Ripples

I joined yet another CAL, the Never Ending Ripple Along. Go check out some of the lovely ripples that have been made.



I decided to start off with a small lapghan using up some KnitPicks Palette that I had in the stash.






Here's a quick round ripple that I did a few weeks ago to use up some Simply Soft Mill Ends.

Ripples are fast and a great way to stash bust.

Summer of Socks KAL

I signed up for the Summer of Socks KAL. My goal had been to complete at least one pair per month starting January. Well it's already May and so far I've only done one pair. I have some sock yarn in the stash like this sock yarn that I picked up last week.



I decided maybe this KAL will help motivate me somewhat. It doesn't start until June though so to get a head start I went ahead and started a pair.

No Time for Crafting

Well things haven't still haven't settled down. I haven't done any knitting, crocheting or spinning in way over a week now, sigh!

I was in NY for work Tues & Wed this past week. Tuesday I was downtown Manhattan so I popped into Seaport Yarns. Knit Designer Nicky Epstein happened to be there, not for an appearance but to purchase yarn for some upcoming projects she has in the works. It was very nice to meet her. She asked my opinions about yarns and I was happy to oblige. Of course I made a "small" purchase while there. No pictures, I still haven't unpacked my bag yet.

Sadly on Wednesday morning my good friend Joanne passed away. She had been sick for awhile, with a lot of bad pain especially this past year. It's never easy to lose a loved one but at least now she's at peace. My friend Gail and I have been running around like crazy this week making arrangements and clearing out her apartment. The poor thing had no family except a brother in California that she really didn't know. Her memorial service is later on this evening.


On top of that yesterday I ran up to NY for a bridal shower for a cousin. I was so tired I really didn't want to go but I am glad that I did. I had a great time and saw many friends and relatives.



So today is Sunday. No time for relaxing. This morning I was up and out early for the March of Dimes Walk America 2007. The starting and ending location was the Burlington Center Mall which is not far from my house.


I've done this walk for a few years, but this one was special because of my grandson Naseem who was prematurely born in January. Naseem was released from the hospital last month. Today he is a whopping 10 pounds. The little guy has come along way from the 2 1/2 pounds he weighed at birth. He is so precious and I continue to pray that he will keep on doing well.


I attempted to start a team but the only ones who walked were my daughter and myself pushing my grandsons in their strollers. Luckily the weather was great and we completed the 5 mile walk in a little over two hours. I did leave my dd behind towards the end because she started slowing down too much for me. Plus she stopped almost to the halfway turning point. She had a good reason, Naseem started fussing so she stopped to feed him. Teon and I continued on while she fed the baby and waited for us to come back. Regardless young people, they are soooo out of shape. Do you know her friends and my sons said 5 miles is too long to walk? They ought to be ashamed. If this old granny can do it they should be able to.
I wish to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to my sponsors of family and friends who made a donation to the March of Dimes.

So this is just a little of what it's been like for me. Hopefully within the next few days I can pick up a hook or my needles and get some crafting done. I have quite a few WIPs that I'd like to get back to.

A Brief Check In

I'm around. It's just been crazy lately. Last week I was on travel for work. I get home and find out that a good friend is dying. On top of that I had company for the weekend. So between spending time with my friend who doesn't have any family except a brother in California and my company I haven't had time to do much of anything else. The upcoming week won't be much better. I will catch up with blogging eventually.

Another Clapotis

Project: Knitty's Clapotis
Yarn: Plymouth Royal Bamboo, color 01
Needles: Knit Picks Options, size 8

FO - Socks

I finally finished these socks that I started back in January. They feel absolutely wonderful on my feet.

Yarn: JoJo Land Merino Cashmere Sock Yarn
Needles: Size 3 Addi Turbo 12" circulars and size 3 DPNs
Pattern: Jaywalker by Grumperina (modified)

DIY Network Craft Shows

I frequently watch the DIY Network Channel. Two craft related ones that I tune into are Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads. Most of the time the topics don't appeal but yesterday I was inspired by both shows.


On the Knitty Gritty episode, the guest was Stefanie Japel of Glampyre Knits. The project was this fabulous sweater. What a nice and quick knit this project is. The sweater is knitted from the top down and the only seaming is the sleeves, which can be easily modified to knit in the round.


The show for Uncommon Threads featured tunisian crochet, a technique I recently became interested in. This "tunisian post stitch" reminds me of the knitted drop stitch. I can envision some nice shawls made with this stitch.


One thing that I liked about both projects were that they were done with large hooks and needles. I' m keeping both in mind for projects when quick gifts are needed.

More Yarn

My yarn from the Knit Happens sale has arrived. In addition to the Noro I also ordered some Cascade 220 and Debbie Bliss Cathay, yarn I haven't tried yet. I think it will knit up into a nice top for summer.

Webs has it's anniversary sale going on now. As tempted as I am I think I'll pass on that one. But don't let me stop you, go check it out.

WIP - Socks

I started these socks in January. At the time I told myself that I would do one pair of socks each month. Well it is now April and I'm still working the first pair. So today I decided to knock the first one out. I immediately casted on for the second one. I'm hoping to get it done over the next few days. Wish me luck!!