Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Knitting in the Garden

Waiting around has its advantages, especially when something tangible is produced. Although with this pattern I have had some major ripping seasons. One misplaced stitch throws the whole thing into chaos. I have to train myself to check each row before continuing on to the next row, instead of blissfully knitting for twenty rows and then taking a look. There is great satisfaction in solving a knitting riddle. Several of my stitch markers had slipped under yarn-over stitches and fouled up the whole sequence of the pattern. I finally figured out the problem and am now happily knitting again instead of the dreaded rip. This yarn is delightful to work with. I bought it at an alpaca farm in Oregon, near Mt. Hood (alpaca babies have to be some of the cutest things on earth!), even though I found when I came home that it is also available at my local yarn shop (but not in the color I chose). The color seems camouflaged amongst the geraniums, so I guess it will feel like I'll have a garden wrapped around my neck once it is finished. I bought two skeins of the yarn, not knowing what I would make with it, and I will continue the triangle until I run out of yarn.

Friday, August 10, 2007

great find

maybe not everyone's top choice at the biggest garage sale in the state, but for me, finding this assortment of metal zippers in their original packaging was fantastic. at last after so many long years of waiting in their package some have been freed to finally be functional. a couple of the zippers were custom made. i also found very old wood frames that are waiting for paintings (when will i get a chance to do some summer painting?!). several years ago i bought a big box of basket making supplies. i made one basket but need to revisit that box and make some more baskets(so i can have more room in my sewing area).

no presents?

The invitation said no presents, please, to a birthday party. Doesn't everyone like to get presents? I know I do. Anyway I like to make presents and here is the latest. I recycled a worn out shirt to line the purse.