And the Beat Goes On ....

I am participating in the Ample Knitters' Heartbeat Sweater (from www.justonemorerow.com) Knit Along (KAL). This is a pattern that I have been intrigued with for a long time and decided to join in when the AKs decided to make this their KAL. I love the way the lines start at the center of the neckline (the heart) and work their way outward. When looking for the yarn, I decided I wanted to try it first in a solid color in a cotton blend. I decided on Knit Picks Shine Sport (60 Cotton/40 Model)http://www.knitpicks.com/Shine+Sport_YD5420122.html. The color is called Cherry. This yarn is so nice to work with and the feel is wonderful. It is knitting up nicely too. I have had only once instance of the yarn splitting while knitting. I am using size 6 needles and have a gauge of 5 stitches per inch. The first portion is completed, which is the top part of the front and am now starting on the shoulder portion of the front. I took a picture of what I have done so far, and look .... IT IS A HEART. I didn't realize how this piece is shaped like a heart until I took the picture.


Now to get started on the left shoulder. One of the comments made by the AKs has been about the neckline being too low. I read Jill's instructions and she said to check often how the shoulder and neckline fit, so I will heed her words. Some of the AKs made the same suggestion.


I think the fabric of the sweater that I am knitting may be a bit lighter than called for in the pattern, but I am excited about the results all the same.


This is going to be a fun sweater to knit. I sure hope it fits right!

Baby Boomer Sue

Teaching Appreciation for Knitting

My supervisor at work is named Susan. She is great. When I first started working with her she would give me this "look" whenever I mentioned knitting. When another Susan and I went to the Madrona Fiber Arts Knitting Retreat a couple of years ago, Supervisor Susan went into hysterics, laughing at the concept of us attending a conference on knitting. In fact, she was doubled over with laughter, with tears in her eyes (very funny Supervisor Susan).

Not long after that I injured my neck and suffered a concussion, and was unable to knit. Supervisor Susan didn't appreciate how devastating that was to me. I made the comment she should be upset because it meant I couldn't knit her a sweater. Her retort, was "yeah, right."

As part of my physical therapy, I had to learn start knitting small projects, and relearn to read knitting instructions. When I got to the point I could do a "larger" project, and able to read knitting instructions again, I decided to knit Supervisor Susan a sweater. Now, I never stated what type of a sweater, or what size for that matter.

I came across this great little sweater pattern for the American Girl doll. http://yarnmiracle.gweezlebur.com/agcardigan.html. It's the Boxy Cardigan Sweater for 18" Doll. It looked easy enough, and like it wouldn't be too heavy or complicated to handle.

Now Supervisor Susan is a classic woman, and so I knew I had to come up with something that would be just as classic. I dug through my yarn stash and came across some beautiful white Orlon Acrylic that my great aunt had in her yarn stash. The sweater was fun, and didn't take too long for me to do. The next step was what type of buttons to put on. Again, had to come up with something classic.

Aunt Marguerite left me all of her buttons when she passed on so I started going through the jars of buttons. I didn't have a complete set of six of any one button, so I mixed them up. Glad I did, because the mixed up buttons were perfect for the sweater.

Supervisor Susan was so stunned, and she said she was very touched that I would make this sweater for her (even though it would only fit a doll). When I told her the yarn and buttons were left to me by my aunt she was really touched.

Supervisor Susan was also very impressed, and now has a true respect for knitting. She also has a true appreciation for the skill and time that goes into a knitted project. She understands the love and respect that goes into a knitted gift. No more laughing about my knitting. Now Supervisor Susan is laughing about my teeth. That's a whole different story.

Supervisor Susan, let me know when you want to learn to knit. I've got needles and yarn just for you.

Baby Boomer Sue

This is just too cool

I came across this pattern for a shopping bag using the plastic shopping bags you get at the grocery stores. Hats off to Mag Knits for a truly outstanding idea. Use the old grocery bags to knit a shopping bag. This is great. Now to go grab a bunch of those bags and start knitting. Here's the link. http://www.magknits.com/May07/patterns/rrr.htm

Actually, the shopping bag is quite attractive, and what a conversation piece this would be.

Maybe Christmas presents?

Baby Boomer Sue

I Sometimes Wonder

Would you knit and/or wear this?

Seriously, would you?

As Susan would say, this is what gives knitters a bad name.

I can't imagine even a toddler wanting to wear this.

Maybe they are really, really comfortable.

Baby Boomer Sue

Edgar Poses and the Serape is getting there

I got home a little early today so all of the dogs (all five of them) could get outside and enjoy the pretty day. Bella (a Jack Russell) and Disney (a Couton) are visiting with us while their mom is suffering in Hawaii. It was such a nice afternoon, the sun was shining and a little breeze. I went down to the lower part of the yard to look at a start of a tree to see if I could determine what was growing in the wrong place. I was taking a picture of it when I turned around and got this shot of Edgar. He is such a beautiful dog.

I am so close to having Muneca's serape done. As I mentioned earlier, I pulled out the old serape my brother gave me and checked out how the colors were aligned. I then pulled out my yarn stash to see what colors I had and what I could pull together.

My knitting rooms is a mess right now. I still haven't put the yarn away.

I tried to match colors from the stash with the colors in the serape. I was surprised how much brighter the colors are in the yarn I'm using, but then the serape is about 40 years old and has been washed many, many times.

I like the way the serape is coming out. I have just two more colors to knit on and then will do the final edging in black/green/red.

We are heading over to Sequim this weekend and I would love to be able to take it over to Muneca so she has it to snuggle with. She is such a tiny puppy so she needs a nice and warm, and washable blankie to snuggle in.

I am just using a garter stitch for the serape and knitting in the ends each time I change colors.

We will be finishing up the garden cleanup this weekend, and will be planting the starts for broccoli, squash, and cabbage. I'll also be sowing the seeds for brussel sprouts.

Well, it's time to take all of these doggies outside before bed time. I remember it used to be "it's time to read to the babies before bed time." Life does go on.

Baby Boomer Sue