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

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

Knitting and Sisters

I can't tell you what all my knitting has done for me but I will try.

I just received some new yarn fromhttp://www.paradisefibers.net this morning. Oh what a pleasure to open that package of Brown Sheep Lanaloft, Celery and Twilleys Freedom Spirit Yarn in Soul. I already started a pair of socks for me!!!!!

I had the funniest day yesterday texting back and forth with my Sister. I needed her calf, leg & bottom of her foot measurements...so here she is in her office with an aluminum ruler .. texting me the numbers..all of a sudden I started to picture her going through the motions her big sister asked her to perform. No questions asked mind you just blind obedience. I began to laugh out loud so loud the dogs started to get upset. What if they have cameras?? Does she think I really went over the edge?? Well, on Nov. 25th her birthday she will know why I made her do these strange things at work.

It's hard to be far apart...we haven't seen each other in a few years (and that was at Mom's deathbed)and probably won't for a long time

So here's to all the sisters in the world who live a distance apart but can still laugh with each other over the silliest things we do. I love you Dorie.....

Peace,
Darla

Change In The Air

I think I want to change my blog up...I need to put in some work now that I have a better idea of what I want. More color & refine it a bit...it's not popping for me
(beige is what I see)need bright & cheerful.

If it snows this week end that and more socks is what I will do.

Going to watch "Australia" on my dvr...how did I live without it.

Finished 2 pairs of socks and will begin a spring one next. Although it looks like I'll need more wool for our spring this year.

Have a great week end and enjoy life,

Darla

A New Book..

Oh the blizzard is on the way..8-14 inches (at least I hope it's inches) starting this evening. So I will have lots of time to knit and read. Can't wait for the dogs tomorrow morning with all the snow. The puppy goes out & wonders where all the blowing leaves have gone ( oh, to be one of my dogs..).

I found a great book for all three methods of knitting socks...."How To Knit Socks, Three Methods Made Easy" written by Edie Eckman. It's got great pictures and instructions. And some new patterns for more socks. I found the instructions so much easier to understand and it is cuff down for "Magic Loop".

I love that I am learning more and enjoying it. I am almost done with the 2nd pair of socks and I can wear them in the blizzard as it seems we will also get more snow on Saturday. Whatever, where is Spring and those pretty little flowers we all look forward to. I just love the help I get on , so many wonderful groups with many knowledgeable woman. They know how to knit and keep friendships going forward.

So have a great evening and look for your spring flowers..cause I can't!

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

I Am Back With A Vengance & I Won

Oh my goodness..first I want to thank all who kept me in their prayers & thoughts. So much for simple as I ended up with pneumonia and 104 temp.

I still have some of a cough but am finally up and feeling better.

Guess what??? I made my fist pair of socks....YEAH!!!! Couldn't knit or read when I was sick..much too weak but 2 days ago I said I will win and the socks will not.

I will take pics tomorrow and post on www.ravelry.com and here on my blog.

I really missed writing and cannot believe it has been since March 2nd. I couldn't even sit down to the computer & read..it was awful. I did receive 2 packages from my swaps which I need to respond to each of the ladies. It kept me going for sure.
I actually used some of the beautiful yarn that was sent to me by Cheryl...ooh she is great and has really gotten me hooked on Milagro kettle dyed yarn from Uruguay..I love it and can't wait to but some.

Well now I have to get going & catch up on my blog reading as I know I missed out on so much while being ill.

Thank you again for caring,

Peace
Darla

Socks on Saturday

I am so excited I think I understand the concept of the gusset!!! I'm getting ready to start that in a few minutes. I used beautiful yarn but I'm not what it is as yet.

I'm going to put batteries in the camera and I will take pictures & upload them...FINALLY. Not tonite but tomorrow...


So I am off to complete one of two socks. Really excited as I will be down & out for awhile and as I surely will still be knitting...socks here I go!! Tuesday is the surgery day...

I've been looking at some beautiful lace projects. Lots of work but loads of gratification on finishing a work like this. When I could still crochet I made a lace table cloth from thread (2 pieces held throughout) for my daughter. I used my own knowledge & made a design from that. It was lots of work but a great gift to her. I remember it took me almost 6 months to complete. Have to find a pic of that also.

Okay, the picture above is a couple of years ago close to where I live. I just loved all the little lambs with the moms. I have a few others I will share at some point which have the babies skipping & jumping around. They do smell alot...but are still cute.

Have a nice Sunday.,..
Peace,

Darla

Knitting And Technology

I am here trying to paste my Ravelry Badge to my blog. So much to learn and just not enough time. I do feel guilty making this statement as I no longer work outside of my home..

I am finding if I sit at the computer to interact with other human computers I cannot knit. I will find a balance (ok maybe not). I am surprising myself and helping my mind stay very active as I am learning so much daily. It's either knitting or the blog. No dusting, vacumning or even reading (which I am addicted too). I actually have a surplus of books to take on...looks like lots of summer reading to catch up.

I'm playing with changing up my blog a bit. Time to advance a little. I read so many wonderfully written that I need to improve a bit more..

It's lousy here...-12 with the windchill...oh, can't wait for spring.

Have a great week end as I need to work on my SOCKS....

Peace,

Darla

I Won An Award!!

I am privileged to know so many wonderful women in the blogging world. My intention was to blog so my grandchildren could see what I am doing in my life far away from them. I don't want this blog to be political (even though I might touch on it gently) or too deep. I am in a year that is life changing for me..I will be 60 and am having a great time of it.

To open ones self up to the world is not easy but I am lucky to know people like who gave me this wonderful award from http://www.blogger.com/www.craftygryphon.blogspot.com/ "The Helping Hand" fromhttp://www.sojournersplace.blogspot.com/ she is a wonderful example to follow in blogging. She also is great at knitting and keeping life fun.

Go here after reading the remainder of my post to get your instructions on "Paying It Forward".

http://www.soujournersplace.blogspot.com/2008/01/helping-hand-much-obliged-and-paying-it.html

So now I get to "Pay It Forward" to those of you who have helped me in my new adventure of blogging & knitting. You all have so much to give and I have so much to learn from all of you. So the first of you that I would like to receive this wonderful Award is:


CiCi, http://www.2sistahsknittogether.blogspot.com/you are always there for me whether it is blogging or socks or your fun trip to Chicago.

Elle, http://www.toliveistopray.blogspot.com/ for your inspiring posts during your personal trials and losses. Keep your spirit young woman you will come out of this much stronger. You give me hope.


Sinje ,http://www.knityoursocksoff.blogspot.com/ your blog is wondrous...I love going to Yarns Shops with you on your blog. I have learned much about blogging and fibers from you and miss NYC.

So thank you all for your help and please enjoy your achievements of being there for others.

So now you each must "Pay it Forward" and the rules can be found at SojournersPlace (see above for link). I know you will enjoy this as much as I have. Keep mentoring Ladies...Good job.

I am also going to make a list to encourage other new bloggers to continue their quests into this wonderful media. I'm actually thinking of doing some fun things here on my blog.

Peace Darla

ps. thank you http://www.blogger.com/www.ravelry.com for the new friendships.

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

SOCKS!!

I did it I have now started my first sock. Yes, I am using DPN's because even though I have the book "Magic Loop", I cannot figure it out as yet. I think it is because I haven't tortured myself by making a pair on DPN's.

I have been very busy making fabric knitted purses...they are great. I created my own design and went to work. They are now complete and I love them.

So 20 minutes ago I started a sock...I have 4 rows complete (ribbed pattern)..panicking a little over heels & gussets but I'm not even close yet. No worry I shall seek HELP!!!

I certainly hope everyone has started Monday well. I did! So far so good.

Going to knit those socks and will have much more to write tomorrow.

Peace,

Darla

Tention Too Tight ....

Sometimes when we knit we must keep the tension on our yarn tight, not too tight but enough to keep the stitches together. It reminds me of the times I have had in my life....keep it loose but not to loose as to have the stitch fall off or not mingle and blend into the other stitches.

Sometimes it is alright not to blend....just keep going and trust that as I knit and gain more experience and knowledge of this craft, I will be more comfortable
and I will knit socks one day.

Peace,

Darla


Do me a favor and keep a friend and her family in your prayers as they have lost their Dad...

The Contents of a Gift

Oh..everyone who loves tea must go here (http://www.adagio.com/teaware). Elle what are you doing to me...Blueberry Tea, Merino Hand dyed Wool yarn...dark chocolate etc. etc. etc.....I loved the mailman today. All of these wonderful gifts to brighten my day because I read a blog that was so interesting & it happened to be her 3 yr. blogiversary..(http://toliveistopray.blogspot.com/) what a pleasure .

I found the Adagio teas on Elle's blog and she has an Etsy shop..how do you do all of this & home school??

I can't even start socks yet. Ok ,
Ok, so the socks are still an issue. I think it's because I'm an April kid. I have made three fabric purses though..completely finished. Yeah, I know get the batteries for the camera and take the pics and show us!!!! I will but am doing laundry today so as Scarlett said, "tomorrow is another day...". My motto

Have a sunny day to all,
Darla

A Swell Day

Gosh, it's still 35 out here. Almost spring....not yet though. I mailed my 1st Swap package to Amie today..can't wait till it arrives. I know she will enjoy it.

I ran lots of errands today as sitting outside & enjoying the weather really wasn't an option. I'm still trying to knit socks...either not the right needles or the wrong yarn (well wrong for me....too skinny) but it will all come together in time.

The TV was crazy today...watching the Hill just gets me going. Make a decision already, after
8 yrs. of putting America in this situation (losing jobs that will not reappear and much more), the majority of the GOP has decided to be fiscally responsible....where was that before??? Please someone tell me......will they ever get "We Are The People"...just one!!!!!

Okay on to pleasant thoughts so I don't stay up all nite fixing Washington. I love my children & Family. It's very difficult to be so far away from all. The grandkids just are such a blessing for me. They are great people...Mom & Dad are doing a good job. Even though we are so far apart the kids always say or do something to ping my heart. I treasure though moments.
Besides, I'm the one that taught them how to roll down a hill at West Point Academy and get are clothes full of mud & dirt. They will never forget that.

I am going to leave for now as I am going to make the attempt again to knit the darn socks, they really can't be that hard...you can usually buy them anywhere. Even the corner store in a rural town.

Have a great weekend.
Peace,

Darla

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/

Learning to Knit

Good Day. So I played with changing my blog up & getting to know more about it. I appreciate Blogspot & Twitter as they allow you to learn. Believe me the info is there.

I am trying to write every day but I have to knit for sure today. I touched the yarn yesterday but had no time to knit. I must today..maybe the sock project?? (oh my)!!!

I am addicted to this now but I am finding the greatest people to interact with. I live in a very rural area & did not raise my family here. It's hard to be involved when kids aren't in school & you do not have a job outside the home.

Have to leave for now & Twitter the kids.....
Have a great Sunday.

Peace,
Darla