knittiana!

Last Post

2009-09-27T13:26:00.005+02:00

Juliana wanted me to write on her blog a final update for anyone out there still paying attention. She passed-away on 8th September following complications of the heart-transplant for which she waited 10 months in hospital. I will probably delete this blog on 1st November unless anyone can give me a good reason not to.

Reporting Back From The Battlefield

2009-01-14T12:09:00.005+01:00

What can I say? I am amazed that there is still someone out there reading my blog, considering the long absence. It makes me feel pretty good!

But I have no good to report. After a few serious heart issues and an emergency surgery I am now waiting for a new heart... in hospital. I am not going home until a transplant has been successful.

Knitting has not been happening for the last 2 1/2 months, although I am slowly getting stronger again thanks to modern chemistry. I hope to be able to transfer to Cologne to the Heart Centre until the Transplant, there I can see my family every day, be supplied by my LYS, (Maschenkunst...) and revive my blogging and pattern writing.

For those of you who have received a cryptic e-mail... please forgive me, I had 30 seconds on someones computer. I will start writing 'normal' e-mails again soon.

"What Is This?" Sunday

2008-10-14T00:16:00.002+02:00

I am sorry for the delay. I guess I should get my own Internet access some time to make things easier... But here we go!

What Is This?Fame and Honor To: thereyougothen, Sally and Jenny! Good job, thank you for playing!

"What Is This?" Sunday

2008-10-05T10:12:00.007+02:00

In good old tradition we hereby proceed to the well beloved feature...

What Is This?

I am certain you should have no problem with this, and I also think I should pick trickier stuff.
Last week it was, of course, a tea bag. Jhadur, Fame and Honor to you!

Today is a very exciting day for me. Family from the USA is coming to visit, for 2 weeks and I can't wait for them to finally get here. Richard is picking them up from the airport, and of course he could not help himself and had to take Elijah with. They haven't seen him since he was 7 months, and they are going to be so amazed to see how much he grew and how much he learned. He now walks, semi talks and eats anything he can get his little hands on. And then there is the firm believe that he is a mountaineer, nothing is to high for him to climb on. (A new set of challenges, diving head first of the bed did not do him all that good. The bruise is slowly getting better though...) But we do practice, and it is quite a blast to see him walk now.

Elijah's Easy-On Preview

2008-10-02T10:07:00.005+02:00

May I present: Elijah's Easy-On. It is a vest, but on the left side it is open and can be buttoned if the designated wearer prefers to be dressed in an alternate way. My baby does...
This was a pretty quick knit. If other projects had not taken up so much time in between I might have finished this in a few days. The size is generous, but hey, they grow fast and I rather have him look funny for a month than have me do all the work for nothing.
The yarn used is Rowan Wool Cotton, and I do like it for this project even though it is a rather heavy, drapery stuff and it will stretch a bit, so after the fist wash you probably gain 1" in lenght. That is not bad but good to know.
This pattern should be ready to be published this month, but due to a short visit in hospital (again) I am feeling a bit tired, I need to rest a lot and so I am behind in quite a few duties and likes.

On to a different subject: I did receive this book in the mail, send to me by Natalie (from the Yarn Yard in case I did not mention it before, go look at her beautiful stuff!) and she got it for me at the I-Knit in London early September. I did ask if she could bring me something because I am no longer allowed to travel, and it was awfully nice of her to do so. The Yarn Harlot was there, and this book is signed! I don't get very excited about autographed items, but this is very neat. So: Thank you Natalie!

Shopping... And Socks...

2008-10-01T09:24:00.005+02:00

There has been knitting. And shopping. Honestly, mostly shopping... but let's talk about knitting first. I finished a pair of socks for a very good friend of mine, Sanda. She has been helping me for a long time, taking care of Elijah when I was in hospital and now after we moved she has super cleaned the new apartment so that Richard and I have less work ahead when we are on our own. But I think I mentioned that previously...
I tried to keep them simple, and to make them nice and warm. and thinking of Sanda's Romanian heritage I added a little detail. I do not have much experience with adorning knitted items, so I decided to try that more often. She was so happy, I should really knit more often for her...
Here you find a blog where Lene is embroidering so beautifully, it's an inspiration. Just take the time to look a bit through the archive and you'll find a lot of treasures.

Now to one of my favorite subjects: shopping for yarn! Now where I moved to Cologne I had to visit Daniela at her shop. And of course there was no 'just visiting'... You see the little niceties I just had to bring along.

We have 'Katia Colibri'.And 'Louisa Harding's Coquette'.

And 'Cedifra Opulenz'.

And since I am way behind in my to-do list for Christmas there will be a few nice one-skein projects.

Oh, in my poll what season people like the best: the result was Fall, with 45% of votes. Followed by Summer (25%), Winter and Spring. Why am I not surprised?

For A Nice Lady I'll Do Anything

2008-09-29T14:28:00.003+02:00

Go and check out this post from a very nice Natalie. You know her as the owner of the Yarn Yard, but she's also a good blogger too!

"What Is This" Sunday

2008-09-28T00:08:00.004+02:00

Another week passed by, and that can only mean it is time for:

What Is This?

I am sure there will be no problem solving this one... It is something most of us have at home, and almost all of us like to have it.
Last Sunday's picture was of a massage ball. I use it to help with the circulation in my legs, it's a funky feeling as I am really ticklish, and I am not really sure where it is now since Elijah went to play with it. Jenny was close, so Fame and Honor to you! And yes, I have seen the laundry as well as the puppy version. Close, oh so close...

Since my husband, Elijah and I have been reunited, Elijah is a even happier baby. The time he spends with his Dad is so precious, they just get along so well and my husband is a very good and loving parent. Although I do need to remind him that it does not help to say "No!" and just sit back and smile when Elijah is going for it anyhow, 'cause Dad's a softy, he knows...

Knitting!

2008-09-24T19:27:00.010+02:00

I decided to show some of my Christmas knitting in the hope that the persons involved do not all the sudden decide to visit my blog after all.
Samira does have cold feet all the time, and she loooooves pretty things. Preferably pink, princess related or sparkly. Although I can't really provide her with the named I am able to make her something nice and even girly. I hope it's girly, otherwise it's doomed...

For the second project I can only show one completed sock... And yes, I only have a few details handy. But soon I present a complete pair, since I do not suffer the lonely sock disease.
This pair is for a very nice Lady that has been helping me with my son and the household, I do pay her as much as I can but of course there is no way I can pay her for all the extra work she is doing. So I pay her in warm feet and warm hands. Well, at least it is some form of restitution... And she is one of the few people I know that really understands poverty and desperation. Growing up in a very poor oppressed country she seems to give things the right value. I do learn a lot from her, especially from her humble ways.
The heel I decided to use is the afterthought heel, or at least how I think it might be done. You can find a good take on it here. The sock itself is knit toe up, I still suffer the fear that I might run out of yarn before I am done and so most of my projects are done toe up. Ridiculous, I do know, but I simply can not help myself on this one.
So, I'm off knitting #2...

"What Is This" Sunday

2008-09-23T12:12:00.003+02:00

It seems I have some timing issues... But I did successfully move this weekend, and now I even have Internet back. So let's proceed to:

What Is This?

So let's see who knows this.

Last weeks picture was, indeed, of a lamp. It is a lamp my mother bought at this Swedish furniture house, and a friend of hers covered it in this interesting paper. Margarete knew this one too, and so once more it is Fame and Honor to you!

Other news: I am doing quite well right now. And I am excited because here in the big city I'll find more knitting and people... And family from the USA is coming in October, that is very nice indeed.
And I am still knitting. Really.

"What Is This" Sunday

2008-09-13T21:52:00.007+02:00

I know. It's too early, we don't have Sunday yet. But due to some unforeseen events I won't be there tomorrow, and as I did not want to miss this fun part of my week I just present you a bit earlier with:

What Is This?

Last week It was: A water bottle. "One of the most successful designs of the sixties, in Germany that is, done 1969 by Günter Kupitz." as Margarete knew. I did not know the fancy facts, just the basic... Thank you! Fame and honor to you!
I personally think this next one is impossible to guess. Unless you know a certain large Swedish... Sorry, can't reveal any more.

Last point on my agenda: you might have noticed that the features on my sidebar change a lot right now. I am experimenting, and hope that all is nice and how I want it pretty soon. Unfortunately I am no HTML genius and totally incapable of creating my own widgets, and Blogger is not exactly widget paradise, (although I am pretty happy whit it otherwise) and moving to another provider just is to much fuss. Right now. Well, for a long time.

A Needed Review

2008-09-09T23:55:00.013+02:00

Do you remember Samira? I talked about her some time ago. She is still waiting for a heart, and when I visited her in August she looked a lot thinner. She was weak, she was loosing her faith, and no longer even believes that there is a chance for her. And if she does not get a new heart soon her prospects are grim.
Now I am not someone who wants to shock to get a good result, or to force an opinion. We have free will and should be able to decide for ourselves. But please, let's make it an informed decision...
Here is the Organ Donation Information sites for Germany , USA , Canada , UK . Go there and sign up.

The big machine in front of Samira (little girl in the front) is the pump that is taking over the work her heart can no longer do. She will actually push it around anywhere she goes and she is playing like any other kid, her Mom is always so scared because Samira totally forgets the wires and tubes connected to her.

The young man standing behind her (5th from the left, top row) is called Daniel. He is now 18 years old and is waiting for a new heart since 2006. He had a failed transplantation attempt May 2008, and I have to admire him and his Mother to not give up. Failed transplantations are extremely rare, the new organ did not want to start beating and he luckily survived the re-transplant of his own heart.

Ikbal, who I spoke of before too, has to consider undergoing a new transplant. The current heart which she has been living with for 14 years is starting to show signs of failure.

"What Is This" Sunday

2008-09-07T13:13:00.005+02:00

Many people do weekly little things on their blog to entertain, there is for example Jinx's WIP of Doom, and others, see Ysolda, have Eye Candy Friday, Rosie-Kim has Thursdays Are For What The Hell Is This just to name a few varieties. The above named do also shine with knitting content, and that of course is the ideal case.

Well, I want something like that too. Might it be the desperation as I can't show my current FO's online as I am a good Christmas knitter (that is going to be some photo heavy post after the Holidays...) or might it be the wish to entertain considering how much fun this could be: that is up for personal interpretation.

But no matter my motivation: I have decided to put my love for the 'macro' setting on my camera to good use, and ask you all once a week: What is this? In the ideal case there should be a few replies in comments, and although there is no prices to be won fame and honor can be gained. So to speak. Well, just do it for the fun, will ya!
Her it comes, the very first...

What Is This?

I hope this does not go down as badly as my occasional polls...

14 Days Of Sunshine - The Finale

2008-09-05T21:19:00.012+02:00

This is the last entry for the 14 Days Of Sunshine. I edited it now as I wrote the first attempt with a rather gloomy mood. But summer is rather fun, so I could not let it stand that way. This entry should be more enjoyable.

The first picture shows a plant in our garden that does attract butterflies like honey bears, yarn knitters or babies diapers. I wish I'd been able to take a picture showing all 10 on this one bush at that time, but I just could not get a good shot.

The butterflies come each year again, they always seem to give summer a last 'hurray' and show up when the first leaves start to get that first yellow edge. We get to enjoy the display for a few days only, then they all vanish.Number two is showing the church my parents are ground keepers for. I just love how well the red stone and the dark green of the plants goes together with that blue sky. It looks a lot better if you stand in front of it.

Thirdly: may I introduce: Schnuffel, the cat. He 'picked' my family, comes and leaves at his desire, (you should hear him whine at 2am in the morning since he does not use a cat toilet. And he is going to continue on whining until someone goes downstairs and opens the door for him...) he eats only the best food available, loooves freshly washed white bedding on a muddy day and is all in all a gigantic diva.
In exchange he keeps the other cats away, presents us with freshly killed presents every 48 hours or so, snuggles and will always come to warm you when you're sick. Oh, and he is a gorgeous cat!
And number four: how could one not love summer sunsets? They seem to promise another wonderful day, and even if that only works 1 out of 10 times it is very pretty. Again: much prettier in person.
Fifth and last for this theme: the Holunder (or Elderberry) is one of the last things to really ripen in summer. I really love this plant, there is so much you can do with it starting with the flowers all the way to the fruit. See some suggestions here, and Empfehlungen here. We make juice and jelly with it, as it has to be cooked well to be fit for consumption!
And at last you can see there has also been some knitting. That's all I can show of it right now (which might be because there is no more to show as of yet...) but if I actually do get a little break this weekend I'll finish this soon.
Elijah has overcome his first children's disease. 3 Day Fever, and considering the amount of paracetamol he as been given (we are very conservative, the maximum daily dosage was never reached...) he also fights a rather fast digestive process. But he's a cheerful little guy and almost back to his usual self. I think that tomorrow I shall sleep till late in the day to regain my strenght and his Dad is going to have some fun baby sitting.

Rather serious news: I now officially "qualify for a listing on the heart transplant list". Bad news. Good news. I can't decide yet. But the timing sucks, I have no permission to travel, won't be able to see my American family clan for Christmas and will also not be able to ever, ever meet all the people I'd love to meet sometime.
I originally was hoping to go to take the opportunity to see the Yarn Harlot in London these days, and I would have also liked to say hello to some of my acquaintances from Edinburgh that are there too. So I'll just have to read all the wonderful blog posts that will follow this event.

If you are one of the lucky people to be there: enjoy, have fun and go see London!

14 Days Of Sunshine - 13

2008-09-04T11:23:00.004+02:00

I wish one could really catch the vibrant color these flowers have, it is such a deep, warm and very, very strong pink. I am spoiled knowing my Mama's flower garden, but such clear and radiant color is rarely to be found. Saying all this: I tend to avoid pink and purples when choosing a yarn, and probably would not consider buying such.
That also makes another reason why I love summer. To see this array of colors and to find inspiration in completely unexpected places is not just happening in summer, but to see such extreme hues is.
Now I am planning to alter and finish the pink cardigan I had already begun to, I had put it aside previously as I was thinking I would never wear pink anyhow. Now I might.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 12

2008-09-03T22:42:00.003+02:00

Of course I love this one hour every evening where the day draws to a close. It almost makes me sad sometimes.

I would like the opportunity to assure you that this is still a knitting blog. But I am really working on Christmas, and I am also working on a pattern that I'll publish here soon, any photo would be a spoiler.
But I have more soon. Promise. Really big promise.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 11

2008-09-02T21:14:00.004+02:00

Compared to most places in the world we in Germany have almost no poisonous animals or insects to fear. It is changing a little bit now where the climate here is indeed getting a bit warmer and species move in from the south, but at this rate we won't be a danger zone for a very long time.
I am not really at odds with creepy crawlies of any kind, although I do have a seriously bad relationship to spiders.
That was not always the case, I used to catch them with my hand to put them back outside, and as a 10 year old I even had a 'pet spider'. She was living in a big jar, with twigs and other nice furniture, and was supplied by me with flies and other delicacies. It was a school project, we where asked to observe spiders and I felt this to be the most efficient way. One morning I fed my pretty big spider a few ants, and tragically she was eaten up by them in the afternoon. I did not even get to say good bye...
Anyhow... the human-aranea relationship took a nosedive when I managed to step on a brown recluse spider in 2001. We resided in Texas at the time, and I really meant no harm, I did not even do it on purpose. I also did not know that this is indeed a poisonous spider, rarely really nasty in effect but nasty nevertheless. And at first I really did not have any major problems with this bite, it had stung quite badly but then we just had survived an invasion of fire ants and I had become pretty ignorant toward stinging or biting pains. Unfortunately it took only a few days and I noticed a white spot where the bite was located, and it did look as if it was growing. The itching and burning had not stopped either, so I showed the foot to my boss . He's a hunter and outdoor activities thingy lover, and knows quite a bit. His reaction did worry me a tad... he told me to sit tight, called my husband, told him to get his behind on the way to pick me up and to take me to the hospital for a good look. Great.
At the hospital they cleaned the site and gave me an nasty, nasty antibiotic, I think after just 3 days of taking it I was so out of it that my husband had to take me by the hand to safely lead me from a to b. I still have a little scar.
A few years later, 2007, I was taking a shower in my tiny bathtub, being 5 months pregnant and for some reason big enough to carry sextuplets, I had my first encounter with a giant house spider. This was in Scotland, mind you, and I never expected to encounter such a monstrosity there. Worst thing... I was cornered. And very inflexible, considering the belly and the heaviness and such. Well, let's just say the that spider did not make it.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 10

2008-09-01T23:03:00.003+02:00

I love sun dried laundry. The crunchy towels, the awesome smell bedding gets hanging in the fresh air and sun, the white t-shirts get again... it's plainly awesome. I don't like my clean laundry that much in winter.
And now excuse me. A fever shaken Baby needs some cuddles.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 9

2008-08-31T18:26:00.004+02:00

Breaking News: Science proven wrong!

Despite all research and many conclusive studies it has been noticed that Human Babies do get sick! What has been attributed to too warm clothing, hunger or bad temper is really fever, sore throat and body ache. This is revolutionary, especially since we know how to treat common diseases but struggle to wear adequate clothing, eliminate hunger or stop fighting.

Please call 1-800-OhSoSurely with any questions or comments.

OK, originally this was supposed to be a blurp about how much I love summer because I can just grab my son and go outside to snuggle and play. It is so tough to get this little guy into a full onion layered, water proof and machine washable winter gear that is appropriate for our muddy, cold and very muddy (I did say that twice on purpose!) so-called-winter. Oh, and after he did have a lot of fun we need to get the baby out of the clothing and that without ruining the whole interior from the door to the bathtub.
But I am also looking forward to winter, because I can see the little face he'll make when he grabs mud for the first time.... priceless.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 8

2008-08-30T20:50:00.004+02:00

Today we shall talk about 'Family Barbecues'. As we have short summers here (like I mentioned previously) we tend to eat our food outside as much as we can. We just trow it in hot oil or burn it on coals, and it does taste great although it does not make us healthier as a whole. We also have a tendency to consume plenty of beer as you can see proudly displayed by my little brother. He can guzzle this stuff, and he does not seem to be affected by it at all. Scary. And the cowboy hat? It has since suffered a sad demise, and we are now looking for a good replacement. Living on the other side of the planet this is tricky indeed.
I do like to add that I never had any drinking skills, and that grilled tofu is a very yummy treat. and if you ever wondered: no, we German's don't ever consume our beer warm. It should be nice and cold, thank you.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 7

2008-08-29T20:57:00.005+02:00

This one is very simple: I love it that my Mom's garden constantly changes, there is always something blooming and one never knows what comes next. It's a joy.

Someone likes my Series, thank you Jenny!

14 Days Of Sunshine - 6

2008-08-28T22:26:00.006+02:00

Newest scientific studies seem to indicate that teaching your child how to fly should not be delayed to much! Contrary to previous opinions: starting at the same time the child seems to be able to walk with assistance seems of the essence, as otherwise the 'walking' reflex will be much more developed, so much that flying becomes a unnecessarily complicated process.
As we can see in this picture one can support the child's learning process with some easy exercises. In this case just making the motions and getting the child used to the sound of passing air will give this little human the needed self security.
Repeated on a daily basis, just 30 minutes at a time we can ensure that our children get the tools they need to be strong and successful beings.

For more information please call us. Just dial 1-800-OhSoSurely.
Ok, I admit that had not much to do with sunshine, besides the fact that it is so nice and warm in summer that horsing aroind outside is a lot less complicated.

Before I got so very sick we used to travel all the time. One could say that every time we saved up some money we jumped in the car or the train and took of until the money ran out. Roughly. I have really seen a lot, (40 States in the USA, Germany, France, Turkey, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Portugal and of course a lot in the UK.) and I am going to miss traveling greatly. I have not sen the other half of the planet, or south of the Equator.

One of the most beautiful places I traveled to was the Isle of Skye, where you can find the wonderful Shilasdair Yarn Company. The nature is just awesome, and thinking back to the beauty I know I will always miss Scotland. I would move back in a flash.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 5

2008-08-27T21:43:00.012+02:00

Favorite Tomato Salad
To feed 4 you'll need:
-two small golden onions or 6 little red ones
-fresh cilantro, about 3 tablespoons finely chopped
-one cucumber, finely chopped
-salt, pepper and paprika powder
-olive oil 4 tablespoons
-vinegar 2 teaspoons
-2 tablespoons of water
-roughly 8 medium size, ripe tomatoes

-Chop the onions really fine, as well as the cilantro.
-Mix the oil, vinegar and water in a bowl, add the onions and the cilantro, as well as a few pinches of salt, pepper and paprika powder. Mix well.
-Cut the tomatoes and cucumber in small cubes and add them to the bowl.
-Let stand for 30 minutes, tossing the salad a few times.

Optional you could add some crumbled feta cheese.
Enjoy! Best of course with homegrown tomatoes.

This time there is even some knitting!

Since I've been working on my Christmas list this is a rare sight, but here is a finished project that has been planned for quite some time.

Just a few months after Elijah was born one of my cousins gave birth to a little girl. But as I have spend so much time in hospital and have frankly not wanted to knit such a delicate present with all those negative things happening around me I did not really acknowledge the need for a welcoming present yet.
I felt it was high time to let Lilliana know that she is most welcome in this world.
And what little girl likes a cold head?

As you see in the pictures I had to bribe Elijah with the grandpa's cellphone or he would have refused any modeling shots altogether. It must have been awfully hot under there, it's been a pretty warm day and I just had to use the beautiful "Rowans Tapestry", which does better suit a cold Chicago winter. But the big, yet to be named Teddy was very friendly and lend me his furry head. (It is a boy, I know for sure, OK?)

14 Days Of Sunshine - 4

2008-08-26T22:24:00.002+02:00

Of course there is the walks on the seaside. Please observe my little brother and niece. Anyhow, it was an awesome day, and even though now I get to only enjoy this in a wheelchair, I still get to enjoy it!

14 Days Of Sunshine - 3

2008-08-25T22:28:00.002+02:00

One would attribute 'anticipation' more to spring or maybe even fall, but to me there is quite a bit going on in Summer.
It might seem silly, but as a child I could barely wait for the 'Gewöhnliche Schneebeere' (Symphoricarpos albus) or as one would call it in English 'Common Snowberry' to have its finale. It generally is a white fruit, and when one stomps on it real fast it makes a loud cracking noise. These plants are very common in Germany as, like everywhere, grown ups decide to decorate the landscape with plants that are completely unfit to eat. So on my way to kindergarten and later to school there was always a lot of saving the world to do.
But aside from these trivial and maybe even somewhat scary facts from my childhood this plant does have some beautiful flowers. They delicately hide but they do have a lot to offer.

Yep, but all I keep thinking seing them is: 'I am the Mighty, the Vitamin Powered, the Awesome Crusher of Tummy Ache!'

14 Days Of Sunshine - 2

2008-08-24T20:50:00.006+02:00

I am not an 'early riser'. But I love the quiet time really early in the morning, before all that noise and business of the day gets going. Only in Summer does one get to really savor this time of day, life is everywhere and the sun has a loving touch.

This year I had only very few mornings to myself, having a baby and living with family can make finding some solitude tricky.
But when I did get the chance I would usually go into the church my parents are ground keepers for, it is a very old, very beautiful church, built in the last 13th century. The ceiling is full of very old drawings, there is an organ from the 18th century and the pastor preaches from a pulpit built in 1794. The denomination that is residing in this church is not for me, that might also be because I am used to independent American churches, but the moments I get to enjoy in this wonderful building are treasured.

14 Days Of Sunshine - 1

2008-08-23T19:56:00.007+02:00

As I had previously mentioned: even we up here in Northern Germany get beautiful Summer days. The sun shines, one might even be able to wear a T-Shirt and not the usual piles of warm and warmer, flowers bloom and a certain peace spreads itself everywhere. People go nuts and eat exclusively outside while burning their food, and a certain longing can be felt everywhere. It is imperative to use sunny days to the full extend, as rain comes in weeks here.

For the next 14 days I just want to show off some of the things about Summer that make me happy. Nothing fancy, just nice. Part 1 is about the common Daisy, or "Gänseblümchen (Bellis perennis)" as they are called in Germany. They make me anticipate and look forward to sunny days as they come just at the beginning of summer. And apparently they also make an exceptional tea that helps with arthritis, my mom knew that one.

Can't wait to teach Elijah how to make a nun chuck out of them.

Unbelievable...

2008-08-21T09:44:00.013+02:00

This is something that would have never happened in the lovingly colored fluff the knitting world seemed to me, until today. Go and check it out.... and let Franklin know what you think! Oh, and if you happen to know any 'information' about this: let us know! Confess! Repent!

(A little later the same day...)

Since I was quite productive the last couple of days I thought I show you a mini project. I have a bag that I looooove, it is really the only bag that I am using continuously. It has a good size, is made of fabric (machine washable!) and it also provides me with just the right amount of pockets.
I just had one issue with it: the two little ones in the front had a Velcro closure and considering how much knitting travels in this bag this would be considered a mayor no-no, on top of that the two side ones had no closure at all.

I fixed that. Now I like my bag even more, and it feels like now it really is *mine*. I now can proceed to the almost impossible task of filling it again in an organized and civilized manner, and hope that I don't have to wash it to soon considering how long above task will take. Sometimes it just seems easier to be a bit less picky, but that's me...

Hand Spun The Second

2008-08-16T10:48:00.006+02:00

I have finished another hank of wool, spun on the Louet that I have to return soon. I really like what I was able to produce, this is my second try on a wheel and the twining was easier than I thought. Or maybe this time my singles where more evenly spun. The fleece I used was bought at Drachenwolle and it is the Scotland Woo l, a very nice fluffy but it is not very soft, but that does not mater as I need it warm and lasting as I think I am going to knit Elijah some warm pullovers for winter. A new wardrobe, considering how much 200g can produce.

And I finally got my own spinning wheel in the mail, it's a cheaper type that you need to assemble for yourself. I am going to have a specialist help me, he is a restaurateur and Carpenter and just has a knack for this type of adventures.
It is a good wheel, I had the opportunity to try it out before I made the decision to buy one. And I will show it off once it has been built and used a bit.

I know it sounds kind of greedy, but I do have a "dream wheel". One day in the far, far future.

I Am Not Home...

2008-08-11T13:28:00.003+02:00

I wish I had knitting to show. No, I really do! After all, I am very productive at the time. But for Christmas. So it has to be a secret, as difficult as this is for me.
It can't be long and I'll feel the urge to do myself some good. I'll be back than. And when my spinning wheel arrives there should be a "showing-off-my-newest-toy" session.

It is a miracle in itself that I am getting such an early start on knitting for Christmas. This is new, unheard of, amazing. Just wish me stamina and determination!

The Messy And The Dark Side Of Me

2008-07-24T21:40:00.017+02:00

The Messy Part And More

That's the view one is presented with when entering my room. A big armchair I inherited from my Favorite Aunt, a footstool (barely visible in the lower left corner) that I inherited from Aunt Dini, the spinning wheel I can use to my delight and the table I pile my WIP's on. Where is the mess? Well, it's not in the picture. I am simply not able to get the whole 360* view one would need to see the overflowing basket with more WIP's, the big old pillowcase full with fleece, the cabinet with all the yarn, the big box full of knitting literature and notes, the two knitting related boxes under the bed and the pile of knitting stuff on the nightstand.

The photo to the left shows the Knee Caps I knitted for my Mom who has really bad problems with her knees. (Pattern idea comes from the book Knitting America.) The warmth of this untreated wool is good for her, and it is a labor of love indeed as I have spun the yarn myself and this was the first skein I made with a drop spindle.

My husband always said that he is going to have to find a place with loads of storing place as Baby has a gigantic pile of stuff (well, loads of relatives take care of that...) and my fiber obsession fills a small room quite well. Well, he has time until September/October, then we finally move to Cologne so we can be together all week long and not just on the weekends. (Any Cologne knitters, e-mail me...)

The "Dark Side" Of Me

This is a very, very special pair of socks. Not the pattern, that was easily made up, but indeed the fact that there is a pretty nasty mistake hiding in the left sock. One extra pattern repeat!
This is unheard of in my world of extreme pickiness, I'd rather stay up all night and redo the whole sock before letting that stand. I have done that kind of stuff many times, frogging, cursing, simply never looking at an idea again...
Well, those times are over.
I have decided that from now on I will relax, take a deep breath and evaluate if this stress is really worth it. With this pair of socks it was not, considering that nobody will be able to tell unless told, and I will have shoes and pant legs covering up most of this sock most of the time anyhow.

When I announced to my family that I was not redoing this sock the reactions where ranging from utter disbelief to shock to anger (at my creating false hope) to applause. One person was brave enough to file the information away for future use, maybe to blackmail me. Luckily I had my came out, so I'll be safe.

And: although I am already starting to make changes to patterns that I am actually knitting now they are small, such as using a different Cast On or omitting short Rows from heels. One pattern I am even following to the letter... I should be proud of myself.

Personal Observations

The last couple of weeks I have reviewed my blog, the appearance and ideals, as I want to improve myself. Things I have noticed are as follows:
-I have not mentioned my Blogaversary, my 100th Post, my 10,000 Visitor.
-Being a natural German Speaker I am not as eloquent as I'd prefer writing in English. Some of the funny stuff does get lost, and my thoughts come across scrambled sometimes.
-Baby Elijah is been given a lot of attention, I need to think about 'presenting' him to such a broad audience. Although I enjoy talking about him very much.
-My personal struggle with my disease has not been dealt with in the best possible way. I don't really like talking about myself like this, but it does open up opportunities, and lead me to create a group on Ravelry.
-I enjoy publishing patterns, but noticed that the critique is practically missing, at least in the comments. Or: nobody has any issues with my stuff, so that's a good thing then... Hehehe...

I am looking forward to improving this blog. My life is getting organized enough, and I feel strong enough to write more patterns, wish myself a belated good Blogaversary, and congratulate myself to all the neat things I did achieve so far. Blogging is fun.

Having Fun Today

2008-07-21T19:35:00.016+02:00

I have discovered how much I enjoy spinning! It took almost a decade for me to sit down and try, but now I am experimenting with a Louet Spinning wheel that a wonderful Lady from the local Historical Society has borrowed me (for an indefinite lenght of time). I am also using a drop spindle and seem to have more fun with it, although both options are very enjoyable. And slowly I am having more success, the yarn looks and feels smoother, and plying two strands works without having too much twist. I'm hooked!

I have also started to knit a couple of things I had been planning for some time, as they are patterns and I am not famous for following them. This time (I promised myself) I would not 'just change this' or 'adjust that', but go by the book, letter by letter. We shall see.
Right now I'm holding up well, and enjoy the chance to learn more tricks and techniques from the respective designers, one has to take any chance one gets!

On Baby news: he turned one year old, my Precious! Considering the tough year we had I am absolutely excited! And of course, he had no clue what was going on. But he did notice that this day meant a lot of attention for him, he was playing Casper for us. In the end he had the tummy full with fruit pie, and he ended up hitting his head in all the excitement. But he is fine, and we will party a bit longer today. The candle you see there was decorated by my husband and I. It's a family tradition, every year on your birthday one get's a candle with some relevant stuff from the previous year.

And no, it's not going to be lit. This one is for the treasure chest.

Ikbal's Hug

2008-06-28T14:22:00.007+02:00

I managed to add a little project on the side, for a friend of mine that (again) is one of the inspiring people I met at the hospital.

Ikbal's whole family has been haunted by a genetic defect, one of her brothers died already, one sister starts to show symptoms and one younger brother is now awaiting a heart. Ikbal herself has been transplanted since 14 years, and although she does have some problems resulting from the medications she has to take she is amazing.

She is studying "Management" right now, she supports her sick siblings as well as her parents and she is always laughing. She just has this amazing energy, and she just never gives up or gives in. I suppose one needs a whole lot of stubbornness to survive sometimes.

This shawl I decided to knit for her after I found out that she has to have surgery on her liver soon. I found this Alpaca yarn to be so soft and it becomes even more beautiful with daily wear, so I just had to use it. It was a leftover, and the lace pattern I used is from the book "Enzyklopaedie Stricken" by Maria Parry-Jones.

I like the pattern because I have a fable for leaves and such, the pattern is actually called "falling leaves" if I remember right. And the beads where a little experiment, I do not have a lot of experience in knitting with beads or using beads on knitted projects, but I'm getting there.

So I hope you like this, Ikbal!

And The Winner Is.....

2008-06-24T20:59:00.005+02:00

... Jennifer... Please e-mail me your address, or contact me via Ravelry so I can send out the goods. My Mom makes a great random number generator....

Well, I suppose it would help to add my e-mail address, would it not? knittiana@gmail.com

And the package has been mailed! On June 28th, so it should arrive soon. Sorry to all of those who did not make it, (as if there had been that many now...) I know everyone could have used it.

Book To Give Away

2008-06-20T09:24:00.003+02:00

I have a copy of the book Lace Style extra. It is used, hence the bend corners, but I will give it away because my mother-in-law bought me a copy too.
So if you are interested leave a comment, and I will draw a name. That seems to be the fair thing to do, and I just hope that are some of you who'd like this book. Deadline is Monday, June 23 at midnight Central Time (Chicago).

Nachholbedarf

2008-06-18T13:16:00.011+02:00

I am posting again, there is just so much catching up to do and I really enjoy this right now. The German word "Nachholbedarf" sums it up perfectly. It includes an air of time lost.

First let me show you the pictures of my Heart Cardigan. I love the wool I got to use, Frangipani's stuff is good to knit with and I noticed that the wool softens with each wash. (Yep, this Cardigan has been done for just a little while...and well used.)
I thought of this shape when I looked at the book Knitting in the Old Way where so much information can be found. The wide collar and the simple cut just was most appealing to me, and now I can also say that it wears very comfortable.
The pattern was an easy thought too: I like seed stitch very much, I need healthy hearts and the design in between symbolizes the waves of my beloved North Sea and the winds up here. The buttons by the way are some vintage glass ones that I managed to get from my Mom. She used to have this gigiantic button jar, and one day she decided to donate the buttons. And I got to sift and pick first.
So I am happy with this project. It is very dangerous to just knit on and I did not even do a swatch. (Children, don't do this at home, swatches save projects!)

Now to the next topic, the kindness of people. No, I really have to say I am amazed how much presents I got while in hospital. Granted, I only had someone visit once a week as the hospital is so $@&$!# far away, but still...
The first one I got was a wonderful surprise. I had signed up for a swap but then I got worse and knew I would not be able to participate after all. (To this day I have never been able to be part of a swap!) So I did the proper thing and let the organizers know, so that my swap-partner would not wait in vain.
A couple of weeks later this thick envelope appeared. It was from the swap partner that I would have had, and she wrote me a wonderful letter as well as sending me some neat things. One of which is adorning Mr. Sheep here. Ute, thank you, I can only say you made my week.
Another envelope was waiting for me when I got home. A friend that you also got to know as Mr. Transformer's Mittens had knitted a absolutely fantastic jacket for Kamikazee Kid. It's still a bit big, but at the current rate he'll fit in it perfectly in about 48 hours. (Just kidding, give it 4 weeks or so.) There was also an very thoughtful letter, I was really touched. Well and Baby is happy about something that's soft and snugly.

And of course there are many more to tell about, but they don't read my blog. I'll just hope they are happy with the (most sincere) thanks they got.

Dilemma

2008-06-17T19:57:00.003+02:00

I tried to avoid this for a long time. I came up with new excuses every time I did something on my blog, and told myself that all was good. Fact is: there comes a point where everyone has to face the fact that one's blog roll is hopelessly outdated. And not just that, the links are as well.

There is just so much wonderful stuff to discover, people who's blogs a lot of people love (such as this nice Scottish Lady , The Harlot and Chicago's Franklin to name just a few) and of course the ones that are simply liked by me (for example Mr. Transformers Mittens or my personal Lace Queen )for what or who they are.

And then there is of course the never ending collection of wonderful odd or crackling funny stuff. This story for example (please don't be offended if you live in Kentucky, I like it there...) or this critical view at one self.
Shopping... yea, I also need to mention the endless shopping one can do through the Internet. All the sudden even little places like Fowberry Alpacas in the UK are available to me... (I once bought some of the yarn on the Edinburgh Farmers Marked, it is absolutely wonderful.)

Now I feel like I did my duty a little bit... or wait: nothing has been updated yet, I'll just continue to keep my blog roll outdated. But at least I shall not forget now.

What's up with that photo you ask? Well, I hereby prove to some unbelievers that one can grow roses (and beautiful, lice free ones!) at the German north sea coast. Don't ask. It just had to be done...

Kamikazee Kid

2008-06-16T23:34:00.003+02:00

The challenges one faces with a little kid are endless. Looking at my almost 1 year old son, or Kamikazee Kid as I like to call him at this present time, I am just amazed how much one day can change. All the sudden he sits on his own. And I barely turn around and he's crawling.
Seconds later he earns his new "name" by matching each tables corner with his forehead. He's now standing, and -beware!- he'll be running for the stairs any second now. Good that we are putting up gates that only open with a retina-scan!
Yet there is nothing one would want different. How fiercely one can love a human being! And he makes my day with just one little smile.

Oh, and sorry Dad, I am out of touch with time and entirely forgot fathers day. But the card your mom send was very nice, so that has to do for me too, and I'll splurge on a nice round of Italian ice cream next weekend....

Free Pattern: White Stuff

2008-06-13T23:21:00.022+02:00

I just always liked knee highs. It has something of summer for me, strangely familiar. And I was never the "Princess Type" although there has been times where I would have liked to be one, and so these knee highs are kept simple. To be frank: I just changed the lace pattern for "Sockelettchen" a bit, it just seems to have some potential.

I hope you enjoy knitting this pattern and please e-mail me with any errors at knittiana@gmail.com. I do try hard to make sure there aren't, but my concentration is not as good these days.

And there is already a correction: the picot ending was not completely written out. You'll see it in italic.

You can also find me at Ravelry

Size:
37EU/7 US about.
You can easily change the size to a children's foot (8-12 years roughly) by using 2mm needles.
You can easily enlarge the size by adding pattern repeats. You can estimate about one repeat per shoe size.

I understand that a lot of people prefer more specific directions, but at the present time I feel unable to provide such. But please e-mail me and I can always work something out with you.

Finished Measurements:
Roughly)
Toe to gusset: 18cm/7 3/8"
Toe to heel: 24cm/9 1/2"
Heel to cuff: as needed

Material:
2.5 mm needles. Pattern is adaptable to knitting with double point needles as well as round needles.

Jaeger Matchmaker 4 Ply Merino
Depending on the size between 110g and 140g, but I would always buy 3 50g skeins.
Also good to use is pretty much any sock yarn that is considered 4 ply.
Examples:
-Sirdar Country Style 4 Ply
-The Yarn Yard Sock Yarn
-Regia 4 Ply

Gauge:
2" or 5cm square: 15 st, 24 rows. About.

Pattern Notes:
-A tutorial for the "Figure 8 Cast On" can be found here
and another similar one here.
-The sock is worked in the round using 2 circular needles. The pattern can be adapted for use with 4 and 5 needles etc.
-M1: pick up the yarn between 2 stitches, see how too here. There you need to find the description for M1F, for the Zwickel it is M1R, or pick any of the other increases if they suit you better.
-On the lace charts please note that the black squares symbolize no st

Directions:

Lace pattern:
5st 4 rows
Row 1: k2, yo, ssk, k1, repeat
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, repeat
row 4: work plain

Toe:
-Cast on 24 st with the Figure 8 Cast On (see Pattern Notes).
-Work 2 rows plain, then start lace pattern and increases as follows:

Row 1: k1, M1, k2, yo, ssk, k3, yo, ssk, k1, M1, k2, M1, k10, M1, k1
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k1, M1, k1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 2 times, k1, M1, k2, M1, k12, M1, k1
Row 4: work plain
Row 5: k1, M1, k2, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 2 times, k2, M1, k2, M1, k14, M1, k1
Row 6: work plain
Row 7: k1, M1, k3, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 2 times, k3, M1, k2, M1, k16, M1, k1
Row 8: work plain
Row 9: k1, M1, k1, yo, ssk, k1, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 2 times, k2, yo, ssk, M1, k2, M1, k18, M1, k1
Row 10: work plain
Row 11: k1, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 4 times, M1, k2, M1, k20, M1, k1
Row 12: work plain
Row 13: k1, M1, k1, (k1, yo, ssk, k1) 4 times, k1, M1, k2, M1, k22, M1, k1
Row 14: work plain
Row 15: k1, M1, k2, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 4 times, k2, M1, k2, M1, k24, M1, k1
Row 16: work plain
Row 17: k1, M1, k3, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 4 times, k3, M1, k2, M1, k26, M1, k1
Row 18: work plain
Row 19: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 6 times
Row 20: work plain
You now should have 60 st, 30 for the top of the foot and 30 for the bottom

Foot:
-Work lace pattern rows 1-4 on top of the foot and work the bottom of the foot plain.
-Work 20 repeats from toe up

Gusset:
-Work top of the foot in lace pattern, and bottom of the foot as follows:

Row 1: k1, M1, k28, M1, k1
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: k1, M1, k30, M1, k1
Row 4: work plain

Continue until you have 50 st for bottom of the foot.

Heel:
Ignore the top st (I usually knit with 2 round needles so I just have them on one needle to themselves and work the bottom st on another needle.)

Row 1: k17, k16, turn work
Row 2: sl1 st, purl 14 st, k1, turn work
Row 3: sl1 st, k15st, turn work
-Repeat row 2-3 until you knit 14 rows, ending on a purl row, turn work

Row 1: sl1 st, k15 st, pick up 7 st on the side of the heel flap you just knit, and continue oe row around the foot (in lace pattern on top of the foot) until you get back

to the 2nd side of the heel flap, pick up 7 st
Row 2: p29 st, k2tog, turn work
Row 3: k29 st, p2tog, turn work
-Repeat row 2-3 until all the extra st on the bottom of the foot are worked up. You now should have 60 st again.

Leg:
-Continue in lace pattern for 20 repeats.
-End of lace pattern row 4.

-Start Zwickel as follows:
(Again you should divide the st for the top/front of the leg and bottom/back of the leg. The directions are only for the 30 st on bottom/back of the leg.)

Row 1: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 6 times
Row 2: work plain
Row 3: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
Row 4: work plain
Row 5: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 3 times, M1, k1, M1, (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 3 times
Row 6: work plain
Row 7: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, M1, k3, M1, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
Row 8: work plain
Row 9: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 7 times
Row 10: work plain
Row 11: (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times, k5, (k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk) 3 times
row 12: work plain
Row 13: (k2, yo, ssk, k1) 7 times
Row 14: work plain
-Repeat row 11-14 20 times total.

Picot Ending:
(You are now working around the whole leg)

Top:
Row 1: work plain
Row 2: purl
Row 3: work plain
Row 4-5: k1, p1, repeat
Row 6-7: p1, k1, repeat
Repeat row 4-7 6 times

-Now knit one row (this is a special row we need for the ending, we'll call it row E), purl one row, knit one row.

Actual picot edge:
1.-5. Row: work in stockinet stitch.
6. Row: yo, ssk, yo, ssk, continue to end of row.
7.-12. Row: work in stockinet stitch.

Finishing:
-Cut the yarn so that you have a bit more than arms length.
-Thread the yarn on a sewing needle.
-Keep the stitches on the needles and turn the work so that the inside faces you.
-Now thread the needle through the first loop on the needle and then through the corresponding loop in row E.
-Continue to end of row.
-Sew in loose ends.

Remember, the inside is facing you, and even though it might seem odd for the first few times you will achieve a nice, neat edge. But before you sew in the loose end on the cuff make sure you can fit the sock on your foot, because you are sewing the edge it might pull too tight.

Lace pattern chart:
Toe chart:
Zwickel Chart:
How to sew on row E:

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Continue On

2008-06-11T23:07:00.006+02:00

I have to admit that I find it hard to simply go back to my knitting adventures after the last 2 months. I have received a pacemaker 2 weeks ago, and my left shoulder is still causing me some problems and knitting is still painfull at times. But as it is a very important part of my life, I will continue to draw strenght from it and I love making up patterns.
Such as this one, I am also writing this up and hope to publish this one soon. But there is still a lot of catching up to do, so give me some time...

I am currently working on a toy for my son Elijah. I have been inspired by all the cute Cuties that are being knitted all over, and so I've decided to follow suit. But my toy is a robot, something I had planned quite a while ago but so far I was not motivated. I am so excited to see this toy take shape, and I can't wait to present him. Yep, it's a boy so far...

I also finished my Heart Cardigan, but pictures are still outstanding. I am not so sure how to get good pictures, but I shall make my husband take some.
And I also received a wonderful present for Elijah, that I shall post next time too!

Ah, I forgot to tell: as Samira had given me permission to talk about her wherever I want to so I can tell you that today she was able to go (via ambulance) to the Parents Home where here mom lives during her ordeal. The plan of the day: grilling and french fries. Playing with other kids, and that on a green lawn. Getting a day out.

Heart Aches

2008-06-10T22:31:00.005+02:00

Let me tell you about Samira. She is a 8 year old girl I became friends with during my stays in Bad Oeynhausen Heart Centre. She is smart and funny, has an exceptionally crazed sense of humor and excels in her classes. She will beat you in Skippo (a card game) so bad that you won't recover from that serious defeat ever. And she just sometimes, sometimes wants to hold your hand and be a bit sad.
Samira has been in hospital for a long time, more than 9 months now, and she is living on a pump, a machine that is bigger than she. This pump is replacing her heart, which is no longer working, and she is waiting for a matching donor. She is even topping the European List, highest priority, but unfortunately for her there just are not enough people donating organs and especially not children's organs. And it is breaking my heart. All she wants is to live, go home to her Mom and Dad, even to her annoying brother (her words).
When I got released we had this conversation:
Samira: "You, when you come back for your check up and I am not there, you know where I am then."
Me: "Yea, I hope I get to visit you on HTX and admire you with your new heart!"
Samira: "No, you silly, I'll be dead. Don't you know that?"

All I can hope is that more people become donors. So we don't need to have too many conversations like this. Here is the sites for Germany , USA , Canada , UK . Go there and sign up. You can only do good.

Things To Come

2008-05-05T19:42:00.004+02:00

So there it is: the truth, the fact, the not so good thing I have been dreading for months now. We have thought of it, debated and fought, but it is sure that I am going to need a heart transplant. Problem now: I am not quite sick enough to be officially on the list, but there is not much worsening necessary and seriously... who can handle this preassure?

So the patterns that I have written have to wait, the pictures too, the updates and baby stories (he's great by the way!) because I think I am back to hospital tomorrow. Wish me luck. I think I am going to need a lot of it in the next months.

Lizard Socks

2008-04-15T19:04:00.006+02:00

I have actually finished another pair of socks, I'd like to call them Lizard Socks. Really, I am not so sure how I got that idea. But it seems to fit. And now I'm about 10 pairs away from sock independence. Yea!
The yarn I used is Regia 4-faedig, and it was very nice to knit with this. I like their yarns.

It's a shame that I am not making any headway on my cardigan, or the robot, or any of the other non-sock related items on my list. I am stuck in a sock bobble of ideas, but I am actually enjoying myself. Now I just need to achieve some more FO's, and I'll be happy.

On the baby front: my son discovered that the bars in his baby bed are a good way to pull yourself up sitting, and he does demand some serious attention. His newest face gig is shaking his head at all and everything. "Do you like banana?" Grin, munching, shaking the head... "Do you want this new and awesome toy?" Grin, grab, shaking the head...
And he is sleeping through the night. Finally. It only took 8 months...

Socklettchen Adaptation

2008-04-06T20:54:00.005+02:00

I was digging through some dark corners of my stash storage system (system, ha...) and discovered the sample sock my Mama knit for me and the description she wrote out so I would know what to do and finally conquer my nemesis sock. For years I was struggling with the concept, I had conquered lace and twists (not all that good, but who is perfect then?) and the sock just was something I so badly wanted to knit, but just could not get my head around. I also found the first sock I ever knit, and yes I only knit one first sock. No second one to make the first pair...
It is nice to see how people influence you. I never asked her for this, I was living in the USA at the time and Germany was a long way off. And just one day this package arrived. Some candy, a German book, this sock. Awesome.

Since I put out "Socklettchen" I got really nice comments. Thanks to everyone, I find that very encouraging and it does make me feel good. I do tell people how much and why I like their designs, after all we all do this out of a passion for knitting, crochet, weaving, spinning....

One person said she would have loved to see the pattern in different sizes. She specifically was looking to make this for a little girl, so I did actually write an adaptation. Just some notes.
I did think about this "in different sizes" thing, and decided that for now I'll go case by case. Patterns generally can be adapted, and it is hard to satisfy everyone as there is a lot of different feet or body shapes or heads out there. We will see.

Here is the adaptation, written to fit a girl of about 7 years of age.

Work everything as in the Pattern but make following changes:
-cast on 16 st, work increases as described until you have 40 st.

-then you would knit only 5 pattern repeats, not 10.

-the gusset you work the same way, except you increase until you have 20 st for the front of the foot and 34 st for the bottom of the foot.

work heel as follows:
-k12 st, k10 st, turn work.
1.row: slip 1st st, then purl 8 st, k1, turn work.
2. row: slip 1st st, k9 st, turn work.
repeat row 1-2 until you have knitted 10 rows, you'll end on a purl row. turn work.
-sl 1 st, knit to end of row and then pick up 5 st on the side of the heel flap. complete the row in pattern, and pick up 5 st on the other side of the heel flap. (You have now 20 st on your heel flap + 12 st on each side of the heel flap)
-setup row: k to end of heel flap, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
1. row: p19, k2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
2. row: k19, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.-continue until all st on each side of the heel flap are knitted. you should end with a purl row.turn work so the front is facing you.
-work 2 rows in pattern, then start to work pattern around the whole leg. This should fit 8 times.
repeat rows 1-6 two times.repeat rows 1-3 one time.

Then you just continue knitting like the instructions say, except that you have a bit less on your needles.

I hope this works out, I really have no clue about children's sizes (yet). But this is about half the sock, and in the same way the pattern was adapted now it is possible to vary the sizes by adding or removing pattern repeats etc. So I hope this works out.

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

An (Almost) Perfect Solution

2008-04-01T00:47:00.002+02:00

My whole life I was somewhat annoyed with being organized. In school one had a notepad for homework, a class schedule and then any and all folders for all the different subjects. At work we had a folder for each report, each week, month, year. Man, that's exhausting, isn't it?

Now I don't have a problem with being organized, don't get me wrong. It is important to be organized although every person has a different idea of how this should work. I personally would need four things: a diary, a calendar, a scribble pad, an address book. Problem is that all four at once take a lot of room to carry around, it's potentially very heavy and takes valuable room away from my carry along knitting project.
You might think this is a very silly thing to talk about, but I remember how happy I was to find a simple solution for my problem: a "One-Page-One-Day" calendar, one that has a pocket for miscellaneous pieces of paper and a small address book to take out. Simple things can make happy, see?

Free Pattern: Socklettchen

2008-03-30T13:56:00.011+02:00

Description:

My Mother-in-Law just loves summer. She works in her garden, lounges, makes her rounds in the pool and simply does all the things possible in warm weather. But somehow she is a woman that gets cold feet really easily, and so she needs something that is light enough to be worn during a hot and humid Chicago summer, but also gives a bit of warmth when needed.
I designed these Socklets for wearability, they are lofty and light. They can be worn in the house just as a bit comfort, they can be worn with shoes as they are nice and short, and I hope maybe even with sandals. Cotton was my first choice, but I think that other plant materials might be interesting too.

You can also find me at Ravelry

If you notice any mistakes or have suggestions please feel free to send me a email to knittiana@gmail.com. (I really like comments, preferably nice ones...)

I have been told that not all pictures load properly. Well, I'm used to Windows Explorer not really being on my wave lenght, so please let me know and I'll send the pictures out extra. Or you can get them at Flickr! as well. My Flickr! name is knittiana.

Size:
37 EU, 7US, a small woman’s foot.

Finished Measurements:
(Roughly)
Toe to gusset: 18cm/7 3/8"
Toe to heel: 24cm/9 1/2"
Heel to cuff: 14cm/5 1/2"

Material:
Lana Grossa Meilenweit Cotton, Festa, 100g , knitted with 2 Addi Turbo Circular needles, 2mm

Gauge:
(2" or 5cm square: 15 st, 24 rows. )

Pattern Notes:
A tutorial for the "Figure 8 Cast On" can be found here
and another similar one here.
The sock is worked in the round using 2 circular needles. The pattern can be adapted for use with 4 and 5 needles etc.
M1: pick up the yarn between 2 stitches, see how too here. There you need to find the description for M1F, or pick any of the other increases if they suit you better.

Directions:

Lace Pattern:
Divide by 5 st,
1. Row: k2, yo, ssk, k1 repeat
2. Row: knit
3. Row: knit
4. Row: k2 tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk
5. Row: knit
6. Row: knit
Repeat pattern (and work up to desired length)

Toe:
Cast on 24 st, work 2 rounds, then start to increase.
Increase as follows:
1.Row: k1, M1 (see Pattern Notes), k10, M1, k2, M1, k10, M1, k1
2. Row: knit
3. Row: k1, M1, k12, M1, k2, M1, k12, M1, k1
Continue until 60 st are achieved.

Foot:
Bottom/Sole:
The directions are for the top of the foot, so you need to divide the 60 st into 30 st for the top, and 30 st for the bottom of the foot. The bottom is worked plain each row.

Top:
1. Row: k2, yo, ssk, k1, repeat 5 more times.
2. + 3. Row: knit
4. Row: k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, repeat 5 more times..
5. + 6. Row: knit
Repeat rows 1-6 10 times or add repeats to adjust length.

Gusset:
Work top of foot in Pattern as before. You now work with the bottom/sole stitches.
Increase as follows:
1. Row: k1, M1, k28,M1, k1
2. Row: knit
3. Row: k1,M1, k30, M1, k1
4. Row: knit
Continue like this until 7 increase rows have been worked. (So you now have a total of 74 st or 44 for the bottom/sole.)

Heel:
The top stitches rest until further notice.

Setup Row: k15 +14 st, turn work (you should still have 15 unworked st on your needle).
1.Row: sl1 st , purl 12 st, k1, turn work.
2. Row: sl1 st, k13, turn work.
Repeat row 1 + 2 until you have worked 16 rows, you should end with a purl row

Knit 14st, now pick up 8 st on the side of the heel flap.
Continue row, including the front, in pattern until you get to the part of the heel flap that has no stitches picked up yet.
Pick up 8 st. You should now have 30 st around your heel flap + 15 st on each side of the heel flap.

Setup Row: k to end of heel flap, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
1. Row: p29, k2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
2.Row: k29, p2tog (one from the heel flap and one of the extra stitches), turn work.
Continue until all st on each side of the heel flap are knitted. You should end with a purl row.
Turn work so the front is facing you.

Leg:
Work 2 rows in pattern, then start to work pattern around the whole leg. This should fit 12 times.
Repeat rows 1-6 two times.
Repeat rows 1-3 one time.
Now purl one row, knit one row, (this is a special row we need for the ending, we'll call it row E) purl one row.

For the picot ending:
1.-5. Row: work in stockinet stitch.
6. Row: yo, ssk, yo, ssk, continue to end of row.
7.-12. Row: work in stockinet stitch.

Ending:
Cut the yarn so that you have a bit more than arms length.
Thread the yarn on a sewing needle.
Keep the stitches on the needles and turn the work so that the inside faces you.
Now thread the needle through the first loop on the needle and then through the corresponding loop in row E.
Continue to end of row.
Sew in loose ends.

Remember, the inside is facing you, and even though it might seem odd for the first few times you will achieve a nice, neat edge. But before you sew in the loose end on the cuff make sure you can fit the sock on your foot, because you are sewing the edge it might pull too tight.

How to sew on row E:

Chart for lace pattern:

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Secret Socks Finished

2008-03-24T17:58:00.007+01:00

Elijah is now gone for 2 days. Man, I never thought it would be this quiet in the house, I'll still tiptoe around thinking the little Guy might be sleeping, or I'll wake up at night wondering why he's not hungry and screaming.... But he's with his Daddy visiting his Grandparents, so I don't have any worries. And just like a good husband he called me yesterday to report any and each detail of the long trip, and seems like Elijah is doing better than his Dad, he was barely impressed by the plane ride, and even less by the time warp one is hit with when all the sudden the day starts 7 hours later. Elijah also laughs and smiles at everyone, even at the dog, and he's just sometimes getting quiet and then he asks:" Mama... mama?"

I am holding up pretty well, considering. It's just so darn quiet in the house, I keep sneaking around thinking Baby sleeps, and each night so far I woke up at around 5 am wondering why he's not waking up for bottle and early morning cuddle. (I said that twice, didn't I?)
Pffft, only 12 more days. I can handle that, or?

One thing this means though is that I get a lot of knitting time extra. The red Secret Socks are for Becke, my husbands Sister. She hasn't been getting a lot of homemade things yet, and this is just to spoil her feet a bit. (And the pictures are really bad, but the good fancy camera went with over the big waters to document Elijahs adventures...)
After all, I have no choice, I got to keep busy, right? So I'm catching up on some I.O.U.'s, some extra socks and maybe I get my Heart Cardi done. And there of course is Ravelry, I can organize my groups and browse the forums, catch up on some blog reading and, well, miss by Baby.

Happy Easter!

2008-03-22T12:17:00.004+01:00

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter, enjoy the days with family and friends. My little son and my husband are going to miss out on these little secrets in my Mom's pantry, and the cake is bought but very good with a cup tea.
This morning at 4:30 AM they left for Amsterdam to catch a plane that will take them to the second set of Grandparents in Illinois. I admit I am sad that I can't go, and I already miss Elijah, but I am also excited for my family over there as that is only the second time they get to hold him and see how much he's grown. They will make eyes.....

So enjoy.
Eat cake.
Drink tea.

To Jump Over The Own Shadow

2008-03-08T09:57:00.004+01:00

The Baby Cardigan is finished, in record time if one considers my former dislike for knitting these tiny baby things. Yes, former dislike, I had so much fun knitting this that I am already thinking of an adult version for myself, and also a few more baby items to have handy for those times where everybody seems to have a baby born all the sudden.

I still struggle to knit for Elijah though. I think that he can’t wear knitted things so well up here, we have so much wind at the coast and it just does not keep warm enough. Actually it probably does better than anything else, just worn underneath something, but I think I’ll wait until he does not grow 2” a weeks and then we both will have more fun. Yea, people have called me heartless and cold because my Baby is not well stocked but I just don’t want too…

Knitting this jacked I did try a couple of things new. I knitted bobbles, which I did before, but not as many in one spot and I tried to cast off with bobbles so the edging is pretty neat. And I stitched a little flower on the right arm, also something I’d like to do more often but I just need to practice more. But all in all this was a nice, fast project where I was able to do exactly what I liked, for example the arms are kept pretty short and the body is a bit longer. But normal rules don’t quite apply to babies; they do have short extremities and a bigger rump.

In the news: I returned from my hospital appointment, and I am still improving a bit. It does not change my status and I still can’t function very well, but it means that I will be stronger for any surgery that is heading my way. Hey, the baby is getting heavier all the time, gotta keep up…

Preview...

2008-03-01T15:07:00.010+01:00

Here it is, the first glimpse of the Baby jacket that I personally thought would never happen. And I need to confess that I am actually having fun! I never thought I would, even my own Son has no knitted items of mine maybe that will change now.

I like to knit Bobbles, but I tend to take a real shortcut. I am not sure where I heard of this, I think it was someone’s blog and I do remember that person got it from someone else as well and then I messed with it some more. (As there is always this hot topic Copyrights..... )

To make a Bobble:

-Pick up the thread between 2 stitches. Knit, purl, knit, and purl on it so you have 4 stitches.

-Slip the stitches back on the left needle, and knit again.

-Slip the stitches back on the left needle a second time and knit again.

-Now slip the stitches back on the left needle knit 2 stitches together through the back of the loop, and knit 2 stitches together.

-Now you still have 2 extra stitches, since you picked up between your counted stitches. I usually finish the row, and on the way back (or next row if you knit in the round) I slip the stitch before the first bobble stitch, and then that first bobble stitch, and knit them together through the back of the loop. Then I knit together the second bobble stitch and the following stitch. (Gosh, I hope this makes sense!)

Well, I hope this helps.

On a different note: my Son has discovered that bars keep him in. He wants’ out. And it's funny, because he tries to pull himself through the bars, up on the bars, or gen

erally against the bars. It's funny. Not much longer and he'll sit up on his own.

About me: I think that all in all I'm doing fine. Considering things. But on Thursday (the coming one) I have a Cardiology Ambulant Assessment because I am still not officially on the transplant list. Over the last 4 weeks since my last visit in the Clinic I have not improved, and some new issues emerged, but I hope that they are related to the medications I'm taking. But that would not be good either, so I got to just think of that as the lesser evil.

Well, they always tell you to bring a packed bag... So I might be gone for a while. Wish me luck.

Happy Birthday Mama

2008-02-22T12:49:00.005+01:00

Happy Birthday Mama, another year of your life just started and oh do I wish you a year filled with joy and cherished moments.

You had so much to suffer last year, yet you always laugh, have a hug for anyone, love the moments with your grand children, and you just have soo much love to give.

Even your own sickness can not break your spirit, you ignore the pain and just note that 'one can't change things sometimes, why be upset all day?' You love your roses and your garden, and you can't help but spoil us with your wonderful cooking and baking. And you make my day, every day. Thank you for your strenght and care.

Free Pattern: The Flaming Massage Socks

2008-02-21T23:51:00.011+01:00

Flaming Massage Socks

Construction is top down with 2 circular needles.

Cuff length is 7”

Cuff Measurement is 7”.

Gauge is 10 stitches per inch

Cast on 72 stitches

Heel Style is a Dutch Heel

Width is standard

Toe Style is round

Toe Shape is standard

Needle Size US 0 / 2.0 mm

Stitch:

All surfaces (bottom of foot, heel) are knitted in garder stitch. So when knitting in a round you need to k 1 round, then p 1 round. For the heel parts that are knitted back and forward you just need to knit each row.

Pattern:

The pattern for the ribbed part is:

Round 1: K2, P2, repeat

Round 2: Knit

Repeat

Ribbing and Leg:

Cast on 72 stitches. Join in a ring being careful not to twist. Mark join as the beginning of the round and center of heel. Divide stitches over 2 needles. Begin knitting with your desired ribbing pattern (or the suggested one) and knit circularly for approximately 2 inches. Knit one round even. Divide across needles. (36, 36) Beginning with Needle 1 and selected motif, knit leg stitches until desired leg height is reached.

Begin Heel:

NOTE: Heel is worked in rows on 36 stitches.

Knit until you have 36 heel flap rows. Heel flap shape should be close to square.

Turn Heel as follows:

Row 1: Knit 18 stitches, SSK, K1, and turn.

Row 2: Knit 17 stitches, SSK, K1 and turn

Repeat rows 1 and 2 decrease 1 additional stitch until all side stitches are consumed.

Gusset:

Rnd 1: With needle 1, knit across heel flap. Pick up and knit 18 stitches from the side of the heel flap plus knit one stitch in the gusset corner. Knit in pattern across needle 2.

Rnd 2: Using a spare needle, pick up one stitch in the gusset corner and 18 stitches from the side of the heel flap. Using needle 1, knit these stitches. Knit the remaining stitches on needle 1 and knit in pattern across needle 2. Stitch count is (59, 36) respectively.

Gusset Decrease and Sock Foot:

Rnd 1:

Needle 1: K1, SSK, knit until the last 3 stitches k2 tog, k1.

Needle 2: Work in pattern around.

Rnd 2: Work in pattern around.

Repeat these 2 rounds until total stitches equal 72. Transfer stitches as necessary so that you have returned to your original stitch placement. (36, 36)

Sock Foot:

Continue knitting in garder stitch on needle 1 and in pattern on needle 2 (if desired) until you are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 inches from the top of your longest toe.

Shape Toe:

First Rnd: Knit 7 stitches, K2 tog. Repeat around.

Second Rnd: purl

Third Rnd: Knit 6 stitches, k2 tog. Repeat around.

Continue working one less stitch between each decrease and one less rnd of stockinette until your round is K2 tog around.

Cut yarn leaving 12 inch tail. With a darning needle thread yarn through remaining stitches and pull snug. Weave in ends.

Please note that this is the first pattern that I have written down. I might have made mistakes, and please, please feel free to e-mail me to tell me about them, after all this needs to be practiced... Thank you!

Please do not use this pattern for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Free Chart to Try II

2008-02-17T22:51:00.009+01:00

This is the chart for "Carola's Mits", just the basic pattern. No explanation as to how to knit the mittens, but here you can find a free pattern for basic two color mittens if you are interested. That page has a lot of interesting patterns and is worth a look.

Besides that I can only tell you how much fun it was to knit mittens like these, I learned a lot and had a great time. I now am experimenting with rowing to make extra, extra warm ones for next winter. And maybe I finally knit some finger gloves, I have not been up for that as of now because I find it so tricky to knit small things. Not that I can't do it, it's just so... I don't know maybe I'm just afraid. But I'll try it.

Please do not use this chart for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

Unfinished Business

2008-02-15T16:13:00.009+01:00

Forgotten the plans to only have one project going at the time, but did I really, really think I could manage that? Yea, right. We have what... February. Fine.

It is amazing how easily one gets seduced. I was really working only on the cardigan, a nice, blue, warm, comfortable cardigan for myself. To knit with this wool is a joy, and I was busy and designing and content. But then I remembered that I need to knit more socks, I kept getting cold feet and one of my goals is to never have to wear bought socks again. I just wish I was a lot closer since I lack about 90% of the needed pairs. But at least I am working on fixing this, so I have started a new pair already. After all, one can carry a sock in progress around all the time, everywhere and it just is the perfect on the go thing to have. And there is such a variety on patterns, there is so much I'd like to try still and so many other people to knit socks for.

While I was at this I noticed that my Mama's birthday is coming up soon. So there was another project to tackle, but the problem is that I now live with her and things are harder to hide, especially since there seems to be a great interest in my knitting. And I am at a loss... what could I knit her? It's all in the experimental state as of now. And secret. Sigh.
I also commited to a job: someone would like me to knit a baby jacket, I have about two weeks. I really don't know how I am going to do that, knitting baby clothing is not my strenght and even Elijah has nothing that I would have made for him. I made something like that before and even sold some things, I just don't really enjoy this mini knitting.

On a different note: I have this counter on my blog that also tells me roughly where someone who reads my blog is from, like Australia for example. (Howdy, hope you enjoy what you read!) That is so wonderful about the internet, people all over the world can connect and share interests, just look at Ravelry! where one can really find anything and get organized or famous blogs like the Yarn Harlot who is in Canada. So much to discover, just to keep my blogroll up is hard as I just don't want to leave someone out, but there are just too many to read. So I will just enjoy the variety and keep discovering.

Rules Of The Road, Lesson I

2008-02-10T23:09:00.001+01:00

Lesson I: To be very visible, no to be extremely visible in any situation.

This hat was custom made for my dear husband, he loves it (see the second photo!) and I just can't wait what he comes up with next. Or shall I say I am a bit scared?

Either way I am glad this project is complete, and he is such a wonderful person, he can make you laugh even if you really, really don't want to laugh because he just made you so mad you can't even say "pft". Totally helpless, he makes me totally helpless. Oh, this one would so be something for him too:
He would love those mits. Can you guess why?

How To Know When He Is Hungry...

2008-02-02T10:14:00.002+01:00

(Imagine following scene. Your beloved Baby is laying in his playpen, content and playing. He had a good night, and his tummy is taking the carrot-potato try from yesterday well. So all is good.)

Baby: Gwaaaaa, grrrrlll, hwwwwwwt....
Mom: Hello Little One you sound like you are having fun...
Baby: Grrrrraaaaaaaaa....hmmmmm
Mom: Oh, oh, hmmm.... what's wrong, do you need your toy back? Here.
Baby: Gwaaaaa, hwwwwwwt, groooooblblblb.....
Mom: Ah, that was it, you sound happy again.

10 minutes later:

Baby: Groooblblbl, hmmmmm.... hhhhmmmmmmmmm....... hhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Mom: Uh, everythign OK? Do you want to cuddle for a bit? Come here, we'll play "tickle the Baby" on the couch.

Mom is picking up the Baby, proceeds to the couch and tickles Baby's tummy until Baby laughs out loud...

Baby: Heeeeheeeeewwlll, heheheheeeeee, squeal, squeal, hhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!
Mom: Hhhmmmmm? But we where having fun.... let me see your cute little face....
Baby: Waaaaahhh.....
Mom: Oh, the corners of your mouth are moving downwards..... the lower lip is quivering....
Baby: Wahhhhh, wahhhh, wahhhhh, hhhhmmmmmm, whaaaa! Daaaabbbaaaa wahhhh!
Mom: Are you hungry? Darn, how long ago was the last bottle?
Baby: Wahhhhhhhhhhh, wahhhhhhhhh!

At this particular point tears start to flow. He's hungry, and nothing and nobody but a fast room service can save the situation now. Mom is putting Baby in the playpen and runs for the kitchen. The angry screams get desperate.... but the bottle is still too warm.... precious seconds are lost.

Baby: Wahhhhhh, hhhmmmmm, sniff blagg, hmmmmmmm....
Mom: Here little guy, hold still so that I can put the nunny in your mouth... no, hold still you can't eat with your nose!
Baby: Waaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... mhmhmhmhmh

Silence, mid scream. Only the sucking and occasional mh mh is left, the situation is resolved.

Special Someone

2008-01-28T08:38:00.003+01:00

Sometimes one just meets a special person. In this case it is a wonderful 86 year old, Aunt Dini. Rarely have I met someone so extremely sweet, always nice and very happy person... Not to say that she did not have a lot of pain in her life, she did. Not to say that she did not have a lot of heartache in her life, she did. Yet she just radiates a grace and a calm that one can only admire, she always has a loving word and a comforting touch. And so as it was her birthday a couple of days ago I had made her a little pin, as she never wants anything for herself but will wear it with appreciation. Although I might have to convince her that it is not too special and can be worn for daily occasions.

Awwwww.....

2008-01-23T07:25:00.001+01:00

There he is. Asleep, for a change. (Now where I am 6 months old I don't need to sleep anymore...) He is teething, and that comes with spitting and fever, and the doctor congratulated me on an especially stubborn child. Great. How many teeth is he getting again?

But what can I say? I just love this kid so much I don't mind overtime...

Socks (Again) To Catch Up More

2008-01-01T19:26:00.000+01:00

Then there was the day I discovered the "Macro" setting on my digital camera... No but seriously, I learned how to make decent pictures since I had Elijah, and I plan on taking and posting many which are related to knitting.

Just like the one above that shows the inside of the sock in detail, with the extra on the toes and heels. I like my socks to last. And then there is the picture of the socks in whole, of the details all around and... no, I think that was all.

So here we go:

Picture #1, the large on the to (if you happened to miss it) shows the detail of the toes and heels which I like to make everlasting. I wish... but one can try at least. Picture #2 to the left shows the heel, as these are Toe-Up socks it's a Dutch Heel worked backwards. My favorite. Picture #3 (to the right) shows the sock in it's entire comfy wholesomeness on the "Happy Place" where we change diapers and practice rolling over. And picture #4 is the detail of the toes, turned out pretty good this time.

But still: I did not learn to take notes as of yet. No paper or pen where used, I did (as always) employ the famous "Trial-And-Error" method and was able to succeed. I contemplated to make that oh so important note taking a resolution for this year, but just like giving up silliness it would be a hopeless one.

I moved on to knit a special project for my husband, a helmet. We will see what happens, I won't say more until I have pictures. (Honestly, I really don't know what to say...)

In other news: I told myself to only work on one project at a time, we shall see how long this idea lasts. I am already working on exceptions, such as 'a sock does not count as it fits in my purse kind of'' or 'when the cardigan gets to boring I shall knit a toy' among others. Aye, how predictable.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T01:40:00.001+01:00

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year, count your blessings, cherish the people you love and enjoy more what you have instead of worrying about what you might not have. Live every day to the fullest, enjoy the quiet moments and the chaotic ones. Whatever you might believe in, right now you only have this life and it is to precious to be wasted on little issues. Share what you have so others can enjoy it or even just live their lives better.

My plans for 2008? To follow my own advice, to knit a lot, to remember my Blog anniversary this time and to be healthy enough to keep up with my son and husband. Not much, really. And you?

At least this little one had no need for a late night to declare his promises and wishes, all he wanted was a nice warm bottle and a cuddle after some firecrackers woke him.

Socks. What Else? More Catching Up.

2007-12-30T16:46:00.000+01:00

A lot of pictures this time. Socks just are a good project to knit often and there is so much one can invent, and of course so many awesome patterns that one can find everywhere, just look at http://www.knitty.com/ ! I like knitting in general, any kind of project or design. But socks are portable, light, fun and one can never have enough. Never. Problem is: I give them away all the time, as of today I knitted only two pairs for myself. But that shall change now, I really decided to become a bit more selfish.

The mostly red socks where made for my mother. She has diabetes and can't wear anything tight on her leg, so I knitted a border on to make sure there is plenty of room. They are Clown Socks, colorful and silly. I really enjoyed working on them, and it was a challenge because I don't take notes, I have not learned yet that it would be so much easier to write the steps down and then to knit the second sock after the directions and not struggling to cope. And unfortunately I don't even remember what yarn I used, I did not keep the information as I usually do before I let something sink in the black hole that is my stash...

The other two pairs where knit for my mothers husband Klaus and my little brother Sven. Well, with a EU shoe size of 44-46 I was able to really test how much stamina I have. Klaus is a really big guy, like a big oak. OK, that might sound funny, but he is not just a big guy, he also has the calm and grace of a big oak. Either way, he reminds me of one. Just laugh at me if you like. English is my second language, I am excused.

Sven, my 'little' brother is ten years younger than me, and he now is a very muscular young man. I am very lucky that he is still a bit afraid of me (I was a very mean big sister, tickling him until he could not catch a breath anymore... But then I did take him to the playground every day too...) otherwise it would be pay back time. Shudder, don't let him smell your fear, don't let him smell your fear...

Both men are the only people I know where 100g just won't do for a standard pair of socks.. Klaus uses up at least 160g, to get a decent lenght and comfort, and Sven uses up at least 150g. I talk standard sock yarn here, and 2.5mm needles.

On a different note: I now live in Ostfriesland, also in north-west Germany, really close to the Netherlands. From our living room window we can actually see the lights over there, and the ferry that goes, at least at night when it has all the lights on.

The nature here is very plain, compared to the Rocky Mountains for example, nothing spectacular at first glance. But looking closer I see a beauty that really calms me down, may it be the winter mornings where it seems a bit foggy and the rising sun colors everything pink, or may it be the stormy sea in the spring. The wildflowers or the huge swarms of geese that meet in the thousands to get ready for their trip to a warmer place. There are a lot of farms here and most land has either some grain or cows on it, but the deer and the hawks still are common sights. I just think it is wonderful, and I have yet to take a photo that could show this beauty.

A note: my camera won't let me change the size of the pictures taken. So any close up will be gigantic and fuzzy until I solved this problem...

Knitted Things Part One And Ramblings

2007-12-28T11:03:00.003+01:00

I know, according to the headlines it does sound like I did a lot of knitting, but compared with the time that passed I really didn't... But there are some nice things that I completed, and one of them is this shawl. It is not blocked yet so I don't have a photo of the whole thing, but it is a very nice, very soft triangular shaped cuddle blanket. The yarn I used is from http://www.fowberry-alpacas.com/ (I seem unable to set a link right now...) and it is especially nice to the touch and was wonderful to knit with. Me and a friend bought some at a Farmers Marked in Edinburgh, she later gifted me her portion and I was able to knit this nice shawl.

Since I have been mentioning my illness several times but never really specified what the problem is I now decided to just tell. I have been sticking my head in the sand long enough and simply know that people will find out anyhow. I just did not like the idea of having the pity, and the insecurity people feel around someone who might not make it. Yes, I might need a heart transplant, my heart is very, very much damaged but the cause is unknown (besides the fact that I had a baby despite congenital heart disease...) and I am being evaluated every 4 weeks, so even though I am not officially "on the list" today I might be on soon. I am trying to be fit enough to enjoy my days as they come, and at the time I am doing pretty good. I get a lot of strong drugs to suppress dangerous arrhythmia's and to keep my heart beating sufficiently, and I need about 14 hours of sleep to cope. But the side effects could be worse and I am dealing well. Hopefully that will be the case for a long time to come, as I plan to be there when Elijah comes home with his first flame. Or decides to play Rugby after all. Or chews on the cigar his dad kept for the first grandchild.

Back To Life, For Now

2007-12-27T16:44:00.001+01:00

Oh yes, I am back! I have been offline for 3 months now and I have to catch up. I have pictures to show and I have news to tell. Today we start with some pictures...

I still had no opportunity to show the nice presents I got from my friends in Edinburgh. So I will do that first, even though Elijah is no longer fitting all of the clothes, the Surprise Baby Jacket was to small first but he really liked it because he had his hands free and the material is extremely soft. (I did wash it by hand...) And in the red jacket he looks like some kind of Gartenzwerg, really cute. For the distinguished look he prefers the nice white Cable Jacket, and for the relaxing times he will wear a pullover. Well, he is growing out of the pullovers. He grows out of everything and that fast.

He also got a wonderful blanket that a friend of mine made for him. He loves to sleep on it, and at the present time he loves to chew on the corners. But then he does chew on everything. He is getting the first teeth, and he does feel the pain.

And there is the Elephant. He really likes it, but as he really is eating and chewing everything at the time it is safer with me, and he gets to hold it once in a while for photo shoots... As you can see he is wearing a Chicago Bears shirt, that is where his Grandpa's loyalties lay. I decided that any kind of sport that involves running into each other is no good for my little one...

On other news: we do live in Germany now, my husband was able to find work with the same company. Me and Elijah are home at my mom's place, as I do need care now. We had to move here because I did not recover from my heart problems, at this time we are not sure what might be necessary to keep me around for a long time.
But it is nice to be with family, and I am getting specialist care. The Baby Boy is doing well and a joy. And I got my knitting groove back! And so I will present my knitted works (not that many, but some at least...) in the next post that I will be able to write as I now have the Internet again. Finally.

Oh, and here you can learn more about the Elephant who is actually named Elijah himself... http://ysolda.com/wordpress/2007/10/14/elijah/

Update

2007-09-21T19:20:00.002+02:00

Well, hello again... the good news is that I started to knit something again. A blanket for myself, I seem to need something soft, warm, big and safe to snuggle up into. Beautiful Alpaca, very nice and good to knit with.

Bad news: I had an MRI last week. The damage to my heart is a lot worse than we thought. Life will be scary and very uncertain for some time to come. We are trying to find out what exactly happened, and we are hoping that medicines will fix the problem eventually. The alternative does not bear thinking about.

Thankfully I have this. A lot to live for. And friends that think of me.

Disclaimer: this blog was never intended as a personal forum, merely as a knitting blog for informative purposes. Things change. What can I say...

Not So Good News And Still No Knitting....

2007-09-12T19:34:00.001+02:00

I am not so sure where to begin just here... The last couple of entries all where the same: sorry, no knitting. Baby is great, yes I was in hospital again but I am out now... Sorry to all who e-mailed me and who I owe a reply among other things.
Well, there is not much changing. I have been in hospital (again) for 2 weeks, and this time there has been a confirmed diagnose. Which means a lot of things will change around here.

I have always had a heart problem. I was fine and had a pretty normal life, the term is Tetralogy of Fallot IV for those who like to look up this stuff. So we did know that the pregnancy would prove a challenge, but everyone (doctors, consultants etc) where hopeful about the outcome. But it turns out that I have developed heart failure, and spending the better part of 12 weeks in hospital and 4 months in bed has left me very weak and in need of full time care.

My mother has come from Germany to take care of me and the baby for now, (which is nice as I get to be home and eat good food and get cuddles) she is used to me being sick and hence coping well. My husband has been granted 2 months compassionate leave from work to continue the care and by that time we will also know if I am in need of surgery to repair some of the damage done to my heart valves.

All this is a lot to take in for us. All the sudden I am out of breath walking from my bed to the sofa, and a couple of months ago I hiked up some mountains (smaller ones....) happily and fit. Even knitting is too much to focus, but at least it is itching in my fingers and I have resumed the healing fondling of my yarn stash.

My lovely son is doing splendid. He is the sunshine in all of this, he grows and develops so nicely that it is a joy to watch him. He is catching up on his weight and his mind is so sharp there is no hiding from my baby.... fantastic! I am so happy to have him, even though I am not able to fully take care of him now (changing diapers etc is tough) I get loads of cuddles and snuggles and giggles and all the things we both need.

That's the news. My families life is changing and it might be quiet for some time now. But please continue to tune in. One never knows what happens next. Literally.

Ha, Just For Good Measure....

2007-08-15T02:05:00.000+02:00

Yawn...

Some Knitting (And Else)

2007-08-15T01:28:00.002+02:00

After being readmitted to hospital for another week (don't ask, it's absolutely scary but I am sooo much better now!) and having been traumatized and scarred for life, me and Elijah and his so busy and brave dad are blissfully united and happy at home. No, absolutely blissful!

My dear husband was not only taking care of me until I got readmitted, but then he was taking care of Elijah all by himself for the week and he just did so good I had to mention his heroism.

I have to admit that not much knitting has been taking place. But a rather long while ago I finished a pair of socks for my husband, with some very beautiful yarn, "Meilenweit" from Lana Grossa. The pattern is derived from a pattern in the book Favorite Socks, I must admit I don't know the name of the pattern or the page as unfortunately the book is in a room with a sleeping baby and I rather have everyone go find out for themselves than risk waking him...
I say derived because I did knit the socks toe up, and did not follow the instructions in the book. So when I knitted the pattern itself I did not really like the way it turned out and changed it around a bit, so instead of something like knit 3 stitches in one stitch (as I said, the book is held hostage by sleeping baby...) I made one, knit one, made one. The end result seems to be just as nice, I really liked the pattern in the book and will try some other ones soon. First I shall finish some baby blankets (before Elijah grows out of the need for them...) and a pair of socks for myself.

Oh and there is the matter of the robot...

We Did It!

2007-08-01T23:08:00.001+02:00

Oh I know I promised knitting photos, and you shall get them soon... but first things first: welcome Elijah! After a very dramatic return to hospital and an emergency C-Shection on July 21st he was delivered at 18:13 PM, at 4 pounds, 15 ounces and 18". Or 2.24 kg, 47 cm. He was born at 36.1 weeks, and had to spend 6 days in Neonatal Care. I was not very well myself, but it was very hard to be separated from Elijah and when we finally got home yesterday evening bliss just took over.... And the 3 hourly feedings. But knitting will not be forgotten.

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments and wellwishes. I will find time to write everyone soon... I hope.

Home, for now...

2007-07-16T23:12:00.000+02:00

Well I am home for now, after a couple of very intense weeks in hospital (I almost had a C-Section on July 9th...) I have been allowed back to bed rest at home. I need to bring my overnight bag to all appointments just in case. So just wish me and Baby just about 2 more weeks of this body sharing experience...
But the good news right now is that the Baby grows well and is moving like there is nothing to do but exercise. Very important.

Knitting. I did knit, some... I did not get to knit as much as I wanted too, I was too exhausted to do much but sleep. But I made some progress and shall duly post pictures tomorrow. Or so. Promise.

And a huge thank you to the wonderful person that has been e-mailing me almost every day, you kept me a bit saner than I might have otherwise been. You know who you are. (You should...)

Forced To Take A Break

2007-06-21T13:49:00.002+02:00

For now I have done all my practicing. I have sorted all the stuff we already have. I have been eating like mad so I won't starve. My Husband has been spoiling me as much as humanly possible.
And now I don't have a choice, I am forced to take a break. Saturday morning I am checking myself back into hospital, following Doctors orders. There will be knitting, there will be sleeping, but there will be no blogging for at least 2 weeks. Worse, it might be quiet on this front until the Baby is born...
So wish me luck, and keep your fingers crossed. I shall return...

Happy Birthday Tante Lotte!

2007-06-19T08:11:00.002+02:00

Tante Lotte is my favorite Aunt. She is one of my Mom's older sisters and somehow totally different than the rest of the family, I always felt a connection with her and now as she is getting old and frail I just wish I could visit her once a month. Just to make sure I see her and get to talk to her and get to learn from her... But then Germany is a bit far away for that. So I resort to spoiling her and writing her and sending her cards. And socks to keep her feet warm, such as these Bed Socks for her.
I knitted them from the toe up but I did knit a reverse Dutch Heel instead of a short row heel. I also used EZ's Sewn Bind Off and found it to be very suitable. It is nice and stretchy, and I am sure it will look even better once I blocked the socks...

Tante Lotte was born in the same town than me, Hildesheim, which is pretty and nicely small (not so small anymore...) and is situated close to Hannover in NW Germany. She was born just before WW II and has seen and experienced a lot of hardship, she witnessed the daytime raid on Hildesheim in March 1945, just about 3 months before Germany surrendered. She does not talk much about what she saw, but the bit she did share contained horrific memories. Most of the town was destroyed, and mostly civilians died.
I love to learn from my relatives, but growing up German has always been a mixed batch. My Mom's Dad was in a concentration camp as a political prisoner (he was a communist) but one of my uncles was in the SS and changed his name after the war to avoid persecution. I don't know details of what he did, I would love to find out even though learning of his past has made me feel very upset. I loved that particular uncle very much and was only told after his death. My Father-in-Laws Dad was in the Polish resistance after the Germans forced him to join the Hitler Youth and he escaped. A Lady that used to baby sit me told me how she had to make clothing out of news paper, and how everything with the back to the sun was fit for eating. It is so sad to see that all these memories are disappearing, no matter where one stands on the political front it is imperative for the future that we remember and learn from the past.

A little note: her birthday was last week. But because I was in the hospital she has not received the socks yet. But they are being blocked as we 'speak' and will be in the mail tomorrow....

Short Visit...

2007-06-18T23:06:00.001+02:00

Yes. Another entry without knitting... I will catch up on that as well. Maybe tomorrow...?

But let me explain: As it so happens I have been in and out of the hospital during the last 3 weeks, mostly just in triage but admitted twice, once for 3 days and now for 5 days. Today I was released for 4 days to spend time with my husband as this might be the last days we have alone without baby. I seem to be unable to keep my heart rate at a healthy pace, and although there is no real worry for my safety and the baby is doing well and grows like wild I am being monitored, now officially on bed rest and with medication to keep me 'straight'. My 'due date' has been moved up and I think the baby is going to be extracted in week 37, I am now in week 32. So on Saturday I get to go back to the ward, and get to remain for at least 10 days for monitoring and safekeeping while my husband has to spend some time in Germany for a conference he just can't miss. (I do hope he will have some fun though. He has never been to Cologne!) And there is this possibility that I do not get to go home until the baby is born, I shall go crazy...

I do have some plans this week:
-Snuggle, snuggle, snuggle!
-Snuggle some more.
-Visit my City Knitty's on Wednesday, the doctor gave permission for me to go out as my Dear is driving me there...
-Organize some baby stuff and pack properly for any case.
-Balance my check book... Argh....
-Order yarn. Just cause.
-Catch up on blogging. I can read e-mail, but using the internet for anything else is a pain in that (any) hospital.
-Eat in advance. They seem to think pregnant women can live of 3 not too big meals a day. Nuts.

We'll see how much I get to do. I am on bed rest after all...

Oh, and thank you for the nice comments on my recent entries! I try to reply but of course it does not work as planned. Please keep them coming!

Pullovers For Husbands And Boyfriends

2007-06-10T19:31:00.002+02:00

So the other day while I was browsing blogs I came across an entry from Purlpower. "What a surprise", I thought, "there are more people out there who knit very red and back striped pullovers for others!" I remember how my husband kept demanding his version, as you can see he was successful as he was wearing one when I first met him 9 years ago and I could not deny a certain sentimental value. In December 2005 I finally cast on, (he did wait a looooong time...) and it did take me about 4 months to complete due to commitment issues.
His version is knitted as a raglan sweater, I purled the back and the front is plain stockinette, front and back are separated by a 2/2 rib. This way he can wear it either way although he seems to prefer the smooth side to the front.

He said about this sweater that it makes him feel like an "anarchist bumblebee". What better compliment can one get?

Confessions, Disasters And Some Volunteering

2007-05-31T08:09:00.006+02:00

I need to fess up. There was always this gloating me that never understood how on earth one could work on more than 2, maybe 3 projects at the same time, and I prided myself in having a very low UFO rate for years and years. To my shame I need to confess that this is no longer applicable. In March I had 2 projects going, and about 6 planned. Now I am (actively) working on 5, and 5 more are sitting in a drawer, needles and notes with the yarn already. Not cast on, not in the works, but ready to go. Considering my attention span at the present time this sounds like I have gone mad. It truly does.I took a nice picture of the works in progress, and the nice toe up sock I am knitting for myself does not have a short row heel, I did not find it attractive with this type of pattern. Don't get me wrong: I still love short row heels, but they seem to be better designed to suit plain socks or really complicated ones, so I went out and tried to work a Dutch Heel in reverse. This tutorial confirmed that it could be done, and it actually was easy and comfortable to work on the first try. Believe me, I usually need more than one run at something new.

More proof that I need more sleep and less hormonal upheaval is the fact that I managed to SHRINK a perfectly well and beloved cardigan of mine. I knitted it, wore it, loved it, and yesterday apparently forgot that I should wash it like I always do, with caution and in the WOOL wash cycle. I did not even seem to notice how awfully long that washing machine was running, or the fact that it was spinning a lot more than usually. In the end I was avoiding a breakdown only by consoling myself with the fact that a 2-3 year old will cherish this as a warm winter jacket. Once I adjust the arms to a human length. Please refer to before and after pictures, apple for scale in the after picture.

Glenna has been asked 5 questions on her blog. (Her answers are just so much more eloquent than mine, please go look at them if this kind of thing interests you...) Other than me she did not force them on others, but asked for volunteers. Hey, it's not like I do much besides being an incubator right now, do I? So here it goes.

1. Do you prefer chocolate or vanilla?
Well... I was always a chocolate kind of girl. But I do prefer dark chocolate, and don't eat very much of it. And I would have to concede that I am a chocolate snob, I grew up in Germany and the supply there surely is superior...

2. If you could only pick 5 yarns to work with for the next year, which ones would they be?
This question is truly. truly evil. Only 5? What are you thinking? OK, well, it would have to be:
The Yarn Yard makes some awesome sock yarn. As long as I get my monthly fix I am fine. Frangipani has some awesome Guernsey 4 Ply, in 500g cones and it knits up very, very nicely. Would not want to miss this. Shetland Wool , do I need to say more? Shilasdair Yarns dyes their own local wool and their shop on the Isle of Skye is absolutely awesome. This is another sock yarn one can't have enough of.
Yes, I am not ashamed to tempt you to go shopping now, that just comes with the question. I unfortunately do not have enough financial backing to shop as much as I like, as hard as my husband tries he just does not make enough to buy that house with that extra room for yarn...

3. What is your favorite time of day and why?

As much as I like my sleep, as much as I like to sleep late, it has to be those quiet hours around sunrise. I always had trouble sleeping and it just is special to watch the foxes at 4 AM, coffee (decaf right now, bummer) in hand. It makes for some good knitting too, my mind seems to be able to think the clearest, although that might just be an illusion considering the sleep deprivation that usually factors in that time of day.

4. Do you have any life goals that you haven't gotten to yet?
This is very difficult. Right now I don't think I can really answer that, before I got pregnant I would have mentioned my wish to go back to university or start my own business, that kind of stuff. Now all I can think of is being a good Mom, and to keep being happy with my husband. It might sound cheesy, but being a Mom is a truly scary prospect, and very exciting to look forward too.

5. What's one thing you've learned about yourself since taking up knitting?
I am very patient (apparently) and extremely anal. Something as 'simple' as knitting can give me a lot of joy, and I actually have become a more mellow and calm personality. It also made me less selfish, 95% of stuff knitted goes to other people. I don't think that would happen with my wages, or my breakfast...

I shall go back to knitting now. I should get a couple of inches on this sock before I a) need a nap or b) get hungry again.

More Knitting In Progress...

2007-05-23T18:45:00.000+02:00

Now where I seem to have more time on my hands (as I am supposed to take it easy, way easy) I seem to start a lot of knitting projects. Please feast your eyes on the vibrant colors to your left, my swatch (yes, I knitted a swatch!) for another baby blanket is just brimming with acrylic magic. That's what you get when you let your husband choose the yarn, but I should have known... See exhibit A... the socks he wanted me to knit him last year. He just has a thing for very bright color choices, and I am loving it as I would never ever knit that for myself, ever... He does have to wear a suit all day which does make for some bland work day color choices... So imagine him being rebellious: he sits down in his meeting, wearing a nice pin stripe dark blue suit, a nice white shirt and an appropriate tie. Shoes polished, but oh, what's that?! The socks, look at the socks... (He does this. Really. People love it.)

I have been up to more than just reminiscing though. I started a pair of socks for myself, with more of that famous Yarn Yard Yarn, and the pattern is from here although I am knitting the body of the sock (one at a time!) toe up again so I can practice some more. (By the way: the first pair of toe up socks was happily received by my Doc, mensch was he happy!)

Otherwise I am doing well, baby is actually very well. We had our 28 week appointment today, and the midwife and the doctor are happy but just keep telling me again to take it easy, of course I am more than happy to oblige as the alternative would be bed rest. Not good knitting then, I am only envisioning a very, very grumpy me if bed rest really happens. Wish me luck.

Odds (New) and Ends (Old)

2007-05-21T12:17:00.000+02:00

So here is the picture of my first (let me emphasize that... #1) pair of toe up socks. I am quite pleased, and on Wednesday they will be delivered to my Doctor, he'll be happy... I just wish he did not have such long feet.
It feels good to know how to do this, I will probably knit a lot more socks toe up. The heel is nice but I will also teach myself the Dutch Heel for this, and I am still looking for a nice bind off at the top. Maybe a nice sewn one? Elizabeth Zimmerman explains how to in her book "Knitting Without Tears" if I am not mistaken. (Please feel free to correct me...)

Since I am having this baby in about 10-12 short weeks I decided I should get going on some stuff.

So I started a baby blanket, as my Mom has been telling me all these horror stories about babies needing gazillions... apparently I was one of those who always wanted to share my meals as a newborn. (Yes, I do know about the cheap receiving blankets one should really use for that... I'll have plenty.)

Since we're at it: me and the baby are doing well. I am amazed that one can enjoy pain so much, after all this little one is getting strong and kicks a lot, preferably in my kidneys and my lower abdomen. But I have been told my my diligent team of doctors that taking it really easy is the way to go. I am not on bed rest, but the next best thing.
Wish me sanity. I can't even sit still through a movie.

Meme!

2007-05-18T19:39:00.000+02:00

I have been tagged by this nice Lady and this is actually my first time...
So here are the 'rules':
“Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.”

So here it goes:
1) I am obsessed with being a Mom soon. Not much else is going on in my life anymore.
2) I love cooking but am totally incapable of baking even decent cookies. Tragic, I tell ya!
3) I don't mind doing the dishes, but I hate putting them away.
4) Pretty much the only baby stuff I ever knitted is the set in the photo a looong time ago, for sale. (I know, I know. Shocking...)
5) I love NCIS, mostly because my Mom in Germany is watching it and we then can talk about all the gross details...
6) I want to live in the countryside so I can have the mini zoo I always wanted.
7) I had very, very short hair for 25 years, this is the first time in my life it's at about shoulder length.

So, here are my victims:
Rosie's Knits ,Cosmipluto Knits ,Geeks With Pointy Sticks ,Dances With Wool ,Twin Knit ,No Knit Sherlock ,and finally Pie Knits.
Please forgive me... and enjoy!!!

Sockwars And More...

2007-05-17T08:27:00.001+02:00

In 2006 I participated in the Sock Wars, and although I got eliminated pretty fast I did have a great time... Sadly I really doubt my commitment this year, I am not sure but I might just be to pregnant to do anything but eat and sleep. Either way I would not be a worthy contestant, but I highly recommend you looking here and keep updated so you can have fun battling the Sock Wars, enjoy enjoy enjoy...

On another note: I frequent this blog, Wendy Knits! and I noticed a particular nice blue sock that was knitted by her. It's a Summerfield Sock from the Loopy Ewe Sock Club, and it looks very much like my North Sea Sock! It goes to show (again) that we often 'invent' a pattern and end up recreating something that has been there for a long time. By the way: that Sock Club looks very tempting!
Oh, and there is another spot I found that pattern at: I inherited a whole box full of knitting things from my eldest sister, and she had a swatch looking just like that pattern as well, and I did not find it in any of the pattern books I got from her.

On my personal knitting front I am still struggling to finish a pair of socks and I did not allow myself to knit other things to take the edge off. Which slows me down even further, but I am hopeful to move on within the next 48 hours. Very hopeful.
Did I mention hopefulness never got me anywhere in knitting?

Totally Knitting Unrelated...

2007-05-13T16:34:00.000+02:00

I know. This has nothing to do with knitting. At all. I promised myself when I started this blog that I would keep my personal life out of it, and if I had to stray from that I would tie it to knitting or at least fiber-related somethings. (Or sneak in comments, hiding them in nice clean knitting related entries...)

Somehow life has a tendency to totally change. And this is proof at it's best, a picture of my beautiful growing 26 week old baby, just rudely woken up by a nice ultrasound technician and her prodding device. We do not know if it is a girl, or a boy, and I suppose it will remain a total surprise to us. Like we care... We just want a healthy, happy baby, and yes we are right on schedule so far, textbook growth and all. Junior(ette) is already taking over my life, it's a miracle I'm knitting at all right now considering what a space head I have become.
Now I know I 'incorporated' the news of my impending motherhood previously, however I suppose starting today there might just be more 'totally knitting unrelated' posts to be found.
No worry, it's still a knitting blog.

Proof!

2007-05-07T21:29:00.000+02:00

Here is the proof: I did knit a short row heel... Unfortunately we where unable to obtain a very good picture, but the thought counts in this instance...

My husband modeled, if you look closely you will see that his knuckle is swollen... he managed to hurt himself and it is taking it's sweet time healing. I know he will be fine but I wish he'd stay of his feet more.
I am still working on sock #2, I seem to get sidetracked a lot, the weather has been nice and I spend a lot of time organizing the apartment to suit the baby that will be arriving in 3 months.

Something New To Play With

2007-05-05T22:28:00.000+02:00

There is a new thing for us wool lovers out there. You should go and have a look at this new site called Ravelry , you can log your projects, patterns, there is a section to list all your needles and your yarn. You also get to browse other peoples patterns and more, more, more. While you are at it: check out frecklegirl's blog, she has more information available, and a very cute dog...

It is not open for the public as of yet, but the Ravelry team works hard on getting it opened up as soon as possible. There is a lot to get ready and the creators want to make sure that they can keep up with the increasing interest. You can however sign up to be a beta tester, more information will be on the website.

Now if this entry looks familiar to you: I actually copied Ysolda's blog with this, she advertised so well that I did not think there would be any harm in putting up a picture of the site myself. So go look at Ysolda's blog, she too has a lot to offer! (You might have seen some of her nice designs in knitty.com.)

Toe Up Experiment, the Short Row Heel...

2007-05-04T17:17:00.001+02:00

As I anticipated knitting a short row heel for the first time just was not without drama... I am not used to feeling this burning sensation between my eyes that you get when something simply goes over your head and frustration threatens to turn you into a hissing banshee. Fortunately the web is like a bottomless pit, and you can find plenty of help such as this very good tutorial which did help me along very well. And eventually even I got it: it is actually not as hard as it seemed at first, but I think I'll keep that tutorial handy anyhow.

I know you all want photographic proof, I promise this weekend I'll comply. I just am not close to a camera/model/proper place so for those reasons I'll hold off. But on a good note: sock #2 is coming along nicely. I know it should have been done. But the dear Doctor was a bit shy about his foot size (he provided shady numbers) so I had to actually unravel heel#1 and extend! But he tried it on bravely and loves the colors. Good. So back to work. I say.

Look At This!

2007-04-26T14:01:00.000+02:00

I do attend a knitting group on Wednesday evenings. OK, I am slacking lately due to being 6 months pregnant now, but I do count myself a part anyhow. What is very neat about this knitting group is that men are knitting here (link to City Knitty) and on top of that it is amazing what they come up with! So much for the misconception that it's a women's thing...

Either way, last night one of these knitting men gifted me with this awesome Torus Family, as well as a pair of Baby Shoes (or tulips, depending on the point of view...). Besides the fact that I did not expect any of this in the first place the whole niceness of this present just blew me away. (My husband who went with me last night actually dared asking me why I am not knitting cool toys like that for our future baby...)
This particular knitting man has a Blog that you should really look at. His thing is Math, Geometry and such and somehow one can tell... But yes, loads of thanks! This is very, very cool and we are debating to just not tell the future baby we got this cool present so we can keep it for ourselves... Just kidding.
I should mention that my benefactor found the pattern for the baby shoes here as he instructed me today. 05/01. So have a go and make some too! They are very nice!

How do YOU like to knit socks?

2007-04-19T06:07:00.000+02:00

I am very happy that people did reply to my question! I love to learn more, and I am glad I'm not the only one a bit afraid of toe up socks or new things...

-To the Flaming Massage Sock: yes, the bottom is knitted in garder stitch. I just don't know how to express things easy as English is my second language and I lack the simple terms sometimes. (You might notice that I butcher things, and oh am I glad for spell check!)
-My dutch heel is the kind of dutch heel my Mom taught me in Germany. It would be no surprise to me if there is different versions out there, and I might be off and it's some other German idea of the dutch heel.
-A star toe is the way I like to decrease. Let's say I have 80 stitches total and want to decrease for the toes, I knit as follows:
Slip, slip knit (Slip one stitch, then slip the next. Insert left needle into the front loops of the slipped stitches and knit them together from this position through the back loops, also known as ssk), knit 9, ssk, knit 9, continue like that all the way around.
Knit 1 row.
Ssk, knit 8, ssk, knit 8, continue like that all the way around.
Knit 1 row.
Ssk, knit 7, ssk, knit 7 , continue that all the way around .... and so on until I have only 8 stitches total left. I cut the yarn and just pull it through the remaining loops, pull tight, done!
I don't know what this toe would be called officially, but I like it as it is very hard wearing.

I did master the Short Row Heel by now, but photographic proof and details follow at another time... I also started to update my blog roll. Started.

Toe Up Experiment

2007-04-18T22:54:00.001+02:00

Knitting socks has been my nemesis for years. I guess some things just come seemingly easy to me, such as lace knitting, but socks and mittens sure are not. Since I knew how I have knitted socks the (to me) classic way: top down, dutch heel, mostly star toes. And even though that is a very good way to knit socks it seems like it's not always the most efficient route. Most socks I knit are from one skein or ball, and I seem to have a lot of yarn left over as I am pretty conservative, worried about running out in the middle of sock #2. (I did start using a scale, which helped but did not entirely solve the problem.) Btw: I do think it is a good idea to give away a small bit of yarn with each pair of socks as it is nice to have when mending is needed one day. But I digress.

Well, that era is coming to an end now. I am working on my first toe up sock! And yes, I am pleased how actually non frightening it turned out to be. The toe anyhow... with this tutorial. I still got to figure out how to work a short row heel, and that's going to be some adventure. Oh yea...

So what is YOUR favorite method: do you swear by top down, toe up or something completely different? Do you have ulterier motives altogether or do you use a method as it fits your project at the time? Just curious, really...

Flaming Massage Socks

2007-04-18T13:37:00.000+02:00

The socks for my husband are done. It did take me longer than anticipated, but I managed to complete them before he lost all hope. And are they really massage socks? My husband sure hopes so!

For the bottom of the foot I just knitted a row, then purled the next. And even though that does not seem like much it does feel very good walking on them... The idea for the rib is from the book "Sensational Knitted Socks" by Charlene Schurch but the rest is just standard knitting. Dutch heel, classic gusset... you name it. I admit I'm not a very brave sock knitter, but I am working to expand my horizon... The yarn is more Yarn Yard Yarn, I am doing the Club thing and hence I have a new skein each month.

Something else: my blog roll is not entirely up to date. There are so many nice blogs I like to look at and read, and I have not updated things in a while. And to be honest: it is a complicated affair as I do discover new blogs all the time and stop reading others once in a while too... So I am debating a new solution, something that will give more people the credit they deserve.

Spring Cleaning (failed....)

2007-04-14T21:13:00.000+02:00

You should have seen my husbands eyes when I dug up my yarn from all corners of this really small apartment. Truly priceless... This picture is still missing 2 current project's as well as some odd left overs and 3 500g cones with Guernsey Wool from here and a couple of small bags full that are still in the USA, but otherwise we got things assembled completely.
Seriously, I can't say that I feel bad about having this much yarn in the house, and there is a list of projects waiting for about 1/2 of this already. And some of this is just wonderful finds like some hand spun Alpaca from the Edinburgh Farmers Market. (I got to find that man's website!) So off to a good summer!
Yes, my husband did say something about a "35 pound weight limit for wool in the house..."

Some Inspiration For The Summer

2007-04-10T23:47:00.001+02:00

While my husband is having a blast in Cairo (he is actually working 14 hour days, I should be fair....) he got to visit the area a bit and look at sights and smells. (I would have come with on this business trip, but at 5 1/2 months into this pregnancy that just did not seem a good idea... the flight, the heat, the stomach bugs and the need for naps...)
Besides the obvious places to visit he also thought of me and went to check out the Spice Bazaar. A whole marked dedicated to huge bags and sacks full of the most amazing fresh and crazy spices! I love cooking, and I generally use spice according to how it looks with my meal, and some common sense sometimes. I love all the different flavors and colors, honestly I'm not sure what appeals to me more.
All the descriptions my well worded husband gave me caused me to revisit my stash. It had been neglected for some time now (shame on me!) and it might just have needed some spice. So to speak.
To be totally truthful: you only get to see one of about 100 photos. There is so much amazing stuff he saw and send me pictures of, old mosques, the pyramid's, the papyrus museum among others, street life in Cairo, the desert... But the Spice Bazaar would have been the place with the most amazing colors and impressions to me. As a knitter.

Going with the times

2007-04-01T12:23:00.000+02:00

I did it! I got myself a flickr account. But I only have a few pictures on there yet, the bulk of them is still on an external hard drive, and unreachable at this time. But my dear husband and I are planning to sort that out soon, so more is to come.

And: thank you for the nice comments I have received on this blog so far! It is very cool to see how this blogging community works, how we can look, learn and talk from and with people from all over the world. Splendid.

A Family Tradition

2007-03-31T15:28:00.001+02:00

Family traditions mean a lot to me. Maybe that is because we live so spread out around the globe that anything connecting us takes on a new meaning, and we cherish even the silly and the minuscule.
Knitting socks has been one tradition. (As you can see on the photo, and that is only the socks that where clean, not traveling with the husband, worn or to be fixed up. 2 generations of women represented, in no particular order.) My Mother has always knit socks for me and my sisters, and then they started as well. I was the last one to learn, socks have been my nemesis for years and years and man was I bursting with pride once I cracked the code! We all ended up in a sort of competition, with my Mom dropping out first because she just can't with her joints and is simply to dignified for such silliness, and then my oldest sister just produced so much that I was wondering if she secretly hired some other people to help her... she won hands down.
And then she died this February, barely 7 years older than me and with no apparent cause she was just gone, and her socks sit in my dresser drawer just to be taken out and looked at , cuddled and put back once in a while. Knitting is like a connection, I inherited her wool and her needles, her knitting books and her tricks. And of course there is so much more to be remembered and cherished about her, but the love she made our socks with just makes them special and knitting socks a tradition worthy to be mentioned.

On a (Sock) Roll!

2007-03-29T09:54:00.001+02:00

Beware! Picture heavy blog! For me anyhow...

Last week (correction: this week. I did mention I was loopy headed?) I traveled with my husband to Newcastle, and while he was sitting in meetings I went about my business, which in general consisted of shopping, swimming and knitting. It was quite a pleasant time, and I did catch up on a lot of email and planning.
One of the things I am determined to have more often is (better and) more photos to show. I love visiting someones blog and looking at their stuff, photos just are one of the things that keep me coming back. I have to confess that I am not very good at taking pictures, but I have been practicing (and cheating) and if all fails my husband comes to the rescue. He just seems to have that golden trigger finger for cameras, no effort but very nice results. Argh, I wish I had some of that!
As you can see I have finished my Mom's socks, and I can't wait to send them to her... She does not have Internet, so she has no idea what's coming her way. (Heeehehehehe!)
I am quite happy with the way this project turned out, the yarn just created this beautiful color spiel. They also fit me perfectly, which in return means that they will fit my Mom just as well. It's handy to have the same shoe size... It's just a Dutch heel and I made it a star toe, my preferred combination. I really need to learn how to knit a short row heel, so that I then can learn how to knit socks toe up. There is a big project on the needles too but at the present time it is quite hard for me to focus as I am now 5 months pregnant (yes, indeed!) and there is just so much going on that distracts me and I am a bit more loopy headed.
Hopefully the pictures show that it was a wonderfully sunny day. It actually was so warm that no wool coat was needed, and to take a walk could actually be enjoyed without scarf and or other weather proofing measures. Splendid, I can't wait for summer to get here. (And in the last picture I have already started a new pair of socks. This time for my husband, nice and comfy warm socks. Yes, spring is coming... But we live in Scotland so I have no doubt there will be plenty of days where he'll need them! )

Tadaaaa, a Sneak Preview!

2007-03-19T14:12:00.000+01:00

I am amazed at how easy it all the sudden was to upload the pictures from my camera to a Lynix run computer to my blog... I guess sometimes one just has to be willing to experiment and all the sudden I am much more comfortable using my husbands laptop. OK, I still want mine back.
The first picture shows #1 of a pair of socks I am working on for my mother. After I abandoned the shawl I was going to make her it seemed prudent to not abandon her completely. After all she has been waiting for a long time, first the cardigan, the shawl... The yarn is another beauty from the Yarn Yard.
Same could apply to a very, very good friend of mine who is living in the USA. I promised her a cardigan about a year ago, and after completing 60% of the Guernsey I eventually started working on I decided to start over and respect her wishes a bit more. She did ask for a cardigan after all, but I will reserve some 'artistic liberties'. (Sounds scary depending on how well you know me.)
I do feel guilty about taking so much time to complete these projects! I usually do well with deadlines, and finish things in a decent time span. But there is hope out there!
Note on socks: socks just are the best little carry-with project. I fit them in any purse or bag I might be using, they don't usually interfere with bigger projects I am working on and they are a wonderful breeding ground for crazy experiments and ideas. I do have a friend who wants to learn how to knit socks and I can't wait to teach her! It is always very exciting to see someone else getting addicted.

Oh the pictures I could show you...

2007-03-18T18:08:00.000+01:00

If my laptop was not broken and Lynix (my husbands laptop is running on that...) would accept photos from my digital camera. But unfortunately it does not, and now I'm sitting on a newly started cardigan (from what used to be the 'Best Friends Guernsey" in progress) and some very lovely socks with lacy accents... In my Mothers favorite color scheme. The yarn is from the Yarn Yard, another beautiful skein of sock heaven!

On a different note: I really like to read other knitters blogs. Some are popular, some are not very well known. But the variety of things to see and learn is just amazing! So it struck me a bit odd that there are a lot of people out there who won't even consider a blog if it does not get an appropriate amount of comments, let's say 50 at least. Why is that? Should it matter? Sure, each their own. No criticism intended, really. But there are so many wonderful blogs out there that are not popular at all, and yet the content is amazing. Ah, I should probably update my list!

What's new?

2007-03-11T23:33:00.001+01:00

So now I have not been knitting since Christmas, pretty much. I guess sometimes life just gets out of control and so much crazy stuff has happened, from a death in my family to some really good news in my own life.
But I'm ready now to pick up the needles again. First order of business: that lingering Guernsey for my long suffering friend. She's been waiting so long now, and I just decided I did not like the design. I unraveled all 60% completed, and redesigned the whole thing. It will be worth it! And I feel some new energy, so I'll be able to complete this in acceptable time.
Next: the shawl for my Mom. do not like it anymore. The yarn? I am not sure. The pattern? I don't know. I think I just need to try something new altogether... My Mom has been waiting for a long time too, usually I am fast...
But most everyone is very forgiving, except the one pair of socks I need to make. So maybe that will be a small project to ease the Guernsey along. Good knitting!

Knitting Again!

2007-01-19T23:45:00.000+01:00

This is the last present that I had to finish. A pair of socks for the cousin from Las Vegas. I hope he does need these there, but although he proclaims himself to be always warm and never cold he thinks my Husband and I are fits of nature as we do sleep with the window open unless it is REALLY freezing. So I guess they will be loved and well worn...
The yarn used is from The Yarn Yard and I really liked the feel of it as I was knitting! I have 2 more skeins sitting here and am tempted to let some other projects sit a little longer so I can make another pair of socks for myself. But that would be selfish and not exactly what I promised before.
The second picture is showing my favorite way to knit toes. I just like the way it wears well and seems to fit all kind of feet, even people with pointy toes. (My Husband agreed to be my model. Hence the hairy legs...)
So now I am working on the next item on my list. Originally I promised my Mama a cardigan, and we bought the yarn in Germany in early 2006 (the yarn is just soooo much cheaper there,really!) and now she has been waiting and waiting and finally I am working on her.... shawl. Yes, shawl. I just could not bring myself to make her a cardigan with this, somehow I had tis picture of waves stuck in my head and since she does live at the Nordsee (North Sea) I felt it was a fitting choice. I am hoping she agrees. But she is very forgiving, and she will get a guernsey instead. Maybe even this coming winter! The yarn is 'La Grossa, Silana' and it is very very soft and soooo nice to knit with.

Knitters Block?

2007-01-15T20:15:00.000+01:00

I have been doing some 'inventory' and noticed that I have not been knitting much at all in the last 3 weeks... To me that is a rather astonishing development as I am permanently attached to my knitting, usually at least. Sure, there is stuff happening in my life that makes it a rather chaotic one at the time (not in a bad way) and I moved continents and I just went to Germany for my first Christmas there in 7 years. But no knitting? That requires some reflection.
It is not even a lack of ideas. I have plenty to work on, my own patterns and bought patterns that need trying out. I have a good yarn stash, I am not disliking the idea of starting a new project and there are not too many projects unfinished. Very few are 'on-demand' and require real effort. I actually have time to knit, and plenty too. So what is it?
So I went and looked at the years I have been knitting now. Sorry, I know it sounds cheesy, it's not that long after all. I think I did explore a lot of things, I did even tackle my biggest fear and nemesis - the sock... But I am somewhat partial to what I like and don't like. I like to knit Lace, Fair Isle, Two Strand Color Knitting, Structured Knits and now anything socks. I love the 1940's and Traveling Stitches. I really don't like the Color Knitting that uses more than 2 colors at once, it just confuses my simple mind I guess. I don't like to knit bulky stuff or fuzzy stuff, the interesting new yarns that one can buy just don't ring with me. For some reason I don't really like to knit for Baby's, not to say I don't like them I just don't like knitting for them. Although I (secretly) admire all the ones who whip up these gorgeous Baby creations to adore those little bundles of joy. I do like to design my own stuff jet I lack some understanding of technique since I am stubbornly self thought. And I am my own worst critic, just ask my husband who likes to wince in agony when I just got to unravel something (again) because that one stitch in row 35...
But I'm digressing. I think the reason why I am not really knitting at the moment (aside from my chaotic life right now) is the fear that I might get stuck with my likes and dislikes, that I might miss out on something cool because I refuse to try it or perhaps there is a fear of not being able to improve my skills. Not that they don't need improving, trust me they do! But somehow I have not really tried as much new stuff as I was hoping to in 2006 and although I am very pleased with my projects I just want more. New experiences, new techniques, new stuff period.
And I want to knit for myself. Oh yea, maybe this is the year I actually manage to be selfish, to turn down the big eyes that look at me longing for a new pair of socks or a new shawl... right. It's always worth a try.

So I guess I better get moving and stop complaining...

How Small The World Is!

2007-01-12T16:37:00.000+01:00

When I sat down at my weekly knitting group on Wednesday I noticed that one of the Ladies there was working on a shawl using a pattern that looked very close to the pattern I used in my Red Lace Shawl. The pattern I used is a pattern I saw on the internet in 2004 and modified to suit my needs.
I am somewhat excited, because the pattern she was using is working very well with all kinds of yarns and colors! So here is the pattern the Lady at my group used and you just need to click the link to be taken to the Spring 2005 issue of Knitty.com

So enjoy! And it just goes to show that one can modify and/or invent a pattern but often it really is only a reinvented new version of something old.

Blogging and Comments

2007-01-07T23:12:00.000+01:00

Sure, here she goes again. Rambling on about herself....
Actually I wanted to thank those few people who actually leave me nice comments and who have suggestions or experiences to share. I like to 'present' my knitting and ideas (and yes, rambling thoughts) to a broader audience, and the point being is the learning and reaction.
I remember the first real critique I got on something I knitted. A couple of years ago, when I just started to knit obsessively again I made myself a cardigan and did not follow instructions, of course. I have to mention this because at the time I was frequenting a knitting shop in town and the owner, a lovely old lady, was very keen on sharing her knowledge and always warned me to 'knit my swatches, measure etc, etc...' All things I just did not do very often at the time. (And when I say nice old lady I mean the kind that is so sweet at heart, but that could tear you to pieces in just under 4 words....) Her opinion really meant a lot to me and the day I took this cardigan there was rather intense. After all I did this not following her instructions and she was known to be harsh. To my amazement she really liked it and did indeed only give me one or two pointers, good ones at that. I doubt I would have stopped to knit had she not liked it, but the fact that she sat down with me and actually took the time to talk to me and ask me about some things she saw right and wrong was very nice.
I should mention that at the time I was very deprived of fellow knitters. Any social exchange with a knitting context just was fantastic.

A Free Chart To Try

2007-01-03T18:51:00.000+01:00

I have been asked about this pattern, and so I decided to at least publish the chart. For right now I am still going over my patterns, I need to write them into a format that can be easily downloaded. (Which is one of the plans for 2007.) I hope you can use this and... enjoy.

Notes:
-I used Jaeger Matchmaker Wool, and 2.5 mm needles.
-Stitch #1 and #40 can be purled if desired. It seems to shape the edge well.
-The green on the chart is the 'secondary' color.
-The black dot in row 4 indicates where I started the thumb increases. Of course you can do the thumbs any way you like....

So, simple and easy. Please feel free to email me with any questions! I gladly answer any and every.

knittianaATgmailDOTcom

Please do not use this chart for commercial purposes. You may print a copy for your personal use. © Knittiana!

The Pink Stuff In Action!

2007-01-03T18:37:00.000+01:00

How cute, she's blushing! But yes, she too loves her present! It was a very cold and windy winter day at the sea, but yet her hands where warm and comfy!

OK, I think for now there will be no more mittens. I need to finish some other projects that have suffered but all in all I have ideas for skirts, shawls, scarfs, cardigans that are much more pressing in my mind. There is so much to do, and I am going to be blessed with some time at home. And: I owe a very good friend a pullover that has been in the works for far too long now.