http://wendyknits.net/2009/11/16/a-slick-trick/

http://wendyknits.net/?p=5217

This is not a knitting trick, but a trick for the Droid phone, which is my new favorite toy.

I was all set to purchase the multimedia docking station for the Droid — the one that charges it while displaying weather, time, photos, etc. I figured I’d replace my alarm clock with this nifty little solution that costs $29.99.

Well, you can download a free app from the Android Market called “Dockrunner.” It puts your Droid into multimedia mode without the dock. Here’s my little Droid running multimedia mode and going commando without a dock.

You need to plug your charger in on what is now the bottom of the phone, so you do need some sort of stand for it if you want it to stand up nicely on your nightstand.

I ordered this stand from ThinkGeek.com for $3.99. Beats $30!

I’ve had my Droid for a week, and I am still in love with it.

Current Knitting

I’m working on a sock design using the lovely MacKintosh Iona sock yarn pictured in yesterday’s blog post. Here is the first sock, which I completed yesterday:

I’m calling the design “Thistle and Heather Socks” and it will eventually be available for sale from MacKintosh Yarns.

Or maybe “Heather and Thistle Socks.”

We Have a Winner

The winner of the Nicky Epstein book is Carol R., chosen by the great and mighty Random Number Generator. Thank-you to everyone who left a comment. If your name is Carol R., check your email.

Psssst! I’ll have another book to give away later this week . . .

Meanwhile, Lucy hasn’t done any more mountain climbing.

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/you-gotta-put-it-somewhere.html

http://www.keyboardbiologist.net/knitblog/2009/11/zebra-striper-and-ms-z.html

As you can see, it's quite large on her.  The sleeves are much too long, and the shoulders are quite broad.  But loose is good when you're a toddler on the move.  And large means that it could possibly last beyond this season.  Which would make this momma knitter very happy indeed.

Of course, during our "photoshoot" the one place she wanted to be was the dirtiest place in the park -- the baseball diamond.  She's fascinated with dirt right now, and drawing in it.  I guess it's a good think that Baby Ull is superwash wool.


One thing that makes me quite pleased, is that you would be hard pressed from a distance to tell that the sweater is handmade.  I think I did a bang up job with neat seaming and weaving in ends.  About the only thing that would make you notice (if you got up close) is that the motifs aren't quite centered on the front.  This was one of those "read the instructions" bits that I didn't do as well as I should have (because they were in the front of the pattern section, not with the pattern), but, in the end, marks the sweater as something made by a loving person and not a machine.

I don't have a lot more to say about this little sweater than I already have in the series of construction posts.  I'm very happy with the black buttons.  This was a fabulous introduction to both colorwork and steeking.  In fact, steeking was in no way as scary as I thought it was going to be and I can't wait to try it out on a larger sweater project.

As far as this pattern is concerned, I found it quite easy to follow.  I think the instructions are clear, but sometimes you need to read very carefully to make sure that you follow the whole train of thought.  I did have to refer to some internet tutorials to help with the steeking process -- mostly I wanted a few more visuals to make sure that I was handling the machine stitching the right way.  While it can get a bit tedious knitting a sweater on tiny needles with tiny yarn, if you want to try out colorwork and/or steeking, this is the perfect sort of project to get your feet wet on.  The amount of colorwork is actually quite small relative to the rest of the sweater and, since it is a small project, I think there's a little less fear when it comes to the "cutting your knitting" part.

Before I had children, I could never understand the point of knitting them anything complicated. What was the point when the recipient wouldn't really understand the work that went into it and would grow out of it so quickly.  When I see Ms. Z in this sweater, it makes me so happy inside, I forget all about how much time it took me and the fact that there will be a time that this little sweater will be relegated to the "outgrown" pile -- and then I start trying to figure out what I am going to make for her next.

http://spindyeknit.com/2009/11/a-song-sung-in-f-major/

http://spindyeknit.com/?p=8273

I knew I should have taken a photo, but I just never got around to it. Okay, squint a little and picture this but with  the colors more intense.

I had a lace scarf–more a stole–that I’d knit out of some of Lisa Souza’s Mardi Gras colorway, as bright and lively and cheerful as the name.  All finished, but tucked away, waiting for its moment. I thought I had plans for it–but it just wouldn’t go.  As usual, my yarn was the boss of me.  I finished it probably a year ago.

Today for the first time, I put it on and wore it to church.

F. was one of the speakers.  F.  was quite new to this whole speaking in front of a large crowd thing, and when he stood up and looked at his audience, he was nervous and a bit overwhelmed at first and soon turned to the bishop, who is bilingual, asking for help.  Though F. speaks English, it doesn’t come as fluently nor as easily as he’d like.

Sure, glad to help, and the bishop stood up next to him–and then grinned, no no, come back up to the mic, you first.

F. spoke from the heart, and we watched the nervousness simply melt away as he did so.  There were a few times where the bishop started to translate and F. went, wait, say (strings of Spanish followed). They laughed and continued.  There was one time F. spoke, the bishop started, F. went wait, this too, and they kind of tripped all over each other verbally, laughing some more.

And in the process, the whole language difficulty thing became simply a means for the Spirit of love to enter in and bless the whole congregation listening and watching them.  An arm went around a shoulder. And again, in delight.  Love speaks in all languages and it speaks without mistranslation.  It simply Is. And it was there.

At the end of the services, I saw F.’s wife and there was no longer any question: I knew.  I went up to her and told her, my friend Lisa dyed this yarn for me, I knitted this, but I just spent the whole time thinking it needs to go where it most belongs…

…As I took it off me and wrapped it around her.  Just her colors, I saw, pleased, just perfect on her–as she gasped in surprise and delight.

I’m half deaf, I don’t speak Spanish, I’ve never really had a conversation with her, or at least not one that I was very successful at participating in, just many a smile and quiet nod shared between us since I met them–but when words are not enough, Love enters in just the same.

Translating perfectly.

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/mmm-new-colors-of-cascade-pastaza.html

http://wendyknits.net/2009/11/15/shaky-old-geezers-of-the-world-unite/

http://wendyknits.net/?p=5205

I’m happy to hear that I’m not the only one who finds the lack of a viewfinder on a point and shoot camera unacceptable. Yes, even with image stabilization, I find my photos too shaky. But most of my blog photos are taken with this:

That’s a Canon SLR camera. It’s an older model — I bought it in 2006. There are newer models now that do much more, but this one works very well for me.

Speaking of stuff that works well, I recently bought the new Boye electric ballwinder. It retails for around $70 – $90, depending on where you buy it. If you do a Google search on “Boye electric ballwinder” you’ll find a bunch of buying options. Here it is in action:

It has a big suction cup on the bottom of it so you can attach it firmly to pretty much any flat surface. And it has variable speed, which you adjuct by sliding the on/off button.

And it does a nice job of winding.

What’s that yarn I’ve wound up?

That is a skein of MacKintosh Yarns Iona fingering weight, which is a blend of 80% superwash merino, 10% nylon, and 10% cashmere. The colorway is “Maude.” I’m doing a sock design for MacKintosh Yarns. But I’ll talk about that later.

That means that I finished my Cloister Socks.

Lucy has taken to mountain climbing. Here she is on top of the wall unit in my living room.

(I had to get up on a step-stool to get her down because she was scared to jump down.)

http://queenofpurpleyarn.blogspot.com/2009/11/sigh.html

http://spindyeknit.com/2009/11/and-it-flickers-too/

http://spindyeknit.com/?p=8254

He surprised me this morning with his new toy.   You know you’re married to a geek when…

The problem (there was a problem, dear? Okay, I suppose…) is solved. There will be no fire hazard when we put out the glass Noel tea-light holders this upcoming season (but no, I’m not digging out the Christmas boxes from the garage yet for their photo op) –just blow the light out.

Now blow on it again (see those three handy little holes at the top, dear?) for it to come back on.

Who *thinks* of these things! Delightful creativity and it doesn’t even involve yarn or musical instruments!

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/little-gifts-for-your-favorite-knitter-or-crocheter.html

Look at this lovely basket of goodies!  These are the sort of knitterly stocking stuffers that will make all your knitter friends happy, and if one falls into your stocking by mistake....

Shown:  Flower tape measure by Lantern Moon, Sheep tape measure by Lantern Moon, and tiny knitting light for use in the car or late at night when the your sweetie is asleep and you still have knitting to do.

 

Hiya Hiya put together these clever Laurel Birch bags with three sets of double point needles in the right sizes for sock knitting.  You can fit your whole project in the bag, or use it as a tool bag.

Look at these lovely tea mugs from Hues and Brews, just right for making a cup of tea and settling in for some serious knitting time.

Eucalan has come out with stain wipes and lint removers in a handy little package for the on the go knitter.

and of course to keep those hand knits clean and sweet, a bottle of scentless Soak.  The perfect accompaniment to a hand knit gift.

To keep that lovely new hand knit cardigan or shawl closed- Shawl pins

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/lauras-brand-new-elizabeth.html

The Elizabeth 2 from Ashford is the epitome of fairytale storybook wheel. Today Sandi helped Laura assemble her brand new wheel. Don't they make a beautiful couple?

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/11/13/happenings.html

http://betterthanyarn.blogspot.com/2009/11/empathy-you-are-deeeelicious.html

http://spindyeknit.com/2009/11/bulbs-to/

http://spindyeknit.com/?p=8248

I’ve been a little discouraged at how tired it makes me to do things I think should be simple, and last night I was too wiped to post.

Mostly because I’d finally hauled the water out, gallon by gallon, to break dormancy at last on my waiting amaryllises yesterday.

A little time, a little perspective, a little browsing through old photos (this being one of the most fun) of my favorite flowers.

Now time for a little yarn.

http://www.keyboardbiologist.net/knitblog/2009/11/last-little-zebra-striper-step.html

Button holes!

Sewn Down Button Hole Band

Button Hole Band Joined to Bottom Band

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/pretty-pretty-paca.html

Oodles and oodles of new yarn from Cascade arrived today. There are new colors in many of our favorite yarns, including these beautiful new shades of the Alpaca Lace. Come on down and check out all the new colors of Venezia Worsted, Baby Alpaca Chunky, Pure Alpaca, Heritage, and 220, too!

http://wendyknits.net/2009/11/12/knitting-a-kiss-in-every-stitch/

http://wendyknits.net/?p=5194

Nicky Epstein has a new book out: Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch: Creating Gifts for the People You Love.

You may know Nicky Epstein from her many designs that have appeared in Vogue Knitting and other magazines over the years, and from her fabulous edging and flower books. I own a couple of her knitted edging books and the knitted flowers book. (There are also crochet edging and flower books for you crocheters out there.)

This new book is a collection of projects to knit as gifts for loved ones — perfect timing for holiday knitting. It is divided into chapters according to recipients: kids, girls, guys and special friends.

The kids’ chapter has several adorable hats, a baby blanket, a cute little hoodie, and some girly beaded socks. All of these projects are fairly quick knits, so you could whip a couple out as last minute gifts. My favorite project from this chapter:

The Meow Kitty Cap. How cute is that?

The girls’ chapter includes several pretty wraps and a scarf, some bags, a hat, legwarmers, and mitts. I love this tote:

The Cable-and-Leaf Tote, with an appliqued leaf that makes it distinctively a Nicky Epstein design.

The guys’ chapter includes gloves, scarf, socks, a throw, and a cap.

The gloves are Fisherman’s Gloves:

Great for keeping the hands warm while maintaining dexterity for fine motor tasks, perhaps tying a fly?

The Special friends’ chapter is my favorite. It includes a lovely afghan knit in blocks, so it would make a great charity project for a group to knit. There’s also a microwavable neckwarmer, footies and socks, spa cloths, a doggie hat/scarf combo, travel tags, and a scarf. And this:

A kitty play mat, complete with knitted mice. You can felt the mat, or leave it unfelted. Most cats love wool so this is a great idea for a present for your furry little friend. I’m betting Lucy would enjoy snuggling up on a mat of her own.

In the back of the book there’s a guide to organizations that accept donations of knitted items. There’s also a nice glossary of abbreviations, techniques, and sources.

My overall impression? This is a great book for someone who wants to knit for others. You will find something for everyone on your gift list (as well as for yourself) within its pages, and the projects are all original and fun.

As a bonus, here are a couple of tips from Nicky Epstein:

Tip 1: Simple Storage Solutions
Use an empty “Altoids” or any candy or cigar tin for storing T-pins, stitch markers and any other knitting paraphernalia that will fit in the tin.

Tip 2: Yarn Tracking
When using the long-tail cast-on, pull off the extra yarn for the tail to prevent running out of yarn and having to start all over. This extra yarn can be tied up and used for sewing seams later. Also, place a marker every 25 stitches in case you lose count of the cast-on stitches.

Now, I was sent two copies of this fun book — one for me, and one to give away!

Want my second copy? Leave a comment on this post by 4:00pm Eastern time on Monday, November 16, and we’ll draw a name at random to receive the book.

It’s been cold and rainy here for that past couple of days, which means this is what Lucy looks like most of the time:

When she is not in my lap, that is.

http://spindyeknit.com/2009/11/for-whom-the-rooster-crows/

http://spindyeknit.com/?p=8240

The Rooster is rocking on. Slowly but surely, despite a day of a thousand distractions and things needing doing. And by the way, Mr. Stewart? Nice catch.  (Re that link: 1. Fox is unembarrassable. 2. Our President honoring our veterans. 3. The Muppets singing “Ode to Joy” in meep meeps, and a school in Massachusetts that has banned the nefarious word “meep.” Sometimes you can’t make this stuff up.)

http://purlescence.typepad.com/purlescence/2009/11/the-universal-vest.html

By popular demand, we've held over last week's special on the Rowan Pure Life yarns (25% off through Monday), including the British Sheep Breeds DK, featured so beautifully in this striped vest. We received this vest as a sample from Rowan and were very pleased when each of us tried it on. It fit every one of us! It really is a universal vest pattern! And it takes advantage of the range of colors, both solid and marled, of this wonderfully sheepy yarn.

http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2009/11/11/telegram_from_an_airport.html

http://www.keyboardbiologist.net/knitblog/2009/11/one-little-sock.html