Shamrock Knits

San Fran

I went to San Francisco on a work trip a couple of weeks ago. Attached are a couple of pictures. This one is the curviest/windiest road. The streets to get to it are pretty steep. I walked around alot that day and boy, did my calves get a workout!

The next couple are from Alcatraz. We did the audio tour at night. That was pretty cool. The one thing I love about digital cameras is that you can switch from color to black and white photos in a snap. Most of the black and white pics looked better.

On the audio tour, one of the former inmates said that his niece or daughter taught him to crochet. He then, taught the other inmates. In the front, left corner you can see a pink crocheted blanket.

These last couple are from our day trip to Napa Valley. The morning started out gloomy, but by lunchtime, the sun came out and it was gorgeous. Some vinyards plant roses or other flowers at the end of the rows. They're a beautiful combination, but the flowers are an indicator for weather/soil changes. If the plants die, then there will be a problem soon with the grapes.

This vinyard is where we had lunch. The family that owned it lives on the vinyard as well. The wife is also a sculptor and had pieces throughout the property.

 

I'm resting in front of one of her pieces. It looked like a good place for a snooze.

Catchin' Up

Wow it's been a long time since I've posted. I feel like my life has been a bad country western song. Work has been hectic, I had to put both my cats down (within a week and a half of each other), and have had news of a few friends and family members that have cancer. I'm going to try to be positive, so one to better things.

I went on a short trip to Savannah with my mom. That was pretty relaxing. The city has so many squares and they're all beautiful. Basically, the squares are little parks every few blocks or so. Some are simple, with just landscaping and benches. Some are more elaborate, with statues or fountains. I left my camera in a public restroom and thought I lost it. I went back about 20 minutes later, and some kind women brought it to a check-in area. I couldn't believe it. I thought my camera was a goner for sure. I'll definitely pay that kindness forward when the opportunity arises.

I finally finished the crochet bag I was working on during the Vegas trip and completed the Adult Surprise Jacket. The only thing left for the ASJ is a bath and to sew on the clasps I bought. I went to a knitting retreat that was fun. I started my first lace shawl (first lace project). It's going pretty well. I make sure to count the stitches after the yarn over rows. I've messed up several times, but I catch the problems right away. I'll post more and add my pics shortly. I have to get the pics off the camera - that I still have. LOL

Workin' on it

I can't believe it's been a month since I've posted. I have been working on some of my resolutions. I knit 2 machine knit squares for a wedding afghan. I've started throwing out old bills from my office and bedroom. I'm not done with that though.

I have been doing some knitting. I started the Adult Surprise Jacket. Of course, I had some gauge issues and had to rip out and start over. Now, I'm about half way done. I'm using Silk Garden. Overall, I like it. What I don't like about it is coming across pieces of twig while I'm knitting. The colors are beautiful though and the picture doesn't do it justice. Some of the lighter colors are rows of green.

Resolutions

I don't think I would've met very many resolutions even if I set any last year. Maybe if it was to say sane, then ok. This year I'm going to try.

1. Declutter office - get rid of old papers, books, etc.

2. Declutter bedroom - get rid of old clothes, and non-bedroom things like bills etc.

3. Declutter basement - go through charitable items and donate/throw out, organize yarn stash, get rid of old holiday items.

(seeing a trend yet?)

4. Machine knitting - make more projects on the machine.

5. Crochet - write up pattern for mom's blanket.

6. Hand knitting - knit more garments, try to visit the frog pond so much (rip it, rip it).

Well, I think those are enough goals for now. If I get some of those done, it'll inspire me to do more. I hope everyone has a much better year than last year was!

Mom's Tribute Blanket

I finished my mom's tribute Colon Cancer blanket. It feels like it took forever because of the charts. The colon cancer ribbon is a ribbon, star, person. It's called the Blue Star. I'll be writing up the pattern and creating a tribute page in my mom's honor to raise funds for awareness. My mom loves the blanket, so that's what really matters.

This is a picture taken while she's getting a chemotherapy treatment. It's cold in the office and there are blankets everywhere, because the patients get really cold during their treatments. This was her 11th out of 12 treatments. We're pretty excited that there's only one left! The extreme cold this week has been rough on her side effects. I hope the cold doesn't last too long for her sake.

Merry Christmas!

It doesn't feel like it's Christmas already! Last year, I didn't put up any decorations. This year, I bought a smaller tree that's prelit and got at least that up. I've been doing some crochet. When my mom started her chemo treatments, I decided I was going to design a blanket for her. Colon cancer has a ribbon/star, so that's what I'm using. There will be one smaller star in each of the four corners. One bigger star in the middle. Then I'm going to have "Colon Cancer Survivor" and the date of her surgury at the top, and her name at the bottom. This is what I have so far.

To Give and To Receive

I finished my second Special Olympic Scarf. I think I'll try to make it reversible the next time I try this pattern. We'll see how it looks at the color change section.

I also received some yarn goodness in the mail from my Secret Pal. Three skeins of yummy Noro Silk Garden. Thanks Jo!

Special Olympic Scarves

At one of my Thursday nights with my knitting group, we came across a request for scarves for the Special Olympics. Our group decided to knit or crochet some and we'll send off in one package. Betty has knit 2 scarves already. She's such a fast knitter.

These are my contributions. One is a crochet wave ripple and the other is my cable knit pattern. I did this pattern for a gift last year or the year before. I'll probably buy 1 more skein in each color and make a couple more. There's also a Ravelry group for the scarves.

SP Gift

I got a package, I got a package. I actually received the package last week from my secret pal, but I haven't had a chance to post until now. The first pic are the non-yarn items: pom-pom maker, notecards, magnetic notepad, post-it notes, candy, and a scarecrow.

The second pic has 2 skeins of Sensations Angel Hair and 2 skeins of Caron Spa. I haven't seen the Spa yarn before. It's a bamboo blend that feels really soft. I love the green color. Thanks Jo!

No Medal, but Cash!

Well, I didn't get Tomato done in time to win a medal. This is where I'm at now.

It's all wrinkled from being shoved in my knitting bag. I'm almost done with the body. Then, I just need to do the neckband and the short sleeves. I'm pretty happy with my progress. I haven't had to rip out and restart, so that's a huge improvement for me.

As far as cash goes, I won one of the door prizes at Stitches! I've never won anything like that before. I won $400, which really helps with the hotel and purchases. Woo hoo!!!!!!!! Here's what I bought:

The first picture are a gansey pattern, drop stitch cable pullover, and multiple ornament patterns. The second picture are my glorious yarn and pin purchases. I bought 2 shawl pins, which are both in the tan alpaca yarn on the left. I bought 4 skeins of the alpaca, 4 skeins green Riata, 1 cone Merlot Coltrain lace, 1 skein variegated green/yellow Graceful Lace, 2 bags blue Araucania, 3 skeins grey Super Sock & Baby, and 2 skeins Shepherd Sock.

The Lorna's Laces sock yarn is for my secret pal. I need to wash the scarf I made for her and get the final package together. I haven't received anything from my secret pal yet, but we been in contact. I'm anxiously waiting my goodies. I haven't said patiently waiting, because who would believe that? :)