Before and After

Posted on 04/29/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Random Thoughts

Steph recently went to a sheep-shearing festival somewhere in Massachusetts, and sent these pictures.

While she was there, she bought some bamboo fiber to spin. I can hardly wait to see what she does with it. I think she said she’s planning on spinning some lace-weight.

She’s off to Prague on Thursday. I’m envious. Bon voyage and safe travels, Steph! Have a blast, and send e-mail updates if you have a chance!

Expecting house guests ...

Posted on 04/28/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Knitting, Random Thoughts

I haven’t had anything exciting to post ... until now. For knitting, I’m just plugging along on the all-ribbing sweater for Alex. What's more exciting (I think) is that Steph’s two cats, Bo and Elliot) will be coming for an extended stay. I’m expecting them to be delivered this weekend. I do have to take care of some things before they arrive (e.g., lace curtains and a couple of area rugs that look and feel a lot like they could be scratching poles). They’re good ol’ boys and very different from one another. One likes to perch up high, the other finds the lowest, darkest spot he can get into.

Even with the claws, they’re really no trouble at all.

I keep thinking Andrea is going to post up somthing about her Ireland trip, and since she hasn't I will share one photo with you:

I hope you don't mind, Andrea. (It looks to me like you're enjoying yourself!)

Yea, I finished the beaded bag repair!

Posted on 04/24/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Finished Objects, Knitting

You’ve probably heard enough about this beaded bag repair project …

this will be the last post about it, I promise!

It has a totally different, more casual feel than the original , but I love it! It has plenty pockets and space for everything ... iPod, camera, cell phone, book, wallet, etc., etc. (Is it any wonder the narrow handles couldn't take it?)

Now I can move on to other things!

Knitting gone wild ...

Posted on 04/16/2008 by Barb | Comments (3)
Filed under : Knitting

or technology run a'muck.

My son forwarded this to me and Andrea, with the message, "I know you both like knitting…a lot, but if you go this far, we might have to have a little talk."

I just don't know what to say beyond that!

What do you think?

Posted on 04/14/2008 by Barb | Comments (2)
Filed under : Knitting

The beaded bag is sewn back together without the side panels, which have now become the replacement handle. The lining has been resized, and is ready to be sewn in place. So I’m on the home stretch.

I knitted up a swatch of the merino I was thinking of using for Alex’s sweater and … ta-da … it knitted to gauge on the recommended sized needles.

Life is good.

Some slight progress

Posted on 04/12/2008 by Barb | Comments (0)
Filed under : Knitting

I got a little work done on the beaded bag project. The pieces have been blocked and the sides panels kitchenered together to form the new strap. Not perfect, but not too bad. I think it will work.

But now I want to watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on TV tonight, so don’t want to get into But I can handle knitting up a swatch. I found a pattern I think I’ll use for Alex’s sweater. I have some jet black merino in my stash that I think will knit to gauge.

I think it's a nice-looking sweater, but it could be deadly-boring to knit. Well, as a member of Ravelry's Stash Knit Down 2008 group, I do have a stash-reduction goal ....

Back in the saddle

Posted on 04/09/2008 by Barb | Comments (0)
Filed under : Knitting

I’ve been on the road this week … from Minneapolis to Boston, then Morristown NJ, then back home. The Boston leg was for pleasure (to see Steph), Morristown was for work. Spent all day Sunday with Steph, and the time went too quickly. But a day-long visit is way, way better than not seeing her at all!

Steph is going to Prague in a few weeks. I gave her the string bag I finished recently. It perfectly matches her purple sneakers and thrift store coat.

I haven’t actually started any new knitting projects because of work and travel schedules. I think my next project might be a pullover for Alex, though. I haven’t knitted anything for him in years. Knit 'n Style, August 2007 has some patterns for sweaters for men:

Alex would want a pullover, not a cardigan. I like the fit of the saddle shoulder, want it to have a round neck rather than a V-neck, and am looking for an interesting but fairly subtle pattern that will look good in maybe a charcoal, light blue or sage. None of the above is right as-is but could maybe be reworked to fit the criteria. If you have a pattern you think I should consider, I'd really love to hear from you!

(And of course I have to complete the reconstruction of the beaded bag I took apart before this trip.)

So.... I think I'm about ready to be back in the saddle again as far as knitting is concerned. I don’t know if Andrea will be checking up on me while she’s in Ireland (to see if I’m holding this site together in her absence). But if you are, Andrea, have a great, great time, travel safe, and tell Brad to have a Guinness for me!