It has already been established in my mind that Theresa and I are sock twins, what with our mutual love of Crown Mountain Farms fibers, but I have long suspected that Phyl was my bag twin. This suspicion was confirmed late last week with this blog entry by Phyl.
I got my Zelda bag last week. From The Loopy Ewe.
Oh, all right. I’ll admit that I got two Zelda bags, in two different sizes.
Phyl is right that the straps are exactly the right length to neatly tuck under your arm, and the bag fits snugly at your side. The only thing that prevents this from being the ultimate, perfect bag is the lack of an outside pocket.
Holiday Decorations and a Quickie Contest!
Thank you all for your stories of holiday decorations in the comments — I really enjoyed reading them all!
(By the way, I can see that I am closing in on 30,000 total comments on this iteration of my blog. I’ll send a nice prize to the 30,000th commenter. Yes, I am whoring for comments. I love comments.)
But we did no decorating this weekend. Maybe next weekend.
Um . . . Yeah . . . Knitting Progress
On Thursday night, I went to bed at 7:00pm with Lucy snuggled tightly next to me. Remember how I was whining about not feeling well? I’ve been having sinus issues of Epic Proportion, no doubt brought on by inhaling too much dust and other icky stuff when we moved offices. Ew. So I’ve spent the past few days hopped up on Zyrtec, in a zombie-like fugue. The KOARC spent the weekend not only enduring my sniffling and whining about feeling ill, but made sympathetic noises and made me cups of tea, and not once did he make fun of me for reclining on the couch, Camille-like, with tissue stuffed in my nose (the tissue up the nose is very un-Camille-like, I admit. But effective).
Anyhow, that doesn’t do much for one’s knitting progress.
But I do have some progress.
Here’s the first of my Magic socks. Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!
and I did finish the Red Scarf on Friday night, while watching Captains Courageous on DVD.
It ended up about 66″ long (not including fringe) and 6″ wide, so it’s within the parameters requested for the Red Scarf Project.
With the Red Scarf complete, I needed another project — something simple so as not to overtax my sinus-infection-befuddled brain. I pulled out some Handmaiden handpainted 4-ply cashmere I bought at Knitty City when I went to Manhattan at the end of October. I had two skeins of it, so decided to knit it with two strands held together and make a mistake rib scarf. One strand is dk weight, so 2 strands made a nice chunky weight. I did the scarf 23 stitches wide and used a 6mm needle.
Two movies on DVD on Saturday afternoon/evening (The Desperate Hours and Streetcar Named Desire) and I finished it. The results:
It’s about 5″ wide and is about 66″ long (excluding fringe). This one’s for me — I bought the yarn because I thought it would make a great scarf to go with my black cashmere dress coat.
Anyhow.
I’m feeling much better today, but am having a quiet afternoon, and am starting a fun not-too-taxing knitting project. I’ll talk about that tomorrow. I’ve got tomorrow off from work, so that’s a good thing. More time to rest up!
Lucy sez:
“I’m available for kitty snuggles whenever you need them, Momma!”
me too, me too, shamelessly diving in on a whim.
but seriously don’t you think you should come over here sooner than later? block out some time next summer? that’d be what i call a hum dinger of prize:
your blog constantly reminds me i definitly don’t knit too much
/nicole-sweden
Hey there, one of my Massage instructors got me hooked on white flower oil (contains menthol euctalptus and lavender- for those that might have allergies)you can get it in an asian market. put a small dab in your hands rub briskly and while rubbing inhale through the nose 3x and the mouth 3x the catch is you bow and inhale while straitening 3 times nose then 3 times mouth it will clean nose and throat and down to lungs you may start coughing for a bit but you will be able to breathe . also rub on feet then take a hot bath put some in the water as well. that broke up bronchitis just do not get it in your eyes-will also help with headache. so get better.
ps how much does Lucy weigh she looks tiny my Ragdoll Isolde is 14 lbs.
I didn’t answer about the decorating before, so here goes – I have a fake tree, and we usually get it out about a week after Thanksgiving. Then there’s a little 3.5″ fake tree that’s all mine, with crocheted snowflakes, purple lights, and purple bead garland.
Mmmm…cashmere….
Lovely scarves and a sock. I wish I was as productive on my healthy days as you are on your sick ones.
Hi Wendy! You say you made little progress, but then you have a sock and not one but two scarves that are finished! Wow!!!
I have a question – what, in your opinion, is the minimum length for a lace or really lightweight scarf? (I don’t have a lot of time before I have to give my scarves as holiday gifts, and I am not a quick-like-a-bunny knitter!)
I can’t believe how fast you knit! I’m deeply, truely impressed. Love your knee socks btw.
I love that scarf…… how much do I love that scarf… I love it 30,000 times!!!!!
Okay, I’ll de-lurk! I’m a sucker for anyone who can admit to whoring for something! Glad you’re feeling better, by the way.
I’m so amazed at your speed, the scarves are gorgous!! I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Hope you feel better so your knitting doesn’t suffer. Love the 2 scarves. Must start my Red Scarf soon now that I finished my 3 Christmas stockings & one kitty paw stocking. Love reading your blog every am.
OK – after seeing your hand spun socks, I’m going to HAVE to break down and knit some from my hand spun. I think I have enough hats and scarves.
PS – If you find a cure for the sinus ickies besides Zyrtec or other zombie drugs, let me know. Someone is inside my sinuses right now with a jack hammer.
I missed this this post! I’ve been sick too. I’ll have to try your tissue suggestion & frankly, I won’t care what it looks like;) Yours is one of the nicest red scarves I’ve seen! I guess a sinus episode can’t get you down!
Hope you feel better by now. Thanks for keeping your blog even when you nose is stuffed with tissues !
The bag… the socks… the scarves… all are gorgeous!
What a great way to start the day – you had so many beautiful things to show off – the scarves, the bags, the sock. All of it is wonderful.
Oo oo! Let me guess?! I’m 29,999!
I love the way the colours zig-zag in the Mistake Rib Scarf, *sigh* I love Handmaiden…
The magic socks are interesting – I was just explaining to someone about warm and cool grays and it would be a good example.
I love comments, too. I like the red scarf!
Your Magic sock looks great! I love the striping and the variation of the colors.
Tha magic socks look extra cozy! I hope the sinuses ease up on you!
Love the socks and scarves, and I’m glad you’re feeling better. Sinus issues suck.
My dear little sisters bought me a Zelda bag for my birthday. I’m very happy with it.
Goodness! 120+ comments so far? How do you read them all? I’m sure you’re just as much a speed reader as you are a speed knitter.
What is it about snuggling with a warm kitty that makes feeling sick seem so much better?
I’ve never seen those Zelda bags before, I may be adding them to my Christmas list.
hope you are feeling 100% by now.
What happen to the log cabin blanket? Is it one of those projects that get to the back of the closet and don’t come out.
30000 yet?????
Nice magic socks! Just returned from a bus trip on Sunday to see the Elizabeth Zimmerman exhibit at the Design Gallery in the Ecology Building at UW-Madison, Wisconsin. What a feast for the eyes that was, and if any of your bloggers should see this – it ends Dec. 15 and was well worth the visit.
I’ve been reading your blog for almost a month and this is my first comment! (Seems like the right time!). Your knitting is fabulous and very inspirational. I’ve had a pair of knee socks in-progress for quite a while, I’ve recently gotten back to work on them and can’t wait to finish.
There can never be too many kitty photos!
Wendy, I swear you are THE fastest knitter ever! I LOVE how the magic socks look! I’m always in awe of your spinning/knitting. I’m going to attempt my first ever toe-up pair of socks for my DD as soon as I have all my Christmas projects completed. Wish me luck!!
Kim
Heat pack is my respite for sinus problems….
so now do I win?????
I did the same sinus thing to myself by cleaning up for Thanksgiving (proof that I should never dust) (or proof that I don’t dust enough?)
Hope you’re feeling better!
Love your wild thing socks and your scarves!
Indeed it’s true, we are bag twins!
Hope you are feeling better! Your scarves are beautiful. I think yours will be lovely against your coat. Now which bag will you wear . . .
Holy smokes Wendy! 30 000! Wow! You superrock!
Love the bags, and Phyl’s too!
Love the scarves, almost enough to make me wish I lived in the cold again.
Hate sinus problems, but I also have cats that seem to know when I need a cuddle most. Some cat lovin’ can make almost anything bearable, I think.
Feel better soon or I’ll be forced to send orange brandy and a brigade of healing cats!
OK – I love your knitting content, but really, I look forward to your Lucy pics every day!
Magic socks rock!
Wow – I LOVE both scarves! Congrats on your 30,000 comment whomever it becomes…Lucy is looking fetching as always…
(((hugs)))
Well, for someone who isn’t feeling well, you sure did accomplish a lot! Love the scarves and the socks.
If you don’t take Lucy up on her offer of kitty snuggles, I’d be happy to
She’s so sweet.
So glad that you are feeling better. You got tons of knitting done which is awesome! Everything looks great!
I love your wild thing knee highs…I think that they are going to be just the inspiration to get my own started! I hope that you are feeling better!
Wendy—can you show an open shot of the smaller bag???????? Maybe even with something in it for scale???? I’m thinking about begging santa for one……not sure which size to ask for though….
hmmm… i wonder how close she could be to the 30,000th comment…
should i post the comments seperately…. nah i will take my chances.
I love the scarves, and lucy is pretty as always.
I hope you feel better.
HuGS
jackie
Hooray for no work on Mondays! We spent Sat evening driving around looking for the house with the most/brightest lights.
Yes-sir-ee, another shameless response for the 30,000th comment prize! Nice socks, btw. I’ve loved the superwash hand-spun socks out in blogland– (Sheep to Shoe, Crown Mountian, Sock Hop) They may inspire just enough to justify a spinning class! I fear another hobby, however.
Oh, I love the Magic Socks. They look kitten soft. And nothing makes one feel better than kitty snuggling when you’re sick.
Don’t kitties make great nurses! When I feel icky there is nothing better than snuggling with my beloved felines.
Glad your feeling better!
WendyT.
The bags are beautiful. Love them! Here’s another comment!
Love the Magic socks. The colours are so pretty.
Your scarves turned out so well too. I wish I was that productive when I am sick.
I hope you get well soon or at least finish with the whole switcheroo thing at the office sooner than expected.
Well, you love comments? Here I was thinking that you probably got sick of reading them all and my adding a “Love your _____-it turned out great!” would only bring an eye-roll. :~)
BTW, I really do like those scarves, and the first Kitten sock-hee hee!
I love reading your blog everyday. It cheers me up immensely.
I’m sure I’m the 35,000 th comment, since there are 139 comments before mine. Yikes!!
Oh, so cute! My Callie-cat always snuggles next to me when I’m sick. She especially loves it when I have a fever; I think because of the extra heat.
I love the magic kitten socks and the scarf is lovely. Feel better soon.
I’m happy to hear you’re feeling better. I still have yet to get decorating. Just a welcome sign and the stockings. I think we’ll look for a tree tonight or tomorrow though. I have a new little kitty so we weren’t going to get one as she is insane and sure to scale the tree, but what the hey, it’s the holidays right? It may be amusing.
I started to comment this morning when I lost my network connection. Hope that that’s a sign that this may be the lucky comment.
What I was saying is that there’s nothing wrong with a little comment “whoring” especially when it’s for my free scarf pattern. I have to agree with one of the comments above – come on over, try it, you’ll like it.
Li
LOVE the red scarf, some student is definitely lucky.
can anyone here tell me what is up with Knit Happens? their site has been down for months. Their emails bounce back. The phone rings with no answer. Are they still in business? Wendy, you used to mention them and owner Kristine often but not at all lately. What’s the 411? Anyone, anyone?
I am totally in awe with your knitting upkeep. It’s almost like part of your daily routine!
Whoa – I think I’m comment # 150 on this post — when you beg for comments, we deliver! Anyway, hope you’re feeling better. As a long time sinus/allergy sufferer, I can certainly sympathize.
I can also relate to being a bag ‘ho. I’ve been a bag ‘ho since I was a tee-tiny little girl and sported a vinyl American Flag bag everywhere, and I mean everywhere, until it somehow “disappeared” and I was broken-hearted after that. (My suspicion is that someone in my family tossed it after getting tired of seeing me carry it everywhere). My latest acquisition is a Lexie Barnes “Lady B” in the “Little Miss Perfect” fabric, bought on sale from Webs. Boy, how I love that bag. If Lexie makes a bag in American Flag fabric, well, I’ll know I’ve died and gone to heaven.
Glad to hear you’re feeling better!
Nice scarves!
Our outside lights are done (new LED multi-colored lights across the gutter, and a red-white-and-blue tree made of lights (always something patriotic). Also the mailbox wrap.
Inside — um, never packed-up shimmerlights from last year. Hubby took down last year’s cards, and we’ll eventually start putting up this year’s.
Haven’t had a tree in 3 years, I think (it’s fake, anyway). Since we got a humidifier, the tree doesn’t have a home. We’re working on alternatives now. I’d like a tree this year.
I like to decorate sometime within 2 weeks after Thanksgiving, and then take down no sooner than January 7th (epiphany). Hubby likes to take down sooner.
Magic Sock looks yummy – I love that colorway
Hope you are feeling better and I can bet that this crazy weather has something to do with it too (50 degrees one day, 20 the next!)
I love comments too! Hope you feel better soon!
I love how the Magic sock came out! The scarfs are great too – that reminds I need to finish the one I am making!
Being sick sucks, being too sick to at least be able to KNIT, really sucks. Love the socks. Hope ur feeling better! Am I #30,000???? -patti
Get Well Soon! and please take very good care of yourself.
I hate to be an enabler BUT I got my knitting bag through Lands End – it’s black, it’s quilted AND it has an outside pocket! So far it’s been the right size for my lace shawl knitting.
As you always say, “just sayin’”
Love to Lucy!
I have several friends who are also suffering from the sinitis blues, so maybe the time of year is also contributing. Hope you feel better soon. I love your recent projects. Here it has been a top secret project for the kindergarten teacher and an “all hats-all the time” project (made the deadline- yay). Now I can pull out the yarn I have set aside for several pairs of socks and a couple of special scarves (like a grey/red scarf with little white wooly sheep for my daughter Mary) before the oft-promised recipients start getting surly….if only the family didn’t insist on clean clothes and semi-regular meals….
I love the scarves. Hope you feel better soon.
I love the scarves. Hope you feel better soon.
I love the scarves. Hope you feel better soon.
Who would have thought you’d feel short of comments? I’m crazy about your Wild Thing socks, by the way.
Whenever I se you mention Wild Thing on your blog I remember the episode of X Files where Moldy and Scuzzy are at a pseudoquasiAmish sort of farm and Scuzzy gets all hot and bothered about one of the strapping young males and Moldy remarks on how “…she’s about to do the wild thing with [the strapping young male]…” and I smile.
Shamelessly trolling to be the prize-winning commenter,
I remain,
Lovely red scarf. Someone is going to a fortunate and warm student with that one.
30,000!!!! Wow! Your Lucy is beautiful!!
I know I’m a bit behind on the Holiday Decorations post, but why not try this idea. I KNOW that you have enough knitted goodness horded away.
http://allthingsknitterly.blogspot.com/
Love the Magic socks too.
You do more knitting feeling poorly than I do at the top of my game… oh and 3000 comments, well that’s just a distant dream for me
I’m still speechless at 30,000 comments . . . I thought 5000 was good! (grin)
What stitch pattern did you use for your red scarf? it is very loverly! and it looks like a chenille yarn? thanks!
)
Love your scarves. Hope you feel better. Am I number 30,000? I hope so!
Your cat looks like my balinese Daisy? She is gorgeous!
I’m just about to start a mistake rib scarf in Silk Garden. Thanks for noting that you used 23 stitches for yours. I think I’ll up mine since the yarn is thinner.
Wendy the scarves and the socks all look wonderful. I really love the cranbery scarf for the Red scarf project. Some one is very luck to be getting that. Though it may be late I really love the knee high socks. I think I am going to attempt those myself after the Christmas season. I have to finish a pair of socks for my son first, he keeps asking for them. Mind you he is only 6, they get so bossy so young.
30,000 posts are a lot of comments. Tells you how interesting you are. Hoping for 30,000 more. I really love your blog and the information you share with us in it.
Thank you.
Wow, I am impressed with your output when you’re not feeling well. When I’m sick, the only things I can do are read and watch TV, as they don’t require any movement. Good job. Congratulations also on the 30,000th comment, whomever it may be (ME! ME!).
Oh, and thanks for the tissues-up-the-nose tip. After a lifetime of allergies, you’d think I would have figured this out. But no.
Thank you for the link to the Loopy Ewe, by the way – I got my Celtic Swan silver dpns yesterday, and they are stunning.
So I think it’s safe to say that if one simply hints at anything free, knitters and blog readers will bite harder than a loggerhead snapping turtle.
Yes, we are whores for free…. well .. it would seem, free anything as we don’t know the prize.
Enjoy reading your bazillion comments that you have now and are going to keep until your tell us to stop. :p
Beautiful scarves! I love mistake rib scarves, but I feel like mine always flare out a lot at the ends, and it makes me CRAZY.
I hope you’re all better soon, Wendy.
Love the Magic sock! It looks so snuggly.
I hope you feel 100% soon.
i love the mistake rib scarf – the colors are so autumnal!
congratulations on 30,000 comments, and may you have many more.
The magic sock is awesome, and Lucy is just adorable.
Beautiful sock, beautiful scarves… and Lucy is so cute!
That scarf is positively gorgeous! I am a frequent lurker but a rare commentor (sp?). Anyway, comments on my blog haven’t even broken the 25 mark yet, so I’m envious! Maybe I’ll be #3,000 on your blog and that will cheer me up!
The Red Scarf Project is such a great idea. It sounds like those kids really slip through the cracks as far as support and could probably use a reminder that someone is thinking of them.
Oh my goodness, what a lovely kitty, she definitely looks like a snuggling pro. I love the Red Scarf Project, I will be starting mine after Christmas.
Wow! The scarf looks great! We’ve decorated outside, but I always wait to put up our tree. I have four cats who LOVE to play with all the ornaments and think the tree is their Christmas present!
Oooh, those Zelda bags are FABulous! And I really like that red scarf.
oohh-la la is right.
All your goodies are fabulous – and that Do you believe in Magic sock is truly wonderous.
yay!
Wendy,, I hope you feel better soon. I love the work that you do. And so fast. I bought your book and love it. I do have one question-every pair of socks that you knit it is with #0 needles. I like #0 too-but if the pattern dose’nt call for #o how do you do it anyway. I am a new knitter and like the feel of #0. I am thinking that you have to rework the pattern.
I have a girl friend who was from Denmark. She was St. Lucia one year. I got a tradional reciepe from her mother for “Ablesevers”. The little golf ball size -and round- pancakes that the make. Those are awesome. Love your work,Sandra
Red and Black scrafy, left handed self taught knitter!! You are slowly becoming my heroine!