Works in Progress

I have decided I am tired of looking at all of my WIPs and UFOs, and I am trying to use my knitting time

this year to finish some of those long languishing projects.

So far I haven't done anything too ancient, but projects that were closer to the surface.

They are small, but I am still quite happy to nearly finish them

and not add to the list of items that need finishing.

Right now I am working on a pair of Latvian wristers from a class by Beth Brown Reinsel:

Yarn: Classic Elite Fresco

 This weekend I was able to learn how to knit and then complete a pair

- yes! a pair of these Lithuanian wristers in a class with Donna Drachunas.

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy

After I finish the wristers, I have a Norwegian sweater calling my name...

Fingerless Mitts for K-san

K-san, who doesn't ask for much, but is so very generous asked me about fingerless mitts. 

I offered to make some for her. She wanted purple to match her coat and luckily I had some lovely

Socks That Rock midweight mill ends that fit the bill.

I found this great free pattern on Ravelry.

Finished! Color not accurate here, it's a bit washed out.

She will be able to type with them on when she gets cold  in her office.

In progress, color is best in this photo.

Pattern: Framed Cable Fingerless Mitts, by Anne Campbell

Yarn: Socks That Rock Midweight - Mill End

An Old Photo

My mother recently gave me this photo of myself. I was about 2 1/2 years old in this photo, wearing a dress my grandfather got for me. My grandfather used to play poker with some guys

who were children's clothing wholesalers, and after the game he would pick out dresses for me. 

He was very charming and charismatic, and people loved him or hated him. I loved him so, so much. 

I have looked at this photo, covered in scotch tape, and wondered who did it and why,

I almost threw it away. It has been sitting on my desk for months, I would pick it up, think about whether to toss it since it was in bad shape, but would do nothing but put it back under the lamp. Today, the photo fell to the floor and for the first time I saw the back. In my grandfather's writing; my name with the addition of his last name, and the year. I realized why it was covered in tape and slightly curled - it had been in his wallet.

He died 25 years ago, and I still think of him every day.

Mehndi for Me!

I have always wanted to try Mehndi, the Indian tradition of applying henna

in a decorative pattern on the hands and or feet. I was invited to an Indian themed event and thought it was the perfect opportunity!

I went to a beauty salon, at the recommendation of Helen, and picked out a design. I really wanted the decoration to extend to my fingers, and include my wrists.

Pretty, but not quite what I wanted.

During the application. It was fascinating!

Completely dry, left hand.

Dry right hand, and Ollie kitty looking for love.

I assumed the henna would just fade away, and was surprised that it actually kind of cracks off. It is 5 days after the fact and now my hands are pretty clear although there are still bits on my fingertips (I did scrub my hands, they felt a bit rough and dry). My wrists are faded but the designs are clearly visible.

Cleaning Out My Closet

We recently had to knock out part of a wall in my closet, necessitating emptying the whole closet. The closet has not been emptied in ...well, let's just say it had been a very long time. The entire contents were strewn about my living room, and after the work was completed I got to work.

I cleaned the years of dust off the ceiling, walls, shelves and floors. That was the easy part.

I am sorting through the clothing, trying to pare down and make sure that I really want and will wear what is hanging or sitting there. I have done this little by little in other parts of my home, but this was a biggie.

I am taking the time to try things on, and really look into each box, and bag. I still have things all over my living room, but I am much happier with the items that are going back into my closet.

I am in the process of sorting out shoes, and photographing them to keep track

and remember the less frequently worn shoes.

A gorgeous pair of beloved vintage cowboy boots.

Mystery Over!

My Through the Loops Mystery socks for 2013 are finished. 

Finally done.

They took me so long that they even have an official name now, Fraxinus. I love them.

In my haste to photograph and blog I neglected to show the lovely heel detail,

a pretty rhombus shape framed by yarn overs.

Yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherds Sock, colorway Fjord.

A Ring for Me

Just to let everyone know...

I was recently the recipient of a large diamond ring.

Love, kindergarten style.