Copycat

Remember in an earlier post I wrote that our eldest daughter requested a look-a-like shawl for her honeymoon? Well thanks to Chan I now have the required amount of yarn in the perfect color.

Her bridal shower is July 30th and I plan to have this finished by then.

This pattern had a chevron design but I opted to forego the main body pattern in lieu of a larger shawl with a full ruffle. The larger shawl ruffle will result in a zillion or so stitches (by my estimate ;). Another reason to skip the chevron pattern. I want to do the ruffle in k1p1 instead of st st which would cause it to curl.

And if anyone knows me they know how much I dislike k1p1. I'll keep you posted on the progress. So far so good. I hear the heat and humidity are returning so the air conditioner will be cranked so I can knit away.

The Queen of Hearts

In spite of everything you have not seen on this blog I have actually been busy.
Another baby set. This time the timeline was a few months so I took my time and enjoyed the knit.
I'm calling this set, The Queen of Hearts.









It's made from Berrocco Comfort Worsted. This is my baby go-to yarn. It does have a tendency to split if one is not careful but I like the finished product, it's soft and comfy.











A Tomato (or is it an Apple) hat for another little gift. This is Caron Simply Soft. The pattern is quick and made in a few hours. Perfect gift for a quick deadline.










Last but not least our eldest daughter will be getting married. She saw this shawl and decided she wanted one for her honeymoon. Say what??? When I suggested a shawl a few months ago to go with her gown she scoffed it. She saw this and made an immediate request. Again, say what??? Chan was quick to point out that mom can't possibly be as trendy as the Duchess.
So Chan and I are going to begin a rather loose based KAL to knit this shawl. The pattern we want won't be out until the last week of June. I have a deadline which is the DD's bridal shower the end of July. Here's hoping for cool weather and fast knitting ;).

Absent once again

I've been absent once again but that's not to say I haven't been busy unlike Mr. Bettis who is snoozing away.

Knitting from stash is my goal this year so a Rambling Rows afghan was cast on. Not a pretty thing but it will be a warm afghan for next winter. I've already hit the stash for another one as soon as this one is finished.

Another mini Annis was cast on in the Patons FX sock yarn and finished in 2 days. I can't rave enough about this pattern.

A baby blanket has been cast on. It's a gift and there's a deadline as in 2 weeks and it must hit the mailbox. So far, so good and I think it will be in the PO hands shortly.
What's on your needles?

Friends & Fiber

Sipping my coffee anxiously waiting to leave for a fiber festival. Chan will be there and although I've talked to Anita on the phone this will be my first meet-up with her.
I am so excited and can hardly wait.


I'll leave you with a small sample of finished knitting. An Annis from Knitty only in mini form. It only took a day to make this little baby and I love it. There will be more on the needles.









I'm off here now to have some fun and for the rest of my friends who couldn't make it, I'll be thinking of you. Maybe next year?

p.s. Mr. Bettis's attorney is hereby on notice just in case he can't behave. Since you can't be here to meet up with us Jessi, keep an ear out for a frantic BARK! ;)

Victor/Victoria

The e-spinner and I have become best friends. It's a she and her name is Victoria Vespera. She was named Victoria because my wonderful friends helped to overcome my disability in order to enjoy something I love, so victory it is.
Victoria and I spun some BFL roving I had laying around. A navajo plied worsted weight with a generous 250 yds. I still have a bit of the roving and will spin it to match.




My apologies to ravelry stalkers for the following post.
I carded some corriedale fleece with a small batch of alpaca and spun it on my Kundert spindle.











When finished I had approximately 500+ yards of a singles.
It grew up to be a Swallowtail shawl. Since there was so much yardage I added a few more repeats to the main part of the pattern as well as the edging.








It is unbelievably soft and I love it. I must admit (rather sheepishly, no pun intended)that I am so proud of this project I could bust at the seams.
It is drapped over an antique quilt rack in the bedroom and I gently touch it every time I pass the rack. From start to finish I think this project is my most accomplished project since I started knitting way back when at the ripe age of 9 yrs. Trust me, it's been a long time.

What do you think is your most accomplished project?

Lookin' on the Bright Side

I'm glad this week is almost over. Recovery is s-l-o-w and frustrating. The week began with issues and steadily became worse as it progressed. But I'll spare the details and look for the brighter things in Life.

A package arrived yesterday chock full of goodies.

Jessi sent a trio of books and a beautiful handmade card (which I forgot to include in the photograph). A card magazine full of ideas and it's already dog-eared. No, Mr. Bettis didn't dog ear the book......lol

The Toe-up Socks for Everyone is an excellent sock pattern book. This book is chock full of fun and intriguing patterns for everyone. Yarn is ready and waiting for me to choose the first pattern. Last but not least in this pick-me-up package was the Knitsimple magazine, full of fresh spring knitting ideas.

Thank you, Jessi, these books will keep me off the knee and resting.



Chan introduced me to the world of card making and I dove into another hobby. I know you're thinking I don't need another hobby but....it's so much fun.
The youngest DD owns a few stamps. I put them to good use. The cards are not fancy by any means but I have had so much fun and now the new card book will add to my fun.









I finally finished my Yellow Dandy shawl. I love it. The pattern was a bit of a challenge at first but it soon was a joy to knit. I've already cast on for another one.










The DH showed up with these. He knows I love lilacs.
So on his way home from work he found these growing in a meadow and stopped to cut a few branches. I hope this wasn't a private meadow, he could be a wanted man....LOL
They're cut and in a mason jar (yep, just like my grandmother used to do) Lilacs bring so many happy memories of my childhood. Isn't it interesting how certain smells conjure memories?

I wish all of you lived closer so we could visit and knit for awhile. We could sip some hot or iced tea, munch on homemade shortbread and enjoy the lovely lilac aroma giving way to yet another happy memory.

Week's End

It's another weekend and it looks like rain is in the forecast.

Spring has arrived in all her glory. I'm not a huge fan of spring or summer. Spring is a fickle season. Can't seem to make up her mind if it's going to be warm or cool/rain or sun.

This year, spring has spent a lot of time coming to full bloom therefore insisting on pollen sticking around a bit longer than normal. All well and good until the honeysuckle arrives. I am highly allergic to honeysuckle and it grows wild in our yard. aaahhh-choooo.


For those who inquired about the shawl pattern, it's the Gail (aka Nightsong). This is not a center stitch increase pattern but I added a center stitch in order to keep better track of the pattern repeats.
It's almost finished :).










Here's Mr. Bettis and Miss Gypsy sharing a moment together. As you can see he is on alert. The cat entered the room and of course he thinks it is his duty to monitor her activity.










Ho-hum. She only climbed on a chair and took a nap and it's raining outside. Nothing better to do but take a nap too.

We don't have any specific plans this weekend.
My MIL's birthday is today so we're hoping to catch up with her this weekend to celebrate her special day.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

It's a Knitting Jungle

I've wanted an excuse to make this adorable little elephant for quite some time. The pattern is easy and the result is too cute for words. I used two balls of Peaches and Creme yarn in the color Fiesta.
Meet Miss Ellie. She's ready for some hugs and kisses.








This is the Lacy Baktus. Quite the rage in blogland and Ravelry. Normally I choose the pattern then the yarn but this time the yarn chose the pattern.

I spun this from a small amount of roving that was purchased at the MD Sheep & Wool Festival a year or so ago. It's been sitting very prettily in a basket begging to be knit.

I called it Winter Birds because it reminds me of the birds hiding out in the trees during the winter storm.

I can't rave enough about this pattern. Love, love love it from start to finish.
Looks like everyone is getting a Baktus for next Christmas :).

Knit 'n Spin

It's been a snowy month and a busy one for this spinner/knitter. There's not enough time in the day for me to accomplish all that I want to do. Add Mr. Bettis wanting in and out all day long and well...........you see where this is going.


This little shawlette scarf thingy (for lack of a better name) was knit from a skein that I spun. I love the spin to knit process. It's gratification in the finest.

This little sweater was gifted and received with appreciation.

It was made with Sirdar Bamboo and I can't say it's my favorite yarn to knit. I'm not a yarn snob and knit from just about anything including plastic shopping bags. Hey don't knock it, I must try something at least once. LOL

Back to the yarn review. The colors are beautiful and rich but it was a slippery yarn to knit. The only thing that saves it's little yarn soul is the end result. Finding the button was a task in and of itself but I found a lovely little heart button that was perfect. I will definitely knit this one again only in different yarn.

Smarty Pants #2 Son's afghan. Mr. Smarty Pants didn't want the "technicolor dream coat" afghan and requested a solid teal color. Not too sure he really understood the concept of the circular lace afghan but I think his wife appreciated it.

Hoping to accomplish some much needed spinning this coming week. Looks like the map is calling for another snow storm next week but time will tell. In the meantime, Mr. Bettis wants outside. Again.

Pause

First off, this one is from Jessi. Really cool notepads, a lovely smelling soap cake that is sitting pretty in a basket and is hands off to the hubby and Mr. Bettis!
A most gorgeous skein of Miss Babs sport weight yarn. I must find a special pattern for this skein. The colors are rich and vibrant, perfect for something that will be mine. All mine:).
Thank you so much Jessi. I love it.




This package was given by Chan .

Miss Sissy and her Little sister, Gretchen included a small gift for Mr. B & co.
As soon as Mr. Bettis was shooed so I could get pictures, Little Miss Gypsy showed up to see what all the fuss was about. Carrot flavored treats for all.
Mr. Bettis & Co humbly thank Miss Sissy and Lil' Gretchen for thinking of them with all this birthday fuss:).
Mr. B thinks it should be party time ALL the time. LOL





This lovely package contained yummy pumpkin butter, a gorgeous skein of Wollmeise and a beautiful colored Vera Bradley wallet. The rings are not for Mr. B although he may think so. They're to make buttons.
As soon as I got in the car I was transferring everything from my old wallet into the new one. There was a shriek which caused the hubby to hit the brakes.
Chan put a penny in the wallet so I may never be broke. I know it's a simple gesture but simplicity is never over-rated.



Tucked in the bottom of the bag was this beautiful shawl handknit by Chan. This is my absolute favorite color of Noro sock yarn and I love it! Thank you, Chan.

A Big Surprise!

A surprise package arrived at my house. It was absolute perfect timing. It arrived the day before we took the "baby"for the college moving day.

It is the Candlelight Shawl and it's from my non-blogging friend, Sara. I was so shocked and surprised that a few tears came. There was the cutest card enclosed in the package that made me laugh through the tears.
The college freshman took pictures and lightly fingered the exquisite knitting. I love the color and I love the style. It is beautiful. Thank you yarn bunches, Sara. I will think of you when I wear this beautiful knit.




This is the view from the back. Hides the thick back brace:). Love it! Thanks again non-blogging friend, Sara:)
Thanks to everyone for everything. The virtual hugs, the thoughts, prayers and gifts. This has been a difficult time and you have been so understanding and thoughtful.
Thanks to all of you, my blogging friends, for your compassionate thoughts and emails.




I'm going to make my life a bit lighter and easier so onto the unknitting.
Going into hibernation is this blanket. I'm bored with this project and my blanket knitting mojo has taken a hike for the time being.











Jumping in the frog pond is this project. A sweater. B-o-r-i-n-g! Rip-pit!













Another project that's going swimming in the frog pond is another sweater. Got bored with this one too. Rip-pit!

Now I have free needles and yarn. mmmmmm........might be time to cast on for another pair of socks. I should make the new college freshman a pair. She's going to need them.

On and on......

Life has been challenging but it is what it is.

Took the DD to her orientation at college. She seems to be adjusting well with the exception of the teensy, weensy room. Little rant here, considering her tuition is out of this world, wouldn't ya think the rooms would be a bit larger? She waved good-bye with a smile on her face and otherwise all is well. Not sure if we're both putting on a good front or we really are adjusting to the upcoming transition but I think parents know when "it's time." I believe her 2 week stay in AZ was a wonderful and mature experience. Hey Jessi and Chan, I'll post more pics of her trip just as soon as soon as she uploads them to her mother:).


Alita is moving along. S-l-o-w-l-y. I'm on Row 115. There are a zillion stitches. Okay. Not quite a zillion but you know what I mean. I try to put on a few rows everyday and I'm on the downward stretch. I like the pattern so that helps.









I decided I needed to start more projects. Gets difficult when all of my needles are in use on UFO's......lol

I started the Forest Canopy shawl from Poems Sock yarn. I'm not sure how this yarn would wear if I actually made socks from it. It is a single ply thick and thin yarn and it just doesn't appear to be durable enough for sock wear. But I do think it will make a gorgeous shawl.






I dug around in the stash and found this skein beggging to be cast on. Forget the fact, this will be the 4th pair of green socks on the needles.
Now what which UFO do I hibernate so I can cast on these babies.....lol

As my non-blogging friend Sara says, "knit like the wind." I'm going to do just that:).

It's What?

It's raining.........again! I am wearing a sweater and jeans today. On June 4th. This is ridiculous! I think I need specs for an Ark.
Thank goodness Mrs. Jenny Wren's house is above the ground. I decided to check on the wee one today. Well guess what?









The camera (known as the birdie sonogram) revealed not one but four wee eggs! It's quadruplets, folks.
The DD and I are ecstatic. If only I could knit for them. How about little birdie sweaters with JW initialed on them? Names? I'll have to come up with names. Any suggestions?
I do have a small concern. She built this nest inside a grocery bag. I wonder how she will get them out of there to fly? And if so, what about Mr. Bettis & Co who may be outside during the flight? No worries on the cats. They're inside creatures although Miss Aurora has been spending quite a bit of time at the kitchen window watching.





I cast on for yet another project. The Caricia shawl. Now let's see I wonder how far I'll get on this one.

Spin Forward

Knitting is on a roll here in between the spinning. Chan is making one of these so I had to snoop and find the pattern. Found it! Now to look in the stash for yarn. Found that too!
I bought this cotton fingering yarn at MD Sheep and Wool ions ago. I have no intention on making cotton socks. So I put the two together and started another project.
It's easy. It's mindless and I need this right now. It is a great project to drag along in the car. Love it!






This is a blend I finally spun. It is a mohair/wool blend. Those Mo's are a little scratchy (lol) so I'll be careful to make something that isn't close to the tender skin. I don't spin for perfection, I spin for enjoyment.

Spinning has taken a first seat to knitting these days. Of course, I have no support or encouragement from family members.
As Mr. Smarty Pants DH put it to the DD,
".....oh your mother gets on this wool thing every year at the same time right before the MD Sheep & Wool."
On top of that, Lil Miss Smarty Pants DD had the nerve to ask last evening, "...so how long is this spinning/wool thing going to last?" (she's just like her father)
I have no idea what these people are talking about. I admit there are a few rather large bags of wool in the spare room. Wet wool is drying on the deck and containters of batts and roving are in the rec room patiently waiting to be spun.





I love summer food. Although I'm still purchasing at the market, I just love the food choices. Baby greens, cucumbers, red peppers, strawberries & pecans. Add a little poppy seed dressing and Yum!

Spring Startitis

It's Spring. Which means it's a new beginning and a fresh "start." It's also fishing season and time to "cast a line."
Spring also means allergies and in this knitter's knitting nest, a bout of "startitis." So here we go again. Keep in mind this disease is non-curable. Once a knitter has contracted startitis they have it forever. It can go in remisssion but rears it's yarn ball head any time when least expected. I have found if I even think of finishing a WIP, WHAM! Startitis hits and it's like a yarn ball unwinding, it's becomes a tangled mess.
Startitis causes one to cast on for projects that said inflicted knitter knows for a fact there are projects cast on that will never be finished. Case in point. I cast on to make a knit tote to carry my knitting. Now I'm even asking myself, "WHY?" But logic goes right out the window and I'm digging in the stash of yarn and needles and casting on anyway.

I have cast on so many projects I couldn't even post all of them. Stupid blogger only allows 5 pictures on a post. So get a cup of tea or coffee and watch this knitter' bout of startitis take control and the "logical" excuses for starting new projects.





Fresh start means starting a new project. Right? So I cast on for the swallow tail shawl.

Deadline? May 2, 2009








I saw this project on a knitting site and just had to start this project. A Baby blanket.

Deadline? June 7, 2009










These are the Harlotty socks out of Cookie A's new sock book. I'm moving right along on this sock but keep in mind I have two feet therefore I'm not sure when the second one will be made.

Deadline? Fall 2009


p.s. this is not a "new" project as I started it 2 days ago but it has consumed every waking moment with the exception of breaks to start new WIP.



While working on the above socks my mind wandered (as usual) and I got to thinking about this skein of yarn. Since I like the pattern so well I decided to cast on for another pair. Now I know what you're thinking, "why did she start another pair when she doesn't have the first one finished?"
Answer? I really don't have one except to say, "It's Spring and that means a serious bout of startitis has hit this knitter."

Deadline? Don't have one.......thank goodness

mmmm.........I wonder......is there a documented case of finish-i-tis?