Knitting-Content Packed!-WHAM!

It is amazing to see this much knitting content in one post (for me, at least...) I actually have a knit project, book signing excitement and yarn pr0n all in one post!

I got to Purlescence yesterday evening-barely in time to get my book signed by Cat! I had seen her book at another yarn store and had looked forward to its release since hearing about it when I first met Cat at Camp Cockamamie. Luckily, I had called Nathania ahead of time to reserve my copy! Nartian had one reserved for her, too, so I think she was relieved to know that I had accomplished my mission when earlier I had left her a phone message saying that I was racing down there with but 35 minutes to go before the signing would end! But I was happy to report that I got there with about 25 minutes to spare! The Great Race accomplished! (Don't you hate it when someone drops in unexpectedly as you are headed out the door!-and wants to take your kid overnight...so then you need to get his crap together and are half kicking them out reminding them you were on your way out and NEED to go NOW...well, you get the picture?...)


Needless to say, I made it! And who is there at the table with Cat? No one other than Stephen of hizKNITS! A true Camp Cockamamie mini-Reunion! We got the added treat of seeing a video clip of Cat's new grandson, Charlie, who many of the socks in the new book were made (and named) for! Adorable baby. She showed him getting a bath in the sink that Cat and Stephanie (Yarnharlot) had "birthed" the cabbage in. (You may be familiar with that story if you keep up with Yarn Harlot's blog and read her camp entry...). At any rate, Cat shared with us that while giving Charlie a bath in that same sink, it collapsed-credit is given to Stephanie who put much strength into birthing that cabbage in the sink-strong woman, that Yarn Harlot is...

So here is the progress of my Ribby Pulli...
I spent a good deal of time at the park today, at one of the Little Emperor's royal subject's (a best buddy) birthday party. I got a bit more accomplished, though if I were Nartian, I probably would have it completed by now!

I had earlier read the instructions, joined the sleeves and body, and went on to the decreases. After setting this aside, I picked it up, re-read the instructions and decided I had made an error, so I ripped back the 5 rows of alternating decreases. WRONG! I had actually done it correctly, but misread the instructions the second time around! DRAT! Re-knit the 5 rows and continued on...

The first inch or so after joining the body and sleeves is ever so akward to knit, so I was freaking that maybe I had followed the instructions incorrectly. However, after going to Purlescence (yarn store and Ribby Pulli Headquarters, in my book...), I confirmed with Sandy that yes, this is a difficult part of the Ribby Pulli sweater. She suggests either using two circs and dpns on the sleeves, or magic looping the body. I'm past the awkward part and told her than though I am sure I have all the requisite needles, I would be hard pressed to find them all and really could not justify that many repeat purchases of needles! I'm just glad I have moved past the awkward part. One thing that helped was just scrunching all the sleeve stitches onto the straight needle portions of the circs as I knit that portion. If I didn't, then the curve of the sleeve would fight with my needle positions. If I did a Ribby Pulli again, I would prefer a top-down approach. Problem is, if I did the pattern again, I would probably want to do the scoop-necked version and am not convinced I could figure out the top-down on that particular version...

And now for my Rockin Sock Club SPOILER!!! Anyone who just got spoiled, sorry! I get my shipment so late now, since I am on the West Coast and, afterall, this blog is all about ME, that I am not going to make an attempt to avoid spoilage. I know, selfish of me, isn't it? So here it is!


The color is "Flower Power". It photographed darker than the vibrancy it has in person. We go our usual mini-skein which I already hung on my Wall of Shame, so it is not pictured, but everything else is. Since most people show the front of the pattern, I decided I would picture the back side of mine-it shows the pattern knit in several colors and I think actually is a more complete pic of what the pattern looks like. You may also notice our groovy tattoos, as well...

i caved...

Ok, so I caved. I cast on for the Campanulas! I'm using the SereKnity Black Forest Fudge and must say I love the colorway. I know that stronger colors and variegateds are not the best for patterned lace and textures, but I am curious to see how this colorway works with the Campanulas-the competition will be strong, but I still am interested to see.

Definitely, I think the Radiance "Heather" will be a real winner, but I want to plug through. This is a lame pic, cuz I took it in the very beginning, so it shows none of the pattern! I'm only through one repeat at this point, so it is still hard to see just how bad a choice this yarn is!

As for the yarn itself? I am actually very pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying this yarn-very soft with some cush after it is knit up. I really like it!

OK, so a last couple of pics-it *is* almost YPF, ya know?...
So here is an order I got from Yarn4Socks-enabling brought to me by Stilaholic Nartian, herself! She ever so slyly pointed out to me that Ruby Sapphire has an "Atticus" colorway! Well...I couldn't resist that one! So while I was at it, I added some Fleece Artist "Stone". I thought it would be more like the Nova, but I think I may have been wrong...It looks suspiciously close to another Fleece Artist sock yarn colorway I have in my stash, so I may have to consider-gasp!-a 'destash' of one of them! I am just realizing that space is extremely exceeded and the budget is very bad, so...But I have to say that I did get to give Nartian a bit of her own medicine when I whined about how I was not going to pay shipping on ONE skein. Thus the Fleece Artist purchase! THEN I was a mere few dollars from free shipping, so Nartian HAD to add a skein to my order for herself-after all, what are knitting buds for, anyways? But you know what? We considered waiting a bit to get our yarn lovelies, but I'm so glad we didn't-neither of our colorways are availabe at Yarn4Socks! Apparently they sold out!
And here is some Shibui sock yarn in Wasabi. Nartian and I did a run the other week and I limited myself to "one" skein, which in sock yarn language translates to "enough for a pair of socks"; thus, my indulgence...

Rethinking the Campanula...

I decided to shop my stash again to see what else could be Campanula-worthy. Here are two more skeins I resurrected...

Apple Laine Apple Pie yarn in "Petals"...a little more purple than I want...

And here, Yarn Botanika Radiance in "Heather". The pic came out more dark-especially the purple-toned areas, but it actually has a lot of warm pink and beigey tones to it and in person the darker purples are quite subtle. The overall look becomes subtle shadings of pinks and lavendars. It may be the better pick for the lacey texture of the Campanula pattern.

Though I'm aware of how variegateds can work against lace patterns, I am still tempted to try out the Sereknity BFF anyway, though instincts say that the Heather is probably the best choice...More to think about before casting on!

Some knitting has occured!

As amazing as it may seem, I actually have a project that is progressing and acutally looking like it (dare I say?) may get completed! I am now on my second sleeve of the Ribby Pulli. Don't hold your breath, but I am actually hopeful that I may actually be wearing this in the Fall!

I ended up lengthening the body (by a good 2 1/2" or so...), since I really didn't want the pocket to hit into my sagging boobs! No, I'm not built like the Ribby Pulli model, so I think it was prudent to do so! Some of us just can't pull off that sweater hitting in the places hers does-so flattery before fashion...I also cut the sleeve short by about an inch (17.25" vs. 18"...) and worked it in a couple of sizes smaller. The body is being knit in the size 41". (Fingers crossed-"I hope it fits, I hope it fits!"...)




And though these are nowhere near completion, I actually have my Solstice Slip socks going. They were the last Rockin Sock Club kit. I decided to start the second and have them both going so that I actually have a fighting chance at getting the PAIR done!


I want to make progress on these, since the Campanula for the Cure socks are haunting me! I haven't started them yet and really wanted to try and finish these socks before starting the Campanulas. Problem is, with the Ribby Pulli really shaping up...well, you know...guess which project is pulling me towards it the most these days?...

CAMPANULA FOR THE CURE!

In my insanity, I decided to join the Campanula for the Cure KAL. Well, when I saw MezzoDiva's pattern she was selling to raise money for her Weekend to End Breast Cancer Walk, I had to have the pattern! And of course, KALs are fun, even when I can't keep up!

So I decided to "shop my stash" for some yarn, rather than purchase some new. Here is what I came up with-the Sereknity "Black Forest Fudge", which MezzoDiva had figured out also has the initials "BFF"-clever you!

Of course, just when I decide this, it turns out that I will be able to lay my hands on some Hot Flash STR light, so now I can't decide which to use! I may start a pair in the BFF, then maybe do another in Hot Flash...or perhaps Chappy's "Booby Socks" in Hot Flash? I'll show a pic of the Hot Flash colorway later.

I am dying to try out the Serenknity yarn, and since the colorway IS BFF...well, I think I have my answer!

I am very much not into doing toe-up socks. I have done maybe 3 socks in this manner and so far prefer cuff-downs. I just hate the short-row heels and am not yet saavy enough to convert to a reverse heel-flap construction. (Remember the Monsoons that are still to be...yes, that is why they are 'still to be'!) That is probably the biggest reason I'm not starting them. But you know...I may just go ahead and make them following the pattern as-written. I'll live!

GADS! What is WRONG with ME????!!!!

In this past post, I had shown a glimpse of a beginning of a sock being knit in Jitterbug "Tuscany" colorway. I basically combined two different patterns...Well, smarty-me neglected to say *which* two patterns I used! The pattern copies are separated from the long-neglected sock, and though I can figure out the ribbing, I sure as heck don't recall which 'leafy sock' (of maaaaannny that exist out there!) I used! I'll have to post a pic of it later and *beg* everyone to try and figure it out. I know that pattern was from someone's blog. In addition, I think the blogger didn't write out a complete pattern, but instead wrote out the lace/leaf pattern, general total stitches CO, and that was it. I think it may have been done in a purple/lilac color and was posted with instructions for another sock the blogger had knit...Hmm...maybe I need to dig through some of my many UFO bags!

MAN! The whole point of my starting this blog was so I could keep track of this kinda stuff! I guess my thoughts escape me and I digress to other subjects!

I know...I promised knitting focus this time!

...but I wanted to share this because it was so touching to me. Of course, it means alot to me, since this is what my friend, Carlene, wrote and posted at our friend (and her sister) Penny's memorial site (so sorry, no knitting content in this post...):

Pen and Car

Tiny Drops Make a Waterfall
A poem written by Carlene Foldenauer for her sister and friend Penny

“Tiny drops make a waterfall,” she said with a smile.
Reminding me that small things make a difference.
A smile, a thank you, a hug – they matter!
Giving that comes from the heart.

She reflected on that day at the Multonomah Falls.
It was morning, and Penny has always liked morning best.
Darkness turned to light and the sound of rushing water filled her ears.
Like fireworks cascading from blue skies, the falls appeared before her.

She was tiny, yet powerful, as she stood before them.
Penny looking straight up, the water coming straight down.
Seeking shelter from the gaze of the sun, her eyes closed.
Her face was warm, yet billions of tiny goose bumps covered her arms.

She took a loooong, deep breath, dizzied by the morning air.
The moisture that settled on her lips, tasted of the pines that surrounded her.
She stood at the foot of the falls mesmerized - frozen with respect.
She couldn’t move. She couldn’t speak.

Then like wind in her ear, she heard the words, “Tiny drops make a waterfall.”
The voice was soft, low and soothing. The words were wondrous, wise and within.
Adorned with the feather of a thunderbird, wearing the tanned skin of a buck,
He blew a puff of smoke, encircling her in a mist.

Her eyes still closed to the sky, the message was clear,
It’s about sharing. About giving and receiving with no expectations.
Like a circle it comes back around naturally.
Just live from the heart and love freely.

Penny told the story of the Great Falls and to share her lesson with us.
You don’t have to climb mountains, run marathons or write novels,
Touch the lives of others by being kind and gentle.
Take a minute to listen. Spare some change. Extend a helping hand.

“Tiny drops make a waterfall” She said with a smile

At the memorial site, it says that it was Penny's wish that in lieu of donations of money or flowers, that we all do one nice thing for someone. So like Penny and her positive attitude of "small things make a difference"!

Birthday Treasures Revealed...

I finally have a bit of time to post a few goodies! It's been busy around here with various birthday celebrations and prior to that-well, I think I already mentioned about the eBlogger robot kicking me out for a bit. Anyways, July 26 was my birthday...

So here, some of my birthday goodies!


Stilaholic Nartian gifted me the gorgeous Nature's Palette in the Orchid colorway! Thanks so much, Nartian! I think she knows my sock yarn stash is a bit weak in the 'nearly solids' category for handpainteds! And does it show? I used a gift certificate from another friend to get the other yarns shown-Koigu PPPM, nonetheless. Another friend got me this tea which I need to try, but the packaging is so cute that I am afraid to open it! (Note the two cute little cherry-figure motif boxes...) I also got some of this weird linen/viscose stuff called "Iside", which I am still trying to figure out...I originally thought how cool it would be for a cute little tank, but clearly I don't think it will be enough. There are 175 yds per skein and I purchased 4 of them, but: a) I am not a tiny gal b) this really doesn't seem to work well knit up at 4 st/inch. It seems to be headed for shawl/ette land...Gorgeous color, though!

And here is how I spent my day...

Making this...

And this...

And doing this...


Yes, it was an attempt to make a Bake Sale Betty's Fried Chicken Sandwich! (This past week's food section had an article featuring the famous sandwich-and much to my delight-included the recipe for it!) I confirmed what I always somehow knew in the back of my mind: the $8 per sandwich is well worth the price! Don't attempt this at home, folks!

OK, if you want to do it, go ahead...I dare ya! Even if you could execute it perfectly, you could not convince me it was worth the effort and cost of having to purchase those 2 quarts of vegetable oil to fry the chicken in, let alone the cabbage, red vinegar, olive oil, jalepenos, etc...not to mention the time you wait for the oil to heat up to 365 degrees Farenheit!

I like to consider myself a fairly decent cook, but I will confess that deep frying is something I have never become proficient at. I did read sometime, long ago, that it was a tricky thing to deep fry-getting the right temperature and holding it there. I wish I had tried it out sooner after reading said article, since the fine points seemed to have escaped me as I made my attempt to fry up the 4 chicken breasts that I had carefully double-coated with buttermilk and flour...Alas, my attempt resulted in somewhat anemic chicken breasts with oil-soaked, gooey (yet tasty) coating.

In my haste (and hunger) I then conveniently forgot to get any pics of the final product! However, remembering about the temperature issue with deep frying, I followed my instincts and heated the oil back up to the requisite 365 degrees and finished frying up the 4 tenderloins-each turning out much better than the earlier larger breasts. The smaller pieces definitely helped keep the heat up and fried up much nicer.

Here, what remains of the tenderloins.


The black specs are what got attached to the batter, since it was fried in the remaining oil from the earlier breasts. Despite the gummy covering of the large breasts, the overnight salt/buttermilk soak did pay off, and even the large breasts were still pretty tasty and tender.

The coleslaw is wonderful-much harder to mess up, though I am sure that the published recipe is a different than what comes out at the bakery-I don't recall the coleslaw being as moist, so I used the entire head of cabbage, since I love the coleslaw anyway. Now I've got more left over for snacking!

So...I guess this exercise had more than the one purpose of teaching me the true "Value" of a Bakesale Betty's Fried Chicken Sandwich...it made me work a bit harder to help burn off the 955 calories that the sandwich is supposed to contain! That's 23 "points" in Weight Watcher's language!-lol! (Which, BTW, I had the WHOLE sandwich today which exceeds my daily 'point' allowance by 3! But that's another story...) Oh-and the added benefit of going to Bake Sale Betty's to buy my fried chicken sandwich?-it is on the same block as ARTICLE PRACT! Fried chicken sandwich and yarn?! I'm THERE! Man, I sure hope she doesn't ever stop making these puppies!

OK, so I'll focus more on my knitting next time I post...