Yarn and Ivories

Saturday, September 4, 2010

Count down: 3 days

Even though my daughter has used her 2 hour a day driving to reach San Francisco in 5 weeks, I'm betting that M will get her back in 2 days...

Yikes! I promised someone that I would have the quilt top pieced by Labor Day....
The reason:

And here's the progress since ... a few weeks ago.

As you can see, I took none of my options from then.

Friday, September 3, 2010

An AFO!

Almost... Needs a button!

This has been a challenge... ever since I cast on with the wrong number (too few), and then too many, but I survived and I think it will be lovely.

It's really a top but I'm visualizing more of a tunic length, and until I see my little one in it, I'll reserve judgement on its size. The sleeves are hemmed up with the intent that it can be worn as a short top in the future.

Ahem. About the crocheted edges (I'm not a fan of the process.): I like the finished edges.

AHEM. Embroidery: I thought I liked it, until I took a look at my handiwork. Let it be known that I'm not going into THAT business! And I'm really putting myself out there when I post this next detailed picture.

This is the first time that I noticed my MAJOR flub examining the close-up. Otherwise... the little girl in it will detract from my sewing abilities!

(The back is identical, with a slit and button closure.)

Pattern Info:

Princess by Marie Wallin, The Organic Cotton Kids Collection Rowan Purelife
Size: 12 month
Needle:   US 2½ - 3.0 mm
Yarn:   Filatura Di Crosa Dolce Amore, 100% cotton, 50 g/198 yds
How much? 3 skeins of main color, + 30 g of contrasting colors
Colorway:   lilac, blue, tan, white
Purchased at Purl Diva in Brunswick, Maine
Purchase date July 5, 2010
Cast on, Bind off: July 13 - September 2, 2010

Notes: Me being Contrary Mary, I used a different weight yarn, and knit the body on circular needles. Pattern instructions are for back and front separately. Cast on 220 stitches.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

A New Appeal

Some of you may be aware that Son-in-law is leaving tomorrow for Haiti to volunteer time and energy to a project by Hands On Disaster Response. It is something that many of us think about but few act on. So here's the pitch: They are currently working on rebuilding schools in the city of Léogane, 18 miles W of Port au Prince.
Here's a video showing the construction:

And here's a link to a newsletter for Hands On DR. When I went to this link, my computer tried to convince me that awful things were going to happen to me and my computer, but nothing did. (For you to decide.) And in the right margin of the screen you will see more short videos of life in Léogane.

If you should so choose to give $$$ to this organization, you can approach it from my daughter's blog, where they are trying to raise $750. Your contribution would be appreciated.

Picnic Time!

Where's the food?

Out of the Closet!

Is Mr. Foster coming to visit soon? Countdown: 6 Days

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

The view!

Every morning I get up and see this... WOW!

Orchid, Morning Glory, and Roses

My 4 blossoms on the orchid plant tend to look naked, but not with a background of morning glories. Since I took this mid-day, the morning glories are few, but my "black" roses in the garden are amazing! Lest you think I'm boasting about my green thumb prowess, you should know that I'm a "whatever happens happens" gardener.
The orchid: When I arrived home after a 2 month journey, the previous blossoms had just been swept up and a new stem had grown towards the window and through the blinds. The extent of my care: I forced the stem up, staked it and now have 4 blossoms.
The Morning Glories: I planted them... 10-15 years ago... And they reseed themselves. I take down the dead plants with a shake (my extent of seeding) in the Fall, and return the lattice in the Spring.
The Black Rose: Bought that plant...10-15 years ago... Planted it, prune it sometimes twice a year, and turn on the auto timer irrigation water in the Spring.
I'm a busy woman! I need my time to knit!