Friday, January 27, 2006

Knitting on Thursdays!!!



I want to welcome a knitter who joined us last night. It was great to have your company last nite Kathy!

Announcing that the knitting group has committed, not been committed to meeting every Thursday at 6:30 pm. Someone will be there at 6:30, come when you can and stay as long as you are able.

We plan to meet at Caleo Coffee Shop (2324 18th Street-Kenosha) The staff is so nice and accomodating.

Please please please come and join us if you wish! Email me at strandedsisters@hotmail.com with any questions. Yeay!

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

My Winter Garden Blooms

It has been awhile since my last post. I think I am finally exhaling.
The winter has been mild, mostly. I have a few projects going, but have to get these photos out. With all the grey that has surrounded this winter, I decided it was time for some COLOR!



These lovely little pins, well really not SO little - good coat sized pins or handbag pins - were made using worsted weight - mostly Cascade 220 and Wool of the Andes and 10 1/2 needles. I have to admit that I have practically worn the tips right off my 10 1/2 needles. Good thing I have more than one set/pair. All of them with the exception of the roses were made on double pointed needles. The roses were made on circulars, but they could be done on single points. I used the pattern from Two Old Bags (I think). Then using beads and roving and antique buttons I made the centers. Were the copper coil originated from, I have no idea. I think I was goofing around with some wire the construction workers left behind when the kitchen was being done this summer. It's a nervous habit I have to fold, twist, pleat whatever I have currently in my hand. I guess that is why the leap to knitting was so natural.

This is what we woke up to last Saturday....













All the more reason to seek out the magic of color! This picture is particularly for you Dad and Kay- it's not all pablum, I really do love winter. It is the contrast that makes the REAL magic

Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Knitting Olympics



This just sounds like too much fun not to pass on. Join the Yarn Harlot and countless others as they enter the 2006 Knitting Olympics. A description of the rules and prizes are on her blog at http://yarnharlot.ca/blog/olympics2006.html (we'll add it to our sidebar, too).

Eligibility: Any knitter who, embracing the "Citius, Alitius Fortius" ideal, would like to challenge themselves while embracing the Olympic spirit, and is just whacked enough to play along with me.

Concept: You must cast on a project during the Opening Ceremonies of the Winter Olympics (Feb 10)- and finish before the Olympic flame goes out (Feb 26). That's 16 days.

Rules:
1. The project must be a challenge for you to complete in 16 days.
2. There are no rules about what a challenge would be. Like the real Olympics, there are many areas to compete in. If you are a new knitter, then a garter stitch baby sweater might do...If you are experienced, well. I've already considered Torino. Use your own conscience.
3. While this is intended to be somewhat difficult (like the Olympics) it is not intended to ruin your life. Don't set yourself up for failure. (Olympic athletes may cry, but they do not whine pitifully, sob and threaten members of their family with pointed sticks because they haven't slept in five days. ) This is intended to (like the Olympics) require some measure of sacrifice, and be difficult, but it should be possible to attain.
4. No casting on before the flame is lit.
5. Finish before the flame goes out.
6. You may swatch before the games. (I consider this "training.")

Medals? The Knitting Olympics has only a gold medal. (There is only do- or do not.) Finishers get a gold medal button for their blog, their name entered into a draw for a chance at a prize from me, and the joy of knowing that they are an Olympic level knitter, no matter how experienced they are. You are only competing against yourself. (Well. And the Olympic schedule.)

Who's in? If you're just crazy enough itching to be part of the Knitting Winter Olympics, leave a comment (or send an email) telling me who you are, what you're knitting and a link, if you have one. I'll list you in the sidebar. Consider carefully. Done right, this will suck up 16 days of your life and be an epic work.

Remember... in order to participate, contact the Yarn Harlot and she'll add your name to her list of participants on her blog. HAVE FUN!