by Kat | Feb 6, 2017 | General, In This Moment
Do you think the weekend just flew by, or Is it just me?
Friday happy hour started early (as it has been since Hair Hitler has taken office). Steve also hooked up a new PC for me – so there was all that “transfer” stuff that goes on with all of that. There are still things not on the new PC yet.
Saturday was “Outlet Mall Retail Therapy” Day. I will say one thing, dieting is definitely not good for the clothing budget.
Sunday I cast on MKAL Sock #2, but I did not get it completed, however the cuff is done! We watched the Super Bowl (Steve watched until the end of regular play – I did not make it that long.) I was thrilled to wake up at 2am-ish and discover the Pat’s had pulled it out!
And, today is the birthday of one very special woman – my Rachel is 28 today! This is one of my favorite photos of her with her siblings – Rachel is in the middle. Happiest of Birthday’s dearest Rachel!
Have a happy Monday all!
by Kat | Feb 3, 2017 | General
Oh, Friday – how the heck are you! And, why did it take you so long to get here!
Yeah, it was one of those weeks that seemed to go on forever.
On the knitting front – Cuff One of Sock One is done. Cuff Two of Sock Two might get started and finished on Sunday. I just love how these yarns are playing together. They are not the most vivid contrasting colors, but I am liking the way they are knitting up.
Way back in December, I was asked if I would review some Knitter’s Pride Needles – I said yes and this lovely set of needles arrived just before the end of the year. Knowing that Kirsten Kapur’s Sock MKAL would be starting in February, I waited to use the needles in this project to tell you all what I think. My go-to needles for sock knitting are Knitter’s Pride Karbonz – they are so fantastic, except when you are knitting with dark sock yarn, then even the brightest of light is not always enough to see the stitches clearly. So, when these 6″ Royales arrived I was happy to see they were very different. The US size range in the set is nice also; 0, 1, 1.5 (which I am using for the MKAL socks), 2, 2.5, and 3. The needle size is marked on each needle but the markings look like that of the Karbonz which has rubbed off with use. And while I am not certain I would ever use the size 0 needles, the other sizes will absolutely get good use. The Royales are not as stiff as the Karbonz so I am not sure how they will hold up in comparison, but if you found the Karbonz were too stiff and hurt your hands, these would be a very good option. The join of the metal tip to the wood is smooth and is completely unnoticeable, and the point on the Royale needle is identical to the Karbonz. This made me very happy and I have had no issues with the tips splitting my yarn at all in knitting. The wood of the needle is very smooth and the stitches slide easily along as I knit. There is no tugging and the wood is beautifully polished. I do not think these needles will snag your knitting at all. It is also great that they come in a nice storage pouch! If you are looking for a set of needles – I would highly recommend these.
Thank you to Stitch Craft Marketing for sending the needles and asking me to review them!
Now, how about some links?
- First up this week, Romi begins a new year in her 7 Shawls series – 7 reSizable Shawls This time however, her concept is very interesting – you can get the pattern book and you can get the work book. Both are available at a reduced price until February 27. And the first project will be released during Stitches West later this month.
- You knew this was coming… World War G{loves}
- Bargello knitting, wow.
- Loulou
- Finally, a couple of freebies! Squircle and Ice Maiden
That is all I have for this week, have a slow and relaxing weekend and I will see you back here on Monday!!
by Kat | Feb 2, 2017 | General, Words
This week’s Think Write Thursday topic is to write a post titled “Hello, February.”
Hello, February!
You might be bleak, but you just happen to be one of my favorite months! You are short and sweet with days that are slowly lengthening and you are the last full month of winter!
Those are some darned good things – but you have so much more packed in to your 28 days!
There is some Groundhog excitement today, and apparently, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and there will be six more weeks of winter. (However, remember this – only 49 days until SPRING!!)
There is one particularly SUPER Sunday and I will be cheering for a certain team from New England. It’s practically a patriotic thing to do!
You bring the birthday of my Rachel, who this year will be 28! Okay, really? How on earth can that be! (And, for those of you wondering – yes, I did use the calculator to determine her age!)
You bring a reminder that love is important on Valentine’s Day.
February 15 would be Susan B Anthony’s 197th birthday…which I think is kind of a big deal this year. A good day to put a pink hat on and celebrate!
We all get a long weekend for President’s Day…which is never a bad thing! (Also a great time to reflect on what makes a good president!)
And, all month long I will be putting pen to paper to send out a letter nineteen times.
I would be REALLY happy if you were a Leap Year – sadly this year you are not!
While I am not officially in the “Bang out a sweater” crew over at MDK this year – I hope to get at least one sweater finished this month. I am also joining in the Kirsten Kapur sock MKAL – I am not sure these will be completed this month, but they will join the knitting rotation!
I am going to try to finish another 6 books this month, which might be a challenge…we’ll see how I do!
I am also hoping that you do not bring days on end of snow and bitter cold – you could keep those things to yourself. Thank you very much!
Love,
Kat
If you would like to join Carole and me in our Think Write Thursday journey, you can sign up here!
by Kat | Feb 1, 2017 | General, Making
Clue one just arrived and I have my yarn and needles ready! Cast on will be happening shortly!
In my ears is a book I have quickly become engrossed in – I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. Excellent narration and a fascinating story. I have read one other book by Zusak, The Book Thief, which I loved. I am the Messenger is nothing like The Book Thief, but I am enjoying it tremendously!
Finally, today begins a new month in my stitch journal – and February brings wool, flannel, and a fresh set of stitches. I am excited to see how this unfolds.
Linking up with Ginny and her Yarn Along and wishing you a very happy February First!
by Kat | Jan 31, 2017 | General, Words
Month One of joy is almost over, so how is my Joy Meter doing? What sparked joy in January?
Well, there were so many things!
The joy started with “virtual cheers” shared with Honore´ (okay, maybe this happened for me before midnight, but I am counting it!)
Joy continued with Mary’s help on this bit of hat knitting.
Joy overflowed in the books I read this month I finished 6 books this month! Best of the bunch: The Nix, The Secret History, Moonglow, and The Cruelest Month.
There was joy in the unity of the Woman’s March on Pittsburgh.
There has been so much joy in daily stitching – I just must add today’s stitches and the first month is done! I am so happy with this new outlet for creativity!
And, there was all kinds of joy inspired by all of you. Joy from your comments – joy from your posts – and most importantly, joy from the community we share!
What brought you joy in January?
