The first meeting of the knitting group I started in our RV retirement community saw me and one new lady. I met Wendy who is a snowbird with her husband, traveling from Sasketchawan, Canada each winter to the warmer climate of Arizona. This is her first year staying in our park. Wendy, like me, loves working with her hands in various different crafts. She joined me on Friday also with the quilting group.
I finished ALL my gift giving projects and have them all ready for mailing to all the different points of the USA where my family and friends live. Now I can actually shift mental gears and begin my Christmas baking. But, never fear, I already have my mind full of all the new projects I want to begin starting in the new year in just a few weeks. But until then, I will just knit on current projects, furthering their progress toward completion. Steve and I discussed the new year projects together. We decided that I should concentrate on projects that are for me, our new home, and small gifts that will be quick to make. Of course, I want to continue designing. I'm really looking forward to the challenges already. <grin>
Well, that's it for now. Just wanted to capture a few thoughts. Merry Christmas to each of you sharing this blog with me. I love you. Happy Birthday Lord Jesus. So glad I have the privilege to celebrate Your birth.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
New Beginnings from Previous Endings
Today is December 1st. This is the last month of this year. Wow it is difficult to realize that another whole year has been lived already. So much has happened in the last months since I last entered a post. I am up early this morning and just thought I would capture some of the adventure before it gets lost in the memories of times past.
October was the month when I took LOTS of classes at The Fiber Factory in Mesa, AZ and finished several projects at the other knit shops, too. I know now that I maxed my limitations that month. If I had taken one class more I would have been totally overwhelmed. As it was, I did finish each class and project just before needing to pack up the apartment and move from Scottsdale, AZ to Bullhead City, AZ where I am now residing.
I started a Fair Isle sweater in September and worked feverishly to complete it by the end of October. I did complete it except for the addition of the sleeves, but that was okay with me because I only wanted to learn the techniques not actually wear the sweater. I am very pleased with the results but have decided that Fair Isle is a little too intense for me. I will probably only use it for borders or small area designing. I like the colors and some designs better than others. I did not like the heaviness of the completed project. But I did use scrap yarn which was not all matched for weight and content. So I would definitely use a lighter weight yarn when making another sweater should that ever happen. I am pleased that I learned how to carry two different colors using both hands. I am pleased that I learned how to hide the beginning ends of yarn when first starting with a new color. Wrapping the yarn as I knit is a good way to strand the yarn without leaving the loose strands that are so easily caught when wearing the garment - another nice technique. Most of all, the purpose for desiring to take the class was to learn how to make and use steeks. This I did. Neat!
I finally started knitting a pair of convertible mittens using a kit I bought from Knit Picks back in 2009. The kit included the pattern and all the yarn required to complete the project. The yarn is a lovely DK weight of a wool-silk blend. The mittens are striped and thus I have five different colors to use. There is lots of shaping using double pointed needles so the challenge was to learn how to knit all the different fingers and thumb shapes while working small areas with yarn held on stitch holders. There is lots of bulk and maneuvering in tight spaces to make it work. I did find it cumbersome and somewhat difficult to tighten the place of joining at the beginning of each finger. While I am not actually pleased with the finished results, I am pleased that I made these mittens because I learned how to knit them. Will I make another pair another time? Well, for now that remains to be seen. Mittens fall into the same category as socks. For me, I don't really enjoy making them but I am pleased that I know how if I want to.
During October I also took a class learning to knit unmentionables - AKA panties and bra. This class was fun. I enjoyed learning how to shape the buttock area using short rows. I struggled with this concept using my own design that didn't work quite so well. Danielle, the instructor, showed me a different way, which worked much better. I shaped the bras a little differently, too. I decided I liked a wider version with a front closure. When finished I did purchase a book with other "fancy" patterns called Sexy Little Knits written by celebrity swimsuit designer Ashley Paige. There is a real cute pattern in this book for a bathing suit cover up that I bought yarn to knit.
I took a class in October to learn Hairpin Crochet Lace. This craft requires a special tool for crocheting the yarn into a loopy lace. The process is simple to learn but laborious and somewhat boring to execute. The long panels required seemed to take forever to complete. When finished the panels are then attached to each other, which again seemed to take forever. I didn't really enjoy this project like I usually do. I did see the value of being able to teach the grandchildren something new that would be easy for them, but I wasn't able to visualize additional designs with this skill. So I will probably not be doing this again.
The shop Knit Happens started a charity project which I decided to do in October. Why not, huh? I began a booties pattern for newborns and premies. Haven't finished them yet, but will.
Oh and I forgot that I also heard of a gift desired by a friend of mine and knit that for her too during this time frame.
I also started a skirt pattern (Sasha Skirt) that I had admired for some time to knit for myself. Tempe Yarn & Fiber carried the pattern although I had first seen it at Knit Happens. I purchased the pattern and bought the yarn in some yummy colors in linen that I still think I can wear in Arizona. I have begun the skirt by knitting the waistband. I used the same technique I learned from Danielle while knitting the panties. Her technique was better than the one the pattern used.
I finally took a class learning tatting. The technique I used was needle tatting rather than using shuttles. I was told that needle tatting is quicker and easier. I did enjoy the class very much. Found the technique is more simple than I expected. Tatting is used to design elegant edgings using chains and picots. Purchasing lace edging already made is easier and probably cheaper, but the tatted designs is an old art that I am very glad I have learned. Not sure what I will do with this skill just yet.
The last class I took before moving was Continental Knitting. I have always wanted to learn how to hold the yarn in both hands while knitting, but was taught the English method. So with this class I finally learned the secrets. BUT - I didn't care for the new way at all. I didn't find it easier or quicker. So I will keep my way for now and maybe try it again later. Probably not. <grin>
And of course, I am still designing. Currently working on a ribbed/cabled tank top.
With that last class out of the way and my projects finally completed (at least to the point I wanted them), I made the switch to packing boxes and moving and unpacking boxes. For those of you who follow what happens to me, here is the lowdown...
We bought a park model in a senior retirement community to be close to Steve's parents as they age so they can have peace of mind and not worry about what will happen to them or the care they might receive. We have not owned our own place before so this is quite the adventure for us. The park model sat empty for almost two years and was very dirty and in much need of TLC. Steve has taken to the task admirably. He spared me as much effort as possible by hiring Molly Maids to clean the apartment for the final inspection and two men to carry the boxes and load the truck saving me the up and down the steps routine. In Bullhead City he hired another cleaner to come in and empty the trailer and clean everything so we could move in without any hinderance. He also scheduled two unpackers to help us unload the truck after we arrived. Steve's dad took a power sprayer and cleaned the outside before we arrived. Steve's mom washed the bed linens and remade the bed so we could arrive without that chore facing us. That Friday, the day of moving, went smoothly. We arrived at 10:00 pm that evening tired but happy to have reached our anticipated destination safely.
The name of the park is Riverside Resort. The next morning was busy with a park-wide yard sale. Steve and I quickly sorted the items taken from the park model into the things we wanted to keep and the things we didn't. We placed all the unwanted items in the driveway with a sign that read "Free Items". By the end of the day, everything was gone. Then we proceeded to visit the other park owners to see what we might find to make our move easier. We bought a real nice desk that fit under one living room window nicely. We had built a makeshift desk in the apartment but dismantled it before we left. The new desk adds a real nice homey feeling to the front room and made it easy for us to continue with business issues while we found places for everything in the boxes. The unpackers arrived and transferred everything from the truck to the porch and the move-in began.
I must have been moving at full adrenal gland throttle because I worked hard until very late and then woke too early to begin again. But I couldn't actually rest until I had finished the task, so I just kept moving along. Finally about 4-5 days later I had everything out of the boxes and situated in the closets and cabinets the way I wanted. It amazes me that everything fit. The park model is smaller than the apartment and shorter than the motor coach, although a little wider. So I am amazed that all my things actually packed away as nicely as they have. I have two closets in the bedroom. Steve and I are sharing one for our clothing. The closet doors slide back and forth giving each of us one side. The bed fits in the room with approximately 2.5 feet around all edges. Tight but doable. The other closet is where all the items that were previously stored in the five foot lockers that we kept in the bus bay area and then underneath the bed in all following living quarters. These foot lockers held all my project supplies. I now have a closet with my tools, fabrics, yarns, and dress form. I also was able to store all those items that everyone keeps but does not necessarily use all the time, like old photos and all those things the children and grandchildren give me.
The kitchen was a real challenge. I have lots of kitchen tools, gadgets, cookbooks, food items, etc. I sorted everything into the areas where they will be used and then proceeded to pack them for ease of use. This took two long days. I moved and rearranged and then moved again until I had it just right. Now I can maneuver in my kitchen easily. I am still discovering where I put things and forgetting just how to cook smoothly. But I know that will become easier as I adjust. It was actually funny when I prepared the first meal. My mind would remember where the needed item(s) were in the apartment, then think of the box into which it was packed, then where I placed it in the new kitchen. I would stand in the center of the room, turning while reflecting, then finally retrieve the necessary tool. Steve was hopeless. He just stood there with a blank expression. I told him just to ask until he finally knew where everything was now placed. Now, a month later, he hardly asks at all but moves about almost as easily as I do.
Another challenge for me was arranging my knitting supplies for easy access. In the apartment, I had my yarn, my books, my projects all arranged for easy close access around me. I could sit and knit. I could talk on the phone and knit. I could visit and knit. I could watch TV and knit. I could eat and knit. All my books were on the shelf under the table in front of the couch in the living room where I sat. Get the point. Well, the new place had no table in front of the couch with a shelf underneath. The new place had no space around it for the tools, yarn, or projects. Consternation! What to do? I was actually experience withdrawal symptoms and much distress!!! First order of business was to fix me. I arranged a table beside my chair that allowed my current projects to be handy and easy to pick up at a moment's choosing. Then the cookbooks were rearranged so that the bookshelf could now hold the knitting books instead. Not as close as before, but still only a few steps away. I could feel the relief already. Now, where to put the yarn. Ahhhhh, the closet with new plastic drawers made my access even easier than the footlockers under the previous bed. Now I was breathing more slowly and actually relaxing and planning my next project after the mittens were finished. Life was back to my normal and I could now enjoy living here. Everything is in order again. <smile>
Once we were unpacked Steve and I started meeting the other park members (our neighbors) by joining several ongoing and special planned community events. Of course, we met many new friends at the yard sale and those passing our place curious about our arrival. My first visit was with the gals meeting to make quilts. I am now piecing fabric for the current project - oval placemats. I chose colors that are in my china and hope the finished mats will enhance the place setting. If not, someone gets them as a gift or I sell them at the next yard sale. No matter, I learn the techniques. I also decided to make the "mystery quilt" project. I was right in time to receive the first week's task. I bought the fabric learning about fat quarters in the process. We are currently at the fourth week's task. I have cut my fabric, sewn several together and now will place those pieces into a design I like; then stitch. With all the grandchildren I have, someone will benefit from my efforts.
There is no knitting groups in our park that I have found. One lady knits or crochets, not sure which, prayer shawls that she gives away in church for those who need one. There are no knit shops in Bullhead City. The closest one is in Kingman, which is 45 mins. drive away. So I have started my own group. I placed an announcement in the monthly newsletter and expect to see some others join me throughout December.
Steve's parents love to gamble and go to the casino regularly. They enjoy Bingo as well. Steve and I joined them at the casino for the bus trip with free buffet excursion. We also joined them for the weekly playing at the clubhouse across the street from our place. We have decided that we will not be doing this very often. We don't enjoy just handing our money to the casinos and can enjoy a better time eating a buffet without the gambling as part of the package. Anyway, Steve reminded me that we need to spend our time remodeling our place and not throwing away our money "hoping" to win. I agree!
There is a weekly "potluck" dinner and we participate in it eagerly. We meet many of our neighbors and get to enjoy the fun of the various dishes prepared each week. We will happily continue this activity. We were invited to try pickle ball, which we did, and while we enjoyed ourselves, we will probably only do that if another couple wants to plan a game or two. We gave water aerobics a try and will do that when we can, but right now it conflicts with the quilting group and I prefer to keep that activity. We went to "Stretch and Tone" a couple times and will do that as often as we can. It is early in the morning and we don't always rise and shine at that time. We began learning to line dance, which we both enjoy. That will be a keeper activity. Mom and I go to Bunco, a dice game, each week. We enjoy the fun of that game and I will probably continue that with her. We currently attend church here in the park each Sunday, but we may find a church home elsewhere. Add laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and the holiday celebrations and you have two very busy people right now. But we are finding our new home to be very satisfying. We may be here to stay for a very long time. <fingers crossed>
Steve is planning to double our floor space by enclosing the porch. Most people make an Arizona room from their addition, but we are going to enclose the porch and remove the center walls, rearrange the room designs and open up the ceiling. I drew the design on paper so he could better see what is needed. There are lots of HOA regulations and city limitations we need to consider. As soon as we can decipher all the information, plan our work schedule, and make sure the funds are in place, we will begin. Right now, however, we have our hands full just getting the current place livable in the mean time.
So there you have it. I am up to date with my blog. Now it is time to go knit. See you later.
October was the month when I took LOTS of classes at The Fiber Factory in Mesa, AZ and finished several projects at the other knit shops, too. I know now that I maxed my limitations that month. If I had taken one class more I would have been totally overwhelmed. As it was, I did finish each class and project just before needing to pack up the apartment and move from Scottsdale, AZ to Bullhead City, AZ where I am now residing.
I started a Fair Isle sweater in September and worked feverishly to complete it by the end of October. I did complete it except for the addition of the sleeves, but that was okay with me because I only wanted to learn the techniques not actually wear the sweater. I am very pleased with the results but have decided that Fair Isle is a little too intense for me. I will probably only use it for borders or small area designing. I like the colors and some designs better than others. I did not like the heaviness of the completed project. But I did use scrap yarn which was not all matched for weight and content. So I would definitely use a lighter weight yarn when making another sweater should that ever happen. I am pleased that I learned how to carry two different colors using both hands. I am pleased that I learned how to hide the beginning ends of yarn when first starting with a new color. Wrapping the yarn as I knit is a good way to strand the yarn without leaving the loose strands that are so easily caught when wearing the garment - another nice technique. Most of all, the purpose for desiring to take the class was to learn how to make and use steeks. This I did. Neat!
 |
| Steek knit in reverse stitch that can now be cut. The edging allows for easy picking up of stitches for then adding the sleeve or whatever else is needed. |
 |
| Side view with steel. |
 |
| Front view with pattern design clearly seen and collar finished. |
 |
| Palm Side |
 |
| Mitten Top Covering Fingers |
 |
| Fingers Exposed, Mitten Top Pulled Back |
 |
| Back of Hand |
 |
| Panties with short row shaping. Sides not stitched together. Unfinished waistband. |
 |
| Bra with shaping by increases and decreases stitches. Straps not knit as yet. Front closure. |
I took a class in October to learn Hairpin Crochet Lace. This craft requires a special tool for crocheting the yarn into a loopy lace. The process is simple to learn but laborious and somewhat boring to execute. The long panels required seemed to take forever to complete. When finished the panels are then attached to each other, which again seemed to take forever. I didn't really enjoy this project like I usually do. I did see the value of being able to teach the grandchildren something new that would be easy for them, but I wasn't able to visualize additional designs with this skill. So I will probably not be doing this again.
 |
| Hairpin Crochet Lace Frame with Finished Scarf |
The shop Knit Happens started a charity project which I decided to do in October. Why not, huh? I began a booties pattern for newborns and premies. Haven't finished them yet, but will.
Oh and I forgot that I also heard of a gift desired by a friend of mine and knit that for her too during this time frame.
I also started a skirt pattern (Sasha Skirt) that I had admired for some time to knit for myself. Tempe Yarn & Fiber carried the pattern although I had first seen it at Knit Happens. I purchased the pattern and bought the yarn in some yummy colors in linen that I still think I can wear in Arizona. I have begun the skirt by knitting the waistband. I used the same technique I learned from Danielle while knitting the panties. Her technique was better than the one the pattern used.
I finally took a class learning tatting. The technique I used was needle tatting rather than using shuttles. I was told that needle tatting is quicker and easier. I did enjoy the class very much. Found the technique is more simple than I expected. Tatting is used to design elegant edgings using chains and picots. Purchasing lace edging already made is easier and probably cheaper, but the tatted designs is an old art that I am very glad I have learned. Not sure what I will do with this skill just yet.
 |
| I made these. Aren't they lovely? So delicate and dainty! |
The last class I took before moving was Continental Knitting. I have always wanted to learn how to hold the yarn in both hands while knitting, but was taught the English method. So with this class I finally learned the secrets. BUT - I didn't care for the new way at all. I didn't find it easier or quicker. So I will keep my way for now and maybe try it again later. Probably not. <grin>
And of course, I am still designing. Currently working on a ribbed/cabled tank top.
With that last class out of the way and my projects finally completed (at least to the point I wanted them), I made the switch to packing boxes and moving and unpacking boxes. For those of you who follow what happens to me, here is the lowdown...
We bought a park model in a senior retirement community to be close to Steve's parents as they age so they can have peace of mind and not worry about what will happen to them or the care they might receive. We have not owned our own place before so this is quite the adventure for us. The park model sat empty for almost two years and was very dirty and in much need of TLC. Steve has taken to the task admirably. He spared me as much effort as possible by hiring Molly Maids to clean the apartment for the final inspection and two men to carry the boxes and load the truck saving me the up and down the steps routine. In Bullhead City he hired another cleaner to come in and empty the trailer and clean everything so we could move in without any hinderance. He also scheduled two unpackers to help us unload the truck after we arrived. Steve's dad took a power sprayer and cleaned the outside before we arrived. Steve's mom washed the bed linens and remade the bed so we could arrive without that chore facing us. That Friday, the day of moving, went smoothly. We arrived at 10:00 pm that evening tired but happy to have reached our anticipated destination safely.
The name of the park is Riverside Resort. The next morning was busy with a park-wide yard sale. Steve and I quickly sorted the items taken from the park model into the things we wanted to keep and the things we didn't. We placed all the unwanted items in the driveway with a sign that read "Free Items". By the end of the day, everything was gone. Then we proceeded to visit the other park owners to see what we might find to make our move easier. We bought a real nice desk that fit under one living room window nicely. We had built a makeshift desk in the apartment but dismantled it before we left. The new desk adds a real nice homey feeling to the front room and made it easy for us to continue with business issues while we found places for everything in the boxes. The unpackers arrived and transferred everything from the truck to the porch and the move-in began.
I must have been moving at full adrenal gland throttle because I worked hard until very late and then woke too early to begin again. But I couldn't actually rest until I had finished the task, so I just kept moving along. Finally about 4-5 days later I had everything out of the boxes and situated in the closets and cabinets the way I wanted. It amazes me that everything fit. The park model is smaller than the apartment and shorter than the motor coach, although a little wider. So I am amazed that all my things actually packed away as nicely as they have. I have two closets in the bedroom. Steve and I are sharing one for our clothing. The closet doors slide back and forth giving each of us one side. The bed fits in the room with approximately 2.5 feet around all edges. Tight but doable. The other closet is where all the items that were previously stored in the five foot lockers that we kept in the bus bay area and then underneath the bed in all following living quarters. These foot lockers held all my project supplies. I now have a closet with my tools, fabrics, yarns, and dress form. I also was able to store all those items that everyone keeps but does not necessarily use all the time, like old photos and all those things the children and grandchildren give me.
The kitchen was a real challenge. I have lots of kitchen tools, gadgets, cookbooks, food items, etc. I sorted everything into the areas where they will be used and then proceeded to pack them for ease of use. This took two long days. I moved and rearranged and then moved again until I had it just right. Now I can maneuver in my kitchen easily. I am still discovering where I put things and forgetting just how to cook smoothly. But I know that will become easier as I adjust. It was actually funny when I prepared the first meal. My mind would remember where the needed item(s) were in the apartment, then think of the box into which it was packed, then where I placed it in the new kitchen. I would stand in the center of the room, turning while reflecting, then finally retrieve the necessary tool. Steve was hopeless. He just stood there with a blank expression. I told him just to ask until he finally knew where everything was now placed. Now, a month later, he hardly asks at all but moves about almost as easily as I do.
Another challenge for me was arranging my knitting supplies for easy access. In the apartment, I had my yarn, my books, my projects all arranged for easy close access around me. I could sit and knit. I could talk on the phone and knit. I could visit and knit. I could watch TV and knit. I could eat and knit. All my books were on the shelf under the table in front of the couch in the living room where I sat. Get the point. Well, the new place had no table in front of the couch with a shelf underneath. The new place had no space around it for the tools, yarn, or projects. Consternation! What to do? I was actually experience withdrawal symptoms and much distress!!! First order of business was to fix me. I arranged a table beside my chair that allowed my current projects to be handy and easy to pick up at a moment's choosing. Then the cookbooks were rearranged so that the bookshelf could now hold the knitting books instead. Not as close as before, but still only a few steps away. I could feel the relief already. Now, where to put the yarn. Ahhhhh, the closet with new plastic drawers made my access even easier than the footlockers under the previous bed. Now I was breathing more slowly and actually relaxing and planning my next project after the mittens were finished. Life was back to my normal and I could now enjoy living here. Everything is in order again. <smile>
Once we were unpacked Steve and I started meeting the other park members (our neighbors) by joining several ongoing and special planned community events. Of course, we met many new friends at the yard sale and those passing our place curious about our arrival. My first visit was with the gals meeting to make quilts. I am now piecing fabric for the current project - oval placemats. I chose colors that are in my china and hope the finished mats will enhance the place setting. If not, someone gets them as a gift or I sell them at the next yard sale. No matter, I learn the techniques. I also decided to make the "mystery quilt" project. I was right in time to receive the first week's task. I bought the fabric learning about fat quarters in the process. We are currently at the fourth week's task. I have cut my fabric, sewn several together and now will place those pieces into a design I like; then stitch. With all the grandchildren I have, someone will benefit from my efforts.
There is no knitting groups in our park that I have found. One lady knits or crochets, not sure which, prayer shawls that she gives away in church for those who need one. There are no knit shops in Bullhead City. The closest one is in Kingman, which is 45 mins. drive away. So I have started my own group. I placed an announcement in the monthly newsletter and expect to see some others join me throughout December.
Steve's parents love to gamble and go to the casino regularly. They enjoy Bingo as well. Steve and I joined them at the casino for the bus trip with free buffet excursion. We also joined them for the weekly playing at the clubhouse across the street from our place. We have decided that we will not be doing this very often. We don't enjoy just handing our money to the casinos and can enjoy a better time eating a buffet without the gambling as part of the package. Anyway, Steve reminded me that we need to spend our time remodeling our place and not throwing away our money "hoping" to win. I agree!
There is a weekly "potluck" dinner and we participate in it eagerly. We meet many of our neighbors and get to enjoy the fun of the various dishes prepared each week. We will happily continue this activity. We were invited to try pickle ball, which we did, and while we enjoyed ourselves, we will probably only do that if another couple wants to plan a game or two. We gave water aerobics a try and will do that when we can, but right now it conflicts with the quilting group and I prefer to keep that activity. We went to "Stretch and Tone" a couple times and will do that as often as we can. It is early in the morning and we don't always rise and shine at that time. We began learning to line dance, which we both enjoy. That will be a keeper activity. Mom and I go to Bunco, a dice game, each week. We enjoy the fun of that game and I will probably continue that with her. We currently attend church here in the park each Sunday, but we may find a church home elsewhere. Add laundry, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and the holiday celebrations and you have two very busy people right now. But we are finding our new home to be very satisfying. We may be here to stay for a very long time. <fingers crossed>
Steve is planning to double our floor space by enclosing the porch. Most people make an Arizona room from their addition, but we are going to enclose the porch and remove the center walls, rearrange the room designs and open up the ceiling. I drew the design on paper so he could better see what is needed. There are lots of HOA regulations and city limitations we need to consider. As soon as we can decipher all the information, plan our work schedule, and make sure the funds are in place, we will begin. Right now, however, we have our hands full just getting the current place livable in the mean time.
So there you have it. I am up to date with my blog. Now it is time to go knit. See you later.
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