by Kat | Jun 10, 2016 | General
Happy FriYAY everyone! It has been what feels like a long week – insomnia has been an ugly companion most of the week. But, on the bright side – the lack of sleep has spawned an increase in reading and a good bit of thought organization.
I did some sampling this week (while waiting for the Shetland to rest for a few days before I ply it up) Above are some Gulf Coast locks that I got from Sheepspot and I was really not sure what I wanted to do with it. I flicked the locks spun them – this sample is a fingering weight that when plied springs up with a really lovely, airy loft – even though this is spun worsted. I have not washed the sample yet – but I have a bag of locks in this lovely orange-y red and one of a funky green.
It’s Fiber Friday, (thanks Rachel!!) and this post really got me thinking…I had this bump of fiber from ITW that I was really not enamored of the color, but I wanted to try out what Rachel did here, I split the fiber down several times – keeping the colorway intact, but breaking it into smaller segments with more repeats. I will spin up this orange merino that I got from Beth eons ago (really, eons – way back when she owned The Spinning Loft) and then ply the two together. I am really excited to spin this up to see how it turns out.
Plus, I have the Cormo on the Turkish spindle that I am still spinning. There was not much spinning outside with Sherman this week – I used the time to weed the garden beds that were in need of some attention. But, with those beds all cleaned up, I can resume spindling, guilt free!
There were some really great links this week in the fiber world:
I also made a tiny bit of progress on clue two of Kirsten Kapur’s Mystery Shawl, which I plan to finish up this weekend. I have picked up button band stitches on Indigo Cones and will be heading out to do some Pergola Knitting momentarily! That is all I have today, have a great weekend and I will see you back here on Monday!
by Kat | Jun 9, 2016 | General, In This Moment, Words
I am not sure if it has been the volume of rain we have gotten, or the suddenly warm days, but my roses are on steroids this year! The branches are so full of blooms and buds; they are weighed down with the volume of them! And yet the buds keep coming.
This little bouquet was hastily picked before bad thunderstorms and winds arrived here three nights ago – and they still look amazing.
This got me thinking, or perhaps it was all the curiosity that this post stirred up (really, go read all the linked posts – if you were not curious before, you will be soon!)
How often do I take what comes my way, good or bad, and allow it to bloom an explosion of color in my life? Or, perhaps an explosion of something good/positive/enriching is a better way to think about it.
Honestly, I can tell you that the answer is not very often.
Oh, it is easy to do when what comes your way is good – but the bad? Yeah…
For me, that almost always just makes more bad.
I have been carefully working on my gratitude focus – trying to quietly find one or two things to be grateful for each day. Some days, I am hard-pressed to find anything, and other days the things I am grateful for flow easily into my journal.
One blessing that has come out of journaling is that I can look back and clearly see how the external effects me internally.
Now I need to focus on how to be like those roses – good or bad – create an explosion of color where I am planted!
P.S. I wrote a guest post on the Sheepspot blog with my thoughts on the first year in the Fiber Club! Sign-ups open again soon, just sayin’
by Kat | Jun 8, 2016 | General, Making
The weather has taken a detour back to spring temperatures over the past 24 hours. The humidity has gone elsewhere (sorry if elsewhere is where you are) and the high temperature yesterday was on 73, and last night was perfect sleeping weather! This is so welcome, because I am not a fan of air conditioning and never really sleep well with it running non-stop. However, this weather is supposed to be with us for a few days, so on top of perfect sleeping conditions; I have some real motivation to get a summery sweater done!
I am making progress on Indigo Cones, with a number of modifications. It is strange that no one else has had these issues – or if they did they have not posted any notes about them. Just a heads up knitters – if you alter a pattern or if a pattern has issues, please post some notes about this!! It is helpful for the knitters that will come behind you!
Anyways, the openings for the sleeves were HUGE (each opening is 15 inches from shoulder to body) – so my alteration for this was to seam up the openings (I am using mattress stitch and seaming 5 inches on each side) then I picked up sleeve stitches. One sleeve is done, the other to join its partner shortly! Then all that is left is to decipher the button band instructions – wish me luck! I hope to have this completed before the week is over!
Plus!!
Clue number two for Kirsten Kapur’s Mystery shawl is out today and I am eager to continue knitting that!
I also am happy to report that I almost finished with The Goldfinch! I have just under 200 pages to go and hopefully will have it done this week! I have some good things in the “on deck reading circle” so I have some good incentive to get it done!
How is your summer reading going?
I am off to try to finish this sleeve and the button band. If you are looking for knitting or reading inspiration, there is always something good to be found on Ginny’s Yarn Along!
Have a great Wednesday!
by Kat | Jun 7, 2016 | General, Words
It is Tuesday and this week Carole brings me a very challenging topic. Very challenging. She wants to know:
10 Things You Are Curious About
I am really happy that Carole sent this topic on Saturday so I could spend a good bit of the weekend pondering my curiosity.
Albert Einstein’s quote fits me completely because while I really don’t have any special talents; I am passionately curious.
Now, I am not curious in the sense of wanting to take things apart to find out how they work – I was not the kid who wanted to know how radios work, or how records make sounds (yes, I was of the era of vinyl records). Nor am I a risk taker – you won’t find me curious about skydiving, deep-sea diving, or mountain climbing.
But I am curious about many things and here is my Curiosity List:
- Pattern Design – especially in knitting. I am so amazed at the volume of patterns that are published daily on Ravelry. While, this seems to me such a daunting task; I would like to take a class to learn more about this.
- Pattern Technical Editing – which kind of goes hand in hand with pattern design. But, really – how do they do it?? Curious minds want to know!
- Home Brewing Beer – I have read books and I have a great friend who brews some amazing beer. I am curious about the entire process.
- Photography – I think my photography skills have been improving, however I am curious to learn more about the intricate details of the craft. I would love to take a class and learn more.
- Learning languages – We are a single language household, but curiously I have a daughter who is multi-lingual. Men Duolingo hjælper mig med at lære.
- Different cultures – the differences and similarities fascinate me. Thanks to Tess Vigeland, I am very curious about becoming an ex-pat.
- Shepherding – It is no secret that I love wool. I have this beautiful daydream that I live on a gorgeous farm with a flock of happy sheep. I am curious if this dream would be as lovely a reality. Perhaps I can fulfill two curiosities with this, although my daydream did not include 850 acres.
- Hand Writing – especially Calligraphy. This just fascinates me.
- Writing – I am curious how successful the participants are of NaNoWriMo are…
- Stained Glass Making – These are just so beautiful, and having watched Vicki Payne make stained glass on PBS for years, I am curious to learn more.
There is my Curiosity List…What makes you curious?
by Kat | Jun 6, 2016 | General, In This Moment
It was a quiet weekend at Casa del Katknits, but sometimes downtime is just the thing you need the most.
There was a lovely, but simple, happy hour on the porch Friday, with a simple kick off to Negroni Week. Sometimes, simple is best as we let the week go and welcome in the weekend.
I was saddened to read of the passing of Muhammad Ali. While I was never a fan of boxing, I was of fan of Mr. Ali’s. His passing brought to mind the one and only experience I had with the man. We were both on a flight from Chicago to LA some 30 or so years ago. He was in first class, I was not. However, on the flight a row or two in front of me was a family – mom, dad, and their 8 or 9-year-old son who had Down’s Syndrome. During the flight, Mr. Ali came back to ask the boy for his autograph. I am not sure how he knew the boy was there, but Mr. Ali spent at least 20 minutes talking with the young man – absolutely oblivious to everyone but the boy and his family. His shock when the boy asked him for his autograph was genuine and brought tears to my eyes then, and now. I will never forget this incredible man’s sincere kindness that day. Nor will I forget our brief, but spectacular, conversation while waiting with him for our respective pieces of luggage. He was truly a gentle soul and the void he leaves in this world will be difficult to fill. Rest in Peace, Mr. Ali, rest in peace.
Saturday was filled with reading and knitting as I worked on finishing my Indigo Cones. I was unhappy with how the shoulders joined and spent some time thinking about how to work them better. Sometimes insomnia is the best thing, especially when you have a challenge to solve. At least for me in this instance it helped!
Sunday was equally quiet, a trip to the library and some more knitting.
It was not an off the charts exciting weekend, but it was one of the most revitalizing ones I have spent in a long time. I am ready to face Monday renewed and refreshed for whatever it may bring!
Happy Monday, Gentle Readers – make it a good one!
by Kat | Jun 3, 2016 | General
Happy Friday! I would say that it took long enough getting here, but it was a short week. However, I have felt confused on what day it is all week long! Tuesday felt like Monday, etc. But, today is Friday and that means I am joining Rachel for Fiber Friday.
I have been faithful to spinning on my Jenkins Turkish Spindle when I am outside with Sherman. I am happy to report that I am more than half way through the bump! The fiber is Cormo from Sheepspot Breed Club in the December in Ontario colorway. This was a good choice for me to drop spindle as it is so easy to spin! My spindling has improved as well!
I have not been spinning much this week on my Matchless, as I have been trying to get some knitting projects done instead, however I have so little of the Shetland to finish I will just sit down and get it done this weekend! (Perhaps while watching Shetland that I just picked up from the library!) We have rain in the forecast for the weekend so that might just work perfectly!
On a quick side note, my garden is going mad! There are peppers growing on the pepper plants, we have one tomatillo started, and (while there is not a picture) the potatoes are growing! My roses are crazy with blooms and buds right now too, as are my raspberries! It is a very happy time in the garden!
As usual, I have a few links for you today…
Have a fantastic weekend, see you all back here on Monday!
P.S. Thanks for sharing all the books you did not like, I now have an awesome list to choose from!
by Kat | Jun 2, 2016 | General, In This Moment
Listening to A Playful Day and Squam Morning on the Dock podcasts – and I am loving them tremendously.
Moving with new Merrell walking shoes, which are awesome for my energized morning walks. Sometimes even with that character pictured above! Although, he is more a leisurely pace walker!
Planning out the books to read that will fill some squares for Book Bingo – I have penciled in To Kill a Mockingbird, Written in my Heart’s Own Blood, Red Bones, Blue Lightning, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and one of the Harry Hole mysteries (I have several on hold at the library – we’ll see what comes through first!) I need a bit of your help with a book that you absolutely hated. Really. This will get me my first bingo and well on my way to the second bingo (what??) I will just have to figure out what book from the Harvard Classics 5-foot shelf I want to struggle though!
Cutting out the muslin for the Merchant and Mills dress. And, yes, I am a bit nervous. Yes, I know it is just the muslin, but I am not sure how I will alter it if it does not fit right. Really.Not.Sure. Stay tuned, I promise to share all the details!
Spinning the last ounce of Shetland, seriously, the last ounce (I weighed it!!) This will give me just over 600 yards, which will be a nice cushion for the sweater!
Enjoying the stretch of sunny days that we have been having! Having to water is a happy task! After so many days without the sun, and such a cold spring – the sun and warmth are so welcome!
Watching
30 Degrees in February, and laughing and crying and loving it!
Knitting the second sock of Carole’s Picot Edge Socks, Through the Loops Mystery Shawl – clue one is done, and plugging away at my Indigo Cones. I am determined to get through my WIP basket before the Summer Knit-Along is over. However, there may be more socks cast on along the way!
Feeling really fulfilled in my work life right now – on so many levels. I am filled with inspiration and creativity; I am learning new things and stretching my boundaries in very good ways!
That is the snapshot of my life right now, but tell me what is your current favorite?!
by Kat | Jun 1, 2016 | General, Making
It is Wednesday (although it feels like Tuesday to me!) and that means it is time for some Yarn Along with Ginny. But, really – summer officially beings for me today!
Why?
Well, the arrival of Clue 1 of Kirsten Kapur’s Mystery Shawl means the start of summer for me and that clue is here!
This will be the fourth time I have participated in her Shawl MKAL and I really like getting a bit of a pattern each week to work on. The first few clues can be completed fairly quickly, and they pique my interest for what will unfold in the remaining clues. This year will be extra special though as there are some blog friends participating (Hello Vicki, Patty, Margene, and Bev!!)
My yarn is caked, the pattern printed and as soon as I have my work for today done, I will cast on and get started!
Summer Knit-Along knitting is also making progress! I am making my way through the pattern repeats of Indigo Cones, I should have the back done today. Then it will be on to the right front. I have read ahead in the pattern and realized why I set this aside. The neckband instructions seem very unclear to me. I am hoping they will make more sense once I have the body of the sweater done. Time will tell, I will spend a bit of time today seeing if anyone has some good notes on Ravelry that can assist me. My fingers are crossed!
My summer reading has begun as well! I am working on my Book Bingo card. Book One – The Goldfinch, which covers my “with an animal on the cover or in the title” square! I am not too far into it yet, but so far I am enjoying it immensely!
What’s in your summer reading queue?
by Kat | May 31, 2016 | General, Words
Welcome to Tuesday (that really feels like a Monday)!
What could possibly help this dire situation? Reliving the weekend thanks to Carole and her 10 on Tuesday request:
10 Things You Did This Weekend
The weekend arrived a bit early here, Steve only had to work a half a day on Friday. Summer arrived in full force as well, with temperatures into the 90’s here. But, all in all it was a great weekend with a full spectrum of things to do.
We finished a garden bed that we had been working on expanding this month. Whew!
It was also a weekend of discovery – that is discovery in muscles I did not know – or forgot – I had!
There were plenty of cocktails – thank you Blackberry Brambles, Frose’s, Shrubarb (Thanks Vicki for this FANTASTIC new word!!) coolers, and even a beer or two.
The grill got the maximum amount of possible usage for burgers, grilled chicken, and grilled asparagus! There was also Lobster Ravioli, which was not grilled but so delicious!
In moments of respite from the maximum heat and humidity, there was sewing. Specifically, 100 Acts of Sewing, Dress No. 1 in a lovely Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dyed Linen that I got from Spool in Pittsburgh. Bonus points were achieved in making and installing the best bias tape I have made and stitched in to date!
There was some spinning – I finished up spinning and plying the ITW batt that I got last year from Maryland Sheep and Wool – I love how it turned out – 400 yards of heavy fingering weight yarn. I almost finished the Shetland done for my sweater project. I just have a tiny bit of spinning to finish and then plying can begin.
There was knitting…I finished sock number one from Carole’s Picot Socks. I LOVE it! Sock number two will be cast on shortly. I also began my Summer Wish List of those WIPs I want to get done this summer – starting with Indigo Cones. Sitting and knitting under the pergola is really lovely, just sayin’.
There was reading – I finished Ann Cleeves White Nights and it was excellent! I thought it was much better than book number one, and I will definitely be continuing with this series this summer! Which is good, because I need a book set in another country for my Book Bingo card! I started The Goldfinch, and within a few pages I was enthralled. This book will be hard to put down – this is a very good thing because as everyone has reminded me this book has over 700 pages!
There was a spectacular Happy Hour under the pergola on Friday!
There was time spent just enjoying that it was the weekend, with deep gratitude that it was not over yet on Sunday night.
There was time spent in meditation and reflection of what the holiday really means, beyond a long holiday weekend, and being filled with profound thankfulness to those willing to serve and give their lives in defense of freedom.
So, tell me – what was your favorite part of your weekend?
by Kat | May 30, 2016 | General, In This Moment
Hello Gentle Reader!
I hope you are having an awesome extended weekend for the holiday, and if you were waiting patiently for the start of the AsKatKnits Summer Knit-Along, the wait is over!
Last night, in preparation, I pulled out one of the WIPs from my basket and sat down with the pattern to figure out where I am so I can spend a little quality time with it today. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I am further along than I thought. I have divided for the sleeves and am cruising up the back. This morning, I have hopes that this will be approaching the finish line by this time next week.
I would love to have you join us, we have some great discussion going on Ravelry!
That’s all I have for today, I am off to do a bit of knitting!
See you back here tomorrow and have a fantastic Memorial Day!
