knitting – Page 3 – Cosmicknitter

February 26, 2020March 20, 2020

The Way to a Man’s Heart

So, this was not my original title. It was initially going to be something along the lines of “How I please my husband while keeping my jammies on.” I think the reason for the veto is obvious.

For the first time in our 5 year marriage I made him one of his favorite breakfasts (NOT hard-boiled eggs). Blueberry pancakes. He was in heaven. He is very satisfying to cook for and very easy to please. I should mention, he sent me a link to a 43 sec YouTube tutorial on how to peel hard-boiled eggs. Now I am peeling eggs like a ninja! Bless his heart.

In the knitting world, I am busying myself with the Habitation Throw by Helen Stewart. Here I have a lunch box full of really pretty odds and ends. As you can see by the photo, I am in the infancy stage.

I am also doing a KAL with my fabulous yarny colleagues. We chose Love Note by Tin Can Knits. My intention is to use the yarn below held double with a very light green mohair, but the swatch is giving me a very bulky gauge. I am debating if I should go down a pattern size and up a needle size, or should I choose different yarn. I think the mohair is going to obscure the lace yoke. See what I mean?

The yarn on the left is dyed by a friend of mine. She has been at the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival for the past few years, and I am thrilled her work is getting the recognition it deserves. Please visit her Etsy site; she has yarn and notions. Mt. Rutsen Studio Tell her Regina sent you!

My son and I have the same sense of humor. There are times when we will have conversations exclusively in movie or comedy show dialog. The latest came after mentioning Texas in a conversation.

Today in my faith: It is Ash Wednesday. Somehow my husband manages to get the BIGGEST cross on his forehead each year. I think his lack of hair allows for a bit more flair.

In my cup: Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice Tea. Their tea bags are in silky sachets. I would recommend brewing these with water just below the boiling point. The bags contain a small amount of plastic, and even though it is food grade it may still leech if heated to boiling. I prefer their loose teas for this reason.

In my ears: The Yarniacs Podcast on the Stitcher App, because what does a knitting fanatic do while knitting? Listen to people talk about knitting.

Do you listen to audio podcasts, or are you a strictly YouTube watcher? Share some of your favorites!

Have a blessed and productive Lent.

Love, Regina

February 4, 2020

Finish or Frog part 2

Hello dear friends! I must say, the Finish or Frog adventure was one of the best things I did for myself, even though I was not the beneficiary of the finished projects. This next project should have been frogged years ago. And I mean YEARS. My son and I picked out the yarn together at the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival (aka. Rhinebeck) with the intention of my knitting him a set of socks. The yarn was very popular for socks at the time and we waited on line for quite a while to buy it. I cast on immediately and knit 3/4 of the first sock but I was not in love with how it was knitting up; it was stiff and the wool was discoloring my hands and bamboo needles. So the project sat there, in my closet for close to 8 years. You heard me. 8 YEARS! So out of the closet it came. I rewound the wool and decided it would make a nice hat that would showcase the yarn’s subtle color variations. I had forgotten how handsome the wool was. I chose the Barley Light pattern by Tin Can Knits The yarn is Blue Moon Fiber – Silkie Socks that Rock in Ravenscroft color way (black with yellow and green highlights)

In keeping with the habit of naming my projects after video games or characters. I named this hat Vivi after that black mage in Final Fantasy IX- the little fella with the big hat!.

Vivi also makes a minor appearance in Kingdom Hearts, one of my son’s favorite video game franchises. The word ‘vivi’ literally means “to live to see”. This yarn definitely lived to see the day when it became a fully finished object (FFO?)!

What’s going on at work? When surrounded by middle schoolers, it is never dull. The daughter of a faculty member created this beautiful bulletin board. These kids definitely help me find my wings. If they only knew.

And then there are days like this:

Fortunately, there are more quarters in the right jar!
My dog makes me a better human.

I think that’s it for the time being. It is always a pleasure visiting with you!! I enjoy reading your blogs, and I certainly hope you enjoy mine as well.

Naturally, this post would not be complete without a photo of Razz. When my husband has to be away for a prolonged amount of time, we all miss him, Razz included. The first night home, Razz climbs in Robert’s bag and beds down for the evening. It is the cutest h*cking thing evah!

Have a blessed week! Drop me a line, I would love to know how you’re doing. If you have a quirky pet, tell me about him!

I wish you peace in you lives, and endless hours of knitting!

Love,

Regina

Saint of the Day: Saint Joseph of Leonissa – As a boy and as a student in early adulthood, Joseph drew attention for his energy and virtue. He said “When we suffer anything, we give proof of our love.” Sometimes I find it so difficult to see love in the face of suffering. That’s something to ponder, yes?

In my mug: Earl Grey Tea

In my ears: Bill Evans. He is a jazz pianist. I had not heard of him before, but my hunny, shared this link with me. I hope you enjoy it! Portrait in Jazz – Bill Evans Trio

Favorite Tweet from the Super Bowl Half-Time Show: “This is the best Super Bowl themed bachelor party I have ever been to!”

February 25, 2019January 23, 2020

The Space Between

My husband commented on my blog name the other day. I describe this site as “a little about knitting, and a lot about nothing”. He kissed me and said I “fill the space between knitting and nothing nicely.” I thought that was a sweet thing to say. My hunny has such a clever way with words, and he is never at a loss for saying things that just melt my heart.

What have I been up to? A question that has been burning in your hearts, no doubt.

In the knitting department, I finished my third Scoreboard Cowl. Who isn’t nutz about those Pittsburgh Steelers? Black and Yellow. The Killer Bees. This year, I noticed a trend: the team I pick has a losing season. Next year I will knit one in the NE Patriots team colors. I did something differently than in previous years. Typically I delineate between games with a row or two in white. This year I played with colorwork, while leaving the white out. I wasn’t nuts about knitting with the three colors and this seemed like a cool way to show where one game ended and another began. I am really pleased with the results and future cowls will use the same technique. You can find the details on my Ravelry page: Killer Bees Scoreboard Cowl

20180824_073644

Other projects completed in 2018 were Bodhi Knit Washcloths from Mason-Dixon Knitting Field Guide No. 7: Ease. If you have not had the pleasure of owning one of their guides, I suggest you do; each one shares a collection of knits from some very talented knitters with each guide based on a theme. The Bodhi was one of the most addictive, enjoyable and portable projects I have ever knit. The highlight of this project was having them shared on Instagram by the designer as well as the Mason-Dixon ladies! I wrapped each cloth around a handmade soap from Merriweathers in Rhinebeck and gave them as Christmas gifts to my “knit worthy” friends and colleagues.

In other news:

Take a minute and check out the latest in “Razz…” and “Things I Love” for more on what I have been busying myself with lately.

What’s in my glass: A Bourbon Negroni (look it up, it’s divine!)

What’s makin’ noise: Oh, just 50 mph wind gusts!

Saint of the Day: St. Tarasios – he was the first secretary to the Emperor Constantine and his mother, Irene. Apparently he was a pretty big deal in his day. One of the things he advocated for was that the practice of veneration of icons be restored in the church. Personally, I would like to thank this man. I love gazing on icons during prayer or meditation. They are beautiful, inspirational and a tangible manifestation of the history of the faith. Good job Tarasios, good job!

May you give and receive all that is good!

Love,

Regina

February 8, 2019February 8, 2019

Hiding a Multitude of Sin

Let me explain the title of this post. My daddy would often use this phrase to describe the benefit of things like heavy sauces and long overcoats! This was not an original saying, obviously; it originated from the Bible. If you knew my daddy, you would have guessed this, I’m sure. Five years ago on this date, daddy left this world to the sweet sounds of supplication to the Blessed Mother by his ‘favorite middle child’. (that would be me, y’all!) May his soul and those of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and may divine assistance remain with him.

I should have finished this post two days ago, but I was too cranky to write. You all deserve better.

Back to the blog, and the title of the post. I have been craving a pair of socks on the needles since I frogged my Cheese-head Socks (you can see why in my previous post.) My intention is to do something a little different with each pair of socks I knit, and this latest WIP is no different. After participating in Knit Stars 3.0, I was inspired by Arne and Carlos to try Norwegian knitting. Norwegian knitting is done in the Continental style but with less movement between the yarn and your left index finger. I can’t explain better than the fellas, so please check out their You Tube channel for a video tutorial (sooo worth it!). How to Knit – Basics of Knitting – Arne & Carlos.

20190208_180418 — Hermione’s Everyday Sock

I chose a lovely yarn by the equally lovely Connie of ChileKnitz. The color is Blue Jean. The pattern I chose is the “Hermione’s Everyday Sock”. Both offer the opportunity to practice skills and, in the case of the yarn, hide a multitude of sin! I’ll admit, I have made a number of mistakes, and I have ripped out the heel at least 3 times. To be honest, I don’t mind; I am continuing until I have a successful pair of sock. This is a great learning experience.

Wanna know what else is a great learning experience? Knowing my daddy! I talked to him a lot this week. I asked him about how to be a good spouse, a good parent, a good colleague and a good Christian, because I felt like I was struggling at all of them. As in true daddy form, he was a man of few words! What he did tell me was to turn to God and put my troubles at the foot of the cross.

Today’s Saint is: St. Jerome Emiliani – he is the patron saint of abandoned children and orphans. I wish all children could have a daddy like mine. The world would be such a beautiful and gentle place for the young and young at heart.

Today’s beverage: Makers Mark Bourbon on the rocks with a slip of lemon zest

Today’s sounds: The Yarniacs Podcast. Listen to it on Podbean!

Thank you for stopping by.

Hug a child today, if you have the good fortune (I did!!)

Until next time, may you have peace in your day.

Love,

Regina

February 20, 2018February 18, 2020

So I’d like to know where, you got the notion

OK, so Banshee how many of you have that song by The Hues Corporation in your head now? For that, I apologize. I really do. I woke up the other day with an Elton John song in my head for no particular reason and it wasn’t one of his better ones. Regardless, it didn’t belong in there and it took the better part of the morning to get it out!

About notions. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites with you from time to time.

I am just about finished with my “Twas the Night Before Christmas” socks. We all know that knitting with size 1 US dpns can be dicey at times, and I love a good challenge as much as the next gal, but when I discovered these little needle holders, I wondered how I had gotten on without them. Check them out. How cute are they???

They are even cute on the inside. Like me!!

I purchased these on Etsy. The shop is Handmade by Jayney and she has some really sweet items for sale. They fit 6″ dpns perfectly. In fact, I secured the needles that held the instep stitches in the case while I turned my heel. I was like a woman on fire. On FIRE!

The other super lovable notion I am using with this project is…

A Hello Kitty Lunchbox!!

I know what you are thinking. Regina, you have just blown my mind and I need a minute to process.

Take all the time you need, my friend. While you acclimate to your new-found enlightenment, let me further impress you by telling you that the stitch markers are kept in a Trader Joe’s Green Tea Mints tin, and yes…my Pilot G-2 pen is wearing a Hello Kitty band-aid to prevent people from walking off with it. As you see, it works like a charm.

I prefer using boxes like this because:

1. fancy-pants project bags snag my yarn on the zipper

2. fancy-pants project bags snag my money – have you priced some of these babies??

3. fancy-pants project bags don’t protect my needles against my 85 lb golden retriever’s rump, or protect my 85 lb golden retriever’s rump against my needles.

Win-win-win

Show me your stuff. What is your favorite notion?

Sipping: Killian’s Irish Red (Good ol’ Uncle George!)

Listening: Why this, of course!

Today’s magnificent Saints are: Saints Jacinta and Francisco Marta. If you aren’t familiar with the story of Fatima, I encourage you to learn more about it here. Really awesome stuff.

Have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Regina

February 15, 2018November 29, 2023

When Lent and Mid-life Collide

My husband is so freakin’ adorable. He is a really wonderful man and he loves his faith – we both do – and Lent is a very meaningful time for us. So, imagine my surprise when he lamented the fact that he was exempt from the prescribed days of fast and abstinence because he was a ‘man of a certain age’. But what a wonderful way to view aging. To him, though, it is not about what he has ‘lost’ rather, about what he has to gain. Does that make sense? To keep it real, even Snoopy had his moments!

On to knitting…

Oh boy am I enjoying the All-Ways Cowl. I am also enjoying the compliments I am receiving! Mind you, for all the years I have been knitting, I still look at my work with hyper-critical eyes. Sure, I have made some oops on this project, but I am reluctant to rip back because the yarn is single ply and with too much fuss becomes wild and crazy! Honestly? The beading is really the focal point and if I get that part correct, it will be a stunner. Wanna see an updated photo? or two?

Moving Along Nicely

Growing Leaps and Bounds

The photo on the left reflects the colors best. Regardless of the outcome, I consider a project, knitting or otherwise, a success when I come away with a better understanding of how things work. With this one, I have learned I must be very ginger with single-ply yarn. I have learned that there are multiple methods for adding beads to your knitting and there are reasons for each. I have also learned that leaving my knitting out at work attracts the curious, which results in the dropped stitches that immediately follow the cry of “oooh! let me see what you’re working on!” :cue the sound of beads bouncing off the desk: I don’t have to tell you that the reason employers use that speckled, low-pile carpet is because it hides a multitude of sin, and in this case, teeny-tiny beads.

Other fun things on the needles include two pairs of socks, and a baby sweater for a little girl. I will post more on these as I make progress; right now they are in their infancy.

In my glass: Coconut water and frozen fruit cubes. Delish!

In my ears: INXS Original Sin. You can read about this tribute album here.

Saint du Jour: St. Berach, an Irish Abbot. He is the patron saint of Kilbarry, County Dublin. I’ll drink to that!

In my heart: These guys…

February 3, 2018February 3, 2018

I am really excited to write to you today

For the past few days, I have been telling the reasons why I have decided not to do a podcast at. this. time. Today, I am going off track to tell you why I considered it in the first place, and about the revelation I had on the treadmill.

I would say, the primary reason for considering podcasting is to be part of a larger knitting community, sharing what we love to do and a little bit about who we are. Sounds good, right? I think so. I did, however, become a little discouraged when many of the more popular podcasts became hour long episodes of frantic show and tell, coffee drinking and product promotion. Nothing wrong with that, but I was under the impression that there was no place in that world for me. I just don’t think that way, and it would not make me happy. I would never want to make someone feel they need to have all the fancy notions or project bags in order to knit. It isn’t practical, and in my case, I am very happy with what I use. Then I went to the gym, and while on the treadmill, I started to search for podcasts that are less familiar. Enter Michelle Carter’s “My So-Called Handmade Life” The episode that came up was #3. I typically search out episode #1 because they tend to have a little ‘getting to know me’ in the beginning. However, this episode was just what I needed to hear. She spoke at length about the relationships formed by virtual means such as podcasting, blogging and sites like Ravelry. She shared how fulfilling these relationships have been to her. And that’s when I started thinking (typically dangerous, but in this case, productive). Here’s why. I live in Rhinebeck. Yup, The Rhinebeck. In fact, I live directly across from the Fairgrounds. Yup, The Fairgrounds, yet every year I attend the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival alone. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my company (we never disagree, never argue and we like the same food), but to attend an event like Rhinebeck with my only real social interactions occurring while on line at Miss Babs, is somewhat saddening to me. Large crowds give me terrible anxiety. Just going to the event alone is a monumental feat for me. How wonderful it would be to have familiar faces to look for in that crowd! Oh, I see many people I know, but they are milling about with their own group of friends, and I am not comfortable inserting myself into their plans…that goes back to my insecurity. What if I had plans of my own? That’s when I start to doubt myself. Would people really want to spend time with me? Actually, I think they would. I have a great personality, quirky sense of humor and I’m a really genuine person. Yet I go to “Rhinebeck” alone.

So, while everyone is writing about #goals and choosing words to inspire their year, I am going to make 2018 about finding a date for Rhinebeck!

Here is where you come in. Would you consider sharing my blog? Maybe something I have written will resonate with someone. Maybe there are people who avoid going because of anxiety or lack of companionship. Maybe that person is YOU! We could go and be anxious together!

My husband just planted a yummy smooch on me…

As I was saying… Do you think this is possible? Do you have the same feelings as me, or do you have a posse that you enjoy festivals with? Here’s a question for you: Do you have a friend you only know in the virtual sense? How about one you met through Ravelry or blogging? Have you ever met your online friends in person?

I really feel good about this. I feel like I can finally overcome a hangup that has been gnawing at me for years. I also feel better about podcasting because I have been watching ones that don’t speak to me!

After listing to her podcast, please take a look at Michelle’s blog, also called “My So-Called Handmade Life”. I think she is really special and I would like to meet her some day.

On the needles: Little Bobbins Knits “Twas the Night Before Christmas” sock. Here is #1, it’s unblocked and really cute:

In the cup: Twinnings Green Tea – Jasmine

On the ears: Razz’s snoring

Check out the Saint of the Day: St. Blaise. He is patron of throat illnesses, animals, wool combers, and wool trading! I always knew the history behind throat illnesses, but his association with wool really surprised me!! I am dedicating this post to all my woolie friends, those I know and those I look forward to meeting.

Be well,

Love, Regina.

January 30, 2018

Don’t Stop Me Now

I’m on a roll.
Two consecutive posts? I think this is a first. I named these “Dead On My Feet” because the yarn is part of Lolodidit‘s Pretty Little Zombies, in the “I :heart: Michonne” colorway on the plush sock base.

: Dead On My Feet

I did the usual 2×2 ribbing and generic leg, two at a time magic loop on a 40″ 2 US Addi Sock Rockets. I heard the Fish Lips Kiss Heel mentioned on a number of podcasts, so I thought I would give it a go. I completed the sock with a round toe and kitchener finish. If you don’t own the FLKH pattern, I recommend you do. The designer charges $1.00 (I know!!) and it is definitely something to keep in your bag o’ tricks. It is easy, quick and makes a smooth turn without any gaps. I don’t think it will replace the heel flap/gusset for me, because I am hard on my socks, but it is nice for when you want very little interruption in the pattern of your yarn.

On a different topic. I have been toying with the idea of podcasting for about a year now. I recorded my first episode the other day. At the risk of disappointing the knitting world, I have decided against it. For now. I think it goes back to yesterday’s quote about busy-ness. I do not fare well when my obligation/option ratio is out of whack and I certainly don’t want anything knitting related to be an obligation. One of the designers I follow put out an all-call for test knitters. I was not one of those selected. Later that day I watched one of my favorite podcasts, The Gentle Knitter, and she spoke of how little she knit for pleasure because she was regularly asked to be a test knitter-knitting to deadlines, taking copious notes and unable to share her work with those who follow her program. Not my kinda gig. Is it yours? If so, why? Has there ever been a time when you didn’t enjoy knitting? I can think of one or two times myself. I am curious to hear your experiences. Is this a ‘thing’?

Tomorrow, I’ll share another recently finished object and more observations on podcasting.

Trufax: Today’s Saint of the Day is St. Aldegunais (who I have never heard of…). She is patron of cancer suffers and wounds. Let’s keep those who are suffering in mind today.

Be well,

Regina

January 29, 2018March 10, 2019

“Jesus is Coming. Look busy!”

Saw this on a bumper sticker and it cracked me up. Seriously though. What’s all the fuss about being busy. I think it is highly overrated and I’m pretty sure Jesus would agree. That being said, I want to update you on what’s been happening in the Cosmicknitter Universe. Since the Universe was not made in one day, I think I’ll see what territory I can cover in 7 days…ok, 6 days-Sunday is the Superbowl.

I finished two sweet pairs of socks in the fall. The first pair was on some self-striping commercial yarn I found at Michael’s with purple as the dominant color. You can find my project page here: School Spirit Socks
Continue reading ““Jesus is Coming. Look busy!””

March 27, 2017March 27, 2017

Oh, yes I did!

A few days back, I asked for advice on a sock I was knitting for my son. I took the advice of the majority, which was to start over. If the sock bothered me that much in the early stages, it would always bother me.

So I did.

I unraveled the sock and started over. I went from stranded knitting on 5 dpns (black needles, no less…) to knitting on one long circular. I scrapped the stranded pattern for a solid yellow sock with the Hufflepuff mascot done in duplicate stitch. So far, I have this:

The knitting is neater, the ribbing is tighter and my stitches are more even. Overall, I am very pleased with the decision. It isn’t going to be the fancy-pants design I dreamed of, but it will be a sock I can be proud to say I made!

Thanks to everyone who sounded in, I appreciate your input.

Oh, by the way…I was not willing to try my first magic loop sock AND stranded knitting at the same time. You’ll have to wait for that momentous event.

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!

This is too good not to share!