knittinggenes.blogspot.com

Are you finishing a project before the New Year ? I may be finishing this comfy cable cowl tonight but there's no rush.   Oh Cotton I love thee. **** Did you donate your time/knits to charity in 2015? I know so many of you did.   I donated mittens. I also cleansed the pile of hats and scarves that we just don't need and sent them to charity drives in town.   ***** Did you meet up with any bloggers?  I did!  Donna and Judy to name a few. ***** Did you take a  yarn class? I did not.  Not for lack of trying! My correct your mistakes class was cancelled due to lack of interest... What? Am I the only one who makes mistakes? ***** Did you Knit in a doctor's waiting room in 2015? I did!  When Zach broke his clavicle.  ***** Did you buy more yarn, needles or patterns in 2015? **** and Finally, Did  you go to Ravelry often? For groups? for Patterns? for your own project...

Here goes: 1. I lost 30 pounds on Weight Watchers in 2015. I'm not proud that I had more than 30 pounds to lose. It has been very difficult.  I didn't want to blog about it during the year.   The trick will be to keep it off. There.  That's 30 things I'm proud of.    (I finished these socks last night.  Cherry Tree Hill, I love thee)

1. Al likes TinCanKnits patterns 2. Al likes Quince and Co. patterns 3.  Al likes Nora Gaughan's patterns 4. Al  follows Yarny folks on Instagram:      Yarn Harlot, Truly Myrtle, Sweet Georgia 5.  Al likes Malabrigo yarns best.  6.  Al loves to use the slip stitch pattern that makes an x  7.  Al wishes she hadn't picked a size 2 needle to make a friend's baby blanket 8.  KnitWits in Virginia Beach is her favorite Virginia knit shop 9.  Al's needle choice is addi turbos but she likes Dreamz too 10. Favorite wine to knit with: Clean Slate Reisling Do you have a question for AL?!

  The nieces had Descendents dolls. I'm way behind on Disney movies.  When you don't have little ones you miss out.  Apparently they are the children of Snow White and Cinderella etc. How clever to spin a story off a classic.

1. Hosting a family party today. 2. Knitting yoga socks with new yarn from Al.    3. Tried making BACON CRACK.   4.  Decided it is messy but unbelievably good. (google it ladies, I've got a party to put on) 5. Thinking about my last year's resolutions to learn to seam and to LOOK at my knitting.  6. Realized I didnt' learn to seam! 7. I didn't do some of the things I imagined I'd want to do:  didn't follow dolphins on a boat didn't take a photo worth enlarging in a frame didn't snowmobile didn't make Lady Kina  The year was unbelievably good to me in miraculous ways. (more later)   9. Did go to a new part of the world: The Outerbanks!  Loved it.   10.Read many more books than in years past partly due to being Retired!   I'll give you a list:   Alex N Me Food: A Love Story by Comedian Jim Gaffigan Sheepish: by Yarn Harlot Teresa Caputo's book Lucky Man by Micheal J . Fox What the Dog Saw by Gl...

  I had a wonderful Christmas.  This is Tank with a ribbon on.  That's a small Miracle in and of its self. All your blogs were so wonderful with wishes, yesterday. I read them in a quiet moment but had no time to comment.    Al's in town Here is her nearly finished baby blanket gift.  I think it is amazing.   Corbin is walking, and Corbin is the recipient.  Al's determined to finish this.   Al really liked TinCanKnits pattern giveaways before Christmas. This is one of their hats. Santa brought yarn.  OH my.  I must have been better than I thought.  Can't wait to show you the skeins.  Enjoy the day After..... Al and I are going to run to our LYS sale... because a bargains a bargain!

  Santa Paws and Santa Claus wish you the best of Christmas Joy. Whether you are surrounded by family or  celebrating quietly on your own, I wish you peace.  That peace that comes in snippets. Snippets like:  *you don't run out of tape  *the turkey is thawed *you hear your favorite Carol  *you get a pew *you and that relative put a little peace between you in the form of a gentle nod *your flight is on time *you get to sit and someone offers to do the dishes *children, you see them, you hear them, you hug them *you ask for a memory.... (Fireman told me he loved HOTWHEELS)  *you get some yarn.....   MERRY CHRISTMAS to ALL and to those of my friends who are Jewish, Peace to you of course too!

Mrs. Claus spent the better part of two hours knitting a Christmas tree bear ornament yesterday.  She goes a little looney at times. So she found this free Raverly pattern and went to work in her workshop.  Which is her tiny kitchen table.  She mutters when she putters. The result is nothing to brag about.  The little bear looks decent from across the room. One leg is longer than the other, but whose isnt?  Beary Christmas  

  My littlest sister learned to crochet this year. She made me a fun scarf.  I really appreciate the effort that I know went into this pretty gift.  It was an unexpected Package mailed from sunny Arizona!  Have I mentioned we have been under cloud cover for days? Yes I am sitting in front of my SAD light as we speak. I've been religious about it. I think it may be helping - oh and Happy Solstice!   There were 5 girls in our family. I am the middle girl. My brother is the oldest and only boy. My next youngest sister is the Veterinarian. She sent this great mouse toy to the cats. It clicks and moves and they love it. Best of all it is too big to get lost easily.  You can set it to go off while you are not home too! My Vet sister also found this knitterly shirt for me. It is so dang cute!  On the knit front: I'm abandoning my two hats for now. Just not into them. I need a project to sink my teeth into! Th...

  1.  There is a gift hat being knitted. Yes yes I know there are only 3 days left to Christmas eve....I enjoy this!     2. There are Christmas stockings knitted to perfection at my LYS   3. The gift hat is pinks and purples 4. This not working thing makes the Holidays so much less complex.   5. I never had time for many Christmas movies. Yesterday I watched,  COME TO THE STABLE. It is a 1940's movie that is not Christmas but it is so sweet.  Have you seen it?  I came across it flipping channels in a desperate attempt to avoid sports of any kind.  6.  My sweet mom turned 82 yesterday. We sang to her over the weekend.  She was, as always, in the moment. I pray she'll go to Heaven soon. She would NOT want to live this way. 7. I came across old family movies from my children's holidays at my parents' home.  I felt like Clark Griswald up in the attic watching his f...

  Oh Cotton I love thee. This is the Reclamation Shawlette/Scarf. I love this easy to memorize pattern. Perfect for relaxing knitting during the Holidays.  I knit it in Universal Cotton Supreme.  It's for me.  It is soft and it does not itch one bit. I have another skein and I will cast on again today. It can be worn right against my neck for cold winter winds and as a lovely accessory inside as well.  I'm not really doing gift knitting so the pressure is off and I like this approach.   Although, there are 5 days left..... (We Wish You a Berry Christmas)     These Oreo cookies dipped in white chocolate were a breeze to put together. (Waltz of the Sugar Plum Fairy) Zach's students showered him with Holiday gifts. Some of the notes from students were pretty funny , "Senor Boyer, don't break your arm again over Break"  (and their Moms and Dads can hardly wait for school to start again)   Are you...

This painting, by Larry Bychowski, was created just for me this Christmas. Larry is a Vietnam Vet and he paints to forget that time in his life. I am overwhelmed by this beautiful painting.  Miss Pie, listening to Santa in the snow..... It's perfect.   And It is staying up all year.....

My very talented and creative locker partner , nurse pal, Anne crocheted her wrap. She didn't use a pattern. She saw a similar wrap on Ravelry and guessed.     Specifics: Echo Red Heart Unforgettable Wool. She likes tertiary colors.  I learned this means, three colors blended for a new color.  She did say the yarn is unforgiveable if you have to unravel. It likes itself so much it tangles up and won't let go. Good thing Anne can punt.  I was really impressed with her wrap.  Her new venture is pottery! I'm sure she will succeed.  Has anyone you've visited for the Holidays worn something amazing they created? 

  Al's been gift knitting. This is the Antler hat. She got Nathan's dad in their family swap. Stan will love his hat! Al used the Bulky acrylic that I  got in Door County in September.  Hi Cutie Pie, see you in a week!!  SQUEAL!!!   I finished my knock off hat that looks like snow fall.  I Love the outcome.  Fireman wants it!  All his.  To my knowledge there is no pattern yet. I just looked at the hat on Pinterest and tried to copy it . If I do it again, and I will, I will carry the first color up father a bit and I will alternate single color rows with mixed a bit more.... I've cast on a kerchief shawlette in cotton last night.  GREAT NEWS:  Zach's collar bone is healing. NO surgery needed.  Thanks for all the well wishes!  

  The moon was just a little thing hanging over the only barn in town last night.  I hear Christmas will be a full moon. Good, that should help Santa and the reindeer with the dark night.  Mrs. Claus must be so relieved when that sleigh takes off and she can knit for the night...   Mrs. Claus' newest helper was having a ball with the wrapping that went on yesterday.  There has been some branch knawing.... I think I better spray the tree with bitter apple... Mrs. Claus' work is never done   Mrs. Claus works hard and has a few rules. If you don't like what she picked for you, you may return it joyfully for something you love.  Mrs. Claus keeps receipts but she doesn't do the returns.  Mrs. Claus is working on her carbon footprint.  No gift tags this year. Your name is written on the bottom of the gift.   Mrs. Claus will not use bows or ribbons either this year.   She thought about making her ow...

  This is how I keep the cards for folks to browse through.  I always made a point of showing my Mom all the cards friends sent (who she knew through me)   I think I'll take the cards to the Nursing Home and show her them.  She is so totally in the moment that you cannot really GET her anything.  She forgets the moment it is not in her field of vision.  ********* I frogged the snowflake fair isle hat.  I  didnt' like the way the black and pink were playing. I'm trying to knit the hat that has been on Pinterest that looks like falling snow. As there is not a pattern, I'm guessing. You can't really see it from this image.  More on this later as I work towards the finish.    ******* The weekend was fun.  We watched ELF. I love that movie.  Phone rings: Buddy the Elf, What's your favorite color? How did you sleep Buddy? "Oh wonderful!  I got a full forty minutes" Will Farrell is so p...

  Well, I was wrong.  The tree stands tall.  Only Miss Pie has ventured underneath the boughs and branches... Ha!  I am not about to hang ornaments. It is early...way early...yet.  We went to BIG bulbs this year instead of tiny white lights. I'm loving the change.  Do you do big lights? I  broke my own rule and bought wool at my LYS on Friday.  Millamia wool just doesn't feel like wool.  I know better don't I?  I guess I don't.  The allure of the shaping that only wool can give, has me trying again.  I give you today, a favorite recipe. So so good. So so easy: Easy Oreo Truffles  1 package oreo chocolate sandwich cookies , divided 1 package Philadelphia Cream Cheese softened 2 oz Baker's semi sweet Baking chocolate Crush 9 cookies finely.  Set aside Crush remaining 36 cookies to crumbs and place in bowl. Add cream cheese and blend well. Roll this cookie mixture into...

  Today's eye candy is from my LYS. The tree stand above is for folks who knit with very fine fibers. Not me. They sell for 118 dollars.   They are supposed to be just great for keeping your colors and lines straight.  People think of the best tools. This Stephen West beauty is on display too.  I like that my LYS shows projects of many skillsets. Clearly this one requires some careful knitting, but it doesn't look impossible.  I love the twisted collar on it and I love the colors.  The tree is going up today. Wish us luck.  The cats are about to have fun.  

  Thank you Sydney at Chewy.com for the wonderful blue cat tree. Fezzik, the Maine Coon could not wait for it to be assembled. He immediately tried it out.   When the world gets too busy for Beatles, he hides his head in the arch.  He has claimed this space. Miss Pie loves the scratcher post.  And they all love the hanging toy.  So Chewy.com does not pay me for the review.  We receive the items free of charge in exchange for a blog post.  Honestly, this is a great company. On the rare occasions when I needed to return something it was wonderfully uncomplicated.  Happy Christmas and New Years to all at Chewy.com

Well, I don't knit that speedy, but I had one fingerless almost finished and sitting in the whenever pile. Then My friend needed another pair. She'll love these. No Pattern again. Used great wool from the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival last year.  So I only had one and a half mitts to make.  Answer any if you wish:  1. Favorite way to show your Holiday cards off? 2. Music solo:  Piano or violin or guitar? 3. Fingerless or mittens? 4. Tinsel or garland? 5. Ham or Turkey? 6. Snowman or Santa? 7. Brunch or Dinner? 8. Wrapping paper or gift bags? 9. Placemats or tablecloth? 10. Candles or fire in the fireplace?  

  The cotton cowl will be wonderful and soft. I have to find and sew on two dozen buttons.  There is no pattern. I just cast on 40 stitches and knit some rows and purled others at whim.  Then I did a row of k2tog, Yo for the button holes.  It finished with a few rows of garter.   I used the lovely soft Misti Alpaca in Cotton/Silk.   Today I will work on Abby's fingerless.  She misplaced the pair I made her in the move last spring.  I'm using wool from the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool  Festival.  It is a quick knit.   I realized I can make gauge depending on how the yarn and needles feel as I knit.  If I'm fighting it, I know I can go up a needle size or two.   Hope you get some needle time today too!  

I'm joining Carol's prompt for Ten on Tuesday today.  Here are 10 things I truly enjoy about the Season: 1. Everyone gets into the act. Above is my dear friend Kath who plays Sister.  At the Christmas shows she creates a living Nativity with her audience.  She brings so much JOY to her audiences lives (and mine)  all the time. If you live in LA, you must go see her! 2.  I love the carols which play non-stop on our radio station from Thanksgiving to Christmas.   3.  The tree.  I love it all lit up.  I love all the trees all lit up.  I adore the tree lots at night with the bulbs and the trailers.  4. I love Christmas morning with my family.  It is the best.  Something cinnamon in the oven and lots of thought behind our gift giving to one another.  5. I love the GIVING part.  Our Yarn Studio has a giving tree to donate handknits, our library has a sock box, the Salvation Army ringers are great and ...

  The Tradition continues.  Scary Santa is watching. I love this guy. My grown kids ....meh..not so much.    This may be my favorite Christmas music.  I love most all of it, but James...ahhh that voice. So pure.  So soothing. I purchased these pot holders at a craft faire for a friend.  Sometimes, when I see these cute sewn things, I ponder learning to sew. I don't have a machine. I don't have the tools.  I"m kind of  impatient.  Do you think I could learn? I surely would only sew a few seams... Line a few wool things...... Make a few curtains ..... Applique intrigues me. Goal for 2016? You all know me..... what do you think. Please be brutally honest!