The Loss of My Husband, Friend, My Everyday. . .

I have not posted in some time because I have not been able to pick up my knitting needles. You see my best friend and husband of 18 years passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. We had dinner together, watched American Idol together and then he was gone. Quickly, suddenly without any pain to him, but much to those left behind. I miss him everyday, every moment, every thought. . .how does one go on? You just do, but with much anguish.

He was my #1 FAN when it came to knitting. Whenever I was joining a class at Stitch Therapy Brooklyn, he would always say "play nicely now". When I would return, he would ask "did you play nicely with the rest of the ladies?" I will miss those moments. I will miss the moments when he would call me at work to see if I arrived; would call me from home to ask if it was time for me to come home? etc. Never did he ask much of me, but he spoiled me terribly. Never will there be one like him ever again!

Teak Bittersweet Gauntlets in the Making

These gauntlets are still in the making. I am using Classic Elite Alpaca Sox Fingering weight yarn in cream and the contrasting color, which is a dark blue is Berroco Ultra Alpaca yarn. Pattern can be found in Boutique Knits.

Entrelac Scarf from Knitting Daily Free Patterns

This is such a 'kewl' technique!!! Visit Knitting Daily for your free download pattern.

Latvian Style - Sea Mineral Mittens by spillyjane

This is my first adventure into knitting mittens with several color changes and a design reminiscent of sea waves. I downloaded the pattern from http://www.ravelry.com/ (you need to be a member) or you can go to http://spillyjane.blogspot.com/ to download your free copy.

I am using one ball of Palette yarn from http://www.knitpicks.com/ White, Mist (light grey,) Fog (medium grey,) Cornmeal (pale yellow,) and Pool (blue,). I haven't gone very far in the pattern. I will keep you all posted on my progress.

Crusoe Socks

These socks were knitted up in Koigu Painter's Premium Palette Merino [100% merino wool; 175 yds/m per 50g skein] yarn using US#1 Needle. The yarn was a delicious treat and the pattern was really easy. Get the free pattern from http://www.knitty.com/.

Cell Phone Envelope

My first endeavor into making something w/o a pattern. Not great, but its a start.

Alpaca with a Twist - Highlander (Tweed)

Pansy

Birch

Blackthorne

Thistle

45% Baby Alpaca, 45% Merino Wool, 8% Microfiber, 2% Viscose, 3.5 oz, 145 Yards
Alpaca with a Twist Highlander is just as luscious, soft and bouncy as Big Baby!! The colors are so pretty. I have not knitted up anything with these new yarns yet, but can't wait to start!! Locate and purchase some, you won't be disappointed. (Click on each photo for a larger scale photo.)

Finished "2 Socks At a Time" on Magic Loop

Progressing on Socks on Magic Loop

Finished Socks Unwashed

Finished, Washed and Blocked

Liking this yarn lots!! Does not split and has a springy elasticity to it.

Finally finished the socks!! Not sure if I like the Magic Loop technique as much as like my dpn's but nevertheless it was a great exercise in learning something new.

I did make a mistake when reading and interpreting the pattern and you will notice that my heel flap actually started on the bottom of the foot rather than on the actual heel flap section. BUT, since I have been experiencing some heel pain the extra cushion actually works in my benefit.

Also, for some unknown reason as I was doing the slip one knit one, I did something really wrong but it was too late to go back and frog the piece. Doesn't matter. . .the socks are for me and I will know next time to do better, besides it will be hidden by my shoe so no one will be the wiser.

"2 Socks At A Time" Socks in the Works

I recently took a 2 Socks At A Time class at my LYS. The instructor was wonderful and very patient. It took me a little time to get the cast on memorized and onto the needles but I did it finally. I love my DPNs and working on them, but I must say I am drawn to the idea of finishing a pair of socks at the same time quite inviting. I don't know if I am a true convert to this new technique, but who says you have to do one technique over the other? You can do both. . .have a little variety in your knitting. . .you're the boss. . .

I am using INOX 40" circular needles in US#2 on Ella Rae Lace Merino Yarn (100% Extra Fine Merino made in Italy).

Prime Alpaca

Prime Alpaca "The Heavenly Fiber" Grown in the Andes above 13,000 feet - 8oz; approximately 665 yards. Color shown: lilac, saffron, plum. This fiber has been called by knitters as the poorman's cashmere. It is a lovely yarn with beautiful stitch definition.

Alpaca with a Twist - Big Baby

Big Baby - 100% Baby Alpaca, 3.5oz (100g), 82 yards. Colors shown are taupe, blue, charcoal, cream and plum. At this stage of my knitting experience, this is by far my favorite yarn. It is buttery, springy, soft, and luscious. . .try it you won't be disappointed.

And . . . More Hats! Bobbles & Cable; Crosspatch

Bobbles & Cable

Crosspatch

(Click on each picture to get a better stitch definition)

The Bobbles & Cable hat is knit up in Reynolds' Andean Alpaca Regal on US #9 needles and the Crosspatch Hat (pattern from http://www.knitty.com/) is knit up in Big Baby Alpaca with a Twist in Cream and Chocolate colors, US#9 needles.

Big Baby Alpaca yarn is a lovely yarn to knit. It is soft on the hands, has a springy texture and behaves nicely. The Alpaca Regal has about 10% Wool and the texture on this yarn is nice, not as springy and buttery as the Big Baby Alpaca but good nonetheless; has a lovely sheen and one ball goes a long way!

Our Rescued Cats. . .Fur not Yarn. . .

Kylie hiding from Midnight. . .

Move out!! Kylie, this is my sleeping box. . .

Oh well, I guess I have to make do with the sofa. . .

Midnight - The Viva Diva - She terrorizes our other cats and she's only about 5 lbs. Kylie is 15 lbs. and is totally afraid of Midnight! Midnight literally comes alive at NIGHT-time. She plays and meows while Kylie (the calico) can't get enough of the cuddling, petting and being held.

The Retro Anklet Socks and Meida Socks Worn By Recipients

Retro Anklet Socks knitted in Opal Yarn US #3 needle.


Meida Socks knitted in Lorna's Laces Sock Weight, Seaside Colorway US #1 needle.

Fetching Fingerless Mitts

Sublime's Angora and Merino blend in free pattern from http://www.knitty.com/ "Fetching" using US #6.

Latest Hats, etc.

Crosspatch Hat made with Alpaca with a Twist Yarn in Charcoal and Taupe on US #9 Needles. Pattern from http://www.knitty.com/

Handmaiden free pattern with purchase of yarn. Knitted with Malabrigo Uruguay Sunny Valley Yarn -- double stranded with US #13 Needle.

Adult hat using Cascade Yarns Pastaza Paints single stranded on US #13 Needle.

Adult hat using Debbie Bliss' Donegal Luxury Tweed -- double stranded using US #13 Needle.





Silk Merino Leaf Lace Hat from Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders knitted in Alpaca & Silk by Blue Sky Alpacas in Silver colorway on US #3 Needles.