Diary of the Lazy Knitter

Razor Shell Afghan (WIP)

I started a new afghan a couple of weeks ago.  An afghan seems like a good project for times of (moving) stress.  Not too much thinking but, with the right stitch pattern and a pretty variegated yarn, interesting enough to keep me occupied and feeling like I'm accomplishing something between bursts of packing activity.

I chose a new stitch pattern, one my friend Sandra was using for a scarf.  I found what I thought was the patten in "A Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by Barbara Walker.  The pattern was called Razor Shell and after checking with Sandra found that her version used a different 3 to 1 decrease than what Barbara documented.  I chose a combination twelve stitch repeat using Sandra's decrease.  This is very effective in a self striping yarn and shows off the diagonal pattern of the stitches. 

Multiple of 12 +1 (I used 18 repeats for my afghan) Use markers between repeats

Row 1:  Purl

Row 2:  K1, *yo, k4, sl 2-k1- psso, k4,yo, k1*

I added garter stitch borders.  Five stitches at each edge and 8 rows at the top and bottom. 

Very simple and a nice effect with a varigate or self striping yarn.  I chose a yarn from Universal Yarns called Clasic Worsted LP, called  Green Meadow # 10979.  This yarn is 80% acrylic and 20% wool, has a nice hand and, is machine washable and dryable.   I used a 40 inch circular needle in a size 8 through out.  Use 2167 yards of yarn, (11 skeins) for a 48" x 72" afghan.

We are in North Carolina, but only for about a week.  Still trying to clear out the house in Michigan and get it sold.  Currently we plan to be out of there no later than 12-1. 

DH is currently driving me insane with this move.  Between “accidentally” breaking those things of mine he doesn’t want to move or giving away things I want to keep,  then there is the issue of CARDBOARD.  Cardboard is now the bane of my existence.  I’ve disliked brown (other than wood) ever since I did one of my apartments in black, brown, and beige, back in the seventies and discovered that while it was stunning in its day, it was also depressing.  I have since moved into two homes decorated (during the same era) in dark brown that I’ve had to completely change. 

CARDBOARD is Brown.  CARDBOARD is also not a substitute for furniture.  CARDBOARD does not enhance any décor.   We have sold the dining room set in MICHIGAN.  Two sets of china, one of crystal, and various and a sundry serving and antique pieces are now stored in CARDBOARD in NC.  I cannot unpack them, since the new built-in china cabinet I have on order is not installed in NC, and in fact keeps getting delayed by my husband (who promised to install).   While I have the unable to unpack issue, he keeps bringing  CARDBOARD into my living space like some trophy!  I hate cardboard, I like furniture, and I want a space that is free of chaos.  Just a small one, in a living room, with furniture.

I am currently afraid to fall asleep on a sofa for fear that I’ll awaken, locked in a trailer or a pods.  He is now running around our home in NC with a camera taking pictures of furniture so he can sell them. 

We don’t have all the replacement furniture down here yet, but he wanted to haul the sofa to a storage unit tomorrow!  What are we to sit on?  Perhaps the CARDBOARD boxes containing crystal or antique china? (Is more accidental breakage  being planned?)

DH also has a theory that he should only have to move an box once.  The way this theory works is that when you pack a box, it sits there (whereever you packed it, in the way, so you can look at it) until the trailer or pods is ready to accept it. 

I had a melt down on that one.  After rationally  (more or less) explaining ( . . !@#$%^&*) that this was unacceptable, and that the move, our marriage, and possibly his life, were in jeopardy we reached a compromise.  Allowances have to be made.  DH is an engineer, and very linerar.  Most times a good husband, but still and Engineer.  I have the skills  to deal with this (34 years in the Auto Industry) but, it's still driving me insane.

All the beds may be going into storage but, I'm keeping the couch! 

Thanks for listening to my rantings.  I hope it raised your spirits or gave you a good laugh. 

Life is good, moving is not.  I feel marginally better for the rant.  

I sent my mother in law the new fall Maxine's the other day and she responded:   

"This time of year green peppers are abundant - I made Stuffed Green Pepper Soup today to remind me that Fall is here.  Maxine has lots of other ideas - what is your hint that Fall has arrived?"  Love, J. 

 For me, fall means that I dig out the crock pot and make a pot soup or chili every week.  It's getting cold in Michigan and I want to have something warm around that requires minimal effort! 

Sweaters and jackets are the normal for daily apparel.  Leaves are falling and the dogs are collecting and bringing them in the house every trip outside.  Picking leaves off the dogs is my main sign that fall is here and winter is just around the corner.  The vacuum is a constant companion in my fight against leaves on the carpet. 

One of my favorite shrubs is a Korean Spice Viburnum.  The scent in the spring when this shrub blooms is heavenly and I wish I had six of them instead of two.  In the fall it becomes the bane of my existence with it's fuzzy leaves that refuse to let go of Shih Tzu hair.  With three Shih Tzus oh yes, that is why,  I don't have six of them!  

 With falling leaves, comes my thoughts of Christmas, and what shall I make for presents this year.  What have I bought or made this year that someone would enjoy?  I am one of those people who shop throughout the year with an eye for things that I think people would like.  Cleaning out the house and all my hiding places, I have found things I bought years ago for people and forgot I had.  DH picked up the habit and started an annual trip to a toy store for all the kids.  Birthdays and Christmas presents were squirreled away in the basement.  When he went through that pile and found several gifts for kids under the age of five, Toys for Tots was the beneficiary of the bounty.  All the kids are now over the age of five!

Too early to do serious Christmas shopping, and I really find it offensive to see full scale Christmas displays before Halloween!  What ever happened to waiting until Thanksgiving for all the glitter?

What are your signs of fall? 

Our newest additions to our Knit Group were all in attendance Wednesday night.  Nichole brought Stevy and Jamison, and Erin came with Zachary.  While the Moms got to eat hot food, the rest of us cuddled the babies. 

We usually meet at Pannera Bread in Fenton although last week we had a pot luck at Susan's new home in Linden.  Wish I had remembered the camera for that event.  Almost the whole group  showed up that week!  It's a fluid group that I will really miss when we move south.  Women coming together from all walks and stages of life to share common interests.  Mostly knitting but some crocheting as well.  All are welcome.  The last few weeks we had a young lady that was working the Holly Renaissance Festival.  Kay has moved on now to Texas and a new Festival.  She may be back next year.

This group started at The Art of Knitting in Linden. They had Wednesday night and Saturday afternoon open knitting, where we all got to know each other.  We shared classes and friendships over the three or four years the shop was open.  When it closed, we decided that we didn't want to give that up.  We decided to meet at Pannera and fortunately the welcomed us.  Some weeks they even bring us complementary treats!  Knitting in public as we do, we have continually drawn new members to our group.

For me the group was a place to escape from the reality of Breast Cancer.  I could go to knitting and for a few hours a week, just be a normal person.  I never told anyone what I was going through till it was over.  I needed the escape, and needed to be normal not a cancer patient.  I didn't need chemo so it worked.  The people in the group would have provided support and anything else I needed, but the main thing I needed was escape from the reality of surgery, radiation burns, and feeling tired constantly.  

It was good to see "our" babies.  Zachary is six weeks and was happy to sleep while we passed him around and took pictures.  Jamison is 4 months old and a linebacker in the making at almost 17 pounds.  Both boys are growing like weeds.  They were good as gold and seemed to enjoy being cuddled and fussed over by all their "honorary Grandmas".     

Stevy now, two and a half, seemed to enjoy a night out without a lot of big brother responsibilities.  He is a very good big brother, according to his mother, and helps Jamison when he cries.

I'll really miss this group of women when we move, although there is another group of knitting friends waiting for me in North Carolina.  Ladies, you are all invited to come down and visit!  Several of you already have over the last two winters!

Christmas is coming and here are some unique gifts!

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I've decided to sell some of my hand knit design samples. Less to pack and move!  All are new and were created as I designed the patterns for sale.  All are origional designs hand knit by the designer (me!)  Contact me via e-mail and I will ship by return mail after I receive your check (USA only).  These are one of a kind samples and available only in the sizes indicated.  Only sizes indicated are available.    mary.p.meyer@comcast.net

Small Beaded Hand Bag, antque brass handle, fully lined.

approx. size w/o handle is 6" x 11" .  $110.00 + S&H

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Toddler Watermelon Sweater in 100% Pima Cotton with glass beads for seeds size 2T.  Machine wash and dry flat for best results $100.00 + S&H

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 Watermelon Baby Hat sized for 6 to 9 months 100% pima cotton. Machine wash and dry flat for best Watermelon Baby Hat sized for 6 to9 months 100% pima cotton. $25.00 + S&H

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Watermelon Child's Beret.  Will fit ages 5-8 years.   100% pima cotton. Machine wash and dry flat for best results.  $35.00 + S&H

Dining Room

More progress.  We decided to list the dining room set, table, chairs, and china cabinet on Craig's list.  I don't have room for our current table in North Carolina.  Need to go with an oval table for that space and I ordered cabinets to make a built in hutch for the great room to display china.  This set has served me well for over thirty years, but it's time to move on. 

DH posted the ad Friday and we had two calls this morning when we checked.  The first couple to come out bought it on the spot.  They are redoing their dining room and will pick up the set next Saturday.  Good thing too. I haven't packed all the china yet.  Crystal is in boxes but one set of the good china is still in the cabinet!  I could have moved it to the kitchen counter and but would have had to ban DH from the kitchen until it was packed. (Too many things get broken otherwise). Monday's project will be to start packing china. 

Antique Oak Rocker

Now if I can just get the antique rocker sold we will be good to go.  We have a chair and ottoman at one consignment shop and I'm wondering if I should go the Craig's list rout on that and the coffee and end tables.  We are getting closer to the bid move but still no timing set.  Depends on the house sale. One more piece of furnature left to go, and I am more than willing to take the rocker to NC.  Anyone need an antique oak rocker in pristine condition? 

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Progress is being made.  I'm on the fifth skein of Homespun and have knit about 40 inches of length.  Over half done and I'm loving the texture and subtle color waves of this yarn.  The color is called Waterfall and is aptly named.

I haven't decided who this is for yet.  It may match the master bedroom in North Carolina. TBD.

 I'm still in Michigan and the weather has turned cold.  Good cuddly project to work on although I have to keep shooing the dogs off.  They love to cuddle on my afghans! 

Can't wait to finish this. I estimate another two weeks at the rate I'm going.

I packed one cabinet of quilting fabric yesterday and found four quilting UFO's.  I better start a list and try to get those out of the way.  That can wait until we get back to NC.  The house is clean and I'd like to keep it that way for a few minutes at least. 

One of the projects I found was Christmas themed blocks applicaed.  Not sure when I started that one.  It's been years since I did anything Christmas theamed.  I figure if you put that much work into it, I better be something you can display all year!  Maybe it was suposed to be a Christmas gift? That is comming up again this year.

I broke down and started a new knitting project.  I've been working on the white circular sweater ever since I finished the Christening Gown and was determined to only work UFO's.  Because I was bored to tears with this project, I found that I only worked on it in knit groups and was'nt making any progress!  I found some more yarn in one of the craft storage cabinents in the basment last week.  This is eight skeins of Lion Brand Homespun in a nice color wave.  While I don't like this yarn for clothes, it makes a great afghan.  Saturday I broke down and cast on an adult sized afghan using a fan and feather pattern.  Something I can enjoy looking at while I work on it and nothing that requires too much attention while knitting.

Lazy Knitters' Fan and Feather Afghan

Hear is my pattern:  I am using a size 10 circular needle and 8 patten repeats for a 44-45" wide afghan.  The pattern is a 17 stitch and four row repeat with only one row being a true pattern row.  I have about 71/2 skeins and will be making about a 72inch long afghan.  Play with the gage and repeats to get a baby afghan (5 repeats, worsted weight yarn and size 8 or 9 needle.  Something that knits up quicker would be 7 repeats on a 10.5 or 11 needle.  Have fun.

Cast on 146 stitches place markers after 5, then every 17 stitches (8 repeats) to the last 5 stitches.  Knit 8 rows in garter stitch.  The five stiches at each side will also be garter stitch border (knit on every row).

Foundation row:  Knit 5, purl 136, knit 5

Row 1:  (Pattern row)  k5; *purl 2 tog 3 times; yo k1 5 times, yo, purl 2 tog 3 times;* repeat to end.  Knit 5.

Row 2: Knit 5, purl 136, Knit 5 

Row 3:  Knit

Row 4:  Knit 5, purl 136, knit 5

Repeat all four rows until desired length.  Knit 8 rows for top garter stitch border, bind off, weave in ends, and enjoy.  This is a very easy lace pattern and suitable for a beginners' second or third project.  Maintaining marker position makes it easy to validate each repeat as you knit.

Think we have a deal on the house.  We agreed on high level terms and price.  Have to get a land contract written up and signed, but its time to start packing everything thats left which is a lot.  I called the Realtor Sunday to get her moving.  I won't be a sure thing in my mind, till we see signatures and money, but it's looking good. 

I hand washed all my crystal stem wear this morning and emptied the top shelf of the china cabinet . . . all 65-70 pieces.  I've been holding off on that because I didn't want to  leave fragile crystal in boxes longer than necessary.  Last time we moved I lost sever pieces.  I have a few spares these days but, my crystal pattern has been discontinued for at least 15 years.   Pieces for a new built in china cabinet are on order and about six weeks away from delivery to NC.

DH ordered blank news print  sheets for packing and that arrived last week.   Next step is to wrap and pack.  He is currently banned from the kitchen since he is rather like a bull in a china shop.  I used to have a cast iron scroll floor lamp that I've had for years.  It was an antique and DH hated it.  Last week he "accidentally" knocked it over in the garage and broke it. This happens frequently to things he hates, or things I refuse to just throw away.  Funny though, how he seems to get offended, when I point that out.  It almost never happens to stuff he wants to keep or values.

Garage sale over at Bill and Karen's starts Friday.  I need to call Sandra and see when I can pick up her folding tables.  I'll see her tonight at knit group. 

Time to find boxes and news print, and pack all that crystal I just washed!

It's been a busy couple of weeks for DH and me.  While he was in NC I hired a lady to come in and help clean and ready the house for sale.  We have made it through the upstairs, and main floor with the exception of the office.  That has a lot of DH stuff that I have no idea what to do with.  That room is also a supplemental closet for me, something I can tackle (and should get serious about)! 

The trailer is full of stuff for a garage sale at Bill and Karen's next weekend.  Guess maybe we did have enough stuff for our own sale, but it will be more bearable with them.  Bill will be in this weekend and Karen returns from Florida Tuesday.

With the big push on to finish the house, we now have a market evaluation, and have shown it twice.  Our neighbor wants the house, and maybe some of the furniture we have not planned on moving.  He will come back to us with an offer on Monday.  It sounds like it may all come together for us soon.  I need to decide on what furniture I want to sell and at what price.  TBD.

My coffee table is complete and looks good in the living room.  I started sanding and finishing the matching end tables with an eye to selling them at the sale.  Much too good to be the throw aways my husband thought.  Even he agrees after he saw what I did to the coffee table with minimum effort.  I can't find the camera so can't give you before and afters.  I last saw it before the Labor Day trek to Milwaukee.  Heaven knows where I (or DH) put it to be safe . . . .

Pixey went to the in-laws with us last weekend and became a Grandma's dog.  I wasn't sure she would let me bring him home.  He got a huge dose of socialization with all the people and kids at the lake.   My Mother in law, DH's two brothers and their familys had the annual gathering at the lake cottage.  They have been enjoying the Lake for 49 years this summer.  We planned the party for the 50th anniversary at the lake for next summer. 

Lenny and Hera stayed at the dog hotel since we thought the three of them would be way too much for canine-phobic members of the family. Pixey actually seemed to to win over some of them over.  How you could not, love somebody like Pixey escapes me, but I suppose all things are possible.

We sold the Michigan pontoon boat to the new neighbors effective September 1st. They have been out on it fishing daily and have put more hours on it in eleven days, than we have in the last three years.   I'm glad they are enjoying it, we did for the first twenty two.

Now that I have gotten through most of the house I'm remembering just how much storage space we started with.  Seemed like we didn't have any but that was because we (OK, mostly me) filled it up during the first decade.  No wonder it's taken me two years to empty it!

The piano is supposed to be on it's way to a new home tomorrow.  A very nice young man and friend of another neighbor will give it a good rework.  Dave and his three brothers are very musical and repair and play multiple instruments.  They want the boxes of sheet music too.  I still have heart burn over letting go of a family heirloom, but realistically, have no space or use for it.  It has sat untouched in our basement for the past 22 years.