T09:39:00.000-07:00

I live with a house full of boys. Most of our weekends are filled with outdoorsy activities that directly contrast with my favorite hobby: Knitting! You won't find me complaining though because I also love the great outdoors and all the fun that we have. But this past weekend I got to choose what we were going to to totally based on what I wanted to do. So, we took a little field trip over to Harrisville Designs in New Hampshire.

The drive took about five hours one way! But the drive... ohhh... it's spectacular! We drove through the White Mountains on the Kancamagus Highway (route 112) which is just stunning. It was a route through the mountains that we have not taken before, then we went through Concord which is a charming town and eventually wound our way through the woods to the tiny village of Harrisville.

Like many villages here in New England, it was like driving in to a scene set back in time. My boys all instantly took off in the opposite direction of the weaving studio and just let me take it all in. I did just sort of wander around the shop for a few minutes. I know it's cheesy but it was a bit of a spiritual experience. I could just feel the history, the creativity, the potential, the warmth shared in craft. It was an inspired space filled with inspiring yarns.

WIP Wednesday

2010-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

I started this sock and am in love with it. However, I'm not in love with the multi-colored yarn. It's Crystal Palace Mini Mochi in the Autumn Rainbow colorway. The yarn is a single ply but is a wool/nylon blend. I thought the nylon would make it stronger but not the case. I've already had it pull apart twice and have come upon a knot. Not things I like to discover while knitting a sock. I'm thinking that I'll do the foot the semi-solid off white.... K1C2 Crock-o-Dye. But it's a bummer since all the 'fun' of the sock will be under my pant leg. Ahhh well. I'll knit this pattern again with stronger sock yarn. 2.5mm circ / my own pattern.

Sunflowers

2010-08-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

I drive by this field of sunflowers quite often and today I just had to stop and take a couple of photos...

I've been eager for fall for weeks now. But all of the sudden I'm craving sunshine and warmth for a few more weeks... fall can wait. We all know what comes after.... shiver.

We work well together...

2010-08-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

... one obsession meets another ...

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-08-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

Baxter State Park

2010-08-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to find the words to describe our recent camping trip to Baxter State Park.

In short: AMAZING.

We canoed, hiked, stargazed, ooh'd and ahh'd a lot, ate toasted marshmallows, read, knit, laughed, joked, slept in a tent, sat around a campfire, heard moose, saw quail, didn't see moose or bear, made new friends, and then canoed and hiked some more. It was SUCH fun! It was your typical camping experience, really, but everything was just right and magical in a simple way. We cannot wait to go back for more next year.

The air was crisp, the sun was warm, the water was crystal clear, the trees were huge, the quiet was wonderful. The best part? No cell phone service!

One more Iowa photo...

2010-08-03T03:05:00.000-07:00

(click to embiggen)

I snapped this photo the morning that we left Iowa... June 25. It was a stunning morning... that drive between Edgewood and Dubuque. Stacia, I know you know it well. It's just so beautiful. The rolling hills, the low fog on the fields, the sunrise, the quiet. Ahhh, Iowa. I might be having a love affair with Maine, but you'll always be home sweet home.

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-07-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

We Will Rock You - Queen (in lego!)

This is just a creative little video that we found one day -- my boys LOVE it... enjoy!

Ten on Tuesday

2010-07-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

As I sit down to write this, I'm thinking "WOW, is it really still Tuesday?" This has been one heck of a marathon day. We're in the thick of summer activities and that combined with just moving means I'm constantly doing something. It feels good to SIT for a minute between bedtimes and kick back for a few. I thought I'd participate in this weeks Ten on Tuesday, hosted by Carole.

The topic this week is: 10 Things You Like About Where You Live.

I love that I'm back in New England. I lived in Massachusetts for a while and then Connecticut when I married my husband and we had our firstborn boy. I've actually lived most of my adult life in New England and it truly feels like where I'm supposed to be now... finally. Whenever we're returning from long road trips to visit family, when we hit New England I feel like we're home even though we aren't quite. I'm pretty familiar with the entire region.

Maine has always been 'a part of the plan' for my husband and me. I'm glad that we stuck it out through the first rocky year of living here after moving away from our wonderful life in Iowa and that we're settling in once and for all. Time is starting to slow down just a little bit and we're settling in for the long haul. We're thrilled to be able to raise our boys here.

Here is my contribution to Ten on Tuesday... and some reasons why we love it here so much...

1. The clean air.... right in my neck of the woods it's particularly pine-y. We live in the foothills of the White Mountains. It's especially dense woods and the air is so clean here. It's also a prime recreation area so we always can smell the hint of a campfire. In the winter it's woodstoves. The air is just so clean here. I also love it because my son's allergies have significantly decreased since we moved to Maine.

2. The quiet. It doesn't take long to be 'in the middle of no where' in Maine. Traffic is minimal... even our small town (which is actually three neighboring towns) has three stop lights. It's a bustling town but 'traffic' is all relative. Drive out of town a little bit and you pretty much have the road to yourself. Plus, we're at least 45 minutes from the nearest interstate so there's no traffic noise. Actually, here at our new house we're far off the road and don't have any traffic. The only traffic we do hear is on the lake... boats, ski-doos, laughter. It's good traffic.

3. The lakes. Natural lakes. Crystal clear, abutting dense deep woods and granite cliffs. They're just so beautiful. There are so many small lakes around here -- I think on our last drive around the area we counted seven but there are so many more.

4. Being close to the ocean. We live about 90 minutes from our absolute favorite beach. We go as often as possible. Every time we do, we all just bubble up with glee.

5. Community. Out here in our small town, folks are VERY close-knit and while that has been a challenge to break in to, people are starting to warm up to us and welcoming us in to their community. We're happy to be a part of such a rich family environment.

6. Outdoor recreation. I love that no matter what time of year, people are outside having fun here. Outside recreation is the main focus at all times out here. We just LOVE that.

7. The ability to just be. People generally don't care what you're up to. They don't meddle, they just sort of let you be and expect to be left alone. I respect that.

8. The wildlife.... the birds, the loons, the moose, the occasional black bear, the porcupines, the howling coyotes, the family of wild turkeys. I love watching it all.

9. LOCAL FOOD!!! The local food market is not a fashionable, trendy thing here. Small farms are alive and thriving here... it's so wonderful to always have a bounty of local produce, dairy, meats, eggs, breads, seafood, younameit right here all the time. I don't take it for granted and try to buy as much local food as possible. The farmer's markets are great but there are a ton of farm stands so we generally just go to the farms themselves for our food. We're building relationships with the folks who are providing our food and I just love that!

10. I feel that New England is the knitting capital of the world. The knitting community is so rich here. So commonplace even. So many people knit that it's not even a big deal. But we're just absolutely spoiled having the best fiber festivals, local mills, farms, and very special yarn stores to visit. But not only that but major suppliers for the rest of the USA are based here in New England. This region is also rich with talented designers as well. It's overwhelming to me to feel like I'm at the center of the hobby that I love so much.

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-07-12T23:00:00.000-07:00

Cowboy Junkies - Sweet Jane

Swimming lessons: day 1

2010-07-07T11:33:00.000-07:00

Today the boys started swimming lessons! Not really something new for us -- except that lessons here are held in the lake, and not in a high tech aquatic center in suburbia. My boys took to the water like fish! I went in with the babe during his lesson to help ease his nerves and he did great... and it was the first time that I've ever stuck my foot in a lake! I was all "EEEK! and EWWWW!" on the inside but couldn't show an ounce of emotion other than joy and confidence on the outside.

Big brother absolutely LOVED swimming in the lake! I see us spending lots of time swimming in the lakes around here from now on. Out in the distance along the buoys there was someone swimming long, leisurely laps. It looked so appealing to me.... maybe.... just maybe.... I mean, I was on the swim team you know and it was my favorite source of exercise... it just looked so meditative out there on the lake under the sunshine, cruising along the rope. I'll work up to that... until then... I'll take baby steps right along with my own little duckling!

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-06-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

Adele - Crazy For You

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-06-21T23:00:00.001-07:00

Rodrigo y Gabriela - my favorite song - Juan Loco. They're truly magicians with guitars. My favorite driving music.... especially long distances.

Dubuque Arboretum

2010-06-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

We visited the Dubuque Arboretum for Father's Day.
It was a wonderful park with lovely gardens and the ever-important playscape which the boys loved.

big storms

2010-06-20T23:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that last summer an Iowa woman discovered a new cloud type? Wild!

This photo was taken on Friday on our way home from Dubuque. We got caught in the storms on the way home -- crazy lightning!

so lush

2010-06-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

more Iowa sky

2010-06-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

it's just so big!

A walk with Grandma

2010-06-17T23:00:00.000-07:00

Guttenberg, Iowa, walking along the Mississippi River

Stagecoach Yarn Shop

2010-06-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

Today I took a short trip to visit Stagecoach Yarn Shop in rural Manchester, Iowa.... the setting in the country is quiet and quaint. Check out the yarn art that the owner has crocheted for her property!

The interior was gorgeous. The owner had the hanks of yarn unwound and hanging on pegs... a wall of Cascade 220, a nook of Malabrigo, and shelves and cubbies full of Noro. In another room was a great selection of kid-friendly yarns, another room had a kid sitting area with chairs and books as well as a good selection of sock yarns.

There was plenty of seating both inside and out. And, the owner was very pleasant and helpful. She showed me all around her property and also pointed out a birds nest that was entirely made up of yarn! The birds had snagged off some of the yarn from her yard art and made a nest out of it. How charming!

If you're ever up for a road trip or are home for the weekend in eastern Iowa, make a point to check out Stagecoach Yarn Shop. It's definitely worth going just a little bit off the beaten path.

M-i-s-s-i-s-s-i-p-p-i

2010-06-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

The mighty Mississippi River at Pike's Peak looking towards Wisconsin.

back in Iowa

2010-06-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

So much sky!

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-06-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

The Planet Smashers - Change

Long ago, I was a scrawny little punk rock girl skanking around at Pearl Street in Northampton, Mass. with my future husband. We spent our days working at his pawn shop (no joke!) trying to just make enough to go to the next big show. I wore plaid pants, doc martens, bleach blonde hair with a purple streak, smoked peppermint cigarettes, and lived on dunkin donuts coffee and ketchup sandwiches. We saw just about every punk or ska show that came through for a somewhat short amount of time. Very quickly life changed with marriage, baby, reality kicking our butts. We moved to Connecticut and got on the track we're on now and haven't looked back since. Still such great memories.

Back then, this was one (of many) of my personal theme songs. I still like to crank it and sing along and pretend I'm that scrawny punk rock grrrl. Long live betty crocker punk rocker.

A visit to Nezinscot Farm

2010-06-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

The morning the babe and I took a little field trip to Nezinscot Farm. They offer a wonderful selection of organic meats, dairy, baked goods and ... wait for it... yarrrrrrrrn. Now, farm yarn is pretty much my absolute favorite yarn. It's just more sentimental ... or something.

Anyway, the farm store was incredibly charming without trying to be. Everything was functional but also so picturesque if you know what I mean. I quickly grabbed a loaf of freshly baked bread and then hunted around for the holy grail... where were they hiding the yarn? When I inquired I was lead in the direction of the stairs ... ooooh the excitement mounted as I helped my son up the steps.

We got up to the top and I was taken aback at the sight. The wall in front of me was lined with bins and bins of wool yarns... natural... handpainted... all the squishy lovely skeins quietly beckoning to be picked up.

Nobody was in the shop but it was truly full of life. The shop was the entire second floor loft of the farm store. Every nook and cranny had fibery goodness tucked in to it. It was the type of shop a knitter walks in to and gets a little weepy at the sight.... rocking chairs, comfy couches, spinning wheels, tables and tables of gadgets, tools, notions, books, patterns, baskets, hand written signs, notes, suggestions. Handknit mittens and hats everywhere. It was a virtual knitting candy store.

I had a hard time choosing some lovelies to accompany me back home. I ended up choosing three hanks single ply medium brown/grey wool. I can't believe I didn't leave with some of the amazing creamy cormo. I'm a sucker for cormo. But I left it there as a promise to come back and visit again.

It was sort of strange being in such a lively environment without anyone else there. It was so full of life. The sounds of the farm outside, barking dogs, laughter. The smells of something yummy cooking downstairs. It was a fun experience.
We eventually made our way back down, the babe selected a treat and we were off. Over the hills and through the woods on the way home. We'll definitely be back.

To plan your own visit to Nezinscot Farm, please visit their web site by clicking here.

It's lupine season again!

2010-06-03T02:47:00.000-07:00

The Maine Lupine has actually been in full bloom for a couple weeks now... far ahead of schedule at least in comparison from last year (the only year I can use as a reference). I do not mind this at all because we're heading back to visit Iowa soon and I was actually fretting about missing the Lupine! Yes, I'm loopy for lupine.

Anyway, this photo is from last year but it's a good representation of the splendor of lupine...

Lupine grows abundantly in the ditches, through the forest, across the rolling meadows, and is well represented in cultivated gardens as well. I love it. When it blows in the wind it sort of wobbles and jiggles all around in a goofy fashion. I absolutely love the blues but there are also pink, red, and white varieties as well.

Mainers pronounce it "loopin'" ... I can't help but say "loo-pine" which makes me sound even more like I'm 'from away' but I don't mind if Mainers don't.

I'm so glad I didn't miss the lupine before we head back to Iowa! I used to feel this way about missing the crabapple blossoms in Iowa... we always seemed to be out of town when our huge amazing crabapple tree in our back yard was bloomed out.... and also during the 10 day span that Iowa seems to be in peak fall foliage.

I guess I'm just attached to my surroundings and it feels good to be getting that way with my new home as well. It's fun that we now can look back on 'this time last year' which we constantly seem to be doing.

All that said, we're beside ourselves excited to go home to Iowa in a couple weeks. As much as we love Maine and are happy to be here, there's just simply no place like home.

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-05-24T22:43:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago my guys and I took a whirlwind trip to Hawaii. We were tired of the cold and ice so we jumped on a plane and spent a week in ultimate bliss. We stayed right on Waikiki Beach and had so much fun doing the tourist thing.

My favorite day though was the day we rented a car and drove up the coast to the north shore. My favorite spot was a small town called Kailua. We went to the beach there and it was just so perfect. The town didn't have as much of a touristy vibe like Waikiki caters to. There were families, soccer practice, guys meeting up to wind surf. The place was generally quiet and the beach was ohhhh so amazing.

For months after our trip we all dreamed of moving to Kailua some day. It's a place that is imprinted on us as a family now and this song reminds me of our brief time there.

Friday Happy

2010-05-21T00:42:00.000-07:00

My little 'garden gnome' and I frolicked around at the garden center (yes that is a garden and not the deep woods) on Wednesday.

I think spring has finally taken hold here in Maine... the extended forecast couldn't be more wonderful.

Last night I could hear loons in the distance as I fell asleep!

Yesterday I went to a knitting group that meets at the new yarn shop 2 blocks from my house and they were all wonderful and welcoming ladies. I'll definitely be going on a regular basis. I walked there... I don't know if my feet touched the ground I got there so fast. HAHA! Then when I stepped out several hours later it was just magically beautiful downtown. It was still in the middle 70s, the sun was setting at the end of the street and the sky was a beautiful pinky peachy hue. It was so calm and quiet! I walked very slowly home just to soak it all in. I got home to my guys sitting on the back porch eating popsicles in their PJs. I haven't felt that content in so long.

This weekend the big guys are going camping. I can't decide what the babe and I are going to do.... garden? tag sales? a trip to Portland? beach? It's a good problem to have. Maybe we'll just do it all. Or maybe we'll just draw sidewalk chalk roads all over the driveway and call that being productive :) Happy Friday!

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-05-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

I cannot listen to this song without laughing and crying. This album and others of its time are pretty much the soundtrack of my childhood. Good memories.

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-05-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

Alison Krauss -- Goodbye is All We Have

Window Shopping Wednesday

2010-05-05T02:01:00.000-07:00

I could shop online all the time if money allowed but I've reigned in my spendiness as of late and plan on keeping that trend. I don't particularly like to stash a ton of yarn... it makes me feel antsy and overwhelmed about my favorite hobby. Even if money were no object, I wouldn't want a massive stash to weigh me down. I do, however, love to 'window shop' online and imagine all the fun I'd have with the wonderful yarns that are offered... I thought maybe we could do this together. Share some of your finds with me, too.

I hope to do this every Wednesday or at least most .... Now, let's ogle some yarn, shall we?

Kaleidoscope Yarns put up their latest shipment of Tosh Pashmina yarn this week. I have one skein of this yarn in the cherry colorway that I ordered a while back from kyarns. It's scrumptious, my friends. 75% merino wool 15% silk 10% cashmere, 360 yards, sport weight. This is so incredibly soft that I'll probably knit it in to a cowl for this winter.

Lately I've been eyeing Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Humboldt colorway (shown at left). I think it's a newish color.The colors are subtle and remind me of the ocean. I have never knit a pair of socks with Lorna's Laces... that surprises me! I think it's about time. Speaking of Lorna's Laces, did you read Ysolda's great post on her very own color for the Color Commentary series? I'm so excited about Ysolda Red.

Kim of The Woolen Rabbit has a new yarn line and it looks fantastic. Mara is a single ply worsted weight yarn that is a blend of 60/20/20 blend of Merino, Alpaca and silk, 225 yards/skein. I can't wait to try out this yarn. I've always had a thing for single ply yarns and have already knit up a couple of projects using Kim's fabulous yarns. She's truly an artist.

My friend Sarah finished a pair of socks this week in UNI colors -- purple and gold. I went to the University of Northern Iowa and now my baby brother is going to be starting there in the fall. I figured out that this yarn is available through the Crazy Girl Yarn Shop web site. They also have U of I and ISU colors. I plan on picking some up in-store when I'm back in Iowa next month.

That's it for this week! I hope you may have found something that strikes your fancy. Has anything in particular caught your eye this week?

I really could go on and on about yarn ... I stalk all the yarn sites and am always looking out for what's new and different. I have so many more goodies that I need to share with you. I'm excited about this new series!

Tunes on Tuesday

2010-05-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

I promise this song will put you in a good mood. I can't recommend Nickel Creek to you enough.

Pineland Spring

2010-05-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Pineland Farms is one of my favorite somewhat local places in Maine. It's just amazing! Our family ... especially the boys and I... have a lot of fun playing there. It's a great place to hike, to walk, to bike ride, there are many organized outdoor activities as well. We also love the market where we can buy cheese that is produced right there on the farm, and also buy local meat and produce as well. It's a great place for us to get away without really going too far.

We especially love the garden... It's been fun to get to know the plantings there and now to see them all come back again and have some idea about how spectacular everything is going to be in a couple months is a real treat.

May 2 in Maine

2010-05-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

This one is for you. :)

We spent a splendid day at the beach followed by a late lunch at Red's Eats in Wiscasset. Red's is famous for their lobster rolls, I have yet to have one... this summer I will try one. I love their fries dipped in cole slaw, yum! Afterward we drove up to Damariscotta and Camden before heading home through Augusta.

It occurred to us today that here we are, still in Maine.... and we get to do all of these fun things again! It is such a privilege to get to live in this great state.

Catching up

2010-04-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? It's been over a month since I posted... and I've only posted a handful of times since I moved my blog! It's time to step it up.

We've been busy thinking about big things... the usual... moving, jobs, travel. The first two are things that we need to wait on for a while. All is well here... just some uncertainty plus Iowa still always looming in the background. I've been so stressed out about this stuff for so long and I'm just tired of it. We may not be where we're going to end up but it occurred to me the other day there is really nothing I can do to change a darn thing right now so what the heck is the point of constantly stressing about it? Besides... it's spring! I decided that I'm going to shift my focus away from these things and instead focus on planting pots of pansies with my boys, and just live in the moment and enjoy each day. That's what it's all about anyway, isn't it!?I tend to be too much of a control freak though and want to make things happen instead of just waiting on things. Oh well! After over a year of 'limbo' I should have figured out to chill out by now, don't you think?

As far as travel, we just got back from spending spring break in Florida. We stayed with my in-laws in central Florida. It was an alright trip. We spent one day at the beach which was HEAVENLY. I have to say though that after living near the ocean, going to the beach sort of loses its novelty. Not that we didn't have a great time, but we do the beach quite a lot up here in the summer... we know how to do the beach. We're absolutely a beach family. We've offered on several trips to take our son to Disney or other attractions and he always turns it down because he'd rather be beaching.

I do think next time we'll spend our beach time on the west coast... we'd love to check out several hot spots. We typically go somewhere between Daytona and St. Augustine. We know this area very well. I could see us being snowbirds in St. Augustine or Ormond Beach someday.

Anyway, as far as knitting goes I've been knitting up a storm like usual. I'm almost done with a cardigan but I'm not going to talk about it until it's DONE just because I'd like to actually finish something! I have sock yarn that's on my mind... Regia Kaffe Fassett but I won't let myself start until the sweater is done.

I'm so excited about the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool festival which is next weekend. I had a blast last year, and this year I'm bringing all the guys so it'll be fun. I get so much inspiration and motivation to knit when I go to these events. I can't wait to see the Foxfire Fiber and Green Mountain Spinnery booths, as well as others! I want to get some Sylvan Spirit from GMS and can't wait to check it out in person to find just the right color. Although I don't want to go with anything too particular in mind (other than a budget) so I can just see what inspires me.

Anyway, hope you're all doing well. I've been keeping up with your blogs even through vacation but haven't been commenting much. Happy Spring!

Help me choose...

2010-03-22T06:21:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about this project. I'm going to knit this little sweater from Roo Designs for my 3 year old son. I bought these four luscious colors of Spud & Chloe Sweater in super cute, springy colors. Here's my dilemma... I can't decide which colors to put where. What do you think? I need your help picking which colors to use as the background stripes, and which to use as the sheepy feet, face, and sleeves. Let me know what you think. :)

In the mean time, I need to keep knitting away on the lace capelet... I badly want to start this project but won't until the capelet is done. I'm knitting the border right now. By my estimation the border before attaching to the perimeter is going to be about seven feet long. I'm about 12 repeats in and have 16 more to go. I've already thought about turning this in to a pillow but simply won't... pillow-a-fying everything is turning in to a bad habit for when I don't feel like finishing something properly.

Silky Wool Fan Shawl

2010-03-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

This was such a fun knit! This shawl is constructed from the bottom up in a modular way. First you knit the first fan, then pick up stitches along the side of it and add on as you go. You just keep building the shawl upward. The last row of fans are sort of shorter and with more swift decreases to flatten it out. Then stitches are picked up and worked in garter stitch for a nice clean border along the top.

Once you knit a couple of the fans, the 'lace' pattern is easily memorized. It's a great project because you can just work on one or two fans or whatever time permits without being totally sucked in to a long row or complicated pattern. It also happens to be a free pattern ... I highly recommend that you check it out.

I used Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool for this project. It was really interesting to knit with. The texture is rustic but soft. It absolutely transformed in to a beautiful soft, lightweight, warm fabric after washing and blocking. I have always loved the color palette of Silky Wool and would love to knit a lightweight sweater out of this yarn. Here is a link to my Ravelry details for this project.

Blog Move

2010-03-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

I moved my blog.... You can now find me at http://www.lizknits.com

I hope you'll make the jump... see you there!

Lace Capelet

2010-03-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

I'm knitting this Lace Capelet from the newest Vogue Knitting (Spring/Summer 2010). I knew as soon as I saw it that it would be perfect for my Mom.

When I visited her in January, I was happy to see that she truly uses all of the things that I knit for her... is there anything better as a knitter than to see your gifts being used?

I'm knitting this shawl out of some stashed Sirdar Snuggly DK. It's the most beautiful shade of blue which I think she'll be reminiscent about. I chose this yarn because it's super soft and a high quality acrylic. I think she'll use it a lot in warmer weather. She already has several heavy and wool and alpaca shawls.

I'm curious to see this capelet take shape... It looks like the shaping comes from just going down a needle size. It is worked from the bottom up. Then a very pretty knitted border is added on afterward.

As far as new techniques go, I did my first provisional cast on. I think that my recent experience with finally figuring out how to crochet helped me grasp how to do this technique once and for all. I'm excited for the whole 'unzipping of the stitches' thing that I've always been so impressed with.

Hopefully by next week this will be in the FO category. My Mom's birthday isn't until mid-April so I have plenty of time.

20 Questions

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

via Carole Knits

1. Explain what ended your last relationship?

I was engaged to a man that I did love, but we just didn't have the same goals in life. He didn't want kids, wanted to live in the city and be a musician forever... he's doing that now so all's well that ends well. We fell in love in college and were a good match back then. We just sort of got to a fork in the road. I met my now husband and broke off my engagement immediately. The rest is history.

3. What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.

getting breakfast on the table for the big guys... they eat first, then the babe and I dilly dally all morning drinking coffee and juice, watching cartoons, reading books, knitting, eating dry cheerios and yogurt. Ahh... such is life. :)

4. What were you doing 15 minutes ago?

tucking in the big boy who is home late from cub scouts. they had very serious pinewood derby business to take care of tonight which made them run late.

5. Some things you are excited about?

Spring. Getting to know our new town. Going to Florida for spring break next month. Going to Iowa this summer. Seeing my baby brother graduate from high school in May.

6. What is your favorite flavor of JELL-O?

none.

7. Your prom night, what do you remember about it?

I went with a group of friends. I wore a red satin dress, black and white polka dot shoes, big hair, bright red finger nails. I felt like a million bucks and had a blast.

8. Do you have any famous ancestors?

not that I know of.

9. Last thing received in the mail?

WEBS order confirmation. Misti Pima Cotton & Silk on closeout

10. How many different beverages have you had today?

3: water, coffee, tea

11. Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine?

people still have answering machines? Most of the people I call have voice mail or caller ID (on their cell phones) so I just hang up, they will know I called. If it's not just a social call, of course I leave a message.

12. Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?

sometimes... most of the time I'm making choo-choo tracks or building sand castles with my boys.

13. Any plans for Friday night?

my son and I have a date for Diary of a Wimpy Kid

14. Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?

I've never dipped my hair in the ocean, but I imagine it's not kind.

15. Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?

yes.

16. Do you re-use towels after you shower?

No, and I've tried. I need a fresh towel every day. My husband could use his two weeks straight, but I just can't.

17. Describe your keychain(s)?

a mini-skein of Malabrigo that Sara made for me ages ago.

18. Where do you keep your change?

in a glass milk jug on the counter

19. When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?

I think probably last August at our huge family reunion in Colorado

20. What kind of winter coat do you own?

a very practical and not very stylish one! I actually have a couple of nice ones, but none of them came out of the closet this winter. I'm OK with that. My new 'dressy' is whichever hiking shoes are the least muddy, and gore-tex.

Alpacowl

2010-02-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Aspen Neck Cowl

Cascade Eco Alpaca - Color 1517
Size US7 4.5mm circ.

This was such a simple knit but I'm posting it because I've had a tough time actually finishing any knitting lately. I don't know what it is. I'm clocking a lot of knitting time but am just in a rut. I've knit so many things to almost 95% done in some cases only to frog. I just can't seem to get in the groove.

Anyway, this yarn was an absolute delight to work with... slippery-soft alpaca. This cowl is about 1.5 skeins of yarn and is about 14" tall. Perfect for scrunching around my neck or pulling up to block the wind.

Do I need another cowl? Um. No. I'm accumulating quite the collection of cowls actually. I prefer them to scarves and it is fun to have one to match everything. Plus, my guys can also wear this one so it's going in the 'for the family' category.

These photos were taken on Valentine's Day... we spent the day at the beach.

I do think I'll have another FO to report soon. I started a second sock of a pair tonight and am quite pleased with it. The yarn is obnoxiously bright but one of the most delightful sock yarns I've ever knit with... more details to come!

Alpacowl

2010-02-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Aspen Neck Cowl

Cascade Eco Alpaca - Color 1517
Size US7 4.5mm circ.

These photos were taken on Valentine's Day... we spent the day at the beach.

Random Tuesday

2010-02-09T13:06:00.000-08:00

I keep meaning to blog but never get around to it because I don't have anything too interesting planned out. So I'm just going to do a little random blog especially for my friends who keep asking if I've fallen off the face of the earth. :)

For the Knitting Olympics I'm not going to start a new project... until I finish a bunch of UFOs... I have a cabled pullover and stranded mittens that I need to finish first... then I'm going to begin to think about my next projects. Are you going to participate in Ravelympics or the Knitting Olympics? What are you going to knit/crochet? We absolutely LOVE the Olympics around here and are so excited to watch!

I'm already thinking towards spring... I'd like to knit a couple of Wonderful Wallaby hooded pullovers for my boys. I'm going to use Berroco Weekend which is a new cotton/acrylic blend. I have a soft willow green coming in the mail that I'm going to use for the babe. I'm not sure which color to use for my older son, I will let him pick out the color and I'm pretty sure he'll pick red like he always does. Here in Maine these cotton blend sweaters will come in handy all throughout spring, summer and fall.

The babe is going to be THREE in a few weeks. Can you believe it!?

Des Moines Metro Knitters is going to be FIVE later this month! The group now has over 300 members and has had almost 800 organized meetups. I haven't been in Iowa for a year, but this group will always hold a VERY LARGE special place in my heart and I've made friendships that will hold fast for a lifetime.

Also later this month will mark one year living here in Maine for our family... THAT is crazy, too. Where does the time go? It seems that the older I get, the faster time flies.

Not much else to report. I've been away from this space, but I'm still on the internets. I've been playing on Twitter a lot more than Facebook lately. Facebook just keeps growing more and more annoying to me. Plus, I don't like getting bombarded with hokey game and quiz requests. Blah! Twitter really keeps things simple and I like that. Feel free to follow me over there.

I've also been doing a good share of web design work... making a little money to supplement the yarn stash fund. ;) It's been fun to get in to this again.

I have a couple of my own web site projects that I'm working on. No details yet, but soon ... very soon! I'm very excited about them.

We've had almost record LACK of snowfall here in Maine this winter. We only have a couple of inches here and there and lots of bare spots. The majority of the past month has been very sunny and mild albeit cold. It's been a real treat to have streaming sunshine warm the house every day. The sun comes up before 7 and goes down just after 5 o'clock now. I've figured out that this is about 45 minutes earlier on both ends than Iowa. In the summer on the longest days, the sun is up before 5! Mainers are generally early risers. The town is really abuzz pretty early... even for such a small town that we live in now. I like this a lot.

We live two blocks from a clock tower and a UU church both of which chime on a regular basis. I like this a lot, too.

Despite living in the middle of town, it is SO dark at night. The stars are incredibly bright. Every night before bed (on a clear night) we all stand at the babe's window and look at the stars.

See? Told you it was going to be random! See you in a bit....

Random Tuesday

2010-02-09T06:06:00.000-08:00

For the Knitting Olympics I'm not going to start a new project... until I finish a bunch of UFOs... I have a cabled pullover and stranded mittens that I need to finish first... then I'm going to begin to think about my next projects. Are you going to participate in Ravelympics or the Knitting Olympics? What are you going to knit/crochet? We absolutely LOVE the Olympics around here and are so excited to watch!

I'm already thinking towards spring... I'd like to knit a couple of Wonderful Wallaby hooded pullovers for my boys. I'm going to use Berroco Weekend which is a new cotton/acrylic blend. I have a soft willow green coming in the mail that I'm going to use for the babe. I'm not sure which color to use for my older son, I will let him pick out the color and I'm pretty sure he'll pick red like he always does. Here in Maine these cotton blend sweaters will come in handy all throughout spring, summer and fall.

The babe is going to be THREE in a few weeks. Can you believe it!?

Des Moines Metro Knitters is going to be FIVE later this month! The group now has over 300 members and has had almost 800 organized meetups. I haven't been in Iowa for a year, but this group will always hold a VERY LARGE special place in my heart and I've made friendships that will hold fast for a lifetime.

Also later this month will mark one year living here in Maine for our family... THAT is crazy, too. Where does the time go? It seems that the older I get, the faster time flies.

Not much else to report. I've been away from this space, but I'm still on the internets. I've been playing on Twitter a lot more than Facebook lately. Facebook just keeps growing more and more annoying to me. Plus, I don't like getting bombarded with hokey game and quiz requests. Blah! Twitter really keeps things simple and I like that. Feel free to follow me over there.

I've also been doing a good share of web design work... making a little money to supplement the yarn stash fund. ;) It's been fun to get in to this again.

I have a couple of my own web site projects that I'm working on. No details yet, but soon ... very soon! I'm very excited about them.

We've had almost record LACK of snowfall here in Maine this winter. We only have a couple of inches here and there and lots of bare spots. The majority of the past month has been very sunny and mild albeit cold. It's been a real treat to have streaming sunshine warm the house every day. The sun comes up before 7 and goes down just after 5 o'clock now. I've figured out that this is about 45 minutes earlier on both ends than Iowa. In the summer on the longest days, the sun is up before 5! Mainers are generally early risers. The town is really abuzz pretty early... even for such a small town that we live in now. I like this a lot.

We live two blocks from a clock tower and a UU church both of which chime on a regular basis. I like this a lot, too.

Despite living in the middle of town, it is SO dark at night. The stars are incredibly bright. Every night before bed (on a clear night) we all stand at the babe's window and look at the stars.

See? Told you it was going to be random! See you in a bit....

Oh luggage, where art thou?

2010-01-18T14:16:00.000-08:00

Firstly, my Mom is already perking up and is recuperating after her surgery. She's amazing. We're having a very mellow time here. It's so nice to visit with her. So strange to not have my little men with me though.

My luggage didn't make it here to Iowa. I'm betting it's the combination of canceled, shuffled and delayed flights out of Chicago. Hopefully it makes it here though ... five pairs of my favorite socks. Patti's mittens, plus a hefty stash of emergency sock yarn. Oh yea, and my clothes, toiletries, vitamins, yadda yadda. However, no diamonds. No medication. It won't be the end of the world. That combined with the canceled and delayed flights yesterday made for fun travel, I tell ya what.

Sounds like I got out of there just in time though. I heard that we got 10 inches of snow in Maine overnight. Crazy! Didn't see that one coming. I just hope that the weather is decent when I fly home on Saturday.

Thanks for all of the well-wishes and good thoughts. I appreciate it all. I ended up saving the last post about my Mom as a draft... some of you read it, some of you didn't get a chance. It was mostly therapeutic and very personal... definitely better left as a draft and not floating out here in blogland for all eternity.

Oh luggage, where art thou?

2010-01-18T07:16:00.000-08:00

Help Haiti!

2010-01-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

I'm so utterly inspired to help those who have lost it all in Haiti. It's so hard to imagine how tough life is at this moment. The devastation is overwhelming from afar... it must be all consuming up close and personal. :(

I'm in awe of the generosity of our knitting community as seen over at Yarn Harlot and all throughout blogland. Lets keep it rolling!

ALSO -- From today through 1/21/10, Purl Diva Ellen will be donating all of the profits from online sales of the Sniffle Mitts pattern to the Red Cross to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. If you already own the Sniffle Mitts pattern, you might consider buying the pattern for someone else through Ravelry's gifting option. Click HERE to start the process. (also, it's just a rockin' great pattern that I know you'll love).

Help Haiti!

2010-01-14T04:26:00.000-08:00

Random Wednesday

2010-01-13T04:32:00.000-08:00

I think it's time to update my blog design. I'm tired of the blue.
I started knitting a moebius cowl last night: Harmonia's Rings Cowl by Sivia Harding. I watched Cat Bordhi's wonderful moebius cast on video on You Tube to help get me started.
I love the 'Rules by the Meanest Mommy in the World' blog. Funny stuff that I can relate to.
I also have a pair of mittens on my needles. The pattern is the Snow Glade Mittens. I'm using Rowanspun 4ply. They're knitting up beautifully! I'm pacing myself -- 10 rows per day. I'll have a pair in about two weeks.
I finished another pair of mittens but they're a gift so I'll share the details after my friend receives them.
I have the itch to build something. I'm thinking a new headboard for my son, and maybe a plant stand. We'll see how far that itch goes. Maybe I'm just itching for tag sale season.
So far, Winter here in Maine has been lovely. We have had a few snowy sessions, but in between it's been bright and sunny. What a treat! I can't remember the last time I actually enjoyed winter.

Random Wednesday

2010-01-12T21:32:00.000-08:00

I think it's time to update my blog design. I'm tired of the blue.

I started knitting a moebius cowl last night: Harmonia's Rings Cowl by Sivia Harding. I watched Cat Bordhi's wonderful moebius cast on video on You Tube to help get me started.

I love the 'Rules by the Meanest Mommy in the World' blog. Funny stuff that I can relate to.

I also have a pair of mittens on my needles. The pattern is the Snow Glade Mittens. I'm using Rowanspun 4ply. They're knitting up beautifully! I'm pacing myself -- 10 rows per day. I'll have a pair in about two weeks.

I finished another pair of mittens but they're a gift so I'll share the details after my friend receives them.

I have the itch to build something. I'm thinking a new headboard for my son, and maybe a plant stand. We'll see how far that itch goes. Maybe I'm just itching for tag sale season.

So far, Winter here in Maine has been lovely. We have had a few snowy sessions, but in between it's been bright and sunny. What a treat! I can't remember the last time I actually enjoyed winter.

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

Balsams Grand Resort, Dixville Notch, NH
MOOSE!

Winter Wonderland

2010-01-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

Balsams Grand Resort, Dixville Notch, NH
MOOSE!

Meandering Musica Mittens

2010-01-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got the opportunity to take some 'mental health' time. Getting out on my own is something I rarely get a chance to do. But it does us all a lot of good when I do. I was gone all day just doing what I want... it mostly ended up being a lot of driving but that is how it goes out here. I cranked the tunes loud enough so there was nothing in my head but lyrics, and cruised to several of my favorite spots. I had seafood chowdah for lunch at Pineland Farms, then I high tailed it out to Fort Popham and took a very brisk walk around the fort and along the beach. It was a balmy 32 degrees but the wind was biting. It was so peaceful and quiet. This is one of our favorite summer spots and it's just so different in the winter yet equally as awesome.

While out there, I took some photos of the mittens that I just finished up:

Musica Mittens by Lilia Mankki
US 4 needles
Elsa Wool Company Woolen-Spun Sport Weight Cormo
Ravelry Link

The palm of the mitten is shown on the left

After my walk, I went to Halcyon Yarn in Bath. My favorite spot at Halcyon is the aisle where they keep the Peace Fleece, Bartlett and Harrisville. These are all local yarns so that alone is so cool. But the aisle is actually two huge old wooden shelves that tower high above me. It's a spiritual experience for a knitter to stand in that aisle and just bask in the wooly goodness. I am sure that many other knitters who have been in that aisle have felt the same. I picked out enough Peace Fleece (Lena's Meadow) for my next project and headed out.

I continued to meander around a while... I went to Grace Robinson in Freeport and bought some discontinued Rowanspun 4ply for a pair of mittens. I also picked up the latest Piecework which has the neatest birch mitten pattern in it and also a new stitch pattern from Barbara Walker which I'm now trying to figure out how to build in to a project. Socks? A crew neck pullover for the babe? Not sure!

I headed down to Portland after that. It's been a couple months since I've been in 'the city' and it was rush hour. After living out here in this small town where everything I need to do is within town limits, it was quite the shock to the system to be in the fast pace of traffic again. I drove past Knit Wit Yarn Shop again and there was no where to park like usual so I skipped it, again. I parked up on the eastern promenade and went for a long twilight walk. After that I headed home -- a good 50 miles along with rush hour traffic makes for a long drive. After about 15 though I was out in the woods again and appreciating our quiet, small town and quiet, small life. I actually made it home for dinner with the guys After that my fingers were itching so much to dive in to all that new wool.

A great day all in all. One that I really needed.

Meandering Musica Mittens

2010-01-06T23:35:00.000-08:00

Musica Mittens by Lilia Mankki
US 4 needles
Elsa Wool Company Woolen-Spun Sport Weight Cormo
Ravelry Link

The palm of the mitten is shown on the left

Blue Moon!

2010-01-02T13:00:00.001-08:00

On New Years Eve the clouds and snow cleared just long enough for us to see the blue moon! Shortly after it clouded up again and it's been snowing ever since.

Blue Moon!

2010-01-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

On New Years Eve the clouds and snow cleared just long enough for us to see the blue moon! Shortly after it clouded up again and it's been snowing ever since.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

My 2009 Knits

2010 New Years Knitting Resolutions:

1. Knit a pair of socks in every Shaded Solid Socks That Rock Colorway.
2. Participate in the 52 pair (of socks) plunge.
3. Participate in NaKniSweMoDo (knit 12 adult sweaters in a year)
4. Participate in Ravelympics.
5. Go to all of the Sheep & Wool Festivals on the east coast.
6. Spin enough yarn to knit a sweater
7. Learn how to spin

OK... so these aren't my real New Years Knitting Resolutions... but wishful thinking!

Here are some realistic goals...

1. Have fun with my knitting
2. Try new things
3. Buy local
4. Knit local
5. Knit from my stash more often
6. No pressure! See #1.

May we all knit happily through another year. Happy 2010!

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T17:00:00.000-08:00

My 2009 Knits

2010 New Years Knitting Resolutions:

Adios, 2009...

2009-12-31T07:47:00.000-08:00

I'm so glad this year is coming to an end. I'm so glad that we've made it through this far. When I think about the past year, I think of family and our many adventures and that always warms my heart. But I also think of depression. Of struggle. Of hurting. Of so many tears. 2009 was hard.

I'm so hungry to move forward once again in 2010. To crawl out of this dark hole I've been in. To get back to life. Not limbo.

Adios, 2009.

Bring on the New Year!

Adios, 2009...

2009-12-31T00:47:00.000-08:00

Blue New Year

2009-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

Don't forget! This Thursday night is the Blue Moon (or Full Long Night Moon via space.com) -- or the second full moon in December.

Via Farmers' Almanac: The blue moon happens on average every 32 months. Last time we saw a full blue New Year’s Eve Moon was in 1990, and the next one after 2009 won’t be until 2028.

PS. The Farmers' Almanac is published in Lewiston, Maine which is about 20 miles from my house!

Blue New Year

2009-12-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

For Sara

2009-12-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

What are the chances we'd have the same 32 year old ornament?? Maybe it isn't as rare as I think, but it still gave me a thrill to see this exact ornament on your blog this morning. I had to dig mine out of the ornament box to show you. :) Now it will mean a just a little more to me knowing that a good friend of mine has the exact same ornament and it means so much to you, too.

For Sara

2009-12-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

Time to Clean it Up!

2009-12-27T06:57:00.000-08:00

Every year I get the overwhelming urge to take down all of the Christmas decorations on the morning of the 26th. Usually I do and have the house back to normal by 10 AM.

This year I decided that I'd relax a little bit and let the decorations stay up a little longer.

It's the 27th and I've got the twitch. It's all coming down today. LOL The tree is getting crispy and the decorations are starting to gather dust. It's time.

I do always feel like it's sort of a shame though, so for next year I'm going to leave myself this note...

I've always wanted to put up the tree closer to Christmas... even Christmas Eve. We don't really have any traditions yet for Christmas Eve... it'd be nice to do it then. The anticipation would be fun. We could have more focus on Advent and Winter Solstice before the Christmas frenzy begins.

Winter Solstice doesn't even come until a few days before Christmas. Fall always gets preempted by snow so it immediately feels like winter and Christmas even though the calendar and the moon phases don't agree. I'd be nice to truly keep celebrating fall and truly enjoy the longest night and observe Winter Solstice.

Then we can put the tree up on Christmas Eve and leave it up until Three Kings Day.

It seems like that would correct the timing of it all. We simply don't need to decorate so early.

PS. Knit this tree skirt!

Time to Clean it Up!

2009-12-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

A drive through a black and white photograph...

2009-12-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

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This is a photo of the Mt. Washington Resort in Bretton Woods, NH taken this afternoon. In the background is the Presidential Range. We had just driven out of Crawford Notch and I caught a glimpse of the mountains in my rear view mirror. We quickly turned around and took in the view. AMAZING! They're just so big and commanding... like looming giants!

Mt. Washington Resort looks like a FUN place. We drove up and around it... they have dogsled and sleigh rides, a huge beautiful hotel, and lots of other outdoor family activities. I can just imagine a huge fireplace and plenty of hot chocolate inside to enjoy, too. We're definitely going to stay there one day.

I snapped this photo of the top of Mt. Washington! It's hard to believe that just a few months ago we stood up there.

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Crawford Notch was amazing. Everything was coated with a layer of frost from the frozen clouds zipping in and out of the valleys. It sort of looked like a negative image... all of the dark trees coated with frosting.

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On our way home I got out at a scenic overlook to snap some photos of the valley... these four trees out in the distance caught my eye. Don't they look odd up there among all of the shorter woods around them? Like four giants overseeing the things going on beneath them.

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Yesterday we got out and in to the woods as well. We drove up Rte. 16 on the other side of Mt. Washington. It was spectacular as ever. Of course I didn't have my camera. ... and of course that is the one and only time I've seen a moose!! It was incredible. He was just standing on the side of the road eating the top off of a fir tree. We doubled back and parked about 20 feet from him... he literally made eye contact with me! Christmas of 2009 will forever be known to me as the year I made eye contact with a moose.

A drive through a black and white photograph...

2009-12-26T06:19:00.000-08:00

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I snapped this photo of the top of Mt. Washington! It's hard to believe that just a few months ago we stood up there.

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Sock Innovation KAL

2009-12-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a while since I actually posted about my knitting! I thought I'd chronicle a few of my most recent projects...

I participated in the Sock Innovation KAL on Ravelry (link) during the month of October. The two patterns that were chosen for November were Monkey (link) and Eunice (link).

I've knit half a dozen pairs of Monkey socks. I can pretty much knit the pattern from memory now. It is definitely one of my absolute favorite sock patterns. I like it because the length of the pattern repeat isn't too short or too long. I can usually get through one repeat in one sitting. That makes them move along pretty quickly. I also love the mixed knits and purls texture. It makes for extra comfy socks.

My most recent pair of Monkeys are knit with Dream in Color Smooshy - Ruby River colorway. I used 2.25mm needles. (Ravelry Link)

The other pattern that was chosen for the KAL was Eunice. (Ravelry Link) I was excited to knit these because it's a pattern that I haven't knit before and it was pretty challenging, too. For these I used Foxfire Fibers Fox Sox sock yarn in the Sweet Potato colorway. I bought this yarn at the New Hampshire Sheep & Wool festival this past spring. The yarn itself is a quite scratchy, even after washing. That scratchiness just translates to 'rustic' in my mind... and it was still pleasant to knit with.

I loved knitting these socks. I added a pattern repeat to the leg. I love how the pattern continues down on to the back of the heel and how Cookie always incorporates the ribbing at the top of the leg to flow in to the pattern so nicely. She truly thinks out her patterns so thoroughly that no detail is spared.... even still though, make sure you follow the errata on this pattern.

So I really enjoyed participating in the Sock Innovation KAL during the month of October. The icing on the cake is that since I posted a picture of my finished socks, I was entered in to a drawing for a prize. I won a gorgeous skein of teal blue sock yarn from Violet Green. How lucky!

Sock Innovation KAL

2009-12-21T02:33:00.000-08:00

Height of Land

2009-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

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One of my many favorite places in Maine... Height of Land. We went up today... it's about an hour north of us now. It was bitterly cold and stunningly beautiful.

Height of Land

2009-12-20T07:42:00.000-08:00

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One of my many favorite places in Maine... Height of Land. We went up today... it's about an hour north of us now. It was bitterly cold and stunningly beautiful.

the halls are decked!

2009-12-07T05:35:00.001-08:00

the halls are decked!

2009-12-06T22:35:00.000-08:00

First Snow

2009-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Almost on cue, we got our first measurable snow here in Maine last night. It is as magical as you might guess. I couldn't wait to get outside and just take a couple photos this morning. Nothing is prettier than snow on the trees before it shakes off in the breeze. Soo... in my nightgown, bathrobe, knitted hat (of course) and my son's snow boots, I tromped around our new house and snapped some quick photos. Might as well let my new neighbors know early on that I'm crazy! I can't wait until later when we can get out and see a wider view of the snowfall on the hills.

not sure why this photo didn't rotate... i edited it to do so.
oh well. i kind of like it like this so i'm going to leave it.

happy snow!

First Snow

2009-12-05T22:00:00.000-08:00

not sure why this photo didn't rotate... i edited it to do so.
oh well. i kind of like it like this so i'm going to leave it.

happy snow!

twist love

2009-11-16T09:55:00.000-08:00

I really shouldn't be sitting here... but here I am in the middle of moving and all I want to do is cast on about four sweaters! The new Twist Collective is out and I'm in LOVE. There are so many great designs worthy of getting excited about.

First and foremost... I'm going to cast on for Skara Brae just as soon as possible. I have some lavender Ultra Alpaca that would be perfect. This sweater is knit from the top down with some unique construction. It's heavily patterned without being bulky like mega cables.

Kirigami: again, unique construction... afterthought shoulders!? I'm intrigued! tiny stripes = big stashbuster for me. I have enough gray and red Berroco Vintage to knit this one up. I love the button detail... I would definitely wear it unbuttoned. Lovely!

Kelmscott by Carol Sunday is stunning. Knit with an angora blend... what a lovely dressy sweater this would be. This would be a good project to cast on midwinter when the winter daze has really set in.

I really like the lines of Mystere. Although I don't see the need to knit it in pieces. It'd be a cinch to knit this one in one piece. I totally want to use pearl grey Malabrigo for this one.

I also love the mittens by Veronik Avery although I probably wouldn't knit the liners. I have some Classic Elite Fresco in my stash that would work well for the outer mittens, too.

Frost Tapestry is an eye catching set of winter accessories. First of all, I tend to gravitate toward black and white, so the color combo really grabbed me. Secondly, it's stranded which I love to do. Thirdly, the cowl is steeked, which is a technique I haven't done yet and really have wanted a smaller project to do it with.

Ok! I'm outta here!

twist love

2009-11-16T02:55:00.000-08:00

good things...

2009-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Thank you for making me feel a little better. Thanks for brightening my dark day. I appreciate you all for supporting me even on days when I'm having a major pity party. You are the best.

Now on to things that make me feel happy today...

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This sunset photo was taken at about 4:45 in the afternoon over Sebago Lake. The sun goes down so early now!

My little man is doing well. He's cruising along in school and is making progress in all areas. He's turning in to such a little dude... growing up faster than any of us realize. Even he isn't used to how big he's getting. He's a little boy in a big boy body. He's in to comic books, creating powerpoint presentations, all things lego and DS. His feet are also officially bigger than mine.

My baby isn't so baby anymore! All of the sudden he's talking up a storm. He can identify basic colors, he can count to ten, we're about halfway there with potty training. He continues to stop shopping carts and doting ladies in their tracks wherever we go... the curls, the blue eyes... they get them every time. He still sleeps in his crib and doesn't even attempt to get out of it. He sleeps like a champ and is always up for a good snuggle and a pile of books. He still calls himself Baby and tells people that is his name although he can pronounce his name now. Can you believe he'll be 3 in March!?

My Christmas cactus is about to bloom. I love this plant... my husband gave it to me as a birthday gift ten years ago. I can't believe I've kept a house plant alive that long. It makes me think of the plants my parents have had for decades. They have this one ginormous jade plant that they received as a wedding gift 33 years ago. That's crazy!

I've heard that Christmas cacti bloom when they're under stress... isn't that ironic? Mine seems to bloom this time of year and again at the end of the winter right around St. Patrick's Day. I've never transplanted it... I'm too nervous about killing it. I need to get a few starts off of it and get them going before I do that. Also -- I did knit the felted plant cozy that it's in. It was actually a failed attempt at a felted purse. I cut the top off and it fit my plant perfectly. I love it a lot.

good things...

2009-11-10T01:01:00.000-08:00

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Late Fall

2009-11-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

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The above photo was taken near Buckfield this past Sunday. Beautiful area. Even though most of the leaves are gone, the Oaks have added their russet hue to the landscape. It's still stunning. As the leaves have fallen, the woods have opened up again. No longer do they have a dark canopy that shrouds the hills... All of the sudden you can see deep in to the woods. It's once again, a different landscape.

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Today I took the babe down to the Portland Head Light for a walk around... what a treat we were in for! The waves were incredible. Bigger than the hurricane waves that we encountered earlier this year. I didn't do any research, but I'd chalk it up to high tide combined with a full moon. If you want to see a visual example of how the moon phases affect us, just watch the tides.

Late Fall

2009-11-03T08:20:00.000-08:00

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Full Beaver Moon

2009-11-01T18:02:00.000-08:00

Nov. 2, 2:14 p.m. EST -- Full Beaver Moon. Now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon come from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. This is also called the Frosty Moon, and as this is also the next full moon after the Harvest Moon, it can also be referred to as the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. - via space.com

I didn't take this photo on November 2. I actually took it while we were walking around the neighborhood trick or treating last night. It's a Halloween-y almost full moon... which I think makes it extra cool. It was such a neat night -- nearly 70 degrees and humid! Strange weather for Halloween night. Shortly after we got home it clouded up and started pouring. Tonight the moon is shining so bright and clear that everything has a moonshadow. Spooktacular!

The one good thing about doing the full moon post in advance is that I can let you all know to keep an eye out for the Full Moon tomorrow night!

With it being November, I thought we'd only have one more full moon but we actually have two more... there are two full moons this December. We'll have another full moon on Dec. 2, and another will occur on December 31. This is called a Blue Moon... 'Once in a blue moon' ... only occurs every 2.72 years. How cool that it falls on New Years Eve.

Socktober -- in November!

2009-11-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

Happy November, folks! Can you believe it? The second to last month of the year! So much to reflect on... where did the time go? Time for parties, holidays, changing seasons... and another new year. It's not far off. Can't believe it!

Last month I was all excited about Socktober starting and I don't think I've mentioned it since! I've been off in my own world this month as far as being online. I haven't really been participating in message boards, blogging, facebook-ing or really anything. But I have been knitting.

I seriously lost interest in the mystery sock knit along last month. I just wasn't really feeling the pattern and my yarn choice that was pooling horribly. I didn't care to frog and start over. So I spent Socktober finishing off three pairs of socks that had been on my needles for long enough...

The first pair I finished are the Merino Lace Socks from the book Favorite Socks. I've had these on the needles since August. I really love the yarn -- The Woolen Rabbit Harmony sock yarn. It's a merino/nylon blend that is strong, soft and oh, so lovely. The colors look subdued, but really have quite the subtle variation which held my interest ... that's what I love the most about The Woolen Rabbit -- the semi-solid but still interesting colorways... my favorite. I also love that this yarn is from a talented dyer who lives about 45 minutes up the road from me. (Hi Ruth!)

Up next, I finished off the Lindsay socks from Cookie A's book Sock Innovation. I cast on the first sock back in May, knit it up quick and then just put it away. I wasn't feeling it. In the spirit of finishing things I got this one out and knit up the second sock and now I love them! I used Malabrigo Sock in the Ochre colorway which I bought at Purl Diva.

Lastly, I finished my Mountain Colors socks. I used the Oak Ribbed sock from Nancy Bush's book Knitting Vintage Socks. I used Bearfoot yarn which is one of my all time favorite sock yarns. The blend of wool, mohair and nylon is so warm and cozy! I will warn you though, don't machine wash this sock yarn.. .it will felt. Maybe not the first time, but it will eventually. I think it's the mohair's natural tendency to fuzz and felt on itself. I bought this yarn at Shuttles, Spindles & Skeins in Boulder, Colorado this past summer.

My needles were empty yesterday!! It was a wonderful feeling to be able to start another pair of socks with nothing else on the needles. I cast on for a pair of Monkey socks by Cookie A. I think this is my sixth pair of Monkey's. I am using Dream in Color Smooshy which I don't know why I keep buying. I hate it. But I love the colors. The yarn feels like acrylic to me and it dries out my hands like acrylic, too. I vow not to buy any more Dream in Color... I do have one skein of Smooshy left in my stash which I'm going to knit up and then I'm breaking up with this yarn for good.

So that's it for my Socktober report! Now I'm off to bask in a little bit of quiet time... doing what else... knitting on my current sock.

Full Beaver Moon

2009-11-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

Nov. 2, 2:14 p.m. EST -- Full Beaver Moon. Now it is time to set beaver traps before the swamps freeze to ensure a supply of warm winter furs. Another interpretation suggests that the name Beaver Full Moon come from the fact that the beavers are now active in their preparation for winter. This is also called the Frosty Moon, and as this is also the next full moon after the Harvest Moon, it can also be referred to as the Hunters' Moon. With the leaves falling and the deer fattened, it is time to hunt. Since the fields have been reaped, hunters can ride over the stubble, and can more easily see the fox, also other animals, which have come out to glean and can be caught for a thanksgiving banquet after the harvest. - via space.com

Socktober -- in November!

2009-11-01T04:18:00.000-08:00

Popham is Heaven on Earth

2009-10-25T17:56:00.001-07:00

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Today we got a gift... a late October day that is warm enough to bask in the sun on the beach, where my boys can play in the sand barefoot. Where we can watch horseback riders and surfers and stroll-er-by-ers take it all in. A good vibe was definitely shared by all.

Popham is Heaven on Earth

2009-10-25T10:56:00.000-07:00

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snow and ice and everything nice

2009-10-18T12:41:00.001-07:00

Mt. Washington

We've spent most of the weekend outside again -- this time hiking at the base of Mt. Washington at Pinkham Notch in White Mountain National Forest up in NH, and today we went to Preservation Park at Poland Spring.

We saw a dusting of snow on our hike yesterday which made things fun. It was neat how winter and fall were mingling to make the atmosphere even more magical. It was one tough hike yesterday... it made today's really feel like leisurely walk in the woods. (photo above from today) However, today it's been much colder and spitting rain at us. The babe and I are happy to be in out of the cold, but big brother and my husband are still outside playing.

I'm so proud of our boys. We're pretty new to hiking, especially as much as we have been lately. Both of our boys have just taken to it and can go for miles... I'm especially proud of 2 1/2 year old Tommy! Two little troopers.

Here are more cold hiking photos... (click on images to enlarge)

I nicknamed this hill the stairmaster.

at the base of the trail... heading in to the woods at the Pinkham Notch visitors center.
We hiked on the Gulf of Slides ski trail.

snow and ice and everything nice

2009-10-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Mt. Washington

I nicknamed this hill the stairmaster.

at the base of the trail... heading in to the woods at the Pinkham Notch visitors center.
We hiked on the Gulf of Slides ski trail.

Heelhead Scarf

2009-10-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

Heelhead Scarf / 2 Skeins of Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Geranio colorway /
size 7 needles / Ravelry Link

I did 39 cable repeats on each side instead of the recommended 49... it's plenty long... I didn't measure but take my word for it. The tails are long enough to wrap around twice and fling over my shoulders to the back.

I loved the construction of this scarf... the short row heel method creates a wonderful seamless hood and I love how the garter-cable border isn't disrupted all the way around the hood. I also love the combination of garter stitch and cables for extra squoosh.

I used just under two skeins of luscious Malabrigo which made a super soft, warm, wind-proof fabric. I'm gifting this hooded scarf to a good friend of mine who spends her fair share of work days outside yet is style conscious enough to not want to have hat head when she goes back inside. I think it'll be perfect for her. ;) I hope she likes it as much as I do.

Heelhead Scarf

2009-10-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Heelhead Scarf / 2 Skeins of Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Geranio colorway /
size 7 needles / Ravelry Link