Stealth Knitting

In a previous post, I mentioned that I started something new.



But I can't talk about it! It's a gift. The recipient knows I'm knitting something--but doesn't know the specifics. I'd like it to be a surprise.

I do need to keep careful track of the 24-row pattern repeat.



But the pattern is easy enough that I can read and knit at the same time. (Though this knitting will see me through the play-offs and I'll be working on it when the Yankees play in the World Series.)

Welcome, Autumn!

-

Apples, pumpkin pies and Concord grapes.
Leaves--gold, red and yellow.
Shorter days, longer nights.
Wool sweaters and handknit socks.
Pot roast, chili, Brussels sprouts.
Rhinebeck-- third weekend in October.
Candy corn and apple cider.

Those are some of my favorite Fall things. What do you like about this season?

Revenant

The word-of-the-day on my desktop today is "revenant." It means, "One who returns after a long absence or death." Since I've been feeling a little guilty for not blogging for more than six weeks, I took this word as a sign.

Yep, I'm a revenant. I'm baaaaack!

Now to get caught up with things!

Like many knitters, I have Startitis Syndrome. The pursuit of the new project is such a thrill. Ravelry, with its search function, is my enabler. For example, let's say I want to knit a cabled scarf. OK. There's 67 pages of patterns for a cabled scarf on Ravelry. But then I can add filters: yarn weight, free or purchased pattern, yardage, fiber. So many different possibilities! Weeks can be spent searching.

I start and, at first, the knitting is tons of fun and I knit, knit, knit that scarf all day, all night. But, before too long, I find myself yet again on Ravelry looking for patterns for a new project. And the cabled scarf gets stuffed into a ziplock and tossed into the UFO pile. Sound familiar?

However, a few weeks ago, I enjoyed the sport of pursuing a new project without having to shout over a yelling conscience. "What?! Are you nuts? You're going to begin something new?!"

In August, the hubster and I visited a BIL and SIL in Vermont. These wonderful folks are going to become first-time grandparents in the winter. My SIL is a knitter and so, of course, she's thinking about knitting twee baby things. AND she didn't know about Ravelry!

Well, I took care of that!

What fun it was to introduce somebody to Ravelry! And it was even more fun to search through the patterns knowing that this project wasn't going to end up in my UFO pile.

She found a pattern. And off we went to the yarn store. Yarn was found. Since lucky SIL had won a gift card for the store, buying was even more fun!





SIL is now more than half done with the blanket and, I'm beginning to favorite patterns that I think she might like to knit. I like this! The pursuit without the ball and chain of Startitis Syndrome.

OH! But that doesn't mean I haven't started anything new. Stay tuned!

Bits and Pieces

I know my blogging has been erratic for a while. But that doesn't mean I'm not thinking about blog posts. All of these photos were taken during the summer with the intent that each would trigger their own blog post. But due to laziness, that's not happening.

First is a stole knit by a knit group friend. I've forgotten the pattern and the yarn--but it was lovely and very well-done.



I intended to write a ranting blog entry about summer shoe styles. This photo was taken on a day when it was 95+ both in temperature and humidity. Yet this woman is wearing boots! This is something I totally don't get and I see all over the city. What's worse are the Uggs worn with sundresses.



OK, what's the story here? Maybe the Wicked Witch of the West was wearing Uggs with a sundress and melted from the heat?



More knitting by a friend. Isn't this a sweet little sweater? The yarn is Bernat's Baby Jacquards in Rosebud. That's a self-flowering yarn. LOL



For this photo, the blog entry would have included a recipe for Israeli Salad--a wonderful summery salad. (Cucumber, scallions, tomato, parsley, mint, olive oil and lemon juice.)



And that ends this lazy, summer randomness!

Back to Back

I told myself I wouldn't blog till I had something to show. Ta da!



After ripping back the armhole decreases, I got back on track. But then had to frog back again because I confused ssk and k2tog. I think I still had vacation brain.

Back home, finally I was on my way. About six or so inches and the back will be finished. YAY!

However, I've looked over the instructions for the front. This is my first sweater and reading about how to measure for the buttons and buttonholes is scary. I see that math is involved and math and I have a love/hate relationship.

Experienced knitters, any and all tips and tricks on how to do this would be greatly appreciated!

The Adirondack Frog

There's all kinds of critters here in the mountains--fish, deer, bears, black flies, ducks, bees, ants, chipmunks, mosquitoes. But this morning I discovered the Adirondack frog.



Two days ago this:



Today this:



Yeah, there used to be the beginning of the armholes. But something was wonky with my decreases. Even though I knew what to do, I sort of made things up as I went along and so, rip-it, rip-it. Hello, Ms. Frog.

Same Old

We've been coming to this cabin in the mountains for so many years, we know what to expect to see:

blue skies with fluffy white clouds



pink sunsets



greenery



ducks



But here's something new--the Jackie Sweater now has the beginnings of armholes!



My goal for this vacation is to complete the back of the sweater. But, on second thought, "goal" and "vacation" really shouldn't be used in the same sentence--especially when there's ducks and sunsets about.