Not Knitting (much)

 When we bought our house, 15 years ago, it was decorated within an inch of its life in green and white. I have done so much undecorating! The big chair is being recovered and I had to tackle the drapes, which I bought on sale in the summer. I dream of more blue in my life. So I took down cheesy fabric valance, attached only with thumb tacks, and then had a look at the heavy damask drapes.
Next was painting the existing valance to match the walls. It kind of matched the drapes so I left it a while. Two coats of Kansas Grain by Benjamin Moore. I chose honey and cream colours to counter act the grey winter skies. It helps.

 The existing rod has to stay, so I slipped out the undulating wire rod and all the carefully inserted pointy,  mean hooks. then came the ironing of the new "silk" drapes, rethreading the rod and reinserting the hooks.

I may have to hem them. They are 'puddled' right now and I can't decide if I like it. I had to hang them anyway to find the hem, so no waste. But my hands are cranky and don't want to knit too much.
Soon the blue chair will be home and I can sit in the winter sun and read and knit and read your blogs on my ipad.
Looking forward to it.

Not Amused

 My little Japanese Snowbell tree is covered in snow, as is the deck, the bird feeders, the van and the roads. We are not used to such a lot of snow, and not used to it sticking around. I went in to town today and only did half my errands because I just wanted to get home. Drivers are crazy and careless! In my home, I can knit and read and sip tea. As well as write and get down to a few other crafts.

 These frames were given in our annual office gag-gift-o-rama. The funny thing this year is that everyone really appreciated their chosen gifts. These frames were from our book keeper's ex and she thought they were most hideous. I saw potential.

A coat of flat black paint and two musical pictures make a charming pair. I am definitely amused. Now where to hang them.
I worked yesterday and the snow was a big bother. But I was able to get in and get out. D made a big batch of chilli and tonight I made corn bread in a cast iron skillet like it was meant to be made.
Settling in for a quiet evening with choir cancelled.
Loving the Sherlock series from BBC and the book, House of Silk, a new Holmes mystery by Anthony
Horowitz. I do know how to amuse myself.

What Would Lala Do?

 It's snowing. Close the highway kind of snowing. If it warms up during the day, that just means there's a layer of refrozen ice on top of the snow. Slippery.
It is beautiful. If you don't have to go out.

 Saturday I went out and started shovelling the driveway. We are 300 feet from the road and have a big area in front of the garage for parking. I was raised on a farm where you were careful where you put things. I like the snow to go on the edges of the parking lot and on the grass, not on the plants or where I park. This means I have to do it myself. But D came out and did the long drive. I did ask him to open up as much of the pavement as possible. Not just a little path.
Speaking of doing things myself, I loaded my giant "dog and man" chair into the van last night by myself because I was tired of whining when I asked for help.
Today Emily offered to shovel the driveway. Why yes, thank you. She can't go to school because it's 40 minutes down the Trans Canada Highway and there are many cars in the ditch.

I started Thin Ice by Lala. I love this yarn and the shawl is going quite well. But it's pages and pages of writing, where I usually choose to knit from charts. How can I keep this in order? I remembered Lala uses the iphone app for counting rows, and I have used it before. So it's keeping me on track. Bonus, if you have to rip back, there is a frog button that you hold down and hit the minus button.
I have too many projects on the needles and have to priorize.
Finish the Thin Ice. Gift Canuck scarf for Feb and gift linen shawl for Feb. Then I can cast on nephew #8 sweater. And the baby layette for the fair. And the cotton shawl for our trip.
Actually, Lala would just cast them all on.

Almost Mind Blowing

 In the spirit of being more light hearted, I have been lusting after this wig. It's a cap with i-cord applied in the lobes of the brain. I "heart" it. Too many people think this is way out of character for me.
A few smart friends/family commiserate with me that it would be way too much i-cord. Soul sucking.

Enter the brilliant I-cord machine. This was actually ordered for me to borrow from a delightful friend, knitwitty26, and fellow moderator of the Chilliwack Common Threads forum on Ravelry.
I love this because it is based on technology from the 1850's, I think, when the Industrial Revolution began developing textiles. So beautifully, simply, complex. Did I mention it really works?
I cranked out an entire skein of Red Heart soft touch in the "Brain Pink" colourway, which it called for.
Now I'll make a cap and start mapping the hemispheres.
Maybe it'll make me look brainy.

Birthday Girl

We had a little gathering last evening to celebrate my baby girl's 19th birthday.

We didn't have to worry about snow and ice storms, like the day she was born. It was mild and sunny.

Lots of friends and family are away in warmer climes. But we were lucky to have lovely guests. We couldn't go to her favourite Vietnamese restaurant because they're closed on Sunday, but we brought in Chinese food.

And I made a pineapple upside down cake. I also knit her a Moody Kerchief out of alpaca and Noro Silk Garden. Happy Birthday!

Win At What Cost?

 I was so happy to finish my sister's 50th birthday shawl in time. It was hard to take time to do the knitted on edging (see abacus post) but I wanted to make her something special without getting too lacy or frou frou. I think this was a win.
This is a very traditional pattern adapted from the Shetland Islands where Border Collies live a life very similar to Jake and Dexter's on her own ranch.

 

 But, on Christmas morning, when D and I were unwrapping our stocking, I remembered his hat. I like to make him a hat every year that he can lose in the barn or whatever. I knit most of this hat on the road to the Sisters' Lunch and then just dropped my brain in the zip bag and forgot about it. (fail)
I handed him the knitting bag and apologized. Didn't go that well. But I did finish knitting it before breakfast and even knit on an extra brim to make it look better on him. It's the Dean Street Hat (terrific pattern!) in Vanna's Choice worsted. I'm embarrassed to say how much I liked this tweedy yarn. It took less than one ball! (win)
I also have an unfinished scarf on the needles that I hope I will finish for her birthday in the fall. (fail? win?)
I hit the local yarn sale and bought some linen and Mission Falls cotton for more shawls and gifts.
I'm on my second day of a terrible head cold, grumpy and phlegmy.
Thank goodness I bought some alpaca and Noro Silk Garden at electrictree yarn when I was there. I'm almost done a golden Moody Kerchief for Emily's birthday. My third. It was a bit expensive, but it is from my family's store and going to my (almost adult) baby girl.

I'm trying to start a euclidia-along from my sister's awesome shawl pattern.  Pat is working on making the pattern more extensive. But it's the type of pattern you can make any size, with any yarn. It hangs up in the shop and is beautiful. Let me know if you're interested in joining me. Perhaps I'll use my bollywood fuchsia and tangerine silk and camel Marakesh from Hand Maiden. When you visit electrictree yarns, take a good look around because there are delightful surprises in every nook.

Blue New Year

 The super surprise gift was revealed yesterday, so I can show you: Brooklyn Tweed's Bridgestone Shawl. It is huge and soft and not too lacy for my cowboy sister who turned 50. Her daughter-in-law gave her a surprise party with over 50 guests and more tears than I've seen her shed before.

 Licorice is still in the ranch house, even though he is a knitter's menace. In response, the little dogs are friendlier.

 We included a visit to electrictree yarns in downtown Kamloops. A very special store. Another sister owns it with her daughter. Fun.

Here is the unwrapping. She looks a bit afraid of it, but not to worry, it is strong in the Shetland Shawl tradition.
I worked New Year's Eve until 11 pm and D picked me up. We shared a glass of champagne and some hopes and dreams. Then we packed for the ranch.
Hope you had a Happy New Year's Eve and are embarking on all things good.

Breaking Out In Song (As Usual)

On the twelve months of 2011, I truly knit for thee
12 Project Mexico hats
11th Baby Surprise Jacket
10 Single socks (5 pair)
9 Lacy shawls
8 Common Threads Knitting Circle new friends
7 single skein gifts
6 baby blankets
5 kilometer Stash Dash
4 Knit Girlll Afghan Swap Squares
3 colourful cowls
2 cabled sweaters
and 1 entrelac graduation blanket.

Thanks for stopping by and for maintaining warm and friendly blogs.
Friend me on Ravelry, I'm LoriAngela

Hope you had a fun and productive year and are looking forward to rewarding projects, exciting new skills and squeal-worthy stash enhancement.

For the Birds

I find myself stopping on my walk to take pictures of the trumpeter swans as they fly over head. We have only had them here for about 5-8 years and they still seem special. I barely remember the book, The Trumpeter Swan, by EB White. Maybe I'll read it on my ipad, or listen to it on audible.
I did finish my book club book. I finished my super secret knitting in time.
The celebrations are over, but the decorations are still up.

The rare Chilliwack snowman. The weather has been warm and wet. Lots of walking in the rain. Met up with some friends and we walked the Vedder River Trail. Haven't been there for years because my dog doesn't do well with other dogs being off leash. My friend's Brittany Spaniel puppy did really well. I especially enjoyed playing with her 10 year old son.

I'm working today. I went in to work and asked about the slow period. Then I get called in. So I won't be shy next time. I work today and New Years Evening until 11:00 pm. I asked D to pick me up and we'll come home for some bubbly.

Spent yesterday making Emily a birthday banner. Looking forward to her party.

But first we go up to Kamloops for my sister's 50th. We have gone up for the past 2 years and enjoy being with them and capping off the holidays. Her knitting has taken off and she loved the Madeline Tosh I gave her for Christmas.

Now that I can knit what I like, I'm reworking the Dahlia cardigan to get rid of some of the rowing out. If I don't try to influence the gauge, I get a better stitch. When we were at Black Sheep wool shop, there were sweaters there with beautiful stocking stitch. I was inspired.

I'm also working on the Kid Silk Haze diagonal loop. Yummy.

I did sneak in to Hanne's wool shop to pick up some 50% off yarn. Some cotton and linen for striped shawls, some colourful yarn for a monster, and some blue cotton to make myself a sweater. Not that I needed more yarn.

I reviewed my knitting goals from last year and did pretty well. There were some things that fell off the list. Some biggies were completed.

In the new year I hope to finish my Black Flaming Flowers stole and my Philosopher's Wool sweater. Two big UFOs. If I make two nephew sweaters I'll be done the nephew project of many years. Not sure I want to put that first. I'm looking forward to being brave and a bit crazy.

Settling Down

The family and friends have come and gone for the Christmas Eve open house lunch. This year I added BBQ Beef on a bun to the French Onion soup and goodies. It was a lively gathering and I appreciate my big nephews coming and bringing their friends.
Settlers of Catan was a hit again.
I made a wicked sticky toffee sauce for the Christmas pudding.
There is a little left to have with a cup of tea while watching Alistar Sim in the Christmas Carol, between services at church.
Christmas came over a longer period this year, with an early concert, in laws celebrating and then heading south. It seems every week we have had Christmas.
One of my favourite things was carolling at the hospice with some altos from my choir. They want to do it again next year.
And now my big kids are home and we are all settling in for a quiet break.
Merry Christmas to all.

The New Technology

I made an abacus.
Because I couldn't count to four.
I'm doing a knitted on edge of eight rows, four of which are "pattern" and I was really failing. I put it down for two days. But the deadline only got closer.
So I devised a plan. I have solutions to all sorts of problems. Just not the ones in my own life.
I am a nurse and a mother, and no spring chicken. I can do this.
See those four clementine oranges? Every time I knit a pattern row, I put one in the second dish. Yup. That easy.
 I am not afraid on my 1,000 stitches knitted on edge.
Boy does it ever work.
Except at Common Threads knit night when one of my counters rolls under the couch.
Or when everyone eats one.
But there were more clementines at home.
And lots more knitting to do before we rest.

"The woods are lovely, dark, and  deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
Robert Frost "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening".

Surrounded

We had a house full of gracious family guests yesterday. Lots of food. I had all the trays lined up with post it notes before I went to church so I wouldn't forget anything.
The ham was awesome. I had ordered one from the local butcher, but missed the deadline for picking it up. What to do? Went down the road to my usual meat market where we found they were selling the same ones! Score!

The little ones were so charming! I would post all their delightful pictures, but I haven't asked permission. The moustache tattoos for our fingers were a hit!
This was all salve for my heart aching. Friday night was a trip to Emergency for one near and dear to me. We haven't talked about it yet, but I am glad my automatic "nurse mode" was appreciated. I thank the staff who know me for treating us with extra care. What to do? Try to find some supports this week.
I am thankful for family around us who are relaxed enough to help themselves to all the fare.
Christmas Eve is my family and friends, another big buffet at lunch. These are the things that memories are made of.
Surround yourself with those who care about you even though they know you well.

Wrapping Up

 Taking time to get all the baking and shopping and wrapping done is seriously eating in to my knitting time. I made a big mess this morning while watching "The Muppet Christmas Carol" my perennial favourite. We now have it on DVD, but I think they missed a solo, "The Love Is Gone". I hope I'm mistaken. I have a dream of doing a Christmas Eve service with this Muppet music.
All the presents are wrapped and most are already given away. We had an early celebration as the in-laws left for down south for 3 months.

 My Raisin d'Etre (trail mix) is especially good this year with organic cranberries, chocolate covered espresso beans and giant raisins. It also has mixed nuts and granola. I finished the baking, but didn't take pictures because it's the same stuff I make every year- only less. Each of us was allowed one pick this year. Scott chose shortbread, D picked butter tarts, Em loves peanut butterscotch squares, and I made my Christmas cake in October.

 Wednesday was the annual Sisters' lunch. It now includes nieces-in-law if they can come and the two daughters are welcome. We didn't have a full cast, but we met in a pub in Merritt and had a rollicking good time even without imbibing. You've gotta love a place where the big meal deal includes a beer. Each of us brought a present, because we love presents, and we got to pick our own from the wrapping. I got a penguin much with hot chocolate from Candace, plus a glass reindeer ornament. Yay.
Debbie drove Mom and I in her new Jetta and I got to knit all the 1 1/2 hours each way. D's hat was cast on and knit to the decreases!

 There has been travel. Last weekend we went into the city for our annual shopping with friends from UBC. Bonus: they had tickets to Sting, so we joined them. Awesome music and entertainment. We stayed in the Hotel Vancouver which is a swanky Fairmont Hotel because there was no room at the (usual time-share) inn. We loved the dignified heritage touches.

 This is the moulding on our mirror. Love it.

 They have a mail slot in the wall. This makes me feel so Canadian. We had one in the hospital where I trained. Remember mail?

 I have already admitted to a Christmas knitting fail. It will not be done. One reason: I made myself a second Moody Kerchief of Malabrigo in browns. Yes I am selfish, but my neck is warm and it matches my new brown purse.

Further adventures of the sleeping dog. When we got home from our mucky, drizzly, walk today, Carly fell asleep on her back. Here she is snoring. Yes those are my guitars and drums. And in the back is proof that gifts are wrapped and out the door.

Start With Me

 The parmesan shortbread was given the green light at book club last night. We think it can be improved by topping it with red pepper jelly. So I made a double batch this morning. As my kids get older they are more interested in savoury treats. This is the kick off to the Christmas baking for me (if you don't count the Christmas Cake). Coming soon: butter tarts and traditional shortbread. I'd really like to make Latvian cookies with some of the beautiful jelly we were given.

 The dining room was scrubbed down yesterday and all the books returned to their shelves. Even the mantle has some Christmas touches with our wedding gift silver candle sticks. This year I look forward to lots of red and silver. Roses and alstroemeria make a simple and long lasting bouquet. I was a little worried because one of our friends owns the best florist shop, but she is too kind to say anything about my Safeway flowers. I put flowers in the bathroom, I love flowers in the bathroom!

 I am increasingly using candy as decoration (can you see the vase of candy canes next to the holly on the coffee table?) . But I want it eaten, too. This is a mixture similar to what my mom used to put in our stockings. Love the ribbon candy, but I can't invest in having my mouth torn apart until after our concert. I'm excited about playing ukelele with the kids and singing a solo: Rudolph in doo wap.

The temperature continues to hover around 5 degrees (Celsius) and dipping into freezing at night. The sun is so pleasant! The touches of red really cheer me up. Thanks Jane Brocket for the inspiration! I want to link you to Completely Cauchy, but perhaps on a day when her post is not PG-13.
I love the promise of family gathering and singing with children that this season brings. We will be flying from concert to concert (2 extra at Emily's university). But we love to be bathed in music.
There has been a little knitting on a selfish brown Malabrigo Moody Kerchief for me. I need to get back to the list.
Let the season begin.

Adventures in Yarn

 On Saturday I went on a yarn crawl, maybe more of a stagger than a crawl. We met at 88 Stitches in Langley and did a bit of damage. I was there a few weeks ago and wanted my friends to enjoy this friendly store.  I bought Malabrigo for another Moody Kerchief, some Kidsilk creation and the new Jane Austen Knits magazine by Interweave Press.  S and I were done long before J could deliberate, but that's our normal. Great lunch at Mozarts.

 Then the unfortunate trip to Port Moody and Black Sheep. I thought we would go back on the Trans Canada Highway and cross the Port Mann bridge to double back. Because of the Fraser River, the roads are not direct, even though the stores aren't far as the crow flies. But S is more local and wanted to take the new Golden Ears bridge. I said fine, but I can't navigate in Maple Ridge/ Pitt Meadows. Well, apparently, with all the heavy rains, the lane and signage changes, she can't either. I have proven that I will follow her anywhere, even down a dead end gravel road.
It was like being in an old X-Files episode. Partly because we're watching the old seasons, and partly because this is where they were actually filmed.
By retracing our steps (and driving in circles almost an hour) we made it to the most charming, bright and friendly Black Sheep shop. Well worth the adventure.

 I added more Kidsilk Haze and the Mohair Bias Loop pattern to the basket, as well as some Rowan fine tweed and two copies of Coastal Knits (one for a gift).
The store samples were exquisite. I think I'll rip out the stocking stitch of my Dahlia because the rowing out is too obvious. I can do better.

 I cast off the long neglected socks and cast on the Kidsilk  Creations scarf. Not sure if I want to wear it or give it away. I feel a bit 'clownish' in it, but a more sophisticated person could carry it off.

I also finished knitting for my great nephews. Squeee. I can't show just yet. Lurkers, you know.
I'm working on the Moody Kerchief and the Mohair Bias loop. Just bought another scarf so my  Xmas knitting list is shrinking! That's one way to complete a list.

Thankful Anyway

 It's American Thanksgiving, but I got to do a little Black Friday shopping in downtown Chilliwack this morning and we had a lovely, sunny day to be thankful for.
I'm thankful the plasterers are gone last night, though they finished at 9 last night. All their plastic barrier and drop cloths are gone with them, but a lot of dust remains. Today I washed and painted the wall below their fix. It happens to be our fireplace wall, our feature wall. I'll have to do a second coat where the plaster meets the ceiling.

 I am done the endless beginning of a non-Christmas gift. I knit a couple of Santa hats and maybe squeed a little. They are charming and the opposite of a raft of garter stitch. I may be making one for me to wear at work. Is it OK to be silly at hospice? I also have a Snoopy scrub top.

 The amazing amaryllis is outdoing its predecessors. Never have I had a bulb before December. To celebrate, it is now in a sweet Christmas pot. Don't worry there will be more pictures as it grows like corn.

And a package arrived from Louisiana as part of our Knit Girllls afghan square swap. A huge package from ScottieGirl1 on Ravelry. She knit me a beautiful, soft, blue square and added so many goodies. We laughed about the American "Smarties", nothing like the ones I grew up with. I'll make the family BBQ shrimp with Dirty Rice as a treat. I'm allergic to sea food, but they love it.
And I am thankful for friends and family. Every day.

Outside Inside

Havoc.

Everything is topsy turvy as the workmen fix the leak in the ceiling over our fireplace. Furniture is shoved against the wall, the table is full of mantle items. 

On Thursday J came over for  knitting because I had to answer electrician questions. He must be a very desperate electrician to need answers from me. On Friday I hid in the basement and took back my crafting cupboards, moving them to the old play room and reorganizing them. Please don't touch them (don't open the cupboard and throw the stuff within a 2 meter radius!). I may have more sewing confidence now that I know where my stuff is.

I do have to say they are very tidy, but still very noisy and not easy to anticipate. Will they come this morning? Should I be here? Can I go do errands?

Oh, but outside. It has snowed and the snow stuck! Black ice and wind. Yes, in a turn around of a few hours, the winter arrived. It's as cold as November! Hats, scarves, mitts (with fingers). Last week I was walking the dog while wearing a sweatshirt and rain shell. I was going to do some weeding. Yesterday was full arctic gear.

She doesn't care. She loves weather. I filled the bird feeders and suet holder. I think the wee birds are as shocked as we are.

In knitting, I am working on some epic garter stitch that is the basis for a surprise gift, so very boring to you (and to me also). As soon as I do decrease every one of the 205 stitches I will cast on a Christmas gift or a silly Santa hat. If the hat works out, it will probably go in the gift pile anyway.

Overseas cards are finally ready to post. I always have a challenge collecting addresses. Next will be completing the Amazon orders for nieces and nephews far away. Then I'll get all the contents of the gift drawer exposed and start my plotting.