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

What A Day!!

Who would have thought the temperature could even be 90 degrees right now in South Dakota...where did spring go?

I understand I can turn the ac off tonite as it is going to drop down 30 - 35 degrees. Okay that sounds more like it.

I would rather have 75 or so that way I can start planting and watching the flowers grow.

People are very hard to satisfy. I can't have it both ways...cold or hot nothing in between.

I'm working on a scarf for my granddaughter A for her Oct. b'day. Need to start early and Kansas is where they will be not DC anymore. They'll be a little closer or at least within driving distance.

Have a great night...I am going to walk the dogs.

Peace,

Darla

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day 2009 everyone.....

I will be back later as am hanging ...yes hanging my laundry out today to dry.
I am very proud of me....

Speculation- What Did The Handshake Mean??

So when did a handshake that was led by one person become NOT the thing to do. So much for etiquette in 2009. What did it mean..it meant a person did reciprocate by putting his hand out after the other person led with his. Big deal...

I want to understand why this is so wrong..it's not like President Obama "looked into his eyes and saw his soul", if you know what I mean.

I want more respect for each others and when did it come to pass that "WE" were so perfect in this world?? We have made mistakes (okay not as individuals but as a whole)...many through our history. How about reading up on Constitutional Law in this Country and learning becoming more literate on this subject.

Do the majority of people know what the "Rule of Law" is?? I bet not because most did not pay attention in "Problems in American Democracy" or "American History". And who of us researches information we hear to really try our best to know the facts that we hear in a day.

Enough ranting on my part..I do research and read...and find out what both sides of the argument's are ...both sides!!!! I feel in this way I might at least sleep better at night knowing I have tried my best.

Thank goodness we live here and not in a Country that has just passed "Shari Law" and tomorrow I must cover up my entire body or be killed.

Enough and I am sorry if I have not agreed with some but I have my opinion and you may also have yours....thanks to our Constitution. You need not agree with me and all comments will be read and respected..I promise.

Peace,
Darla

Happy Birthday To Me

I am now officially sixty, that's 60! I feel great and just made a Chocolate Mayo Cake with butter cream frosting. It's smaller than what Mom made for birthdays but I
can probably finish this one by Tuesday.

Opened more cards and they were very pretty....

Will write later.. am going to figure out what to knit next.

Peace,

Darla

My 60th Year

This is a photo of one of my favorite birds..the Yellow Finch...isn't he beautiful.

Where did all those years go? I don't feel sixty...I am not like my Mom & Dad were at this age. Thank goodness I'm a Baby Boomer..you know the after WWII kids.

The age thing doesn't seem to bother me..I read, Tweet, blog and learned to knit.
My back is bad but as a whole the body is still okay. I do need to have my hair streaked but the wrinkles (lines) I earned. Mom always said "too much sun is not good for you". Ooh..she was right again.

I would love her to make my favorite, Hellman's Chocolate Mayo Cake with butter cream icing. It's been way too many years since I had that and family to enjoy it with.

So I was born April 18th, 1949 on a Monday. It was 5:36 AM, EST. I don't have much time left till the big day.

I have a friend here that baked a cherry pie for me to celebrate the day.

I am having a good year (except for surgery & pneumonia) and even have new yarn Rowan Chunky to play with. What more could one ask for but new beautiful yarn.

Peace,

Darla

Happy Easter And A Movie

I'm up late and not having to color eggs or hide them around the house (the dogs don't look for them)I decided to watch the movie "DOUBT"...wow. As I understand everyone has a different feeling or perspective after seeing this movie (it was a play on Broadway).

Being brought up in the Catholic Church and going to Catholic High school in the days when they wore habits, I found the movie really interesting. It brought back a feelings of being taught by nuns and just girls in the classes. The good, the bad and the indifferent too late 1960's high school girls.


It brought back feelings of missing the good old days and the changes we as teens went through during the period of the first and second Ecumenical Councils. Very strict then very different. I always have missed the Latin Mass, after all there was English on the right page of our Missals to follow and we took Latin in school. We did pay attention too.

We covered our heads and never wore slacks out of respect and there was special mood of ancient times for listening and speaking this "dead language". So maybe I am a little old fashioned in certain events of the past.

So if you get a chance see this movie..great acting and some memories of 1964.

Have a wonderful day today,

Darla

Holidays

When did the Holidays get so sad for some....no more Easter baskets, or new hats and spring coats. That is my memory of getting ready for the Easter day. We went to Church every Friday at 3PM for Stations of the Cross. We didn't eat meat but mac & cheese, pancakes or fish. Mom worked hard for us to have a great and memorable experience.

How I miss the family we had. Mom and Dad are gone now and our family is all over the map so the link of Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles..parents and cousins is no longer near.

We colored eggs so they could be hidden & found the next morning and then on to Mass (we fasted) and then home for Easter breakfast with the home so busy and looking forward to deviled eggs. We would have dinner at Gram's home with the entire family...what great memories I have. Sometimes Mom made dinner as we grew to adulthood everything did change.

Some of us moved, went in the military or were just not their anymore.

How I want those simple pleasant days back laughing,playing and enjoying the fun of family.

Happy Easter to all,
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

The End Is Near

So I am watching CNN and I see quite a surprise."Guiding Light" (I know.. a soap opera) is ending. I remember my Mom telling me how she used to listen to it on the radio while ironing. I watched & listened while cleaning, knitting and doing many other things in my daily life.

My children had nap times while "Guiding Light" and Reva & Josh were busy in their lives. My daughter and I had a connection when she was at college. She started to watch it.. (she's too busy for that now).

So after 72 years and old staple is leaving..I wonder why?? Not enough to research it but it was the kind of show I could miss for months or even years and then pick right up in the lives of all in Springfield.

Good luck to all the wonderful people who made my daytime a bit more fun (cause they always look great and bring people back from the dead).

When you live alone it's nice to hear interaction between others during the day even if they are trying to plot against each other. I often wonder where India went??

Have a great day have to run....

Peace,

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

Time Off !!!

Tomorrow is the day...surgery !!!! Am a little nervous but have a friend driving me there & home...can't wait to take the dogs out after this...

So this is not the vacation I imagined but this procedure needs to done and winter is the best...

I will write when I feel better..

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.

Sorry I have not felt up to my usual fun self..Hurting..pain and of course not getting the SOCK thing.

I watch to much news.. Last night was great. I am upset , as we all are with what is happening in our great Country. I feel I have been here before though and know we are a great people and will come together and help as one. If I gave up I would never knit the socks I want. I won't give up and as bad weather is heading right for me it'll be a great excuse do just concentrate on SOCKS.

Thanks to all for the encouragement and I am not giving up but am going to read about socks (again) tonight.I thibnk I'll get some decaf-espresso!!!

Hope all is well in your lives..

Peace,
Darla

Sorry it's been a few days since I have blogged but I am having a terrible time knitting a sock!! Just can't get the hang of it yet.

I have made a few more fabric purses for some women in town. Also have gotten my Swaps out in the mail...but no socks.

Today it was 52 degrees here...oh how wonderful but thursday doesn't look good.

I have been reading other blogs and enjoying the exciting things they have been doing. Please feel free to go to their blogs (right hand side of my Blog) as so many interesting women.

I'm listening to our new President and it is a pleasure to here him speak. All my hopes our with him in these terrible times. I wouldn't want to take the world on my shoulders...besides I can't figure SOCKS out.

Have a great evening & I will have much more to say tomorrow..

Peace,
Darla

Oh, That Sock !!!!

Here I am again..never thought one little sock could be my death...okay, so I got to the heel flap & then the gusset is what messed me up. Maybe a tube sock????
No, I am not giving up yet..it is snowing (a little) and cold and tomorrow is Saturday and I will work this sock until it is finished.

See I had gotten too cockey about the little thing last night..it fit correctly and I loved it .....then the gusset ( I never called that thing near my ankle that before) happened and it was downhill from there. It is harder using smaller needles to knit with and of course that beautiful Lily Chin yarn..uhmm..Patience and it will happen.

So my small surgery is postponed until Tuesday the 3rd of March.. figures it took me all this time to finally go and now the date has changed. More time to work on "The Sock"!!!

Have a great day tomorrow and I'm going to sock the sock...

Peace,
Darla

The Eleventh Hour

Okay, so it's only going on 10PM here...I am an east coaster though so my inner body clock says it's the 11th hour...where is the NY news??

I tore the test sock out and have started knitting the REAL one. I actually am half way on the heel flap. I am really excited as I never thought I would have the patience to knit any object much less a pair of socks. Good for me, I guess this is my year to fly out of my mold (kidding..I don't have a mold Mom Said they broke it when I was born).

I feel terrible that I have no time in my days to vacuum, dust or even cook my delicious meals anymore. Knitting and blogging have taken over. I needed a substitute for the physical & spending I used to do. So I have found my way...

Being a hippie (still.. but more mature) I took all my batik an created a knitted fabric purse of my design for ME!!! This is the first piece I made for ME, not the last for sure. I really have surprised myself it's professional looking.
I do make time for the dogs as they are my kids. I love talking to them..my words are very important to them for sure.

I even have a surgery (not plastic) coming on Monday..so I guess I will be away a few days from blogging. It's nothing serious but has taken me years to get to the point of having it done. Be brave and go for it....I am.

Have to go now as I need to work on my socks.I do need to get more (different sizes) knitting dpn's and some Options tips (7US seems to be my fave).

Thanks to all of you who have encouraged me along the way. I love your blogging and especially your knitting.

Peace & tomorrow is Friday!!!!!

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

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