(such a) Fickle Stitcher

– this is now my FIRST pattern available on Ravelry ! ! — 

Early this week, a co-worker showed me she had made these. On Thanksgiving Eve, I grabbed a skein of Patons SWS (Natural Demin) and made a pair.

My gauge with the recommended needle was only 5/inch instead of 5.5/inch, so they were a bit bigger. I like them okay, but want to do them over in smaller needle size.

In the meantime, I had an idea about diagonal ribbing, but the stitch patterns I found for “diagonal rib” were not true ribs. I determined that I would use increase/decreases to get the shape I wanted.

On the first attempt, I increased (then decreased for the second half) only at the end of every row, after casting on only 2 stitches. The result is an elongated diamond shape. It makes a nice little wrist-warmer, with a pointed overlap on the underside. The top of the hand is well-covered, and there is less bulk under the wrist.

The second attempt, increasing (decreasing) at the beginning and end of each row makes a nicely squared piece. I worked even for a few rows at the middle to have a wider area over the pulse point.  The finished “hand-topper” can be worn three ways: folded with points toward fingers, folded with points toward elbow, or not folded at all.

I love the thick fabic of the K1P1 ribbing that this method provides. Only problen ow is that I have one each of three wrist-warmers and need another skein of yarn!
Patterns follow.

Diamond Ribbed Wrist-Warmers

(These are fast to knit: about wo hours for a pair.)

Patons SWS, Natural Demin

US Size 6 needles

Cast on two stitches.

·         Slip 1^st stitch on needle as if to purl; bring working yarn from front to back between slipped stitch and remaining stitch.  K1, P1 in the remaining stitch. Turn.

·         Slip 1^st stitch as if to purl on every row.

·         Continue in K1P2 ribbing across every row.

·         Increase IN PATTERN* in last stitch of every row until there are 31 stitches (or until half the desired length, i.e., half-way around wrist including 1 ½ -inch overlap for closure).

·        Make one even row, then begin decreasing at end of each row until two stitches remain; cast-off.

*IN PATTERN INCREASE:   If last stitch is a knit stitch, K1P1 for increase.

If last stitch is a purl stitch, P1K1 for increase.

©2008 Cynthia S. Wetzel

 

Diamond Ribbed Hand-toppers / Cuff-warmers 

(Probably about 3-4 hours a pair.)

Patons SWS, Natural Demin

US Size 6 needles

Ribbing Gauge: 6 rows, 4 knit stitches = 1 inch

Cast on three stitches.

·         K1P1 in 1^st stitch, K1, P1K1 in last stitch.

·         Continue to increase in 1^st and last stitch of each row, in K1P1 pattern throughout row, until wide enough to reach around wrist.*

·         K1P1 even for 9 rows.

·         Now begin decreasing at beginning (K2tog or P2tog) and end (SSK or P2tog) of each row until three stitches remain; cast-off.

·         Seam together along the 9 even rows.

*Measure wrist; calculate number of stitches to gauge for widest row (model was 51 stitches).

©2008 Cynthia S. Wetzel

 

I guess PIF (pay it forward) is not as recognizable an acronym as RAOK (random acts of kindness), but both occurred to me yesterday.

Sitting in a line of traffic at a signal light on my way home from work, movement in my side-view mirror caught my eye. The gentleman behind me was getting out of his car. As he walked forward toward my car, I also saw why: the door to my gas tank was open. I rolled down my window to thank him, and realized he was replacing the gas cap as well!!

What an encouraging event in these trying days. Oh, and he had out-of-state plates on his car!

As I drove home, I recalled the very first “accident” I had as a new driver. I had exited the highway on my way home from college, and was sitting at the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, behind only one car waiting for traffic to allow us to turn left. I saw the car in front of my move forward, and thought it made the turn, but ran into it because it did not.

I was horrified and scared to death. I don’t remember what kind, or whether there was any damage. What I remember is that the grandfatherly gentleman let it go.

There must have been some kind of damage to my vehicle though, because I had to tell my father. All was well, though, and he related that his father, my grandfather had been rear-ended in a similar manner by a young girl once. And he had not reported the accident, but allowed her to go her way without getting into trouble….

ROAK & PIF

I will look out for my chances to “pay forward” the stranger’s kindness from yesterday.

Pardon another post with non-stitching content.

Since I finally found a countdown code to fit my sidebars here, today seemed a good day to put up the countdown to commencement… because I received notice from the Graduate Studies office that my application is processed and everything in order for this point in time. All that’s left are my comprehensive exam and the last six hours of my coursework! Definitely a needed smile for the day.

I am camped on the sofa today, too groggy to read or sew or anything but nap and watch TV.  Thank goodness for DVR’s and DVD’s!

After a less than appealing “complimentary hot buffet breakfast” at the hotel, I at least had a good coffee from the JavaWerks bus before dropping DH off at the Mississippi Forge Council meeting. Then, finding Ross’s not yet open I wandered in Kohl’s for a bit — pricier than I was willing to indulge for new clothes. Fortunately Ross’s provided much better prices and I found good deals.

I am notoriously slow at shopping for clothes. I don’t really like shopping for clothes in the first place. I was so long at it this morning, I had to leave my cart, go pick up DH and return to look through the suits. My goal was to begin to establish a more professional wardrobe for myself. I did find one black pantsuit, and another black & white tweedy skirt and jacket. The skirt has to be altered, as do a pair of black slacks. I want, however, to find a navy suit, also something gray, and maybe brown.

Also I snagged two more pair of the Bill Blass blue jeans, which I love. A few more shirts and sweaters and I’d done quite a bit of damage to my bank account. All for a good cause though.

I manged to be *just* in time for our EGA chapter meeting, and delighted to find four members already at the library when I arrived. We had no planned program, but a fun afternoon of stitching and chatting! Cass worked on a beautiful cross-stitched sunflower design; Ann was stitching a canvas geometric, while Gloria and Cathy continued to stitch the silk ribbon design Rissa taught a few months ago. We were all pretty surprised how quickly 3:30 arrived, and we had to put away our stitching. Oh, I was knitting a dog sweater which is becoming sized for a very large dog!

What then? Well, I felt good enough for that Mexican dinner tonight: carne asada y camarones diablo — a large meal which DH and I share. Then, of course, a trip to Hudson’s where I found a few more shirts/blouses and sundry other goodies.

We were late heading home, but DH didn’t want me to spend the money for another night at a hotel. Thanks, hon! I even managed to stay awake for most of the trip home.

~~written on the road; posted at first Internet opportunity~~

I believe I may have written before (but probably on my other blog) about how I often feel like a different person in the EGA enviroment than I do at work or school enviroments, or even at home. It’s very difficult to describe, but I left Birmingham following the region meeting with that same feeling. I guess it just comes down to taking on a different role in each situation.

Tennesse Valley Region is the third EGA region in which I have participated in regional meetings, the other two being Mid-Atlantic and South Central. It is interesting to see how even with the same goals and functions, each have their own unique character. I’m glad I volunteered to chair the SAS 30 seminar committee; I am enjoying being part of the regional “machine” again… and making the new friends that come along with that level of involvement.

So, we have a working budget, our seed money, a theme, a logo (pending National approval), and a full committee for SAS 30, and are looking forward to faculty selection in early 2009.

Tonight DH & I are back in Jackson, again driving Interstate 20 in the afternoon and enjoying the fall color. My lunch did not settle well, and so tonight instead of a rich supper at our favorite Mexican restaurant in town, we had a light supper of salad, soup, and sandwich — and delicious pumpkin cheescake — at McAlisters. It was close to the hotel, quick, and quiet. I was feeling better, so we stopped at the bookstore for DH to get his magazines. I was sorely tempted to get a copy of Gregory Maguire’s new book, A Lion Among Men (3rd volume in his Wicked Years series), but I will just wait for a library copy to finish it (I read the first portion online at browse.harpercollins.com where one can also read the full-text of the first volume, Wicked).  For now I’ll just have to be content with my current reads.

~~written on the road; posted at first Internet opportunity~~

Regarding yesterday’s post… I emailed and heard back from Karen at RoyalHare.com about the yarn for Waves of Grain (I inquired about additional colors) — so, I’m still in the same dilema about choosing a color, but she would do the dying and I’d sill have my white Zephyr for something else.

The drive from Meridian to Birmingham was delightful, if somewhat longer than expected. Usually it is very early in the day when we make that drive, arriving for lunch, not supper… the afternoon light set on fire the beautiful colors of the fall leaves. Those who say there is no autumn color in the South, should have made that drive with us.

{insert beautiful autum photo} 

But, Silly Me forgot to take any photos I was so busy enjoying the color.

Tonight was my first official meeting as seminar chair for the 2010 TVR Share-A-Stitch event. It was wonderful to talk out the plans and receive feedback from the other SAS committees and our RD. The logo committee brought two lovely graphic ideas for our logo! I’m anxious to get the chosen one approved by the National committee and begin to use it. Best of all, I feel more connected with the other members of the SAS 2010 committee! Already these ladies have worked hard and shown themselves to be extremely creative, as well as willing to work together to make this even a success.

While reading Yarn Harlot today, I was inspired by her new project, the Waves of Grain scarf:  for my sister and I to cast-on and knit ourselves each one of these scarves over our Christmas holidays.

First I thought I would purchase the yarn for both of us, but my sister and I each have stash yarn that will make a lovely item. My choice is JaggerSpun Zephyr (50/50 silk/wool; white, but I plan to dye it), hers is Madril Kid Seta in a lovely dusty rose.

Now to decide what color to dye the Zephyr…

I’ve stayed up way too late watching the election returns… I’d say more, but this is supposed to be a stitching blog.

Looking forward to the Tennesse Valley Regional meeting in Birmingham on Friday, though I’m nervous that I’ve still not seen even a draft idea of the logo for Share-A-Stitch 30, our theme being “Gathering Pearls” (in honor of the 30th anniversary of the event).  Chairing a seminar committee with members strewn all over the region, with varying comfort zones in e-communications is challenging. But, I have every confidencen in those with whom I have already interacted, and know that no matter what it will all get done and in the end it will be worthwhile. I look forward, as well, to my master’s program ending and being able to put SAS 30 in the main portion of my “plate.”

~~ fighting the urge to sing “bye, bye, Miss American Pie…”

–title stolen shamelessly from Chic Knits–

Last fall, following a particularly large-score win by the USM football team, I went to the campus Barnes & Noble to take advantage of their discount (equal to the wining score difference up to 25%). I wanted a warm jacket, and when I found what I wanted it was only available in cream… I promptly managed to let coffee dribble on the front a few days later. S’okay, though; it washed out. I’m pretty sure I managed to do it more than once, too. Swiss cheese for brains can’t quite be possitive this morning.

Today is the first day I wore it this season. As I stood at the counter getting my coffee, I wondered if I could manage NOT to spill coffee on it today.

I couldn’t:

Not only all over the jacket, but on my pants leg and all over my car! Everything is sticky and wet, and I’m slightly chilled. I *knew* the lid wasn’t quite right. I don’t know if it was mal-formed, or if I didn’t get it on correctly. I also know *better* than to hold it from the top — but don’t we all when putting the cup in the cupholder?

I do hope this is the worst thing which will happen until the Election tomorrow, at least.