Gathering Wool

Gone but not forgotten

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:47:00 +0000

I've been gone from the blog, but it has not been forgotten. During my hiatus, I've knitted 4 pairs of Christmas wristers, two Fun Fur scarves for a co-worker, and a baby hat. I've sewn an apron. I've converted a bookcase into a coat cubby ala Pottery Barn, and I've hung the curtain dividers in my craft room. I'm also 2/3rds of the way through my Christmas shopping, have made reservations for our holiday travel, and have helped a friend explore the wonderful world of iTunes.

I also took a bunch of pictures which I think the CatMan downloaded somewhere other than on my computer.

I've been busy. You're just going to have to take my word for it.

China hutch reveal

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:36:00 +0000

Edited to participate in ASPtL's DIY day -

Since I had moved the pie safe to the craft room, I needed replacement storage in our kitchen. A new store opened near my home, which is where I found this girl in need of some lovin'.

The inside shelves were waterstained and dried out, the outside had some kind of shellac that had dripped and then dried. I had a vision of her rich and deep on the outside and Tiffany blue on the inside.

After several attempts at stripping (3M Safe Stripper didn't cut it, so I had to pull out the big stinky guns)and the first coat of Miniwax Dark Walnut, I had to put her makeover on hold. Seems humid mid-July weather was not conducive to drying. At. All. Over Labor Day weekend, I applied the second coat of stain and primed the inside with BIN. For the Tiffany blue, I mixed 1) Slate Blue, 1) Fairfax Green, and 1/3rd)Feather Blue Paint Pod from Ace Hardware. It was the perfect amount without a ton of paint left over.
Total cost of the project:
Hutch: $101.00 (95.00 and tax)
Stain and paint: $20.00
Stripper: $7.00
Primer and tools: already had.
The inside of the hutch is an accumulation of things from all different times and locations of my life. It's a mish-mash - but hey, isn't that a reflection of real life? Quirky, fun, and sometimes not making a whole lotta sense!

Give a girl a sewing machine

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:26:00 +0000

Edited to participate in ASPtL's DIY day -

And look at all the trouble she can get into! I've wanted a sewing machine for a while, and this past birthday was the time to fulfill my wish (thanks Mom!) I got a Singer Simple - nothing too fancy, but it does a few creative stitches and ...wait for it...buttonholes! The CatMan didn't quite achieve the level of awe I felt necessary when I finished my first one.

Here are a couple of 'getting to know Martha' projects. Yes, I named my machine Martha - appropriate on several levels.

Project 1: A kitty mattress. Simply a flannel baby blankie ($1.50 at Goodwill) sandwiched around a layer of cotton batting. I tried out a couple of zig-zag stitches (it doesn't look nearly as pucker-y in person). The kittehs love it.

Project 2: A 'dress' for Martha. The material is the same stuff I used on my thrifted bulletin board. I love the blowsy floral print, but must use it in moderation or the CatMan's head will explode. Cost? About $2.00 of material.

I have a few other sewing projects underway - reveals will be forthcoming. And yes, there will be buttonholes!

Speaking of birthday gifts: the CatMan surprised me with an orange iPod Nano. Which totally makes up for his lack of buttonhole adoration. Woot! It's all 80's all the time now! I love it so much and knew it needed it's own special home. Presenting the curiously strong mod-podge tin.

I mod-podged some scrapbook paper to the top and lined it with some remnant felt. Perfectly protected and easily found in my purse. Cost? Nuttin' honey.

Finally, here's a sneak peek of a big project which I'm hoping to wrap up this weekend.

Can't beat free...

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 11:18:00 +0000

Today's post is part of ASPtL's DIY day.

This is the free stool I picked up along a street near my office. Mmmm...vinyl impersonating leather. One of the legs was cracked where it joined to the base of the stool, but other than that, it was in great condition.

Here she is after a little wood glue, muslin, and grosgrain ribbon. So much happier!

Cost- Stool: free, Muslin: $3.00, Green and brown striped grosgrain ribbon: $1.29.

And here's a glimpse of a Christmas wrister (just in case you thought this had turned into a DIY blog) -

And then, sometimes it's not

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:30:00 +0000

edited to participate in -
A few weeks ago, I experienced the Essex Junction Community Yard Sale held at the Champlain Fairgrounds. Wow, what fun (of course, I went alone. Had I dragged him with me, the CatMan may have tried to put his eyes out with my knitting needles.) I picked up a sizable bag of goodies all for the grand total of $6.00. For example, this bulletin board was $0.50.

Ayep, that would be a solid wood back and frame! I needed a bulletin board for my craft room, so after some craft paint, a $2.00 JoAnn's remnant, and $0.10 velvet ribbon remnants, I now have this queen of lovely.

Stay tuned: the little flower brads in the corners of the board came from this upcoming redo...

Sometimes it's about the knitting...

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:08:00 +0000

Last weekend, we were off to PA for the CatMan's class reunion. In testament to how badly organized I was for the trip, I didn't pack my knitting stuff until the morning we left. Which is why I had the yarn, but not the correct needles for some Tilli Thomas/Berroco wristers I wanted to work on. However I did have the trusty #2 DPNS, so I was able to finish another pair of Breast Cancer Care Socks (#5!) and start a pair of sock yarn wristers for one of my nieces.

Project specs: my favorite sock pattern using Plymouth's Happy Feet (I love this yarn!)

But before I left, I finished Mrs Robinson - a lightweight shoulder shawl-lette.

Project specs: A simple triangle shawl (Ravelry should be able to help here) using 2 skeins of Berroco's Seduce Colors in Prophesy on #7 needles. I then single-crocheted an edging with some lightweight brown chenille to firm up the eyelet edging.

Maybe I should should start packing the Christmas trip knitting bag now...

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:22:00 +0000

As I have posted before, we are doing on-going work at the CattyAbode. Two years ago, I realized we had lived in the same place for 10 years and there were things I absolutely hated about my home. I was tired of 'making due' with someone else's decorating choices and living with 'one day I'll have my own place'-itis. Right now this IS my home, albeit rented, but there is no reason why I can't have things to my liking.

Here is the finished craft room:
(oops, little picture of the view into the craft room from our bedroom area. The door accesses our new storage/attic area)
Here's directly to the left of the entrance into the craft room. The pie safe is a custom piece I had made over 17 years ago. It has been in all of our kitchens until now. (Say "hi" to my Peeps.) I still have some organization to do in the pie safe.

And here is my craft desk overlooking the back 40. The vintage desk is maple with an enameled metal top (think old enameled metal camp coffee pots). I picked up the milk glass lamp for $5.00, painted the brass white, and switched out the shade with another one I had in the house. And hey, my Target chair was a whopping $14.00!

At the same store where I bought the milk glass lamp, I fell in love with this old china hutch. With the pie safe gone, I needed another storage piece in the kitchen. This is the hutch in its stripped state - this weekend I'm hoping to stain the outside and paint the inside one of those turquoise shades.

It hasn't been all about the house: meet Mrs. Robinson, a triangular scarf using Berroco's Seduce. Get it? "Mrs. Robinson, are you trying to seduce me?" Ok, nevermind.

And a helmet liner for a Reservist co-worker headed out to Afghanistan.

And of course, life would not be complete without some socks on the needles.

Summertime socks

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Annette is marinating in the knitting basket. I realized knitting 2 different lace patterns was the fastest way to make myself guano loco. So Annette cools her heels while I finished the Diagonal Lace Scarf.

Project specs: less than one skein of Berroco Sox Metallic in color 1350 (blues and greys) knit on #7 Inox needles. I knit, knit, and knit until I thought it was long enough. It blocked out to almost 6'! Plenty long enough to wrap and knot!

I didn't want to take Annette to Phoenix's knit night, so I threw some Cherry Tree sock yarn and #1 needles in my knitting bag. I cast on for the next pair of Breast Cancer Care Socks: I hope these anklets make someone as happy as my knitting them does!

A womans's prerogative

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 17:56:00 +0000

Is to change her mind. Or make exceptions. Take the "I'm not a sweater knitter" statement that I so proudly post on my sidebar. I'm not. Except for this:

(eta: while I'm developing my sweater skillz, I'm totally ignoring the photography ones)
Project specs: Abigail by C2knits (pattern on Ravelry) using 5 skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light in "Prune" on #6 and #4 Addis. So maybe it's not really a WHOLE sweater, but it's a tad more than a vest.

Ok, you're questioning my mad sweater skillz. Maybe this will convince you:
It's Annette from the Summer 2009 issue of Knitty. It's short, lacy, and cap sleeve. But definitely a sweater. Which I'm knitting. Because I'm not a sweater knitter.

An almost finished object.

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 20:12:00 +0000

May I present my new craft room. Tada!

Shew is very happy with carpeting and the patch of sunlight that she follows around the room. I'm looking for a small end table with storage options to fit under the window, and I have a Target table in mind for my sewing table. (Pictured is my $14.00 Target clearance chair! Yippee!)
In a side project, I converted my yarn storage bin to a tool caddy. I already love it: no more taking out everything from the tool box to find a nail!

Hey Look! I have a blog!

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sat, 30 May 2009 15:21:00 +0000

It's been a month??? Nope - I haven't been sitting on the sofa, eating bon-bons and watching Oprah.

I've finished the Springtime Vest:

Project specs: 3 skeins of Kraemer's Little Lehigh in Spring Green using #6 Inox circs. I made the pattern up.

The 4th pair of Breast Cancer Care Socks:

Project specs: 2 skeins of Plymouth's Happy Feet in #3 (a pretty milk chocolate brown with flecks of other colors) on #2 needles using my favorite pattern.

Started Abigail:

Started a scarf:

Put the first coat of paint on the new craft room's walls: (paint is Sherwin-Williams "Dromedary Camel")

Planned and went on a 9 day vacation to PA (n0 pictures were taken to protect the guilty and the innocent!)

I think I need a little nappy.

Things you find while spring cleaning -

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:32:00 +0000

I finally did something with the OCD mitered squares! I sewed them all together and had just enough to cover this pillow. I love it! So colorful! So much fun to see all the different sock yarns! It's amazing to me that I had enough for this pillow as well as a large portion of the sock yarn scarf still on the needles (currently waiting for me to finish up some more socks to feed it's ever-lengthening self!)

Project specs: Leftover sock yarn knit up into mitered squares on #3 needles. My cast-on was 29 stitches for each square.

I have also cast on for a spring-y version of the Tweedy Vest. The yarn is "Little Lehigh", manufactured by Kraemer Yarns, the same manufacturer as the tweedy yarn for my grey vest. I'm also sticking to the same improvised pattern. The grey vest fits so well, I'd be foolish to mess with it!

And look who's been hanging out in my knitting basket while we're sleeping! One night a few weeks ago, I found Mr. Pip curled up on the Danish shawl in my knitting basket. At first he was worried I was going to shoo him away, but how could I deny him? He loves my knitting as much as I do! So he gets to sleep in the basket when I'm not using it. Of course, the rest of the Catty family is not pleased they don't get the same privileges.

Rut-row!

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 21:24:00 +0000

As I was getting ready to post about the squares for the Kyarns' Charity Knit Project, I realized I have a problem. Somehow, I got it into my head the squares were supposed to be 18 x 18". Rereading the info from Kyarns' site, I see the squares are supposed to be 13 x 13". Yep, a definite problem.

But in the meantime, enjoy the pretty -

And here is where all the yarn came from - my Danish Shawl

Project specs: 6 skeins of Encore Worsted, 1 each in colorway 6002, 0451, 0515, and 9401 and 2 skeins of Encore Colorspun in 7126 on 10.5 circs. The pattern is my own. (For the blanket squares, I also added 1 skein of 1014)

In other news: the osprey have come back to nest - Spring is officially here!

Spring Cleaning

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:17:00 +0000

I'm on a 'use it or lose it' vacation this week. So I decided to do a little spring cleaning. The problem with this idea is though the calendar says 'Spring', the weather is still 'Winter'. It's still too chilly to wash and store the down comforters or take down the curtain at the top of the stairs but I am tidying and cleaning nooks and crannies (Goodwill is getting a visit from me tomorrow!) I also started ripping off more of the hall wallpaper, but it's very very slow going: I think I'm going to have to rent a steamer. If that doesn't work, I'm going to graffiti over it. (Ok, not really...but I'm tempted.)

Some good news: we now have access to the new room. It's still in need of moulding, electricity, and flooring but we have light instead of a view of green garbage bags. Now to settle on a paint color...

And I resisted the siren song of the sock scarf to finish the third pair of Breast Cancer Comfort socks. Project specs: 2 skeins of Plymouth Happy Feet in colorway #4, a rich multidimensional red.

I have a little problem

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Anyone who has read this blog for a while knows I'm not a multi-WIP person. 2 projects are usually my modus operandi: a small take-along project, and a larger, stay at home project. I'm merrily knitting along my red socks and Danish shawl when a thought occurred to me. "I should see if I have enough sock yarn remnants to knit a scarf". There, my friends, was my error. Out came the sock yarn drawer, little walnut-sized (and some orange-sized) leftovers were tossed into a basket, and I cast on. And immediately stopped knitting on anything else.

It's hypnotic I tell you. Between watching the color changes and the contents of the basket dwindle down, I don't want to do anything else.

This might not have been a good idea...

Here comes the sun!

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:56:00 +0000

What a glorious weekend in my neck of Vermit! Sure, it was cold but the sun was promising spring right around the corner. I even saw some muskrats making forays out into the open. Izzy has been basking in the new window, and the cluster flies have been emerging (I know...ewww..but hey, spring's coming!)

To celebrate, I crafted a Dumpling Bag from Interweave Knits Fall 2008. Since I am using glass rings, I opted for just one instead of the two the pattern calls for - I didn't want to take the chance on breakage. The knot can be easily undone if I want to open the bag all the way. I do have to felt it some more: when I used the bag earlier this week, my dpns poked through a bit.

A current WIP is my version of the Danish tieback shawl. I'm using Plymouth Encore in several different colors. KYarns is hosting a charity knit project using Encore, so all my leftover bits will not go to waste.

And for my travel project, I started a 3rd pair of socks for the Breast Cancer Center in Plymouth's Happy Feet. This pic doesn't do the red justice: it's very rich with lots of variations. In other news, the window is drywalled and the other (old exterior) window has been pulled out. So on the CatMan's side of the bed, we are looking at a wall of green trash bags stretched over the hole leading into the new space. The first night with this new arrangement, we realized the cats had emerged from their hiding places (the workmen don't believe we really have 6 cats - they've only seen 2) , pried a corner of the plastic back, and had gone exploring in the new space. Not wanting to lose a cat down between the walls or into a nook that hadn't been closed up yet, we took it upon ourselves to do a little preventive construction much to the disappointment of the intrepid cat explorers. Hopefully, their disappointment will be short-lived and we'll be able to use the space by the end of this month!

Sometimes it's about the knitting

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:42:00 +0000

For instance, here's my lastest FO, a pair of picot-edged anklets for the Breast Cancer Care Center. I think the Tilli Tomas cashmere blend makes nice, soft, comfy bed footies.

Work continues on the new room in our aparment. Because of the addition's roofline, one window had to be moved. It was a little claustrophobic this week until our new window went in yesterday. There's plastic over the insulation, so no cats have been harmed in the construction of this window.

I didn't get a pic of Isabellie hanging out in the sunlight patch on the floor, but I have a feeling there will have plenty of other photo ops.

One of the last tweaks I needed to do in the bathroom was line the ancient metal medicine cabinet (rusty and dirty!) I was on a hunt for a paper that would blend with the pale green side panels of the cabinet, yet still work with the rest of the room. I found this contact paper which is almost exactly matches the faux marble of the vanity. Score! So while carpenters were buzzing and hammering, I prettified the cabinet.

The little stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:40:00 +0000

Wrapping up loose ends in my knitting basket -

I finished one set of Breast Cancer Socks.

Project specs: Regia's Kaffee Fassett Colors in "Easter" on #2 needles using the old standby sock pattern.

I immediately cast on for the next pair, using up the cashmere blend from my Christmas collar. These are going to be picot anklets.

I also decided to try my hand at some crochet. This is pretty much the only stitch I know, but it's using up my cotton stash.

All the cool kids

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 17:29:00 +0000

Seem to be making this scarf. Not to miss the bandwagon, I jumped on with my version.

Project specs: I cast on 28 stitches using Araucania Aysen in color 807 (pale turquoise/yellows/terra cottas) with 1 skein of Malabrigo worsted in Azalea (red-purples) on #10.5 bamboo straights. Knitting this scarf is very hypnotic: not only is the pattern rhythmic, but watching the stripes emerge is impetus to keep knitting far past the hour to go to bed.

I'm working on the 2nd Breast Cancer Comfort sock, but I'm also winding yarn for a big ol' Dumpling Bag. 'Cause I can't have too many bags *snorts*.

And for you Joann crafters out there: 50% off baskets this weekend! Meet my new home for the non-transportable works.

A breather

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:42:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's been a month since Christmas break! Actually, it's not that hard since this is the first I've really had to catch up my blog and read some others.

We had a great time in PA (nice not to have to be home for the 2nd!) However, we picked up the creeping cold crud so we were down and out with that for a bit. Topped off with inventory time at work and below zero temps, there has been a lot of 'doing nothing' when I'm actually home.

Today, I gave the apt. a thorough cleaning (which hadn't been done since Christmas), did 6 loads of laundry, and have a pot roast simmering in the crockpot. I'm sifting through the paperwork on my desk - when that's done, it's knitting-on-the-couch time!

I'm thrilled that I finished this vest (dangerously close to a sweater, but not!) in a month. I'm even more thrilled that it fits just like I wanted it to!

Tweedy Vest

Project specs: Kraemer Yarns' Tatamy Tweed (45% Cotton, 55% Acrylic) in "Flannel". I majorally edited a shell pattern from Plymouth by adding 2 x 2 ribbing on all edges and the side panels. I also changed the scoop neck to a V-neck and added waist shaping. I love it so much I think I might do another one in a more spring-y color.

Who knows, maybe there IS a sweater on my 2009 horizon!

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:45:00 +0000

Some FOs to share:

A springy scarf for a co-worker -
Project specs: 1 skein of Araucania Aysen in colorway 605 in a 3 x 1 rib on 9.5 bamboos.

And the 3rd Helena for a Christmas baby -

Project specs: 3 skeins Cascade Cotton Rich DK in colorway 1198 on #6 and #2 Addis.

Then a little something for the CatMan -

Project specs: 1 skein Plymouth Happy Feet in the olive green colorway in a 2 x 2 rib on #2 needles.

This weekend, I'm hoping to finish up the Tweedy Vest, or at least one sock I'm working on.

A whirlwind in a snowstorm

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 21:30:00 +0000

Today kicks off the frenzy of preparations for our annual "can't hit a moving target" tour of PA. We leave Wednesday (though I hear rumors of a nor'easter). The gifts are bought and wrapped, the checklist is made, cat care arranged, and reservations confirmed. Today is cleaning and laundry, tomorrow is 'find home for refrigerator perishables', and Monday and Tuesday are 'pack clothes and stuff and figure out how to fit it all in the rental car'. All of this around our regular work schedules (in which I'm training two people to cover my workload).

We had a beautiful snowfall last night and the CatMan is taking advantage of it by hiking/climbing at Smuggs. I've been finishing off projects left and right to empty the bag for the travel knitting.

First off is a felted CD basket made from scraps. I used the Cocktail Monkey purse pattern from Knitty as a template.

Then a Bubby to go with R's Helena - Project specs: The Bubby pattern uses about 1/2 skein of Wildflower DK on #3 DPNs.

And then I finished off a Christmas collar out of Tilli Tomas' Peonies. The pattern is a simple lace rib. It's light and warm and will be great for travel.

The closet

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Edited to participate in ASPtL's DIY day:

As you've probably noticed, we have been slowly but surely

updating/freshening the CattyAbode. Here's it the latest project.

I used Sherwin Williams' Open Air paint leftover from the bathroom project to paint the entire closet, then covered the floor and baseboard with 2 coats of polyurethane. The Rubbermaid shelving is from Lowe's and was artfully installed by the increasingly handy CatMan.

And I'm very excited about THIS project, which probably won't be tackled until the spring.

This space was to be an unfinished attic on the new addition my landlord and lady are building. But this week we found out it's going to be finished! The area is right off our current bedroom. We lost our upstairs windows to the addition, but the new space is going to have a dormer and hopefully a window or two on the end (straight ahead in the pic). I'm still pondering and waiting for some additional details, but right now it's melding into a craft room/closet area.

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 15:14:00 +0000

I am spending the Thanksgiving holiday puttering and futzing around the house. I'm knitting, reading (finished 2 books, now am on the third!), and wrapping up home projects. Oh, and there's been napping and shopping too! Ah, the life of leisure.

First, another finished Helena. This one is for a friend's little preemie girl who is doing very well and will hopefully be home by Christmas.

Project specs: Cascade Yarns' Cotton Rich DK in color 1457 (cantaloupe) on #6 and #2 needles. Project mods: only 5 lace repeats, a picot front edge, and no ties. This pattern is so much fun and fast gratification. I think all my friends should only have girl babies so I can knit this for them.

I also finished my Christmas knitting. These tawashies are going to be gifted with handmade soaps.

Project specs: Circular Scrubby knit in Cotton Rich DK and Wildflower DK remnants from the stash. Another fun, fast project as well as a stashbuster.

The current car project is a comfort shawl for Fletcher Allen's Breast Cancer Center. If you are interested in how you can knit for the Center, post in the comments and I'll get you the information. So far, I've have 5 people from Rav's VT Knitters show interest.

And here's what's next up on the needles. mmmmcashmeremmmm.

Peace and Quiet

noreply@blogger.com (Dusa) — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 15:07:00 +0000

Is something I don't have right now because the CattyHome is undergoing some construction. Our landpeople are adding an addition that will include new office space for the CattyLandlord and a sunroom/wave pool (which will hopefully be open to the CattyTenants.) Today's scheduled events are a bit screwed up, so I think we will spend the rest of our day in quieter locales. But first a little knitting content:

Here's a Helena for the newest female baby in my world. I do love knitting this pattern: it's fast, interesting, and turns out beautifully. I'm knitting it with the same mods I did for Jayda's Helena: no ties, picot edging up the front, and only 5 lace pattern repeats.

I also finished Gareth's Christmas Stocking. This project was a gift for a friend: I needed to created a Christmas stocking for a new member of the family by replicating one of their current stockings. Color knitting combined with acrylic yarn was not my first choice - or even second - but I think they will happy with the results.

Since it's a rainy, cool day here, I think we are off to the bookstore for coffee and quiet. And while I'm there, I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick up this.