Taking A Break!

To all my faithful readers, this is to let you know that I will be taking a break from blogging for awhile.  I have two knitting classes coming up and after those are done, I will be taking a break from knitting as well to rest and relax and decide what I want to do.

I hope you have enjoyed my posts thus far and have found them helpful, sometimes a little too truthful, sometimes informative and sometimes even fun.

Thanks for your support!

Yarn Bombing - The New Graffiti

Yarn Bombing  (<--click to read article)

It is self-explantory.  I wish I had had the time to take pictures of a couple other bizarre things happening in the Burlington area.

If you read the comments, I think the culprit is the person who said the leg warmers are crocheted and not knitted.  What do you think?

Happy Knitting!

Testing - Having Problems with Blogger

Readers have been unable to leave comments.  Testing to see if the problem continues.

Shamrock Pin - You Have Time!!!

Sorry, many of you have not been able to leave comments on this one post.  The problem has been corrected.

Shamrock Pin  (click for link to free pattern)

I posted about this pin last year and thought I would share it with you again as it is such a quick and fun knit.

The clasp on the back can be purchased as a package at Michael's.  There must be 25 in a package so what are you waiting for...get going!!

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.

Happy Knitting!

Unwanted Knitted Gifts

On the knitting front, I've completed several projects but have not had time to take pictures.  Later this week I'll post about them.

Recently, while visiting my daughter, we were getting ready to leave for a holiday dinner at relatives when she walked into the living room, stood there with a smirk on her face waiting for me to notice how many things she was wearing that I had knitted for her. It pleased me immensely.

However, I’ve knitted for quite a few people never to see the items again. Here’s a few of them.

This shawl took me three months to knit and was only worn by the recipient for the obligatory picture.

This cowl was seen once stuffed in a pocket and the recipient requested this item and even selected the yarn herself.

This cowl was admired, the yarn again selected by the recipient, and never seen again.

This cowl was left on the recipient’s desk and the comment was “What the hell is this?” and never seen again.

This baby sweater sat on the recipient’s desk unopened for three days, a thank you when I asked about it, and never mentioned again. Did it look cute on the baby?, etc.

So, I really enjoy knitting for charity and for people I know really need it and will appreciate it.

So, it got me to thinking. I’ve received gifts that I didn’t particular want or like but never said a word, nor returned them or regifted them such as the following:

How about this expensive silk scarf ($35)?  It's from "Infectious Awearables"

 Each one of us in the office received one for Christmas from a former director of the department. The conversation went like this. What did Dr. X give you?

He gave me ...........

Others said "he gave me hepatitis" or he gave me whatever infectious and dreadful disease one can think of. I never see anyone wearing their scarf.  The print on the scarf shows what the molecules for the disease would look like under a microscope.

Anyone who knows me fairly well knows I am from Maine and that I love lobster but this is going a bit too far.

The lobster plate is a pin and the knife and fork are earrings.  I’ve never worn this either.

Hope you got a chuckle out of this!

"Shear Spirit" - Book Review

After meeting  Gale Zucker, an award winning photographer, a couple of week ago at my LYS, I decided to order her book.  It arrived yesterday just in time for the Valentine's Day weekend.  I highly recommend this book.  The pictures which were taken at various fiber farms around the U.S. are wonderful.  The stories are captivating.  I was up till after midnight last night reading through the book.  As if that isn't enough to get your attention, there are wonderful patterns included in the book as well.

I casted on for the above-pictured scarf during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.  I've knitted about 30 inches and though the pattern calls for 52", I will bind off at 60".  The yarn is Berocco Ultra Alpaca.  The scarf will be donated to the "The Red Scarf Project"  which is a charity for orphaned and/or foster kids attending college.  The scarves are sent as a "Valentine's Day" care package.  If you read my friend Norma's,s blog regularly, she is a supporter extraordinaire for this charity.

Of course, when ordering from KnitPicks one must purchase $50 to earn free shipping.  To add to the total I also purchased the above book, "Stranded Colorwork".  It's gorgeous and I hope to eventually knit one of the patterns.  Selecting which pattern will be difficult. So, still not having spent $50 I purchased the 4" double point Harmony needles.

It's a nice addition to the Harmony circular interchangeable needles my daughter gifted me at Christmastime.  Shortly thereafter I purchased the 6" dp's and now I am content with my collection of needles now that I've added the "shorties".  I also have the "Denise Needles" which I love but have taken 2nd place to these.

Yippeeeeee!!!!  I have Monday off.

Happy Knitting

Knitting Olympics 2010

2010 Knitting Olympics on Yarn Harlot's Blog

Call me a day late and a dollar short!!!  The Knitting Olympics starts tomorrow, Friday, 2/12 during the “Opening Ceremonies” and must be completed in 17 days. I encourage you to participate and perhaps donate your knitting project to your favorite charity.


Lots of fun Olympic group knitting names on Ravelry. Check it out. I will be knitting this beautiful  "Flared Rib Scarf" for the "Red Scarf Project", a very worthwhile charity for orphan and foster kids attending college.

Let me know about yours if you decide to participate.  Feel free to grab the button on the right on my blog.

Happy Knitting!

Norma and Her House Guest

Jill, Norma, Jill's daughter, Shawn and Me!!

Norma was having Gale Zucker as a house guest yesterday and invited me to join them at my favorite LYS owned by Jill.  Be sure to click on Norma's name to see more pictures and more information.  (Smart of me to let Norma blog first...shhhh!!!!)

Gale did the photography for the book "Shear Spirit" and took this group picture. Of course, she is behind the camera.  A pic of Gale is on Norma's blog.

There was lots of knitting to go along with the laughter or was it the other way around?


Norma and I try to get together one evening a week at “Juniors” for a bite to eat and some knitting. I think they will soon put a brass plate with our names on the booth we always sit at.


I’m currently teaching two knitting classes two evenings a week for the month of February. Of course, I am thoroughly enjoying the knitters. My “Beginner Knitting” class was going to be canceled due to not enough registrants and one of the registrants was so disappointed that she recruited others to fill the minimum requirements in order to make the class happen. My other class is a mitten class.


In the spring I’ll be teaching two “Advanced Knitting” classes. I’ve yet to decide on what patterns I’ll be using. Suggestions are welcomed.


Saturday morning I am going to the "Penguin Plunge" to benefit the "Special Olympics. Are you kidding? I know what you are thinking.  Me, (a grandma but the same age as Cher) in a bathing suit. What makes you think that if I won’t wear one in the summer months that I will wear one during the winter and have a good dunkin' in frigid water! The event is to raise money for charity. However, I can be bought!!!! Offer me enough money for this very worthwhile charity and I will do it.) I’m going to take photos.

Hehe....sorry, but my readers think I'm going to plunge in the water and was going to take pictures!!!  No, no, no...I'm going to take pictures of those brave people going in the lake while I stay warm.

Happy Knitting!

Palindrome Scarf

Pattern:  Palindrome Scarf  (<--click for free pattern)

Yarn:  Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk

Needles:  Size 10

What I really like about this scarf is that it is completely reversible.  The yarn I used has a "halo" and I would recommend using a solid color worsted though it calls for DK.  I added a cable repeat and increased the needles by one size and also added two rows between repeats.  The scarf in the picture has not yet been blocked.  The true color is a peacock blue and not anywhere close to what the camera captured.

Last week I purchased this delicate wash for my handknits.  A little expensive at $11 for the bottle, you only use 1/2 tsp. per half gallon of water.  With no rinsing involved, I don't know how I ever lived without this soap.  I purchased the lavendar scent which is delicate and acts as a moth repellant.  The wash also comes in smaller bottles.

Eucalan free sample  Click the link for a free sample.  There are several scents available including eucalyptus, grapefruit and fragrance free.

Obsessed, possessed, addicted or passionate.....well, I know that passionate fits the description when it comes to my knitting.  However, my soap buying purchases of the past week may fall in another one of those categories.  I was shopping today at a store that announced a special on hand soap.  Hello!!!! that's what I was there for as I was already swishing water in my soap dispenser trying to get the last of the soap till I could get to the store.  This soap was 27 cents a bottle so I purchased a dozen bottles.  And yes, I've tried it and I do like it.

Happy Knitting!!!

Lexeme Sweater

Pattern:  Lexeme - Berocco Booklet #289

Yarn:  Lustra (it is divine!)

Needles:  Size 6 & 8

There's not much to show until the sweater is assembled.  I'm currently knitting the last of it which is both sleeves at once.  There will be a knitted trim on the edges.

I'm pretty happy with these buttons.  However, the pattern called for 1" buttons and these are way too big so hopefully JoAnn's has 1/2" replacements.

I highly recommend this "Piecework" magazine.  It just came out on the newstand less than a week ago and sells quickly.  It usually features a variety of crafts but annually they devote an issue strictly to knitting.  This one is on the "History of Knitting". 

It was a total joy to read and it was difficult to put down. 

As many of you know, I am originally from Maine.  My aunt taught me how to knit and I've never seen anyone else cast on the way she taught me.  People have asked me what the cast-on is called and I never knew till now.  It is shown in this magazine.  Any guesses?  It's the "Maine Cast On"......who knew!!!....lol.

Compass Mittens (pattern in the magazine)

Young boys of families in the lobstering business received hand-knitted felted mittens as soon as they were old enough to join their elders on the boats.  Compass mittens were knitted in either black and white or navy blue and white only.  The story goes that when fishermen were lost in the dense fog off the coast, their mittens would gleam towards the north and they would be able to find their way home. 

Now mind you, I really want to test this theory but I'm not sure I want to be lost on the ocean unless the ocean is calm, I have a crate of lobster with a means to cook them along with my favorite beverage and I can still get a signal on my cell phone.  And .....plenty of melted butter!

I have to tell you that in the early '80's when the air controllers were on strike, lobstermen were unable to fly out their lobsters and they were selling for $1 each.  I "pigged out" or "lobstered out" in this instance. 

Offering Mitts (pattern in the magazine)

Aren't these mitts beautiful!!!!  They are on my list of things I want to knit

This magazine also has a very interesting article on Jewish women knitting during WWII.

Happy Knitting!

Stowe Winter Carnival

I went up to the Stowe, Vermont Winter Carnival today.  This ice scupture has a ram in the center and an Austrian beer stein at the top.  Notice the beautiful sky and the mountains in the distance.

The Trapp Family is the family depicted in the movie "The Sound of Music", thus the heavy Austrian influence.

A small view of the lodge.  There are many, many buildings.  I've been fortunate enough to experience dining here.  The ambiance cannot be beat.  A harpist provided the music for guests.

Sleigh Horses!

Just a few of the many ski trails in the area.

The trams actually go over the roadway as they proceed up the mountain to drop off skiiers.

Did you think I'd forget about yarn while on this little venture?

Happy Knitting!

Basketweave Dishcloth

Basketweave Dishcloth

I start teaching this year's "Beginner Knitting" classes on Thursday, January 28th and I am looking forward to promoting knitting to a group of new folks.  We'll be knitting this simple dishcloth.  I will also be teaching a mitten class starting the same week.  Busy, busy, busy....

I purchased "Piecework" magazine today which features a variety of crafts.  There's a beautiful "broomstick lace" bag that I must knit.  I have not done broomstick lace since Sept. of 1969.  Why do I remember the date so well, you ask?  It was the month when my car caught fire and I managed to save my project as I escaped.  Let's not forget that we had just made the last car payment on the car, purchased a house two weeks prior with no money for furniture and ................most important..........I was so very pregnant with my daughter's birth occurring 10 days later.  So, new car, new house, new baby all in one month.  When you are stupid, inexperienced, young, you can deal with those catastrophies. 

My friend, Janice, came over for lunch and knitting today.  Not sure we got much knitting done as we were so busy chatting like high school girlfriends.  One thing for sure is that we had fun!!

Weather will be bad tomorrow.  You know what that means!!!!  Plenty of knitting time!

Happy Knitting!

New Knitting Books

I have been wanting the knitting book “Magnificent Mittens” for a very long time. The book was out of print and was selling on e-bay for $300-$1000. I was able to get it from the library and peruse it but I wanted my own copy.


Back in early November, Brian alerted me to the fact that it was now in print again and would be available in early December. I placed my order with Amazon and they kept delaying the delivery date so I finally canceled that order and purchased it at Knitpicks.com for $14. It arrived last Saturday and I am totally delighted with it. They have expanded the book to include socks.

The mitten patterns vary with some being more suitable for heavy snow areas. The socks are beautiful. There is a lot of interesting information as well as a graph for different size mittens for those interested in designing their own mittens.

My daughter remembered that I wanted this book and gifted it to me for Christmas.  I'm a happy camper!  There's a pair of knitted earrings (with wire) that I plan on knitting.  I've already purchased the materials.

I had a 40% off coupon for this book so I just could not resist it.

I started these "Lady Charles" mittens.  My daughter had one mitt completed when I visited her and I like it.  The pattern is not well-written at all.  The print on the cardstock is difficult to read as it is faded.  My frustration with this pattern is transporting me to the frog pond.  The yarn is Debbie Bliss which is expensive and very rough.

Happy Knitting!

Spiralucious

Pattern:  Spiralucious

Yarn:  Baby Ull

I actually completed this neck warmer a couple months ago.  I had a question and spoke with Anne at "Knitspot" regarding my order.  The customer service was fantastic.  She has many, many beautiful patterns to select from.  I recommend you visit her site.  I also have the matching fingerless mitts pattern that will be cast on eventually.

This cowl drapes nicely on the neck.  I am very pleased with it.

One of my favorite things is this lavendar hand lotion and soap that I received for Christmas.   I visited this home business a couple of years ago and was very impressed.  "Greens and Goats Lotion and Soap"  It really is nice on these knitting hands.  The scent is gentle.

We broke the snow record of 1969 which was my first winter in Vermont.  We had 33.1 inches of snow yester.  Third place for snowfall was Valentine's 2009.  I have now experienced all three.

A little late in the day to take a pic but it gets quite dark by the time I get out of work.  This snowbank in town is quite high as you can tell by the street light.  Obviously, a plow is not able to handle this much snow so a front-end bucket loader does the job.

Here's another view!

Happy Knitting!

Well, I Say.............!!!!

I knew we were going to have a storm late last night.  The weatherman (it wasn't a weatherwoman) said 8-10 inches were expected.  Well, he lied was wrong.  As of noon, we had 24" of snow and it's still coming down heavy.

Being my last day of vacation, I slept in awhile if you call till 8:00 a.m. sleeping in.  When I went out there I could not believe my eyes. 

I have not had to shovel snow in three years.  But there was no getting around this one.  I couldn't even open my car door.  Reinforcement arrived in the form of a neighbor who helped me shovel.  Now, the driveway was plowed but we still had to shovel around the car.

Once upon a time,  young boys would shovel for money.  Not anymore.

and about four hours later...............my car is there somewhere!

I am participating in a 365 photo challenge.  There's a link on the right for your viewing pleasure.  It is not a blog as such and no comments are expected.  Just enjoy!  Occasionally, the same pictures may be in my knitting blog. 

Happy Knitting!

Fiber Anyone?

Less than a week ago I received an e-mail from Janice telling me she had stumbled on my blog.  She asked where I lived and as it turns we live just a short distance from each other.  We met for lunch and discovered that we had a lot in common so today we got together at her home for a "craft and chat" day.

Note:  I should have mentioned originally when I wrote this post that yes, Janice knits and spins.

Janice raises French angora rabbits.  They are gorgeous animals.  Once upon a time, I used to have rabbits so I really was thrilled to see them.  Look at all that fiber on that animal!!!

Janice prepared a fantastic lunch accompanied by her husband's homemade bread.  I think I was "spoiled" today.

Once upon a time, I also had a canary.  Janice's canary is the most beautiful singer.  Oh, it's been so many years since I have enjoyed being seranaded by a canary.  Mine always sang when I was on the phone making the person on the other end very envious.

Not a good picture as there is a screen between myself and this feeder.  Many, many chickadees were parading back and forth until I appeared in the window...dah!!!  Black-capped chickadees are my home state of Maine's state bird.

An orchid on the windowsill.  So beautiful!!

This mama will soon have babies.  She was busy preparing a nest with hay while I was there.  However, she will soon be pulling her hair out to use in her nest.

Another mama recently had babies.

And then there were the chickens!!!!

Happy Knitting!