Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Keeping Busy

     It's so nice this time of year when we can putter inside and out as well.  Haven't had any heat on for about three weeks now, and it's far too early for air conditioning.  So we're enjoying the best of both worlds right now.
     We did go for a five day trip up to New England and saw some of our family.  Wasn't able to see all as I was sick the last two days there.  Next trip we'll see the ones we missed.  Especially my cousin Angie and her husband Roland.  We always go out for a dinner with them and we missed that this time.
     While in NH, we surprised my beautiful daughter-in-law Lisa.  She was in "The Miracle Worker" and we arranged through our son to surprise her.  We walked into a pub where she was waiting for a good friend to have lunch with.  She was surprised indeed and we both had a good cry as we wrapped our arms around each other.

     Lisa and I went on a hike the following day.

 We all, "Dave, Bill and I" had friend clams at least once a day, and at least some type of New England sea food every day as well  Yes, Dave, our good friend went on the trip with us.




Lobsters.  Fried clams.  Steamed clams.  Lobster rolls.  Haddock.  All the good stuff.

     Will save more pictures of our trip for next post, and want to show you the summer shawl that I'm working on.  I just love the yarn and the way the color changes so gradually.  The shawl itself is very light and airy and so easy to work up.



This is neat to work on when my mind is just too tired to count stitches. LOL
     Speaking of which,,,I am still enjoying the piece that I've been doing up for a  while now.  I didn't take it on vacation with me, as I wanted to spend time with our loved ones rather than stitch.  So far
.......

     I'll let ya'll rest for now.  Love to all my sweet friends and followers.  Until next time, stay safe and well and don't forget to "feel the colors".  Oh dear, it looks like Tiny Girl is about to get herself into some trouble!

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Quick Gifts 4

     I've had a number of requests for the pattern of the shawl that I mentioned and pictured on my last post.  So, since I've started it, and have found how easy the pattern is, I've decided to post the pattern here.  It's a free pattern so no laws are being broken.
     Before I do post it, I want ya'll to know that I ordered the yarn from where the article mentioned and it's a perfect match to what the picture shows.

Stockinette Stitch Shawlette

Hello knitters!
It has been a while since I last posted a pattern here due to my mishap back in January. But I am happy to say that I am recovering nicely. Currently, I am no longer in a boot and started driving again this past week. I’ve been going to physical therapy for two weeks now and have about another month to go.
It’s been an interesting journey and I underestimated how difficult the recovery phase would be. With that said, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Being able to drive again is huge step forward even though the pain still persists. I imagine the ankle stiffness and pain will be with me for months to come but having my mobility back is pretty awesome.
About a month ago, I started on a shawlette using the Schachenmayr yarn I bought over a year ago. I finished the project last night and blocked it. Here is the finished project:
Stockinette Stitch Shawlette - Purl Avenue
If you’ve never knitted a triangle shawl before, this will be the easiest one you’ll ever knit! Aside from the eyelets around the bottom edge, the rest of the shawl is knitted in stockinette. For extra flair, I added tassels to the ends. I’d like to point out that the edges do curl. This was done on purpose because I like the way it looks. If you don’t like the curl, I suggest you add a border around the edges. This pattern is worked from the bottom up.
The material is cotton and knitted with needles a few sizes larger than the recommended because this shawl is designed to be worn in warmer climates.
Stockinette Stitch Shawlette side view - Purl Avenue
Measures approx. 63″ x 16″ (160cm x 41cm) after blocking.
Here is the pattern:

Materials

1 skein of Schachenmayr Tahiti yarn in Sunset
  • 306 yds / 280 m per skein
  • 1.75 oz/50 g per skein
  • 99% Cotton/1% Polyester
US 7 (4.5mm) 24″ cable needles

Pattern

CO 5 sts.
Row 1 (RS): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1, yo, k1. (9 sts)
Row 2: purl.
Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, knit to the last 2 sts, yo, k1, yo, k1.
Row 4: purl.
Repeat Rows 3-4 until the desired length. For the example above, knit Rows 3-4 until you have 245 stitches. Bind off loosely and weave in loose ends. Blocking is highly recommended.

Tassels (Optional)

I found this website which shows how to make tassels. It has a step-by-step written tutorial as well as a picture tutorial.
Attach your two tassels to both ends of the shawl. There you have it – your very own Stockinette Stitch Shawlette!
Have fun with the pattern and all.  It's so easy and I can work on it when I'm too tired to count my cross stitched squares.  Light enough also to take with you.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Home Again

     Yes! We're home again after taking a week off and traveling to NH by train.  Loved the ride.  Loved the people we met and loved the trip.  First we surprised my daughter-in-law, Lisa.  She was in "The Miracle Worker" and had asked if we could make it up to see the show.  So between my son Allen and us, we did indeed surprise her by showing up at a lunch get together with a wonderful friend of hers. She cried as did I.


     We had a whole day before the play's opening night, so the following morning, Lisa and I went hiking for the morning, while the guys,  Bill and our best friend Dave, went to their old hometowns and saw some of the sights.  Bill also met up with his son Richard, and they had a great visit.

     A couple of pictures of the hiking day.  A perfect day for the hike.



     Got to Vermont to see Cindy and Amy.  Great gals, and it was a blessing to be in their home and to see them, their property and have dinner with them.  The whole trip was a blessing.


     I didn't bring my stitching while we were away.  I wanted to spend as much time as I could with all those we love.  I did bring a book and never opened it! We did eat fried clams every day, at least once.  Will show more pictures next post.
   
     This afternoon, after lunch is my afternoon completely and will be stitching until dinner! Loving my piece.
   
     I also sent away for just one skein of yarn to make this pretty shawl below.  If I'm too tired in the evenings to count, I can at least knit.  This will be a light weight summer shawl.  Love the yarn.


     I will let ya'll go now.  I love you my dear friends and followers.  Until next time, be well and safe and remember to, "feel the colors".

Stuff

    Just stuff! Things that keep me from my needlework! ...Doctor appointments! As we're getting older I find there are more and more of...