tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1 2008-08-10T17:13:56Z . . . the life and times of a flower in bloom . . . Movable Type 3.34 tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.68 2008-08-10T16:40:01Z 2008-08-10T17:13:56Z

Yes, I am FINALLY updating this blog with some knitting. Can you believe it??!?!??!?! :D I've been working on three projects since my last post. I sat myself down this morning . . as I've been trying to force myself...

Leslie And the artistic view everyone seems to like: I have some more rows on my Hypoteneuse: Last but not least, I've started the Noni Urban Adventure Bag, using Malabrigo worsted in Dusty Olive: So, as you can see . . I have been very, very busy. I can't seem to find the little bookmarks I made at my craft day I mentioned in my last post. I have them somewhere around here and when I find them, I'll make sure to take a pic cuz they're super cute! I've swatched (yet again *sigh*) for the Fletcher Coat - Noro. However, every single time I swatch it seems that it's never the same - radically. The first time I swatched I decided to use US10. The second time I did, we were thinking US8. Now . . Roz is thinking US6!! UGH! I've swatched down to a US5 and the yarn (Noro Kochoran) is just too thick for that diameter needle. It's hard on the hands and not enjoyable to knit. So, I think I may insist on staying at US6. I am assuming that the downward progression in needle size is due to my loosening up quite a bit as I continue gaining knitting experience. The US10 was about a year ago and I was still super tight. What a difference a year makes! Also, another girl at the shop just finished making a coat and Roz was keeping that in mind and how the yarn drapes, etc. So, even though the pattern may call for a larger needle size, the smaller one actually makes a nicer knit fabric. We're just going to have to alter the pattern significantly to account for the change in needle size. With all of this . . . I think I'm going to sign off and keep knitting. I also think I may get another new Lucy Neatby DVD. :D

OH WAIT!!! Here's some new pictures of Mistie and Max. Max is just getting SO big!!! I want him to stay little. *pout* (He's still pouncing on Mistie often.) MISTIE It's hard to believe he's 16. He just had some kidney tests this past week and they all came back that his levels were decreasing . . which means that the Calcitriol that he's been taking and some extra potassium are working!!! MAX My little man. Isn't he getting so big?!?!?! ]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.67 2008-07-27T16:35:51Z 2008-07-27T16:38:59Z

I'm getting all ready for my craft party today with the ladies . . I can't wait!! I wound my Malabrigo Dusty Rose for starting the Noni Urban handbag that is all the rage at my LYS right now. It...

Leslie I'm getting all ready for my craft party today with the ladies . . I can't wait!! I wound my Malabrigo Dusty Rose for starting the Noni Urban handbag that is all the rage at my LYS right now. It should be an easy knit and give me that kickstart to getting back into the swing of things. I did swatch for my Fletcher coat yesterday too and Roz has me down to US6! It will be my first garment EVER and I'm getting the butterflies just thinking about it. *lol* I have some Loopy Ewe coming so there will be pictures within the next few days. Stay tuned for more updates! I hope you are all having a relaxing weekend and doing a lot of knitting/crocheting/weaving/spinning . . etc. :D tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.66 2008-07-25T23:56:21Z 2008-07-25T23:58:00Z

So . . . this is supposed to be a knitting blog . . right? I haven't knit in over a month. :( I have no idea why. However, that should be breaking this weekend. I'm going to my LYS...

Leslie something to post here soon . . I promise!]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.65 2008-07-01T02:10:53Z 2008-07-01T02:11:09Z

He leaves this Thursday....

Leslie He leaves this Thursday. tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.64 2008-06-21T00:48:53Z 2008-06-21T00:51:03Z

Well, everything's still falling out underneath me. He has now disappeared to somewhere unknown, does not return calls or emails, and his stuff is still here. I did manage to get an email from him this morning though telling me...

Leslie Well, everything's still falling out underneath me. He has now disappeared to somewhere unknown, does not return calls or emails, and his stuff is still here. I did manage to get an email from him this morning though telling me he'll be back "in a week or two" to get all of his things. I never thought that this would be my life. It's complete hell being here in "our" apartment . . with no family or friends anywhere. I'm all alone and feeling very down and depressed. And no . . I haven't been able to even consider knitting. I'm wondering if I should just shut down this blog. tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.63 2008-06-11T23:18:33Z 2008-06-11T23:23:14Z

Well, I haven't posted in a while. Why? My life is changing right before my eyes and beyond my control. John has decided that he is done with our relationship and has decided to move out. Unfortunately, trying to reconcile...

Leslie Well, I haven't posted in a while. Why? My life is changing right before my eyes and beyond my control. John has decided that he is done with our relationship and has decided to move out. Unfortunately, trying to reconcile that the person I see before me (since we're still in the apartment together for only a little longer) will not be the person I thought I would spend the rest of my life with is . . well . . let's just say I'm having a hard time accepting and dealing with this. I have not forgotten my knitting, however, it has been the last priority lately. I have decided to relocate outside of Florida and I will only mention where publicly after I'm moved and settled. Until then, if you wish to talk or ask any details . . feel free to send me an email. This was inevitable and on a downward trail for a long, long time. But how do you prepare for the end? I guess I've just been in denial. I hope you are all doing well. tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.62 2008-05-03T18:39:40Z 2008-05-03T18:53:42Z

So do you think this will be a knitting blog again anytime soon? ;P Actually, I haven't knit in about two weeks. Somehow I think I'm on a hiatus again . . but it doesn't feel like last time. I...

Leslie Maximilian "Max" Tigerson J-M ]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.61 2008-04-30T02:37:11Z 2008-04-30T21:17:35Z

UPDATE: After receiving some feedback which I won't specifically address here, I do want to address some points which I may not have made clear. I do understand that this is a kitten. I do understand that they are boundless...

Leslie UPDATE: After receiving some feedback which I won't specifically address here, I do want to address some points which I may not have made clear. I do understand that this is a kitten. I do understand that they are boundless energy. And, I do understand that I've only had him for slightly more than just two weeks and it takes time, etc. What no one but myself and John understands (at this point, and is no fault of anyone's at all) is that Max is displaying behaviour that is above and beyond "normal" for a kitten in any situation. We fear that we, if anything, are a bad match for HIM. I truly believe that he would be better either as an outdoors cat, or with a family of about 6 kids, or someone who can be with him constantly 24-7. Unfortunately, we can not do this for him and his needs are different than we can either supply or handle. I know what it takes to train and live with a kitten. Both Mistie and Alex were kittens when I got them. I love all animals and especially cats. I would never, ever wish any harm or bad situations for any animal at all. My heart has been breaking at this and . . besides still crying for missing Alex, I'm now crying at losing my cute little Max. I keep trying to kiss him and tell him how much I love(d) him and how I wish he could be the kitty for me if he just wouldn't be so wild. But he is. Period. There's nothing I can do. Mistie has started to hide because Max attacks his face (and the rest of him too). Mistie has also stopped eating. I can't let the last years of my 16 year old cat with degenerative kidney failure be so stressful with an attack cat. Remember: Max will not stay small and his behaviour will only worsen. THIS is what I'm trying to focus on. Thanks. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Some semi-bad news. We're taking Max back to where we adopted him from. He's completely wild and untrainable. It's a sad thing, but he's either mentally imbalanced or he just is too damaged from birth. He's attacking Mistie and each day it gets worse and worse. He's now started attacking us . . . and when we try to discipline him, he just bites and charges us and then turns around and acts even worse. I spend all of my time telling him NO and BAD that I get not one minute's peace. The atmosphere here is extremely stressful and unhappy. I'm really upset at this but I can't find an alternative. At this point, I think he would do better either on his own with someone who has experience working with wild or crazy cats. I'll be calling the place tomorrow and hopefully we can arrange a time soon to return him.]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.59 2008-04-03T23:15:40Z 2008-04-03T23:19:21Z

I brought Alex home 15 years ago today, exactly. I will never forget the day and . . . I will always love my baby. Alexander Blackson Jacobs February 2, 1993 - April 3, 2008...

Leslie Alexander Blackson Jacobs February 2, 1993 - April 3, 2008 ]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.58 2008-04-03T15:49:46Z 2008-04-03T15:54:04Z

Alex started acting very sleepy the day before yesterday. I took him to the vet yesterday morning and . . . he's in Stage 4 of kidney failure. He's in critical condition and I am leaving to go be with...

Leslie ]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.57 2008-03-31T19:16:01Z 2008-03-31T19:37:07Z

Ok, I guess I lied. I finished something before my trips over the next couple of weeks. I took today off . . . yesterday was just horrible and the weekend was one of my worst, honestly. I just needed...

Leslie Lucy Neatby's Unconventional Bind-Off Method which never ceases to amaze me at how easy it is and what a beautiful edge it creates. You can find this (and other priceless knitting tips) on her Knitting Gems 4 DVD. I am seeing now a few more DVDs I will have to add to my collection!! Okay, enough of that . . on to the pictures! This afghan is kind of awkward in trying to arrange. It's soft, but it has a lot of weight to it. It's not heavy . . just bulky. So I had a bit of a challenge to be able to show off as much as I could . . . . I think it turned out so pretty! Prettier than I had thought it would and nicer than I expected. Again, I am re-thinking my attitude towards Lion Brand and some of the craft store knitting supplies. A co-worker and fellow knitter friend (Hi Thomas!) has been raving about a new LB yarn I've yet to see -- something with mohair. I see now that they have one called "Moonlight Mohair." I wonder if that is it? Hmmmmm . . and what's this "Muse" I see???? Wow, LB is really trying to re-vamp their image, aren't they? Well, that's it for now. I do not think I'll have any more FOs to show before I leave for Maryland on Sunday. Have a nice week everyone! :D]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.56 2008-03-30T15:51:57Z 2008-03-30T16:23:32Z

Gosh, I wish I had something to show. *sigh* But I'm still working away on all of my many projects I've got posted here already. So, maybe some non-knitting news, eh? I love magazines! I swear, I'm addicted. However, I...

Leslie InStyle, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and sometimes Elle or W. I'd have to say that InStyle is my favorite of them all. They mix higher fashions with what the stars are wearing but gear their advice and columns towards the every-day woman. What I usually do when I peruse through my rags is to tear out the pages of stuff (makeup, purses, shoes, etc.) and then put it by my computer so I can sit down and surf later on. For months now I've had this ad for Kitten Vixen. So today, I'm breaking down and buying this in Bewitching Burgundy. My co-worker just gave me the most recent copy of domino with Drew Barrymore on the cover and I can't stop looking at the wallet on page 109. I love it in the teal!! Wow, that would seriously put a dent in my bank account but I think I may bookmark it and save up . . . I'll keep drooling until I can't take it anymore! Of course, what I would REALLY love is a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes . . . but I think I have to get my legs in much better shape (and save up a ton more money!) before I could buy a pair of those. Oh . . . a girl can dream . . . *bigsigh* I leave on Sunday for Maryland for software training for work (HAZUS) and then I come back on that Friday . . . home on Saturday . . . then I leave on that Sunday for Jacksonville, FL and the SERUG convention. I'm going to be traveling for close to two weeks, coming home finally on Wednesday, April 16th. I think I made the wise decision to take that Thursday and Friday off. I have to take at least 8 more vacation hours before my anniversary date of May 14th (gotta love the government!) and I have to take my car in for it's mileage maintenance and a few minor repairs on that Friday. So, I think those two days will be catching up on sleep, doing laundry, and just loving my kitties. :) I plan on taking my knitting projects with me to all of this so that I can keep busy. I'm sure you all know how meetings/conventions and hotel rooms can be. I'll be bored to tears. But it will be nice to visit Maryland again. I plan on driving through Crofton, where I used to live, on my way up to Emmitsburg. Unfortunately, I'll be stuck there for 5 days . . but at least I rented a car . . . which my work would not do for me. I refuse to take a shuttle back and forth from Ronald Reagan airport for 2.5 hours only to sit in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do and no ability to come and go as I please. I will probably try to hit some places I used to frequent when I lived there. Hopefully, I will also get the chance to meet up with my friend and ex-co-worker, Dennis. It would be so good to see him! Okay, well . . I've run out of stuff to say, so I probably won't be in touch until after my travels. I'm crossing my fingers that this will give me some good time to have some FOs. Talk to you soon!!!!]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.55 2008-03-23T19:50:13Z 2008-03-25T01:01:32Z

Happy Bunny Day to everyone! We had a really nice Easter breakfast here with the best coffee I've had in a while. I bought Casi Cielo whole bean from Starbucks . . . mmmMMMmmmMMM!! I haven't had coffee this good...

Leslie Casi Cielo whole bean from Starbucks . . . mmmMMMmmmMMM!! I haven't had coffee this good in a long time! Lots of stuff and pics to share, but I don't have any new pics of my Hypoteneuse yet. I'm up to row 6 and will be working throughout the day today. I'm hoping to get to the 10th row by next weekend. *sigh* The 17 row total seems so faaaaaaaaaaaar away!! I'm still loving the pattern and the yarn, so that's a good thing. Otherwise, I'd be putting this away for a while. But I'm anxious to finish it. It's also giving me ideas about splurging for a blocking board. Do any of you have any? Do you have any good recommendations? I want one big enough for future projects but I really don't have a huge amount of room either. I've heard that blocking boards are really only good for sweaters and lace . . and that you can block on just about any surface that's flat -- just use towels and pins. Is that how most of you do your blocking? Okay . . . on to some amazing goodies I've purchased in the last couple of weeks that have just arrived. First off, I came across a find on Etsy that's about as good as any I've had since I've become aware of that great website: KaratStix. I emailed Karen right away and asked for a custom order. Here are the items she made for me: Aren't these tools just wonderful?!?!? She's so talented!!! All I had to do was mention that I loved butterflies and dragonflies and she came up with exactly what I wanted. I have another order to start with her soon . . . but I'm going to keep that quiet for a bit because it's a very special gift for someone. I don't often get all dizzy over yarn . . but when I saw this on Sockpixie's website, I almost fainted: I swear, this has to be one of the most beautiful sock yarn colorways I've EVER seen! I could not pass it up. She based her collection on a series of paintings and this one was of the Comtesse de Grammont-Caderousse. I've placed the exact painting she used to inspire her for this colorway under the picture of the sock yarn above. I love her concepts and her interpretations of art into her work!! She is truly an artist. And finally . . a bit of my own stuff. This week a co-worker taught me how to make a Granny Square. Yeah, it's apparently so easy . . . and it became so after I got the hang of it . . . but I'm the kind of person who learns best from someone sitting down and showing me once -- then I'm off. So, reading patterns in a book isn't the easiest for me. If you show me how to do the stitches, then I've got it. I used to be the same way when I played the violin. I could never learn how to read the music, but I learned how to play by listening and watching my teachers. Okay . . okay . . enough about me . . . here's my First Granny Square (felted): I felted it only because . . well . . I didn't really have any idea what to do with it. *LOL* I used one ball of the Paton's Soy Wool and I've always wanted to see how that felted. Eh, I'm not too happy with it. It's really, really fuzzy when it's done and it takes a lot longer to felt up . . compared to Cascade 220. I know that there's some "shaving" you have to do when you're done . . and I did shave this one a lot . . but I'm not crazy about the hairy way some wools felt. For the time being, I've decided to use it under my favorite little statue of Pygmalion and Galatea that I bought on Madison Avenue when I was in New York City back in 1999. I found a really nice pattern for a granny square blanket I might try to crochet at some point. It's the Granny Square Afghan with Wide Knitted Border from Knitting Loves Crochet by Candi Jensen. I really like the rose/blush/terracotta colors . . but I think I would do a tan border/edging instead of the green that was used. Okay . . well, the Hypoteneuse is calling me so . . I have to go knit! I hope you've had a nice and relaxing weekend. :)]]> tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.54 2008-03-11T15:11:02Z 2008-03-11T15:13:11Z

I just realized that I made a mistake about the hypoteneuse shawl that I'm doing . . and I incorrectly stated it in my previous post. Yes, the pattern has 5x pattern chart -- for the WIDTH. However, the length...

Leslie I just realized that I made a mistake about the hypoteneuse shawl that I'm doing . . and I incorrectly stated it in my previous post. Yes, the pattern has 5x pattern chart -- for the WIDTH. However, the length requires you do that 5x -- 17 times for the LENGTH. I don't know why I misread and thought I was only supposed to do 5 rows. So, I will have more than enough yarn to do the 17 rows for the length . . and maybe do one or two more if I think I want it longer. Sorry for the mix up! tag:www.ablossomknits.com,2008://1.53 2008-03-09T18:33:32Z 2008-03-09T19:14:20Z

I'm still on my knitting roll and loving the multiple projects I have going. I think that what is enabling me to not fall into a funk like I did a while ago and just stop knitting because I have...

Leslie Hypoteneuse. The only two reasons are: the pattern and the yarn. Anne Hanson did a great job coming up with a fun and fairly easy-to-learn pattern that looks harder than what it really is. Once you get through one 24 row pattern chart, you're on your way . . . and "seeing" what to do is easy. Starting out though was a bit tough for me. I began this shawl using a different yarn (Classic Elite Classic Silk) and I did not like it one bit. I think the yarn was just too soft and drapey. It didn't hold the pattern very well. I needed wool to show the YOs on the hypoteneuse. Once I switched to Briar Rose's Legend (1300 yards), it was smooth sailing from there on. The pattern calls for a 5 chart repeat for the shawl (850 yards) . . . but I think I will have more than enough yarn to do either a few more repeats, or do a scarf. So, lets do the artistic side cut one first: And now for the top down, overall view: As you can see, I have only three of the pattern repeats done so far. I have not even finished one of the balls I wound from the hank of Legend. I have two and one half balls left!! Maybe I'll make a second one for my mom. :) Maybe she'd like the scarf! Also on my needles is the Textured Treasures Afghan from Lion Brand that I mentioned in my last post. I hate to poo-poo it because it's a Lion Brand pattern and their Wool-Ease yarn . . we all know it's not expensive stuff . . . but this project has certainly changed my mind and attitude towards using the craft store supplies. I've found I really do like this pattern and the yarn isn't as yucky as I thought it would be. When I have it on my lap, it makes me super warm! I'm hoping John's grandmother will like this when I'm done . . since it's for her. Still working on my zig-zag scarf, but I'm in no rush to finish it. I'll prolly get back to it when I'm done with the hypoteneuse. Next on my list . . oh man . . I have SO MANY things in my queue!! I'll probably do the Dream in Color Shrug by Kay Dahlquist. Then I'm thinking about . . and please shoot me now because I can't believe I'm even saying this . . tackling some lace from Jane Sowerby's Victorian Lace Today. Specifically, the Holly Berries scarf. I have some Lorna's Laces (in Periwinkle) ordered from Angelika's for this purpose. I can't believe I'm contemplating doing lace!!! ]]>