knittinggenes.blogspot.com

I'm no bike expert, but I'm married to Fireman who loves cycling. Since I have nothing too new to show you today in the knit world, I'll share Fireman's bike tips.  First, I'll share a true story for your safety's sake.  Years ago Fireman was cycling with my sister and hubby on the road to  Mt. Evans in Colorado. Never mind what I was doing at home.... He got ahead of them and was riding alone when a van came barreling down the road. A short time later Fireman came upon a father and son, sitting next to a bruised and battered young woman.  She was cycling alone and the same van bumped her off.  He Took her spare inner tube, threw her bike into his van, and chased her down a wooded embankment.  He fought with her and tied her to a tree. Her screams caught the attention of the father and son. They boldy ran down the embankment and the perpetrator was startled and he passed them on the hill as he fled the scene. He then roared down the road

  I've been jumping from sock to sock.  This is what happens when two is not a pair.  The purples is Lorna's laces and I love the feel and work of this yarn.  I did a waffle pattern on this one. The self patterning is not as fun to knit, because the yarn has very little stretch to it.  I need some stretch.  I'm keeping very careful notes on my Year of Socks and I will list my most favorite yarns on the side bar soon.  This is not my bicycle.  I love old fashioned bikes- My bike is a Specialized stump jumper.  Don't worry, I don't jump stumps.  I barely ride the bike, but that's about to change. I tried to tell Fireman that I need a softer bike seat and he just laughed. He says there is no such thing and you have to adjust to this every spring. Ouch.  Let's prove him wrong.  Ladies, is there a better seat for us?

I found these cat pins on ETSY this morning.  It is somewhat dangerous for a crazy cat lady to be stuck inside for too long with no desire to venture outside in the Chicago March.  I didn't order anything. I am just WINDOW haha Safari, shopping.    This Super Dee Dooper Big Yarn is so popular you have to wait to get some on Etsy.  Its nearly 200 dollars for a skein.  I see tendon and joint pain, with those needles.  However, even I may not drop a stitch in that gauge. What would that gauge be exactly? The ply is more than an inch anyhow... See What you learn on Etsy? I'm intrigued by this crochet ring.  What?  You crochet with a ring. ?   This fascinates me enough to watch a you tube video. Do you finger crochet?  Do you arm knit?  Oh and while we are asking questions, Does anyone have a really wonderful black bean burger recipe?  I'd love to try it.  Back to my ETSY shopping....

  I finished my simple boot cuffs for Al.  They were very easy.  I have lots of yarn left.  I knit with ARAUCANIA Milodon Color 9 100% wool.  Simple cuff and then stockinette followed by another cuff.  I'm so impressed with myself.... I knit in the car in the dark last night, in the round.  Fireman and I went to Milwaukee to see  Brit Floyd.  Fireman loved Pink Floyd.  I had a vague memory of their :sound and a few songs.  I was going along to be kind. It was, honestly, a great show. The lighting, the sound, the back up singers. I could have done with about an hour less of it... they get kind of ...trippy.... but you do these things for someone you love.  and then you get to knit on the way home. 

  I am seriously wanting some warmer temperatures here in Chicago.  This photo was taken in Virginia on a golf course last year.  I have the itch to putt and chip.   I don't have a long game and I don't have a short game.  They say the short game is more important, so that's my goal this year.  It is cold today.  40s. Sun is out though so that's a huge thing! These are my Boot toppers for Al.  Super easy.  They will look really sharp rolled over her boots. She doesnt like to knit on DPNs so this is a fun little gift for her. They count as socks okay?   I wanted to see if I could knit some socks from the book:  Socktopus: V-Junkie. Okay, so I can knit the pattern easily...but do I want to? I don't like a pattern on the top of the foot body.  I'll let this one set a spell before I make a decision. I do love the Lorna's lavender yarn!  Garden dreaming is underway as well. I need to prune my rose bushes.  I am

Found this stormy photo on a google page.  I love a good thunderstorm.  I was awakened to a thunder clap last night and was happy to welcome it to Spring.  Zach has posted these snowdrop lovelies on his photo page: I love their bowing stance.... I'm deep into the planning stages of my purple sock.  Let's see how far I get on the needles today. Big big pretend friend news ahead. Two pretend friends are visiting; one in April one in May I'm so excited.  ******** Now for the Movies:  We tried to watch Jersey Boys, the movie last night. It was so bad we had to shut it off.  We watched a documentary on K2 the other afternoon.  I do not understand the desire but I did manage to like the movie.  Did I tell you we went to see McFarland USA ? It is a good story and a Disney feel good movie.  You don't have to rush out and see it but if you catch it at home some night, it is worth the time.  I'm not really reading a

My pal Linda just knitted this amazing color block scarf. It is more of a shawl.  It is more of a coat.... if you ask Linda.  I think its Shi bui yarn and pattern. It is a costly knit, but then again, it can be used as a coat! Linda sees something and buys the yarn and knits it.  She's amazing.  Lauren is modeling the knit.  Lauren was my patient many years ago as a premie.  This is how Linda and I originally met.  Thanks LAUREN!  Despite the fact that we got 6 inches of snow yesterday, the birds are singing their hearts out this morning.  I love a bird with a positive attitude! 

  Okay I'm going to stay positive about the weather today. I don't have to go out and drive to work so who can complain? I'm so looking forward to 60s and thunder on Wednesday.  This is the picot edge (ala Carole Knits) that I frogged on my Love Story color, Opal socks.  I've done the picot edge well before but on a bigger yarn. This yarn is worked on size 1 needles and I had trouble SEEING where I was going on the pick up round.  I ended up twisting it.  So I Frogged it.   Here I am nearing the middle of the foot and toe ending on the new sock.  I did a garter stitch cuff to start this one.  I like the Opal color pattern, but the yarn is not very soft. It is 75% wool and 25 % poly.  I think they will wear well. The skein is a value at 20 dollars, as I can get two pair out of one skein.   I think I have to go pet my Lorna's laces lavender now. I can't wait to cast on with it on size 3 needles.  Cubs baseball begins

Just for fun, Happy Spring.  Free Ravelry knit patterns to consider.   This is Spring Seeds Neckwarmer. You get to knit in big worsted yarn and look at the pretty finish! I'd consider this. In purple.  I might actually be able to see what I'm doing!   This is Cucumber. As in, Cool as a... It is reversible and would look great on Al! How about Felted Spring Nest?    Knit Spring Ruana. Perfect for our ever changing Spring weather in Chicago. Odds of my knitting this: close to never : never. But I can still love it.  Finally, cheep cheep: Easter Spring Chicken.  and on that note: we are expecting snow Monday and thunderstorms on Wednesday.  You know what I'd prefer! Bring on the thunder! What do you think of my SPRING collection?

Just had to show you the cat's eye makeup I came across this week. Maybe for Halloween....or a cat show....or my birthday! We are nothing if not whimsical here at IRISHEYES. Read a fun prompt today:  what do you always carry with you in your purse:  Me: *Floss.  I am addicted to flossing.  *a camera. be it my phone camera with the new lens or my old Nikon D40. *The Blessed Mother.  I have Our Lady Of Guadelupe medal from Zach's last Mexico trip... *Stick. I have to have some lipstick in my purse.  and  *My paper calendar. I'm old fashione that way. (in the past I always had dog cookies with me too....) How about you?

Pair number four of 2015, completed. They are not a match but a companion pair.  The Ambiente yarn knits up fast on 3s. I kitchenered the toes (for once.)  My next pair is going to be knit on size one needles so they won't fly off as quickly.  Here's my tally for the year so far:  Ambiente yarn : 2 Pair  (one was child's pair in pink)  Frocking feet: Sunflower socks Lorna's Laces: beige and white ..for me  There is so much I love about sock knitting. The number of sock yarns available to us are really staggering in number and variety.  Sock knitting never hurts my hands or wrists or shoulders. Socks just never disappoint me at the finish.  If I need entertainment, I can vary the cuff or the body or the heel. Socks are perfect for my attention span, which seems to be growing shorter for some reason.... I can take my knitting anywhere when it is sock knitting. (in the car, on a plane, at the doctors office, etc)

If you want to see a Canada cowl by Stephen West design, or the Challah Infinity Scarf go to the  threebagsfullcorner.blogspot.com site and check the new post out.  I try to remember to tell you about my weekly posts there, but my scatter brain often forgets.   On with MY blog:  Fireman and I were in Delafield Wisconsin and he wanted to stop in the downtown area.  Knitch is the yarn shop I scored thanks to Siri.   What a beautiful welcoming shop.  I need  (NEEEEEED) more sock yarn, and I'm nearly finished with my green and gold socks, so I give you this little beauty.  Zach asked where the irish Soda bread was last night... so I had to whip some up.  Did you have some soda bread this St. Pats?   My Dog niece Quetzl turned nine on Sunday.  Here she is obliging her Veterinarian mother with a princess party picture.  She did get the salmon to herself for dinner.  What's my blog without a fur baby picture? Tomorrow is St. Joseph's day.  T

Since I can't show you my socks every day - well, I could but you'd be bored, Here are some cute little baby booties to feast your Irish or otherwise Eyes upon.  Since it is St. Patrick's Day I'll tell you in the spirit of the age old joke: we sold our Patty O'Furniture last night on craig's list. Despite new cushions last year, the sofa was horribly uncomfortable.  I refused to spend another summer in pain while sitting on my porch.  Before it sold, I came across a wooden glider on the curb down the road.  I all but danced a jig. Now I have rocked enough babies to know that those gliders are amazingly comfortable.   I pitched the cushions and will replace them.  I've got my seat for the summer!  Talk about Luck of the Irish...

  Call it Spring cleaning, although Spring is 4 days away. I had to cull the yarn herd.   Gave 3 bags of yarn to a local charity last night. Most of it was leftovers from projects.  I saved all the sock yarn.  This is My Year of the sock, and I had plenty left.    It is nearly 70 outside and I had to go by our town farm to say hello. The rooster was quiet but brilliant. We have two new white horses at the farm.  Little children running and playing with some mighty relieved to be out again parents and nannies in tow.  Then to reward myself for culling the herd I bought some Simply Sock yarn Lorna's laces in Dupage.   By the time I finish the green and gold socks the purple should be here.  I love Lorna's Laces sock yarns.  I'm not that big a fan of Socks that Rock. There has to be a certain level of springiness to my sock yarns. That makes it easy on my hands and wrists. Because I'm all about the socks,  bout the socks, no s

  My resale shop find of yesterday was this floral bowl.  I wanted something SPRING not necessarily Easter. I didn't go looking for this bowl, but when I saw it...well...you know.   Da Bird was purchased to get the cats playing hard after Rozzy's death.  We have had them before.  Miss Pie is completely obsessed with Da Bird.  She will stand before the mantle where it sleeps and howl at me to play with it.  Tank must love the sound of the feathers in the air because he comes too, from one of his beloved sleeping perches, to play.  I let her carry it around the house a bit after she catches it.  Thats an adorable sight.  Thanks to startitis this time of year, I have 3 pair of socks on my needles.  One heavy wool, one very fine malabrigo and, finally, this gold and green self striper.  This is is my favorite type of sock yarn.  Ambiente by Schoppelwolle.  The tag says to use size 3 needles.  The yarn has some SPRING to it....perfect.  This may

I couldn't resist showing you this darling croc that someone knit up at Three Bags Full.  Linda is a teacher there who is great with toys. They are making a girl croc to pair with this guy.  Oh my.  I loved him!  HE's a Noro croc.  He's silly and sweet.  I may have to make a toy with Linda someday.  The only toy I've made is a one seam Teddy that came out a bit wonky. OH, wait I made a one square bunny that came out cute.  Have you knitted a toy?

Welcome Spring is putting it mildly eh?  How about, Oh my gosh Spring?  We are so excited to see you!  We thought you'd never get here.  Did you get lost on the way? Are you hungry? Can I fix something for you. ... DONT LEAVE!  Enough snow has melted that our snow drops are visible.  They are my first garden sign of the end of winter.  Fireman says, and he is right, that we will get more snowfall this March, but it will be short lived.  Fireman rode his new bike today for the first ride of 2015.  We Neutered puppies this morning at the shelter. It is puppy season and it is kitten season.  We get really goofy in Chicago for 50 degees and sunshine. I feel the need to knit with a spring color.... something say...green? 

  I'm half way through the first part of the main square of GSSS (garter stitch square shawl)  Tonight I'll start the decreases.  The directions beyond that point get a bit tricky. I'm hoping that as I do as instructed it will make sense. If not, my knit shop would assist me.   I'm reading SHEEPISH.  My friend Diane brought it over.   She said I'd laugh and she is right. With all the Dr. Pol episodes fresh in my head, this is a very understandable read. I'm used to placenta talk and all that. Thanks Doc Pol for the visuals. We got Rozzy's ashes back yesterday. We toasted her.  Oh that came out badly. We gave a toast to her.  Cheers to a wonderful kitty. 

This is IN THE SNOOD.  It uses a Tanglewood Fiber yarn that has a cashmere component.  I am not usually drawn to yellows, but I love this color way. I keep coming back to this page in the pattern book.  I'm currently up to my neck, pun intended, with my garter shawl.  I'll show you a photo soon when there is more progress.  Fireman and I were out in the country (sort of) yesterday.  I loved this barn.  I'm still knitting the garter shawl square.  So far it is a great little knit for me.  The yarn is light and the pattern is easy. When I have progressed more, I will share it with you. Theresa Gaffey has numerous patterns on Ravelry.  I may have to buy another.  So far, she's speaking my language.. Very exciting news in these parts. A bobcat was spotted in the county next to ours.  I would LOVE to see a bobcat.  I guess they are fairly common. Have you seen one? 

This is my FIT TO BE TIED cowl. I altered the pattern a bit. Of course I did..... I knit a regular 2 by 2 rib and then joined the two ends by crocheting. The long tie was the hardest part.   Going round and round on 12 tiny stitches for many inches was kind of kooky, but I did it.  I do like how the tie looks.  You knit a long thin tube and then close each end.  Tie it round the seam and voila! This pattern is in the COWLGIRL book.  It is already gifted or I would take more shots for you. I used Flicker by Berrocco and it is soft and will look great on my friend Mary's neck.    Miss Pie is very happy to be out in 40 degree weather on the porch.  I watched an interview with Cesear Milan yesterday. He was asked about animal grief and he said this: if the animals were bonded they will grieve but if they just shared a space they won't.  I don't think Pie is grieving at all. Tank and Bea were out of sorts but it my have been from all our crying. We are a

  Thanks to Channon, I will be reviewing some feline favorites once a month from Chewy. com. Yesterday's goodie box came at the purr fect time. All of our cats are a bit stressed with Rozzy's passing.  Tank, Beatles and Pie all gave a resounding silent kitty YES to the Liv-a-Littles dried chicken treats.  This chicken breast protein treat is both cat and dog friendly. Immediately taking to a new food treat is rare around here. So I know this Halo product is a winner.  Some treats or kibble seem greasy and I feel the need to wash my hands immediately after touching.  These chicken pieces are clean and dry feeling.  I can even toss a piece across the floor and Beatles will chase and chew.   The second treat was Wellness Kittles in salmon and cranberries.  No takers on this one.   All three of my cats sniffed and turned their beautiful noses up when offered this treat.  I Love the packaging. It has a resealable top for freshne