Maine Lighthouses

My favorite place to relax with my knitting or cross-stitching is at:

Portland Head Light - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

(April -2009)

This lighthouse was commissioned by George Washington and is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) one in the country. Longfellow used to come here and write his poems.

Can you see what appears to be a white board behind the light at the top? Local residents, about 20 years ago, complained that the light was too bright at night for their neighborhood. The lighthouse was there at least 150 years before they developed that area. Now really!!!! I miss seeing the light from the front of the lighthouse.

An aerial view for you. Not shown in the picture is a very large park with picnic tables and a favorite spot for kite flying.

Two Lights - Cape Elizabeth, Maine

(April -2009)

The second light, about 1/8 mile away, is located on private property so I did not take a picture.

Spring Point Lighthouse, So. Portland, Maine

(April - 2009)

It was downright frigid when I visited this lighthouse last Saturday but still worth the trip. The detail on the lighthouse, in spite of the rust, is much more beautiful in person.

My cousin, Willie, loaned me his Nikon digital/SLR while I was visiting. What a treat that was.

Alison recommended Tess Designer Yarns located in Portland, Maine. Ironically, it is almost across the street from the law firm I worked at back in the early '90's.

The yarn is absolutely gorgeous. I did buy a skein of "Baby Bunny" sock yarn. The silk blend that I liked so much was $60/skein so I did not shock my pocketbook.

Kaileigh - Age 10 1/2 months

I was able to get my "baby fix" while visiting family. Kaileigh has been walking on steady feet for about 3 weeks. Kaileigh's great, great grandmother is the aunt who raised me. We are many branches apart on the genealogy tree but much closer in heart. I knitted Kaileigh's mother her wedding shawl a couple of years ago.

Back to my knitting blog tomorrow!!! I hope you have enjoyed my visit with me to my home state.

Happy Knitting!

In Full Bloom!!!

I love the term "Bloom Where You Are Planted"!! I was in full bloom this past weekend as I visited my Maine family for the Easter holiday.

I had a "light fare" lunch at my favorite restaurant in New Hampshire while anticipating my arrival at some of my favorite Maine ocean getaways. What more could a gal with ocean water in her veins ask for? The only place I like calamari is at this restaurant. Notice the knitting....a clue on what I am currently knitting and more on that in a few days. It's getting better....seafood and knitting! They tried to distract me from my knitting by bringing me a basket of warm rolls........not!!! I wanted the whole experience.

You know you are near the ocean when you start seeing something like this!

I had to hold true to my blog name and "knit by the ocean" on the only close to warm day of the long weekend! I always feel so serene when near a lighthouse. This one is called "Spring Point" in So. Portland, Maine. Billy Joel owns a home just about 1/8 of a mile from this scene....oceanfront property, of course.

I love walking into a fresh seafood market. The boats in the harbor behind the market guarantee the day's catch.

I passed on the littleneck clams on this trip in favor of the fresh haddock which was only $3.99/lb.

I spent time parked at this location. It is now a "spiritual retreat" but was formally a boarding high school in my home town. I attended the boarding grammar school just down the road, now overtaken by a university. The vastness of this building is unbelievable.

More tomorrow...........I'm delightfully exhausted!

Revisited - Cat Bordhi

A few weeks ago I received a request that said, "We’d like to feature your photo on the Ravelry page for "Cat Bordhi - Swinging-Mikado". I was quite honored. The Moebius scarf above was knitted at a workshop with Cat.

I attended that workshop with Cat when she was here in the fall of 2007 to speak at a fund raiser for the Vermont Cancer Center. She is friends with the the woman who manufactures the Denise Needles. Her brother, an ocology specialist doc works in my department. If you purchase the pink set, $5 is donated towards breast cancer research.

Cat is extremely witty and I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop. I won the door prize that day to add to the excitement.

Happy Knitting!

Inexpensive Laptop Bag

I recently purchased a laptop. The monitor is 15.6" and standard is 15.4" which meant your traditional bag would not accommodate my needs. I would have to purchase a bag for a 17" monitor. I wanted something cheery, perhaps feminine, etc. It would not be used for air travel so there was room for flexibility.

I thought of sewing my own bag but that meant precious time away from my knitting.

This is what I found at Jo'Ann's on sale. Final price after I tell you more.

It is a reversible, foam-padded canvas bag.


I added a button closure (used another coupon) with a twisted cord.

The bag has both an inside and outside pocket almost the full height of the bag which is perfect for my computer battery and cord. The inside pocket holds my wireless mouse. I added the D-ring side closures.

Total cost............approximately $12.50. A laptop bag at "Best Buy" will cost you from $35-$75. Needless to say, I am pleased.

Lizzie and I often compare ways to cut costs during these difficult economic times. I was the queen of frugal when it wasn't fashionable so I am used to it.

One of the blogs I read is "Poor Girl Eats Well". I don't consider myself poor but merely a smart shopper.

Happy Knitting!

Spinning and Knitting!!!

I've been knitting on my mock cable, magic loop sock this week. You know...the one that I am preparing for my knitting class. It wasn't until I had knitted quite a few rows that I realized I had "screwed up". Ugh!!!
This is what happened. Notice the right side of the sock....looks nice, right!!! (no pun intended there).

Now, look at the left side of the sock. I should have had two purl stitches on the edge to make the mock cable pop out! Oh, well......live and learn. I knew better but I was probably busy watching "Dancing With the Stars" and Gilles, one of the competitors, definitely can distract me.

Now, all you ladies who watch "Dancing"...you have to admit that he is a terrific dancer and pleasing to the eyes!!!! Sad thing is, I couldn't get through to vote for him last week. But then, he really doesn't need my vote.

Perhaps I'll name these socks after Gilles. Much better than the last time I named socks after someone.

I attended my "Twist 'O Wool" spinning group last Thursday after being absent all winter. It's an hour's drive and winter conditions make it difficult to get there safely. The group is very large with a very healthy treasury. The group has been selling handspun with proceeds going to a member battling cancer. I wish I could remember the $$$ amount but it was very, very generous.

Brian helped me with my spinning when he visited last fall. I have not had much time to spin and have been feeling a little frustrated that I seem to always be looking up what I need to do next with my spinning. I've yet to knit anything with my handspun. Brian told me at the time I was doing well. One of the elderly men who belongs to my group and has been spinning for years, came over and told me I was doing very, very well. It made my day!!!!

The roving is really the most beautiful shade of lavendar and not blue as it appears in the picture.

LDS Venus sent me some yak to spin. Perhaps it's time for me to give it a try.

One of the ladies at the meeting was wearing a handknit sweater with these beautiful buttons.

They can be found on e-bay along with many other very nice pewter buttons.

Notice the new theme on my blog. If you click on the upper-left corner of my blog (cutest blog...) you will find many free themes for your blog.

Happy Knitting! Happy Spinning!

Spiral Scarf

The scarf was knitting with lace weight yarn (silk/merino) from Knitpicks. Pattern was purchased at Webs.

We, as knitters, want our projects to be the best one thus far until you cast on the next project. This spiral scarf really fell short of the mark. I've only worn it a couple of times, and though I always get compliments on it, I'm just not happy with it. I feel like I am wearing a clown's collar or a collar on one of those medieval women's dresses. What was I thinking? I love the yarn and fortunately I have two more skeins to play with.

I completed this scarf last summer and waited to blog about it in the hopes that ....well, I'm not sure what I expected as it is what it is.

I wet, pinned and blocked this wayward scarf. The yarn is stubborn like it's owner. Now, stubborn can be good in some instances. For me, it is synonomous with determination. The dang scarf just will not conform and curls as if it were a bathing beauty's hair at the ocean on a hot, humid, summer day.

I crocheted an edge around the neck because, as its name implies, it was spiralling out of control. Nope.....that didn't help much either.

So, I've adopted the attitude that there has to be a few "not so hot" knitting projects to really appreciate the good ones.

Happy Knitting!

Christmas Stockings/Planning Ahead!!!

Note: Pattern and picture by Ann Norling patterns.

Above is a picture from my latest pattern purchase from Halcyon Yarn out of Bath, Maine. I've shopped their store and if you are a knitter AND a spinner, it's a really fun place to shop. Actually, it's fun regardless of how many crafts you enjoy. It is definitely worth ordering their catalog.

I knitted a similar Santa Christmas stocking many years ago and my daughter, Amy still hangs it out at Christmas time.

My other daughter also had a hand-knitted stocking which was recently found after laying dormant in packing boxes for many years.

I hope to knit one of these stockings very soon so that I can offer it as a knitting class in the fall.

What is unique about these patterns is that some things are 3-dimensional. The scarf on the snowman looks like it's blowing in the wind. The miniature jingle bell, strung on a ribbon, hangs from the reindeer's neck. It also uses cross-stitching techniques such as the shadow outline of each figure as well as embroidering the name at the top (not shown). The stocking is then lined with fabric to add stability which means it won't get completed till the holiday fabric is out in the fall.

When I was a child, I always had an orange in my stocking along with rolled mints and Avon products. Even today, it is fun to figure out things that will fit in the stocking and be meaningful.

I hope to return to my regular knitting this week and blogging. I've been so busy and actually doing a lot of "playing".

I've neglected my spinning and that will be revive this week also. It is my turn to bring snacks to my spinning group this month. I am able to return now that daylight savings time in combination with dry roads has returned. I'm looking forward to June's meeting as we will be dyeing wool.

I know I mentioned "dry roads" above but we are actually in the middle of "mud season" in Vermont. Back roads are difficult to navigate and it is not unusual for kids to have time off from school because school buses are unable to get to them.

It is also maple sugaring season which means cold nights and warm days allows the sap to run. I'm a real snob when it comes to maple syrup and think there is none better than sap collected and boiled right here in Vermont. I think the cost is now about $45/gallon for Grade A with "Fancy" being a little more.

Happy Knitting!

Indulge Me!

Ok, blogging friends, indulge me for several reasons. I spent a ton of time trying to figure out how to post this video of my precious grandchild to this blog. Well, it really is easy but I must have been in a "duh" frame of mind. The first frame of the video looks out of proportion but it does get better, that is, until Jakob put his finger up to the camera. It may take a minute or so to load. More on knitting after the video.

I must say that this video really touched my heart. It made my day!

I had to frog back about 5 rows on the sock I am working on. I knitted for awhile today, parked in my car while enjoying a beverage. The sunshine was wonderful.

I went to an indoor farmer's market for the first time. I had not gone before because parking was an issue. Now, I understand why. It was fantastic. There were many, many vendors, crafts, etc. with live entertainment on the stage.

Eggs were selling for $5/doz. (ouch!)

A well-known Vermont handspinner was there selling her hats for $65. They were knit on about Size 13 needles. Am I the only one who thinks that is a little pricey? I looked at her yarn and it was beautiful. I wished I remembered the fiber content. Perhaps it was merino. I almost choked at the price. It was selling for 90 cents per yard. A skein was $94. I felt like Rip Van Winkle and perhaps had slept for 100 years and just waking up to these prices. The lambskins were a "hot" (no pun intended) item.

A simple baby bib sewn from cotton was selling for $12. I remember making mine from fingertip towels and adding ties to them for my girls.

Happy Knitting!

Girly Baby Afghan

I started this baby afghan about a month ago and only knit on it when I don't feel like knitting something a little more complicated. The pattern is from a very old book and is a take-off on the feather and fan. It seems like it is taking forever. This item will go into my gift storage cedar chest. I know no one expecting a baby girl. It matches the Helena baby sweater I posted a short time ago.

I have too many knitting projects I want to start. Oh, wouldn't this be nice for my youngest grandchild next winter. Or, wouldn't my two older grandsons look handsome in this!!!

Lizzie encouraged me to join, as her support buddy, the weight management program called "Live Strong". I have the desire to lose weight but not the discipline. Now, you are looking at the girl who when she drives up to order at Dunking Donuts, they recognize my voice and call me "Hun" and comment if I deviate from my usual order. Wish me luck.

Beautiful Vermont!!!

Renna, from "Finding my Knitch", has been asking me about photos from the view I described in a previous post. At the time, I did not have my camera with me. I returned this morning and captured the following views:

Vermont is exceptionally beautiful. Burlington, it's largest city, is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is relatively crime free in comparison to the rest of the country. We have quite a few colleges and a university along with a lot of cultural opportunities.

Lake Champlain, which is about 250 miles long, separates Vermont from New York State. The Burlington waterfront, with all its beauty, attracts both locals and tourists with a variety of events. I was not able to get a good picture today of the Burlington Boat House (<---click). It is beautiful.

Pictured is one of a couple of lighthouses down by the breakwater. There is a bike and jogging path for miles. Till my leg injury, I used to bike 10 miles a day, three times a week along this path.

Come June there will be many festivals along the waterfront. The "Green Mountain Chew Chew Festival" is my favorite. A variety of local restaurants serve bite size food from their menu for a few purchased tokens. Another favorite will be the "Jazz Festival".

This is the "Spirit of Ethan Allen", a cruise boat that is charted for company parties and wedding receptions. There are other smaller boats that offer a very affordable brunch and two-hour cruise along the lake for about $20.

One of two lighthouses along the breakwater with the Adirondack Mountains of New York as a backdrop. There are picnic areas along the path where you can enjoy a nice sandwich and the stunning sunsets.

The above picture was taken from this spot below.

The ice is beginning the breakup with the several days of above freezing weather that we have experienced in the last few days. I thought it was an interesting pattern.

I'm headed back to my knitting (and some housework..sigh) after sharing a little piece of my world with you!!!

Meeting Blogging Friends!!!!

Meeting blogging friends is so much fun. Norma, of "Now Norma Knits" , invited me along for lunch to meet Rachel of (formerly) "noblogRachel". The Yarn Harlot used to lament that Rachel didn't write a blog ...and thus the name.

We met at Chef's Corner, located in Williston, Vermont. It's a fantastic lunch/bakery favorite to the locals.

Here's Rachel, the reason we all got together today. Formerly from Vermont and now living in California, it was a delight meeting her.



It's a really small world as Alison Hyde, "Wrapped In Comfort", and Rachel belong to the same knitting group in California.

Norma brought along her sweater and knitted on it while waiting for our food. It's gorgeous and the picture does not do it justice. We all were wearing our handknits. You know how when you watch the Academy Awards, the stars always say something like, "I'm wearing Velentino" or something to that effect, well I said, "I'm wearing Elizabeth Zimmerman" (the rib warmer vest)...lol.

Joan and Norma!!!Lois, Rachel's friend and former co-worker who lives locally, joined us.

As you walk into the eatery, you are greeted by all these tempting and luscious goodies.

Interesting meringue Easter bunnies!!!

Of course, what do knitters do when they get together? The go to LYS, of course. Kaleidoscope Yarns is a favorite!!! Norma really knows how to shop for yarn!!! Great taste in yarn, that gal has!!!

Great pic of Norma and Rachel. Check out the handknits!!!

As we were leaving the yarn shop I overheard a customer comment, "those gals are having so much fun!"

You can't tell from this picture but we were crossing our legs to the left, having our picture taken, then crossing our legs to the right, folks....another picture but through the magic of "cropping" I made sure my thighs were not visible. (giggle)

Happy Knitting!

Lacy Mock Cable Anklet Socks

Free Pattern: Lacy Mock Cable Socks
Yarn: Sockotta
Needles: Size 2 circular (Magic Loop)

This is a fun and very easy pattern with a repeat of only five rows. I've knitted this pattern on two previous occasions.
A close-up of the stitch definition for you. I knit a variety of items but always really like returning to socks.

What a great day! I had way too much fun!!!! Amazing how "fun" can energize you. I had a vacation away from work today. The sun was shining and it was pay day. Quite the combination. Don't even remind me that it was also Friday the 13th. It didn't matter.

I was out the door by 8:00 a.m. and headed into Burlington. When I arrived I had the most beautiful view of the lake and wish I had had my camera with me. The sun was glistening over the mostly frozen lake with a small lighthouse by the breakwater standing guard. The majestic snow-capped Adirondack Mountains of New York was the backdrop.

The rest of the day was spent doing whatever my little heart desired. Shopped for yarn, looked at patterns, had a fantastic lunch.

Tomorrow I am meeting fellow Vermont blogger Norma of "Now Norma Knits" along with another Vermont blogger that I have yet to meet. After lunch at a great little restaurant in this area, we will then head to Kaleidescope Yarns. It should be another fun day!

Happy Knitting!

Shamrock Pin

Free Pattern: Shamrock (<----click)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!! This is a 15 minute project that anyone can do. I'm not a good crocheter at all and was able to do it.

I added this pin on the back and voila!!!...a quick gratifying project.

Isn't everyone Irish on March 17th? I look forward to the day for a number of reasons. It's the one day I have corned beef and cabbage, wear a little green, but I pass on the green beer. I like to listen to Celtic music and it completes my day.

As a bonus, it is my work anniversary date so each year I get two additional paid personal days...yipee!!!

I've been in a knitting slump for the last month. I've not knitted except for mindless knitting on a baby blanket that just keeps my hands busy. No pics yet...but soon!

I've been busy figuring out all the new software on my new laptop and multi-function printer (i.e. scanner, fax, etc.). I'm determined, and though it's been a real time inhaler, I have everything just about all figured out.

I'm being drawn to other hobbies I have not been interested in a long time. My genealogy has sparked new interest as has my cross-stitching.

I knitted so much for awhile that a lot of things suffered and now I'm paying the price and trying to reclaim order in my life before the nice summer weather gets here. I love plants, and to give you some idea, I went from this beautiful African violet .........

to this pathetic looking plant that has only the slight resemblance to the one above.
Time to get back on track by visiting my LYS today to buy yarn to start knitting a test sock for my next teaching class which begins the end of April. This one will be "Magic Loop Summer Lace Socks". The class appears like it may be full before the brochure even comes out!!!

Happy Knitting!