A Contest

So here I am for just a short quick blog. As I was checking out my Groups on
http://www.ravelry.com I found this contest for "KnitPicks DPN's".

I immediately entered and if you wish to please go to the following
blog(which is great)and enter,[http://gardenlynn.blogspot.com/].

All the rules of entering a pretty simple so go for it...

Peace,
Darla

KNITTING FOR ME

I was having a slow start up knitting this new year. I knitted a
simple pair of fingerless gloves for my daughter. She said her hands
get cold when she is at the research library late in the evenings.

So being Mom and having a request for something I can knit, I preceded
to grab my needles and some beautiful "lambs Pride Cotton Fleece", and they were in the mail to her... that was a great feeling.

Now with all the beautiful yarns I have collected and needles I have to use
I've decided to make myself a scarf. Not a complicated one with my
mink & cashmere but with an acrylic (but oh so soft) which I purchased
for $.50 at a thrift store that I love to shop at.

Oh nothing fancy in the stitches either. Just plain old reliable garter
stitch.

I figure with the new yarns I purchased the last week online I'll be
busy knitting socks and new gifts for everyone this year..

Peace,
Darla

Very Busy ..Still Knitting

Alright, I now am starting to take some photos for my blog.

Tonite is the beginning of rehearsal hell.....every day except Wednesday. My muscles hurt in places I had forgotten about at least 15 yrs. ago.

I am still working on the shawl. Now I see why it takes so long to knit one...lots of yardage and
little stitches. So I am cheating..,SURPRISE!!! I began with size 0 then size 2....again to 3.5 and then 5us and now I am on 7 circulars (didn't like that one as my needles were too slippery. So I have put the stitches back on to a size 8 straight needle...

I know I will eventually have to go back to circulars ( unless I am knitting for my dog), because of the number of stitches involved (and boy are they!).

So have a great Thursday and will try to post in the next few days....

"Keep tapping cause you can't stop laughing" by Me

Peace,
Darla

4th Day of Halloween.....

It is now the 4th day of Missy's "13 Days of Halloween" contest.
Double click and get there so you can be a part of the fun:http://www.deepinsidemissy.com/

It's fun watching all the new prizes for the day.




It's cloudy & yucky again here...good day for knitting all day. Not that I need an
excuse.

I have these very large knitting needles which a friend made with me. The problem I'm having is finding a book that will haelp to combine different yarns to make something. Have done alot of swatches and frogging.
Will research online again....

Peace,
Darla

Knitting Days & Huge Needles

Almost done with my 2nd celery sock of the pair. I can't wait to wear them so soft and comforting.
Have to complete a beautiful scarf I'm making for my Granddaughter....I went through one of my
stitch books and found a pattern stitch" Staggered Lace Fern Pattern", so feminine and delicate.
I know she will love it.

Now I have to start on Christmas gifts for the kids. Wish I could knit a sweater quickly! Haven't
gone there yet but will soon.

Maybe socks for the kids..yes, they would love crazy hand knit socks from Grandma. I love
playing with different stitch designs, they really are fun to make. Yes, progress made!!!!

Now the next problem I have is how to combine 3 or 4 different yarns at once to knit on
the large hand made needles (size 35 ) that my neighbor and I made. I love the idea of knitting
with huge needles but am not sure how to combine the yarns.

Have a great Sunday!!!

Peace,
Darla

New Socks

The only great and fun thing about our cold, rainy weather is that I get to wear my wool hand knit socks that I made last winter!!

I started a new pair for myself last evening and have completed the first one
(yes, dpn's 7.5US) of the pair. They are Lanaloft Wool in celery.

I just love the softness of the wool...ooh wonderful. Third pair..just for ME!!!!

I still have some birthday gifts for the grandchildren to complete and also for
my sisters' birthday in November. Then it's on to complete Christmas gifts
knitting away.....

I went to volunteer day at our local nursing home. Had lots of fun and made a scare crow out of clothing & stuffed it with newspaper. I won 1st prize cause I brought 3 people with me. And the Pumpkin cake was delicious!!!

So, I have made a commitment to go at least once every month to visit, read, write letters or lose at scrabble. This I can do and have fun.

Well have a great Thursday and I'll be at our library for our reading group . It's interesting hearing the views of other people and what they interpret from the same book.

Peace,
Darla

Paradise Fibers Website

Oh how I love looking at the yarns for sale on all the websites I go to. Especially http://www.paradisefibers.net and http://www.webs.com.

Just to pick two of my favs today. I can purchase $19.95 hank of yarn, which I could never afford in a LYS, for $5.99 and wait 3 days and it's in my hands. I love the experience of knitting with all different fibers.

Having no LYS nearby is a loss as I cannot fondle the yarn before purchasing. My yarn websites give me the chance in the description the touch and feel of this yarn. Thank you sooo much .

I also purchase my dpn's and knitting needles at these sites. I have always dealt with great people when calling and asking questions about my orders.

I need to learn how to combine different fibers to knit together. I'm still learning but want to use huge needles(35) 4 or 5 different yarns to make something. I'm working on that. Will go to http://www.Ravelry.com and ask in the forums how to manage this.

Have a great week (and it's raining here).

Peace,
Darla

GIVEAWAY AT KNITPURLGIRL!!!

Oh my gosh!!! You have to go to KnitPurlGirl on the right of my blog...besides having a great blog she is having a contest, yes and WEBS has donated a set of Bamboo Interchangable
Knitting needles...

I want them soooo bad. Just love bamboo!

So go to her blog, hurry get over there and get a chance to win or maybe 3 or 4 chances!!

Peace Darla

I Am Back With A Vengance

Alright I really cannot explain what happened but I fudged on writing and looks like everything else online.....

I apologize to all. I really am enjoying life at 60 but seemed to be busy knitting, swapping and just being. Some small crisis now and then but all is well for the most part.

I have been interviewed for our local paper and have to get copies in the mail to my friends and family around the states. I'm sure they will be surprised. The young lady who interviewed me was great. I am not from South Dakota and have no family here but I enjoy the lazy lifestyle I have now...no hustle like back east..

I have been knitting like crazy and still find it hard to find a balance for reading and participating in the outside world (ok just away from home).

Gotta go but will start being more disciplined about writing and reading..I promise...

Peace to all,

Darla

Yarn Help

So I want everyone to be ready as today I need help...big time. If any of you have suggestions ( and we know who you are) please let me know here or on Ravelry,(dacg).

I have purchased some beautiful yarns that are discontinued but don't know what stitches to use or what pattern I could use to show it off and the pricing is wonderful..okay I'll give it up for us internet shoppers because we have no LYS, http://www.webs.com ,. I check so many sites for the best prices of yarn and shipping costs and have found this last week an abudance of wonderfully pricey yarns I could purchase for great markdowns.

I also need to mention http://www.paradisefibers.com as they are fast at getting my orders out.

• I have been swatching with different size needles and trying all types of stitches which doesn't seem to help me. I am having fun though. Have to find a book that will help me with the textures and fibers of differnt yarns.
  
  So here they are:
  
  Cascade 128, 100% Peruvian Highland Wool (100 gms,128yds, size 10/10 1/2 needles), it is a wonderful yarn & I want more.
  
  Berroco Cuzco, 50% Superfine Alpaca & 50% Peruvian Wool (100 gms, 130yds, size 10 Needles), ooh it is so soft.
  
  Rowan Chunky Print , 100% Wool (100gms, 109yds, size 13 needles), its think & thin and wonderfully colorful yarn (many colors in it's variegation's).
  
  I bought these on sale and want more & there's plenty for the getting...I just don't know enough of what to do with yarns with beautiful texture to it. Being newer to knitting and expanding my interest I need help.
  
  I have 2 hanks of each (but will order more at reasonable prices too) to work with at the moment and want to purchase ASAP.
  
  I have checked my pattern books and others to see what I might do..no luck. I went on the Internet to no avail..(some are yarns they no longer are showing patterns for...I also checked http://www.knitrowan.com.
  
  My next step after tonite is to hit http://www.ravelry.com during the day and see who might help me..
  
  Thank you ahead for the help...
  
  Good Night and peace,
  
  Darla

A Second Pair Of Socks

Yeah, I got it...almost finished with my second pair of socks.
I am hooked...now I have to figure out making them together on the Magic Loop.

I am amazed that I can learn something new everyday with my knitting. I really enjoy
creating new items.

Well I will have lots of time this week as we have snow headed our way AGAIN!!!
I am over it. No more winter please....

I would like spring to be sprung for sure.


Have a great Sunday to all as I must finish a few more rounds....and have a cup of tea.

Peace,
Darla

I Love Socks

I am definitely hooked into socks...cannot think about anything else.
What yarn to use..waiting for my new Kollage square needles to arrive and what pattern can I create for myself.

You guys were right it is addictive. I am half through the first sock of my 2nd pr.
Ooh, it is great when you finally get it.

Our weather is holding...a little chilly (cold) but no snow here.

I need to catch up on my blog reading tomorrow. Don't want a relapse for sure.

Hope spring comes really soon...

All tulips & crocus to everyone,

Darla

My Socks

I'm hooked...I wore my 1st handmade socks today & actually walked all over and taking my shoe off to show them off. I am proud and can't wait to start another pair. It is addictive but what a great addiction to have.

Knitting with a finer yarn is challenging in sock making, I think when my new square Kollage dpns' when they arrive is what I will use for spring/summer socks. I understand the needles won't roll as much as the round ones. I'll let you know how they work out.

Under tornado watch til 10pm so I will make this short (even though I have my red shoes on) cause I PAY ATTENTION to tornadoes. I get laughed at alot around here but on would miss me if I were gone...he he....

Peace,

Darla

Oh, That Sock !!!!

I can't tell you how much it means to me when someone has written a comment on my Blog. It really isn't hard, you can even be anonymous. I actually have people in my immediate family who believe I will virus them. Well, I am older and wiser and much happier in my life this year because I have found blogging. It gives me an opportunity to meet other people throughout the USA and the world.

I know I am not a published author but I read...ALOT...and I have thoughts that I can share and experience is always on my side. Besides reading other blogs with interests similar to mine open up the gateway of learning from others.

Oh, I don't have to agree with anyone in this world but it is great to see others opinions who are as passionate as I am but they have another way of knitting the patterns together for a different spin and that's great.

I love the groups on, http://www.ravelry.com, as it has really expanded my world. How much more positive can you be than when giving & getting in knitting (or crocheting). I've learned so many wonderful things from the women here...about fibers, fabric knitting....skills and just plain fun and encouragement with every step.

I started my 1st sock yesterday and I think I get it....it was too small for any human I know but it worked. So tonight I'm going to do it for sure (correct size & all). Wish me well as you might receive a pair from me some day!!!

Peace and I'm watching "Lost" tonite,

Darla

The Fabric in Our Lifes

I started knitting a fabric piece today. Nothing like taking old clothes (even jeans) & cutting them up to make a new rug or other interesting piece. I've had some fabric that is really bright and fun..so that is where I started...on 15 US needles...Have to get a rotary cutter though
that will work better than tearing or scissors.

I bet I can use that $5,000 old wedding gown too. Let's see...that is a fabric of my life so , why not...always wanted a very expensive one of a kind rug.

It's Sunday and have been cooking & knitting all day..oh I did take the dogs out too.

Have a good week....yeah Monday!!!!!! I actually saw green under the snow so spring is
on it's way......

Peace,

Darla

A Cloudy Day In More Than One Way

So it's Saturday and why am I watching C-SPAN2 !!! I had to hear the voices myself cause I certainly didn't want to take any one else's word for what our Senators were saying......

I wonder if they are in this world & how one side (not mentioning who) cannot come forward to make a difference & help for a CHANGE. Come on, for 8 years they were not conservative or fiscally responsible, so what makes them think waiting & not adding their names to a vote in a responsible manner will make the last 8years to go away. Wake up!!!!! America is watching and we will respond in elections. They still have jobs, homes and health care. So what......

Okay, I'm working with fabric today...cutting then rolling into balls and knitting. Now I know what to do with all that fabric I have in two totes...it's great 15US needles and go for it.

Have a great nite.....

Peace,

Darla

Sorry, about the rant but I am watching closely & would love to see our Country as one...

Another Chance to Win ..

Here's another chance to win something for free no $$$$$.
Go to the following link... very easy (I promise) see below!!!!!
It will be fun & then go to Esty Shops as instructed & look at Gem Junkie

Thanks and have fun,
Darla



http://mommatudes.blogspot.com/

Options And Opinions

I just love my Harmony Nickel Options tips....Oh and as far as opinions & comments on this blog of mine I am appreciative that to the people that are reading and commenting.
I do not expect people to agree with my opinions nor me theirs but I do like to know the other side. Just like knitting one side is the side you want to show and the other may still look great but the pattern doesn't see it that way.

I hope that made since to all. So, we all can have our spin on everything but we all must be proud Americans that we can have our own voices and do the best that we can.

Peace to all,

Dar