Catching Up

Catching up here as there's been a whole lot happening but not a lot to show for it. Doncha just hate that? You work your fanny off but when you step back and look at the source of your sweat, the only thing you feel is frustration. Grrr.
Anyhoo, you might have noticed my progress bars to the right are all wonky. Well, it's not the bars - it's the projects. Let's see...the Baby Blanket is done but I haven't gifted it to the new Mama and Baby yet so it's still on the list. The Hemp/Cashmere Beret for my DD is truely the Project from Hell. Cast on 4 times, frogged 4 times. Made it up to 5 rows and it sucks. I hate the yarn. The pattern is blech. At times I've got all 5 DPN's fumbling in my fingers. Grrr all over. And then there's the Moebius Cowl. It's 99.9 percent done - but - it's wrong. Too long, too narrow and not quite enough yarn to finish casting off. More Grrr. I'm going to frog the whole mess (that poor yarn - this makes the 5th time it's been knitted then frogged out), then I'll cast on with a co-ordinating yarn, do a few rows with that, do the bulk of the cowl in that yummy and durable stuff then do the I-cord cast off in the previously used starting yarn. I'll make it about a third smaller and it should be about right for me. Whew.
As far as news in other areas, this shows the giant brush pile I faced to dig up my latest treasure and to tidy that portion of the driveway. I've made huge progress - can even hitch up "the treasure" and tow it out in the open now if I want. I've got several rows of seasoned wood I found under the brush and have had a few nicely warming fires in the wood stove this past week. There's a neat stack of twigs drying that will be broken into stove-sized lengths for kindling and a bunch of bigger stuff that I'll need to use the saw on. I even found a few dozen fence posts! The Old Man is right this moment bringing home some wood to add to the project but I'll try to get a pic here soon. It's so nice to actually see a before and after of things.
Knitting news is not good, I'm afraid. My Ravelry invite is coming closer - maybe even this week. So up the stairs I went - camera in hand - to start the fun but daunting process of photographing all of my yarn and fiber stash. Problem? I'm baby-sitting my daughter's cat, who came here with fleas and decided to force her way into the fiber room. I now have a full-fledged infestation! I'm massively bummed as all - ALL - of my yarn is up there (plus a hundred pounds or more of fiber) and with the other projects on hold or done, I can't get to any of it to start anything! I've got the room sealed up, a fogger went off earlier today and I'm still using the powdered Borax everywhere upstairs. Sigh. I guess I've got it easy since tomorrow the perpetrator of this horrible crime gets a bath. Gasp. (Have you ever bathed a Siamese? The thought makes me shudder).
So, how was your week?

A Treasure Hunt for You and Me

I've written previously about working on my "wood pile". That's because - when you heat with wood, you need to have wood and you need to store it properly. Well, it's been rather chilly here the past couple of days and it got me to thinking about finally digging out/clearing/building/stacking my wood pile. This is what I was starting out with...a week or two's wood but in the "tall-as-me" grass and blackberries. I'll need space to stack more as I obtain it.
I did some of my famous "tromping" technique and cleared out a good sized space to stack wood. There's pallets underneath the few grass clumps I've not pulled or cut yet. The fence posts are mostly deep into the ground to act as an open-air support wall. I'm gonna go out on a limb (hehe, I made a funny) and say that I think I can stack about 5 cords of split wood in this space. Maybe More?
I spy with my little eye some treasure hiding under this brush pile! How-about I have a fun little contest here and offer the following: I'll send a set of "made for you" row and stitch markers to one lucky Reader who can 1)guess what the treasure is and 2) offer an idea for better blog reading here at Vykky With "Y"s.
Here's a hint! Let's see...there's a can covering an exhaust pipe of sorts and that's a spark plug...so we can assume it's a gas-powered engine of some kind. (That, and the 3 old, cracked and in pieces gas cans I found in the brush!) And, you can't see it but it's sitting on an axle with road tires on it. Hmmm...
Another hint! This is the "business end" of the contraption. Looks like pretty heavy steel to me. And hoses of some kind going which-a-way. What in the world? Post a comment to this entry (or my blog in general) and share your guess as to what this treasure might be. After a week or so, I'll see if anyone has guessed right and then will randomly pick amongst those who figured out the treasure!

Stitch Marker Experimentations

I love a rainy day. They mean I can light up the wood stove and stay inside with my knitting and other fun stuff. I was in need of some stitch markers and had finally dug out my beading supplies from the storage loft so it became a "stitch marker making" kind of afternoon. Here's some of my ideas that sort of put themselves together......
These swirly red glass beads are so cool! Hand-made and unique, they are going to look really pretty in use with my Secret of the Stole project - the one in Mist colorway that I might just keep for myself! I think I'll use the "Frog Pond" set on Janet's stole...the blue yarn will look really nice with them.
In my knitting world, every project usually has it's turn in the "Frog Pond" so it seemed appropriate for me to put together this set. The frog is a row marker - as it's a bit bigger - and the other 4 are simple stitch markers. There's a turtle, a bee, a butterfly and a floating leaf. Fun for my frogging adventures and maybe - just maybe - they'll help me keep my feet dry and out of that darned frog pond.
Last but not least is one I did up last night. I asked the Old Man to choose the bead and color to go with this sterling silver kitty. He chose a vivid blue cat's-eye glass rounder. I think he picked that one as my DD's Siamese cat; with her bright blue eyes and queenly demeanor, was sitting regally in his lap. I put it right to use on my moebius cowl. That old ugly earring had to go.
These have been fun to make and I'm going to do some more another day but I'll try the next ones not-so dangly. I like using the sterling silver charms but I also have some precious and semi-precious stone beads I want to use. I wonder if anyone would be interested in being "gifted" with a set. I just might have to do a contest for a giveaway or something. Ideas? Suggestions?

Progress on the Home Front

In recognition of my new Progress Bars (to the right in the sidebar), for which I thank Yarn Tomato...here is the infamous Moebius Cowl. Yes, I'm way late in jumping onboard the moebius boat but hey, better late than never, right? Besides, I just love Love LOVE this yarn and it's taken a few frogging adventures to find out what it wanted to become. At first, the whole cast-on and progress fought with my left-handed high IQ brain...but then the light bulb went on and my brain exhalted gleefully "This is Cool!"
And here we have the "Baby Blanket That Won't End". It's nearly done which is why I indicated it at 95%. That means I have to get off my lazy butt, weave in all those loose ends (can you say 8 skeins of yarn in this bad boy?!?) and then do the wash/freshen/block dance. THEN I'll happily wrap it up and give it to Mama-to-be. I folded it in half and then again and it measures a full 3 inches thick - lots of cushy for da baby tushy. And of course, machine washable. I hope he likes it.
No, the angle of this pic isn't off and no, I'm not messing with your head. The door is cut on an angle and is only about 4 feet tall at it's highest/inside corner point. This will eventually become my Fiber Room. Oh, I'll also stash my bead stuff and soapmaking supplies and probably the candle-making gear in here too but the point is, (and I do have one), is that it's going to be MY Space! Besides, this little Hobbitt-type room is way too small for the Old Man to ever want to muck around in. (Evil laughter echoes off the eaves...) Note also the clear shoe-boxes for future yarn storage, the shelves hauled up the steep stairway and the motivational bag of buffalo fluff.
Last but not least and way off the fiber topic is progress in other areas of the house. (Geesh, how long will I live here until I feel like I've got everything unpacked and in it's proper place?) This space is actually the foyer to the front door - which is never used. However, the Old Man had decided that it was the ideal spot to stash boxes after making a run to storage. Vykky says "NOT". So, 5 boxes and 1 large tote later, we've got a mini-library. Yes, there's still a couple of boxes hiding in there and - OH - look...it's my vacuum too! Guess I've no more excuses, huh.

Slugs Are Speedier

Having a totally detached lazy sort of day here. I should be looking for my box of beading supplies for the perfect beads to use on my SotS KAL stole. I should be working on the wood pile at the side of the driveway. I could be working on cleaning up my fiber den/craft room. I could be giving the bunnies a hair cut. Instead, I will probably curl up in my favorite Mama Bear chair with the not-yet-started moebius cowl thing or, better yet, this project for my DD for a Christmas gift.
The moebius should win out since I can no longer remember what yarn I chose for it. But that cute little beret in pistachio for my daughter will most likely be chosen. Isn't that the cutest little kit you've ever seen? It comes with it's own little mini-tote bag for dragging the project around in (or, just for keeping it safe from curious kitties). I looked through their pattern book while at my LYS today and there's a couple of things I'd like to make in there. Funny thing though, I've never knit from a pattern. I mean, yes, I've had a pattern sitting there for reference and yes, I've read and re-read them enough. But I always - Always - end up doing things my way. (No, I don't have control issues - I just like my projects to be "my" projects. My old Shrink understood and it's ok if you don't). So what will end up happening is that I'll choose...say, the camisole pattern. Then I'll do the math and use that sinfully silky bamboo stuff and a needle size I like the look of and make it several inches longer and viola! I've made a nightie. Call me weird - I'm ok with that.

Swatching Fool

Alrighty then - I've been a swatching fool. This is the new colorway - it's called Mist. I sort of like it but it's not at all something I would have chosen for myself. But...I cornered my fav gal at the ole LYS and a poor unsuspecting customer (her husband wisely hid behind the chunky yarn while this was going on), and they were both just adamant that this colorway is perfect for me. It reminds me of a misty morning sunrise over the bay with the purples, reds and blues peeking through. Pretty!

I swatched it out in 3 needle sizes. The label says to use size 2 or 3...this would be perfect for body armour. I tried the size 5 first and that was so stiff, it could be self-supporting. The size 6 were next and they weren't bad but still just too stiff. Geesh, I felt like Goldilocks! So I tried the size 7 and they seem just about right. I am probably going to do up a swatch on some size 8's - just to satisfy my curiosity. This middle pic is the swatch done on the size 7...sorry it's a bit blurry. I have no idea what sort of beads to use with this yarn though....ideas Ladies? Suggestions? Let me know!

Since I was on a roll, I did Janet's yarn on a size bigger needle too. Yum uhm ummm...I love Brittany needles! This was done on a brand new pair of size 9's. Whoa - big needles for a supposed lace project...but it'a gonna work out so good! This guage came out so soft and drape-y...it's perfect! And the clear beads with the silver lining is just right with this yarn - think sunshine sparkling off deep water.

I've Been Found!

The perfect yarn has found me! Well, as soon as I decide which of these 3 colors it is - LOL. (Oh, and this is for my very own - not to give away - Secret of the Stole KAL). The yarn itself is a Jamieson's Sprindrift Shetland. It's a 2 ply to hold stitch definition and it's in fingering weight. I seem to remember that it's about 14 wpi whereas the lace-weight I first chose was about 32 wpi. Funny thing - when I was swatching (and bumbling and cursing and frogging) the more delicate stuff, I thought "Gee, this stuff would be perfect if it were about 1/3 more of itself. And it looks like this Spindrift is exactly that! My first choice is this delightful blue. And in keeping with my "self-imposed" mariners theme, it is called Pacific. I would go with either clear or very unobtrusive co-ordinating beads with this one.

This heathery grey is called Osprey - a large bird known to sailors as the Sea Eagle (and to the Coast Guardsmen who maintain buoys and lighted waterway markers it's known as a PITA for it's determined habit of building massive nests on top of these structures). I don't know if I would use beads with this choice as it's got some accent of it's own. But again, it ties into my thinking of Old Man Neptune and such. By the way, these pics are from the Jamieson's own site. I've looked at this yarn on other web sites and it is much deeper and darker on all the others. (Whew - at the Jamieson's site, they're all a bit too "bright-sy" for me!)

This final choice - but maybe not my last or 3rd choice - is called Peat. And with my Scottish heritage (MacGregor clan on both sides, thank you!), all I can think of is tossing another peat patty on the fire! (Yes, it's that cool and damp here in the NW this morning). Besides, the deep maroon-ish color is a really good color on me. And again, since this yarn has some accent of it's own, I don't know if I'd add beads or not...we'll have to wait and see.
Cool things about this KAL...I have learned so much and we haven't even started yet! I've learned that in knitting - for me anyway - it's better to take baby steps and learn than to dive right into the deep water, get frustrated and abandon ship. I've also learned the value of using a lifeline (see previous post and laugh along with me). It's a good use for that teeny tiny thread stuff and boy howdy, are they handy to have. Reinforced to me was the lesson that when my brain tells the rest of me - enough - I'd better put it down or be prepared for a dunking in the frog pond. I'm boldly trying new things - experimenting more with yarns and needle sizes. I'm gaining more confidence with each new skill attempted/learned and feel really good about tucking said new skill into my ditty bag of knowledge. Plus, I'm getting some badly needed entertainment laughing at myself along the way. See? It's all good!
Now...to get on the phone and pester my fav LYS who just happens to be a US Stockist for Jamieson's Yarn!

Secret Swatch for Janet's Stole

Secret Swatch for Janet's Stole
Originally uploaded by vykky3630

OK...here's my second try on selecting a yarn and doing up a swatch for the SotS KAL. It's a sport-weight but it feels rather fine to my clumsy fingers - lol. It's quite soft though (as a 50% acrylic/50% merino wool) and knits up pretty nicely. The colorway is called "Marina", which should appeal to our noble leader; Nautical Knitter. I found some crystal cube beads today and am really excited that not only do they look just right with the yarn but that I learned how to add beads to my knitting!! Woohoo!! Oh...and that ugly biege string? That's a lifeline! I knew about them but had never used one. Well, today I did - twice. I laughed at myself as, after zoning out while watching the Great Blue Heron hunt the pond in the front yard...I realized I had knit straight across. And that's not all - I knit straight across 3 rows! (Boy howdy, I get an award for this one, don't I?)
I'm so ok with using this thicker yarn as the stole will be a gift to my dear friend; Janet. Now Janet knows she's a bigger girl so she won't mind too much my saying so here. And since she's a bit more "huggable" than me, the thicker yarn, bigger stitch pattern and larger size over-all should make it the perfect gift for her! The only thing is...I can't decide when I'll gift it to her. Perhaps I'll teach her about my tradition of "Just Because I Love You" Days.
AND...since all of this is going so well for me, I'm going to continue my search for the perfect yarn as fingering to make one for myself.

Monster Zucs Become Zuchinni Bread

Are you overwhelmed with zuchinni from your garden? Has your elderly neighbor been giving you those monster zucs that are as big around as a softball bat? Well, here's the recipe to beat all recipes for Zuchinni Bread...with options too!

3 eggs - organically raised are the best!
1 cup vegetable oil - a better quality is good and canola is best
2 tsp vanilla extract - and not the cheap imitation stuff!
2 cups sugar - raw (brown) works ok, just use less
2 cups shredded zuchinni (more is ok - up to another near cup)
3 cups flour - (all purpose works fine, I've even blended in rye)
3 tsp cinnamon - more is good; do it to your tastes
1 tsp baking soda - soda, not powder
1/4 tsp baking powder - powder, not soda
1 tsp (or less) salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (fresh - older nuts will add a bitter taste)
Preheat your oven to 325 and grease 2 8 X 4 loaf pans.
Beat the eggs til light and fluffy. Mix in the oil and sugar. Blend in the zuchinni and vanilla.
In another large bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, salt and nuts.
Blend. Stir the dry mix into the wet mix.
Evenly divide your batter between the 2 loaf pans and bake for 60 - 70 minutes. Turn out of pans to stop cooking after letting the pans set for just a few minutes. Wrap well once cool to keep fresh.
Experience Tips: Freezes well. Wrap in plastic (ziploc-type bags work great), then wrap in foil.This recipe doubles well...I've even made a double and a half (serious influx of monster zucs!) with no loss of quality. I'm trying a substitution of cashews for the walnuts right now and will share how well it worked later on.
Options include: add 3/4 tsp nutmeg, 1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks - juice drained and saved for another culinary adventure, 1 cup raisins. These options mandate upping the cooking temp to 350 and you'll bake the loaves for an hour (60 minutes).
Although this is what's classified as a "sweet" bread (or a coffee cake to some of us), it is beyond good when warmed with a pat of butter on a chilly morning.
We're talking sex in your hand, folks. It's that good.

Techno Weenie Alert

My "Techno Weenie" self has climbed out of her closet for a brief appearance. I've allowed her to post here a few of my favorite reference charts. This first one (to the left) is a Conversion Chart - handy for taking centimeters to inches and such. I use this one more than I thought I would for more than knitting projects.



This next chart will be useful to you fellow dye pot fiends. It helps convert US ounces to metric grams. I use it not only for dye adventures but also in my soapmaking...very handy.
And her final contribution to geekiness is a US to MM to Crochet Hook Comparison Chart. Again, I use this more than I thought I would.

Now Miss Techno Weenie Geeky Self...back in your closet!
Although, if any of you out there are feeling your geekiness today, feel free to save these images to your own desktop for easy reference.
For PC users, simply right-click and choose Save Picture As.
For Macs, I'm assuming the latest OS release still allows you guys to click and hold? Somebody let me know as I'll wonder til I fire up the laptop later and find out.
Anybody interested in a chart that shows the new yarn weight numbering sytem with a brief description and recommended needle sizes?

More Than I Can Chew

So, here I am - admitting that biting off a big ole chunk of lace project is a bit more than I can chew. No worries - calm down...I'm still going to do and am extremely excited about the lace KAL Secret of the Stole...I'm just going to try it in a fingering or even worsted weight yarn first. Let's see if I can make sense of this for you...
I've always preferred larger yarns and have done most of my many years of knitting in worsted or larger. (My thinking must be: "Bigger is Better" and then there's that whole "Instant Gratification" thing which comes with using bulky yarns). Then I was injured on the job several years ago and have lost most of the feeling in my right hand and arm...so doing delicate work is a challenge. I can no longer manage actually holding a needle in that right hand (it sucks to always be dropping both the needle and stitches), and I have to run the yarn across all 4 fingers to feel it enough to maintain any semblance of tension. So I've adopted a rather unusual method of knitting.. I prop the right needle - in my waistband, a tummy-fold (you know what those are), the crease of a thigh-meets-hip...get it? This leaves the right hand free to wrangle with the yarn with all fingers. It works but boy howdy, is it not fun to deal with fine delicate "thread".
I chose this gorgeous lace weight Merino from Italy - it's a deep teal and soft as a baby's you-know-what...but it's freaking thread! It makes my sock yarn feel like rope! (Or mooring line to the watery ones amongst us). I laughed so hard at myself as I tried and tried again to make this work. Casting on and knitting the first 3 rows was fine...delicate and nerve-wracking but OK. And you can see in the pic how open-minded I am about all of this...I have 5 or 6 sets of needles ready to try. (I was pretty determined to make this work!) Then I somehow added 3 stitches to the next row....tinked a bit but added 5 more stitches to the next row! 6 times I frogged the whole mess and started over but I must admit defeat. Here...you can see for yourself...

Now, granted, I only slid the other needle through half of the stitches but you can see...I got all catter-wampus right off the bat! Fingers can't feel it, eyes are yelling at brain which defends itself by yelling at fingers who sit there and go "Duh". Not gonna work - not gonna make myself crazy but instead, am gonna go shopping for a fingering or maybe even a worsted that "speaks" to me as being do-able for the SotS KAL.
I'm gonna do it. I just have to do it "my way".
And in maintaining my mantra of "It's All Good", I do get to brag and feel awesome about a couple of things here. First - I used the chart! Woohoo! It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought! Silly me for worrying about it...all I had to do was try. (Sheepish grin here and yes, pardon the pun). Secondly, I sit proud knowing that as I work with the smaller yarns, as I knit along with loads of other folks...I will learn to not only become more comfortable with the finer stuff but just might also pick up some tips on a better technique. How cool will that be?!?