A few things

I don't know what has happened, but this blogger has become the biggest pain to post; are they trying to make it as difficult as possible? 

Here's what I've been doing, but have a feeling not much more. Cotton Crochet Pink Grid Scarf, Louisa Harding Nautical Cotton, "G" Hook

A garter-stitch Prayer Shawl out of that yarn I don't like but bought for a friend so at least it's cooler weather to be knitting this warm thing on my lap......

Knitted Seafoam Scarf has replaced initial idea of shawl, but using only 7 yarns to experiment with the freeform thing.  I guess I like it, probably 6-7 repeats, we'll see.

And Max is thoughtfully pensive, meditating on my needlepoint pillow. He's my sweet boy.

It's Halloween!

A Victorian Gentlewoman in the Far West

I started this last night (after watching the season premiere of House) and seems already to be as enjoyable as Stegner's Angle of Repose. Especially since Angle of Repose was based on Mary Hallock Foote's remembrances. - her life as the wife of a mining engineer in the 1880-1890's out West. The non-fictionalized account. I hope it'll be even better.

No knitting, no crochet, no crafts, no nothing. Burn out I guess. It happens.

I take the DPN Challenge

A small & easy hat project, practicing double-pointed needle knitting skills. Really. Other people knit with these things, so can I. From the top of the hat this time, without a glass of wine. Three tries and off I knit.

Doesn't look so difficult!

Oh sure. Only a couple of un-ravels.

Seriously, I amend an easy pattern. Loved the red yarn with nubby color bits. It's wool & acrylic, not anything I'll be wearing in this climate. Not a chemo hat either.

Patons Shetland Chunky Tweeds
Weight: Bulky / 12 ply (7 wpi)
Yardage: 123 yards (112 meters)
Unit weight: 85 grams (3.00 ounces)
Gauge: 15.0 = 4 inches
Needle size: US 10 / 6.0 mm
Fibers: 75% Wool, 25% Acrylic
Machine wash? yes
3oz / 85 g Length: 123 yd / 113 m

Pattern to follow!

Arizona Shawl

I love it !

I love how it turned out, debated about adding fringe. Though I tried, just to be sure and then found it didn't need the added length. The neutral color over black is great, perfect shawl weight for Arizona too.

It has a drapy-ness that I guess is only from linen/rayon combo, but a lovely weight for Arizona, hence the name. Beautiful friend & co-worker Kit models in the library. Finished size is 14"x80".

This is the yarn used:

Berroco Linen Jeans
Weight: Worsted / 10 ply (9 wpi)
Yardage: 80 yards (73 meters) - I used 8 skeins
Unit weight: 50 grams (1.76 ounces)
Gauge: 19.0 = 4 inches
Needle size: US 9 / 5.5 mm
Fibers: 70% Rayon, 30% Linen
Texture: linen tape Color: Natural

The pattern is One Row Lace Scarf : http://turvid.blogspot.com/2009/03/free-pattern-one-row-lace-scarf.html

I cast-on 64 stitches; any multiple of 4 will work and about 4 rows of garter at either end. I think of it as my Closer Shawl - I watched seasons 1, 2 & 3 of The Closer this summer, while knitting this shawl. I can't see Kyra wearing this :).

Star, Bucky & Angel

Star & Bucky

Angel in the Backseat

Fooling About with Chemo Hats

My favorite so far: crocheted with a picot edge trim, really really fast & easy. I tried the Caron Simply Soft Eco for the first time - and liked it better than would have thought. Not a fan of acrylic, but some cottons aren't stretchy/soft enough for a bare scalp.
I used (my) adjusted version of this pattern from Head Huggers: http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/cpatt12.htm

US H (5.0 mm) hook, and added a row of SC before & after the 'holes'.
Lastly, added the picot edge for a feminine touch.
Stretchy, roomy, light & airy & not too clingy.
About about half the skein made 1 hat, fitting a medium-sized head.
I like the natural color too. Especially in Arizona summer heat.
My friend CC with ACS kindly donated the head to model/work with, as I practice & learn!
The Phyllis Cap


Then I tried a knit hat, used the pattern below. Having never used DP needles, well, um, I was glad for a little elastic in the cotton!
I ball of Cascade Yarns Fixation Spray Dyed/Effects
Size US 8 needles (5.0 mm)
Here's the pattern I followed (mostly). I didn't make it deep enough, so it's a sz small for sure.
http://chiknitterguy.blogspot.com/2009/06/todds-no-purl-hat-needles-and-yarn.html

Brim rolled up or down.

I also tried The Inside Out Chemo Cap

Made this with cotton & baby acrylic, didn't really care for it when I finished. Here is the knit pattern from Head Huggers:

http://www.headhuggers.org/patterns/kpatt20.htm

Here's the crochet Phyllis Cap, made with Lion Cotton

And another crochet version, with Bernat Bamboo Natural Blends in natural.
Soft & cushy, but a tad too hot for this climate.

And a couple more.

Trip on the Verde Canyon Railroad

4th of July trip to Verde Valley---- a train ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad...

a relaxing 4 hour trip...

spectacular scenery....

the Verde River.....

canyon walls....

just a lovely afternoon....

beautiful panorama.....

Here is the link about the Verde Canyon Railroad:

http://www.verdecanyonrr.com/

One of those Ballband Dishcloths

Well, I made one of these & a matching scrubby, will gift it to someone. I found the pattern tedious & way too fancy for a dishcloth. Might make a nice pillow. I single-crocheted the sides, they looked awful. Maybe a choice of different colors would have helped? I doubt it. All in all it didn't blow my skirt up.

Mickey Does the Dishes

Mickey Mouse dishcloth, scrubby & kitchen towel-- gift for co-worker, obviously a Disney maniac!

Mouse Ears Dishcloth Pattern here:
http://knitted-kitty-creations.com/