Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

Harry Movie Madness


Don't tell me!  That's my usual opening line to anyone who has almost anything to say regarding Harry Potter, for at least a couple of weeks.

Yes, I am a Harry Potter lunatic.  Perhaps that's not entirely true, after all, I am a movie lunatic, in general.  That's to say, I can't abide being told anything about a movie before I've seen it myself.  It's a horrible flaw in my personality, I know, and I probably should lock myself in a closet or join a self-help group, or something.

It's always difficult trying to keep the mystery alive, especially when changing the television channel and being zapped in the face with scenes from the movie when I least expect it.  You don't know what I go through!  I purposely do not watch any trailers or interviews with stars or directors, and if some news network starts interviewing people as they leave the theater, I switch channels immediately, and if that's not possible, I run screaming from the room with my fingers in my ears.  It's not pretty.

I am a mystery fan.  Even when the mystery isn't all that mysterious.  I mean, the book has been out for quite a time, and I've read it the prerequisite 3 times already, right?  I should know what the movie is about.  I do, I do, but we all know the movie is always a bit different.  Ahhhh, that's where the mystery lies....where are the differences, can I spot them, and of those differences, which ones do I think were done well and which ones missed the mark?

It's hard being me. 

Monday, November 15, 2010

Not Socks


Believe me, this yarn is absolutely beautiful.  It reminds me of a plump eggplant, basking in the sun.  Could I be any more descriptive?  You can call it plum, or concord grape, even purple, but 'aubergine' sounds so much more deep and rich, and it is...it really is.

I'm knitting up something a little different.  Can you guess what is working its way on and off the needles?



This yarn is my footsies favorite, Happy Feet, by Plymouth, and although this won't go anywhere near the toes, this gorgeous color can't help but be noticed....no matter what part of the body it adorns.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Feet Smothered in Diamonds


Promises, promises!  Yes, I promised these would be completed before Halloween.  I didn't lie, honest.  Finding my daughter available for modeling during the day is always an undertaking.  I grabbed her on the way out the door, and asked her to put on some shorts, quick!  I'm glad you can't see the expression on her face....ouch.



These are pretty, don't you think?

The yarn:  Knitpicks, Stroll
Needles:  US size 2 dpns
Pattern:  My own.  A simple 2x2 rib cuff, with a diamond pattern for the leg and foot - stockinette on the sole.  The heel and toe are fairly standard, but any favorite heel/toe combination would work well, I think.
             


They are toasty warm, and just in time for our cooler weather.  It never really feels like Autumn when the temp is in the 80's. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Fall Sweater on the Needles


I'm loving this very fall-like colorway of MadelineTosh.  It's called 'Moss", and I couldn't have thought of a better name, myself.  The browns and greens, as well as the lights and the darks are a delight to the eye.  How Madelinetosh creates these strands without a hint of stripes is a mystery. 



I've completed the back portion, and started the sides.  The yarn is pure joy to work, but I do question the idea that it's a DK weight.  It surely works up more like a worsted. 




What's this?  Well, it's the lower edge of the left side of a cardigan, of course.  This stockinette refuses to lie flat, and I'm thinking that I might have to block the individual pieces before joining. 

Christmas knitting and a few surprises are in hiding.  They might make a few appearances as the holidays draw near.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Monday, November 1, 2010

UFO Sighting


This square was my first attempt at  making a Baltimore Album quilt.  The colors used in these type of quilts vary, but green and red seem to dominate most patterns.  Some quilts use green and red alone.  I didn't copy this pattern, but combined some of my favorite aspects of several really pretty quilts to create my own little design.



You can see the itsy bitsy stitches used in this 'fold and pin' technique.



Even the wee rosebud was given extra special care.  It's so cute.



I have 3 of these completed 14-inch squares.



The flip side of each square must be trimmed of excess fabric, otherwise quilting would be nearly impossible.  Just look at the layers, and this is prior to adding batting and a backing.  Yikes!



Trim, trim, trim.



Oh oh, where's the center?



The center of the 4th hibernating square needs love and attention. 

I began this project about 12 years ago ( yes, I am very naughty).  The colors and the flowers are very nice, but my enthusiasm has waned for this bold color and very bold style of quilt. Now, I'm thinking a nice little coverlet folded at the end of the bed, is the smart way to go.  After adding a generous border, it'll look sweet.  Any thoughts?