Elephant 2.0

We all have knitted something for someone and wondered, considering the amount of time and love put into it:

1. Will it get used?
2. Will it be taken care of properly?
3. Where will it be in a year or two?
4. Does the recipient know anything about this item?

Well, I have to say that, knitted items given to my daughter and her family, can be answered with a resounding "YES" to all of the above.  (But, #3... doesn't get answered yes or no, you say?)

The answer to number 3... when you make something for a little girl, a growing up girl, that's a difficult one.  And I'm happy to say that most things get passed on to special friends, or end up back at my house.  

This is the story about pullover turned elephant, which I have to call 2.0.

My idea has been in the back of my mind, but it's fruition was greatly influenced by my visit to Shetland, and Burra Bears.  It gave me the confidence to attempt this:

2.0

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Celinas-Mor/patterned-pullover

2017

2012

Here she is: 3-½ years old, and sweater worn until she was seven! We had to pry it out of her hands...

I realize now the expertise needed to make a truly quality stuffed animal,  plus... OMG! How do you throw away the leftovers?  (Solution: I haven't.)

Basket interlude

Above, is an experiment... more or less successful.  I discovered how difficult it is to make a gradual slope, in the shape of a pie plate.  Hint: The fruit covers my sins.

That was my attempt to refresh my basket weaving skills, thinking I needed to rid myself of extra reed... To that end, I invited several knitters to give it a try, and here is the result:

My first attempt at a melon basket.

And first timers:

This summer, I've watched friends "down-size" and move to a condo ⅕ the size of their previous home, and friends move without downsizing, packing hundreds of boxes, and a friend empty a garage in anticipation for construction of a master bedroom suite (which means downsizing). Then I look at my own home and think I should be doing something...about stuff.

The first thing that came to mind was "stash". As in yarn, photos, fabric, clothing, dishes, .... and the list goes on. So, I decided to do something about my stash of reed for basket making. Seemed like a good start. As I pulled out my container I managed to pull out at least three other items that could be released to the wild...golf clubs, cat scratching pole, exercise step...all unused for a decade or more. Win-win!

Results were exhausting and fun...and I still have reed.  And it ignited my desire to weave more baskets.  Weeks later, the reed is sitting in the kitchen, and I have a desire to make more.  But what about those knitted projects?

My favorite time of year

I admit it...never been to Alaska. Probably never will.  I think I have my fill of long summer days and below moderate temperatures with my attachment to Norway.  However, the PBS Wild Alaska Live series was fun to watch.  And yearly I tune in to this cam for entertainment:  http://explore.org/live-cams/player/brown-bear-salmon-cam-brooks-falls

I watch the bears and cheer them on.

Another crossing

My trusty orange... How can you get lost so often?  

The scene in Bergen.  A drawbridge/footbridge, on a beautiful day.  Bergen's May weather was outstanding, and abnormally dry and warm.  Not at all like the rest of the summer... 

A slew of socks... I'm hooked on Zauberball/helical spirals.  Using up all the yarn and nothing matches...4 adult socks, 2 child's.

Adventures on an island.

And more adventures... The promising start...

And the grand finish!

Restructuring the bunad.

And summer weather with flowers, and colorful project bags.

Fair isle fever

Help!  I can't stop!  Isn't it wonderful?

Maple

by Marie Wallin

from Rowan 50

Alpaca farm visit

Knit Camp visits Hemlock Hills Alpaca Farm

The stand-off.

Newly shorn.

Mary Ann shows us the product.  

Hard to resist...

Another Knit Camp in WNY

Back at the original Knit Camp, in WNY, we shared goodies in goody bags, knitted a composite blanket for Resistance Knitters, dyed more yarn, and became even better friends.

The master dyer from Propanicus Moon.

Jo and her geese,

the rebel...

And a repurposed classroom as studio.

My newest attempt... 

what it turned into!

I'll learn to love it!