Pages

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Obsessions

I find, as I grow older, that I am developing a very obsessive nature.  I will latch onto something and that is all I want to do.  If only I could direct that laser focus towards cleaning...


I am currently obsessed with knitting, even more so than usual.  I have a large project (for me) on the needles at the moment, that is not really portable, so I had to come up with small projects that I could tote along with me on a daily basis.  I am starting to become my late and much lamented frister, Kay.  I still can close my eyes and see her bursting through my front door, awash in various bags of knitting projects.  I miss her so much.


I have also managed to 'infect' my middle sister with the knitting bug.  She made the mistake of mentioning that she would like to learn how to knit so that she'd have something to do while keeping an eye on our parents.  I got her a beginner's knitting kit from Knit Picks and, last Saturday, we sat down with our needles and yarn and got busy.  She is a natural.


*An aside here - starting someone totally green with the long-tail cast on is ludicrous!  It takes all your concentration to learn how to deal with two sticks and a string, let alone trying to wrest your fingers into unnatural positions.  We bypassed the LTCO and went to my easy-peasy cast on, the name of which escapes me.


Besides my too-large socks, I recently cast off a small cowl, knit up with a skein of absolutely lovely yarn (wool/silk blend) that I won in one of Theresa of Camp Runamuck's wonderful giveaways.  It had all of my colors and feels like a little cloud around my neck.


Speaking of necks, where the heck did this Turkey Neck come from?!?  Bring out the Botox!
It goes swimmingly with my green mohair cardigan sweater, knit up by my Great Aunt Edie - she of the one cigarette, one Scotch while watching Lawrence Welk and knitting, Great Aunt Edie.  She was the only person I have known (with the exception of Kay) who could knit a patterned sweater while holding a conversation and/or watching television.  This sweater has to be at least 30 years old, if not older.


I realized, with more than a little alarm, that I had absolutely no knitting for lunchtime at the office yesterday!  OMG.  This morning found me rummaging around for a small project.  Mission accomplished, but I can't share because it/they are headed out for Valentine's Day.  I am going to be casting on another pair of socks this weekend - the only difficulty will be choosing the yarn.  So, so, so much beautiful yarn.  So, so, so, SO much yarn that I need to unearth.  This weekend I tackle The Craft/Office Room/Closet.  I may have to don multiple pairs of BGPs for this baby.


I leave you with my transformed little dining area - everything was given to me, with the exception of the chairs, which I bought from a friend.  They were her grandmother's.


****
Sue of the Apples for Jam Cookbook - if you are reading this - your email did not go through, so I need you to contact me at: swomersley at gmail dot com!  If I don't hear from you by the end of the weekend, the book will be back up for grabs.





25 comments:

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i was knitting like a maniac a few years ago and now i haven't picked up a needle in 2-3 years. go figure! your scarf is so pretty!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Your dining area looks great!

Susan said...

Can you describe your easy peasy cast on method?

Theresa said...

Oh the dining area is lovely. Is that a Franciscan wear pitcher in that breakfront? If I remember correctly, that was a twisted sisters sock yarn, a special edition and boy have you made the most of it. I am so happy to see the yarns being used. Warms the cockles of my little grinchy heart.

Susan said...

I can't imagine you would have any time to knit! Honestly, I don't know how you have time to sleep...

Susan said...

Thanks, Debra! The table - solid maple from someone on freecycle - has a self-contained leaf and opens to about another third as long.

Susan said...

Susan, I sent you an email - but I don't know if it will make any sense...

Susan said...

It was twisted sister - a one-off. I just LOVE it. That is, indeed, a Franciscan ware pitcher, Desert Rose. It is slightly damaged at the top, but I use it as a vase for my peonies.

Mama Pea said...

Another positive proof we are sisters from another mother. I have both the Turkey Neck (eeegods, I want a face/neck lift so bad!) and insatiable need to knit. I have a knitted afghan pattern picked out (just have to save enough $$ now to buy the yarn -- those blankies take A LOT of yarn) and last night found a darling baby/toddler hat I MUST knit.

Love your cozy little dining area. Especially the candelabra!

Tewshooz said...

Love Knit Picks yarns! Chroma fingering makes beautiful scarves! After knitting for 60 years, I finally learned to crochet...wow...now I can't put my hook down. I know what you mean about latching onto something...afghans and throws for me. Your cowl is lovely and I love your dining room.

Toni said...

Love your green cowl. Don't know what I would do without lovely little cowls when out in the wind, or even sitting in the evening, snuggled up with a book.

Your dining room is very inviting! Looks like you scored with all your found objects! Good eye!

Susan said...

At this point, if I got that neck lifted, my eyebrows would be at the top of my head...scary visual there, sorry. I don't know what's worse - all those wonderful patterns or all that wonderful yarn!

Susan said...

p.s. I love that candelabra. It was a BD present from Sylvie!

Susan said...

I really love Knit Pick yarns, but it's gotten to the point where I take the catalogue right from the mailbox to the recycling bag out of self-defense! Crocheting! That is on my bucket list!

Susan said...

Thank you, Toni. I have to give all the credit to generous friends with exquisite taste! Every so often, I have my friend, Sylvie, come and cast her amazing eye over everything and straighten it out. I admit that I love to wear this little cowl indoors. It is very snuggly.

Ed said...

Back in the day, it wasn't so unusual to see people knitting when in situations that required waiting. These days, I can't remember the last time I have seen someone knitting but I'm guessing it has been a couple years!

Rain said...

Hi Susan :)) Your dining room is very cozy! I love it! And that cowl, I love the colour green. I think I have a turkey neck happening too lol...and a turkey stomach ha ha! :) I'm obsessed over drawing and painting lately...I think it's great! And good for you for "infecting" your sister with such a lovely hobby! :)

tpals said...

I want to know too!

tpals said...

I took my knitting along today. When I picked my friend up for lunch I knew I would be waiting, but didn't want to think about where I was (old workplace) - cue knitting that took my full concentration.

Your dining area is so pretty. I aim for little spaces of prettiness; an entire room is beyond me.

Sandy Livesay said...

Susan,
Your so talented with your knitting needles. I call your obsession dedication, and determination😊
I don't see a turkey neck!!!! I love your dining room set and candalier.
Hugs and love,
Sandy

ElaineChicago said...

Your dining room are is lovely!! Happy Tea and chatting can be had here. A little sack of knitting-to-go is always a good idea!!

Nancy In Boise said...

My grandmotherwas like that she could watch TV and talk and knit away and did great work

Leigh said...

At least knitting is productive! Cleaning is just spinning your wheels. Have to agree that your dining room is beautiful.

The Maine Gray Zone said...

Your DR looks lovely!

Michelle said...

I saw my neck in a mirror while sitting and chatting with my teenager and about croaked – SO saggy and ugly; ACK! MUST.START.WEARING.TURKEYNECKS! I mean TURTLENECKS, to cover my turkey neck! =:-O