socks – Cosmicknitter

March 22, 2024March 23, 2024

Spring Break!

Two sixth grade girls came to the office to turn in a lost lock. Naturally, I showered them with all the love and fuss that a school secretary can muster. “Thanks girls, you’re the BEST!” To which they replied “No, YOU are! You’re iconic!” ICONIC! Do you know who is iconic to a middle school girl? Taylor Swift (and I have it on good authority that these girls are hard and fast Swifties). Well, if TS can have Swifties, then it’s only fitting that Mrs. Messa have “Messies”. I am taking pre-orders for t-shirts!! Tour to follow!

It is Friday afternoon. We just started our Spring Break. If I could bottle the energy the kids have on a day like today, I would make millions selling it. If you ever wonder where they get their energy, look around the halls of their schools…they suck it out of the teachers and staff!!

The Knits

I’ve been making a lot of gift knits lately. The thing about gift knits is that you give them freely in the hopes that the receiver loves them as much as you do. But they may not. And that’s ok! But doesn’t it feel so good to see your hand knits being worn and loved?

My latest knit is another gift for the new grand niece. After knitting the Kayleena by Taiga Hillard, I knew I would find a pattern in her extensive collection. I landed on the Edna Rose. This is a little bolero type sweater in “just right” sizes. The new baby has a two year old sister and I had enough yarn to make a little/big sister set. Here is the “little”one.

Somebody stop me!

See that sweet postcard? That was included in my button purchase from Pigeon Wishes on Etsy. The postcard came with a personal note and a garment tag to add to my knit. I know people push for shopping local, but I get far better service and attention to detail from my favorite vendors on Etsy than I do locally. Raise your hand if you have ever walked into a LYS and gotten the cold shoulder.

I have another pair of socks on the needles. The stitch pattern is based on Hermione’s Everyday Sock by Erica Lueder. I am modifying the pattern to knit toe-up and two-at-a-time.

These are knit with Rowan Sock yarn in the Coral colorway. This is a single ply yarn that is soft and pleasant to knit with. I started with the Turkish cast-on and for the heel, I want to try something a little different. I have been reading about the Simultaneous Heel Flap and Gusset technique on The Kninja Knitter blog and it seems to provide toe-up sock knitters with a way to knit a sock with a heel flap and gusset. Be still my beating heart! Stay tuned for the reveal.

Carver!

Our boy is becoming such a sweet little snuggler. I think he is losing his “puppy look” although my son assures me he will always be the little puppy.

Look at him, all grown up!

The Colleagues

You know from my posts about Halloween and cheese in a can just how much I love my colleagues. In many ways we are all cut from the same cloth.

I’m not like this because I work in a middle school.

I work in a middle school because I’m like this.
~Some wise school secretary

A colleague asked if I had hot sauce for her lunch. I opened my desk drawer and produced 4 different bottle of sauce in various flavors and intensities. You’re welcome…

A few days later, she appeared with this:

I love my job!

I am having difficulty deciding which ones to keep in the desk and which ones to take home.

The Poem

Recently, another blogger, Nanacathydotcom, wrote about Spring. She wondered if any readers had a favorite poem about the “renewal of the seasons.” My reply? Spring, by Walt Whitman.

Spring (first stanza)

To frozen clods ever the spring’s invisible law returns,
In the soft rose and pale gold of the declining light,
I heard the first hum and preparation of awakening spring—very faint,
Whether in the earth or roots, or starting of insects, I know not—but it was audible,
Then the first chirping, almost singing, of a bird,
And the grass not without proofs of coming fulness—
Palpable spring indeed, or the indications of it.
Walt Whitman

This poem is long; a full 18 stanzas. If this speaks to your heart like it does to mine, you can enjoy the full writing here: In the Words of Walt Whitman. Spring has always held such a feeling of hope for me. I recall walking in the yard and the woods behind my childhood home looking at all the newly sprouted buds and nesting birds. Daddy would leave scraps of old rags out and about for the birds and I would delight in finding a nest with one of those scraps woven in amongst the twigs. To this day, I toss yarn scraps around for the birds to claim. They seem to love the colors as much as I do! It is such a special time of year.

As we enter into Holy Week, I wish everyone a beautiful, restorative and hope filled Spring!

Thanks for stopping by!

xoxo

ReginaMary

In my cup:

A shot of Makers Mark bourbon. (Did I mention I work in a middle school and it was the last day before Spring Break?) At least I waited until I got home.

In my ears: Nothing. Silence. (Did I mention I work in a middle school and it was the last day before Spring Break?)

Saint of the Day: Saint Darerca of Ireland was a sister of Saint Patrick. Aside from her relationship with the well known Irish Patron Saint, Saint Darerca was known for her piety and her many offspring (14 sons and 2 daughters). Many of her children went on the become bishops and later saints. She is the Patroness of Valentia Island, located off the west coast of Ireland.

March 5, 2024

Say Cheese!

I intend to welcome Daylight Savings Time with the maturity and unwavering grace you have come to expect from me.

Also me:

And a happy March to all!

I have always required at least 8 hours of sleep. My mother would tell stories of me as a child, able to sleep through everything. I am a sleeper to this day. While I don’t appreciate losing an hour in March, I tell myself the promise of spring is worth the sacrifice. I had plans for that hour, friends.

On to the knits.

Another pair of socks are off the needles. Knit with Opal 8-ply sock yarn in the “Lieblicher Sonnenstrahl” colorway (this translates to “Lovely Ray of Sunshine”). These began as another pair of Helgen Socks, so I named them after Spyro the Purple Dragon. As I worked the pattern, I was not in love with how the pattern and the stripes looked together, so I frogged and cast on for a plain vanilla sock. So glad I did. I knit these cuff down on 3.25mm/US 3 double-pointed needles. These socks were a quick knit, and the resulting pair is soft and squishy. They also happen to be in Rhinebeck school colors. Go Hawks!

As knitters, I think we can all agree that knitting for the littles is one of the greatest pleasures. The projects are adorable and they work up in no time. Our niece recently gave birth to a baby girl. She came early and the minute we got word of her arrival, I threw myself down the rabbit hole of wonderful patterns by Taiga Hilliard aka Cashmere Junkie. The most difficult part of the process was finding just the right pattern. They are all so stinking cute! I finally decided on Kayleena, a sweet little dress with a lace yoke, empire waist and full skirt.

I chose Cotton Fine by Brown Sheep Co. in the Faded Hydrangea colorway from stash. This is an 80% Cotton, 20% Merino fingering weight yarn that I held double. I obtained gauge using 3.25mm needles.

Almost as fun as knitting the sweater is shopping for the buttons. These little cuties are made by Pigeon Wishes on Etsy in the Neverland color.

This dress can be worn year round and hopefully for many years, first as a dress, then as a tunic. Does it surprise you that I have cast on for the next outfit already?

My husband is convinced that working with middle school students keeps me young. His fear is that retirement will have a ‘Dorian Gray’ affect on me. I’m not worried. I think middle school is a good fit for me and my “tweenager” sense of humor. This week, the program I use for writing our school newsletter added a feature that enables me to write in cheese. Not just any cheese, mind you…cheese from a can!

From cheese to pickles!

My dear husband pondered what would happen if my name was Pickles and there was a ‘Regina‘ font. And that right there is why we are meant for each other.

So, what would you be doing for an hour if it weren’t for that confounded Daylight Savings Time? I’d most likely be sleeping.

Be well, and thank you for stopping by!

Love,

ReginaMary

Saint of the Day: St. Piran. Piran was a hermit near Padstow in Cornwall. He is the patron saint of tin mines, and Cornwall. Not much information is available about this saint, but I was taken by this stained glass.

In my cup: Harney & Sons Staatsburgh Blend Tea. According to the tin, Staatsburgh State Historic Site was the Gilded Age estate of Ogden & Ruth Livingston Mills, located directly on the Hudson River (and down the road from the Cosmicknitter!) It is a black tea with apricot, red cornflowers, hazelnut and nutmeg. Delish!

In my earballs: My husband has been thoroughly enjoying Johnny Costa Plays Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Jazz. Johnny Costa was the musical director of “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” When we are not listening to the music, my hunny is playing it on the piano. It’s such a good feeling…

February 20, 2024February 20, 2024

Apotheosis

Some of the best dreams I’ve ever had are the ones in which I am flying. Not in a plane, rather soaring like a bird in the air. I had a recurring dream as a child that began at my front door. I would run toward our hill and before I knew it, I was airborne. It was magical. I could see the tops of houses in my neighborhood and familiar roads that took me into town. It wasn’t a dream filled with unfamiliar sights, it was my neighborhood, my town and my home. At some point I learned I could control my dream. I recall a time where in my dream I suddenly began losing altitude. I thought “I’m falling!” as I frantically flapped my arms. I felt like Peter feebly attempting to walk on water toward Jesus. Then I started telling myself “I can fly, I can fly!” and just like that, I took off into the air once more. On more than one occasion I woke up in tears because I didn’t want the dream to end.

In my last post, I reference the video game Journey. It is a breath-taking game where the main character’s ability for flight features prominently in the game play. Oh how I longed to play! No long after I wrote that post, my son found the game as a download from the PlayStation Store, and I booted up. This game was everything I imagined and more. The music and scenery were evocative and beautiful. With each level, I became familiar with the landscapes and more comfortable with my character’s ability to fly (thanks to the scarf). As I moved closer to the end, the energy and intensity increased until the final level, Apotheosis, which culminated in a powerful and exhilarating ascent to the top of a magnificent mountain. The game ended. The credits rolled. I cried. It was that same feeling of freedom and awe I felt as a little girl who dreamed she could fly.

Now, on to the knits.

I completed the Wild Posy by Melody Hoffmann. This was a thoroughly enjoyable knit, but it was not without its drama. I was cruising along on the first sleeve when I thought I would try it on for length. I could barely get my arm in! Nothing in the pattern seemed off and I still don’t know what the problem was, but I needed to do some serious tinking. Except, of course, that this is Plotulopi…the “moody child” of the knitting world. There is no ripping or tinking back, only cutting. I cut the sleeve off, people!! You heard me. I collected my supplies: sharp scissors, strong bourbon and a deep breath. I cut about 1″ from where I picked up for the sleeves and went to town. And it worked! I had one row of stitches to wrestle with, inserted my needles and went back at it. This time, I didn’t decrease the full number of stitches and was sure to check the fit as I went. This sweater is warm and lightweight. The yoke is subtle but elegant.

Next off the needles was Declan, a sweet little knit for a sweet little boy.

The pattern is #214 Baby Pullover by Diane Soucy Knitting Pure and Simple. A joy to make, this knit up in a week using Blue Sky Fibers Sweater Worsted. A blend of merino and cotton, this is my favorite yarn when it comes to knitting for ‘The Littles’.

Here’s another “Little Knit”!

“Lil Will” , modeled by Lil Will himself is #37 Top Down Roll Raglan by Melinda Goodfellow of Yankee Knitter Designs. The yarn is a Yowza skein from Miss Babs in the Petrified Forest colorway. Have you ever knit with a Yowza? There is a whopping 560 yds in each skein! Say it with me…YOWZA! That’s a lotta yarn. Another great choice for easy-to-care-for hand knits, Yowza is a hand dyed superwash merino with enough yardage to knit a sweater for 6 mos to 2 yr. You might know Miss Babs from the insane line at the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival. Here’s a pro tip. While you stand in line for your yarn, send someone out for the cider donuts.

Taking my cue from a fellow blogger, I cast on for a JuJu Beanie by Aspen Leaf Knits. What a fun and satisfying knit! This knit up in a day. What makes a better beanie? Matching mittens, of course!

I went deep diving into stash for this wool. Techno, by Blue Sky Fibers, is considered a blown fiber. It unique construction consists of baby alpaca blown into a mesh tube of silk. It looks like single ply but without the spitting. Imagine whole lotta soft, spun into a tube, filled with fluff, then wrapped in a cloud. It’s like that; bulky but light, soft and cozy warm. The hat and mittens were knit with two strands held together. Notice the pom-pom? I am getting wise in my old age. This in no way resembles a tennis ball, therefore the little terrorist leaves it alone. Good Carver! I am not sure why the ribbing looks so wonky. Good thing I’ll be tucking that in my coat.

Not that long ago, I knit a Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers aka Savory Knitting. I loved the pattern and the beautiful blue Donegal Tweed yarn. The sweater mysteriously found its way to my mother’s closet, but I longed for one of my own. I chose the same Donegal Tweed yarn in purple. Here is Felix 2.0, or as I have named it “Please Don’t Give This One Away“. (I’m looking at you, Robert!)

The Felix is one of those patterns you don’t mind knitting again and again. No modifications to this sweater, and this one is mine, all mine!

Finally, there has been action on the sock front. I cast on for these over a year ago. I had completed one sock and was working on the second when tragedy struck:

Carver found the ball of yarn for sock number two and chewed the top right off. So many things went into time out that night. The socks, my dog, and eventually me. Oh, I finally found a replacement skein from half-way around the globe, but by the time I had the heart to cast on sock #2 it was the fall.

These are Helgen Socks by Anna Lena aka Anna Knitter. They are knit with Opal 6 ply making them a warm, thick and slouchy pair of socks for wearing inside boots or around the house. What makes them so special is that I blocked them in a bucket of my tears.

I hope you all are well. That little groundhog better have his facts straight. I feel the sun getting stronger and warmer every day.

Thank you for stopping by my crazy corner of the world. Until next time, be well.

Love,

ReginaMary

Saint of the Day: St. Jacinta Marto, youngest visionary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal in 1917. Her Patronage is broad:

• against bodily ills or sickness
• captives, prisoners
• people ridiculed for their piety
• sick people

I would like us to offer up a silent prayer to the victims of sex-trafficking. May God help them and have mercy on their tormentors. (don’t mean to be a downer, but seriously.)

In my cup:

Harney & Sons Formosa Oolong. Anything that can get away with “oo” is OOK in my book. Great brew!

In my ears:

Almost Blue from a live performance by Chet Baker. I was reading Kate Davies blog post from Sunday where she shared a playlist of songs about “Blue”. When she solicited other songs about ‘blue’ this is what I shared.

Here is the original Almost Blue by the inimitable Elvis Costello, featuring Chet Baker.

I can’t even…

September 16, 2021April 2, 2024

I See What You Did There

About the eyeballs.

When you work at a middle school and you’re friends with the art teacher, googly eyes are bound to appear.

It appears I took the summer off from writing. It wasn’t intentional, I assure you, but during the summer months, I love spending as much of my free time outside as I possibly can. I love the heat and humidity and enjoy working in the yard until the sweat drips off the tip of my nose.

We took a trip up to Autumn Lake again and it was wonderful. I made many new friends. There were two beavers, a barred owl and blue heron on the lake. It was fun watching the activity on and around the water. It was an encounter with a playful Loon that was the highlight. I found myself playing hide-and-seek with this guy:

Razz enjoyed his time at the lake as well. He made himself right at home in my suitcase.

The yard is shaping up and I enjoyed hours and hours of playing in the dirt and hauling stone. We added a number of plants which attract pollinators. Here are a few images:

**St. John’s Wort is a bumble bee’s paradise**

I managed a bit of knitting this summer. I tried knitting socks from the toe up using the Turkish cast-on and absolutely loved it! Using Lolodidit Plush Sock in the Auburn Tiger colorway, this pair of vanilla socks fit my son perfectly. I did a German short row heel which turned out fine, but I am not in love with it. If you knit your socks toe up, what is your favorite heel?

I also finished the Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers. I loved everything about this project. My project notes can be found here. The yarn is Donegal Tweed by Tahki in Blue. This sweater was gifted to my mama for her 94th birthday. I hope to get a photo of her modeling it, but here are some photos of it blocking. This is a straightforward top-down raglan design with lace detail at the increases. Look at all the pretty, tweedy bits.

The only modification I made to the pattern is on the cuff. Rather than finishing with the same 1×1 rib as the hem, I finished with an I-cord bind off. I like the nice, neat finish it provides. I don’t like cuffs that get out of shape. I plan on making a Felix for myself. I might even choose the same yarn, too. Yes, that is how much I liked this project.

Do you remember the Perth yarn I attempted socks with on three separate occasions? I finally found a project that suited the wool nicely. The Sockhead Cowl by Kelly McClure is a classic. Her other pattern, Sockhead Hat is equally popular. I found the Perth yarn to be a bit fussy, so the simplicity of the Sockhead created a nice balance. I love the results. I have another ball of Perth in my stash, and rather than pull my hair out again, I just might cast on another Sockhead. Aren’t the colors pretty?

How many of you are planning on taking part in Stephen West’s next MKAL? I am the world’s worst when it comes to knitting timelines. Nonetheless, my friend Katherine suggested it and well…anything that I do with her is a hoot! The pattern calls for 5 skeins of fingering weight yarn in 5 different colors. Here are mine:

From top to bottom: Miss Babs-Babette “Thankful”, Suburban Stitcher-Silky Single “Sage”, Emma’s Yarn-Hella Hank “Mood”, Shirsty Cat Designs-Sock “Druid’s Rest” and Jill Draper Makes Stuff-Windham (unknown colorway).

Even though I am not a huge fan of the designer, I absolutely LOVE these yarns, so I feel good about the project. This is really busting down my fingering weight yarn stash.

The final item on the needles is a pair of socks. Deep stash merino and bamboo sock yarn purchased years ago at a craft chain. Another toe-up pair, but I have not decided on the heel to use.

Suggestions, anyone?

In non-knitting related news, school is open and all the kids are back! I am waiting for someone to figure out how to bottle up all that middle school energy and sell it to old goats like me. According to my fitbit, on the first day of school, I walked over 18,000 steps and 7.5 miles by the end of the school day.

For my first post in months, this is not very exciting. I have been keeping very low key and off line in an effort to maintain my sanity. I don’t have much to work with so I have to guard every bit! I am way behind on reading my favorite blogs as well. I look forward to seeing what everyone has been up to in the knitting/crafting/blogging world.

Thanks for stopping by!

ReginaMary

In my cup: Lavazza Perfetto coffee (molto delizioso)

In my earballs: The birds quarreling at the feeder.

Saint of the Day: September 17: St. Hildegard of Bingen. One of my absolute favorites! St. Hildegard was an abbess, artist, author, composer, mystic, pharmacist, poet, preacher, theologian. She is a Doctor of the Church. She is a rock star. From the time she was a little girl, she began having visions. Hildegard’s visions caused her to see humans as “living sparks” of God’s love, “coming from God as daylight comes from the sun”. Virtuous living reduces the estrangement from God and others that sin causes. Like all mystics, Hildegard saw the harmony of God’s creation and the place of women and men in that.

Being in nature always brings me closer to God and the writings and philosophies of St. Hildegard really speak to these experiences. Feeling stressed out? Put the kettle on, light a candles and let this beautiful music fill your heart. Voices of Angels – Voices of Ascension

“The Word is living, being, spirit, all verdant greening, all creativity. This Word manifests itself in every creature.” —Saint Hildegard of Bingen

Note: the featured image is “Cosmos, Body and Soul” by St. Hildegard

April 14, 2020April 2, 2024

Does this Mask Make My Butt Look Big?

Resurrexit Sicut Dixit! He has risen, Alleluia Alleluia!

Well this certainly has been a Holy Week we’ll be talking about for some time, yes? In meditating on the Passion of Christ, my husband and I couldn’t help but notice parallels to the lessons we learn from our faith and the current circumstances we find ourselves living in presently. Even though I find meditation elusive at times, when I do ‘connect’, the experience is different than anything I have experienced before. I often see a flow of faces when I pray, but for the past week or so, I have seen colors. It was a bit odd, to be honest, but I have come to embrace these experiences. Have any of you had this happen while in prayer? A blessed and peaceful Easter season to all of you! Whether you celebrate or not; it is a gesture I offer that has profound meaning to me and I send my love and prayers to you and your families-it comes from my heart of hearts.

A few months back, I knit a Flax for Bill, a client of my son. He makes a striking model.

A smiling Bill in his Flax-Isn’t he handsome?

This past week, Bill made masks for us. This is me, modeling mine. Less striking, more dorky.

Pay attention to those mushrooms on the stove behind me…

Believe it or not, I have never met Bill. When this crisis is over, there is a giant hug waiting for that man!! (consider this your only warning, Bill!)

See those mushrooms behind me? I subscribe to a wonderful product called The F2T Box. It is a weekly grocery subscription that curates items from farms local to me. I request vegetables and produce, but i don’t know what the box contains until it arrives. When I opened this week’s box, it contained some really lush produce. In this photo, I am marinating some portobello mushrooms with scallions, ginger, olive oil, sesame oil and balsamic vinegar. I grilled them over a low heat; they were juicy and meaty. In fact, the stems were so hearty, I put them in soup. I made the soup from fresh dandelion greens and carrots also included in the box. The other items were butternut squash, baby swiss chard, and arugula; all of which went into my Easter dinner. If you have the opportunity to subscribe to a service like this, please give it a try. It is a surprise when you open the box, but I have yet to be disappointed.

Can we talk about eggs again? Please? It won’t take but a moment. As you use eggs, and the carton begins to empty, do you rearrange the remaining eggs before you return them to the fridge? I do, and unbeknownst to me, my dearly beloved does as well. Would it surprise you that we disagree on how they should be organized? This may seem like a really odd discussion, but I must know your thoughts on this.

Knitting has been interesting for me. While I have been doing a lot of it, I am doing it very slowly. I am also keenly aware of my limitations; my brain only wants to knit on autopilot. I am not the only one. Many of my knitting friends are talking about the comfort found in miles and miles of stockinette. In fact, I know at least 4 people, myself included, who cast on a Sockhead Slouch Hat by Kelly McClure.

This was such a soothing project for me. I chose a skein of Anzula Cricket from stash, in the color Kale. This shade of green was very unique, ranging from a dark hunter green to a lighter sage. I will definitely work with this yarn again. The hat is thick and squishy with amazing stitch definition; I thoroughly enjoyed knitting all 4″ of the pattern’s 2×2 rib!! This hat is going to get a lot of wear.

I completed another square in the MKAL hosted by Ceci over at Oh La Lana! Knitting Blog. I have mentioned before, but it does bear repeating: my brain is struggling with lace. These squares are not complex patterns, mind you, but it does require thought, and chart/pattern reading and all that jazz. But I am getting them done, people…I am getting them done! I screwed this square up, but ask me if I care. Go ahead, ask! This project is an exercise in determination and “le ostinazione”!

Wanna see my socks? I’ll admit, they aren’t much to look at, but I am ready to start the heel flap. The yarn is Lolo Did It in her Keep Pounding colorway. My friend and fellow blogger over at Nothing But Knit is a sock knitting Goddess! She finds the best patterns. This one is the Slip it Simple by Christine Long Derks. Isn’t it interesting how this yarn/pattern combination is creating a plaid vibe? Hers look completely different, but that is what we love about knitting! You should check them out. The photo top right is my ‘project bag’. I found this little bit of awesome on line for about $5. My only complaint is that it did not come with a copy of Pokemon Yellow!

A little more info on these socks. I want to explain a knitting cheat I often use for socks. The pattern I am using is a two row repeat. I am often one who knits round and round, forgetting which row I am on. Using the most excellent bulb-shaped markers, I chain together equal markers as rows in the pattern repeat. (4 row repeat=4 bulb markers, 2 row repeat=2 markers, etc.) The photo on the left reflects row one, and the photo on the right reflects row two. If I lose my place, I just have to look at how many markers are *on the needle* to determine the row. As I move through the rows, I add or drop a maker. PS. You can get a bazillion of these markers on Amazon for what you pay for a double mocha-choca-lata ya-ya at Starbucks.

Next up: What is she going on about now?

My husband says I lie. Yes, the egg-manipulating, drive-up eating, pretzel-hogging, best-hug-giving husband thinks I lie. And to some extent he is right. When asked how I am, I typically lie. When asked if I need help, I typically lie. When asked what is on my mind, I typically lie. And, when writing about this kinda stuff, like I am right now, I typically lie. So here it is in a nutshell.

I am sad. I am worried. I am angry. I am grateful. I am confused. I am distracted. I am blessed. I am forgetful.

I am sad because the names of people who have died from this virus are becoming more and more familiar to me. I am worried because there are so many people known and unknown to me who are crying out for prayers and I don’t feel like I can help them. I am angry because in my community, as in many, there are people who just can’t seem to understand that THIS IS NOT JUST ABOUT THEM! Stay at home means STAY AT HOME {{add expletive of choice}}. I am grateful because my immediate family, by the grace of God, is healthy. I am confused by the information spewed out by “those in the know”. I am distracted and forgetful because of all the spazzatura bumbling around in my head. I have days where I ignore social media, email or other sources of influence because my tiny head is just too full. I know I am not alone in these feelings. You know what else I know? My husband is right. I am a liar. Forgive me?

I think I am typed out. I will end this post with the usual:

Saint of the Day: St. Lydwine. Patroness of of sickness, chronically ill, ice skaters. Do you find it odd that on the days that I write, the Saint du jour happens to be a patron of the ill? I long stopped believing in coincidence. It seems to me that God is always peeking over my shoulder, gently reminding me that He is present with me through the nuances of my day. PS. I don’t think St. Lydwine was the patroness of chronically ill ice skaters, so mind that comma.

In my cup: An afternoon cuppa coffee. Check out this mug though!

Can you stand it??? This was a gift from my hunny!!

In my ears: A confounded fly because Razz left the door open. Just kidding. It was me. I left the door open.

To all my friends, I pray for you and your families every day, and I feel your prayers for us as well. Thank you for being a constant source of humor, creativity, honesty and humanity. Thank you for STAYING HOME. We’ll get through this.

“One day at a time, Sweet Jesus!” – John Killian

“This is why we say our prayers and drink good booze.” – also John Killian

All my love,

Regina (and this guy)

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 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

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.

The Knits

Carver!

The Colleagues

The Poem

Spring (first stanza)

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!