San Antonio Sock

San Antonio Sock,
originally uploaded by sewsheknits.

So much for not starting a new project until finishing those already begun! San Antonio was wonderful...lots of sun and everything was blooming including the Bluebonnets! My family graciously allowed me to find the one and only LYS in the city. "The Yarn Barn" proved to be a real treasure. With no project in mind (a dangerous position for a knitter), I wandered around the shop gazing at the amazing color choices and touching almost every skein I passed. Overwhelmed, I made a very brave last second decision to knit my first pair of socks. This truly must have been a moment of temporary insanity because I certainly know better than to make such a hasty decision. However, my cheery declaration of wanting to knit my first sock was met with an even more cheery welcome from one of the employees who quickly steered me towards a simple pattern and beautiful tiny little size 2 bamboo needles. I'm not sure how it happened but the yarn was already in my hands when she handed me those little needles so I know it was some sort of unconscious decision on my part. Even temporarily insane, I managed to choose a gorgeous skein of Cherry Tree Hill Merino in the colors that will forever remind me of my San Antonio vacation. The oh-so-helpful clerk turned that beautiful skein into the workable ball of yarn that called to me from my knitting bag all the way to the airport. My aisle seat gave me the elbow room I would need even if I was hampered by the very large tank top wearing fellow in the seat on my right. I enjoyed every moment of casting on those tiny stitches and continued to work my way through those first ten rows of ribbing. We were in the air an extra hour or so due to rough weather in Chicago but I wouldn't have minded an even longer wait. I can tell that there are going to be quite a few handknit socks in my future!

anouk1

anouk1,
originally uploaded by sewsheknits.

I am so excited about this project! The colors are perfect for Spring and Summer. I can see repeating this little pinafore again and again.

Off to San Antonio this weekend! Looking forward to hunting yarn...

Duplicate stitching away...

Will it ever end? In working on my felted floral bag, the intarsia nearly drove me crazy. So, I made the decision to knit the bag and then use duplicate stitch for the flowers. I have found that I don't really enjoy this method either but hope that it will all end soon so felting can begin. I'm almost looking forward to the endless I-cord production for the bag's handles. Ruffles is coming along beautifully...all 46" of her. Since I can't decide which needles might make it through airport security for our spring break trip, I picked up The Knitter's Gift to read instead. I may tuck Ruffles in my suitcase to work on once we arrive in San Antonio. Hopefully, I'll run into a wonderful LYS while walking along the riverwalk!

Clapotis to be....

Clapotis to be....,
originally uploaded by sewsheknits.

I caved at the new LYS yesterday. Clapotis was on my mind and I found this fun cotton that screamed at me when I walked by begging to be taken home. Don't you just hate it when that happens? I am still determined to finish my other "on the needles" projects before diving into this one. Maybe it will serve as motivation for unfinished works?

Oh, the green!

Happy St.Patrick's Day everyone! I work in a school and there were some of the yummiest shades of green being worn by big and little kids alike. I think I need to knit something in green and orange...with maybe some hot pink in the mix. I found some fun Bernat Boucle' yarn on sale today (not pink or green or orange but still pretty!) and bought enough for Martha's Poncho. I'm not so sure how I feel about all of the hype surrounding said pattern but I know it is a gorgeous poncho and will be fun to wear as soon as I figure out how to crochet. I'm off to explore a new LYS tomorrow with a knitting friend and I must use some self-control as my yarn stash is growing and there are way too many things on my needles at the moment. There just isn't enough time in a day!

my floral bag

my floral bag,
originally uploaded by sewsheknits.

Progress, progress! The yarn colors aren't done any justice in this photo. I am using the Jamieson's Shetland Double Knitting yarn as specified in the pattern and it really is wonderful. The duplicate stitch I decided to use after several failed attempts at intarsia (just not ready for that yet) is a bit boring but I'm sure it will be worth it in the end.

my ruffles scarf

my ruffles scarf,
originally uploaded by sewsheknits.

Just to prove that I am really knitting. The color is a yummy brick red rescued from a sad Thrift store sweater. My husband just doesn't "get" that I spend time unraveling a "perfectly good" sweater just to spend more time knitting it into something else.
What's not to "get"?

manolo1

manolo1,
originally uploaded by arlee.

Just my style...now to find a way to knit it!

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And sew it begins....

Beginnings are good. Trying something new...a fresh start...change. Here is my go at it...for better or worse!

I've never been much of a journal keeper but have always envied those who choose to share their world through the written word. I have perhaps done the same through other means. In this blogging expedition, I hope to make some sense out of the chaos that is my world.

There have been many "beginnings" in my life. Some have been chosen, most have been imposed. I suppose most of us have similar experiences with change. One of life's greatest challenges must be navigating through times of change.

For now, my life seems a bit more stable. I have settled into a home with wonderful family and friends around me. I am trying to take time for the people and things that I love. I am surprised that I even had to come to the realization that it was a conscious decision to choose so carefully how I spend my time. I guess it is one of those concepts that comes with age.

When I am not running children all over town or throwing a football with my "can't sit still" husband, I love more than anything to work with fiber...any fiber. Fabric is my "thing". I sometimes even escape to the nearest fabric store just to walk the aisles. Of course, that most certainly means that I will come home with some wonderful new treasure that I plan to fashion into a valance, great new tote, or just add to the thrift store chair I am currently reupholstering.

Sew...then I found knitting. I spied a big fuzzy skein of multi-colored yarn on a store shelf two years ago and had to have it. I immediately sat down with the only "how to knit" book I could find and began a sheer obsession. I go very few places without a current project tucked into my knitting bag slung over my shoulder. It truly has been a source of pleasure and relaxation for me. Knitting has brought wonderful people into my life daily- from the woman I met in the aisle at the LYS choosing gorgeous yarns for her granddaughter to my knitting friends and family. My passion for knitting has become a real grounding force in my life.

In "Sew She Knits", I look forward to sharing some of my journey and meeting new friends along the road!