Mom's Knitting Room: 3/8/09

Welcome To Mom's Knitting Room

Welcome to my blog page. My site will update from time to time. You may on occasion see items rearranged or removed. So don't think you're going "crazy". I am still learning to navigate within the blog world.

My knitting experiences have been very slight. I have only been knitting about four years. Learning the "ropes" and "ins and outs" of knitting from my mom who has been knitting for over 50 years. I have had the privilege of having many talented women and men teach me their "tricks of the trade". They have been generous and patient with me as I learn this craft.

You might wonder why its taken so long for me to catch the "bug" of knitting, but until recently it occurred to me that this long lived art would die with my mom as she is the only one of three siblings who can knit and crochet. So in order to keep the tradition alive and hopefully pass this on to future generations in our family, I ventured out on this new journey and chapter in my life.

There are many knitters out there so willing to help "newbies" along this expedition of knitting. Along the way, I have been able to impart some new techniques, skills and information to my 80 year old mom. I've been able to introduce her to fabulous fibers as well. . . . .

Who said "you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!"

Saturday, March 14, 2009

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.

Cats and Dogs

I am quite blessed to have a husband who indulges me to no end. Our dog rescued a tabby cat with three kittens, all grown at this point. There were three females and one male, but the male cat ran away. The others have stayed. We have been successful in domesticating one of the three kittens, pictured below named Scratcher, plus the mother cat. We managed to spay all three female cats (Mommy Cat, Scratcher Face and White Face) and care for them daily. Two live with us while the third one (White Face) refuses to be housebroken. Doesn't matter to us, we still care for her and look for her daily to be sure she is safe and sound. We have a doghouse outside under our balconey so she is sheltered from the snow, rain and sleet. During the winter months we use a heating bowl for her water and put lots of blankies in her doghouse so she stays warm and dry.