Purling Oaks

Catching up, organizing, and a contest!

This morning's sock status report:  The fixation footies came with me to Chicago and are a little bit bigger.  I picked up the gusset stitches this morning because the train didn't have the lighting I needed with my eyes and this part-black yarn.  I picked up those stitches even before my morning caffeine.  Crazy.  I know the footies are not SOS08 material but I just wanted to finish them.  I am l looking forward to returning to the Magic FG socks that DO qualify for SOS.  I'll be using Cookie's Short-Row tutorial for the Magic FG sock heels.  Thanks, Cookie.

Today is the first day of vacation for me and the DH.  We had planned to stay around home even before the recent basement-changing events and that's what we are doing, outside of visiting with family in Wisconsin.  I'm looking forward to doing some finishing up and re-organizing.  We've just been so busy lately that things have been overlooked, put-off, and piled up.  Especially with *stuff* formerly located in the basement, now located scattered around the first floor.  Now there this time to get everything in reasonable order and it will make me feel good.  I just need a little time to get a list together of what all needs to be done.  (Too busy and distracted lately, for sure, to not have a list!)   Here are a few of the fun things:

• Knit socks
• Weave!!  I've had the rigid heddle loom set-up (not warped, Stacey,) for the longest time and now I can get the first project going. 
• Try to get a few buttons on the blog and generally spruce it up.
• and if time presents itself, sew and dye some yarn. 

• Oh, YEAH, and have a contest!  I am probably going to pass the 300 posts mark during this vacation.  To celebrate that and solicit some ideas from everyone, here's my plan:

I have an opportunity to redo the area that I call my studio because of the recent basement event (ahem).  I would like you to comment with ideas for me to consider for the new and improved space.  I would like to read about how you organize your stash or craft area.  Comment with ideas you've found that you think are cool or interesting for organizing or decorating the place that you have designated for knitting, weaving, needlecrafts, and/or other creative endeavors.  Book and website references are very welcome, too.  Even if you don't have an idea, comment to be included in the contest.  Comment on this post or any more recent posts with an idea for me until Sunday, July 6th at midnight.  You can submit any number of ideas or just plain comments for the contest, each a separate comment.  I'll count up to three entries per person.  One prize per person.  I'll choose three winners randomly from the comments.  Thanks in advance for all your ideas.  I'm looking forward to reading them.

ETA:  You don't need an idea to comment for the contest! 

Weekend happenings

I'm starting the Summer of Socks 2008 with an adventure.  My first top-up sock using Judy Becker's Magic Cast-on with the assistance of Cat Bordhi's YouTube video on the technique and the Knitty article by Judy Becker.  I'm also going to try short-row heels since all the cool knitters do them....besides, technique expansion is a good thing.  The yarn is loot from Joan that I won a little while ago at her blog:  Silky Sock from The Great Adirondack Yarn Company.  The toe was a little bit of challenge but I really like it.

It was a busy weekend full of chores, travel, gardening, and the bit of knitting I've told you about.  I drove up to Oshkosh on Saturday to have a good time with a mop and some bleach.  Yeah, the cottage basement had (at one point, not now) about 4 to 6 inches of water in it from the recent flooding.  Mom gave me a big hand to haul out the wet stuff to the curb for pick up and move things so the bleach would have a clear field.  I'll have to have the mechanicals looked at, but the structure is still fine.  Just a wet June, eh?  No wonder I have been having water dreams.  We drove to Leon's to have a chili dog and soda for lunch, which was fun since it is a drive-in.  No custard cone this time.

I had a fun surprise in the garden....one of my hollyhocks is blooming!  I purchased these plants at Felly's Greenhouse but the blooms indicate there is hope for the hollyhock seeds that Stacey is sending. *g*

These are actually pretty short hollyhocks but since they are in a raised bed they show up nicely.

Here is one of my favorite photos from the weekend.  Blue enjoying the catmint/catnip. I thought I had planted cat mint but the cats enjoy it so much it may be cat nip.  I'll have to pay attention when it flowers.  I love the goofy little face on this cat.

Second verse.....

Surprise!  Here's a little knitting content.  The first footie is ready for grafting.  There is a heel there, just hidden on the back side of the sock. 

For the observant reader, yes, that is my kitchen table.  I drove home mid-day to help DH with any potential problems (with the blessing of my supervisor).  I just couldn't leave him to deal with it all.  I'm glad I did.  The dark green on the screen in the photo indicates areas of rainfall exceeding four inches yesterday.  Our house (and a good portion of Wisconsin) are in that area.  We were up until 3:30 AM or so with the rainwater in the basement. 

DH had to brave the storms with the lightning outside to deal with the septic system because the floats were not working properly to make the pump work.  We did not have any (icky) backup last night, for which I am very thankful.  I am a bit crabby, however, since the septic floats were just replaced two days ago.  I'm also thankful that the septic alarm continues to work properly and gave us a warning several warnings last night.  So, same song, second verse.  The forecast says no rain today.  I'll be using the wet vac later today to see if I can catch up with the seeping water.  And getting some work completed to pay for the plumbers..........

Happy Friday!

Progress in knitting and gardening

I made some measurable progress on Forest Canopy on Friday.  I believe I have about 21 more rows of the main body ahead of me.  My good luck stitch markers from Nora accompanied me to the big city, but I am finding that yarn-overs and markers are not the best combination for me.  Here's a better look at the shy little guys.  They are very difficult to get a good photo of. 

The fixation footies are a little farther along than
what you see in this photo.  I just started on the toe this morning.  This was taken Saturday morning before the rain started. 

My flights home from San Francisco were delayed Friday because of the storms in the Midwest but I made it home just before midnight with a good amount of knitting accomplished.  I enjoyed a few Saturday hours of warmth and sunshine in the garden before the storms moved in.   I like a good thunderstorm but this is just too much.  I think it rained and stormed for about 20 hours.  We are happy with a break from the rain right now but it looks like more storms are on the way.  As a reality check, a house up the road from us lost a roof, so we have a lot to be thankful about here.

Our power was out part of Saturday afternoon and all of Saturday evening with the house coming back to life about 2:30 AM.  This morning, my ISP was having difficulties delivering Internet connectivity but that problem was solved by early Sunday afternoon.  I also spent a little quality time with a wet vac but that is best forgotten.

My gardens are coming to life.  The beans are sprouting and we plan to have broccoli rabe from the garden for dinner if the electric company cooperates. 

A radish from the former micro-greens, now probably better called macro-greens, though just as tasty.  Does anyone have a good idea of what to do with chive blossoms? 

The wild phlox are glorious right now.  And, yes, the nettles are pretty happy with themselves, too.  The pretty and the painful.  Let's all be careful out there.

Sock progress report

Here's the current status of the Fixation footie as of this morning. Looks like I did more snoozing than knitting on the plane. It is a lovely morning, the coffee is good, and my ride to work should be here soon. BTW, the *Heavenly Beds* at the Westin......are.

Have a great Tuesday.

Fixation with footies

I decided on the ankle socks.  I'm using this pattern (pattern number 6) with Cascade Fixation Spray in Harlequin.  I started out with US 3 dpns and 56 stitches but that was ripped just past Rockford.  I'm now using 48 stitches and US 2 dpns.  The yarn is very stretchy and this combination seems to fit over my foot without too much extra fabric.

Our trip to the Chicago-area was worth the time and effort.  We attended the Ordination of Deacons held at St. Cletus Parish in LaGrange......since the ceiling of Holy Family Cathedral fell in several weeks ago. *yikes*   This was the first Mass I've ever attended and I found it to be quite interesting.  The Archbishop of Chicago was there, too, to add to the special nature of the event.  According to DH, it was about twice as long as a typical one.  A friend and former (two-levels up) supervisor (now retired) was ordained as a Deacon yesterday.  Definitely a career-change, don't you think?  I think it is an interesting path to take, especially for a guy in his late 50s. 

Since I've been thinking of potential new careers I may want to take up in about five years or so, his achievement has altered some of my internal stereotypes of what paths are open to me (or anyone).  Not that I'm thinking of the church as a career now, but this new career of his is *so* different than the one he held with my employer.  It makes me realize that I should expand my horizons.  He's was so happy yesterday....I'm so glad for him and that DH and I were able to witness the ceremony.



As you can see in the first photo, the irises are in full bloom.  I have two more patches of irises just like those.  So, I'll say it again, I would love to share some rhizomes with you (and you and you and you) later this summer.  I have to divide these irises and I have no idea where to put them all.  Please email me or leave a comment if you would like some for your garden.

Finished socks and florentine irises

Finished Object(s)! 

The Jaywalkers are finished and I love them.  They are the best fitting socks I've ever made.  Now, I haven't made many pairs of socks but it is quite thrilling to have a pair that really fit.  Here are the details:

Pattern:  Jaywalker by Grumperina (formerly published in MAGknits and now a free Ravelry download.)  I cast on 76 stitches.

Yarn:  Trekking XXL, color 109  Less than one skein.

Needles:  US 1 (five dpns)

Time served:  A long time.  I'm not a fast knitter and these socks were for my travel time. 

I decided I was tired of having these on the needles so I devoted a bit of time to get them off the needles.  Now I am ready for Summer of Socks 2008.  Well, perhaps not as ready yet as Cookie or Deborah, but now I have a clear sock slate.  I love these socks!









Garden news:  My florentine irises are starting to bloom.  I acquired this variety from a grower in Ohio in the late 1990s.  It took me quite a while to find them. However, I had to have them because of the narrative in this book.  The Harrowsmith Illustrated Book of Herbs by Patrick Lima is still one of my very favorite books.  I read this book before bed for many nights.  Yes, I'm a bit odd........but, it really is a lovely book.  Anyway, they (the irises) multiply quite readily and are a delicate white with dove grey accents.  The irises will have to be divided in late summer, so if you are interested in receiving some (please!), just let me know via email or the comments and we'll make mailing arrangements in August or September.

Knitting content ahead. Consider yourself warned.

I actually have a bit of knitting content to post today so brace yourself.

I've finished Jaywalker sock number one.  Although this photo shows an open toe, I did finish it Sunday evening and was just too tired the lighting was poor, so I didn't take an updated photo.

I like the pattern but I really don't like frogging this pattern.  My brain and hands don't work well together when unknitting.  Thus, I'm trying to be a very careful knitter.  This sock is nice, not as nice as Nora's, but still nice.  *g*

I've also been working on the Spring Enticement Shawl. 

It is a tad bit larger now than this photo but once again, the light was better earlier Sunday afternoon than later in the evening.  *g*  Besides, a shawl blob is still a blob, lace pattern or no.  The pattern is the Famous Shawl from Fiesta Yarns and the yarn is La Boheme also from Fiesta Yarns, a combination of one strand of mohair and one strand of rayon.  This yarn has been in my stash for a number of years....at least a year before we moved and that was almost three years ago.  How's that for true confessions?!  The pattern is quite simple and provides a showcase for the color and texture of the yarn.  This photo was also taken before one of the cats decided the nice cake of yarn was hiding a secret.  I'm hoping no knots developed during the search for treasure.  That's what I get for leaving temptation in plain sight!

The driveway drifts were plowed Sunday but the wind was still moving snow.  The drifts looked like they came up to the hood of the truck that plowed us out.  Snow was flying everywhere and it took some effort to clear the long driveway.  Yikes!  I'm posting this in advance so we'll see if the driveway is passable Monday morning.   Drive safe everybody and dress warm!

Shopping, sherry, and socks

Today was my second consecutive day of shopping for holiday gifts. I'm making very good progress between in-town and in-ternet sources. I'll conduct a detailed inventory tomorrow morning (off-blog) to make sure the list has been checked twice. I avoided Black Friday and my shopping experiences yesterday and today were pretty good. I shopped Hilldale Mall on Friday and while it was busy it wasn't horrible. Today I avoided the malls and just hit Target, Michael's (crafts), the Poynette BP gas station, and Poynette's Piggly Wiggly. I left the house about 10:45 am this morning and made it back about 5 pm. I decided to have a bit of a snack before dinner since I, surprisingly, forgot to eat lunch today. (Don't worry, I did eat breakfast.) My snack consisted of little mini-Moo wedge (french onion flavor), Townhouse crackers, and a dirty manzanilla sherry martini. The 'martini' is Spanish manzanilla dry sherry with a green olive and a bit of juice from the olive jar.

There has been knitting progress. Friday was also oil-change day for the Jeep so I had time to knit at the dealership on the second fingerless mitt. I'm pretty happy with the first mitt, too, which happens to have my first "thumb" construction. Here is mitt number one pointing out the line of snow heading for Chez Purling Oaks. The forecasts vary in how much snow we'll see by the end of tomorrow...anywhere from one inch to three inches.

My DSIL, Anne, told me this evening about a method used to reinforce sock heels. She is reading (Anne, I cannot remember the book's title) a historical novel/biography/story about a young woman. In the story, the young woman is knitting socks and there is one line in the book that is very interesting. The line mentions the young woman taking several strands of her own hair to reinforce the heels of the socks she is knitting. I need to follow up with Anne to get the title of the book.

Cacophony and Color 109

The theme yesterday was cacophony. DH and I were stranded waiting for our aircraft to arrive at the DFW aiport. It was a long wait, in part, because of our flight schedule and our early arrival at the airport. Our wait also seemed long because of all the noise! We were forcefed CNN with multiple monitors and speakers in almost every ceiling tile. There was absolutely no place to escape the speakers--except the restrooms. If you've spent anytime in an airport, you know you don't want to spend any more time than necessary in an airport restroom. In addition to the airport version of CNN, there were cell phones ringing constantly with the accompanying loud conversations and folks watching a sit-com (with laugh-track) on their PC without using headphones. There was no quiet place. No wonder it is easy to be irate in an airport.

Whew, I'm glad that is out of my system. Thank goodness for sock knitting. I'm sure it kept me sane yesterday. I cast-on a sock late Sunday so I would have some travel knitting. I don't enjoy traveling with a sweater project since I'm at risk of losing important components. Anyway, I decided to try a Jaywalker by Grumperina in Trekking XXL (color 109). I used stash yarn and wanted minimal challenges, so no short-rowing. Here's my progress through Tuesday night. I'm sure to make more progress this week since I'll have some good passenger-in-a-car knitting time. I'm really enjoying the way the color is changing in this yarn and pattern.