It's no exaggeration to say that there have been many changes in my life in the past couple of months. After Daddy passed away, Mom decided that she didn't want the responsibility of keeping the house (not to mention the yard work that would be involved) and that she wanted to sell it and get herself a small apartment.
I told her that I thought it was a great idea, and we began watching ads for an apartment near me (for convenience's sake, since Mom doesn't drive). One Sunday morning, she said that she had a proposition for me. She wondered if I'd be interested in moving from my two-bedroom unit to a three-bedroom unit and sharing it with her.
Once again, a great idea. Unbelievably, a three-bedroom unit came available very quickly, and I hurriedly decluttered, donated, packed and moved into it. It was a long, difficult task; I learned that I could get sore in places I'd forgotten I HAD!
But I'm moved in now. Unpacking is still happening, but I'm moved in. Next we'll get Mom packed, sell the house, and get her moved in.
So, as you can imagine, I haven't had time to do much knitting in the past few weeks. As a result, my hands became very stiff and sore. I took last Saturday and did nothing but lay on the couch, watch TV, and knit dishcloths. Dishcloths are very relaxing. It did me a world of good; my hands loosened up, and my mind settled considerably.
Word to the wise: No matter how busy your life becomes, make time for a bit o' knitting. It's good for you! :-)
Showing posts with label dishcloth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dishcloth. Show all posts
Monday, February 17, 2014
Thursday, June 14, 2012
We Now Return to Our Previously Scheduled Sweater.....
Last Sunday while visiting my parents, I was knitting a couple of dishcloths. Side Note: I knit them two at a time on a circular needle, and usually knit "Granny's Favorite", which you can find in "Cricket's Favorite Freebies", link on the right.
The other day, though, one of the talented knitters I follow online, Pretty Knitty, made a few adjustments to the pattern and improved it. So, I felt the need to try it out. As I was sitting there knitting, Daddy asked what I was working on, and I told him. "So how are you coming along on that sweater?" he asked innocently.
Good question. The sweater has been languishing in a tote bag behind my couch for some time now. You'd think with a broken leg, I'd have had plenty of time to finish it. You'd be wrong.
Since it takes me practically forever to do ANYTHING on crutches, I actually have less time for knitting right now than before. But today I'm off work. I did a little household drudgery this morning, resting my leg between chores, and now I'm in the recliner. I've had a little nap and have now decided the time has come to pull the sweater out of its hiding place and get back to it.
I'll keep you posted. :-)
The other day, though, one of the talented knitters I follow online, Pretty Knitty, made a few adjustments to the pattern and improved it. So, I felt the need to try it out. As I was sitting there knitting, Daddy asked what I was working on, and I told him. "So how are you coming along on that sweater?" he asked innocently.
Good question. The sweater has been languishing in a tote bag behind my couch for some time now. You'd think with a broken leg, I'd have had plenty of time to finish it. You'd be wrong.
Since it takes me practically forever to do ANYTHING on crutches, I actually have less time for knitting right now than before. But today I'm off work. I did a little household drudgery this morning, resting my leg between chores, and now I'm in the recliner. I've had a little nap and have now decided the time has come to pull the sweater out of its hiding place and get back to it.
I'll keep you posted. :-)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas Eve Eve
It's my favorite kind of pre-holiday afternoon. The weather is cool and overcast, all my holiday knitting is done. Gifts are all wrapped and either delivered or under the tree. All the holiday cooking I can do ahead of time is finished. Except for a few minor items (a couple of loads of laundry, putting the kitchen to rights, ironing the holiday tablecloth) all I have to do the rest of the day is relax, knit and watch holiday movies while letting Roomba do the vacuuming.
What am I knitting? Well, since I'm sort of taking the afternoon off, I'm knitting Granny's Favorite Dishcloth, also known as the "Idiot's Dishcloth" since it was published in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting & Crocheting". When I finish this post, I'm going to finish up my few little chores, then kick back and knit until I nap.
I send each of you all my hopes for a holiday season full of peace and contentment!
What am I knitting? Well, since I'm sort of taking the afternoon off, I'm knitting Granny's Favorite Dishcloth, also known as the "Idiot's Dishcloth" since it was published in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Knitting & Crocheting". When I finish this post, I'm going to finish up my few little chores, then kick back and knit until I nap.
I send each of you all my hopes for a holiday season full of peace and contentment!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
A Month??
Hard to believe that it's been nearly a month since I posted here last....this month just got away from me!! There's been a lot going on at the office, but I've been able to keep my sanity by knitting. Hooray for knitting!! *LOL*
In the past month I've finished a few projects and worked on a few more:
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
- Soap Socks - I've been knitting these up for Christmas gifts. Cute, fun, quick!
- Christmas Lights - I knit a set of these last year to decorate my office, but gave them away. So, I'm knitting another set for my office.
- Zimmerman's Surprise Jacket - Adult Sized - I've knit several Baby Surprise Jackets and decided to treat myself to one.
- "Plain Vanilla" Socks - my favorite socks to knit....simple K3P1 rib on top of the foot, stockinette on the sole, good durable heel flap, and K3P1 rib on the leg. Two-at-a-time, toe-up. Simple, small enough to carry in your purse. I finished one pair and started another. Winter's coming, and I love my warm wool winter socks!
- Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth - I keep a couple of these on a circular needle all the time. Not only are they good sturdy dishcloths, they also make nice gifts. Everyone always appreciates them!
Have a great Sunday, everyone!
Monday, August 15, 2011
A New Knitter
Saturday I went to the reunion of my Dad's side of the family. I don't know how your family reunions go, but ours involve a large crowd of relatives, (usually) hot weather, and TONS of delicious food! There are plenty of good cooks in the family, and it always shows at a reunion.
Ever since I started knitting I carry a project bag to the reunion. I don't play the outdoor games at the reunion because it's too dang hot, and the indoor games are usually cake walks or bingo which are more fun to watch than to actually do. So I knit and visit with relatives.
By Saturday afternoon the heat had taken a toll on several of the kids who'd been playing outdoors. At that time I was sitting on the porch of the Ruritan building where we were having the gathering, knitting some dishcloths I'd been working on for Christmas gifts.
A very polite young girl named Cara (or Kara, I'm not sure how she spells it) who turned out to be related to me by marriage through a second cousin came and sat on the bench beside me and began asking questions about what I was doing. I spent the next few minutes giving her a very broad overview of knitting: "just making loops of this cotton yarn with these metal needles". When I saw that she was really paying attention, I handed her the dishcloth I was knitting and taught her a knit stitch. She picked it up quickly, and I showed her a purl stitch. It was such fun to watch her face light up when she saw that she was actually KNITTING! Now I know why teachers enjoy their work when they have attentive students.
When the time came for her to get ready to leave, I bound off the triangle of knitted material she'd been working with and gave it to her for a souvenir. Her mother came to thank me for teaching her, and I told her in all honesty that it had been as much fun for me as it had for her.
A good Saturday!
Ever since I started knitting I carry a project bag to the reunion. I don't play the outdoor games at the reunion because it's too dang hot, and the indoor games are usually cake walks or bingo which are more fun to watch than to actually do. So I knit and visit with relatives.
By Saturday afternoon the heat had taken a toll on several of the kids who'd been playing outdoors. At that time I was sitting on the porch of the Ruritan building where we were having the gathering, knitting some dishcloths I'd been working on for Christmas gifts.
A very polite young girl named Cara (or Kara, I'm not sure how she spells it) who turned out to be related to me by marriage through a second cousin came and sat on the bench beside me and began asking questions about what I was doing. I spent the next few minutes giving her a very broad overview of knitting: "just making loops of this cotton yarn with these metal needles". When I saw that she was really paying attention, I handed her the dishcloth I was knitting and taught her a knit stitch. She picked it up quickly, and I showed her a purl stitch. It was such fun to watch her face light up when she saw that she was actually KNITTING! Now I know why teachers enjoy their work when they have attentive students.
When the time came for her to get ready to leave, I bound off the triangle of knitted material she'd been working with and gave it to her for a souvenir. Her mother came to thank me for teaching her, and I told her in all honesty that it had been as much fun for me as it had for her.
A good Saturday!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Semi-Normal
At long last, life at the office is back to semi-normal. The workload is still terrible and the new computer system is still a nightmare, but at least my hours are back to 40 hours a week. I must confess that the past few months have taken a toll. Hopefully now I can begin to get my life back in order.
For awhile I was forced to cut my beloved knitting back drastically. I was just too exhausted after work to even pick up the knitting needles. As the hours gradually approached a near-normal work week again, I actually FORCED myself to pick up a fairly mindless project for at least a half-hour in the evenings. It helps quiet my mind and center my emotions. Thank goodness for the "granny dishcloth" pattern. Nothing to think about, busy hands, quiet mind, useful end product!
There have been many times in the recent past that I've been grateful that I learned to knit. To paraphrase the Yarn Harlot, I don't knit because I'm patient, I'm patient because I knit.
I've also started knitting some grocery bag dispensers (early start on Christmas gifts). I adapted the pattern from several other patterns I found on Ravelry and other internet sites. I've posted my version in the "freebies" section (see the link on the right) if you'd like to try one. It's a simple project that knits up quickly. Sometimes it's good to work on an "instant gratification" project. :-)
Have a great weekend, fellow knitsters!
For awhile I was forced to cut my beloved knitting back drastically. I was just too exhausted after work to even pick up the knitting needles. As the hours gradually approached a near-normal work week again, I actually FORCED myself to pick up a fairly mindless project for at least a half-hour in the evenings. It helps quiet my mind and center my emotions. Thank goodness for the "granny dishcloth" pattern. Nothing to think about, busy hands, quiet mind, useful end product!
There have been many times in the recent past that I've been grateful that I learned to knit. To paraphrase the Yarn Harlot, I don't knit because I'm patient, I'm patient because I knit.
I've also started knitting some grocery bag dispensers (early start on Christmas gifts). I adapted the pattern from several other patterns I found on Ravelry and other internet sites. I've posted my version in the "freebies" section (see the link on the right) if you'd like to try one. It's a simple project that knits up quickly. Sometimes it's good to work on an "instant gratification" project. :-)
Have a great weekend, fellow knitsters!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
I *heart* Sundays
Good morning, fellow knitsters! I've been away a long time, and I apologize, but I honestly do have a pretty good reason. That computer conversion at the office that I mentioned back in February has caused a HUGE increase in my workload. In fact, today is my first day off in the past two weeks.
Needless to say, I've barely had the energy to feed myself, much less do my blogging. My knitting has suffered terribly, too. I've managed to finish a few dishcloths and Swiffer cloths for birthday gifts, but that's been about it. I hope to spend some quality relaxation time today with my recliner, a mug (or five) of coffee, my knitting, and Netflix.
I was on Amazon.com (with whom I have a nearly-first-name relationship) a few minutes ago ordering a gift for a friend and needed to add a bit to get free shipping. I popped onto my Wish List to see what might get me over the minimum and (even though it cost more than I needed for free shipping) ordered myself Mason-Dixon Knitting. It had been on my Wish List for nearly two years, and I've always heard wonderful things about it. So now I'm looking forward to receiving it; I've needed to treat myself to something for awhile, and this seems like a good choice.
Well, friends, if I'm going to spend some knitting time this afternoon, I guess I'd better get a few household chores out of the way. I hope you all have a glorious Sunday!
Needless to say, I've barely had the energy to feed myself, much less do my blogging. My knitting has suffered terribly, too. I've managed to finish a few dishcloths and Swiffer cloths for birthday gifts, but that's been about it. I hope to spend some quality relaxation time today with my recliner, a mug (or five) of coffee, my knitting, and Netflix.
I was on Amazon.com (with whom I have a nearly-first-name relationship) a few minutes ago ordering a gift for a friend and needed to add a bit to get free shipping. I popped onto my Wish List to see what might get me over the minimum and (even though it cost more than I needed for free shipping) ordered myself Mason-Dixon Knitting. It had been on my Wish List for nearly two years, and I've always heard wonderful things about it. So now I'm looking forward to receiving it; I've needed to treat myself to something for awhile, and this seems like a good choice.
Well, friends, if I'm going to spend some knitting time this afternoon, I guess I'd better get a few household chores out of the way. I hope you all have a glorious Sunday!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Dischcloths Finally Finished!
I've knitted all 12 and just need to block them a bit to even them up, then tie them into little packages of 2 each and tie a little gift tag on them. I'm trying to settle down a headache this morning, but hope to get that finished up this afternoon.
Finally, back to my Dragonfly socks!
Finally, back to my Dragonfly socks!
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
STILL Knitting Dishcloths
Okay, how bored am I with knitting dishcloths? VERY. I am kicking myself for promising a dozen and then waiting so long to get started. Even knitting them two at a time in varied hues isn't helping.
I got so bored with them over the weekend that I laid them aside and knitting a bit on baby socks (see my sock-knitting blog, link at right). But even while enjoying that little respite, the dishcloths were looming over my head like a cloud of doom.
Okay, maybe it wasn't quite THAT bad, but let's just say I'll be really glad to finish them up. I have cloths 9 and 10 nearly finished, so that'll leave just one more pair. I'm going to try to finish them up this week in the evenings after work so I can work on something FUN over the weekend.
I don't even want to think about the fact that it's nearly time to start Christmas knitting. I still haven't finished my last pair of summer socks!! And it's JULY for cryin' out loud!
It's time like these that I have to sit back, take a deep breath and remind myself that I knit for fun and relaxation. After all, I'll have another camping trip coming up soon, and that should provide enough knitting time to finish up that last pair of summer socks. I might even have time to knit up some more baby socks while I'm in the tent.
So.....next on the agenda is to decide what I'm knitting for Christmas, make sure the yarn is either in the stash basket or ordered in a timely fashion, and give myself plenty of time to work on the projects without putting myself in a bind.
Yeah. Right. ;-)
I got so bored with them over the weekend that I laid them aside and knitting a bit on baby socks (see my sock-knitting blog, link at right). But even while enjoying that little respite, the dishcloths were looming over my head like a cloud of doom.
Okay, maybe it wasn't quite THAT bad, but let's just say I'll be really glad to finish them up. I have cloths 9 and 10 nearly finished, so that'll leave just one more pair. I'm going to try to finish them up this week in the evenings after work so I can work on something FUN over the weekend.
I don't even want to think about the fact that it's nearly time to start Christmas knitting. I still haven't finished my last pair of summer socks!! And it's JULY for cryin' out loud!
It's time like these that I have to sit back, take a deep breath and remind myself that I knit for fun and relaxation. After all, I'll have another camping trip coming up soon, and that should provide enough knitting time to finish up that last pair of summer socks. I might even have time to knit up some more baby socks while I'm in the tent.
So.....next on the agenda is to decide what I'm knitting for Christmas, make sure the yarn is either in the stash basket or ordered in a timely fashion, and give myself plenty of time to work on the projects without putting myself in a bind.
Yeah. Right. ;-)
Monday, June 28, 2010
Campin' and Knittin'
I went camping Thursday and came home yesterday....what a great way to spend a weekend! It's been so steamy and hot at home that it was wonderful to get out in the woods for a few days. The weather was stormy on Thursday, but after that it was just cool mornings, warm (not hot) afternoons, and cool evenings.
We had a really torrential thunderstorm Thursday evening, but my tent doesn't leak so I didn't mind at all. I just sat inside, watching the storm through the tent window, and knitted away happily.
I took my Dragonfly socks with me, but spent most of my knitting time working on some dishcloths. I'd promised to knit a dozen for bingo prizes for our family reunion in August. I've now finished 7 of them...only 5 to go! Actually, I'm knitting them 2 at a time so I have 6 completed and am halfway through the next pair. I like knitting them 2 at a time so I don't get too terribly bored. They're good mindless knitting to do while visiting.
I hope to work a little more on my socks tonight while watching a Netflix movie. It's been a busy morning at work (I'm on my lunch break now), so I hope I'm not too tired to knit a bit when I get home!
We had a really torrential thunderstorm Thursday evening, but my tent doesn't leak so I didn't mind at all. I just sat inside, watching the storm through the tent window, and knitted away happily.
I took my Dragonfly socks with me, but spent most of my knitting time working on some dishcloths. I'd promised to knit a dozen for bingo prizes for our family reunion in August. I've now finished 7 of them...only 5 to go! Actually, I'm knitting them 2 at a time so I have 6 completed and am halfway through the next pair. I like knitting them 2 at a time so I don't get too terribly bored. They're good mindless knitting to do while visiting.
I hope to work a little more on my socks tonight while watching a Netflix movie. It's been a busy morning at work (I'm on my lunch break now), so I hope I'm not too tired to knit a bit when I get home!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!
I hope Easter morning is as beautiful in your neighborhood as it is in mine! Bright sunshine and moderate temperatures are predicted, and I'm sure lots of little Easter egg hunters are glad for that.
I've been invited to a family gathering this afternoon at a cousin's home and knitted a couple of Basic Dishcloths for her for Peaches & Creme's "Juanita Rose" colorway. Pretty, pretty colors....I hope she likes them!
Monday, March 22, 2010
"Catch-Up" Weekend
I'd fallen behind on some birthday knitting so this was "catch-up" weekend. I completed two dishcloths (one "Idiot" dishcloth, and one with a kitty silhouette on it) for one friend and got a LOT done on a market bag for another friend. In fact, I hope to be able to finish it up after work this evening.
I like the market bag so much that I just might have to make one for myself.....after I clear out some UFOs, that is. *LOL* I'm using the "Grrlfriend Market Bag" pattern on Ravelry and working it up in KnitPicks' yummy CotLin. I'll try to remember to photograph it before I give it away.
I like the market bag so much that I just might have to make one for myself.....after I clear out some UFOs, that is. *LOL* I'm using the "Grrlfriend Market Bag" pattern on Ravelry and working it up in KnitPicks' yummy CotLin. I'll try to remember to photograph it before I give it away.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I'm baaaaaaaack.....
Sorry I've been away so long. I had spinal surgery on November 17th and am just now getting caught up on home e-mail and blogging and such!!
The good news is that because I've been spending a lot of time in my recliner during recovery, I've finished my Christmas "stealth" knitting! I'll post more about that later in case anyone who might be receiving any of my knitted items is reading this blog. *LOL*
I guess I'm not officially finished with my Christmas knitting, since I realized I needed to knit two more holiday dishcloths. I got those started last night, though, and should get them finished in the next evening or two. I knit them two at a time, so they go really quickly.
Speaking of which, I guess I'd better hit the recliner and get back at them. :-) Happy holidays, everyone!
The good news is that because I've been spending a lot of time in my recliner during recovery, I've finished my Christmas "stealth" knitting! I'll post more about that later in case anyone who might be receiving any of my knitted items is reading this blog. *LOL*
I guess I'm not officially finished with my Christmas knitting, since I realized I needed to knit two more holiday dishcloths. I got those started last night, though, and should get them finished in the next evening or two. I knit them two at a time, so they go really quickly.
Speaking of which, I guess I'd better hit the recliner and get back at them. :-) Happy holidays, everyone!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Sue's Easy Knit Dishcloth
This cloth isn't quite as simple as the "idiot" cloth, but it works up pretty quickly and has a lovely texture. It's another free pattern you can find by searching for "Sue's Easy Knit Dishcloth".
I'm still amazed at how many talented people are designing patterns and giving them away for free! Bless their little hearts.
Okay, I'll try to find something other than dishcloths to post for awhile. *LOL*
I'm still amazed at how many talented people are designing patterns and giving them away for free! Bless their little hearts.
Okay, I'll try to find something other than dishcloths to post for awhile. *LOL*
Basic "Idiot" Dishcloth
I've seen patterns for this dishcloth all over the internet as "Granny's Favorite" or "Basic Dishcloth" or "Idiot Dishcloth". I just love knitting this one in front of the television, because you really only have to pay attention on the first few stitches of each row. Then it's just plain knit until the end of the row.
Perfect for those times when you need something fairly mindless to work on.
Perfect for those times when you need something fairly mindless to work on.
Hummingbird Dishcloth
This "hummingbird in flight" is the only dishcloth that didn't live up to my expectations. It was a lot of work and just isn't very pretty. I don't think I'll make another one of these.
Butterfly Dishcloth
One of the great things about knitting dishcloths is that it's almost instant gratification. This butterfly works up really quickly. I've now made two of them, and I can knit one in the time it takes to watch a movie.
I like knitting dishcloths, too, because they're very portable. It's easy to work on one in the dentist's waiting room.
I like knitting dishcloths, too, because they're very portable. It's easy to work on one in the dentist's waiting room.
Kitty Dishcloth
I've been practicing my knitting lately by making cotton dishcloths as gifts for friends at work. One friend is a cat lover, so I found a pattern on the internet for this kitty dishcloth.
I wish I'd taken a picture after I blocked it, because it really looked much better after it was blocked. It turned out to be a cute gift, and was really easy to make. No tricky stitches, just knit and purl according to the pattern. It was fun to make something other than scarves. :-)
I wish I'd taken a picture after I blocked it, because it really looked much better after it was blocked. It turned out to be a cute gift, and was really easy to make. No tricky stitches, just knit and purl according to the pattern. It was fun to make something other than scarves. :-)
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