Introducing.... Bailey!

It's been a busy 6 days at my house... last week I adopted Bailey and he's an absolute love...

Adopted from a rescue org... we think he's a Lhasa Apso/Poodle mix. 10.2 pounds, but needs to put on a couple of pounds. And 9-12 months old. After 6 days, I'm guessing it's closer to 9!

He's quite shy with everyone, but playing with his kong and mini-tennis balls are so exciting that the fun eventually overcomes his fears. And it hasn't taken long for him to consider the house HIS domain - so socialization skills are top of the list for our training classes. And I need training as much as he does... right now I'm taking good care of him, but really don't think I'm 'training' him.

And finally... he's a goofball when he sleeps. I often find him in odd contortions and seemingly quite happy and content.

More pics of Bailey will be appearing in this blog for sure... I can't wait to take him to the beach!

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

Looky, looky - it's magic

I finally made the ever-popular Fiber Trends' Felted Clogs... I tried to get the pattern locally (support LYS ya' know), but finally gave up and just ordered it. As everyone else says - it's an amazing pattern, quick knit with double yarn, and they are HUGE before felting. But the magic of felting makes them a perfect fit!

They're a bit 'wonky' but that will work out with wearing... these were fun, but took FOREVER to felt. I'm used to one cycle thru the wash to felt bags and such... these were in the machine/agitation for just over an hour! But... it worked!


Happy Knitting (and Felting!)
JavaNut

It's not Thursday...

But I think I'm going to steal the idea of Beki from Artsy-Crafty Babe and start a Thankful Thursday posting. Beki posted "Gratitude Friday" but hey - I like the alliteration of Thankful Thursdays...

This isn't for those "Biggies" for which I'm thankful... my family, my health, my job... I AM thankful for all those things, but Thankful Thursdays are to remind me (and share with anyone of interest) those little things that make day-to-day life so good.

So today I'm thankful:

- that when I have 6:30am meetings for work, I can call in from home in my PJs.

- for the expanded world of crafty bloggers and etsy sellers that inspire me to try new things.

- for a fantastic bottle of Pinot Noir from McHenry winery!

- for my grandmother.

Ok, she counts as a 'biggie' but at 96 she amazes me.

She is active with her friends (bridge every day and bingo on Saturday), aware of current events (and at 96 you're entitled to your opinions!) and misses me when I don't call her each weekend!

This photo is from Christmas Eve at my mom's house... hard to believe that she's 96! As my only living grandparent, she's very special to me... not to mention that she taught me to knit!

Happy Knitting!

JavaNut

Baby season has begun...

Well... the twins arrived early. I was going to give this sweet raglan sweater (and make second one!) to them, but decided that all white was too, well..., sweet. So this is going to baby girl E and I'm going to make the boys the same sweater but make the sleeves a handsome slate blue... (Cashmerino Aran).

It's the raglan sweater from Debbie Bliss' The Baby Knits Book... a relatively easy pattern, but I altered it to knit it in the round and on the pair for the boys, I'll make the body a little bit longer. The straight stockinette creates a nice rolled edge, but the body of the sweater needs to be a bit longer for better proportions.

For explanation of converting to knit in the round, my notes are on my Ravelry project page.

And now 2 women in my bible study are expecting... good think I like baby sweaters!

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

A new toy!!

Here's a green Syncopation Bag... I loved this pattern and definitely have more in my future (have the yarn already). It was a fun knit and is a perfect medium-sized bag. For any Ravelry members, there are several in-process pics on my Project page (userid JavaNut).

Now on to the next project(s)...

On a completely different note... my new toy arrived today!! I finally got an SLR camera. Whoo-hoo! I have no idea how to use it but am looking forward to playing with it and finding a good class. I haven't been taking photos like I used to, but have always wanted to learn more and get a 'real' camera. The 'package' came with 4 lenses so I have LOTS of experimenting ahead!

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

Storm's over

Friday we experienced some amazing storms... hurricane strength winds, pouring rain - lots of damage and power outtages. I was incredibly fortunate and never lost my power - but as I sat working at my kitchen table I watched several large branches fall from my tree and many others blow into my yard!

The picture on the left is a dusk, still raining - you can't see any of my yard beneath the debris... but take note of the lawn across the street. NOTHING.

In fact my yard seemed to collect everything for the whole street... all the drought-resistant landscaping and small shrubs seemed to create a nice net to catch all wind-born debris... I didn't recognize 75% of the branches I cleared on Saturday morning!

On my New Year's To-Do list... still working on adopting "Bonnie" - a year-old Cavalier. Fingers crossed...

New Year Splurge

On New Year's Day - L and I went to Full Thread Ahead in our PJs which got us 35% off all yarn! Whoo-hoo! It was a blast and fun to hang out with everyone in PJs. I brought home a larger haul than planned (which helped when I realized I'm going to miss Stitches West!). A GREAT way to start the new year...









And because I know you want to see it all...

2 skeins of sock yarn from Rio de la Plata. Yummy colors and at 35% off I just had to buy them both! (Maybe mom will get a pair of socks). The 4 balls of Cyprus Mohair will be an incredibly, smooshy-soft, 2x2 rib scarf for a friend (finally advance gift-knitting). Not shown are 3 skeins of Misti Alpaca lace for a Juno KAL.



I fell in love with the Syncopation bag and got a kit from One Fine Yarn... and then bought yarn to make another because I like the design so much I KNOW I'll be making this more than once!







And after searching 5 LYS for Fiber Trends' Felted CLog pattern, I finally just ordered it and here is yarn for 2 pairs! Blue is Cascade 220, and then there's enough of Cascades' Ecological Wool for a pair AND a Syncopation bag. I've never used this wool, but love the concept.




And the luxyury fiber of the shopping spree are these beauties from Curious Creek. They were already on sale so with the additional 35% they were 55% off. Who can resist that?!?!

The 2 on the left are an amazing silk/merion blend. And a half-linen stitch with the 2 colorways was GORGEOUS so they had to come home with me. I'm thinking a cowl-like, or short/wide scarf if I can get the linen stitch loose enough to drape well. The skein on the right is the Plum Thunder colorway and the photo doesn't do it justice. Project unknown, but it had to come home with me.

Now - will I finish anything before I cast on 5 more??? Let's see if I can keep up the finishitis instead of staritis!

Happy Knitting!
JavaNut

Let 2008 Begin...

Not that it needs my permission or anything... but well, ya' know - just trying to get my mind into the fact that it's 2008 and a new year is always a good marker for... well whatever you want it to be!

Sadly, the dog I REALLY wanted to adopt has a new home with someone else. But... still looking. I would love to get a Cavalier King Charles, but it's more important to me to get a rescue dog so we'll see who ends up joining my household.

But I did start the 365 Days project on Flickr today. I won't post the daily shots here every day, but it does seem appropriate to start with my Day 1 photo!

A perfect morning... new sheepy PJs, comfy couch, cozy blanket and big cup o' Java (I must confess it's always decaf!). And leaving shortly for a LYS - wearing PJs today gets you 30% off. How cool is that! Justification for staying in PJs all day!

Happy Knitting & Happy New Year!

JavaNut