The Brown Berry Chronicles

Mr. Hoppity Pants becomes a bunny

2010-04-25T10:43:00.002-04:00

Adachi's most complex knitting project to date: A big foot bunny she has named "Mr. Hoppity Pants". She completed all the knitting; I did the seaming, and both girls helped me with the stuffing.

Another successful Munchkin Creation

Yoo Hoo! Spring!

2010-03-06T09:14:00.005-05:00

When I took the time to look around, I found some pretty uplifting signs that Spring will, in fact, come again. A couple nice reminders were right outside of my front door:

I feel encouraged by this natural reassurance that the creatures will come out again soon enough to celebrate the return of warm weather and renewal along with us. I have to say though, the weather here has been quite chilly (in the 30s this week!), and it has been a wonderful excuse to put my woolly wardrobe to use.

Ten Things

2010-01-23T09:17:00.009-05:00

I was inspired by the openness and honesty of this photo and meme posted by Sharon; and you know what they say about imitation and flattery...

Photo credit goes to my munchkins (who would never say it's weird that mommy wants pictures of herself all sweaty after a run)

I've parted ways with 18 pounds since this time last year. Yay!

1. I dream almost every night; more nightmares than I'd like, but also some very revealing scenarios.

2. In the last 10 years, I have given up 3 of my very favorite things for the sake of better health - dairy (except butter), chocolate, and wine. It still stings a little, but they are slowly being replaced by an addiction to daily exercise.

3. I worry constantly about being a good mother. Mine is awesome, and she set a high standard.

4. I'm becoming less sociable as I get older, and I'm OK with that. Some of you reading this are saying "Um...yeah, right."

5. I have 2 herniated discs. Most of the time I pretend that I don't so that I can continue doing what I want to do, not what my body tries to tell me I should be doing.

6. Good music with a strong bass line makes me ridiculously cheerful.

7. I'm convinced I married the only man on earth patient enough to put up with me. I feed him well though, and I think that's a fair trade.

8. I knit.

9. I believe I have experienced what is known as a "Runner's High". I want more.

10. I spend oodles of my downtime hours lurking on Facebook, Ravelry, and Flickr. These are easily my favorite online hangouts, and I don't think this will change anytime soon.

A Day at The Fair

2010-01-19T07:41:00.004-05:00

New Habits

2010-01-09T19:53:00.003-05:00

I'm going to use this space to start documenting the new habits I've been developing latetly. That way when I forget my productive path, I can look back here and remind myself that sometimes I have great ideas and they pan out well, and they work for the greater good.

Recent New Habit - Project Packs

I've started using my umpteen hours on Ravelry for more of the organizational benefit for which I originally signed up. I can spend hours on that site browsing patterns, people's projects, and the forums. Unfortunately, that doesn't directly increase the amount of actual knitting that I get done - go figure! I'm not making any commitments to stop being a Ravelry junkie, but I am trying to spend a bit of time each visit doing something that does contribute toward my larger goals. One of those goals is to pair patterns and projects more often, and plan ahead for things to knit. This is meant to accomplish 2 things primarily - (1) use my stash since I have gone Cold Sheep this year, and (2) reduce the amount of pattern hunting and replace it with more pattern making. Enter Project Packs...

The filtering feature in Ravelry's project pages that allows me to see the yarns that are already in my stash and have been used for a project is GENIUS. It's like most of the thinking has been done. All that's left is for me to make a nice crisp copy of the pattern and put it in a Ziploc Bag with the selected yarn. When I finish a project, or when startitis hits, these are like ready-made solution kits! Don't get me started on how this has re-shaped my thinking about the many "one ball wonders" I own - OY!

Now...I don't want to become an environmental hazard with too many print outs and plastic either , so I'm doing something similar electronically. When I find a project on Ravelry and see some good options in my stash for making it, I will use my stash page to store links in the Yarn's notes section under "Project Ideas". In this format, when I'm browsing my stash online (and I do that alot now, it's like virtual shopping without any effort or additional expense), I can see what I had in mind for many of the yarns; the potential is intoxicating!

Remembering

2009-12-30T21:47:00.002-05:00

The time has come again...

The sun is setting on another year...

My theme for 2010: "Begin as you mean to go on...".

Project Parade

2009-11-29T06:46:00.009-05:00

Even though the writing here has been slow, the knitting continues!

I have recently joined some of the other members in the Stash and Burn Podcast group on Ravelry in an adventure we're calling "Going Cold Sheep" - like going cold turkey, but with yarn. This was an idea that one of the members brought to the group as a way to suggest more mindful use of, and less random buying of yarn. Essentially, a yarn diet - though that word is really not welcome chez BrownBerry for any "lifestyle" type activity.

Those of us who have made the cold sheep pledge (and recited the Cold Sheep Serenity Prayer) have chosen a time period within which we won't buy any yarn. My commitment began on September 1, 2009 and will end on September 1, 2010. Yep. One year...no new yarn. Except....and of course there must be exceptions - all good habits must make room for moderation. My buying exceptions include yarn for my Etsy store items, yarn bought as a souvenir (2 trips max), yarn that is traded for stash or gifted to me without solicitation, and yarn for gifts that require specific yarn (due to allergies, or recipient's choice).

So far, I'm 3 months successful - I've been shopping from my PYS (Personal Yarn Shop) in the guest room, and working project to project. Here's what has come off the needles recently:

2 Thorpe Hats (and a partridge in a pear tree!):

This Thorpe was done in a thick-and-thin handspun gifted to me by my knit buddy Suse. I didn't realize that I would be such an instant fan of handspun yarn, but there is something about yarn in its near-to-original state that I really enjoy. The smell, the feel, the thought that someone put so much effort into making yarn that I can then convert into something cute and useful. A joy! Of course, without the benefit of the standard yarn ball band, I have no idea how many yards this used up, but I was thrilled to find just the right pattern to compliment it. I made the largest size (22") on size 9 needles, and then hand felted it in a sink full of hot water to make it more dense and snug. The burgundy trim is Kraemer's Mauch Chunky yarn in the color Bing Cherry.

My other Thorpe is done in 2 colors of Plymouth Encore (wool/acrylic blend):

This stash yarn is about as old as my knitting journey (5 years +), and is still one that I enjoy using for different types of projects. The pattern calls for a bulky yarn, so I used this held double throughout, and though I wasn't sure about the thickness at first, I know from experience that this will soften with washing. I made it as a gift for a friend who's mom recently passed away, and I felt very fortunate to be able to give it to him in person shortly after hearing about his loss. It was a late birthday gift that turned out to be right on time. I used size 9 needles for the body of this one as well, but I switched to size 7's for the garter stitch brim to pull it in a bit more. Top down hats are really ideal for getting better sizing. I would definitely knit this again - thank you Kristin Kapur!

And finally, my latest favorite FO:

Hypoteneuse, by Anne Hanson

I knit the garter borders on each end on size 7 needles and the body in size 9. This pattern is so rhythmic. Like all lace, you get this nifty sense of accomplishment every time you complete a repeat, and it wasn't long before the formula "clicked" and I no longer needed to refer to my pattern print out. I'll admit I don't buy patterns often, and this is only the 2nd shawl I have knit from a paid pattern, but just like the last time - it turned out exactly the way I had hoped, and I was ready to cast on for another one as soon as I finished! The yarn is Patons Classic Merino in Plum Heather - so perfectly named. I've raved about my love for Patons Classic before - it's durable, non-splitty, the colors are rich and come in a very useful variety. I find it knits up true to ball band gauge for me in most cases, and gains a significant drape when blocked.

Next in line - some cheerfully bright golf club covers from a pattern by my friend Sarah. Though the recipient bought this yarn, I still consider it stash and part of my cold sheep tally. I encourage you to join us if you want to start your new year a bit lighter in the yarn department!

The Hat

2009-11-03T18:21:00.002-05:00

I started a hat for my friend today
Top down, in the round,
Navy blue
This yarn’s been in my stash for a while,
Just waiting to become something new.

I started a hat for my friend today
Just a quick travel project, nothing hard
I promised it to him some months ago
In lieu of a birthday card

I knit on this hat for my friend today
Every stitch helped in passing the time
I keep tugging the edges and fingering it
I think it will fit him just fine

So I’m knitting this hat for my friend today
Hoping it won’t be too wide
Then I get this short note from my friend today
It said, “Hey, my mother just died.”

So I’m knitting this hat for my friend today
Hoping now it will fit him quite snug
And that when he receives it, he’ll put it on
And feel that I’ve knit him a hug

Knitting: it's more than just a hobby.

10 Minute Jump Start Cardio Workout

2009-11-03T07:24:00.001-05:00

I'm so enamored with YouTube right now - not for the videos of people pole jumping into a swimming pool of whip cream (though even those silly ones can sometimes be entertaining) but for the FREE exercise resources. Do a search for "SparkPeople" and see the wealth of short, manageable workout videos...Coach Nicole is my new workout buddy, and she can be yours too!

Lighten Up

2009-10-29T21:05:00.004-04:00

(I'm just going to sneak right back in here with a post and we'll all pretend like I haven't been gone for absolutely AGES, ok? Great, thanks.)

I've been making small steps lately to lighten up my load in a few areas:

24lbs lighter...
Freecycle - my new favorite organization.
As tough as things have been in the last couple of years for many people, it feels good to make a small contribution by giving away things that I will no longer wear to someone who can really use them.

There are multiple 2-piece suits in there, a dress with the tag still on, and a pair of silk pants that would make any woman feel like a superstar on a workday. This kind of giving really benefits giver and receiver. When I walk into my closet now, I feel lighter!

13lbs lighter...
Since July, I've been doing regular exercise almost every day; biking with a great partner, walking, jogging, and at home strength training. I'm 5lbs from my ultimate goal weight (target was set early this year), and I don't miss a single ounce of what I have shed so far.

6lbs lighter...
We all have it. That mass of supplies that we bought when we were new to the craft, and didn't know better. Didn't know that squeaky acrylic is not well suited for most projects. That good color selection does, in fact, play a part in the final product, and that "cheap" and "good value" are usually mutually exclusive when it comes to your raw materials.

This yarn is headed for The Interim House.. My stash will not miss a single yard of this yarn, but I suspect it is off to do some good in another home.

What will you leave behind before the New Year rolls in?

Hello Weekend

2009-08-08T19:58:00.002-04:00

What did you get in to?

Once More

2009-07-28T17:23:00.005-04:00

My partner and I were chosen as vendors again this year!

Fair details at this link and samples of what we'll be selling can be found here

Phew! I have got to get busy folks. Come by and see us!!

Weekend

2009-07-22T07:56:00.000-04:00

We drove north to celebrate with my sister at her baby shower this weekend. So many of my favorite women all together in one place - my girls, my mom, my dearest friend, my sister, and my niece-on-the way. I felt very very lucky.

Of course, since we were already out and about, we thought some vacation style activity was completely warranted.

I hope you're finding time for some of the simpler pleasures too!

How I'll Spend My Summer Vacation

2009-07-13T22:22:00.005-04:00

I didn't realize how much I wanted a new sewing machine until the Perfect Storm of a July 4th coupon and in-store sale compelled me to ask hubby to get my b-day gift early. He graciously complied and didn't even blink when instead of waiting for it to come in special order, I drove a few (cough: several) extra miles to pick it up locally.

The real exercise in patience was waiting for a week to use it because I was away traveling. I took the opportunity to break it in though while the girls were at the sleepover party next door with our favorite Play Date mate (and new knitter!)

Here's what has come out from under the needle so far...

I finally attached some appliques I made many months ago to a jumper-turned-tank for Mizan

I converted a pair of old PJ pants into a small, simple tote - great way to practice the measure/measure/cut technique, different stitch types, and applying buttons

Already my favorite project, and one I'll repeat for sure...

This cutie patootie bib was created using the steps in the tutorial found here at Sew Funky. I used some cotton scraps I got in a crate at a yard sale about 4 years ago, some soft fleece fabric from a waaaay too large pair of old shorts, and an old towel for the middle. Upcycling at its best! The truck applique is a sooper sweet bonus from a going-out-of-business craft store sale.

Nancy if you're reading this - avert your eyes! I'm sure the boo boo coming next will make you cringe :) I goofed and didn't do my turning out section quite right, and found out quickly that zig zag stitch does not, in fact, fix everything.

oopsie!

I'll be much more attentive to this little (HUGE) detail next time.

I'm having such fun with all my crafty pursuits lately. Soon I'll be back here to catch you up on what's going on with my knitting needles. Wait...you didn't think that having a fabric stash would put a dent in my verve for knitting now did you??! Not a chance!

Wishing you all a fantastic week!

Celebrate, Comment & Win

2009-07-09T09:24:00.002-04:00

Please read this touching and important post over at earthchick's blog!

Think of the impact if we all spread the word about sandhole safety, each one reach one!

These are the good old days

2009-06-21T10:49:00.002-04:00

Happy Father's Day!

Try as they might...

2009-06-15T21:52:00.006-04:00

...the vicious horses-with-wings we call mosquitos around here could not keep me and my long stick away from my harvest today.

Carrie Mangoes from my yard - worth every blood-sucking bite I had to endure to get them

I'm even considering sharing a small piece of one of these with someone else in the family. Then again, there are more on the tree.

Uh huh - what he said!

A Blanket for Genesis

2009-06-01T11:03:00.003-04:00

A Blanket for Genesis, originally uploaded by mamamarce

This project was a combination of right pattern, right yarn, right timing. How often does that happen??

Pattern: Around the Rosy baby blanket, free from Woodhill Designs
Yarn: Berroco Lullaby
Hook: J/10 (6.0mm)
Mods: I omitted the 5tr bobble rounds, added some simple striping to match the center motif, and I did some rounds without increasing the stitch count to avoid rippling (thanks Ravelry!)

Like many of you that are bi-crafty, I've often avoided certain crochet patterns because they don't offer the same movement and drape as most knitting. Not so with this gem - I was so pleased with the softness of the yarn in the ball, that I could only hope it would maintain that quality when stitched up.

My first go at this yarn was a knitted blanket pattern with simple lace, but the gauge was too dense and I frogged it. This second stab at it with the hook instead of needles was just what was called for. The yarn contains DuPont Tencel (I still find that sort of strange) and nylon. It feels like bunny fluff!! That's the only way I can describe it. I just love the way the petals of this "Rosy" lay out, and this is something I'd like to be wrapped in if I were a baby. Hmmm...I do have 4 balls of it left...

This pattern was blissfully repetitive, and surprisingly portable too. It is worked outward from the center, and even though the rounds got longer and longer as it grew, I still enjoyed every step. I even found myself relaxed enough to think some loving thoughts of the recipient. My niece is due to join her two little brothers (who I am just crazy about) later this summer.

Don't be surprised if you see another one of these posted out here before the year is out.

Brought to you by Mr. Greenthumbs

2009-05-27T08:38:00.001-04:00

I constantly tease hubby that he's got a hand full of green thumbs; he is in no way clumsy with them either - that man can tend some land! Recently he told me that some corn had randomly started sprouting shoots from our discards, and I immediately had thoughts of hundreds of stalks swaying in the breeze. He's just that good.

Our latest triumph is the renewal of a tree that was whipped to smithereens by the hurricanes of a few years ago - our Lychee (/lee' chee/) tree blooms again.

I found some interesting info on this fruit at the usual place.

Though they are still a bit sour right now, we've ben noticing that some of them are ripening and then bursting open while still on the branch. With that and the inevitable "squirrel tax", you better believe we're devouring them as fast as we can!

The sweetest part? These are usually crazy expensive in the store! It has been very very satisfying to be able to pluck them for free just by stepping out into my own yard.

Slurrrrp!

Bits and Bobs, Blankets and Babies

2009-05-23T19:00:00.010-04:00

It feels good to be back to the fiber again. My back pain has prevented me from doing much stitching lately, but I'm combating that as much as I can with exercise, chiro visits, and sheer will. Here's a glimpse at what I'm working on...

Colorific crochet flowers - I intend to turn these into a "hippy" style belt, but for now I just find it very soothing to keep making them. My sister gifted me several of these gorgeous jewel tones of Caron Simply Soft; I'm happy to be able to finally use them.

And speaking of my sister - she's making this for me...

And I'm making this for her...

- a sooper soft blanket for the baby girl inside that belly. Click the photos for details...

I'm really enjoying having both of these projects on the go. I'm also looking forward to my knitting machine lesson coming up in 2 weeks - I hope to get rolling on that new path as soon as possible, the ideas that are brewing really make me smile...

Bonding Over Buns

2009-05-02T17:51:00.006-04:00

Another Super Saturday - this time, a baking edition.

I went searching for a good recipe for cinnamon buns online and found this one. During my work travel this past week, one of our dinner conversations turned to the topic of making things from scratch and we all shared stories about which family member was brilliant (or awful) at specific dishes. When we got around to baking, biscuits made from scratch were a hot topic, and cinnamon buns too - mostly because the "magic" that is homemade bread dough still seems to mystify some people.

As a homeschooling lesson, making bread is a great way to teach math and fractions (for measuring ingredients), reading comprehension, science (yeast + warm liquid + flour = poof! fat dough), and the importance of following the order of specific directions. It's also a very tactile process - one that little hands will hopefully remember for many years to come. Mostly though, it is a great way to teach patience. If you are patient, and you take care with each step, the result is something very rewarding, and in this case - something wonderfully delicious (at least...that's what they told me :) ).

Fresh from the oven - bottom side

Flipped out of the pant to cool - Voila! Top side with caramel topping

Our trusty taste testers give signs of approval

The Beginning

2009-04-10T06:20:00.004-04:00

I woke up with that thought this morning. This is not just the end of my fasting, it's the beginning of the time when I need to do better than I have done. To treat my body better, and by doing so, feel better.

I admit that brings me some anxiety. Ten days is the "normal" term for the Master Cleanse, and so on the one hand I'm proud of myself for getting this far and for being true to my intentions. On the other hand, I am fully aware that the same temptations are out there awaiting me. Sugar, bread, late night eating, emotional binges - all the things that I was battling before didn't magically disappear in a week and a half. Just as I made the decision to take a break from food, I now have to make the decision to reintroduce food that nourishes, fuels, and sustains me.

One of my online buddies has chatted and blogged about the importance of perspective when it comes to eating right. She has been a Weight Watchers counselor fors some time, and she counsels that it's key to look at healthy eating as a choice you're making for a better you, and not so much as a denial of all these things that are tough to give up. That resonates with me.

Because I have a laundry list of food intolerances and have trouble with some foods that for other people are beneficial, I often wear that like a heavy cross. When I'm more rational, I think of it more like a gift. Most of the things I'm allergic to or can't tolerate well (dairy, eggs, wheat, corn, caffeine, chocolate, wine, vinegar, yeast) just bulk me up or make me downright sick when I consume them. Admittedly they taste good, but if I see them as the system clogging substances that they actually are, they hold less appeal. My ideal eating plan includes all the vegetables I can stand, and most meats. Not bad, right? So many options there.

I am grateful for some of the clear and complete thoughts that have come to me over the last 10 days. One in particular I will carry with me. The way I use (or abuse) food is my choice. I'm blessed to live in a time and place and financial standing that allows me to eat the way I want, the way I should. I can choose to be reckless or responsible with that blessing. So at least one resolve has come of this realization: the way I eat must be a choice I renew EVERY day.

I am going to work at putting food in it's rightful place - something to be enjoyed in moderation, and to be used as fuel for all the things I want to accomplish. When traveling for work, I will find good alternatives to airport food and hotel vending machines (Anywhere I travel has a local grocery store). When good options are not available, I will drink plenty of water and wait until it is. I will take my time when deciding what to eat, and I will not eat late just because it's been several hours since my last meal.

I don't know if I'll write again about this experience today, so I'll finish up with a big THANK YOU. So many of you have reached out to send your support and it has helped more than I can express. This is one of those endeavors that might seem crazy to some, but in typical fashion you have only been kind and shared just the positive feedback and encouragement that I needed. Thanks for sticking with me while I externally processed all this.

For my friends still on this journey over the next several days, or for those considering a start - You CAN give yourself this gift. I've got my pom poms out for you, and a ready and willing ear.

Kapalua Coastal Trail, Maui

Have a FANTASTIC weekend all!

9...

2009-04-09T17:04:00.003-04:00

I've started this post in my mind several times, and just didn't have the spare moments to string together sentences. Today has been a tough one, surprisingly so. I hesitate to write that lest I discourage someone, but there it is - today was tough. I've been really really hungry for much of the day. Not the kind of passing tummy rumblings that I've already learned to take in stride, then ignore. A real, gnawing hunger. The kind that won't be ignored, and the kind that the lemonade hasn't been quenching for long. It has caught me completely by surprise.

Even more surprising? I still don't feel tempted to eat. I really think my brain wrapped itself around the idea that this is a necessary reset for me right now, and that sacrifices must be made. The growling I hear now reminds me that my digestive system is fully functional, and it makes me mindful and aware. So much of my eating is often done unconsciously. I was at a point of snacking so often a few weeks ago, that I can't think of a time when I waited to feel anything resembling hunger before feeding my face. That right there is the BIGGEST habit I need to break. Eating for fuel is necessary. Eating out of boredom, as relief from some activity I resent, or for temporary distraction is counter-productive.

So though this hunger is powerful, it's also feeding a motivation that I'm going to need when this fast ends. Eat when I'm hungry. Not a new concept, just one I need to embrace.

Daddy did an awesome science lesson today with the girls on seeds and plants. It was the perfect day for collecting, and I'm proud of how much their little minds can soak up when they are really interested and engaged:

8 of 10

2009-04-08T17:49:00.000-04:00

Last night was tough - I felt so down emotionally and just didn't feel like being productive after a certain point in the evening. Thankfully that resulted in an early bedtime and an early wake-up this morning.

I started out doing some Pilates and was stopped cold by a sharp pain in my lower abdomen (turns out it was some trapped air). I did the salt water flush to help clear things out and it worked like a dream!

Since this morning I have had an energy I can barely describe. I re-started (and finished) the 40 minute Pilates workout, then I cleaned my bathroom, did some work, cleaned up my kitchen, and went back to more work.

I want to remember this feeling - this energy. The way I'm feeling at this moment is exactly why I can/should/will continue to stick with this cleansing practice. I had a thought while cleaning a mirror...I have a fairly high energy level for most activities, but it has to be unlocked. It's always there at the surface, but I need a very deliberate kick start. I want to leverage that more and use it to greater benefit. By keeping my body and mind clearer, I can make much better use of it.

On another topic, but still along the lines of energy and the right kind of stimuli, I'm a BIG fan of spoken word poetry, like the kind showcased on Russell Simmons' Def Poetry Jam.

Saul Williams is one of my favorites - when you have five minutes, use it to digest and enjoy this wonderful poem called Coded Language

On the Bright Side of 7

2009-04-07T11:00:00.003-04:00

I'm updating in a moment when I'm feeling really, really good. I started working this morning and found myself multi-tasking some things that I'd put off too long, and knocking them down one by one without feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I feel some general lightness of mind, no hunger right now, and just generally GOOD.

I cast on for the Sweethearts blanket last night:

(photo swiped lovingly from my friend Shelley who suggested
this great pattern and is knitting this along with me).

I'm stitching all the love and care I can into this for the baby of my darling friend. Soothing garter stitch and a sooooper soft yarn, Sirdar Snuggly DK in a dusky blue.

Day 6 Part 2 - The Marshmallows

2009-04-06T20:51:00.004-04:00

Don't let the title fool you, I didn't cave and go for a fluffy sticky treat (I'm sure my body would reject that as a way to break the fast in no uncertain terms - not worth risking it).

Marshmallows played a part in the start to my morning today. I can't ignore signs, and I think I got a pretty clear one this morning. I didn't know it when I woke up, but today turned out to be one of the tougher days so far. In the late afternoon/early evening, I really started feeling sluggish and discouraged. It was a weird dichotomy - I didn't want to keep fasting, and I didn't want to start eating. Both of those feelings were equally strong and I felt like the struggle in my brain lasted for a good while (couple hours at least).

Back to the marshmallows - this morning I decided to do a short walk/jog to jumpstart my heart rate for the day. As I was getting on my sneakers, I heard the beginning of an interesting story playing on NPR's Morning Edition health segment. It talked about an experiment done in the 1960's to test the will power of children from 4 years old and up. Some very interesting results that I'll let you wander over and discover on your own, but it was meant to explore the idea that will power may be something that some people are naturally born with and others are not.

Fast forward to my walk - I had some podcasts stored up in my mp3 player and I decided to get some brain food via one of my favorites - Radio Lab. The title of the episode I played first? "Mischel's Marshmallows"! Yep - same study, same topic, same LOUD message from the universe. Today was to be a day in which my will power and my resolve would be tested.

At least - that's the way I interpreted it :)

So it was tough today - actual hunger pains, thoughts of specific foods (that's a first since I started) and a nice rosy round ZIT on my forehead that could guide ships into harbor. But with all that, I still sit here committed, waiting to stick my tongue out at Day 6 tomorrow; interested to see what Day 7 will bring. For now, I'm sitting on the patio with my yarn and a new baby blanket pattern, with a lovely breeze that should lull me into sleepiness before too long.

(All show links will take you to the NPR sites where you can listen online to the programs)

Day 6: The 2nd Half Begins

2009-04-06T07:24:00.003-04:00

Making my intent to fast public here and on Facebook has paid off in some really great ways. My friend that originally decided to start with me on April 1st posts status updates on her FB profile and keeps me posted on how she's feeling by chat. Several people who have been considering doing the fast or some kind of cleanse have reached out for information. Writing about it has also given me motivation in moments when I have felt weak or uncertain.

But it was a post by Jessica (Ravelry profile) yesterday that convinced me that not only was it good to be open with my internet buddies about this plan, but that - once again - you never know how much you can connect to another person's experience unless you reach out.

Jessica posted her intention to start the Master Cleanse on her blog and I encourage you to read through it. Whether you're thinking about doing something like this or not, she makes some powerful commentary on our perspective on eating, and on her specific motivations to strive for wellness. Well worth a look, believe me. And if you get a moment, leave her some encouraging words - your kind support has really done wonders for me.

Today officially puts me into the 2nd half of the fast. Feeling good this morning, and surprisingly not sore after yesterday's Yoga/Pilates session. Another noticeable physical change is that my eczema has settled down and the most obvious spots that usually pop up after I eat certain foods are nowhere to be found. My scalp is doing great too, normally a problem area. Too much information?? Perhaps, but a cause for celebration there nonetheless.

Yesterday I spent time finishing and seaming this shrug for one of my best friends:

Criss Cross Shrug - A Lion Brand Pattern
Yarn is Patons' Shetland Chunky
Knit all in garter stitch on Size 11 needles
Size is 15" x 85" - just long enough for multi-wearing options
More details on my Ravelry project page

5

2009-04-05T12:15:00.008-04:00

*Photos courtesy of our Super Saturday tradition - a day out at Okeeheelee Park

Day 5 dawned well. No headache this morning and the neck/shoulder/back stiffness I'm so used to waking up with was noticeably absent. I've read a lot about how what we eat can affect joints and various aches and pains. This is pretty tangible proof that I needed to do this cleanse - constant pain is something I've come to live with, and the lack of it is very very welcome. It is also a good motivator for the "after" phase of this cleanse. I took the girls out to a park we love yesterday and let them get some sun on their skin. I had some very noticeable up and down moments. What I feel now is no longer really hunger, not stomach rumbling or anything like that.

It's mostly momentary feelings of missing food and the part it usually plays in a day out, or a weekend that is relaxed and fun. I notice myself thinking about what I'll snack on when I get home, then immediately reminding myself that that's not actually going to happen. I've made several meals over the last couple of days so the kitchen is no longer off limits. I do notice that I look inside my pantry with a very different perspective as of this morning though.

For someone who is sort of known for "healthy" eating, I sure do have a lot of snacks in there. I'll have to do better to create a no fail environment when this fast has come to an end. Speaking of the end, I still feel completely resolved to going the entire 10 days, and have even considered going longer. I do have a bit of a hard stop though because we leave for a trip to attend a wedding on the 15th. If I were the bride (one of my closest friends) I might feel a way about someone showing up and politely declining the plate of food I just payed a bunch of money to provide :0) Actually, the real reason is that with the liquid limitations and what it takes to make the lemonade, it's not really practical for a cross-country plane trip. I'm thinking that if I do extend it, I'll go for 12 days at least and then be really strict about what I re-introduce over the period of the vacation. Probably start out with raw foods only until wedding stuff is in full swing.

Results so far? Loving the way my skin looks - already down 9 pounds, and sleeping very well at night. I haven't had any epiphanies or significant moment of clarity yet, but I'm looking forward to that based on past experience. Starting today, I'll be doing some aggressive exercise too (Pilates) to firm up the areas that are looking a little less wobbly than they were last week. Today was also the 2nd day I did the salt water flush - more on that in another post...

In the meantime I'm indulging some major startitis and casting on for whatever moves me at the moment. I think my new resolve is not to let UFOs stress me out anymore unless they are for a gift deadline. So much easier to dive into my stash and put some things on the needles whenever the mood strikes.

I'll spend some time today on my Slouchy Copy Cat Hat.

Really happy with the color of this yarn. I'm using some mods posted by Carlybee on Ravelry.

Happy stitching all!

Day 3 Rears It's Ugly Head

2009-04-03T18:38:00.000-04:00

That's a direct quote from a friend of mine who is doing the Master Cleanse with me. She's sitting in an office surrounded by the aroma of a pizza lunch, and I'm trying desperately to stay away from my kitchen. Much of what I have read confirms that day's 3, 5, and 7 have proven to be the toughest days when doing this fast.

Nourishment

I was fine this morning - energetic, confident, feeling lighter already in body and mind...I even got in a tennis game with hubby without collapsing on the court as I feared (I have to do exercise during this fast because I still want to feel firm and strong, not just light). But now, it's early afternoon and I'm waaaaaaay more hungry that I thought I would be today. I think that my body is no longer ignoring what's going on and it's an abrupt awakening.

The guidelines I follow say that the key during these "lows" is to drink more of the lemonade and water and to limit activities until your energy level goes back up, so I'm trying that. In my downtime, I'm also trying to distract myself by pattern stalking on Ravelry. I'm pretty sure that this very cute beret will be my next new hat. I caught the beret bug earlier this year, and like all things fiber related - it's just better in triplicate...

Morning Stroll

2009-04-03T06:27:00.001-04:00

What a great way to quiet the brain in the morning before all the noise begins...

Day 2 at dawn

2009-04-02T07:02:00.003-04:00

Master cleanse Day 2 and I thought I would put some of the thought streams I'm having out here...I've resolved to keep these posts unedited so take them as they are -

Yesterday was tough at points. The main thing that tells me I'm ready to do this particular type of detox is that I become super aware of all my thought patterns, and my habits become exposed in such a way that I can't ignore them. Most of the time when I eat against my "plan" it's because I'm (a) bored, (b) lazy, or (c) reacting emotionally to something. I know these things are common for most of us, but for me, all of those reasons are always somewhere in the back of my mind. "You're only eating that because that last conference call/conversation/task was a tough one". When I remove the food, the feelings still come, but I'm forced to deal with them differently.

This morning I woke up feeling capable. Day 2 is usually the stage for me where I realize that this "no food" thing is for real - it's intentional and not just a result of forgetting to eat something for several hours. It amazes me each time, and every morning that I don't wake up hungry. It also surprises me what we're capable of when our minds are in the right place.

I have high hopes for my productivity during these next 10 days. Speaking of that, I'm going to get a jump on my work day.

Today's photos are courtesy of the gardening skills of my darling husband aka Mr. Green.

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-01T08:42:00.009-04:00

THANK YOU to everyone who has sent such lovely compliments on my Tropicana Jaden. The joy of finishing was just about equal to the effort to get it off the needles. I really appreciate that you took the time to come by and celebrate its debut with me.

Today marks the 1st day of the month with the clearest signs of spring showing up everywhere. This change of season has many of us clearing out, cleaning up, and feeling renewed.

For the next several days, I'll be doing some internal "clean up" using this plan. My body and brain tell me I'm ready. I may use this blog space as a log of how things are going, or I may just stick to our regularly scheduled knitting content, not sure yet. Likely it will be a mixture of both.

Happy Spring!

(And no, this is not an April Fools Day joke, I actually am going to fast from food for 10 days. Knitting therapy don't fail me now!)

Ahhhhhh

2009-03-30T11:25:00.003-04:00

And with this...my March Monogamy is now complete (soon to be followed by "All Projects Welcome" April to be sure) :)

Pattern: A combination of Jaden for the bottom lace and Tropicana for the top shaping (pattern links are to Ravelry); my Rav project notes are here.

Yarn: S.R. Kertzer Butterfly Super 10 (Fantastic yarn, but boy does cotton stretch!)

Needles: US Size 4 (bottom and straps) and Size 3 (ribbed bodice)

Mods: The obvious one is that I made this a short-sleeved tank instead of a long-sleeve pullover. I also had to do some major match for fit on this one because the stitch counts for both patterns didn't quite account for fitting the...erm..."girls".

I would like to say that I'd like to do some parts of this over (the straps are loose and the single crochet bind off is wobbly), but that wouldn't be exactly true. I don't want to do another thing to or with this project. It's time on my needles has come and is now passed. I'm mostly pleased with the result, and learned alot about what I'm capable of when I just won't let a project beat me (and I mean stuff other than how many curse words I know).

Thanks for your support!!

Now Available in the Shop

2009-03-26T17:04:00.002-04:00

I found this great crochet shawl while thrifting and I've put it up for sale over at my Etsy shop - Dreads & Curls.

Adachi and I had a great time doing this photo shoot.

Check the shop for this and some other great handmade accessories that would look FAB on you! ;)

Slogging to the Finish?

2009-03-16T10:23:00.008-04:00

A few posts back, I talked about my addiction to joining things, and how it lead me to the March to the Finish Challenge (aka Monogamous March) with some of my co-fans at the Stash & Burn Ravelry group. I listed 3 targets for finishing this month - a cardigan, a pair of socks, and a sweater. I'm thrilled to report that 2 of the 3 are now F-frickin-O's baybee! :)

Valley Yarns Northampton in Charcoal Grey; 100% wool (this yarn gets 5 stars)

Used just over 1 skein (love kid-size knits!)

US 7 (4.5mm needles); knit in pieces and seamed

Black plastic buttons and custom label from JoAnn's

Pattern Generated using Sweater Wizard v3.0 (this program rocks)

Tess Designer Yarn Super Sock & Baby; 100% superwash wool (this yarn also gets 5 stars)
Used every bit of one skein, about 450 yards - I love that about toe-up knitting
US Size 0, 1, and 1.5 needles; knit toe-up 2 at a time using Magic Loop technique
Pattern is Boyfriend Socks by Alice Bell (who blogs at Slipped Stitch)

Ok, so I'm a little excited about these two.

So what then of the final albatross? The knit that refuses to be tamed. She who will not be frogged. Alas, it is my pink Jaden.

I took her out of her project bag yesterday as a step forward. She looked at me rather crossly because (a) she's getting no attention and (b) she mumbled something about the crumpling and how the bag creases mussed her stitches. Blah, blah, blah.

Ahem. This project has major guilt entwined throughout it's rows I tell you. My good friend and I started this as a knit-a-long (you must wonder if I do anything at all of my own will; I wonder that too). We fell in love with the pattern on Knitty

and talked at length about gauge and yarn substitutions, and the wonder and frustration that is cotton. Somewhere along the way though, we Just. Plain. Stalled. In our defense, figuring out decreases in a lace pattern without explicit instruction just ain't fun. Add to that our stubborn row gauge and the need for more math than anyone should endure...the project crawled to a halt. So now what?

FO coming soon - with a brand new top!

For now, I'm going to try to ride the wave of my recent finishing spree. I'm going to take hold of my KnitPicks Options needles. I'm going to put this (heavy!) cotton top in my lap, pull out my calculator and the shamefully dingy pattern copy, and dangit all, we're gonna kiss and make up. If you don't hear from me for a while...send wool.

2009 is the International Year of Natural Fibers

2009-03-13T08:28:00.001-04:00

Have you heard about this? I just happened to come across it while reading one of Adrienne's blog posts at The Dye Garden (of A Verb for Keeping Warm fame).

According to the webcast summary,

"The United Nations General Assembly declared 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibres. IYNF 2009 aims to highlight the importance, significance and continuing relevance of a sector that produces close to 30 million tonnes of natural fibres worth some $40 billion annually."

As an excerpt from the website, here are the objectives behind this initiative:

Raise awareness and stimulate demand for natural fibers;
Promote the efficiency and sustainability of the natural fibers industries;
Encourage appropriate policy responses from governments to the problems faced by natural fiber industries;
Foster an effective and enduring international partnership among the various natural fibers industries.

I found the associated webcast to be pretty interesting too, and I feel generally inspired by this to keep stitching away at this love I call a hobby. It feels good to be taking my part in contributing to production in this industry and to supporting developing countries.

Plus,

How cool is it that we now a totally justifiable, socially responsible reason for acquiring more yarn??

Cause for Celebration - Happy Birthday Mizan

2009-03-11T14:27:00.003-04:00

a photo recap...

Ahhh...Love at First Step*

2009-03-05T19:21:00.009-05:00

*clicking the title of this post will take you to my Ravelry Project Page with the full details about this project and a few more photos...

This yarn started out its life as another pair of socks altogether, but after some frustration with modifying that pattern to be knit toe up with a short row heel, I went digging around Ravelry for a replacement pattern. Cables? Toe Up? Easy to memorize repeats? Yes please !

Boyfriend Socks by Alice Bell
Yarn by Tess Designer Yarns, Super Sock & Baby yarn
Needles - US 1 1/2 (2.5mm) mostly; US 0 for the ankle and heel section

The knitting on these started in October, and ended in March...interesting that their twisty-turny meandering pattern matches quite well my knitting life - and life in general - over that same time period. I worried over EVERY thing each time I picked these up. Would they end up too small? (nope!) Could I deal with a certain amount of pooling? (no problem!) Can I live with the holes in my first short row heel? (of course! a badge of honor!). But once I bound off with some great instruction from this video, the worry slipped away. I LUV them!

Hand knits belong in the great outdoors

Mods:
~I skipped the cabling pattern on the back of the leg and knit plain stockinette there instead. I wanted these to be longer, and thought this would be a good way to maximize yarn usage.

This yarn is wonderful! Really springy and the color is so rich. It doesn't split, and the slight variegation still allows the cables to show up well. I would make this pattern again, and I will definitely use this yarn again (ahem...I have 2 more skeins in the stash, so...).

Oh, and I MUST give a shout out to all you Toe Up Sock Knitters - this technique is brilliant! I knit until there were only inches of yarn left to use. I feel so resourceful and non-wasteful and satisfied. Sigh. Already looking forward to my next pair

I Am This Close to a Pair of Socks

2009-03-05T14:43:00.003-05:00

Bracelet by 579 Jewelry

Yarn by Tess Designer Yarns (Ravelry link)

March to the Finish

2009-02-28T08:17:00.005-05:00

I'm a bit of a joiner. I troll my Ravelry groups almost daily and find that I'm often writing posts that say

"I'm in!" or

"Oooh, me too" or

"I soooo need this challenge right now. Yippppeee! Count me in!"....and so on.

Which in concept is fine, because that's the beauty of finding a community where we can share our goals and challenges and triumphs. Except for one little thing - I'm waaaaaay more of a joiner than I am a finisher. For all my "I'm in!" posts, I've got at least as many "I didn't make it to the goal" posts. Wait, actually, that's probably not true. When I fizzle out or run out of time, I'm usually hiding somewhere in a corner hoping no one will notice.

For whatever reason though (insanity?) this doesn't keep me from being a consummate joiner to the next new group adventure. So - forward I go into another "-a-long" of sorts, the Stash and Burn Group's March to the Finish 2009. The goal is to work monogamously on a project - or projects - until you've reduced or eliminated your list of UFO's. Those of you've who have been 'round this blog a few times will surely recognize the targets on my list:

Adachi's Cardigan, Girlfriend Socks, and Jaden

There they are - staring at me in all their blatant incompleteness and demanding accountability. I'll keep you posted on my progress this month, and if you're Marching to the finish too let us know!

Oh, and if anyone asks how I did for the Stashalong Finishing in February, or how my Vestuary vest came out or if I've made progress for the Year-Long Gift-a-Long? Just pretend you haven't seen or heard from me in a long, long time, ok? Thanks!

An Original (sort of)

2009-02-24T17:41:00.007-05:00

A friend saw this cute accessory on television and asked me to make it for her for an upcoming trip to the mountains (shiver). A simple but fun challenge...the first photo in the mosaic shows the original piece, the others show my interpretation:

Project deets:
Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande Yarn (a bulky)
US 9 needles; knit at 4sts/in
Crochet Flower is from this pattern (Um...I will be making more of these, so easy as to be magical)

The original photo came from this website, and while browsing over there I saw another item I would like to recreate. I'll keep you posted!

Super Saturday

2009-02-21T14:59:00.005-05:00

The girls and I spent some time making bread the other day and it was such a great reminder to slow down, enjoy the process, and then - enjoy the rewards!

I have a Betty Crocker recipe book (gotta love the classics!) and I've made some of the things in it so many times it looks like I've mashed parts of the end products into the pages...but as long as I can follow the easy instructions, there will be homemade goodies to share. It might be time for me to make some scanned copies of the banana bread recipe though, I'm just sayin...

I highly recommend this kind of therapeutic endeavor. My work and travel schedule have been so crazy lately that I'm beginning to forget how to wind down. This was a very welcome reminder.

We used the time in while waiting for the dough to rise to talk about the chemistry of yeast and warm liquids and what air does to dough. Homeschooling has taught us that absolutely everything is a learning opportunity.

I love that the girls are always open to try new things...

Bulbous Bread Bears

Umm, unfortunately though, in my photo chronicling, I wasn't quite quick enough with the camera for the "after" shots...clearly we enjoyed them.

For more kitchen therapy and delicious inspiration, go see what Sharon and Nancy made - Yum!

Who Knew?

2009-02-06T21:27:00.001-05:00

What fun you can have when you Google your name

Souvenirs

2009-02-04T12:52:00.002-05:00

Warning: There is mention of undergarments (but in a most innocent way) :)

Sharesies

2009-01-30T11:08:00.002-05:00

I did this out on Facebook and thought it would make a good blog post.
The orginal rules are:
Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

Here are my 25 things - mostly deliberate, but some very random...

1. I used to bite my nails ALOT. I don't think they've ever recovered.

2. I have crowd deafness.

3. My secret wish is to sing professionally. Oops - now it's not a secret.

4. I don't think I know myself very well. This makes me feel hopeful and sad all at once.

5. According to recent tests, I"m allergic to wheat, corn, dairy, eggs, vinegar, and chocolate. I've become quite the meat and potatoes girl since (hold the potatoes please).

6. I grew up less than 2 miles away from my husband but never knew him in childhood. We left the island the same year and moved thousands of miles apart, then met back in that same place 13 years later. The rest is an ongoing history.

7. I hate green peas.

8. I use the term Best Friend to describe 4 people in my life. I have no issue with the fact that it doesn't fit the literal meaning of the term; it fits each of them perfectly.

9. Often my brain works like a CD Player on repeat, with images, conversations, and thoughts that run continuously over and over. It's the reason I can't watch horror movies.

10. Not once in my career have I felt completely settled in my professional work. This drives me and frightens me.

11. Red is my power color.

12. My daughters are the only thing that I'm truly 100% convinced I've done right and to the best of my ability so far.

13. I envy people that can completely relax.

14. I would do my college years all over again, and change very little.

15. This year I have a goal to eliminate all foods from my diet that I know for a fact don't agree with me.

16. Pilates has changed my self-image.

17. My two worst traits are my over-eagerness to please and my fear of confrontation.

18. My two best traits are my ever-ready smile and my patience with others.

19. I have way more ego than most people think, and certainly more than I usually admit to (ha! there goes that little secret too!)

20. I could drink hot (caffeine free) tea all day every day, happily forsaking any other beverage.

21. My sister is the funniest, most talented person I know. She's also the most fragile, which makes those other 2 things even more admirable.

22. There are a lot of dichotomies in my life. Here's another one...the number of online sites and "communities" I'm part of often makes me feel very connected and in touch. That is until I stop and really think about it. Am I really?

23. I'm pretty impressed with the fact that I made it to #23. For a self-proclaimed open person, I'm actually very secretive.

24. I'm a big softie and cry VERY easily - happy or sad tears - they flow freely either way. I even tear up sometimes when I'm talking about something that I am passionate about, even if it's something benign.

25. Dancing and laughing are two of my favorite things; I find joy in opportunities to do both. Sometimes...when things really line up well, my dancing illicits laughter from others, and that is a very sweet thing.

Your turn!

Maui Moments 2 - Seaside Stroll

2009-01-24T15:30:00.004-05:00

While visiting the island, we had a good percentage of our itinerary planned out for us, which turned out to be a very welcome "structure" to balance the random relaxation. The Zip Line outing, for example is one that I'm not sure I would have drummed up on my own, so for that and several other opportunities, we're really grateful.

However, in his very typical (and wonderful) style, my hubby made a way for us to find our own memorable experience. He took my hand one morning and decided that we should walk until we found something worth seeing.

Boy did we ever...

This is one week away that we won't soon forget. There is such energy and renewal in the natural wonders of our planet. I've been reminded now to take them in more and more and to appreciate even the slowest moments.

Maui Moments

2009-01-22T12:38:00.007-05:00

Drew and I are away on a very special first trip to Maui. This is a combination of work reward trip, second honeymoon, mind and body reset, and so much more. I'm so grateful for the ability to take pictures and film parts of it to help keep these memories fresh. Over the next couple of posts, I'll share some of those photo memories with you

Yesterday we tried Zip Lining...

Only a vehicle like this could make it over the roads up here...

Wild Horses watch our ascent

Tell me again how completely safe this is?

Nothing to it but to do it! (You can see the video of my turn here)

If I'm still smiling, you know it couldn't have been that scary :-)

And....I've got the best travel partner EVER

More Progress

2009-01-02T10:46:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!
I hope everyone has had a great couple of weeks celebrating, eating, loving, laughing and getting some much needed merriment!

There are great steps being made over here chez BrownBerry; the knitting clan is growing its skills! Adachi told me that she'd like to learn something new in her latest project, and I'm all in favor of that. Taking on a new technique with each project is a great way to expand the toolkit, so I thought it was time that she learn to purl. She was so enthusiastic about learning this new stitch, it was cute to watch. I'll let her tell you herself...

With that great start and some elbow grease - what started as this...

Became this...

It just never gets old for me! I encourage her as much as I can and will try to help her avoid my own pitfalls (overstashing, too many WIPs, one-ball wonders, and so on). We're having a great time.

2009 Goals & Come See Our New Shop!

2008-12-11T10:13:00.013-05:00

If you make a list of items you intend to work on, strive toward, and (gasp!) successfully accomplish within a certain time frame, but you do it in December - can you avoid calling them Resolutions? Well, if it's your blog, I would say the answer is yes! :)

The following "2009 Goals" are all related to my craft. The Life List is a work in progress...don't ask.

I may or may not come back and update this, but here is what I've got so far (with some knit pics mixed in to add some color):

Reduce my carbon footprint:

Print patterns only when I'm ready to actually make an item; this is one of the lynchpins to my ultimate goal of keeping a cleaner more organized work and craft space (somehow the craft bleeds over into the work area quite consistently, go figure.)
Use more naturally made and animal fiber yarns; I really don't know the science here, but if a yarn is 100% plastics-based and flammable to boot, I'm open to all options that will justify me replacing it with a woollier or furrier alternative.
Get at least 3 more sweaters from Goodwill to unravel and re-fashion into something great.
Go one full quarter without buying a magazine, pattern booklet, or knitting book.
Go one full quarter without printing a pattern; naturally I can make things by viewing the patterns on screen, but similar to Goal #1 this will mean less paper stacked up around me - and perhaps more FOs will be piled up around me instead?

Find my style:

Select projects from each of these categories to knit for myself: socks, sweater, hat, shawl/wrap/stole. The intent here is to find just the right fit and style for my body type and my (sorely lacking) fashion sense
Swatch, knit, repeat

Branch out:

Learn and try at least 5 new techniques in knitting and/or crochet. I anticipate that this will go hand-in-hand with the previous Goal of finding my style
Attend a workshop or class through my LYS or a store I find while traveling.

and of course...

Grow the business for my new Etsy Shop - Taaa Daaaaaaa!!

A joint venture with my girl Tangodiva. Think outside the brand - buy handmade!

That's as far as I've reached in the thinking process. I'm sure there will be more to come because overachieving with list MAKING is one of my specialities.

Your turn!!

Cruise Vacation - The Recap

2008-12-06T07:24:00.010-05:00

Hello!! ~ insert frantic waving ~

We've been back home from the vacation for a couple of weeks and I STILL feel like I could pack up and do it all over again. Thankfully (pun intended) after we landed home I got right on a plane for 2 days of work travel, then home again for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving was very quiet for us this year, and that suited us just fine. We are traditionally all in the turkey feasting and family gathering and over eating and random napping. No one can do triple servings in a kitchen like me and my momma! Not this year though...we spent such a lovely time with both grandmas, pops, an aunt and some family friends that we felt pretty well caught up on the family gathering part. As for the overeating and random napping? Check, and check! Got plenty of that in too on the cruise.

Here is a smattering of the vacation photos (trimmed from the 499 I stuffed into the camera). There's a slide show at the end if you feel like pouring a cuppa' and taking a saunter through the journey with us.

Our shore stops were in Puerto Rico, St. Thomas (my favorite), and St. Maarten. As you probably know, when you arrive anywhere via cruise ship, your experience of the destination spot can be somewhat "canned" - all mapped out for you from the minute you disembark until the time you set sail again. That is,of course, if you're NOT traveling with MY husband. We've cruised three times now, and not once have we gone the traditional "excursion" route. Hub loves to find local people, chat them up, and score some sweet tips and deals on tours, where to eat, and where to shop. Our experience is all the richer because of it.

One of the biggest pleasures I had was seeing the girls in a constant state of wonderment. We are so blessed that their stamina and their charm allows us to take them ANYwhere and we can be confident that they'll have a good time, and spread the smiles. It was really a treat to expose them to so many new things.

The "get up and go whenever you please" factor of homeschooling totally rocks!

A close second on the Lasting Memory scale was seeing my mother-in-law go from someone who hasn't left her home state in 30 years to someone who now calls me every other day to ask what I've found out about our NEXT family cruise (watch for it, December 2009!). She so thoroughly enjoyed herself that she came home and was on a veritable CAMPAIGN to get every last family member within 100 miles to start putting their pennies together so we can all set sail together next year. Cuteness!

If you think you might be into round-the clock service of fresh, delicious food, twice a day turn down service in your room, back-to-back days of island hopping, first class workout facilities, super service staff, and freedom to do everything or nothing for days on end - try a cruise. And if you do...I want to hear about it because apparently, it has now become our annual family tradition, and I'm always open for some great travel tips :)

Click right here to be linked to a slide show with many more pictures!

Toodles...Back in a Bit

2008-11-14T10:16:00.003-05:00

This one...

This one...

This one...

And this one too...

...are getting on a big ship and heading to some islands for several days.

Have a great week!

A Thank You Card for America

2008-11-05T08:35:00.006-05:00

You were right, Sam

Some of you know that I'm not an American citizen, but I have lived here for more than half my life, and I'm proud to call this home. I know the importance of contributing all I can to be part of what makes this country a great place to live. I have my reasons for not yet pursuing citizenship, but that's potentially a topic for another day. I will say though, that my Permanent Resident status had me completely GLUED to the election proceedings last night. I was certainly as nervous/anxious/excited as many of you. Naturally I felt a significant (and maybe obvious) investment in the outcome, but there were many other factors that added to my feelings last night. Here are just a few of them -

I live in Florida, a battleground state with 27 electoral votes to contribute to the winning candidate. Yes, the state of hanging chads and cheating scandals. In my particular neighborhood there was a hate crime against a neighbor not 3 streets down from me who displayed an Obama/Biden lawn marker. My daughters are now old enough to understand so much more of what we tell them about the world around us; about it's history, it's progress and how the meaning of that story becomes more and more important to their own futures. I'll tell you - my heart was fit to burst with gratitude last night when I woke them with the news.

And lastly - I can appreciate the fact that Barak Obama is now our President-elect because of what it took to get him that title. It took MORE. More registered voters, more campaign time, more open-mindedness, more discussions, greater access, more organization, more funding, more hope, bigger issues, more crises, more interest, and a broader historical foundation on which to rest this victory.

I know that some of you may not have supported him, and some of you may not even have voted. We already have our common bonds, I know that through my messages and conversations with you, so I am not hear to judge any of that. If you voted in this election - THANK YOU. If you encouraged/reminded/took someone to vote - THANK YOU. If you had open and honest discussions with anyone - friend, family, or stranger - about the issues that surround us - THANK YOU. What I saw last night is that every bit of that counts.

This election was not just about what one man was willing to do to become leader of this country. To me, it was much more about what WE are willing to do for ourselves and for each other to make the changes we so desperately need.

From the Mouth of Babes*

2008-11-04T11:46:00.006-05:00

*a recurring feature here at The BBC

Setting - At home...living room...the girls are watching a science video about the body...

Adachi: Mommy, what are kidneys?

Me: Kidneys? Hmmm...Well, they are organs inside your body that help you to eliminate waste. That's the stuff you don't need for nutrition.

Adachi: Oh. I'm glad you told me that.

Me: Why is that?

Adachi: Because I thought they were parts of our legs.

Get it?
Kid. Knees.

Yeah - I keep telling you guys - I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

...and she knits too!

To Everything There is a Season

2008-11-02T12:22:00.003-05:00

...and at least one "thing" this season appears to be Knit Sweaters!

I've read a lot about what others will be doing this month - some will be focused on a month of daily blogging; others will tackle a novel; and still others will start and finish, or reclaim from the WIP pile a sweater of their choosing (NaKniSweMo on Ravelry).

I was chatting with my knit buddy lunabella today about my recent itch to join the masses and cast on a sweater as well. I love the idea of a hand knit sweater. Heck - last year I even finished one...

But the fact is, I've already got a pullover style top that's been haunting my WIP basket for months - no exaggeration. That's right - my Jaden is still unfinished.

In my rational mind - separating the fronts of a sweater and giving it a neckline should really not give me this much pause, but sadly I have found about 17, 000 excuses not to continue knitting on this project. I love the yarn and the color, and the style will suit me even better now that I've shed a few pounds (more on that in another post). So why the stalemate??? Believe me, it's not for lack of knitting mojo - I found plenty of stitching time over the last couple months to finish things for the Craft Show and to even begin and get most of way through these:

Boyfriend Socks pour moi

The shame of it is, I can't blame this UFO on a lack of time either. Since I last wrote here, I have taken 2 5-hour plane trips to the west coast and spent 9 days away from home mostly alone at a conference - including a 4 hour train ride each way. Uh huh. No excuse. Even a cumbersome project like a pullover could have been stuffed into my carry-on any number of times.

So maybe National Knit a Sweater Month will be my motivation. I can certainly use something long-sleeved and girly in my wardrobe over the next couple months, all that's left now is the knitting.

How about you? Are you taking on any of the November challenges?

What Won't We Do for Them?

2008-09-23T21:14:00.003-04:00

(awaiting discovery under a pillow tomorrow morning)

Hello again Adachi,

I see you have lost another tooth! That makes four now - thank you very much! What a big girl you've become. I know it may feel funny for a little while with all that space, but you will get used to it. You are as beautiful as always.

Thank you for the wonderful picture of yourself. You are really quite a good artist!

I cannot do a drawing of myself as good as yours, but I have left you a picture of my wand.

You asked about my name. I don’t have a name like boys and girls do. I have always just been called The Tooth Fairy.

Be kind to your sister and keep up the good brushing!

Love,
The Tooth Fairy

P.S. Please tell Mizan that her turn will come too someday soon!

Stitch Rock 2008

2008-08-20T08:06:00.001-04:00

I posted this while in the air (again), tens of thousands of miles over Middle America. On my way to Nebraska; Omaha to be exact. Nebraska is one of the few states I haven’t yet traveled to on business, and to be honest, I never expected that I would. I had some vague sense that this is one of those primarily residential areas of America. Just families, raising kids. I’ll admit, the vague notion does include some farm imagery, corn fields and what not. Funny how we can make a judgment about a place having never been there. As though the name or isolated stories that take place there can tell you all about an entire state and it’s people. I also suspected that this BrownBerry would stick out there quite easily. You can’t judge a state by it’s travelers either though (I’m the only BrownBerry on this plane), so I don’t find that daunting either.

It will be interesting to see what I see once I’ve landed and looked around a bit. I did find out there is a Yarn Store within 2 miles of my hotel, but I think I’ll have to cool it on the souvenir yarn for a bit. I kid myself into thinking that the work trips will come few and far between and that I won’t be stockpiling the yarns again. Four trips in the last two months has proved me wrong (and the stash is bulging once again).

Lately I haven’t posted many projects, but they have been falling off the needles (and hook) bit by bit. In a moment of ~~insanity~~ brilliance I signed up to be a vendor at Stitch Rock . This celebration of the handmade takes place the first Saturday in October in Delray Beach, FL. Like most good ideas, they are made better when shared, so I’m fortunate enough to have a partner in crafty crime on this one – none other than the indelible Tangodiva (go visit her here or here). She is making the most fabulous hats (yes Miss T, the people will buy them!!). As for me, well….I’m just making stuff. Seriously. I went into this with only a loose plan that I would make some accessories. My good friend Sarah has often encouraged me to just start the designing process, no pressure and no specific plan. Think, create, fudge, fiddle, re-create, rip, repeat. I must say this has worked well for here [again] and [again]. So I’ve been trying it. I’ve flipped through pattern books and trolled Ravelry ad nauseum for inspiration, and my friends – I do believe the bug has bitten me hard. Here is a sampling of the things I’ve come up with so far:

We’re selling under the name Dreads & Curls Designs & Creations

Only 2 months to go (eeeep! The time is flying whoosh!) So I must really get on the ball to build up a sensible inventory – we’ve got a big table to fill. This craft show is part one of a two-part plan I have to start selling some of my original creations. More on part two after the show…

May the fiber fairies be in your corner this weekend! MWAH!

It's the Little Things

2008-08-13T15:05:00.002-04:00

A yarn ball with the yarn end sticking right out the top so I don't have to dig for it
A husband who never ever complains about spending 85% of his time with 2 people 1/8th his age and just over 1/2 his height
A job that almost never requires that I sit in a cubicle
Instant Messaging
A mother/sister prayer team
Paid time off
2 people 1/4 my age and 1/2 my height who were born with a surplus of creative energy
Second chances
A contacts address book that is nearly full
Just the right yarn for just the right project at just the right time

Your turn!!

It's Cold Out There Somewhere

2008-07-21T14:42:00.005-04:00

Go ahead...call me a lazy knitter, I can take it.

Yarn - Plymouth Sunsette, Color 111, 5 3/4 balls
Needle - US Size 8 KnitPicks Harmony Wood needles

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cast on this 4th Clapotis for two primary reasons

1 - I can now almost knit this pattern in my sleep (and what with the benefit of that particular kind of multitasking I find such an idea very appealing)

2 - The yarn spoke to me and said that it wanted to be a buttery soft, drapey, subtle but stylish elongated wrap for multi-season wear.

Mods: Removed 1 increase repeat, 2 straight repeats, and 1 decrease repeat
The "Rule of Fifths" post on Ravelry was a huge help in re-sizing this

Okay. So it didn't actually SAY that. But it did shout a resounding "H-E-double-hockey-sticks NO!" to the other 17 things I cast on with it. So my go-to pattern of choice won by default.

I'm not too mad about that...

Mother of Pearl Shawl Pin from SnokistFarmGirl on Etsy

Besides...according to my Ravelry trolling, this is nowhere near pattern addiction. The wonderful Kimberly (aka somebunnyslove) just finished her 14th Clapotis earlier this year. [ravelry link]. I'm not sure I'll squeeze that many out of my own stash...but then again...

Summer is here in all it's blaze and glory (and bug biting splendor). I hope you're finding time to get your daily dose!

A bientot!

They Like Me, They Really Like Me

2008-07-09T19:20:00.002-04:00

Well...okay...they liked my knitting - but that's an easy way into my good graces too :)

See my KnitScene Magazine debut at this link.

Have a great rest of your week!

This Life is Not Yet Rated

2008-07-05T15:55:00.005-04:00

I had one of those completely unpredictable moments down at the city library today. The girls are in a Saturday program for Creative Dramatics (think moving sculpture exercises and Styrofoam props). After their one hour session, I make a point to take them to the restroom before we leave because (a) when they are with me in public places I turn into a frantic germaphobe, and (b) we live a long way from...well..everywhere, so stopping to "go" first is just part of the routine.

The ick factor of public restrooms is very high in my opinion, and though the girls are getting to the age where they can do most things by themselves, I still get into hover mode in the loo - I just can't stomach the thought of a misplaced hand touching something I don't dare think about. Of course, if we all thought this way, maybe these public places wouldn't be the heebee jeebee haven they are now...but I digress.

What struck as me as so amusing was that I had a very distinct moment in there today, some variation of which has probably happened a thousand times, and seemed perfectly normal, so it almost went by without my notice. Picture this...

On my left arm, I had my backpack dangling by a single strap. It's dangling somewhat perilously because it's crammed full of all the Just in Case items I take whenever we do outings. With it's weight, I'm willing it to stay on my shoulder because if it touches the floor in there, well then mommy will just about lose her marbles. In my left hand, I have a bag of the DVDs and books I've collected while waiting for the girls to finish the workshop, just enough to keep in them entertained in case we never make it back to the library again - or at least enough to hold them until next Saturday. At the same time, I'm using my left hand to turn the very stiff metal tap/spigot thingy on the sink and holding it in the on position (because you have to to keep the water flowing) and cheerleading my youngest through washing her hands. "Scrub the back...no you're not done yet...that's it honey...between your fingers...now get some more soap...". The soap dispenser is rusty and old and so with my right hand, I am jamming the spout back and forth so that she can get the very necessary second helping of soap.

The only reason my right hand was free at that time was because I had just finished doing a one-handed lining job of the seat in the stall that my oldest is about to use. Not having both hands to work with...I have to do the lining job twice. And I tell her to just squat anyway...after all, that lining can't be trusted. While my little one takes her sweet time lathering up...I find that the stall door where my oldest is about to perch, doesn't actually lock properly. Thank goodness I have a foot free! My right leg and foot work perfectly as a door locking mechanism. And why shouldn't I be able to hold the door closed with my leg to protect child #1, balance on the other leg, keep a backpack on my shoulder, keep the library materials in the bag and off the floor and keep the faucet going so that child #2 can scrub the ick off her tiny hands?

Had anyone walked into the restroom at that moment and looked at me with well-deserved concern, I'm almost sure I would have smiled and said, "This is motherhood. By definition, it's a physical comedy."

I Like to Knit and...

2008-06-26T07:22:00.002-04:00

...read books.
I've recently discovered that if I sit in the bed cross-legged I can put an open book under my feet and read from the pages. Yes those lines in the corners do get a little bit tough to see, and I have to do some real maneuvering in order to shift the toe-sies around and expose the words there, but that's just a minor inconvenience to allow me to enjoy what used to be my favorite hobby and combine it with its most recent replacement.

...read blogs.
It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention. Well, someone already invented the handy dandy tool we call the computer mouse, and then someone else went and upped the value of it by adding this nifty little rolling ball thingy on top! Naturally I use mine all the time to scroll through pages of things that I have to read; but imagine my glee when I realized that if you press on it and then move it ever so slightly downward, it will automatically scroll through a page FOR you! Using this new little trick I'm able to sit, and knit, and roll on down through the wonderful things that you all have to say. Gleeeee!

...look at pictures.
Like many of you, my obsession with photography of my knitting warranted that I get some more storage space. Enter Flickr! What a great site... imagine that they anticipated the needs of we the Fiber Fanatics, and made it so that we could upload umpteen photos of any object we please and then come back later to add just. one.is more. I have tons of fun browsing over there. And using the tag search and slideshow features allows me to sit, and knit, and covet all the beautiful photographs of what ever it is I feel like viewing (ooooo - lace!). Full screen mode baby - a feast for the eyes.

...listen to podcasts, music, and stories.
I know I'm not introducing any of you to something new on this front. Between iTunes and Yahoo Music and online streaming radio there is no end to the amount of audio stimulants one can indulge in during stitching time. I count myself very lucky to live in a county where the library system provides free audio book downloads online - and it's a great selection of titles too! Check your local system; if you can't audio books online, I bet they at least have some great stuff on CD for check out.

...work on my tan. :-P
When the weather permits, one of my favorite places to sit and knit is out on our back screened porch. Getting some outside air, listening to nature's orchestra, and often keeping an eye on the girls as they play. It's a wonderful combination of stillness and activity all at once. And the view? Well thanks to my live-in gardener it is really quite something.

Now all this might make you think that I just crave simultaneous activities because I just can't be satisfied with one thing at a time. That I just have to be constantly multitasking , and that I will find any excuse to drift around from one distraction to another. Well that's just not so! Why just the other day...

You Say Compulsion, I Call it Passion

2008-06-19T08:12:00.001-04:00

Ok, I admit it. I can be a bit compulsive sometimes. I find something I like, and I just dive right in. If that something requires an investment of time? I give it every spare minute I can scrounge up. If it's something that requires supplies (oooh...lemme seee, like say yarn in all colors, weights, and fibers) I get them...I get them by the tub load. And like any compulsive behavior, the collection of "stuff" that comes along with it is usually directly proportional to the degree of compulsion. It goes a little something like this....

I think I want to learn to crochet. I know! I'll go to the library and get a book. Now that I'm in the aisle with my 9 books on how to crochet, maybe I should just flip through these knitting books and see what that's about. Perfect. Now that I've checked out these 18 books on knitting and crochet, I should really make something. A starter project. First I'll need yarn and needles of course. Hmmmm....This yarn is pretty inexpensive. I just know I'm going to find a use for these 14 skeins of acrylic though- how can I beat this price? It'll be used up in no time.

Acrylic Stash, circa 2007

Now for needles, I should probably just buy a few of the standard sizes. Oh joy!! This little container is PERFECT for these needles that I now own in duplicates of each amd every size available. Bring on the projects - I'm all set!!

Since I haven't crocheted before, I should probably start out simple. Let's see...I'll read through these 9 books and pick the first project that looks reasonably simple. Ahh yes, maybe this...

First completed crochet project, circa 2005

Knitting probably won't suck me in as much. Maybe I'll try just one project. But I better get some more yarn in case I can't find anything suitable to knit with in my stash.

Theeeeere. That should do it. Oh I'm so excited about all my options now. I really should share this perfectly manageable, non-obsessive, completely harmless little hobby I've found with a few other people. Oh, I know! I should start a blog. And on it, I should post my pictures. Better get a Flickr account for that. Can't wait to post this latest project out there, won't my buddies on KnitU, and over at KnittingHelp, and the ones on Ravelry, and my darling friends at Monday knit night be so proud??! I can't believe how well I'm keeping this all under control!

Geez...I can barely make room for this Rubbermaid tub of yarn in the closet now. Hmmm. Maybe I should clear out some of this fabric stash and move this scrapbooking stuff into another room. Nah - best I just get some stackable shelves; we hardly ever use this as a guest room anyway. It should all fit just fine. Besides...once I have my own yoga studio/yarn shop/community center/photography school/catering business, I'm going to want somewhere that I can come to and relax among my small, simple treasures. It's a good thing I'm so content now with this pastime; I want for nothing more. Oooh look! A handcarved spindle....

To be continued? ;)

This One? She's Alright by Me

2008-06-12T21:37:00.000-04:00

My oldest is, and has always been, a very observant child. If there is one major thing that homeschooling has taught us, it is that the things children learn from watching and listening far outweigh the things they learn from books and direct instruction.

That didn't stop me from being blown away at my 6-year old's effort to support the preservation of the romantic spark between her parents. One morning she came to me and said "Mommy, I have something for you, but Daddy has to give it to you". At which point she tugged me by the hand to where Daddy was, told me close my eyes, and then said "Now Daddy, give this to Mommy - Mommy open your eyes!"

Love Note Side 1

"Now turn it over Mommy!"

Love Note Side 2

My dear readers, there are many many days that I get reminders like this one that it's VERY cool to have these particular daughters. Very cool indeed.

Wool Gathering

2008-06-06T07:45:00.000-04:00

Every now and then, my inner tree hugger nudges me to be a bit more conscious of my consumption. We all want, need, and get things at various rates in life, but at some point, you do try to carve out some kind of balance. When I think about my yarn buying habit, I know that I have already come close to exceeding how much I can actually use up before my children start to need tuition, but I find the temptation to buy much harder to resist at times.

To counter these urges, I try to implement the three R's. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Reduce my stash to a reasonable amount (so that I can have the joy of filling it back up again).
Reuse yarn and materials from sweaters that I can get at my local Goodwill.
Recycle said yarn into a sweater that once cost someone $60, but last Saturday cost me $2.79.

Have you seen this great tutorial on reclaiming yarn from previously knit sweaters? How about this one? Using the techniques that these thrifty knitters outlined, I turned this Gap Sweater...

Sweater Deconstruction - Snip. Rip. Repeat!

...into these yarn cakes. And now who knows what they'll become!

Woolly, tweedy, mounds of potential (color is truest here)

I highly recommend this folks. In fact, the prospect of getting those 1200 + yards so cheap and easy kept me from going to a 40% off sale at my LYS. Now that's just economically savvy! Right? Yeah, yeah I know. When I run it past the hubster, I'll try to make it sound a wee bit more convincing.

Save a sheep! Unravel a sweater!

Oops, I Knit it Again

2008-05-31T18:59:00.003-04:00

May I present, the Clapotis v. 3.0:

Pattern - Clapotis by Kate Gilbert (I'm sure you find it funny that I even bothered to link that)
Yarn - KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in Chisholm;
Needles - KnitPicks Harmony, Size 8 (5mm)
Shelf life - Started 4.26.08; Bound off 05.30.08

Pattern Modifications:
I knit 2 additional repeats in the straight section (that's 24 more rows, about 4" added)
To compensate, I knit an extra repeat in the decrease section as well.

Notes:
Do yourself a favor and get some of this yarn. Hand-dyed, RICH color at $1.99 per 110yd ball. Who doesn't love a bargain?
Also, if you're thinking about making a Clapotis and would like to have the row by row chart I used (with or without stitch counts), send me an email and I'll be glad to share that.
And the needles?? Like BUTTAH...I find any excuse to knit something on 8's now. I have managed to fight temptation so far, so I only have this one set of size 8 Harmony tips to try them out. Santa will undoubtedly bring me the rest of them though since he apparently knows my credit card number by heart.

This is the second time I'm that I'm knitting this wrap as a gift. My mother-in-law always compliments my knitting and asked about it while I was working on it at our Memorial Day lunch (yes I was knitting wool outside in the afternoon in Florida - hush!). She said she loved the colors, and could really use something like that when it gets cold here (hush!). Something to warm her when she's outside waiting for the bus. What more motivation could I need?? After all, considering the gift of a lifetime partner she gave me - this is but a small token. She'll get it this fall just as soon as the temperature starts to dip, or maybe I can hold out until Christmas to gift it to her. Handknit love makes the world go 'round :)

No question that I love this pattern. The only real question is....what yarn will I knit it in next?

v 1.0 - Auracania Atacama Alpaca

v 2.0 - Cascade 220 Paints

v3.0 - KnitPicks Wool of the Andes

Many humble thanks to hubby, my oh-so patient photographer who never lets this FO showcase thing get old.

Receiving is Pretty Good Too

2008-05-30T09:25:00.004-04:00

You know the saying that it is better to give than to receive? I firmly believe in that, and like many of you, I get a whole lot of joy from giving. I mean real grin-a-kool-aid-smile kind of happiness. In fact, I'm such a fan of giving, that I started a whole blog adventure about it. One of the things I like best about giving someone something out of kindness is that moment when they realize that, at some point, you stopped alllllll the other things going on in your life to think about them. And then you didn't just think about them, you acted on that thought. You put your feelings into something tangible. In the case of giving something handmade, you put your time, your energy, your creativity and a little piece of YOU into that gift. And when you see that they appreciate it, or that it does them some good - man oh man. It's hard to beat that warm and fuzzy.

Well it's by that same token that I would now like to celebrate the wonderfulness of receiving...Yesterday I received two packages and you can just guess what was in them....

Mmmmm hmmm - some of my favorite stuff to give AND to receive. Yarn! This gorgeous, colorful, Knit! Me! Now! kind of yarn.

This one is Grandma's Blessing from Briar Rose fibers.
I received this as a Thank You from Kim - the wonderful organizer of the Hope Lodge Charity Blanket Knit-a-Long. I told her that being a part of something so meaningful was definitely thanks enough and I took that as my gift when I took part. But this squishy lovely bonus?? Why thank you very much, I receive it humbly and with much gratitude.

This next one is a yarn I've heard about for a long time, and never actually tried (I believe that counts as a double gift - new yarn, new yarn knitting experience).

This came in the mail from one of my all-time favorite podcasters, Nicole. Get this - I actually won this as a prize for knitting from my stash and decreasing it by over 1000 yards in April's Spring Cleaning Challenge [ravelry link]. In fact, I think knitting from our stash is a gift we should all give ourselves more often. And adding back to the stash through the kindness of others like Nicole and the lovely Ceylun (our challenge administrator) - now that's just good receiving! Oh what to make??! Send your suggestions pleez! I welcome them.

Sigh...I'm happy as a lark. (Why don't people say that anymore? It's just so fitting.)

The Post That Almost Wasn't

2008-05-28T16:28:00.006-04:00

Hello my darlings!

This is the post that almost wasn't because I actually found myself hesitating about whether or not I should come out here - to my own blog - to post something. Now you may wonder, why in the world would you have to ask yourself that, Marce?

Well... I view this blog like many other things in my life - I have a great deal of patience with everyone else, but I am a perfectionist with myself. So even though this is my own private space out here in blog land, and even though I am the master of ~~all~~ most of what goes on here, I really wasn't sure that I was comfortable coming out here to post until I was absolutely sure of what I would talk about. Seems strange, right? The thing is, sometimes I am actually conflicted. I ask myself, should I come out here and post some things I think you might want to read about? Or should I come out here and just write the things I want to talk about? Much of the time I am so lucky in that those two things are actually one and the same. But in the last few days, I've come to a realization. I've realized that ( in my mind) I have really strayed from my original reasons for creating this space.

My original reasons included finding a creative outlet (check!); encouraging myself to write more often (check!); and connecting with others who are doing the same (a very grateful check!). But sometimes I find myself actually NOT posting even though I want to. Not because I don't have something to say-if you know me you know I ALWAYS have something to say - but moreso because I wasn't sure if I had a "complete" post ready. And that kind of thinking bothers me a little bit. This is my personal space, and because it's personal it should reflect my personality. Part of my personality is that I don't always have everything put together before I leap. I get by on ideas, plans, conversations and many things that are unplanned and not quite fully formed, but still oh so good.

So once again, you my darling cyber friends have come to the rescue. I spent the last few weeks visiting many of your blogs. Lurking on some, commenting on others, and e-mailing with some of you that I haven't talked to enough in some time. What an enlightening and refreshing experience! I learned by stepping out of my own writing space here and by stepping into yours that this blogging thing isn't about perfection, it isn't about being always precise or prepared, and it certainly isn't about only writing what others want to read. It's about keeping the personal in a personal blog, and it's about just plain old sharing.

As with all great epiphanies, I'm sure that this will be at the forefront of my mind for a good long time (three solid days at least) and then it's urgency might start to fade. But until that time I will make a greater effort to not wait until I have all my photos lined up, or all my project notes listed out, or all my links ready and set to go. If I have something I want to share, I'm going to just come out here and share it.

Just like I did today.

Pause

2008-05-04T20:34:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know I said I'd be away for a while...but, you know what they say - sharing is caring!
Just a little sunshine and warmth from us to you...All photos get bigger if you click 'em.

Spring Break

2008-04-25T21:07:00.001-04:00

Hello all!

I'm going to take a short break from regular posting over here.
While I'm "away" I'll be working hard on 3 projects I've got going - some of the biggest I've tackled in a while. I'll also be coming by to see each of you in your cyber spaces and get caught up on how and what you're doing. I expect I'll be back to my regular chattiness here by late May. Laugh much, stitch often, and be merry in the meantime.

Back soon!

That's a Wrap!

2008-04-17T15:02:00.004-04:00

Many many thanks to those of you who commented and sent me email encouragement along with great suggestions as to how to complete my Cozy wrap/shawl. I went with the idea of using the 2nd ball of slightly lighter colored yarn for some edging. I chose a simple ruffled crochet edge that I found at Crochet Pattern Central. It's just 3 triple crochets in each of the single crochets around the edge, with several extras done in the corners. You've just got to love crochet for the way it absolutely devours your stash yarn!

Since this is not for me, I only included one full-on modeled shot here. Enjoy, and thanks again!

Catching up - Suggestions Needed

2008-04-04T12:38:00.003-04:00

Hello my lovelies,

I was so pleased to see all the great responses to the Round Table Discussion. I sure hope some missing mojo has returned for some of you thanks to our little chat circle. It has certainly worked well for me to follow some of the advice from the comments.

I'm in the midst of quite the knit conundrum right now though.

I'm working on this as a super secret surprise giftie thing for someone, and lo and behold my second ball of yarn is a different dye lot

Cozy from Knitty, Fall 2004 (modified to be narrower)

Right now, it's not long enough to be a wrap, and it's not quite square enough to be a baby blanket (either of which would be an acceptable gift). So maybe you can help me decide what to do next. Should I....

- Bind off where I am now (about 48") then put a simple edge around it and give it as a bordered baby blanket? (Garter or Seed stitch or something else...)

- Continue on with the 2nd ball and knit exactly double the length so the color difference is intentional (the variation is very very slight).

- Do a lacy crochet edging on all four sides so that it can be used as a nursing cover-up/shawl and double as a wrapper for the baby bundle.

I'm open to any and all suggestions...and if you have links to demonstrate your idea, please don't hesitate to send them my way.

Wishing you much uninterrupted YOU time this weekend.

Hello Mojo? How Do You Get Your Fiber Groove Back...

2008-03-19T10:50:00.008-04:00

Lately I've found myself thinking more than once, "What would happen if I just. stopped. knitting." It hasn't been a nagging thought really; not a premonition exactly. More of a teaser thought...something for my brain to chew on to see how my psyche would handle it. Have you ever had that or something like it?

I found that each time it came across my consciousness, I was in the middle of either frogging a project, digging up my stash for something inspiring, or completing a row on something that I had no inclination to move forward with. Yep - the knitting blahs hit me. If you've read a few posts back, you'll see that I tried to remedy this feeling in the usual way.

Palindrome Reversible Cable Scarf by Kristin B.See a great tip on avoiding a flaring cable BO edge here
I admit - new fiber does a knitter good. My knitting mojo was definitely slipping away, and though buying yarn and knitting it up immediately didn't cure me, it certainly put me back on a more optimistic path.

3AM Cable Hat by SmarieK
Patons Classic Merino 100% Wool in Dark Grey Mix
Knit Picks Options US Size 7 (4.5mm), knit using Magic Loop
Del posted a while back a rather ~~hilarious~~ earnest plea to her knitting mojo - begging it not to be gone for good. Thankfully for all of us inspired by her great projects - it returned! I know that feeling though, that anxiety that this might just be your last stitch - even if it's just for a while.

We're not alone. On the current Stash & Burn Podcast, Nicole and Jenny discuss the conundrum of knitting burnout; they talk about how we can sometimes feel overwhelmed by all that we could be knitting and all that we want to knit. And of course we all know that spending time on Ravelry in the coveting and planning stages can seriously impact how much you actually do knit. But who can resist??

Now, when I use the term mojo, I should be quite clear. I'm not talking about some earth-shattering inspiration or something that only a long time knitter can claim. I just mean that groove. That feeling that you can pick up a yarn, find a project, cast on, and plow forward and knit and knit and knit until....It's that little spark you get when a new pattern is posted on Ravelry. That heartbeat skip you feel when your hand runs across a fiber you have yet to try. The tickle in your brain when you come to a point in a pattern and think "What if I do it this way instead." That feeling of comfort at the end of a row that confirms that this is precisely what you should be doing at that moment. That mmm mmm MMM. Know what I mean?

Swatching for Cozy
What do you do when that feeling is gone or slipping away? Do you woo it back? Do you tempt it with new fiber goodies and promises of simpler knits (More scarves! All garter stitch, all the time!). Or, do you just let it go and let it's absence drive you into the waiting arms of your other crafty loves?

If you've been through some version of knitting blahs or even burnout - how did you know? What was the first sign that something was "off" ?

Please share your stories with us! With any luck, this discussion might lead someone in our communKnitty back to their mojo or at least give them hope that it will return --in due time of course. Pull up to the Round Table and tell us...When your mojo has done up and left you,

How Do You Get Your Fiber Groove Back?

Happy Birthday Mizan!

2008-03-11T18:56:00.005-04:00

She's 5 already, can you believe it?
And we love her now more than ever - it's great how that works :)

Today at a glance:

*Pancake breakfast (her favorite, can you tell?)

*A modeling casting for Osh Kosh
(fingers crossed she gets the job, college is 'spensive!)

*Flying kites for the first time on the beach

*Sand & Surf

*Cake time!

I will not get on a soapbox here, but birthdays are my absolute FAVORITE excuse for celebration, and I've discovered (much to hubby's delight) that they are just as fun to celebrate with minimal expense for a small but loving group of four. I hope the girls will look back on these good old days and remember these more intimate birthday parties with as much fondness as the big bash bonanzas ('cuz I'm a fan of that type too). I know I'll cherish these low-key ones especially though because it feels really good to take one whole day to remind this little darling how thrilled we are that she's been with us one more year.

Happy Birthday Meezy Bear

Let's Do the Numbers...

2008-03-07T12:22:00.004-05:00

204 days ago I set myself a goal.

365 days without buying any new yarn.

3 days ago I found myself completely unable to pick up my knitting needles (I really thought I might be coming down with something...turns out I was - I'm calling it the Knitting Blahs)

3 people told me the feeling would pass and that I should hold strong.

2 websites and 1 email foretold a sale on Patons Classic Merino Wool.

1 knitter (this one) happens to be completely in love with said Wool.

4 hours passed with said wool sitting in "pending" status in my online shopping cart while I debated the merits of sticking to a goal vs the psychological damage of forced deprivation.

60 minutes of no online activity means that your shopping cart status "times out" (who knew?)

1 trip down south to have lunch with 9 of my former colleagues meant that I had a

90 minute commute back home which took me right in the direction of the 1 store near me where the aforementioned wool was being given away (okay, not really - but we're talking CHEAP here people)

With 10 minutes of color selection and 1 very simple transaction...

8 new balls of Patons Classic Wool in (the most delicious) Chocolate Brown and Charcoal Grey followed me home.

So my counter for Number of Days Since I Last Bought Yarn resets to 0.

And you know what? I'm okay with that.

The Palindrom Reversible Cables Scarf

Click the photo to be whisked off to the pattern.

To Her...With Love

2008-03-04T12:17:00.007-05:00

I'm going to do another Round Table discussion soon on our Knitting Mojo, and what we do to get it back when we feel we've lost it. But first, I'll give you a look into how I kept mine from slipping away completely. When I couldn't think of who to knit for next, or what to knit, or what to knit with - I found that my worry slipped away when I turned my focus to knitting something new, something planned, something lovely, something for someone else....

Last week, I finished four squares to contribute to the Briar Rose Charity Knit for The Hope Lodge, an afghan knit a long for a blanket that will be given as a prize to one lucky donator. The Hope Lodge is a cancer treatment facility that just opened in Michigan, and this is a cause that is very near to the heart of Chris, owner and creative genius behind Briar Rose Fibers

Briar Rose Sonoma, knit on US Size 9

I know what knitters can do when we act like the caring community we are, so if you'd like a chance to win a gorgeous afghan, the button below will take you to the right place for donation. Additionally, if you just love great yarn in AMAZING colors and textures, head over to Briar Rose and check out the goodies there. You'll be glad you did!

One Word - Perfect.

2008-02-29T13:50:00.002-05:00

Ahhhhhhhhhhh

Sail On

2008-02-14T13:21:00.007-05:00

Greetings my dear readers!

I'm dropping a quick note here with just a few words and a smidgen of eye candy. The shots are random, but sometimes that's all you need for a brief distraction, no?

In a few days, my darling husband turns 40, and though he doesn't look a day over 29 - we've decided a celebration is in order. A dear friend is dragging us kicking and screaming on a 5-day cruise to the islands, and we thought it in good taste to accept this gift and go get some sand in our toes.

The Neck Poncho or "Things to Knit When Startitis Hits"

Plymouth Alpaca Grande chunky yarn, size 10 1/2 needles; wooden buttons by Mission Falls

A coupla carousel cuties at the Fair

Aaaaaaaaaand......Welcome nephew #5!!

8lbs 10 oz of sweetness

Baby RJ, Born February 11th

Who wouldn't knit for ~~those cheeks~~ this kid!?

I'm pretty sure there will be no blog entries until I return late next week - but know that I will come back armed with a renewed spirit - and possibly more eye candy :)

Be well darlings! While I'm gone - go see what Anna's giving away at her blog!

Share This Message - Yes We Can

2008-02-03T20:24:00.000-05:00

Please watch this. Then watch it again. Then share it. Then share it some more.

Also, check out this message from one of the Producers, Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas.

This is not about politics. It's about possibilities.

BIG Love

2008-02-01T10:09:00.001-05:00

If you're a blogger, you know that sometimes you can get wrapped up in what's going on in your own private space, what your posts are about, what you'll write about next, when you'll get that next set of pictures loaded and captioned. If you're a blogger like me, these things can sometimes take over the brain space that should be reserved for slower, calmer, more open contemplation. And for gratitude.

I read a lot of blogs - even more since I discovered the wonder that is Bloglines. This is my escape at times - a small screen peak into the world of other people that I've grown steadily to like and admire, laugh with and care about. Imagine my joy at taking that peak this week and finding this:

Del, Amanda, Julie - THANK YOU for this - you make my day too! I'm sending this right back to you (virtually and with a hug to boot).

I totally support this kind of cyber love fest, and I'm happy to pass along this award to:

Nancy, Sarah, Deborah, Tiennie, Franklin,

Sean, Mau, Cindy, Mrs4444, Arleta, Sharon

You Make My Day! :)

Let's keep this going...The rules of the award are : Give the award to 10 people (or more) whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times.

If I've visited your blog (and even left a comment), believe me, the pleasure was mine to do so! If you're reading this blog (and if you leave comments), you ARE the main reason I keep coming back here to share. Thank you for that. I'll keep writing in the hope that you get back even a fraction of the joy I receive from this.

Happy weekend all!

May I Present: The Nomad Hat & Scarf

2008-01-21T13:42:00.000-05:00

Yep - the Florida winter has finally gotten to me...

Ha! Actually, this is a gift for a friend who lives in Manitoba, Canada - my old stomping ground. I told her several weeks ago that I wanted to make her something and she said she needed a hat/scarf combo. She's not a knitter so she didn't realize that patterns for such a thing would even exist. I sent her a few examples, and she chose this style (not frilly, no pointy elfish top part). Kat Coyle's Nomad Hat & Scarf was just what we needed. I think I'm becoming Kat's number one fan - she's designed a few other items that I'm quite fond of and will probably knit this year. Pictures of her other published patterns on Flickr are here.

Hmmm.. the details?

Pattern: Nomad Hat & Scarf, Interweave Knits Fall 2007
Yarn: Valley Yarns brand, Northampton from Webs in Chestnut Heather; 100% wool.
This took about 687 yards to finish; since this yarn is a true worsted weight I carried it doubled throughout for a chunky fabric.
Needles: I used US Size 9 (5.5mm) needles for the hat and gradually went up from there to size 10.5, 11, and 13 on the scarf.

Other modifications: My friend was very adamant that this could not be made for the "average" head size. Having much experience with ill-fitting hats due to my puffy locs and a large cranium in general, I used myself as the model. The hat is knit top-down using Emily Ocker's cast-on method to begin knitting in a circle. I continued the increasing out to 96 sts (original calls for 80sts); then within the garter and stockinette rows I decreased back down to 82 sts to make a snug fit around the forehead. The original pattern doesn't actual come down over the forehead, but that would not suffice in weather that sometimes gets to 20 below, so I knit this a little longer than the original as well.

I really enjoyed this knit. The chunky yarn and larger needles made it quick; I knit it on and off for 10 days, including one major frogging session because of making it too big. I think top-down hats might be prevalent in my knit future.

This is finish #4 on my list of 5 items for January over at the Year Long Gift-a-Long. If you haven't signed up yet - there is still time. Great new prize donors are joining to support us every day (Webs, Cookie A, Jordana Paige, and a host of my crafty friends!)

Thanks for taking a look - may your needles bring you much comfort and relaxation this week!

Baby Boom

2008-01-14T15:13:00.000-05:00

No no no, not me - just everyone else around me is adding to the population.

Let's see, in my immediate family, we have one nephew that just turned 3 months old and THREE baby boys due before the end of March. In my circle of friends, a darling little munchkin we know is already a year old, and 2 more are due in the spring and summer. So what's a knitter to do? What else...

Cast on!

The way I see it, with so many of these to cover in knitted goodness

I'm going to be plenty busy.

May I Present: The Charcoal Ascot

2008-01-01T10:19:00.000-05:00

Pattern = Huckleberry Ascot from IK Gifts, Holiday 2007; page 36

Yarn = Valley Yarns Northampton in Dark Grey, 100% wool
Needles = KnitPicks Options Size 8 (5mm), 24 " cable

Modifications - I knit the short row increases on the wide end of the scarf until the center width was 6 1/4", and each wide end was 13"; this wasn't intentional at first, but I'm glad I added this extra because it made for a bit more ruffling, which this wool fabric could use since it's not naturally very drapey. If I remember right, this was done by just adding one additional set of of the short row increases on both ends.

Instant sophistication, no?

I loved this pattern; just the kind of nearly mindless knitting I needed during holiday activities with the family. My first time with this many short rows - easy! With garter you don't have to pick up the wraps! My first time with bobbles - not nearly as annoying as I had anticipated, and they completely make this scarf something appealing to the eye.

Bobbles; I do not hate them after all

Because I used wool, this doesn't have the same drape as the original, which was done in alpaca. I am confident that I would do one of these in alpaca as well though, just for the sheer simplicity of it. Hmmmm...gift idea?? I'm very happy with the wool I've use; the best compliment I can give it is to say that I would recommend it for many different types of projects. It's very warm of course, but not too scratchy. Maybe my dearest friend and I will wear our Northampton wool together sometime and be fiber twins :)

Happy New Year darlings!! Make this year one to remember!!

Take Back Your Year - Sign Ups Are Open

2007-12-21T17:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks VERY much for all the kind compliments you've sent about Dashing. I'm really looking forward to the reaction these get from the recipient.

And speaking of gift giving...I'm starting a movement and I want you to come along with me. I've created a support group of sorts at

The Year Long Gift-a-Long

A plan for those of us who make gifts by hand to do so STRESS FREE in 2008. We'll plan, make, and send out our gifts early by working on our gift lists every month, all year long!

Head over there for more details, but I will tell you - there are prizes involved. You don't want to miss this. And if you know someone else who might want to sign up for putting the joy back into giving, send them over to www.knitallyear.blogspot.com and tell them to sign up too.

Now go eat some Christmas cookies...

May I Present: Dashing

2007-12-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

Dashing.

That's exactly what these will be doing in tomorrow's mail. Speeding away to their recipient on wings of hope that they'll arrive by Tuesday. Hub claims that all mail delivery services ramp up around this time to get as many gifts delivered by Christmas as possible. I, on the other hand, think that if most of the population is like me, even the great FedEx's of the world will struggle under the weight of tardy packages. But never mind that, it's the thought that counts, right? Right. And the thought behind these is that they are meant to warm the arms of someone I couldn't do without. I know this someone reads this blog, and (gasp!) has even seen me knitting these, but maybe - just maybe - they will still come as a surprise.

Pattern from Knitty, Spring 2007
Yarn is Webs house brand Valley Yarns Northampton in Dark Grey, 100% Wool

247yds/skein; both arm warmers were knit with less than 1 skein (207.5 yds)

Yes those are ends that are not weaved in, but this photo of my blurry li'l one trying to sneak in the picture was too cute not to share.

Knit Notes: What a fantastic pattern! Clear and easy to understand. It claims to be a bit more challenging than it's predecessor, Fetching, but I didn't find that at all. It fed my new found obsession for cables just enough without being overwhelming. The hardest mental exercise was remembering that the cables are meant to cross in opposite directions on opposite hands. I knit them two at a time and just used a stitch marker on one to remind me not to goof that up.

Modifications: Yep!
I wanted these to be much longer than called for, and I also knew going in that my gauge was not quite according to pattern. This yarn is called a worsted, but I think it's more like a "heavy DK" when knit up. The pattern row gauge was 18 rows/in and I was getting 25 rows/in on size 7's (4.5mm). Out came the measuring tape! I just marked where I wanted the cuffs to hit and knit to that measurement. Easy peasy.

I extended the initial ribbing from 4" to nearly 6", and I added length to the hand portion too. I made the thumbs 13 rows long instead of the 9 called for. Essentially, I wanted these long, lean and elegant to match the recipient.

Cast on Dec. 12; finished and blocking Dec. 20, 2007
Knit 2 at a time using Magic Loop method

I didn't intend to knit these as a gift. They were actually the do-over I mentioned in our last Round Table Discussion. As I went round and round though, I realized that these were the kind of gift I could feel good about giving. No fuss, flexible sizing, and useful for a good amount of fall, winter and spring time climates.

Oh - and through this project I also discovered that using my tripod and the self-timer on the camera are a match made in blog photo heaven (especially when you have to substitute a model to avoid showing them flat).

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

To Finish or To Frog: How Do You Decide? Let's Discuss...

2007-12-15T19:12:00.000-05:00

Do you ever stop to think about how many thousands, or more likely millions of stitches pass over our needles in the course of our journey? I would be willing to bet that somewhere along the lines you have actually even counted the number of stitches that make up a project, and I would also bet that bracing yourself doesn't make much of a difference...the resulting number is always something staggering.

Most of us don't knit by the stitch though. We knit until a stitch becomes a row which becomes a section which becomes a piece of the garment, accessory, toy, or household item we set out to create. It is this cumulative nature that I find the most therapeutic (magical!) about knitting. That time plus yarn plus needles equals something that wasn't there before. Time is the prime ingredient. With enough time, we can make just about anything. There is such possibility in that.

Twisted Maiden Armwarmers - Frogged December 2007

But we know another side of knitting don't we? We know that a project doesn't always flow smoothly from the first stitch cast on to the final row of a finished item.
Like any handmade treasure, a knitted item is only as good as the pattern, or idea, or materials it came from; many times it's goodness is directly related to the the amount of sleep that it's maker has had before beginning it's creation. At times, what lies in between is so disturbing, and so daunting that it had to be given a name. A frightening concept that can reduce even the most resolute knitter to a pool of heartsick mush when they are forced to use the F word.

Frogging.

Some of your stomachs just flipped reading that. I know mine did. Frogging is the term coined to describe the reverse or our beautifully creative flow. The UNdoing of that cumulative process. So named because the action (rip it, rip it!) sounds eerily like the croak of a frog. A frog who lives at the bottom of a pond full of yarn barf. Nature loving though we may be - we hate this pond, and we avoid it whenever possible. At least, most of us do...

Top Down Raglan - Frogged July 2006

I've been knitting over 2 years now, and as that time has passed, I find that instead of visiting the Frog Pond less due to improvement in my skills, I actually have been frogging even MORE of my projects - some of them well underway - because I am unsatisfied with something about the work in progress. In fact, after much deliberation, I actually frogged a completed sweater that I had knit top down because I just couldn't get over how poorly the armhole joins looked, and it bothered me and bothered me until that raglan was frogged back to the yarn cakes from which it came. I'm only surprised by this new tactic to rid myself of "less than perfect" FO's because it really doesn't mirror anything else in my non-knitting life. My mom and I are infamous for Making Do. When pressed, we will take anything in the pantry/craft cupboard/dresser drawer and make it into something that will pass for good enough. Get it done. That's usually the primary goal - mostly because whatever IT is is just a blip on the list of 8 million other things that need to be done.

Not so with my knitting of late. I'm finding that as soon as something starts to trouble me about a project's progress (the gauge seems off somehow, I don't like how this fabric feels on these needles, that cable could reeeeeally use some tightening up...) my brain starts the chant "Frog it and start over. You won't be happy until you do".

Toddler Raglan Pullover - Frogged September 2007 to become this

So, as with all of our round table chats - I'm reaching out to YOU now to share your Frog Filosophy. When something is not quite right with your knitting -how quick are you to rip it? What qualifies as a frog-worthy problem in a project? How major or minor does an "uh oh" have to be to get you to rip back and start over? Tell us your worst frogging story. Tell us about a frogging that actually saved your sanity. Have you ever resisted the call of the frog pond, only to press ahead and find a brilliant work around? I'd love to know about it.

In the continued spirit of these discussions, I'm sure you'll find that you are not alone in your experience with this less than rosy side of knit life, so share openly!

When something is not quite right with your knitting, and the time comes

To finish or to frog - How do you decide?

Let's Discuss....

From the Mouth of Babes

2007-12-10T12:09:00.000-05:00

An excerpt from a conversation that took place after a television character asked "What's the secret word?"

Adachi: I Do!

Me: I do is the secret word?

Adachi: Yep

Me: Why is that honey?

Adachi: Because...Everything happens when you say "I do". Your life happens. "I do" is the secret word.

Would you have corrected her to tell her that I Do is actually a phrase?
Nah. Me neither.

She is small this one, but she is wise.

May I Present: Clapotis (Encore)

2007-12-03T10:57:00.000-05:00

It worked! It seems that writing about a knit goal out here really does do wonders for the potential (and success) to actually finish it. Your comments and encouragement did wonders because I knew how good it would feel to finally be able to show you this...

Aunty's Clapotis!

Cast on Nov. 22, Ends weaved in Dec.1 (no blocking)

Yarn = Cascade 220 Handdyed Paints in "Indiana Summer"

Needles - KnitPicks circular, US Size 8 (5mm), 24" cable

Mods - Added 1 extra increase repeat , 1 extra straight row repeat, 1 extra decrease repeat

She loves it, I love it, I love her, she loves me - it is a veritable love fest all wrapped up in some stockinette and dropped stitches.

Thanks for being along for this ride. Who knew I could let the yarn fly like that?! I won't let it go to my head though...nothing wrong with a slow knit to balance it out once in a while. And in that spirit, I've already cast on for this. Turns out that hubby's the only one in the house without a hand-knit sweater...we can't allow that to continue any longer.

You Can Thank Me Later...Go Go Go

2007-11-30T22:39:00.000-05:00

Knitting Daily is having a Contest for a Shopping Spree at your favorite Local Yarn Store. Go enter. I hope you win!!

Clapotis update...I'm in the decrease rows and the light is quite visible at the end of this tunnel. What is it about that segment of a pattern that just makes you fall back in love with the knitting? It must be that sense of "Oh yeah. I can totally do this."

ETA: Zeee Clapotis is FINI (ends weaved in at 4pm on Saturday...with time to spare)

Have a fantastic weekend darlings!

Travel Tales & Clapotis Countdown

2007-11-27T11:17:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update to say that all is well in the (not-so) frozen north. In an event that can only be attributed to the power of a child's wish we landed safely on Thursday right in the midst of the first snow of the season. As we sat on the tarmac for an hour and a half waiting for things to be de-iced and cleared, my two little munchkins were the only ones on the plane clapping and squealing at the white powdery wonderland. Apparently the first snow fall brings about other feelings for residents here.

A view from the plane just before landing
Knowing that this first snow wouldn't hang around long, we did all we could to take advantage of it. A quick thrift store stop produced ski pants for the girls to wear so that sledding and snow angels filled the major part of our first 2 days.

That can certainly wear out even the heartiest cold weather adventurer.

As for me - I'm fighting the urge to hibernate by committing to a very tight gift deadline. I cast on for my second Clapotis while traveling here last Thursday, and I intend to have it finished by the time we're packing up to leave on this coming Sunday. Why the rush you ask? Well, I want my darling aunty who is feeding us and putting us up all week to have something warm and woolly to remind her of our stay (and hopefully bribe her away from her plan to keep the girls here with her after we're gone, which she has already threatened to do). My calculations say I need to knit 39 rows on it per day for the next 5 days to reach this goal. Knit mojo don't fail me now!

Clapotis #2 in Cascade 220 HandDyed Yarn, Color is Indiana Summer
Knit on KnitPicks Circular US Size 8(5mm)
I hope your week is going well too! No need to send warm thoughts our way, we're quite cozy and comfortable wrapped in hand knit goodness and enjoying the blessing of uninterrupted family fun time. Well ok, some warm thoughts would be nice - if it's not too much trouble.

More pictures later this week or when we return!

Look! Islanders in the snow!

Each One Teach Two

2007-11-21T11:17:00.001-05:00

**Thanks for all of your super nice comments on my last FO; you make this so much FUN**

Now for some news - Adachi has learned how to cast on and knit. Mizan has learned how to cast on and crochet a chain.

I've introduced Adachi to knitting on a few occasions before, but this time I think it has really stuck. Recently both she and Mizan asked me "Mommy, will you teach me how to knit?", and "Mommy, show me how to crochet." Be still my fiber-luvin heart! I took them to the library post haste; we found some kid-friendly books (I recommend this one in particular), and we sat down and worked at it. I taught Adachi to make a slip knot, how to do the backward loop cast on, and now she's working away on garter rows for a scarf (note: she asked to start with a scarf, I would have had her working on circulars and making a sock first, but patience is a virtue...).

Even Mizan got in on the lesson by helping to count stitches.

She even did a few stitches on her own winter hat for the trip:

Nature and nurture have really gone hand in hand here. Let me explain what I mean by that. See, I knit alot. Now, even though I don't have huge lacey FO's flying off the needles, and my projects are sometimes few and far between, I knit Every. Single. Day. Sick, well, at home, traveling, in the car, before bed, whenever I can. So since I work from my house, you can imagine that my girls see a whole lotta knittin' goin' on. In fact, I dread the day when someone I work with asks them what it's like having mommy working from home and they chirp joyfully "It's great! She knits all day long, and finds these nice patterns, and talks with her knitting friends". Sigh. A worry for another day. I think that exposure is the first part of the reason that they have shown such a recent interest in learning - the nurture factor; it's just part of their environment.

Part 2 is the influence of their innate creative nature. Both girls like to "make things up", my oldest especially. Like me, they enjoy taking some thing (or many somethings) and turning it into something else. Like this...

I became even more aware that this is something that they came to the planet with when I realized that rather than wait for me to do crafty activities with them, they are perfectly content to do their own crafting using original ideas and whatever they can reach in the cupboards (hide your paper towel rolls!).

Allow me to be selfish for just a moment...do you realize how much faster my stash would be reduced with THREE knitters in the house? *Sigh* Just add this to the list of the MANY things I'm thankful for in my life.

On that note, I hope that each of you will find an Attitude of Gratitude this holiday that makes you feel way more full than any stuffing ever could. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

Bring It

2007-11-16T09:25:00.000-05:00

Ok winter, c'mon. Let's have it. No sense tiptoeing now...I got my wool, my needles, and my determination. So bring it!

"But Marce", I hear you saying, "Um, honey, you live in FLORIDA".

Yes, I know.

"And sweetie...um...you were born in JAMAICA".

Uh huh. Right.

"So what gives?"

Well, in a moment of what can only be described as sheer ~~insanity~~ brilliance, we decided that this year's family vacation spot would be Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Average temperature in November? 37.8 Degrees. Not to worry though friends, this is totally doable!! Just ask Stephanie. It's just that kind of icy weather that my knitting journey has prepared me for. The vacation planning has had my needles working overtime lately.

Here's what has come off of them most recently:

Raglan Pullover, loosely based on the Circumnavigate Pattern from this book
Yarn - Plymouth Encore Worsted in Navy & Wedgewood
Needles - US 6, and 8 KnitPicks Options using Magic Loop method

This sweater is such an easy knit and it's my second time around. I predict I'll make several of them. It's knit from the top down and the raglan shaping is done with M1 (lifted bar) increases randomly spaced throughout the yoke. Loads of possibilities to customize it to your taste.

Next up, the Utopia Hat from Smariek knits:

Knit with Plymouth Encore Worsted, Walnut color
Needles - KnitPicks Options US Size 8, Magic Loop method (see a theme here?)

This hat pattern is really well done. The decreases work out so well that there is no "nipply" thingy at the top - love that. The cables are pleasing and add to the head hugging factor very well.

Modifications - I knit the starting 2x2 rib longer so that there is no flaring when the cables start. Since this was for my little one, I did 4 repeats of the lower cables and only 2 repeats of the upper cables. Another benefit to knitting in the round on one loooooong 60" circular needle is that I was able to slide the unfinished tube onto the cable and try it on her as I went along so I knew just went to start the decreasing for the crown. I'm very happy with the fit, and so is she!

We head north in one week, and there are more knits to come. What about your winter woolens? I know some of you live in places where heavy fibers are a must! I've got to tell you, I almost envy you (House swap next year?? I'm in!). For those of you who don't knit, but you're starting to feel Jack Frost nipping at your nose, I suggest you befriend a knitter. Quickly. You won't be sorry.

We Speak Their Names

2007-11-07T06:36:00.000-05:00

I've talked before about my desire to stay more in the present and to acknowledge things (especially the good things) as they are happening. I'm more naturally a past and future dweller, and sometimes that means missing out on the full potential of some feeling or experience. Like most things that are positive, I think this effort to be more aware of the Right Now becomes that much better when it's shared and multiplied. This is where you come in....

I thought the other day about all the people that I have met in the last 2 years just because I went into the library one day and came out with a stack of books about knitting. There are people now that I call friends, and when we first met, knitting was the only thing that we knew we had in common. Now, several stitches later, I can say with certainty that my life is better because I have them in it. I would never have guessed that a "hobby" could bring that to my life, but it has, and that deserves some moments of focused gratitude.

One way to honor someone or something in your life is to speak or write about it, and by doing so, you give it a place in your thoughts and in your experience for that moment. So I'm going to list out here (in no specific order) the names of the people that I have met because I knit. By making this list, I mean to say "thank you" to them and "welcome to my life". I can hardly count the many many Internet and blog friends I have made, so for now this list is only of those I have met in person and that I have spent time with in these last two years. When you read this list - and I hope you do - you too will be acknowledging these people and the good that they have added to my life experiences. After that, why not make YOUR list of names in the comments and enjoy a few moments of remembering those people, and what you have shared with them because of this great love of fiber and needles.

Kathy, Sarah, Cindy, Deborah, Maureen, Sean, Shelley, Jody, Robin, Becky, Sharon, Tanya, Rochelle, Judy, Nan, Nancy, Sharlene, Suse, Wendy, Gabrielle, Pam, Kelly, Karen, Andrea, Angelia, Julie, Vickie, Hilde, Michelle

As I think about more of these names and the memories that go with them I will keep adding to this list. I hope you'll do the same.

A special THANKS goes out to Deborah today for letting me know that our gathering place here has been featured in Black Purl Magazine. What a treat!

May I Present: Baby Cables & Beads

2007-10-24T22:31:00.000-04:00

It never fails. Any time I decide to stop hopping all aound in the WIP basket and just settle in to focus on one knit project, it actually gets done! (Shhhh...I'm having a revelation over here, resist the urge to giggle). I was really craving a finished project lately, and I had some extra motivation from Nicole & Jenny to get it done before the end of the month so I could get an entry in their October sock knitting contest. Well, I'm a believer - project monogamy works people...

Yarn - Koigu KPPPM Color #400
Pattern - Baby Cable Rib Stitch from Sensational Knitted Socks
Needles - Knit Picks US 2 (2.75mm); Knit 2 at a time on 2 circulars
CO 9/9/07; Closed the toes on 10/24/07

I must state now that in the interest of blogging, I am doing these socks a severe disservice by putting them on my size (mumble mumble mumble) feet because they are not in fact for me. The are for one of the sweetest moms I know; a mom that did me the biggest favor by giving birth to this darling girl. If that's not worth a pair of handknit socks, well then I don't know what is!

I really wish I could take credit for this black background in the shots, but it's just something my digicam decided to do! I dig it.

The most obvious modification is that I didn't continue the Baby Cable Rib Pattern down the foot. I realized right around the heel flap section that cables eat up alot of yarn (you don't say??!) and that I would surely run out of yarn before getting to the end of these. I made a good decision as it turns out because I finished with only enough yarn scraps to prove something had been made.

I'm now a committed member of the Koigu fan club. This yarn gave me no trouble at all, and I'm pretty confident that it will hold up well to wear.

I'm not the only crafty chick around here as you know. This weekend we took some inspiration from miss Sarah and made ourselves some beaded bracelets...

Never a dull moment with these two, and I don't mind that a bit.

Still Knitting (and a promo!)

2007-10-19T09:25:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all of you that have sent your good wishes for my blogiversary - your visits and support do make all the difference!

You know how I feel about supporting our own, right? And by "our own" I mean those that put their hands/hearts/minds to all things creative. Today's post is to show some of that support for a friend of mine (full disclosure, I also wanted to show you some photo proof that I'm still actually knitting). Allow me to introduce you to Sarah's Etsy shop - 579 Jewelry

I love the color combination in these - she really has an eye for such things. Light as a feather too - bonus!

She's offering up some beautiful goodies, for you and for your knitting! Sarah has an excellent eye for design and she's quite good at putting together great materials to make something beautiful. Turns out that her talents go beyond just knitting!

Head on over to the shop - all jewelry is on $5, $7, or $9 - and that INCLUDES shipping. Yeah...you won't be sorry you went.

As for me? I've got socks to finish before my UFO list grows legs and kicks me in the...

Koigu KPPPM in Color 400Baby Cable Rib Pattern from this great book

BrownBerry Chronicles: Year 2

2007-10-16T20:52:00.001-04:00

Sometimes things occur to me while I'm doing the most mundane activities. While washing the dishes tonight I had this stream of consciousness-type moment that went something like this.

What was my last blog post about? Oh yeah, the second part of the Round Table. Knitting bags. Did I put that knitting bag back in my office? I really should get working on my next post. Those comments were really good, should check my notes for the next topic. What day is it? Geez, it's October already. Feels like something is happening this week that I'm forgetting. A birthday maybe? Wait. It's October. I think I started blogging in October. Hmmm...Seems right. I think I missed my blog-iversary!

Dishes done, hands dried, and I ran in here to check. Yep. My first post was written in October of 2005. Back then this blog was called Living My Why. In retrospect, that title would still fit most of the current content, but admittedly, it was much less a knitting blog back then. I like what it was though, and I also like what it has become. The word "knit" still doesn't appear in the title or description, but you all know what I go on about - I'm still out here retelling my life tales and working through the yarns of my stash. For now, that's just the way I like it.

I think the best way to appreciate something is to really revel in it while it's happening. That's something I'm working on doing better - being more "in the moment". My more natural inclination is to look back and to look ahead. In my view, celebrating a blog-iversary is about all of those things, so I'll chronicle some of that here.

Then
At the beginning of this second year, I still wasn't too set on who I was writing for out here. Me? My readers? I was just as likely to post pictures of family as I was to post pictures of fiber. No themes, not many recurring topics, and certainly no commitment to this being just a "knitting blog". I've even looked back at the way I once posted project information. Let's just say I was not the detail fanatic I've turned into now. Back then, there was no Ravelry, so my project selection was a bit more hit-or-miss. My posting was more irregular too. I do notice, however, that many of my readers from that time are STILL loyal visitors today - THANK YOU for that.

Now
Simply put, I'm a knitting blogger who spouts off about life in general. Now I've got the Round Table, and From the Mouth of Babes, Super Saturdays and These are the Good Old Days as recurring topics. Now I can't wait to photograph an FO and fill in every little note I can think of, in the hopes that it will help the next person who might want to make what I've made. Now there IS Ravelry, and that has shaped my current To Do list for crafting in a BIG way. I'm suddenly very aware that what I post here about a project can be seen by hundreds (thousands?) of other knitters and crocheters at any given time. Now I feel funny when more than a week has passed without a new blog post. A special treat is that my blogger buddy list has grown too. It still catches me off guard just how much time I can spend peeking into the world of others through their writing. What a treat! Now I feel more adventurous in what I'll say and do in general here at My Place. I think I owe that last part to those of you who keep coming here and sharing your thoughts and encouragement with me - THANK YOU for that too.

Next
Another year of blogging feels like the right thing. I'm in no way tired of this habit, and I'm grateful for where it has taken me. I'm positive I wouldn't write this much if it were just left to filling pages in a journal. This feels like a good direction, so I'm going with it. Next in knitting? Who knows? So much more is out there. That's at the heart of this art - it really could unfold forever. What promise that thought holds! Next hobby? Methinks a podcast! Would you believe it? I've had this bug in my bonnet for a while now, and I've come up with a name, an outline and a Master Plan for a podcast to run next year. It's my goal to do it as a one year project exploring our Creative Community (oh yes my non-knitting friends, this will most certainly include you too). I get all goose pimply just thinking about it.

Thanks for reminiscing with me. This journey really IS more fun with you along for company.

Happy Blogiversary toooo meeee....

What's (In) Your Knitting Bag? Interview Part 2

2007-10-11T10:26:00.000-04:00

This is Part 2 of my interview with Sean on the subject of Knitting Bags and the goodies inside them...Feel free to go back and read Part 1 and answer in either post (or both!) to be part of the round table discussion)

I can't get enough stich markers. What do you keep buying more of?
I take it yarn is a given. ;-) I will second your stitch marker vote, although my Bubbie gave me ALL of her knitting supplies since she can't knit anymore and I now have like 10 little cases of them, but can I find them? Course not. And even still, I find different KINDS of stitch markers that I HAVE to buy like the little purple and green rubbery ones from Clover, surely need those. I always lose my blocking pins immediately after purchase, too, so there's probably 80 boxes of those in my apartment. And needles.... I can't ever seem to have enough needles!

Anything missing? What's on your wish list for non-yarny goodies? A Namaste Messenger bag!!Speaking of which..... I normally buy myself a pair of shoes for my birthday, but this year might just be my new Namaste bag! Hmmmm! I'm getting all tingly just thinking about it! I would like to expand my Susanne's Needles, too, but would also like to expand my KnitPicks Options needle kit, especially now that they have wood, those cheeky buggers. Other than that, I think I'm set until the next time I go browsing online. OMG DUH! SWIFT AND WINDER!!!! Need them SO BAD. SO VERY BAD.

If/when you go on a yarn diet, do tools and patterns count?
Heck no. How could one possibly survive a yarn diet without the occasional magazine, pattern, or other yummy fiber-related treat? It's cruel and inhuman to even suggest it!

Any recommendations or advice on supplies for the newbie fiber fanatics? Well, I would say once a newbie is certain they are planning on sticking with knitting, they should really invest in one of the KnitPicks Options kits and while they're at it, get to know and love KnitPicks in general. I would have saved a small fortune had the kit been out a couple years ago; and just about all of us know how amazing KnitPicks' prices are for yarn. Make that one of the first stops. ;) Also, for knitters on a budget,it is imperative to find and visit a real yarn store (or 10) even if only to fondle and sniff, and that is actually a segue into my last recommendation, which is to find knitter friends because they are some of the best folks you will EVER meet. Most knitting stores will have social gatherings just for knitting, ideally with no pressure to buy or anything, and the friendship and sharing is truly one of the very best parts of the craft. If not at a store, find a group somewhere! We're everywhere! And, just keep knitting, just keep knitting, knitting, knitting! :-D OH! One last one, that I can't leave out: Show some love to the boy knitters! :)

And that ends our interview. Thanks a bunch Sean!! Thanks to you, there will be more of this type of thing to come!

You can freely chime in here dear readers or say your piece over in the Part 1 post -

What's (In) Your Knitting Bag?