A breather

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!

Off the needles

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

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

Also edited to link up here.

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.

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

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.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch.

Hey! Happy End-of-Daylight-Savings-Time! Upcoming-Election-Day!
First-of-November! Day-After-Halloween!

I've been a busy knitting girl - see?

Mom's birthday is Election Day, so to celebrate she's getting some requested dishclothes (yeah, I snuck in a tribute to the blue states.) Project specs: Pisgah's Peaches & Creme Cotton in the Pink Lemonade colorway done on #7 Addis and Aunt Lydia's Kitchen Cotton leftover from BYOB done on #4 Addis. The pattern is the Kitchen Cotton dishcloth from Dishcloth Boutique's website (however, the linky seems to be broken).

But before the dishcloths, I finished my Tonks socks. I love them: in fact I have them on right now. Project specs: guess what pattern using 1 skein of Opal's Harry Potter yarn in the Tonks colorway on #2 Inox needles.

The house projects keep rolling along: this month, it's the kitchen closet. This little space is under the stairs to our third floor. It's awkward and odd. My plan is to paint it with the leftover blue from the bathroom and then install wire shelving which should give us more space and make everything easier to access.

And it hasn't been all work: the CatMan and I have been enjoying the fall colors right outside our door!

The colors of Fall

The second red scarf is done - my box for the OFA is mailing off this week.

Project specs: Lamb's Pride Worsted in Blueblood Red on 10.5 Addis. I used the Enjoyable Rib pattern and yes, it was. The green wool is from my remnant basket.

This gorgeous (look -it's orange!) yarn is scheduled to become a Helena for a co-worker's little baby girl. She was born 3 months early, but is doing well! I think I'll be safe knitting the 6 month size.

And guess what else came early? The Harry Potter yarn! Of course, I immediately ignored my other projects so I could cast on for a pair of socks. From left to right: Lupin, Tonks (the one I started!), and Hedwig. I love Hedwig and think everyone should have an owl. However, my cats may not agree with that.

 

 The leaves here are gorgeous - I know my little Kodak can't do the colors justice. Hope you are enjoy your fall colors.

oOoO Pretty!

Here's a hinge before stripping:

Here they are stripped and beadblasted (one of the perks of working for a manufacturing facility!) I like the matte silver finish, but I still think I'm going to paint them glossy black to protect them from rusting. I also think the black will look better against the natural wood of the door.


While I enjoy knitting the second red scarf, I needed a little break. So I started an I-cord cushion for my desk chair (using some of the cut-up tees.)

Scarves 'n Stacks 'n Stuff

First - the knitting!

I finished Cypress Lace Ribbon and had a chance to wear it early this week (until it warmed up to summer temps again!)

Project specs: Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty using 4 skeins of Rowan Wool Cotton in Cypress Green (color SH968) on #3 Addis. I loved this yarn enough to get me through the acres of pattern repeats and have received many compliments already which I attribute to the lovely pattern, not my mad knitting skillz.

Then I (*pun alert*) blazed through my first 2008 Red Scarf using the great Harlot pattern.


The CatMan and I made the call to have the doors professionally stripped (way cheaper than I expected!) which may mean I'll have a chance to attack my reading stack.

And guess what? I had my 15 minutes of internet fame this week! (Izzie says I had nothing to do with it - she's just that purty!)

Wasting valuable knitting time

By attempting to do this - stripping paint off the upstairs doors. After 5 hours, I had only accomplished taking off the top layers. The CatMan brought home a heat gun - we'll see how that works!

But I did finally accomplish this:
This Devan is for the newest baby born in the CatMan's workplace. With 3 big sisters, I'm sure he's going to get dressed up alot! Project specs: Knit One Crochet Too's Soxx Appeal, 2 skeins of colors 9577 (the olive green) and one skein of 9500 (the blue and green ombre) on #3 needles. Pattern modifications: I knit the body on circs, eliminating side seams and I did a 2 x 2 rib for the sleeves and bottom edge.

In other news:

I love how just adding a simple mirror (cost: 1.99!!) totally changes the look above my ancient stove.

I got new glasses this week (my bifocal prescription is stronger...grrr), but the upside is I got to pick out a new case. I thought this one was perfect for my stitch holders.

And here are the last of the summer roses from the farm -

In praise of the long weekend.

I love the feeling of accomplishment. The apartment is clean, the laundry done and ironed, scones baked, and the Ukraine hats are done.

Project specs: Misc. wool remants from Kyarn's felting basket. Pattern is Seaman's Cap by Brenda Zuk, using #5 and #8 Brittany DPNS.

The Catman and I spent Saturday helping friends prepare their new home for human habitation. Dude, it took a PUTTY KNIFE to clean out the refrigerator! We were up on ladders cleaning windows, steaming off wallpaper, cutting down trees, and down on hands and knees pulling carpet staples out of the subflooring. Sore does not begin to describe the ache in our bodies. Of course, sitting in the car to drive to Boucherville's IKEA on Sunday didn't help that ache any! Once again the border patrol guard was slightly disbelieving of our IKEA receipt. "That's all you bought?" What can I say? It's not about the stuff, it's about the ideas.

Today is all about the lolling around, making some lists and gearing up for September. I hope you all have had a great holiday weekend! And don't forget, VT's Sheep and Wool Festival is next weekend!

Another Island of Misfit WIPs

Really I am not a knitter who does well with more than 2 WIPs at any one time. I get distracted and diffuse. Look! A new yarn! A new knitting pattern! A bright shiny object! So it's time to buckle down and get to work. Fall is just around the corner and I don't need any hangers-on. The hats for the Ukraine (upper left in pic) need to be done by this weekend. I have 1 1/2 hats left to go. The Devan (lower center of pic) is no longer for a co-worker's grandbaby (he would have outgrown it already) but for another little guy due in 2 months or so. And Cypress Ribbon will be done as soon as I get the #3 needle out of Devan.

This is the drawer of tee-shirts, cut up and whole for an I-cord rug melding in the back of my mind. I scored some really cheap tees at a local resale store which complement the ones I already cut up (thank you, clothes purging!) I'm not sure what size needles I'll use. Any suggestions?

Domestic tranquility

The contact papering is finished! Note the nicely organized shelves.

And I'm so much happier now that I purged

all the unwanted/stained Tupperware.

(I just found out that Chittenden County takes all plastics #1-7! Woot!)
You may not be able to see it in these pictures, but the trees in the marshy area of the Sandbar are already turning colors. That - coupled with the Halloween candy in the store today - does not bode well for summer.

Anniversaries come and go.

Sometime in the past two weeks, my blogiversary came and went with nary a nod from me. Maybe next year, we'll have a big party complete with prizes, cake and beer. This year, I'm in the home zone. Actually for the past 18 months I've been in the home zone, with the last few months being less about the renovations and more about decluttering/simplifying.

It is amazing to me that the more I declutter, the more I find to do. And I'm a purger by nature! I think a lot of it has to do with the fact this is the longest we have lived in any one place and the natural purging that happens when you move hasn't happened here in 12 years. I also find that as I get older, I get more ruthless. I have never been a sentimentalist, but now I'm finding stuff that was on the fine line between 'memory' or 'dust catcher' status has fallen decisively onto the "I don't want to clean/maintain this anymore" side of the fence. So Goodwill has received several CattyAbode dropoffs in the past month (cast iron skillets and a set of dishes, anyone?)

While I'm in the home zone, knitting is now deadline-driven only. I'm working on Chas Arthur's baby sweater, which is not speedy due to the sock yarn/#3 needle concept. And since he was born last Sunday (2 weeks early, thankyouverymuch) at almost 9 lbs, I've kicked the sweater up a size which only compounds my problem.

So it's time for me to get back to work, but I thought you might enjoy a picture of Isabelle in an empty box (I was purging old receipts and records.) I think she's honing her Serengeti skills.

Bring on the Happy

First, a FO! Jayda's Helena.

Project specs: Cascade's Cotton Rich DK #2 and #6 Addis. Pattern modifications: I shortened the skirt by one lace repeat and did a picot front edging. I'm not a big fan of self-ties, and I think this will be cute without any fasteners at all. The pattern was very easy and very fast.
 
Now on the needles: Devan for another co-worker's grandson-to-be. I'm using Soxx Appeal, which is very sproingy! But I think this sweater will be slower-going than Helena.

But the happiest moment of the whole weekend? Was realizing my favorite PA beer was 12 minutes away (by ferry).

And it's only taken me 12 years to realize it. *goes away to bang forehead on the wall*

Weekends

For some reason, I'm really enjoying weekends this month. So many times, the weekend blows by and I haven't much to show for it. However, the past 3 weekends have been a perfect melding of housework, rest, knitting, reading, and fun with the CatMan. Last night, after a wonderful light summer dinner of zucchini quiche and apple-bacon-gorgonzola salad, we went for a drive through the Islands. We live here year-round and I'm always amazed how much the summer people change the Island dynamic. There are those summer people who are the stereotypical obnoxious tourists and then there are those whose families have summered here for generations - they are the ones who bring that special 'vacation' feeling I sense when we drive around the Lake's shore.

And now for the knitting! As promised, here are some FOs.

The BYOB from Knitty. Project specs: Aunt Lydia's Baby Denim in Chambray Blue and Butter (the accent color is the orange mercerized cotton left over from the Jacquescloths). Done on #6 (the seed stitch panels) and #8 (the lace panel) circulars. The Baby Denim is not 100% cotton and doesn't seem as splitty as some all-cottons. I had a good portion of the yellow left over and some blue (probably enough to do the orange band yardage on another bag.)

And finally, the Trinity Wrap. Try as I might, I could not get a good picture of the beaded Trinity stitch insets. *sigh* But it's done. and I'm pleased with it's lightweight warmth and touch of girliness.

Project specs: Teal baby alpaca (on a cone so yardage guesstimate? Not so good!) with teal glass #8 beads using #8 Addi Turbo. The wrap is about 72" long and 24" wide.

I started Helena last night and am over halfway done. The baby shower is Wednesday and the betting pool is now open. I'm thinking it will be all done except for the front edging.