sokk girl

Wake Up

2012-01-26T14:38:00.003-06:00

When I wake up, I like to knit a bit before readying for work. I should not do knitting requiring that I count, tho.

Sweden Knitting

2011-12-28T16:42:00.007-06:00

THIS was at my LYS (The Yarnery, St. Paul, MN, USA):

I have been anticipating the publication of Karin Kahnlund's book! At Saterglantan, in 2010, I took her course in Traditional Swedish Knitting Techniques. Amazing!

Karin was speaking of her book at that time, whetting my appetite!
It is a stunning book!

Licorice and Knitting

2011-12-27T18:25:00.003-06:00

Today was a great, GREAT mail day! Received the new issues of "Everyday Food" and "Vogue Knitting" as well as a letter from Fairview Ridges (they will no longer offer gastroenterological servces, which I may no longer want) and a special letter from our "Hockey Friend" in Finland along with a nice licorice gift!

I am just about to cuddle in with some food reading and knitting reading and licorice eating!

Pizza Sunday

2011-12-12T06:50:00.003-06:00

I was hungry for veggie pizza . . . Pomi tomato sauce with Penzy's Italian Blend spices, fresh green pepper, onion and mushrooms on Kowalski's frozen pizza dough crust. This is 1/3 of the dough.

Quiet

2011-12-05T11:39:00.001-06:00

It's been a lot quiet here.

Good-ly Redness

2011-08-20T09:10:00.002-05:00

This package arrived from Etsy:

Who doesn't LOVE Cracker Jacks?

And, red platform clogs that fit perfectly?

From the Garden

2011-08-07T10:02:00.004-05:00

Garden goodliness: see the little tomatoes . . . and basil peeking out from under all that cheese? There are onions, too!

More garden goodliness on yogurt!

Grocery Trip

2011-07-17T19:59:00.005-05:00

A nice grocery (Rimi) was located a few blocks up the hill behind our hotel in Bergen. They had these nice grocery totes:

And, this nice beer.

Copenhagen is a "crisp refreshing beer brewed with all natural ingredients & cold filtered for purity". And, it's shelf-neighbor "Budweiser".

Visting Oleana

2011-07-16T17:40:00.007-05:00

The BEST, best day!

Visiting my DREAM JOB of putting sleeves (or collars, in this case) on Oleana sweaters in the Oleana factory (video here) outside of Bergen, Norway!

There are big machines like this:

But I probably would be better suited to the smaller hand machines.

And, the beer sweater . . .

Sogn Fjord Bunad

2011-07-15T11:16:00.013-05:00

During sjonaleister class, we had a little outing to Bergen Husfliden. In the window were several examples of men's and women's bunad dress. Our teacher, Hege-Theresa, gave us a "tour" and talked of the costumes to our class.

Of interest to me was the costume for Sogn Fjord, the larger region where my family emigrated from Norway through Canada to southern Wisconsin.

The small inverted "v's" and loops represent the mountains and water of the Sogn Fjordan region.

And, there was more good food to look at and eat from Godt Brod baked goods store.

More on the (Sjonaleister) Beautiful Socks

2011-07-14T08:50:00.007-05:00

The inside of the sjonaleister sock cuff looks like this:

And, knitting the sjonaleister on size 0000 needles looks like this:

The street on the way to class in Bergen was a "textile street" with these welcoming little flags:

SJONALEISTER

2011-07-12T19:58:00.020-05:00

In Bergen, I attended a course to make this sock:

The sock, SJONALEISTER (means "beautiful sock"), is a traditional Norwegian knit sock using a twined knitting technique for the cuff, and top. The twining results in the knits and purls looking like a rich braid and makes a dense, unyielding cuff fabric.

The socks were traditionally worn for special occasions (i.e., weddings, feasts and funerals). I particularly
enjoyed the "feasts" as each morning in the hotel, we have breakfast--a feast.

2011-07-11T07:16:00.006-05:00

We ate at Wayne's Coffee (Sweden's Starbuck's) with our friend in Uppsala. This is my meal. Pasta with tomato sauce, yummy side of fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions and cucumbers with some dressing and cheese. Under the pasta is a huge serving of cream cheese and feta. The bread was dark, moist and had more cream cheese/feta to spread on it!

And, then flew to Bergen, Norway.

And, Flybussed to the city.

Yarn Shop

2011-07-10T07:58:00.011-05:00

My favorite yarn shop in Sweden is Yll o Tyll.

They have yarn:

A nice place for My Husband to sit:

And, a nice door stop:

Sweden Candy

2011-07-09T21:00:00.003-05:00

I love this about Sweden!

Barista

2011-07-08T07:04:00.005-05:00

When traveling to Uppsala, I have one cafe destination in mind. Until I eat at Barista, I do not feel like I have arrived! We got a small sandwich to go . . . all very ecological (wooden silverwares) and recycled paper goods.

I asked the young girl about the bulgar salad. She gave me the information on the note for making it. Gurkmeja is tumeric. The salad is bulgar, red onion, cucumber, chick peas, etc. with some arugula.

Mmmmm.

Uppsala, SE

2011-07-07T20:13:00.008-05:00

We left Gavle early on a Saturday morning to visit Uppsala. Upon check-in at our hotel, we quickly made our way here, to the loppis:

and bought this (and more!):

The striped shirt is a hand-made work-style shirt that fits perfectly. It had a funky smell, but that is gone with the washing. In the background, a woven house-rug and the brown-brown is a skirt.

Linen

2011-07-06T08:51:00.005-05:00

On Sandwich Day, when visiting friends in Bollnas, we took a small trip to a flax/linen factory (here: http://www.vaxbolin.se/). As the factory workers were on their lunch break, we got a small self-guided tour of the machines and fiber. And we did love the barrels of linen!

The factory store was full of goodies--table goods, fabric pieces, YARN, buttons, post cards, etc.!

2011-07-05T07:02:00.004-05:00

We spent our first days in Gavle, SE. Upon arrival, it was rainy and cold and a long walk to our hotel from the train. We found a warm coffee and sandwich shop, then more waiting for our hotel. The following days were sunny and had just-right temperatures for walking around. We found this:

And, this:

Sitting Around

2011-07-04T15:52:00.005-05:00

While waiting (long, long, longly waiting) for the plane from Chicago to Stockholm, I went to the window at the gate to take this picture (below). I met this woman (http://mariasgarnhandelser.blogspot.com/).

She had some glorious knitting in her lap. I could not resist an inquiry. We talked about knitting and waiting and Ravelry.

Sandwich Day

2011-07-03T07:15:00.004-05:00

We have spent the last two weeks tromping around Sweden and in Bergen, NO. One of our stops in Sweden was a nice little sandwich shop (near Bollnas, SE). The sandwiches were heavenly and the company of friends matching the sandwiches (heavenly, also)! The sandwich cafe had a little accompaniment bar with some mystery red sprouts (beet root). They were just pretty!

Pin Cushion

2011-05-21T18:45:00.004-05:00

Scored this nice pin cushion at the "Antiques in an Apple Orchard" show (from J. Wornstyle Antiques) this weekend in Stockholm, WI. Along with other nice items, this came home. All of the beads seem intact, but the silk background has faded and fell away a bit. It's quite nice.

Yarnover 2011

2011-05-01T11:58:00.005-05:00

L'overs and R'unders Braid Class with Susanna Hansson was amazing . . . once again, as Susanna is such a personable, kind teacher. There was this little sign on the door, tho.

This is my little wristlet sample . . . pokey and slow knitting did not get me very far, but learning was the task!

Fox River Socks

2011-02-18T06:56:00.001-06:00

Fox River is high fashion . . . here:

http://www.globegazette.com/mcpress/news/local/article_bff54028-3953-11e0-8cbf-001cc4c002e0.html

Relaxed

2010-12-31T12:06:00.003-06:00

When really relaxed, patterns abound.

No need for matching, no Garanimals are found.

Sisu Knitting and Weaving Workshop

2010-12-29T09:12:00.017-06:00

A brief visit to Sisu Knitting and Weaving Workshop resulted in yarn goodliness. Sisu sells Green Mountain yarns, which I do not remember seeing in my metro area LYS's. The green sweater is knit in Mountain Mohair. Susan's table reminded me of Meg Swanson's Sea of Sweaters table in class at Yarnover 2010.

A few years ago, I bought the pattern and yarn for these stripey mittens at Sisu. I have knit, unknit, re-knit and unknit them. They are knit quite tightly and I just could not get the just-right fit of Susan's shop sample pair (smaller of two shown).

Sometimes I find One in the Knitting World who says something to me that results in a knitting ah-ha. Or, ahh. Sisu Susan said something like "my gauge may be different than your gauge". In the store, in the moment, it sounded more prolific and profound than my indirect quote, but a big ahah, nonetheless. She also said something like "they were knit on (US) size 2 needles". I think I was knitting on (US) size 3's. These two utterances from my short mitten conversation will result in re-knitting, but with new understanding and possibly a pair of mittens!

Sisu Susan also sells patterns that are appealing! I did not resist these as well.

Sisu is a just-right yarnshop fit for me. Not too overwhelming with tons of yarns and projects, cozy, cuddly and warm. There is also the sense of not visiting regularly, so it's like a present. Nice gift.

Snowy Goodness

2010-12-28T06:38:00.002-06:00

We were Up North for the Holiday and rented a cabin outside of Ely, MN.
Lots of snow for pictures, nice frost and fog in the morning over the lake.
Beautiful.

2010-12-05T16:01:00.001-06:00

Nice lighted snow in the night . . .

Winter is here . . .

2010-11-21T08:21:00.001-06:00

Shortbread Sunday

2010-11-14T11:47:00.007-06:00

Found this shortbread recipe after looking at several (with brown sugar, heart shape, etc.):

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter

Directions

1. In a medium bowl combine flour (unbleached) and sugar (white). Using a pastry blender, cut in butter (salted) until mixture resembles fine crumbs and starts to cling. Form the mixture into a ball and knead until smooth.

2. Here, I stopped following the directions. Well, actually before "form the mixture into a ball . . . " I stopped the directions. Instead forming a ball and rolling it, I put the crumbs into a small glass dish and patted to satisfaction. I did not cherish touching the dough with my hands and potentially getting dough all over. I thought, "What would Martha Washington (or insert other woman of history) do?" and decided on a plastic salad tossing spoon with just-right flatness and curved-ness for best patting.

It turned out a little crispy, but tasty. Next time, less "brown" color required.

Snowman

2010-11-13T14:39:00.002-06:00

Cute, cute, CUTE!

2010-11-11T17:50:00.003-06:00

This little thing is cute.

2010-11-07T10:57:00.006-06:00

After visiting the Sock Sale, we visited Ewe and Eye. I made a nice little purchase and got a nice little bag. The bag on the left, filled with socks, so I got a wrapped, swanked out bag.

And a nice buggy ride home.

Fox River Sock Sale

2010-11-07T10:19:00.012-06:00

We visited the Annual Fox River Sock Sale 2010 in Osage, IA again.

After gathering all the socks that we found interesting and cheap, we met and tried to narrow our choices. My Husband was the best sorter and bagger.

Then, we brought them home and showed them off. The ones with the little white and black label and the outline of a fox (head) were $1 USD. The FRM's were $2 USD. Everything else was $3 USD per pair.

Twined Knitting

2010-10-17T08:03:00.008-05:00

Doesn't this look beautiful?

The long-awaited Twined Knitting (Tvåandsstickat) book has been re-published in Sweden . . . found it here:
(http://saterglantan.e-line.nu/servlet/us_pyra?wts.PAGE=h_ix3.htm&wts.ACTION=loginguest&p=H at Saterglantan Butiken)

Thank you, knit friend, for the reminder!

Buttons

2010-10-16T07:48:00.009-05:00

Okay, I am such a band-wagon-eer. I read "Needled" (Kate Davies) blog quite faithfully, so when she posted on about finding buttons from this collection being sold (here: http://www.nicholsbuttons.co.uk/index.html), I had to check it out. And, found the most amazing glass buttons from the 40's and 50's that were made by a gentleman and being sold by his daughter (in the UK).

I ordered a pair of butterscotch glass buttons that are quite sizey (shown in photo, top). They came yesterday! Aaah.
My favorite part, and the "seller" for me was that the maker used odd metal buckles, findings and adornments, etc. to imprint the face of the button. In this case, the buttons I purchased have little indentations and dots. I do not like shiney, so when I found these matte glass buttons, whalah.

Now, I must dream up something to knit for them. I almost slept with them for dream-ability.

2010-10-11T19:38:00.002-05:00

Sunday morning scones . . . regular and plain. Yumm!
There were four before I took the picture.

Sweden Yarn Mail

2010-10-10T12:49:00.007-05:00

From a visit to Uppsala, Sweden, an awaited package arrives chock full of yarnly goodnesses. The grey and multi-colored yarn (top, left) is for a stripy sweater, Noro sock yarn (top right) for a pair of stranded-design wristlets/fingerless gloves and the hand-dyed red cotton (bottom, center) is NYD (not yet designated). Yumm!

All from here:

Today

2010-10-03T09:24:00.002-05:00

Bathroom. Check.
Knitroom supplies, find pattern/yarn information. Check.
Kitchen counters. Check.
Organize cupboard space.
Knitroom.
Bedroom.
Oven.
Outside plants.

More work.

Noted.

Vintage Goods

2010-09-13T07:16:00.006-05:00

At the Clear Lake, IA show--Antiques on the Square (aka: Antiques in the Park), I found this little painted (by friend, Sherry) wooden coffee pot thingey and loaded it up with vintage jewelry (from friend, Sherry's Mom).

And, this weird vintage "shirt"-over that might be useful someday for something.

Pretty great for Labor Day!

Postal Treat

2010-09-12T15:08:00.002-05:00

My Daughter sent me a nice treat by post.

Most needed are the ceramic buttons for a sweater that now I must finish!

Oronocco Gold Rush 2010

2010-08-23T18:28:00.012-05:00

Some nice buttons,

some tins and a tool,

some needles and some stitched goods, and

a nice sack.

Shawl

2010-08-06T10:09:00.001-05:00

Completed.

Graffiti

2010-08-05T07:24:00.006-05:00

When we were in Uppsala, SE, I was attracted to, and photographed, the graffiti around town.
I do not know what any of it means, but love the texture and coloration.

New Word

2010-07-30T16:35:00.003-05:00

I have read Needled, by Kate Davies for some time now . . . her words of recovery and strength sometimes balance my day, or my moment. I sometimes feel yucky and she helps me not. And, I love her knitting. I read her before her blogging about her recovery.

I remembered a phrase that she used some posts ago, but could not remember it. I went searching and found it on her blog, May 16.

HOO-FOOKIN-RAH!!!

I do not think it is a swear word, apologizing, if so. I just like it.

So, HOO-FOOKIN-RAH!!! about whatever it is that I am thinking.

HOO-FOOKIN-RAH!!!

2010-07-30T16:19:00.003-05:00

Nice garden treat . . .

Saterglantan Knitting Course 2010

2010-07-30T08:00:00.012-05:00

The recent course "Knitting with Traditional Swedish Patterns and Techniques" held at Saterglantan School in Insjon, SE was amazing! Rich in history, technique, inspiration; and, conducted in Swedish. The course instructor, Karin Kahnlund, apprised me frequently of what she was lecturing of. After some translation attempts before taking the course and a shallow familiarity with knitting techniques and history, I did get the "jist" if it. Did I mention that I do not speak Swedish? No.

Karin provided countless examples and samples, then put us to work each day. It was mostly open-ended in work; however, the focus was studying an area (or two) in Sweden each day and learning of the history and techniques unique to the area.

These were samples and patterns for samples provided by Karin. I spent most of my class work time translating the patterns so I could make sure of accurate details.

And, did some knitting!

I am currently working on completing samples and blocking them. Many of my knitting ideas take the shape of fingerless gloves, so am excited about this work!

The yarn primarily used was Kunst Strikkegarn. It easily spit splices and blocks magically and has lovely, bold colors, including gray.

2010-07-27T05:32:00.017-05:00

We arrived in Uppsala, SE on July 15, staying at the Hotel Uppsala. The rooms were in the process of renovation, so we had a small, dingy room to start, but b'fast was amazing. And the staff very helpful!

We went on a nice walk to the castle, church and botanical gardens in Uppsala. This is the most walking that I have accomplished in over one year. So, all of the scenery was stunning, fresh and photograph-able!

On one of our walks, we found a small marketplace with various meats and cheese, candies and baked goods from Holland. They had beautiful cheese.

Sandwiches at Barista with a mystery salad made of cucumber, onion, some type of coarse bulgar (yellow), all difficult to replicate, so savory to the last bite!

Flowers from Sweden

2010-07-26T17:57:00.005-05:00

My Husband did a "Ding and Ditch" to me this afternoon. He left this nice bouquet and message. He's a nice Husband.

The flowers are from our garden and the note from his heart.

Toad-ville

2010-06-18T19:11:00.003-05:00

Not a frog.

Birch Leaves Dyeing!

2010-06-14T07:05:00.008-05:00

Have been wanting to dye some yarn with birch leaves . . . we have a variety of trees in our neighboring park. So, this was the day!

I was going to take a photo of the yarn before dyeing . . . and this magazine happened to be waiting on my bench! This is the yarn (above photo) before color!

Heating the birch leaves (below) over an open fire "pit" that My Husband crafted.

The result! I was sorely disappointed as I was cooking the yarn on the stove . . . it was coming out a murky, dull, brown-grey-green, but after rinse, rinse, rinse, soap, rinse, rinse, rinse--an amazing, bold, bright green!

2010-06-06T14:05:00.001-05:00

Wool wares:

From Ewe and Eye in Osage, IA.

Sun Rise

2010-06-05T06:46:00.004-05:00

My Husband got me up at 5:35 this morning to see this:

And this:

Patons Classics in Kroy

2010-05-28T05:50:00.002-05:00

The Amazon Wishlist--making wishes come true!

Sock Machine

2010-05-09T19:14:00.007-05:00

Have been trying to convince My Husband to bring my Sock Machine from My Mother's home to our home. He has been reluctant as I do not have anywhere to "put" it. So, I've decided to smuggle it in, one piece at a time . . .

Here is my first heroic effort. I know this is not an actual part, but a good first try.

And, the manual, nonetheless!!!

Feeling a little like Miss Marple!

New Boots and Not Toe-Up

2010-04-25T11:25:00.005-05:00

Firstly, I scored these cute, cute, cute boots at the Lucky store at MOA.

10 minutes = new boots.

Nextly, do not ever let me toe up again.

Pee Ess: I do NOT love this pattern, have complained about it since beginning, and do NOT LOVE this pattern even more!

Yarn for the Stash

2010-04-24T08:17:00.000-05:00

Yarnerly goodness from Yarnover!

Yarnover

2010-04-18T08:22:00.003-05:00

Sea of sweaters from Meg Swanson's Two-Color Knitting class (and similar fare of EPS class) at Yarnover, MKG in MN.

Fuzzy Mittens

2010-04-10T08:17:00.005-05:00

I received a package of fuzzy, warm goodliness the other day . . . results from sharing. Completely unexpected. Little did the giver know, I was having one of my craptastic days. This kind gesture made my day much better . . . much, much better!

And, I loved the little crafted note . . .

Spoons

2010-04-04T09:01:00.004-05:00

"Needled", aka: Kate Davies (of Paperdoll Sweater and Owls Sweater fame), has been blogging of her stroke recovery. I LOVE, love, LoVe her knitting and wish her wellness right off! She blogged about having "spoons" today . . . worth a read here:

http://needled.wordpress.com/2010/04/04/sleep-is-an-activity/

Click on the "spoons" link that Kate put up . . . this is how I have felt for exactly one year (from Easter Sunday last year when I suspect I first got sick). Aargh.

But, then, I got nothing on Kate.

"Needled" also wrote an amazing article in Rowan Magazine 47! I linked to Sticks on my blog page. Worth another read!

NOTE: In two weeks, I will have a Yarnover hangover!

Cheering Buddy

2010-03-28T12:55:00.004-05:00

This red bear guy has been my Cheering Buddy this week . . . as you can tell, not a lot of sympathy. Does not take a lot of back talk. Whining does nothing.

Cute, tho!

I think I'll knit him a sweater.

Yummy Soft Scarf

2010-03-25T19:27:00.006-05:00

This yummy wool scarf was naturally-dyed by "Stockholm Botanicals".

Dyed with marigold flowers using a unique technique that intrigues me--a skiff of magic with some extra-good stuff sprinkled in, then slightly stewed and given a little waAHh-lahh, I believe!

Scandinavian Treasures

2010-03-24T10:16:00.009-05:00

Went on a little visit and a shop.

I found this nice hood with stitching and thought it might make a nice pattern for knitting.

In my head, I was thinking about the price of the bonnet. How much would I spend on a knitting pattern? Well, this much. But how much would I spend for a challenge! I want to graph this, and then have an idea for the lacy border and decorative edge stitching. It might become something, maybe not. Really cool, tho!

And, I was smitten with these woven apron bands. They remind me of tiny, petite bands that I saw in the Zorn Museum in Sweden on the Vesterheim Textile Tour 2007. The bands on the apron are generously long. And, very finely woven.

Good day with sunshine, little birds, nice friends and shopping!

Oh, I almost forgot. I added to my nostepinne collection. Photos eluded me, so you'll just have to imagine! Think MUSEUM! Carving, and the initals S. O. daintily carved in the side. And, a little rattley wood piece.

Hook Inn

2010-03-14T08:22:00.008-05:00

Last weekend, I attended a Hook-In. I am calling it a Hook-Inn as I ended up at the Country Inn. My Mom was sick with a Mystery Virus, so I was not able to stay with her. And, I took the FREE shuttle to/from (and sometimes FREE ride from a friend) to the Hook-In at the Rochester Athletic Club (Rochester, MN).

There was yummy dyed wool from To Dye For

and, this is my Try Project.

I have already learned a LOT. Steep learning curve, and very fun!

Picollo's Pizzeria Pizza (Eagan, MN)

2010-02-28T18:14:00.006-06:00

The very best pizza. No yuck. Great sauce. Great crust. Great people.

This is the Classic Cheese. No hype. Just warm, melty goodness.

Find it here:

(651) 454-1212
4162 Pilot Knob Rd
Eagan, MN 55122
www.piccolospizzeria.com

2010-02-14T13:20:00.011-06:00

The other morning, there was a substantial amount of fog and hoarfrost. Less my neighbors haul me off to the Loony Bin, I was not discovered taking these photos in the wee morning hours (in 'jammies).

The first time that I heard this word, hoarfrost, was My Husband describing some trees (this when we were first dating) and I accused him of making it up and demanded an explanation of his vulgar-ness (and guffawed until I fell over).

No, but really. Hoarfrost. So beautiful. Mindful of a Bohus designed named "Hoarfrost". I forget what name it has now published, but not that. Similar to the "tobacco" design name. Both stunning sweater designs, but probably not acceptable names today. Goldarnit. I LOVE the "Tobacco" sweater (rich browns). Maybe renamed "Chocolate" or "Turtle" (you know, those yummy pecan, caramel and chocolate candies).

Ravelympics

Bohus-Style Knee Highs are qualified. I hope I am not disqualified with highly advanced needles. It's like using steroidal needles. Sleek design, smooth and SQUARE!

Olympic Knitting

2010-02-12T09:34:00.015-06:00

If you look very closely at the snow-ey photo, you can see the sparkl-ey snow that we received on our back deck the other day. It was so lovely.

In preparation for Ravelympics (Olympic participation via Ravelry), I was winding my project yarn balls. There were FIVE, so I thought it would make a nice Olympic "ring".

Ravelympic Event: Bohus-Style Knee Highs (project here)

The knit pattern for "Bohus-Style Knee Highs" by Chrissy Gardiner is in the book "Color Style" (link to Amazon--choose "look here" feature, photo on the "Contents" page).

I took a class from Chrissy this summer on Bohus knitting and put this project in my to-do pile. Pam, from Knitter's Palette, was kind to order the yarn.

I'll be watching the Minnesota Olympic participation here!

Cookies and Treats

2010-01-04T07:19:00.002-06:00

My Daughter and Companion made these yummy treats for our C'mas Gift. There were chocolate with nuts and mints and chocolate covered marshmallows in this nice Martha Stewart gift-giving box.

Oh my!

Felted Winter Treats

2010-01-03T14:51:00.010-06:00

These little penguins were a made-gift from My Daugher to My Husband. She was inspired of the Needle-Felted Polar Bear from Martha Stewart (here).

And made-gift Needle-Felted Snowflake Mittens for me, just because.

Finished

2010-01-02T17:41:00.002-06:00

This is the newly-painted, windowed and carpeted living area. It will be nice to knit in color . . .

House Paint

2010-01-02T09:28:00.010-06:00

We are having a paint-fest at our home. We recently received new windows. The windows lead to new paint. Luckily, I don't care about what color or finish or glamming it up. My Husband and I both wanted "straw" and when we took the little paint sample cards and put them up to our furniture and carpet sample, we chose the "Sweetcorn" colorway.

Photo of the covered and piled furniture, pre-painting.

My Husband on the scaffolding painting the uppermost wall parts.

Spider

2010-01-02T08:28:00.001-06:00

I kinda feel like this today . . . in the Eyes of the World.

Or, here:
http://timesonline.typepad.com/environment/2009/12/the-eyes-of-the-world.html

Starbucks

2009-12-31T09:53:00.005-06:00

I was soooooo crabby. Let me back up my story a few steps.

We just got new windows, and My Husband did the finishing and staining of the trim. It was very stinky, so I holed up in The Knit Room. Then, since everything was packed and moved, he painted the living room. This required scaffolding to get to the tops of the walls as they are very tall (13'). Since he had the scaffolding and one of our light fixtures was broken, we got a new light. Since the light in the foyer and dining room match, we got two new lights. It-Shall-Be-Un-named Store did not have the larger chandelier in a box (only display), and we drove to West St. Paul to get this fixture. My Husband got the fixture installed and the globe light would not work. Aargh. We drove all the way to this Un-named Store, then we (me) had to drive back there to exchange it. By the time I re-arrived at the store, I was crabby and could not find anyone to help me. And, I was parked in a No Parking spot. There was a line at Customer Service. The lighting department was dim. More crabbiness. Finally, the man from lighting brought out the replacement fixture, carried it to and fro from my vehicle and I could go home.

Still crabby, I entered Starbucks drive-thru for a Gingerbread Latte for a well-deserved treat. I thought about how crabby I was and took aim. I paid for my drink and the young woman's coffee and scone in the drive-thru line behind me.

I smiled all the way through Un-named Store's turn-around in the parking lot, and all the way down Robert Street. Then, I noticed that I was hitting every green light.

Every green light ALL THE WAY HOME.

Someone is always watching.

Pee Ess: I have not told My Husband about this little act of uncrabbiness making, as he might see it as unfrugal. Don't mention it to him. I'll make up for it by buying generic light bulbs.

Mail Goodness

2009-12-09T13:09:00.007-06:00

The other day, I got a package. Not an uncommon occurrence at my home lately, but this one, I did not remember "ordering", again, not an uncommon occurrence. But, this one rattled and I did not remember ordering any rattling things.

It was a nice sock and licorice gift from a treasured knit friend who knows my passion for socks, anything sock-like and licorice and anything licorice-like. It was a LOT of licorice. And, a LOT of sock-ness! Thank you, my knit friend!

Even More Sock Sale Adventures

2009-11-29T12:10:00.006-06:00

When My Husband and I went to the Rotary Sock Sale in Osage (now, the story is getting old, but there really was a LOT to tell), I stopped in a stitching store on the main street (not knowing if it's called Main Street, but there is really a main street with shops and Teluwat Restaurant). I asked the clerk if they had any wool fabric. They had LOTS of fabric, so it was likely . . . but no. They then kindly asked if I had been to UNI (huh?).

The two women were described the shop. They were telling me what I might find there RIGHT when My Husband strolled in the store, finding me in the midst of this nice conversation. Trapped in a wool trap, I was. He was very nice about it and we followed the little map that the women prepared for us. With the map, I was hoping to get some snacks, but it was not that far from downtown Osage. It was really a bike ride away, not even a car ride.

When we arrived at Ewe and Eye, there was a little sign at the end of the drive to welcome customers. The shop is housed in a little out building at a residence. It's a Mom and Daughter deal, with LOTS of wonderful rug-hooking supplies. It was so fabulous that even a knitter could find some goods!

Sock Monkeys

2009-11-21T12:07:00.012-06:00

When I'm not knitting, I am reading about knitting and thinking about knitting.

Somebody, somewhere was thinking when they made these cute Sock Monkeys!

A few years ago, My Husband purchased a "sock monkey kit" for me. It included a pattern and a pair of brown, cream and red colored socks. Cool. Now, you can just buy a fully crafted sock monkey.

This is still Sock Sale, so you know it was a great time!

Sock Sale 2009

2009-11-09T13:21:00.020-06:00

In Osage, IA each year (this year held on November 6-8), the Osage Rotary holds a Sock Sale. My Husband introduced me to this phenomenon which was located in his backyard while growing up. He invited me on a little outing to the Sock Sale (unbeknownst upon acceptance of the invitation, it included lunch at "Teluwut" and a LOT of interesting tidbits about My Husband's childhood).

Sokkgirl attended her first Sock Sale.

There were tables and tables and tables of Fox River Mills Socks for sale. The prices were $1 per pair of unlabeled socks (socks with no label band), $2 for socks with a FRM sock band and $3 for pairs with other sock band labels (which included bags with TWO pairs of socks in them). This pricing was all pretty much a mystery to a first-time attendee (me) until you hit check-out.

Socks were in boxes on tables and under tables.

There was an organizational system of Women's Medium and Large and Men's Medium and Large and Extra Large. And, there were boxes off to one side that had absolutely no organizational system. This is where I found some true treasures.

This was My Husband toting the goods after the sale.

My Friends, $39 for the load!
Total.
$39.

Oh, I almost forgot. Fox River Mills is possibly The Home of The Sock Monkey Sock (another blog post).

Fall

2009-10-31T11:45:00.000-05:00

There were a LOT of leaves this week!

Gift Basket

2009-10-31T09:28:00.006-05:00

I don't like to write about my being sick, but it's been a life lesson for about 6 months now.

Recently, I received a nice Gift Basket from my colleagues. There was yarn-ly goodness and a bunch of cash artfully tucked in the yarn and a nice message. This was very unexpected and I felt a bit overwhelmed by the receipt of this!

Now, what should I do with the yarn? And, I would like to do something pampering with the money!

Walnut Dyeing

2009-10-04T18:42:00.011-05:00

Some walnuts from G'pa's back yard.

Yarn in the walnut dye bath.

Yummy brown yarn and wool fabric drying!

This was my second nut-dyeing experience. It was easy and almost mistake-proof. It did take reassurance from My Dye Friend. I make mistakes like putting the yarn in the mordant (not wetting it and just chucking it in the pan) and maybe I don't measure perfectly.

I do have rinse, rinse, rinse, wash, rinse, rinse, rinse down to a routine, tho!

More Toe's Work

2009-10-04T18:41:00.005-05:00

I toe'd up and have a HUGE sock start. Soooo, a little rippin' fun to follow!

I WILL toe up! (with a little help from Chrissy Gardiner and other knowledged Toe-Up Friends).

All in a Toe's Work

2009-10-04T17:24:00.005-05:00

CO for some toe-up'ster socks this morning. This is what I did today:

CO 7 sts on each (2) needle using Judy Becker's Magic Cast On (uTube video'd by Cat Bordhi). I learned this cast on only because Cat (met her, so I can call her "Cat") is so funny (in the entertaining way) and uses brain research, teacher-strategy techniques that make it go IN your brain. No problem in casting on.

I did a M1 increase every other row until I had 60 sts (total around). Knit more rows following, thinking that I am a super-star knitter.

When I tried on the sock toe, it seemed quite huge for my foot. And, maybe the toe is too "steep".

DONOTASKIFIDIDAGAUGESWATCH. THIS IS MY GAUGE SWATCH. I will unknit this work-days worth of work. New knowledge as a result of my efforts. Posting photos when I have a product of acceptable size.

Pee Ess: I dyed up some yarn and wool fabric with walnuts from G'pa's yard. Photos when dry!

First Day of School

2009-10-04T08:42:00.007-05:00

I forgot to post this little diddy . . .

this year was my TWENTIETH FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. When I got home from work, I had this skiff of flowers on my knitting-work place . . . from My Handsome Husband.

I do not know why there are playing cards on my work table. We do not play cards. Maybe I could use them for knitterly row-counting? Hm.

2009-10-03T09:15:00.008-05:00

Remember when I did the trip to the Knitter's Palette for an extra skein of Smooshey (Black Parade) for the Spiral Boot Socks?

Glad of that yarn-buying effort . . . see the little skiff of yarn sticking out of the needles? That's what I would have had to finish my second sock toe with one skein!
Whew!

Promise Blanket Square

2009-09-12T15:20:00.008-05:00

Here is my completed square for The Promise Blanket! I used Shelly Kang's Sock Blanket recipe and upsized it! Great yarn (Mochi Plus from Crystal Palace) on size 8 needles. Upsizing also meant co 61 sts (sock blanket square is co 31 sts) and knit as for Sock Blanket Mitered Square.

Yummy yarn.
Yummy project.

What if . . . ?

2009-09-06T15:20:00.010-05:00

I am officially a What If'er. You know.

What if I forgot to lock the back door? Pad pad pad, check the back door--locked. What if I didn't turn off the coffee pot? You know.

So, I started a pair of Spiral Boot Socks. The pattern suggests three skeins of Reynold's Soft Sea Wool which accumulates to 486 yards. I have ONE skein of Dream In Color Smooshy. It has (4 oz) 450 yards. The pattern is written for a size 8 foot. I have a 6 1/2 to 7 foot. I figure that's about 36 yards less yarn in foot length.

Knit.
Think.
What if I run out of yarn?
Call The Yarn Store.

Usually, I keep a project's yarn label, along with a sample stapled in my knitting notebook and copious notes about the project (not unlike My Grama, who kept track of every pitch, hit, run, ball, strike, fowl of every Twins baseball game on radio or TV in her notebook when I was growing up). I keep ball bands and labels (which has stitch count, fiber content, colorway, dye lot, etc). Lost this.

Trying to explain the above to the woman at The Yarn Store, she totally understands (whew). We make an elaborate plan for me to bring in my project, she has some saved in the back in the same colorway, different weight. So, I did this. And, we make a second plan to order another skein.

While waiting for The Yarn Store Woman to write up my contact information, I peruse the shelf and other available colors because by now, I love the yarn.

I FOUND ANOTHER SKEIN IN THE BACK OF THE DISPLAY CUBBY! It was right there way in the back waiting for me! It knew about me and "what if's" and was just waiting! Some exaltations and elations and I purchased the yarn!

Now, just more knitting!

Mail Miscellany

2009-09-05T16:47:00.021-05:00

This knitting needle case is a vintage purchase from Etsy. It came with a little note from the
seller (swinging retro) . . .

with all of these nice needles.

And, of course I would show you my coveted Susan Todd Bark Cloth Knitting Projects Bag!

Both came via our Superhero Post-Woman who delivers mail faster than a speeding bullet.

Knitting Project Bag

2009-08-30T13:28:00.007-05:00

The other day, while looking through "Mason Dixon Knitting", I came across a photo of some knitting bags in
the front (p. 13) of the book (Gardiner, K. & Shayne, A., 2006. Mason Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitter's Guide. Random House, Inc: New York, NY). It reminded me how I did not ever buy The Bag and it is now probably too late.

Years ago, I pined over a Susan Todd birch cloth bag--The Bag--for my knitting. It was a small tote, of yellow-ish birch cloth . . . amazing. It had a little button closure and a fabulously long handle that did not put the bag in your armpit.

This was one of those purchases that I had committed to "someday".

I found Susan Todd online somehow . . . (long story shortened here).
SHEEEE'S MAKING ME A BAG!!!

Garden Bling

2009-08-25T10:16:00.008-05:00

The other morning, as the sun was coming up over the house, I went out to the flower garden to capture some morning dew.

I found this spider's home in the grass.

And some sun flowers that had finally come out to show their faces.

Humming Bird

2009-08-24T19:11:00.003-05:00

The other morning, My Husband was looking out the back, sliding-glass-deck door and saw a hummingbird in the flower garden. I had to take a closer look, so went out onto the deck.

The hummingbird flitted over to another side-area garden and did his/her flitty flying into the flowers there. It then LANDED ON THE CLOSE LINE and sat there looking at us on the deck. Then, IT FLEW UP TO THE DECK RAILING AND FLITTI-ED WITHIN A FOOT OF OUR FACES! It was looking at us looking at it!

This is nothing a camera could capture (otherwise I would post the photo on this blog entry) especially since the camera was inside and we were outside. This is one of those photos that will have to be captured in our memory. I'll be old(er) and remark "remember the hummingbird on the closeline" and it will cause a smile.

Chrissy Gardiner Class (aka: My Sock Summit 2009)

2009-08-22T14:53:00.018-05:00

I went to Textured Colorwork (really a sock class) today with Chrissy Gardiner. She just published this book:

We learned stranding techniques, colorwork and the phrase "whatever works" (as a good reminder that sometimes there is not a "right" way to do a technique). Reinforces that we all come to knitting (or whatever) with our own skill set. We know stuff. About stuff. Now, I know more stuff. We studied Bohus design. Amazing.

I took this learning opportunity to go shopping. I bought Chrissy's book. NOTE: I can call her Chrissy as I have met her in person. I think she'd be okay with that. She's originally from Minnesota, which makes us almost related.

And some nice yarn in mini-hanks that will make their way to The Sock Blanket.

And a VERY nice Project Bag from the Yarnery. It is crafted by their own talented "Sarah". It's kindof a green thing to do. Nice bag, too!

Afterwards, I had a nice lunch with a nice friend. Good day!

Anniversary

2009-08-17T15:39:00.004-05:00

I got these nice flowers for my anniversary today. When My Husband asked me out for the very first time, we celebrate that day. It is the Saturday night of a local antiques market that we do. This year, we did not get to go out for dinner and spend this time together.

He is a sweet man.

Bohus-Inspired Sweaters

2009-08-16T09:47:00.004-05:00

I keep thinking there should be a Ravelry Bohus group discussion on Bohus-inspired sweaters. Or maybe Bohus-inspired objects. I have found several during my thinking about starting my REAL Bohus. Like here:

Enid Cardigan (http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Enid-Carigan.html)

and here on Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Crory/bohus-two
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/trollenwol/bohus-cardigan (Trollenwol's Cardigan)

And this one at Classic Elite:

Caitlyn Pullover (http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/9/Issue9.php)

And, this one in Handknit Holidays:

Sugarplum Pullover (http://savannahchik.typepad.com/photos/handknit_holidays/yokesweater.html)

And this yoke cardigan (Freya) in Interweave Knits, Fall 2009.

I have misplaced some socks somewhere . . . Chrissy Gardiner? I better go look around s'more!

Where is 2006?

2009-08-12T08:51:00.002-05:00

I keep all of my knitting magazines . . . you never know when you might need to pull out a back issue to consult for a stitch or a pattern. Or for somebody. I am looking for Interweave Knits Fall 2006 and Winter 2006. I have "lost" all of 2006. I keep most magazines in the same place, in chronological order.

Except for 2006! Aaargh!

So, what happened in 2006?

Goodli-ness in the Mail

2009-08-11T07:39:00.004-05:00

Getting a package in the mail is good . . . even if you really already know what it is.

WEBS is having a summer sale . . . so I ordered a box of grey goodli-ness!

Sock Summit KAL

2009-08-09T11:23:00.005-05:00

This is my Sock Summit KAL sock . . . since I am still trapped in the house. I bought this yarn when I ploy-ed my daughter to go to the yarn store after our grocery store excursion. I seem to be able to get to a yarn store from just about anywhere!

The yarn is Happy Hands Hand Dyed Yarns Toe Jamz Sock Yarn (superwash merino 75% and nylon 25%; 450 yd per 4 oz approximately) at happyhandsyarn.com or available at Knitter's Palette in Lakeville, MN.

Very nice yarn . . . it's a bit Harry Potter-like.

Butternut Dye Bath

2009-08-08T12:03:00.013-05:00

I tried some natural dye-ing at home. Allbymyself (well kinda, with e-mail support and with the kindnesses of My Husband).

I purchased some natural yarn (both skeins, top one dyed-- with butternut, one natural--bottom skein) from Hickory Hills (located in Nelson, WI) at the Eagle Coffee Shop (not it's real name, but Eagle Something) in Wabasha, MN. This yarn shopping was whilst on girls retreat in Stockholm, WI.

I dyed with butternuts (top brown-ish) we collected at our retreat rental home--amazing. When readying, My Husband helped schlep the water and the hot plate and the hose, and the tubs. He watched me checking the temperature and asked important questions like "is it getting warm?" and "is it warm-er?".

In the same dyebath, I put this grey wool (undyed on the right) and out came a nice brown-grey.

I am pretty pleased with this allbymyself dying effort.

Now, what to knit?

Oh, and did I mention I know The Mayor of Wabasha, MN? And, that they have a nice store where to purchase Swedish Fish? It's actually a chocolate store, but I like Swedish Fish.

Community Knitting

2009-08-04T19:50:00.006-05:00

(from The Yarnery e-newsletter, August, 2009):

Promise Blanket 2009
The Promise Blanket is a charitable project that began last year. You may remember that together we created and auctioned off a blanket made of sock yarn squares. This year the project will have a few changes.

We will still be asking for the help of all of you to knit (or crochet) some squares - this year in worsted or DK weight. Instead of making one large blanket, we hope to make many smaller blankets to donate to KidsCan of Minnesota.

KidsCan of Minnesota is an organization created by families for families who have been touched by childhood cancer. KidsCan recognizes the unique needs of the entire family as they journey through and beyond pediatric cancer. Because of this they put together resource totes for these families. Please feel free to check out their website at www.kidscanmn.org.

How can you help? We would appreciate any of the following:

A 7 inch square made of machine washable worsted or DK weight yarn.
Donate any of your left over machine washable worsted or DK weight yarn to The Yarnery. We will be making that stash available to anyone who would like to knit squares for this project.
Check out the KidsCan website at kidscanmn.org for a list of other items that can be donated for the resource totes and add one or two of those items with your square.
Mention our project on your website, blog, store, class, etc.
Drop off or mail your completed square to The Yarnery between August 10 and september 14, 2009.
Join us at The Yarnery Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 6:30-8:00pm for an "old-fashioned" sewing bee to seam the blanket together.

Questions about the Promise Blanket can be emailed to Sarah at incaknits5@gmail.com
Thank you for your support and good will.

sokkgirl plans on being part of the "we" this year . . . hope you will, too!

Sock Summit 2009

2009-08-01T10:59:00.006-05:00

I ordered some Sock Summit yarn . . . (and a pattern) because I just have this notion that "sokkgirl" should be at Sock Summit. So, instead of going to Sock Summit, I went Sock Summit shopping!

I visited the Dye for Glory Voting on Ravelry and pre-ordered this:
here:
http://www.threeirishgirls.com/catalog.php?item=275

I had to look up "estuary" in the Google "dictionary". Just think, new knowledge AND new yarn!

Happy almost Sock Summit . . . there should be a KAL for those of us sock knitters at home--like Tour de France or Olympic Knitting. This all has to do with Yarn Harlot and Tina (my sock yarn superhero).

Oh, and The Yarnery cool people will be there!

Pee Ess: This is cool . . . a whole Sock Museum!

Rauma Yarn (Rauma Garn) and other goodies

2009-07-24T17:56:00.007-05:00

When you want to purchase Rauma yarn (Finullgarn, Gammelserie and the felting one that I can never remember the name of), Syvilla Tweed Bolson is IT. She has been carrying unusual and highly-saught-after Norwegian specialty yarns as long as I can remember. Like this:

And, this was a found treasure of Perendale, which will someday become a pair of socks or something sock-like (from Syvilla's treasures).

Syvilla and her quality yarn can be found at:
512 Locust Road
Decorah, IA 52101
Phone: 563.382.3711

Syvilla sells weaving yarns and other accroutments for knitting and weaving. Good stuff.

RIGHT NOW, at this very minute, friends are celebrating Nordic Fest (also in Decorah) and probably hung out at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum today. Wish I was buying yarn at Syvilla's and eating a quality lunch at the Oneota Food Co-Op!