I am having so much trouble finding the 3 hours... ahh let's face it. I'm having trouble getting 15 minutes where I can concentrate on the knitting. I was so tired after work tonight that all I did was grab a sandwich for dinner and vegetate in front of the TV. And tomorrow night is a class. Guess that means it will be maybe Saturday before I can find time to sit and knit... what a bummer!

Philosopher's Wool Workshop part 1

Last night was the Philosopher's Wool Workshop at Threadbear in Lansing, MI. The first wonderful thing was that I drove all by myself and made it! It is 1 1/2 hours from Detroit and I've never driven that far on my own without having a problem. I did start to fall asleep but I'm sure it was due to the heavy rush hour traffic. I left at 3:15 and hit Howell about 4 pm. I think I'll leave earlier next time so I won't hit that traffic. I stopped at Howell and got coffee and had a really nice conversation with a lady at the gas station. That gave me a nice 10 minute break before getting back on the road.

The class was great!! There were 3 of us in the workshop so we got lots of individual attention. Marcia Carpenter, our instructor, went through all the steps beginning with the stitches. To learn them just go to Philosopher's Wool and watch the video. Of course, now that I'm home, I had to look at the hand out and book to remind myself. She said that 3 hours of concentrated practice will really cement them in your mind and fingers. Now to find 3 hours of time alone ;-)

Next time we talk about seaming and steeking - even if we aren't done by then. I know that I'll have to take lots of notes for that part. I'll be surprised if I get even half the body done. Marcia said that knitting a Philosopher's Wool sweater takes 160 hours of knitting. She also said that she's available for questions even after the class is over. Now that is dedication! Thank you Marcia!

time off from knitting

I sure need to take some time off and clean up my computer and all that information. I had 6 cd's of back-ups that actually were mostly the same information. I had to put them all onto my computer and try to sort that out. I was going to make up a cd of all my knitting stuff but I wonder if it will fit on my new flash drive. In any event, I sure do need to organize my thoughts.

I got my updated Master Knitter Level 1 directions. So I made copies and started highlighting. I was looking at the knitting books I have for reference and realized I need to make a list of what I have. That way I don't buy one that I already own... gee, knitters don't do that... do we :-)

But tonight is a night off from knitting and computers. Going out to Chinese soon and then off to a Peter Nero concert at the DSO. I can't wait to hear some good Gershwin and Nero is a great pianist. Back to knitting tomorrow.

As promised here is a picture of my lovely Josephine as she sits on the recliner with my hubby John. She just woke up as I was taking her picture. She isn't as fat as she looks all curled up.

Great Shopping in Rochester

I couldn't help myself. It wasn't my fault. As happens so many Saturdays when we run errands. Today was just a special day. We went to Borders Books and I found Stitch 'n Bitch, Stitch 'n Bitch Nation and Knit Book 1. Then we were on to the store I had been waiting all week to go to - the Jeweler in Rochester, MI. I had lost so much weight that he had to resize my rings and while I was at it I had him put another charm on my necklace for Natalie.

While in Rochester I figured I would try to visit Skeins on Main I had heard so much about. We got there and it was packed with customers. I was so excited to see all the store folk helping everyone. The store is very long and narrow and jammed with little vinettes for every kind of knitting one can imagine. John was excited that they had a place with 3 chairs by a fireplace for him to sit. They are getting into the Philosopher's Wool kits and I will probably buy my next kit from them. I did buy the stitch markers and needles that are sitting on books.

Then we went to dinner at Alibi's. Hmm, they make such good broccoli cheese balls served with a delicious dip. John said his patty melt was good too. I got the lake perch and it was to die for. While there I was reading the Troy Gazette and what did I see but an announcement about a little shop named "My Craft Room." I thought it was a finished consignment shop but ohh what a joy when I got down to Square Lake and Rochester Rd. and found a great little craft supply store. I was pleasantly surprised to see a all sorts of neat crafts. They even have a wire wrapping class that I might take.

My Craft Room in Troy had a great little book "The Portable Crafter: Knitting" Of course, I had to take it home - didn't I? ... It's wonderful! I found patterns for a purse, childrens hats, adult hats and scarves, towels, and several baby sweaters. It is full of tips and techniques and stitches. I can't wait to do some of the projects. Now if I could only make the days a little longer...

Which project to do next?

Knitting the scarf is a great carry along project and somewhat mindless after you get the rhythm of the pattern. I still have 1/2 the foot and all the toe to do on the 2nd of my brown Opal socks. The 18th I start working on the Philosopher's Wool sweater workshop. And here I am thinking of what else I want to do.

May 2004 I got the directions for the Master Knitter Level 1. I started out just great. made photocopies for my personal use, found a folder to put articles in, made a preliminary outline of what to do first, second, etc., and even bought the yarn and here I am ... what am I waiting for? All it takes is knit about 16 swatches and answer some questions. What am I so nervous about? I even have a MK buddy or two in the Master Knitter Yahoo group.

I have made up my mind. This weekend is Knitting weekend. That is after going to get oil for the car, the jeweler, out to dinner, laundry, clean the house... wow is me... will I ever start?