Knit by Nora

Compulsive ~ a strong, irresistible impulse to act (i.e., to knit) and Obsessive ~ to occupy the mind excessively (thus this blog)

Friday, September 26, 2003

Today’s Knitting News
Long time, no blog. Very little knitting lately although I cast on Grace’s sleeves. I like to knit both at once, then I am assured of identical pieces in every respect. I also cast on my Anny Blatt scarf. No photos but soon.

I had a little time to shop and purchase yarn to make a 2nd Booga J bag. My coworkers are ranting and raving over my first. And I decided to go alla Ginny and use grommets, so I picked up the tool and hardware. Lastly, a 50% off coupon cut down on the cost of a True Light lamp that will save my tired eyes. Since I have been working 60-hour weeks, they are taxed from writing, reading and fatigue. My new goal for the next three months is at least one entry per week and trying to catch up on reading every couple weeks. My knitting goals are more ambitious. Stay tuned if you have the patience to check back – I will try to post every Friday, at minimum and work my way back up. Happy knitting!

posted by Nora | 4:31 PM

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Today's Knitting News

Not much knitting or blogging as of late due to excessive hours of work. However, the left front (buttonholes) of Grace is done. This side needs blocked, the right (buttons) was already done. If you are wondering about the black shadow in the upper right, it is a fellow who wanted to have some fun.

posted by Nora | 12:24 PM

Tuesday, September 09, 2003

Today’s Knitting News
No progress to report to my dismay. I was sucked into a novel last night and took a break.

Knitwear in Fashion by Sandy Black is the newest “knitting” book in my collection. I purchased it for inspiration and to learn about how knitwear is produced commercially. It has 300 illustrations and they are awesome. Unfortunately, I paid full price to support my LYS. The price is better at Amazon and it qualifies for free shipping.

posted by Nora | 5:04 PM

Monday, September 08, 2003

Today’s Knitting News
Although I did not knit this weekend due to working at the office – I did carry my new Booga J bag. My blog entries have been briefer as work is and will be all consuming for the next couple months. I love my felted bag! I signed up for the Yahoo Knit-Along and this is the first project I have joined in on.

The size is right; the yarn awesome; the handles very nifty (I did 5’ before felting) and it is just one of those perfect patterns. I posed this bag in the sunshine so my snapshot is very pretty. I have watched Ginny work up three of these bags in other colors. I want another! Falls colors would great like her 88 - Vineyard.

posted by Nora | 8:16 PM

Friday, September 05, 2003

Today’s Knitting News

My Booga J bag is still drying on the shoebox. I no longer have it weighed down as the bottom is the part that is still damp. Already it has a definitive boxy shape. Straps are ready to be added this weekend. Stop by Monday for a look at the final product.

These are the porcelain buttons for Grace. They are exactly the same color as the yarn with a swirl of gold in the paint. Hopefully I will finish the front this weekend, although my TGIF project is another skullcap. Medium-large is more like a large-extra large, so I am trying for medium. The first one was too small, the second too large, so the third should be just right! I will post the revised pattern next week.

Since Pennsylvania implemented a “no helmet law”, attire for the head is a hot topic among bikers. Five people approached Mark at a local bike event to ask where he got his cap! He coordinated it with a Harley Davidson tee that had a skull on the front. I did not get his picture and he looked so hot. Next time.

posted by Nora | 5:23 PM

Thursday, September 04, 2003

Today’s Knitting News
This is the front of Chaise, just finished yesterday and needing blocked. Last night I switched back to knitting Grace cardie. I sewed the buttons on the left front and have completed the first buttonhole on the right front. I think the buttons cost more than the yarn! They are hand painted porcelain -- will show them tomorrow! I will finish Grace's front and go back to Chaise. My plan is to finish both sweaters around the same time.

posted by Nora | 8:15 PM

Wednesday, September 03, 2003

More Hanging Around

Bowie likes hanging as the “king of the castle” in the cat condo/scratching post.

Today’s Knitting News
The front of Chaise is done – photo tomorrow. The felted Booga J bag is drying. A shoe box fit perfect – I weighted it down to make a nice flat bottom and wrapped it in a small plastic bag. I am anxious to put the straps on and carry it soon!

Last night I browsed through the Fall/Winter 03-04 Ram Wools Tweeds and Textures Catalogue. I also received the Yarn Shoppe by Herrschners and want to purchase the Dale Trend Book #128 for Ara yarn designs. Both catalogues can be ordered on-line and best of all – are free!

posted by Nora | 6:08 PM

Tuesday, September 02, 2003

Hanging Around

Bowie is sound asleep. How does he manage not to slide off? Speaking of hanging around, the Stitches East will be held Thursday, October 10th thru Sunday, October 5th at the Atlantic City Convention Center Sheraton. Unfortunately, I will be unable to attend. For more info about this show checkout: Knitting Universe.

If you are in the vicinity of Philadelphia, Rosie’s Yarn Cellar is sponsoring the 2nd Annual Philly Knit Out, an event created by the Craft Yarn Council of America to promote fiber arts. This year it is at the Philadelphia Art Alliance (251 S. 18th St.) on Sunday, September 21st from noon to 5p.m. For more info, contact Rosie’s.

Today’s Knitting News
I worked on Chaise over the weekend and have almost finished the front. On Saturday, I went to my LYS to pick up yarn for Mark’s flame cap (Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran) and buttons for Grace. Some other items followed me home (such as a book I will review later this week, a couple new clear plastic tote bags and Noro Kureyon, a yarn I had not previously tried).

The three skeins of wool were for my TGIF instant gratification project: Julie’s felted bag. The color is 92, a mix of pastels and brights, almost rainbow-like in appearance. It went through one wash cycle with jeans, but needs a couple more runs. Since I have a well, I tend to only wash one load a day, so it may take a few days to felt the bag. I already like the size and shape. The strap (5 stitch I-cord) turned out well. I hope blocking turns it into a nice squared tote. Stay tuned.