A Flower Grows in Brooklyn?

This lovely fushia colored Magnolia flower sits right outside my balcony in my backyard. This lovely flower only blooms for a short time, but boy does it brighten our coarsely groomed yard. The pink Magnolias are in my neighbor's backyard and that tree really blossoms generously. Flowers do bloom in Brooklyn. . .Enjoy the photos.

e-Bay Purchasing Experience

Okay, I have never purchased anything through e-Bay. I'm one of those individuals who is a little skeptical about these auction sites and worry excessively whether my money and myself will be taken on a 'wild ride' that at this stage of my life, I would not welcome nor would be in any condition to undertake.

But, one day I went 'net' surfing and came across a site that was auctioning MeiMei DPNs. It was a set of 12, yes you read it right, 12 sets of Bamboo DPNs, 5" long, and a nice variety of sizes. The price: $9.99 (Canadian). Well I couldn't resist, but was a little hesitant as I didn't know the ropes of how to bid, etc.

I went ahead and registered and placed my bid. Well to my amazement I won the bid!!! at $10.75 US. I purchased four sets, yes four sets, because whenever I do socks and/or mittens/gloves, I do both feet/hands concurrently so that I do not end up with one shorter or different than the other. I have not yet learned the Magic Loop technique, nor the two socks at a time on a circ. Between you and I, I just love my DPNs anyway. I love the strange looks I get on the train and how these little but complicated looking needles beget conversations from onlookers. Just love it!!!

Oh, by the way, the other two sets which were purchased were not for me, but for a friend who has adopted the concurrent method of knitting socks/mittens too.

So, I will share with you my picture of these lovely needles. What's so cool about them is that the sizes are lazer etched on each needle both in metric and inches.

Knitting Circles

I recently joined a knitting circle in my neighborhood sponsored by the local yarn store. At first I was a little nervous about going because I didn't know what it would entail, besides 'knitting'. Well I was so pleasantly surprised. I met some really nice ladies there. Its a wonderful experience to share the very basic commonality of knitting. I've been learning little things here and there about knitting and realizing that knitting is 'fun'. When I first started on this journey of knitting, I was in a mode of 'beat the clock' syndrome, but now I am learning to enjoy each stitch as I go along, enjoy the fruit of my labor and labor of many who put these beautiful yarns together. I am understanding there is a deeper connection between the movement of my knitting fingers/hands and the fibers. Fibers have come from live animals, and hopefully still alive, and my hands/fingers are alive as well. Something is happening something is connecting. Something is become an heirloom for someone to cherish.

At the knitting circle we are each creating, exchanging, laughing and learning. If you haven't joined one yet, check one out in your neighborhood or even start one. You won't regret it.

New York City's Subway System and Sock Knitting

I have heard that there is a 'snobbery' that happen with knitters. I was a bit skeptical about that labeling until I realized I became a 'knitting snob'. I must say there is nothing wrong with it. . .

I have become a little more comfortable with my knitting in public. I can actually work on my socks while standing at the platform waiting for the train. I don't need to sit in order to knit my socks. Socks are wonderful. They are portable, the needles don't get into others' 3 feet of space limitation and gives a quick gratification for those who need to see some results yesterday rather than today!!

Well recently, I had to stand all the way home as I was not quick enough to grab a seat. So I stood against the door, although all New Yorkers know we are not supposed to lean against the door, but as New Yorkers go, we do nevertheless. Anyway there I was knitting away at a sock I had just started. For those of you who do not knit socks, the first fews rounds are a little awkward and sometimes the needles flay ever so slightly. Well I was happily knitting along when all of a sudden a woman screeches out "are you knitting socks?" to which I shyly said yes. All heads in the particular train car looked my way. I just wanted to melt into the door. I don't like attention brought to me, I am more comfortable being a wallflower. Anyway she continued to tell me how she knitted only one sock, of which she was quite proud of, in a neon green no less was the color chosen for her sock and how she found it quite boring. Well that she found socks boring made for less conversation. . .mind you, all this was said at the top of her lungs and everyone was listening. All I could do was nod nicely and nicely nod I did.

I couldn't wait for her to stop talking so I could get back to my knitting. She finally got a seat to which I gladly did not push her over so that I could get that seat and I finally got back to my sock!!! As all knitters know, every minute wasted is a minute a stitch could be knitted. I realized then I had arrived. I became a 'knitting snob' and proud of it I am!!!!

My Stash Cabinet

I just love my stash cabinet. It contains a variety of yarns, from inexpensive to 'mucho' money. Colors vary as well from solids to variegated colorways. The lower shelves which cannot be seen contain all of my needles and accoutrements.

The very top shelf contains my Polish Pottery. I love pottery, most especially those unique pieces that are handpainted. I don't have a large selection, but what I do have, I love dearly and yes, I do use them. Polish Pottery is quite versatile.