Quiddity

Mac Contest Winners!

Wow, you guys are sure full of advice!  And good advice, too.  Thanks so much for passing it along to me.  I cut and pasted all of it into a Word document (sorry Mac users,) and if you are interested, you can check it out here:  Mac Tips.doc 

I assumed that by now I'd be typing this on my new Macbook Pro, but cooler heads prevailed.  My friend Doug reminded me that our State will soon be having a tax-free "holiday" that includes computer purchases.  And then I realized that my son, the teacher, qualifies for a discount on a Mac purchase.  By combining the two, I should save some serious moola - certainly enough to buy at least one cool new computer program.  Since my PC isn't really on its last legs, waiting should be no problem, and in the meantime I can do a bit more research on what I'll need to do to make sure all my favorite programs transition smoothly.  I've been a PC user since 1986, and while I've never experienced the dreaded "blue screen of death" or had any virus problems, there have been enough other issues, especially with my newest laptop, that I felt it might be good to give the other guy a try.  Especially after I watched my husband trying to get his mom's new laptop, running Vista, to recognize our wireless network.  What should have happened immediately took him almost two hours.  And he knows what he's doing.  Feh on that!  I do have some worries about a couple of my older programs, but I'm hoping the Windows emulator will take care of that.  At any rate, change is good.  Upsetting sometimes, but good.  Right?

Now, the winners!  The online integer generator at Random.org chose Mac user #32 - Marie.  She said: "My biggest piece of advice would be to purchase AppleCare ASAP and register it as soon as you get home the day you buy it. My PowerBook's wifi card stopped working correctly and I sent it to Apple expecting them to easily fix it. I was even told I would get my computer back in 4 days at the most. Well, a month later I still had no computer and was finally told that the parts for my PowerBook were no longer being made because it was out of date. Because I had AppleCare, I got a brand new, completely free, MacBook Pro as a replacement! - Talk about customer service."  Thanks, Marie, I'll definitely look into that.  Also, be sure to go visit Marie's blog.  She's a new knitter and blogger, and is off to a great start!

The non-Mac winner is blogless Jacquie!  Now, Jacquie is a friend of mine, although that in no way influenced the outcome.  In fact, Jacquie has been trying to win one of my contests for a long time.  Congratulations on finally making it!

As for the prizes, I have to admit I've fallen down on the job of picking them out in time to write this post.  But rest assured that you will each receive some very nice yarn.  I can say that Jacquie will NOT get sock yarn, but instead, maybe some roving will make its way to her house.  I happen to know she likes to spin.

The sock yarn stash continues to decline around here anyway.  See - more socks.

• Regia 4-ply in the sadly discontinued Nation Colors.  I love this colorway.  And yes, it's the same one that the Yarn Harlot was coveting a few months ago.  I made myself a pair of socks from this yarn several years past, and they never fail to make me smile when I wear them. 
• These socks, along with the pair I showed in my last post are going to someone special.  Since they are in the mail yet, I still won't tell, but all will be revealed soon.  Suffice it to say, they are going to someone who REALLY needs a reason to smile. I hope these help.

Oh, and I almost forgot.  Even though it doesn't show up very much on the blog, I like to spin, too.  Even though I still feel like a rank beginner, it's something that gives me a lot of pleasure - when I get around to doing it.  I have an Ashford Traveller wheel, and although it's fairly small, it isn't really as portable as other wheels - such as this one.

 

That's an Ashford Joy, single treadle.  And one just like it (minus the pretty yarn) is now mine!  Yup, I finally took the plunge and brought it home from Knitch last night.  We spent some quality time together this morning, and I LOVE it!  The Traveller will now, with the addition of my WooLee Winder, become a plying wheel.  Yay!  So now, while waiting for the right time to buy my Mac, I can spend my time spinning.

Have a good weekend, everyone, and thanks for stopping by and joining in the contest.   

Computer Contest!

So, here's the thing.  I've never used anything but a Windows computer, and the one I have, while still serviceable, is starting to make me want to throw it out the window at times. (Oh wait, isn't the the purpose of a Windows computer?  But I digress.)  In order to save my sanity (what's left of it, anyway) I've decided it's time for a new laptop - and this one is going to be a Mac.  A Mac Pro, to be exact.  I tried out all the laptops at the Apple store this evening, talked to the nice sales guy, and then came home and looked over the website, just to be sure.  Most likely, I'll go back to the store sometime next week to make my purchase.

Here is where the contest portion of this post comes in.  Because I know next to nothing about how to operate a Mac, and even though I suspect it won't be that hard to make the transition, I thought it would be fun to get advice from all you Mac fans out there.  Send me your best tip for using a Mac, and you might end up winning something.  Most likely yarn, as there seems to be quite of lot of that in the house right now.  Not a Mac user?  You can still enter.  Leave me a comment with why you think I am or am not making the right decision, or really any comment at all will do, computer related or not.  As with all my contests, I really like giving away prizes, so the contest is open to all.  In fact, I'll give one to a Mac user, and one to a non-user - hmm, let's say on Thursday.  Ready, set, go!

As for knitting, I've actually been doing quite a lot of it, and for a change, none of it is for me.  (I can't say who it is for, since she may read the blog, so once everything is delivered, I'll spill the beans.) 

Socks

Closeup of socks

• Waffle Rib II pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks.  No wonder I like this pattern, because it's actually my favorite Blueberry Waffle Socks, only in reverse. 
• Numma Numma Toasty sock yarn in the Red Raspberry Jam colorway.  Fabulous, as always!

Hat

• Lace-Edged Women's Hat
• Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend, #3117 Violets.  Yum!

And I have one more pair of socks that is only inches from completion.  That new porch furniture has inspired me to new heights of creativity!  Really, I've spent a lot of time out there, enjoying the pretty spring weather.  Makes me wish we'd gotten that furniture a long time ago. 

This year's Mother's Day will, of course, be tinged with sadness, but Jim thoughtfully made reservations at one of my all time favorite restaurants.  Having a nice dinner with him, Cory, and Cory's girlfriend is something I'm definitely looking forward to.  I hope all of you who celebrate have a wonderful day.  I know I will.

My Deepest Gratitude

I want to thank everyone for your kind comments and emails in response to my mother's death.  Every note meant so much to me, and provided a great deal of comfort at an overwhelming time.  While I'm doing well, I still find myself asking what happened.  It was so unexpected that it seems surreal at times.  It's been a very long week, but thanks to the support of friends and family, both present and online, it went along a lot easier than I would have thought.  Happily this new week seems to be leading to good things.  Jim started his new job today, and he's VERY happy there already.  After a little over three years of dissatisfaction, it's nice to see him excited about work again.  I've made a lot of progress settling the disposition of the last of my mom's belongings, and have even gotten back to some of my regular pursuits.

But before I show you what I've been up to the last few days, take a look at our new porch furniture.

We had been looking at this a couple of weeks ago, but when we realized we were going to have a lot of company for the funeral, we rushed over to Target to make the purchase.  We love it!  The weather this week was just perfect for porch sitting, and with the addition of a fan, I should be able to enjoy sitting and knitting here even on the hottest days. 

On Saturday, I had to do some errands, and found myself at Barnes & Noble.  Of course, I had to pay the knitting books a visit, and came away with this.

I haven't crocheted in years, and when I did, I made doilies using tiny hooks and thin thread.  But I've been wanting to try this new kind of project, and this book looks like it has a lot of fun critters.  I was actually supposed to be taking a sock knitting class on Saturday, taught by Lucy Neatby, but after such a  draining week, I just didn't feel like sitting inside all day.  Too bad, because I used her book, "Cool Sock, Warm Feet" to teach myself to knit socks and was hoping to meet her.  Hopefully, she'll come back some day.

On Sunday, Jim encouraged me to go to the regular knitting day at Knitch, and I'm glad I did.  It turned out to be a much smaller group than usual, but it was nice to get out and see my friends and enjoy just sitting, knitting, and gabbing - and shopping, too. 

Because I missed Lucy's class, I decided to treat myself to the next best thing.

   

And there's been a shop model of a bag that I've been admiring for a while.  I bought this Kureyon

to make this

 

Cute!

Some sock yarn also found its way into my bag.

But this is sock yarn with a difference.  It's not for me (you know I only make socks for myself, don't you?  LOL.)  Instead, I'm making them for someone who doesn't know she's getting handmade socks.  And not just these, but the Thuja socks I just finished, as well as the pair I have on my needles (hopefully to be completed this evening.)

I spent this afternoon knitting on the porch.  The trees are such a luminous green this time of year, the birds chirp merrily, and the breeze is cool.  I also happened to notice that the tree in our front yard was looking at me.  Really.  Can you see his face?

   

He looks a bit grumpy.  Maybe all those squirrels in his hair are making him crazy!  Hope your Spring is as pretty as mine and that you'll find time to get out and let the breeze blow in your hair.  It's fabulous!

Another Milestone

Saturday night, at about 9:00, my dear mother, Eileen Frances Winholt Snyder, passed away.  She was 83 years old.  The doctor says we'll never really know what happened, but they presume she had a massive heart attack.  My mother would not have wanted to linger, helped along by machines or wasting away in the hospital, so thankfully it was very quick.  Of course, I was not expecting this, as she seemed to be doing a lot better this week.  I'm very thankful we had that lovely evening together on Friday, and just wish she had gotten more time to enjoy what seemed to be her newfound health.

My mom and I had a rocky relationship, but underneath it all we both knew we loved each other.  All she ever wanted for me was that I be happy.  She did her best to make sure that happened.  While she wasn't always successful, and I wasn't always accepting of her efforts, it always came back around that we could make each other laugh and enjoy being together. 

I'm still not at the point of really understanding that she's gone, and I know the next few days are going to be very difficult.  But I think it will be the milestones in life that will make my heart ache the worst.  All the holidays and special times that we won't share together, as well as just those ordinary days when we might have gotten together for lunch.  I wish she could have had a great-grandchild to spoil, but she loved my son with all her heart, and that's a very good thing for both of them.  Everyone in her family, me, Cory, Jim, her sister Karyl, her brother Jim (the last remaining siblings of five boys and five girls,) and all her nieces and nephews will miss her, but we all have such wonderful memories of her life that she will never truly be gone.

Thank you all for being here for me over the last few months.  I won't be back for a while, as I'll be busy getting ready to say good-bye to my mom for the last time.  I thank you now for all your best wishes and prayers.  They will be a great comfort to me.

Milestones

One of my all time favorite movies is "Parenthood."  If you have a family or are part of a family or know someone with a family (I think that covers just about everyone,) you'll find something to relate to in this film.  One scene that often comes to mind takes place near the end.  Steve Martin, who plays Gil Buckman, is bemoaning all the ills that have befallen him lately.  His wife's grandmother tells him about the time her late husband took her to the carnival and they rode the roller coaster. Up, down, up, down.  She was thrilled.  But she also realized that some people don't like the roller coaster.  They prefer the merry-go-round.  But, she says, what fun is that, just going around in circles?  She loves the roller coaster.  Of course, this is a not so subtle metaphor for life.  All the ups and downs we go through as we make our way through,.  Sometimes we get queasy, but isn't that worth the times we experience the thrill?

It seems that lately my life has been caught in one long downward swoop.  But what happens after you go down?  Why, you go up, of course!  And tonight, I got a chance to celebrate a lot of ups with my family.  First, two birthdays.  My son's girlfriend turned 23 on April 18, and my son was 28 on the 21st.  We had planned to celebrate last weekend, but sadly, Laura's grandma passed away the morning of her birthday.  Tonight, we were able to get together to console Laura for her loss, as well as share our joy at being together for their yearly milestones.  Add to that Jim's happiness for having completed his last day at his old job, and beginning his new one this coming Tuesday.  We were also thankful to have my mom with us.  After the health scare she had, it was good to see her enjoying the festivities.  And finally, Cory saved the good news for when we were all together - he was accepted into the MBS program at Emory University!!  Talk about reason to celebrate!  We had a delicious dinner, followed by birthday presents and cake.  What a day!

I had a small milestone myself yesterday, or should I say my car did  The numbers on the dial went from this...

To this...

Amazing, especially considering when the car was less than two years old, it was hit by a much bigger truck and sustained almost $17,000 in damage (although I still contend they should have totaled it.)  In two more years, I can get a new car, but for the time being, I'm glad it's still taking me where I need to go without any problems (knock wood.)

To top it off, I also have another finished object.

   

• Stork's Nest Scarf.  From the January/February 2008 issue of Piecework.  I've been working on this sporadically for a while, and am glad to have finally finished it.  It's an easy pattern, and quite pretty, I think.
• Habu A-1 2/17 tsumugi 100% silk.  It is light blue with slubs of white throughout.  Feels somewhat like cotton, and is very nice to knit with.  I used less than one 265 yard cone for the scarf, which is about 10" wide by 72" long.

I hope you have more ups than downs in the days ahead, and that you have a fun weekend to look forward to.  I leave you with a photo of Mittens, enjoying his own favorite pastime.  Ahhh, sunshine! 

Where Spring Has Yet to Arrive

Even though it wasn't the weekend we had in mind, it still turned out to be a pretty good one.  And Jim took both Friday and Monday off, which made it even nicer.  After I did my usual Friday chore of going to the grocery store, we walked into town for a late lunch and then came home and just relaxed.  On Saturday, he and I spent the day doing chores.  His were outside, while I managed to get a lot of things done in the house that have been ignored during my mom's illness.  Then on Sunday, we finally got out of town.  We drove up to the northwest Georgia mountains, near Ellijay.  There is a high (man made) lake that we like to visit, and that became our destination. 

You may think that the U. S. Forest Service is all about the trees, but it turns out that a major part of that oversight involves road building.  In fact, I believe the Forest Service builds more roads than any one else in the country.  They use these roads as egress into the forests primarily for fire prevention and control.  But you and I can also use them to get off the main highways, and experience some wonderful, and not overused, mountain areas.  Lake Conasuga is located on one of these fire roads, and no matter the time of year, the drive there is always a pretty one.  In early Spring and Fall, mountain ridges can be seen in the distance through the trees, and wildflowers bloom on forest floors and along the roadside.  From an elevation of about 700 feet above sea level, the road rises gradually to over 3000 feet.  Up there, the air is crisp and clear, and this weekend at least, we found that Spring had not yet arrived.  Along the way, we stopped to see if anything was blooming yet or if it was really as barren as it looked.

Hmm, doesn't look like there's much out there.  Or maybe there is! 

Yes, here, here, and here, the ground is covered with an unusual variety of trillium.

Nearby. tucked almost under a fallen log, is one lone columbine.

We thought this wee flower was also alone, but a walk further down the hill revealed hundreds more.

Finally arriving at the lake, we found it to be as pretty as remembered, although it was very windy and cold, making me glad that I had thought to bring a jacket.

 

Except for the evergreen pines and rhododendron bushes, the trees here were still bare, too.

The path around the lake was lined with rhododendron bushes, and they were just beginning to show signs of the blooms to come.

 

After a chilly picnic of cheese and crackers, we took a different road down,  which led along the western side of the ridge.  The late afternoon sun picked out the blooming redbud trees.

A roadside bank was covered with pretty white flowers.

And while the dogwoods and azaleas here in Atlanta have lost their Spring blooms, the woods at the lower elevations were filled with beautiful dogwoods and their showy flowers.

It was the perfect day for a drive in the woods!  Jim enjoyed being outside so much that he went for a hike at a different mountain on Monday.  While he was doing that, I spent the day with two gentlemen and a truck from 1-800-GotJunk.  I tell you, those guys really know how to clean out a house!  Within a couple of hours, my mom's house was one big empty.  Whew!!  We are all glad that is finally over.

Now that life is finally settling down, I'm back to my knitting.  You may remember the thrummed mittens I made this winter for my friend in Minneapolis.  Well, I was also knitting her a matching (unthrummed) hat, but just inches from finishing, the yarn ran out.  Finally, last Thursday, Knitch got their shipment in, and the hat is finally finished.  Just in time for it to warm up, of course.

   

• Pinwheel Hat from Mountain Colors.  This is a fun pattern, and the only modification I made was to add those little pink accents.  I like this hat so much, I'm definitely going to have to make myself one this Fall.
• Cascade 220, #8686 - brown.  (The pink is also Cascade 220, but I don't remember the color number.)

Yesterday, after the house was cleaned out, and while Jim was still in the mountains, I also finished the lace scarf I've been working on for a while.  I'll get it blocked soon, and then do a photo shoot.  I also have a pair of socks and another lace shawl on the needles.  I realized I haven't posted any in-progress shots lately, so I'll get that done before the week is out. 

I hope you all had as nice a weekend as I did.  And because Jim just quit his current job, and won't be starting his new one right away, we are going to have another nice long weekend this week, too.  I wonder what fun things I'll have to show you next week? 

The End is in Sight

Well, it's been a very long six weeks with my mom, but it seems that life is slowly but surely getting back to normal.  Today, I finished moving anything worth having out of her house, and on Monday the junk guys are coming to load up what is left and take it away.  Of course, my house is now trashed, with lots of boxes in attic and laundry room, but as soon as we get her a couple new pieces of furniture, most of those should disappear.  I think she's settling into the assisted living pretty well, although I fear she's spending most of her time alone in her room.  Hopefully, she'll begin meeting people and that will quickly pass.  We'll be going to the orthopedist on Thursday, so keep your fingers crossed that they take off the boot that has been supporting her broken ankle.  I know she'll feel much better when she can get around without it.

Another thing I'm nearing the end of is my current project, the Stork's Nest scarf from a recent issue of Piecework.  I'm using Habu silk in a pretty blue, and have really enjoyed the time spent knitting it.  Hopefully, it will be completed in the next couple of days.  I think I'm about to embark on a lace kick, and am already considering what the next project might be.  There are several things I've been wanting to get to, so I certainly don't lack for choices.

In the meantime, I have this finished project to show off.

• Thuja Socks from Knitty.  I really love this pattern.  Just a two row repeat, it's extremely fast and simple, but produces a lovely sock.
• Trekking XXL, #106.  Isn't the colorway perfect for Spring?  Now if it would just warm up!  It's going to be near freezing tomorrow morning.  We had a very early Spring last year, but this one's is taking its time.

I've also been the recipient of several lovely gifts lately.  Look at what Claudia brought back from Germany for me.

Isn't that great!  Of course, if you were to see it now, it wouldn't be in as good a shape.  You see, Mittens stole it off the table last night, tore off the label (I think he ate some of it, too,) and ruffled up the yarn a bit.  Thankfully, he didn't seem to do his usual trick of chewing through the yarn, so my beautiful present is safe, and new socks will be forthcoming before too long.

Chris also generously sent me two of her CD mixes.  I'm really looking forward to putting these on the stereo this Friday, and just sitting and knitting to them.  Thanks again, Chris!

   

Actually, both yarn and CDs could be making a little trip with me this weekend.  As a reward for getting the work done at my mom's house, Jim and I are plotting to get out of town.  We were thinking of going up to the N. Georgia mountains, but I need to check the weather as the weekend gets closer.  Right now, it looks like rain in the forecast, but that could certainly change by then.  And really, I don't care much if it does, as we both just need a change of scenery and some quiet time alone.  Being able to get out and hike would be a bonus, as we can both also use some serious exercise, but sitting inside listening to the rain on the roof would be ok too, I think. 

I want to thank you all for being here for me (virtually and in person) as I've gone through this rough spot with my mom.  My local friends have heard me drone on endlessly about all the problems I've had, and for that I am more appreciative than I can say.  Through expressing it, I've learned that I'm definitely not alone in my struggle to find a safe place for my mom, and also realized that having to deal with this is one part of life that almost all of us have to face.  And really, my mom gave up a lot for me when I was small, so how can I not do the same for her now?  But I sure am glad that it's done!   

Now, Where Was I?

First, the latest on my mom is that she'll be getting out of rehab on Friday, and will going directly to her new assisted living apartment.  She's very apprehensive, but I know that once she's there, she will be a lot happier and healthier.  My mom, who is 83, worked full-time up until the summer of 1983.  Since then, she's become more and more isolated, and moving to a community where there are so many things to do and people to interact with is going to be a wonderful step for her.  Yay!

Now, on to the fiber portion of the program.  Two Sundays ago, Melissa, Evil Science Chick, and I took over Hockeymom's basement for a Dye-A-Thon. 

We each brought roving, yarn and various types of dyes, and spent the best part of the afternoon trying to figure out what we were doing.  Well, actually it was only me trying to figure it out - everyone else seemed to have a much better grasp of both color theory and dye techniques.  You don't think it was that bad, huh?  Well, I had to resort to having Melissa help me make green (yellow and blue - DUH!)

 

I had a huge hank of Habu fingering weight wool that I thought would make a nice shawl, and had a Spring green color in mind.  Here it is in the dye pot.

And here's the finished product.

Not quite as soft a color as I had in mind, but I really like how it came out.  Thanks, Melissa!

I also had 4 ounces of white Cormo roving, given to me by Claudia last year.  I divided it in half and squished dye onto it with a paintbrush.  The plan was for green (I'm sensing a theme) and orange.  This is what I got.

Hmm, nice green, but a little closer to red than orange.  I was hoping to avoid a Christmas effect, and just missed.  It should look interesting when spun and plied though.  And no, I have no idea what it's going to grow up to be.

I had so much fun doing this, although I'm pretty sure I'm not really cut out to be a dyer.

So I went back to my knitting and last Thursday, the sweater I've been working on for a while was finally finished. 

• Eyelet Cardi.  Originally released as the free Knitty pattern, Sitcom Chic, Bonne Marie redesigned it in this top-down, DK yarn version.  Very enjoyable to knit, my only complaint is that it came out just a tad too big.  I'll still enjoy wearing it, but the next time (and there will be a next time) I'll knit the next size down.
• The yarn is the amazingly soft Debbie Bliss Rialto, colorway Turquoise (#24.)  This is the first time I've made a sweater for me from superwash yarn.  I was very pleased with how well it blocked and the drape and hand can't be beat.

This past Sunday, I spent the day with 700 of my closest friends knitting and enjoying the comic styling of The Yarn Harlot. Actually, the day started out with me and just a dozen of my friends having breakfast at a local restaurant, just steps away from where the Harlot was to speak.  We spent two hours gabbing, knitting, and feeding our faces before heading over to get in line for the event.  As it was the last time Stephanie came to town, Knitch arranged a knit-in beginning two hours before she was to speak.  There was also a raffle during the knit-in, during which many fabulous prizes were given away.  Alas, I didn't end up with any despite buying a huge whack of tickets, but it was fun to watch the happy winners come up for their new goodies.  As always, Stephanie was informative, funny, and completely entertaining, despite her lost luggage containing her clean clothes and traveling yarn stash. 

Because of the vast number of out-of-town knitters in attendance, Knitch requested that in-town people wait about an hour to attend the second book signing session.  Since breakfast had been consumed over four hours previously, we of course adjourned to another local eatery.  After a good meal, we reassembled for our chance to say hi to Stephanie and have our books signed.  It may have been because the lovely Knitch staff took away her knitting so she could sign books, or perhaps she was thinking of her wayward yarn, but she rather longingly appropriated several of the socks proffered for blog photos and knit a few stitches on each.  Well, wouldn't you?? 

Fortified with all this knitting and dyeing, I'm ready to tackle what lies ahead for me in the next few weeks, the bulk of which time will be spent in cleaning out my mom's house.  I know both of us are looking forward to putting all the upset of the past six weeks behind us and moving forward - my mom to her new life, and me to my comfortable (and admittedly lazy) old one.  Mostly, I'm looking forward to having a LOT more knitting time!!   

Philosophy of Life

I've been tagged by Hockeymom for the latest blog meme:

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you.

2. Post the rules.

3. Share a 6 word philosophy of life

4. Tag 3 other people

My philosophy? 

LIFE IS SHORT, EAT DESSERT FIRST!

Hah!

I tag Knit Witch, Dale-Harriet, and Chris.

Things involving my mother continue to progress positively, but I'm busier than a one-armed paper hanger.  I did find time to get in trouble with good friends on Sunday, dyeing yarn and roving in Hockeymom's well-equipped basement.  As soon as it stops drizzling, I'll post photos of my efforts.  And my finished sweater! And maybe even pictures of the Yarn Harlot's visit this coming Sunday.  I'll be back soon, I promise.

Wait Until You See the Prizes!

I've finally found time to sit down and post.  The days just seem to fly by with what seems like little to nothing being accomplished, although I know that's not true.  I'm spending time every day with my mom, as well as doing all the things necessary to get her health and living situation taken care of.  I won't start cleaning out her place until she's in the assisted living, by which time I hope conditions in her house have improved.  You see, the landlord is taking advantage of her absence to remodel the place.  NOT good timing.  There is dust everywhere, and all kinds of construction crap.  Because they started with the bathrooms, there are also no toilets, which makes being there for any length of time potentially very uncomfortable.  The workmen have also been piling stuff (theirs and my mom's) willy-nilly about the place, without regard for the good furniture or upholstery.  And to top it off, when I stopped by today, someone had broken the lock on her door.  It seems as though they may have snapped the key off in the doorknob, and consequently they (and I) can't lock the door.  I immediately reported that to the landlord, and I figure if they don't get it fixed right away, any stolen items are on their insurance.  Thank goodness I've taken pretty much all of the really valuable stuff out of there!  Anyway, enough whining - on to the good stuff.

First, I was informed that I neglected to post the type of yarn used for the second cell phone cozy.  It was made from Lion Wool.  I used a lot of that in 2006 to make Christmas stockings, and find it to be a good yarn for projects like that and the cozy.  It's a nice 100% wool, although not as soft as you might want for a garment you'd wear next to your skin.  But it's also readily available at big box craft stores, and sometimes that's where you find yourself when you need some yarn. 

And speaking of the cozies, I had several requests for the pattern.  It's basically the same as beginning and ending a sock, but if you aren't familiar with that, here's the recipe.

I used worsted weight wool for both the cozies.  Usually, I use size 7 needles with worsted weight, but I wanted these to be a bit denser so they wouldn't sag as much under the weight of the phone, so used size 6 double points.  My mom has a small flip-style phone, and after measuring the width/height/thickness, I guessed and cast on 36 stitches.  Work K2, P2 for about an inch and then change to stockinette.  Knit around until the pouch measures about 5-1/2" from below the rib.  Divide stitches evenly on two needles and kitchener closed.  To make the i-cord strap, I picked up four stitches from one side of the ribbing and knit for about 20", leaving those stitches live.  Do the same on the other side, knitting for about 10".  (I did it unevenly so the join wouldn't hit at the back of the neck.)  I tried two different techniques to join the i-cord, neither working as invisibly as I would have liked, but it's just a cell phone cozy, and there's really no need to be that picky.  The woman who asked for the second cozy had a Palm Treo, which is considerably bigger than my mom's phone, so I used 40 stitches, and made the cozy about 1/2" longer.  She said it fits perfectly.  I think you could use the same idea to construct a pouch to hang on a walker, except pick up a larger number of stitches along the middle of the back to form a flap that could be draped over the walker's front bar and closed with a button (you'd have to make a buttonhole) or velcro.  I hope this all makes sense, and if you make one, I'd love to see a photo.

Now it's time to announce the winners of my Belated Blogiversary Contest.  Thanks to all who entered.  There was a great response and I found lots of new-to-me blogs.  I hope all who came for the first time will return often.  Now without further ado, the winners.

Regular reader - Sydney!

Local friend - Diana! (sadly, blogless)

New to me blogger - Olga!

Also new to me blogger - Kenyetta!

Send me your mailing information and you'll soon receive one of these fabulous prizes.

   

Oooh, Numma Numma yarn!  Saucy in "Fresh Ginger," and Toasty in "Boysenberry Preserves," "Elvis," and "Rhubarb."  All purchased at the greatest yarn shop ever - Knitch.  Or you can also get some for your very own at The Loopy Ewe or Numma Numma's Etsy shop.  There is enough yarn in each skein for a pair of socks or a lace stole.  I do not exaggerate when I say this is my favorite sock yarn ever!

And although it's a bit early, I'd like to remind you to keep an eye out in September for my annual Show Me Your Socks contest.  I have a fun idea for this year, and am looking forward to lots of entries.  Who knows, there might be more Numma Numma to give away!