Socks for Mom

Mom asked me to knit her another pair of socks. She has small feet so this way she can get them to fit and she likes to wear them as bed socks. For this pair, I knit them from Cascade Fixation (cotton/elastic) that makes them fit snug and warm.

Yarn Hop (Day 3)

Only three local shops to cover today starting with some catch up time with my friend, Tracie at Odd Balls Yarn shop. The new Knit Noro book and sample ruffled knee high socks has me really inspired. Then there's more baby yarn from Heritage Hut and Twist. My yarn hop Hobo Bag is complete and I now have so many projects to keep me busy this winter...bring it!

Yarn Hop (Day 2)

What a great excuse to get the motorcycle out for a 100 mile round trip hop for yarn. At iYarn in Winfield I got a couple of Pure & Simple knitting patterns and took a scenic curvy road back road home from Augusta. The cool air and smells of fall have me feeling refreshed and happy. So far I have the handle and top of my hobo bag complete and now ready to start on the body of the bag.

Yarn Hop (Day 1)

There are 12 yarn shops participating in this year's Central Kansas Yarn Hop. I picked up my friend Karen in Canton and we started our hop up north in Wamego where I found inspiration in a sample Tea Leaves Cardigan (I really want to make this). In Manhattan at Wildflower Knits I purchased yarn to make the shop sample kimono (comfy for wearing around the house). Some yarn to make another moebius cowl in Abilene, Knitpicks #2 needles in McPherson, clog sock pattern in Lindsborg and striping baby cardigan yarn in El Dorado. At 480 miles we called it a day and I still have 4 more shops yet to make it to.

Yarn Hop Project

Each shop in the yarn hop gives participants a ball of yarn to combine to make a project. Last year it was a linen stitch scarf and this year a scrappy crochet or knit bag (pictured). There's a passport book that each shop will stamp and prizes to be drawn from all 12 shops. I'm working on my bag right now.

Turn a Heel

The best part of constructing a sock to me is when I turn the heel and pick up the stitches to start the gusset. This is where the fun action takes place and the ball gets rolling.

Moebius Cowl

Moebius, an object with one surface and one edge. Take a strip of paper, twist it and tape the ends together will illustrate the basis of this wonderful cowl . It was so enjoyable knitting around and around. I started it on the drive down to Oklahoma on Friday, then worked on it tableside while family played cards in the lodge and while sitting beside the creek on a lazy Saturday afternoon. I will make many more of these. Knit from Plymouth kettle dyed superwash fine merino wool.

Singer Sew Handy

My cousin's wife, Michelle, brought me a gift that was left in a rental house, this 1953 Singer Sew Handy Model 2 sewing machine complete with an owner's manual. I've been coveting these at flea markets for years. It's a real machine - not a toy. In true 50's verbage it reads, "Using this machine you will learn the basic principals of machine sewing, first making your dolly's clothes and perhaps small gift articles; then your own play clothes, shorts, pinafores, skirts, and clothes for little sister." How sweet.

Family Reunion 2012

Molly had a big adventurous weekend at my annual family reunion in Osage Hills Park outside of Bartlesville, OK. She got to learn how to be a dog by playing in the creek and going for long hikes in the woods. Poor little thing was flat out dog tired when it came to sitting by the campfire at night curling up in my lap in a deep sleep.

Boxer Blanket

Molly has been waiting patiently for me to complete her baby (puppy) blanket. She sat beside me this afternoon as I sewed the paw print fleece to the back of the embroidered top, turned right sides out and seamed up along the edges. Then used red yarn to tie both pieces together in the middle of the fabric squares. Now she has her very own personalized blanket to cover her spot on the couch and car seat cover for some road trips coming up soon.

Baby Boxer

That's my little gremlin, little Miss Molly at 4 months old. She's just about house broke, leash trained and my constant companion for errands in the Jeep and long walks around the neighborhood. And she's working on growing into those ears.

Baby Sweater

Making baby clothes is so very fast, easy and gratifying. It takes no time at all to knit up a cardigan and this seamless yoked sweater is for the newest addition to our family, Jozie, fitting her at about 3 months. The pattern can be adapted to a girl or boy and is one of my favorite patterns. Debbie Bliss's baby cashmerino yarn (merino wool/microfibre/cashmere) makes it exceptionally soft and the slate color is neutral enough to go with other colors besides pink.

Blues, Bikes & BBQ

It was another good ride to Fayetteville for the Blues, Bikes & BBQ biker rally. It gets bigger every year and is now the 4th largest motorcycle rally. With temps in the 70's we had some really nice weather for hanging out in the sun listening to live bands and riding around. I found that I can overdose on caffeine and that I will never get tired of having breakfast at Waffle House.