A Cyclist's Journey - The Beginning

I know that this blog is intended to document the knitting side of my life but, as you can see, the posts have been very few and far between the past few years.  I guess I prefer the liberties that Twitter and Instagram have afforded...mini/micro-blogging fits into my lifestyle much easier.

For those who know or follow me outside of this blog and Ravelry, you know the journey I've taken this year.  My personal accomplishment was my weight loss.  The primary factor - exercise in the form of walking, running and cycling.  Let me tell you the story.

For years, my husband and son would go out bike riding on trails in the spring/summer.  I would stay at home with CC.  Then CC was able to go with them, on a tandem attachment to hubby's bike, and I would be left at home.  Honestly, I never minded.  I was able to relax, knit and catch up on my DVR'd shows (Nashville, Dallas, Grey's, etc).

But as CC got older, they were able to ride longer...and would often be gone for hours at a time.  I had no idea where they went.  I didn't know what trails they were on...or even what town they were in!  I started to miss them.

In late April of this year, my whole life changed.

We were in Sports Authority, kicking around looking at stuff, when I casually said "I might like a bike like that some day".  Hubby took this as "We're buying her a bike, immediately!".  If you know my husband, you understand that there is no grace period with him - if you say "we need a new car", he would be online looking at cars in the next breathe.  This happens often, so I have to be careful about what I suggest we might need/want around the house.

So there I was, looking at some hybrid-looking bike, trying out their seats/heights/pedals. Looking at the price tag was a whole other story.  I didn't want to spend a lot.  Who knew how much riding I would do.  Maybe I would ride once and tuck it away in the shed, never to be seen again.  For me, this was a big decision.  I recalled uncomfortable rides, aching lady areas, soreness everywhere. My head said "don't spend any money you might regret".

We left Sports Authority and went to Target, continuing our errands for the day.  Naturally, bicycles were on my mind and as we passed by their selection a nice white Schwinn caught my eye.  It was less expensive.  It was pretty.  We bought it.  I was still apprehensive, but feeling better about the situation, especially if it meant spending more time with my family.

The following weekend, another family we know asked us to join them for a trail ride out near Long Valley, NJ.  We got the bikes on the cars and hit the road.  Figuring it was a quick ride to wherever we were going (I was the only newbie), I left my beloved knitting at home.  Well...that was a mistake.  So I grumbled: "I didn't know we would be in the car this long", "I could have brought my knitting", "how much longer until we get there?", and "where are you taking me? Is this kidnapping?". Yes, I sounded just like a kid being tortured by a "long" car ride.  I had no perception of if we were "almost there yet". I was at the mercy of the driver and I was getting frustrated.  We weren't even riding our bikes yet!  What a waste of time this was becoming.  I should have just stayed home.

Eventually (which seemed like forever), we arrived at a place called "Columbia Trail" (part of the Rails to Trails program).  Our friends wore special biking shorts - while I had on regular ones.  Our friends' kids' had biking gloves. I had bare hands. I thought "All this gear for a little trail ride?".

I remember being in the back of the group for most of the ride.  Our friends daughter (age 10) finally asked "How come you've never gone riding with us before, Mrs C?" and I said, politely, "Why do you think?"  She took her time and thought about it "You've never had a bike before?" and I smiled at her.  We then asked her brother, who had been up ahead, why he thought I had never been riding.  He said "you don't like bikes?".  We laughed.  He finally figured it out too.  They've had bikes for as long as they could remember, so for an adult to be "bike-less" at my age, well, that was just a crazy concept.

We rode 7 miles that day and it was fun.  I didn't feel sore. My lady parts weren't screaming at me.  I thought "Hmm, maybe this will become a regular thing for us, as a family".

As the summer approached, I started alternating bike rides with walking and running when I got home from work.  We started incorporating trail rides into our weekend.  Hubby and I started losing weight...and a lot of it.

By the beginning of August, I had shed 20 lbs. I was feeling great, and my clothes were feeling  loose.  I was also getting "the itch" to ride on the road.  Hubby had no desire for the same (well, not yet at least).

We were out on a local highway one Saturday, about to pass a "local bike shop" so I jokingly said "let's go into Marty's".  You know that I didn't have to say it twice...we were in that parking lot faster than you can say Shimano (it's a cycling brand).

History: My husband bought his mountain bike at Marty's Reliable (Morristown) in 2000. Marty Epstein, the owner himself, sold him the bike.  He's raved about Marty's for years.  While I would always pass the store thinking it was a place for bike snobs...people who would laugh at me for not knowing the lingo, not knowing the proper terms, because I owned a bike I bought at Target.  I could not have been more wrong.

Back at the Randolph location of Marty's, I entered the store with skepticism.  There were a lot of bikes, and parts, and gear!  It was overwhelming.  We asked a sales guy for assistance and started with the women's bikes.  I had so many questions.  Then we discovered that all of the women's bikes were too small for me (I am 5'11" after all).  I had to look at men's bikes.  Meh, no offense taken.  We found a nice Trek Madone that fit and road nice around the parking lot and down the side road.  But, geez, do you know how much decent road bikes sell for?! Yikes!  It was a GIANT step up from my Schwinn, to say the least.  And I was not ready for it, not ready at all.

I tried to compare cycling to knitting, something I know a lot about.  I would best describe it as going from Lion Brand yarn and Boye needles (from Michaels) to MadelineTosh and Addi Turbos at your local yarn shop.  There's a place in my knitting for both, but I prefer the later.  The same holds true with cycling.

We thanked the sales guy for his information and assistance and put the bike on hold, to consider overnight.  Hubby and I discussed the pros and cons of the cost.  His best response: If you're going to ride, you should be comfortable and have a bike that you LIKE to ride, not something I'm settling for.  He has said the same about knitting needles and yarn.  He apparently applies this theory to lots of things in life.

Feeling discouraged by the numbers, we took a drive over to the Morristown store the next day. I'm going to totally geek out right now - but it was the best day ever!  We met Mark B and he showed me the Trek Domane 4.5.  She is the most beautiful bike in the world.  I rode her around the parking lot.  And then I rode her around some more.  It was the weekend after the Warrior Dash and I was wearing my red shirt from that, and a tennis skirt.  It was a beautiful day.  I didn't even look at the price tag because I knew I would change my mind.  But how can you put a price tag on love??  Hubby and Mark worked together so that we wound up purchasing the Domane AND one of her aluminum cousin's, so Hubby and I could ride together.

To justify the cost, I picked up extra knitting and tech editing jobs and started (GASP!) selling off some of my extensive yarn stash.  My kids thought I was ill.  Mom...selling her yarn...had she gone mad?!  Mom, who hadn't ridden a bike before April, now owned the most expensive bike in the house?? And not just one bike, but TWO!!  Mom, who always stayed home, was now out cycling more than anyone in the neighborhood?  The times, they were changing.

Fast forward to today.

I'm happy to report a total loss of 34 lbs! And I think Hubby is around 25 and holding steady.  60 lbs between us - how awesome is that?!?!

I've ridden Columbia trail from Long Valley, past Califon and to "the big bridge".

I know a seat is called a saddle, and the handle bar connector is called a stem.

I've ridden 550 miles and spent about 44 hours in the saddle.  I've fallen more than I'd like to count while learning how to get in/out of my clips.  Bloody shins and bruises have marked my body for several months.  I am a cyclist - hear me roar!

My longest ride was 28 miles doing Escape New York in early September (from Columbia University in NYC, across the George Washington Bridge and up into Bergen County, NJ).  It was amazing.

We've done other 20+ miles rides together, but usually go out for a cool dozen or so :o)

We have cyclist friends.  We read Bicycling magazine.  We geek out over new toys and tech gear and the like.  We have a trainer to use when it's cold outside.  We've spent a lot of money.

And...(proudly) we are regulars at Marty's.  We know most of the guys' names in the store and service department.  There isn't one guy who wouldn't stop what he's doing to explain, answer, assist.  They are cycling rock stars.  I've even met Marty a couple times...and probably gushed a little more than I should have.  We've done two rides with him in the group.  Unfortunately, on the most recent ride, my chain fell off as we were riding up a hill.  I took a hard fall (the right side of my body hates me) and Marty came up and helped me get everything back where it should be.  My pride was also bruised, but I always get up and get riding again.  This is how you learn.

Now that you've heard the background, I'll tell you what the future holds.

A group of us (I think there are currently 5, but could be as many as 7) from the neighborhood have signed up to participate in NJ's Gran Fondo on September 7, 2014.  There are 4 stages you can select: 18, 43, 63 or 107 miles.  The majority of us have chosen the full distance (ONE HUNDRED AND SEVEN MILES), but I think one of the other women and I may only ride 63 miles.  I'll train as much as I can and make the decision as the ride nears.  It was quite daunting to click a button for 107 miles. I actually felt a little queasy.  But I'm in it.  I'm nervous/excited!

Now that you've read all about my new obsession, I'm planning on blogging about my Quest for the Fondo over the next 9 months.  It's going to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows.  Won't you come along for the ride? :o)

See you on the road...or knitting.

All my best!
K

ISO: The World's Best Yellow

For years, I've been obsessed with finding the perfect "yellow" yarn.

I came very close with The March Hare yarn I purchased at Rhinebeck back in 2009 (or 08?). I used it to make Kirsten Kapur's Snow Drops and Snap Peas shawl...which I love (and all of my friends want to steal).

Then I purchased some Shibui Knits sock yarn in Finch...so much brighter! I made Socktoberfest socks in 2010 and I want to live in them on all the cold days!

I've used...
Jamieson's Shetland in Goldenrod
Berroco's Comfort in Buttercup
Berroco's Pure Pima in Jojoba
Berroco's Vintage in Sunny
Knit Picks Gloss in Dandelion
Malabrigo's Worsted in Cadmium
and even purchased...
St Denis' Nordique in Honey Glaze

But I have a BIG project I need to work on and REALLY want a nice worsted weight in the PERFECT yellow. I thought of trying Cascade 220 (they have a great selection of shades) but I'm afraid the final feel of the sweater needs a little alpaca in it. So then I considered Berroco's Ultra Alpaca, but no one seems to sell the Masa color online. I guess I can start calling around to yarn shops but man, the effort!

Does anyone have any ideas, suggestions, recommendations?

You know I'm a nerd for the yellows...please help!

How to count sweaters? (yes, it's a question)

As the end of 2011 fast approaches, my Ravelry project page reminds me that I did not, in fact, knit 20, or 22, or as many sweaters as my friends joked I might. I will have knit, approximately, 15 1/2

But wait...because maybe I've knit a few more...I'll let you judge how to count sweaters!

Sweaters for 2011 (mostly for me, unless otherwise noted, all Adult sized):

1. Aidez
2. Abi
3. Tashmoo (for MIL)
4. Washington Square
5. As yet unpublished sweater
6. Little Blue Sweater
7. Beatnik
8. Erin Cardigan (for Erin; CCK Design)
9. Gavotte
10. Beagle (for Ken)
11. As yet unpublished sweater
12. Owl sweater (CCK Design)
13. Ramona DRESS (CCK Design; counting this as 1.5 sweaters)
14. George Street
15. Nebula

Subtotal: 15.5

Sweaters for CC (kid sized):

1. Ana
2. Ramona Jr (short sleeves)
3. Ramona Jr (long sleeves)
4. Dagmar
   
5. Striped Princess Raglan (lengthened body and sleeves; count as .5)

Subtotal: 4.5

GRAND TOTAL: 19

So you see my dilemma. How to count sweaters? If I push myself to knit a 20th...would it REALLY count as a 20th?

And don't even get me started on shawls...Kirsten Kapur has converted me into a shawl junkie! Ha ha

Happy Knitting Y'all!

Friends and Knitters and The Beginning

It's amazing how something you love can change your life.

When I learned to knit in the late 90s, my grandmother handed me a ball of Lion Brand yarn and a long pair of straight aluminum needles. Armed with these two tools, I learned how to knit and purl...well, I attempted to learn. In the two years that followed, I made a few scarves, and 3.5 sweaters. And then I put my needles down. For a long time.

As most know, I knit periodically through the years: a baby blanket, a scarf, anything square or rectangular; but never anything "more".

After my daughter was born, everything changed. When Ramona was 7 or 8 months old we took a trip to Martha's Vineyard to visit my in-laws and something inside me said "bring some knitting". I started scouring the internet and discovered Knitty, and some knitter/bloggers like Stefanie Japel, Carrieoke and *Nonnahs. I felt a sense of excitement and decided to not only knit the sweater for my wee baby, but to keep going...knitting garments THAT FIT and learned new techniques like...yikes...CABLING! This led to socks and shawls and sweaters (mostly for myself). And then there was Ravelry!

I remember my friend, Alyssa, sent me an email that said "you have to sign up for this website! there's a waiting list but it says the list goes fast and you may only have to wait a few days to get on!". I kind of thought "wait, what? A knitting website with a waiting list? For reals?" So I looked into it and it asked for a user email to get on the list...and I panicked! I didn't want to use my "regular" email address. Was I going to be asked to set up a user name? These were tough decisions to make. Seriously...HARD. DECISIONS.

Seeing as I was doing most of my knitting on the train, the handle "choochooknits" seemed like the right fit. Yeah, some folks still wonder what it means, but once they hear about my commute on the train, well, it all falls into place.

Jump ahead several years. After my family, knitting is probably the next most important thing in my life. And when I said "knitting" I truly mean: friends, fibers, projects, patterns, etc. Because knitting has come to mean SO much more than just the actual act of working up yarn. It, quite literally, winds though my day-to-day existence to become the fabric of my life. I look at my project page on Ravelry and think "oh, I knit that on the train with my old knitting group and accidentally broke a dpn that day" or "I remember Gab seeing that I hadn't sewn my armhole closed as I was getting to head off to Rhinebeck S&W". Oh the times we've had.

I've made friends, both near and far...and while there are a few I've never met IRL, I consider them to be some of my closest friends in the world. And through these friends, I've met more knitter/friends and have been blessed by their kindness and generosity...as though we had known each other forever.

As testament to the power of knitting and the bond of strangers-turned-friends, I'll end this post with a photo of The Rhinebeck 12 (minus Misa, who was taking the photo)...my newest group of FRIENDS. I love you all!



(L to R: Michelle, Gab, Yvonne, Angela, Shameka, Deb, Kim, me, Kirsten and Meganne; awww, Stephanie was missing too!)

What's in a name?

I posted the following comment on twitter a few days ago:

Post Rhinebeck Sad: I miss calling people by their real first name and using screen name as last name. e.g. karen choochooknits

And this really got me to thinking about how much I kinda really love naming people in this fashion. Not only does it utilize the individual's REAL first name, but keeps them anonymous by using their chosen moniker (which usually indicates something about them) for their "last name".

Some examples...and a bunch others which need no further explanation:

Karen Choochooknits
LibLiz
Cathipink
MegFab
Misa Craftivore
YarnyOldKim
GabFab
Marie Bklynhandspun
Michelle Boringknitter
Andrea KnittingBicycle
Laura MyHouseKey
Caro Splityarn
Deb StitchyMcYarnpants
Kirsten ThroughTheLoops
Sarah NotScarlett
Chawne CauchyComplete
Carrieoke
Cathy Runnergirl713


Every single one of those names makes me smile to know their owner. Hooray for knitterly friends!

Rhinebeck Recap

So, for those of us in the Northeast, and, to be honest, all over the country, the third weekend of October is generally treated as a holiday...no, not for that Columbus dude...for the holiest of holies...RHINEBECK SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL!!!

As most of you know, this was my first time staying the entire weekend - and gosh, what a blast it was!! The ever lovely Kim (yarnyoldkim) arranged for our house back in March (!!!) and it could not have been better for our large group. There was plenty of space for knitting and spinning...and finishing sweaters to be worn the next day! Oh, and don't forget the food...yum. While unable to partake in all things cheesy, the company of friends, old and new, certainly made the atmosphere perfect.

Our caravans of knitters all arrived on Friday night and a group of us went to a diner in Red Hook for dinner. While not exactly "homemade from scratch", it was a great time to chat with new friends and ease into the weekend festivities.

On Saturday we all headed off to the festival around 8:30, in time for the gates to open at 9am. Some of us, me included, flew off to find the Jennie the Potter booth, while others split off to go to Sanquine Gryphon. When the potter group was finished, some of us were snagged by Caro and Stitchy to "volunteer" to model handknits for a Cooperative Press book. What a great way to start the morning! Then it was off to go see what was happening at Sanguine Gryphon ourselves. HO-LEE-CAN-NOLI!!! The line to pay was already 30 (??) people long! Lucky for us, Misa (Craftivore) was already on line, which gave the rest of us an opportunity to peruse the yarn and then join her. While we were waiting, and waiting, and waiting, Ann Weaver walked by with her husband, Chris, and the rest of our 2 hour wait blew by like the breeze! Ann was able to sell some of her new book, White Whale Vol 1, and I didn't realize, until I was going to bed that evening, that she listed my name in the book as a Sample Knitter. Oh, hooray, that was cool!

After S.G. we wandered here and there, looking at vendors and eventually jumped on line for Artichokes at 11:15...which was perfect timing because when we finished eating, it was time for the Ravelry meet-up! And there were SO many folks to hug and meet IRL!! I saw Cathy, Chawne, Maryse, Pam, Ysolda, Danielle, Heather, Jaya, Elspeth, Stacy, Andrea and so on and so on. Everywhere I turned...friends! The hugs were abundant and the smiles were wide.

From there I wandered with Gab-Fab to the food building for a little R&R...which was just in time for the rain storm where many of our friends got soaked! For the next hour or so, the food demonstration area became our "home base" as folks (mainly me) came and went to do quick meet ups or get food. During this time I was able to meet LibLiz (zomg, I wanted to stick her in my pocket and bring her home with me) and Marie (Courtney, Lilly and Caroline too!!). It's so nice to see people who you've swapped with and spoken to and emailed with for years.

The rest of the day is kind of a blur - there was yarn, books, food, walking. Then crash and burn at the house! Seeing as I had been fighting a cold since the week before, my allergies caught up with me and I had full-on sneezes and runny nose - blerg. I opted to change out of my festival clothes and into my pj's - and decided to stay home and have a pb&j for dinner (instead of going out). In the end, about half of us stayed home to knit, spin and rest while the others went over to Fork in the Road for a yummy meal. Afterward, some others hung out at our house and, after much torture, I finally gave in and accepted a drop-spindle lesson from Kirsten! Yes, I've gotten a taste of the dark side!! It was another late night and we fell into bed around 11pm.

Alas, Sunday inevitably arrived and our happy group started packing to leave for a few more hours of wandering at the fairgrounds and our drives home (from heaven)! My family came up for the day and I met up with them around lunch time. We made the usual food vendor visits, played a few kiddie games, and even got hot chocolate for the ride home. I also purchased some fiber from Into The Whirled since Kirsten was nice enough to loan me one of her drop spindles. Yeah, she's a great enabler!

I napped for a few hours after I got back home and tried to get as much sleep as possible. It's now the end of the work day on Monday and I am, truly, running on empty. Some say we're Rhinebeckoholics who have Rhinebeck overdosed. But the truth of the matter is - when you're with the people you love doing the craft you love, there is no other way to feel afterward, except sad and tired from the natural high.

Here are my Rhinebeck designs...and a couple other goodies :o)

Rhinebeck!!!!!

Yes, another annual email about Rhinebeck...my favorite event of the year!

This will be a year of Rhinebeck firsts...

• For the first time, I'm staying the ENTIRE WEEKEND, not just making it a day trip with the family. I'm staying with an awesome group of knitters and am both nervous (new people) and excited (old friends) about it. I'm also planning on lots of fun and shenanigans (**coughKIMandYVONNEcough**) and being EXHAUSTED by the time Sunday rolls around.



• For the first time, I'll be a SQUARE on the Rhinebeck BINGO board!!! Haven't heard of it or signed up...well Stitchy is running it and all the details can be found here!



• For the first time, I'll be wearing TWO new sweaters at the festival...BOTH of my own design!!! Y'all remember Ramona, right? Well, picture her in Christmas Green! She's my current WIP so I don't have any pictures to share, but believe me...NOM! The other sweater is brand spanking new, is still blocking and I'm hoping to seam up the sleeves tonight or tomorrow. It's a comfy oversized sweater with some intarsia. The plan is to publish it this fall...just need to get it edited and photographed...hooray!



• For the first time, something I knit will be published in a booklet, available for purchase at Rhinebeck! Ann Weaver is planning to release her newest booklet, "White Whale Vol 1" hot off the presses, while at the festival. If you see her - ask her about it!!! And make sure you ooh and ahh over the pretty rectangular shawl (orangy in color) - knit by yours truly

So is EVERYONE as excited as I am?!? Where are you staying? When will you be there? Pretty please, with sugar on top, say "hello" if you see me! I promise to deliver hugs and smiles :o)

I knit....

...this (Ann Weaver)


...and this (Kirsten Kapur)


...and this (Nipper Knits...look for me under #3)

And I'm donating this... (making a shawl for a charity KAL contest)

And worked on these... (tech editing for TTL)


can't wait to show you everything (in person) soon!

Uber Bad Blogger

Yeah, I've been WAY BAD at blogging lately...whoops!

I've been working on some pretty fantastic test and sample knits which will be published this fall - so keep your eyes peeled for my name popping up on other peoples blogs...hooray! One of these was published yesterday, but I'm somewhat ashamed to say I haven't yet finished mine. To my credit, I'm about 70% done, the pattern is easy to follow and I did the lace edge on the cast on edge...so, in theory, i did test it 100% :o) Check out Kirsten's new shawl design - you'll want to wrap yourself in one RIGHT AWAY! Also, bonus points for me since I'm using "inherited" yarn stash from (Brooklyn Handspun) Marie, by way of (Gleek) Stephanie!

Also, can we talk about Rhinebeck (canwecanwecanwe ohpleaseohpleaseohplease)? Ken's 7th (WOOL) anniversary sweater was finished on time and he's been wearing it with the miserable chilly rain weather we've been having - score one for me! He'll wear it to Rhinebeck - feel free to check out the sweater but not in a Faith Hill/Tim McGraw concert sort of way (although Ken would be flattered - ha ha). As for my Rhinebeck sweater plans, well, like last year, I'm sure I'll be knitting it the week/days/hours before - and possibly on the drive up with Kim and crew. I'm thinking of reknitting a dress I designed (top down) but that may be too ambitious? Ugh, decisions decisions!

Well, more pattern excitement as I'm able to announce...happy knitting everyone!

A Contest and Prizes (from me)!

Do you need a little something to keep you warm in your chilly office? Have you been looking for a light-weight project to knit on those hot summer nights?

My good friend Kirsten Kapur is running a Summer Shawl KAL. With each shawl you compete during the contest, you will earn you a chance to win a prize. Loving her designs and wanting to support her, I've just made the following prize offer:

"Don't have time to make all the shawls in your Ravelry Queue? choochooknits has offered to knit one winner a TTL shawl, in a yarn/colorway to be determined after a brief consultation. This prize can be for you...or a gift for that special someone! Winner will select from TTL patterns currently available from the TTL online shop."

Check out the group and get knitting! There's a little under two months left - so you should be able to knit, oh, three or four shawls in that amount of time, right? Oh wait, that's ME - ha ha ha

Happy knitting all!

Flurries in July?

Well - a FLURRY OF ACTIVITY at least!

I've been blessed with so many knitting opportunities this month...continuing into August, unless I'm as fast a knitter as my friends swear I am and finish them all this week...ha ha. And I have to admit, yes, I feel a small amount of guilt for not sitting down and writing up some of my own patterns...but i DO love being able to help other people realize their visions. Perhaps being a facilitator is my true calling? I'm OK with that!

Since a bunch of these projects are for publication (in some form or another) I'm unable to share pictures...but the work is with some fabulous friends and talented designers...so look out for an abundance of information as the Fall arrives.

So, whatchu been up to fellow knitters and lovers of fiber?

Organizing

One of my recent projects at work-work involves going through OLD files and purging/sending for destruction.

In an attempt to bring this sense of organization into the rest of my life, I've been going through my stash, cleaning up old paperwork, putting things back where they belong (which is no easy task with a 5 yr old in the house), etc.

But hey, why stop there? I can organize my Ravelry project page too! Who knew? I set up a few folders, added a few tags, and viola!...organization everywhere! Pretty awesome...and EASY!

Check it out!

Ramona is released into the world! Hooray!

At long last, my Ramona sweater pattern has been released and is available for purchase on Ravelry.

My sincerest thanks go to Kirsten Kapur for her guidance, patience and, above all, friendship while writing this pattern. I couldn't have done it without her! She's even blogged about it - squeeeeee!

Here are a few pictures to entice you...my version (Camel) is knit with Berroco's Ultra Alpaca; Kirsten's (milk chocolate) is knit with Stonehedge Fiber Mill's Shepherd's Wool. There are two hem options and the sweater is knit from the top down - try it on as you go!

The Importance of Being Rhinebeck

Rhinebeck.

Once more I say...Rhinebeck.

Rhinebeck.

To SO many folks in the NorthEast Rhinebeck is MUCH more than a place where famous political families have weddings. It's more than a quaint town in the mountains. It's the weekend of all Fall weekends - it's THE SHEEP AND WOOL FESTIVAL!!!

And it's TWO short months away. Actually, 10 weeks...but who's counting? EVERYONE in the knitting/fiber community...that's who!!!

What will we wear? Something old? Something new? What's in our stash? What's on our wish list to buy!? Who will we see? What will we eat? The list goes on and on.

This year, I'm determined, time permitting, to knit the piece de resistance of my collection. But there are SO many options out there - as well as designs that are lingering in my mind! I'm reminded of wearing my Owls sweater with Yarny Old Kim last year. I recall Emily's beautiful brown cabled sweater. And running into Elspeth and Ann with their plethura of knitwear.

And then I came across this photo, taken at last year's festival...How gorgeous!

I scoured Ravelry...not to make it...but to learn more about. I spent countless hours searching endless options...Noro, Sweater, Cardigan. Rhinebeck, Cables. Nada! Who makes such a beautiful sweater and doesn't post it all over Ravelry? Goodness.

Regardless, I'm trying to figure out what I'll make, and when I'll have time to knit it. Decisions, decisions!

For a bonus entry in my mini-contest, tell me what you're wearing to Rhinebeck (or what you would wear, in case you're not going).

Happy decision making!

WOW Thanksgiving - Thank you for being past tense!

Well, Thanksgiving weekend was crazy and calm and healthy and achy - what a rollercoaster!

We ended up not having the holiday at our home at all - hey, who am I to complain about not cleaning all those dishes? My in-laws cooked a standing rib roast and a small turkey breast (for me since I can't eat red meat) and some side dishes and we brought additional side dishes to their home. Afterward we went to my folks place for dessert. My sister and her family were up from VA and we were able to convince my grandmother to come out for a little while. It was nice to see everyone all in one day!

We kind of took it easy on Friday...and only ventured out for bagels in the morning. Who needs traffic and shopping crowds anyway? Not me!

On Saturday one of my cousin's hosted my dad's side of the family at her home: 4 families of 4 and our respective parents - 20 people in all! The kids all had someone "their own age" so Matthew didn't feel like he had to babysit the little kids for a change. I brought along my tripod and remote...this turned out pretty good considering how many smiles we had to get at one time!



On Sunday I wasn't feeling so great and focused on finishing a couple of projects I've had in the pipeline (sorry, that's the Investment Banking side of me coming through!) for a while.

I finished up the Beagle scarf I was making for my friend and co-worker as a surprise holiday present. As the story goes, he often spies Alyssa and I looking at our current WIPs and usually asks "Hey, is that the scarf you're making me?" or says "Gee, that color doesn't really match my coat." Won't he be surprised when I hold up the scarf, he makes a comment, and I actually give it to him! Priceless.



Seeing as I had finished one thing...why not make it two in one day? I dragged out the sewing machine and sat down at the dining room table to pin (and re-pin and re-pin and re-pin) the zipper into Ken's unfinished sweater. Darn him making me learn how to sew a zipper into a hand knit! Anyway, after some fiddling with the machine and a couple passes through it...ta-da...it's done!







I also worked on a SUPER DUPER REALLY SECRET project - but, obviously, I can't blog more than than right now. Look for photos on/about December 19th!

Lastly, Ann, the creative genius behind Weaver Knits will be publishing a new (and FREE) Recession Pattern in the coming weeks. I am honored to be test knitting for her - and happy that I can knit using yarn from my stash - hooray for bustin' it up! I'll post some preview pics as soon as I can!

Happy Knitting all!

Rhinebeck Give Away!

I've gotten a little further along in my Rhinebeck project and am working on additional sponsors (the current line up is still being kept a secret a little while longer). If you're part of the knitting community and would like some exposure, I promise this contest is for you!

What I'm looking for (donations of at least 4...or more...since there will be 4 BIG prizes and some "runner's up" prizes each hour)

• notions...anyone who makes custom stitch markers, or buttons
• needles
• misc (t-shirts, bags, etc)

What I already have:

• Patterns and swag from a Designer
• Shawl pattern
• Gift cards and swag from yarn shop/online retailer

I will gladly pay for shipping of these items - please let me know if you or a friend would be interested (pm me at choochooknits at hotmail dot com)

Thanks everyone!

A great day!

I must must must must must tell you that I am blushing over Stefanie Japels' blog posting today. I am privileged to have such an accolade bestowed upon me. Thanks Stefanie!

Another case of the Monday's? (Part 1)

If you've ever seen the movie "Office Space" you'll know what I mean by the title of this post(and btw...one of my favorite movies ever!)

Do we really get "cases" of Monday's? Nah. But sometimes it just seems like "one of those days"...so when it happens on a Monday, the start to our work week, the easiest explanation is to blame it on Monday. Poor Monday.

But this week a good portion of corporate America had off on Monday...so my Tuesday is a Monday that started on Monday and therefore all blame defaults to it. To be fair, this case of the Monday's/Tuesday's started many years ago.

When I was a little girl both my mother and grandmother sewed because, let's face it, who didn't sew in the 70s. The 70s were all about sewing and matching blue gingham outfits...at least in my small world. My mom even made my sister and me matching Mickey Mouse print dresses for our trip to Disney one year. Those were the days.

So all my life I've sewed on my mom's Singer. I mostly made Halloween costumes and clothes (I vaguely remember making some M.C. Hammer-style pants, red of course, to wear to a Cure concert...with a hand painted t-shirt that my friend Donna and I made in her mom's dining room...Robert Smith never looked so happy as the way I portrayed him). I digress...

The point is...I knew I would always own a sewing machine. Approximately 10 years ago, my grandmother moved from her home to an independent living facility. Since she was downsizing she gave me her machine, complete with table/cabinet. It was an honor to receive such a nostalgic piece of my childhood. The hours my grandmother and I spent on that machine whenever I would visit...I could start listing project after project...it was heaven.

I brought the machine in for a tune up and was kind of disappointed when they said it would take a few weeks. I patiently waited and picked it up as soon as it was ready. Mind you, I had nothing in mind to sew...but the mere thought that I COULD sew...well, that was something. Of course the best laid plans fell to the wayside and I didn't make anything for quite some time. By the time I did want to make something, I realized the bobbin threading wasn't working properly no matter what I tried. I should have brought it back in for servicing right away...but I didn't. Bad Karen. Some more time went by and I tried the machine again. I used an old piece of felt and everything worked great! I moved on to the actual project and it all fell apart...the bottom bobbin was misbehaving. I was SO upset. I closed the table up again and it sat like that for years.

My tangled yoke was the deal breaker. I knew I wanted to reinforce the button band with ribbon but was afraid the machine would pull one of its notorious stunts. I took every precaution. I knit an extra swatch. I carefully examined the machine and the bobbin threading. I tested on the swatch AND some old felt. The old gal seemed to be working!

Until yesterday afternoon. Hubbins and Ramona were happily watching Sponge Bob and I snuck away to the basement to tackle the button band once and for all. I retested on felt. I moved my chair around until I was comfortable. I brought the needle down into the ribbon and through the yarn, dropped the foot and pressed the peddle to the metal.

About5 inches along I could tell disaster had struck. I pulled the sweater out and lo and behold, SNAGGING all along the underside. I could have cried. I pulled my seam ripper from my notions pouch and started taking out the mess of thread. I got some more felt and the knitted swatch and tested on them again. No problem. Ok, maybe it was a human error. Let's try again. This time the machine seemed to be fine...got to about 9 inches...let's just take a teensy weensy peek...NOOOOOOOOOOOO! Yes, full of "clumping". Fighting back the tears and restraining myself from screaming, I took the sweater and went upstairs, leaving the monster machine in the dark to think about what it had done! Hubbins immediately knew something was wrong. I said "It's either the machine or me...and it might be time for a new machine!" My brain raced...Did I still have the President's Day coupons for AC Moore? How late were they open? How much does a new machine even cost? My head hurt. Bad.

Hubbins to the rescue! "Do you want me to call my mom so you can borrow hers?" OMG - his mom has a machine? How did I never know this?!?! "Yes, please, call her, now, please, thank you, what year is it?" came spilling across my lips. "I dunno. My grandmother bought it for her so it's not that old". [**Hubbins' paternal grandmother was an awesome awesome lady - she passed away several years before I entered the picture so we never met...BUT she had a yarn stash the family tells stories about and she was quite crafty. They say she would have LOVED me like it's no body's business...and I know I would have loved her back].

So Hubbins the Great hopped in the car and drove over to his parents house (1/2 mile away). I sat patiently at the dining room table re-pinning the ribbon in place. A swear a white burst of light shone from behind him when he got back home - hooray for Hubbins and Nana!

I quickly set up the machine, wound a bobbin and prayed. I don't even think I tested on anything...I mean...how much worse could it get? I carefully started sewing and immediately knew things were looking up. I stopped about 6 inches in and the stitching was perfect! I kept going all the way to the end and snipped the thread. Can I have a Hallelujah and an Amen.

...stay tuned for the second installment of this story tomorrow...

Here's a photo of me wearing it at work...just so you know there's a happy ending!

Hooray!

Hooray...the Noro Cardi was finished on Friday night and shipped off to Jill on Saturday morning. By my estimations she should receive it on Tuesday (tomorrow). I also sent the Cabled Cape (whew, glad I finally "got it right"). I also made a twisty scarf (with some mods) over the weekend and am busy working on the first of a million baby blankets I am making this year. Here are some weekend pictures (more stories to follow tomorrow!).

Rollin' rollin' rollin'...keep the Noro goin'...rawhide!

Hubbins was feeling better last night so I spent some more time seaming the Noro Cardi - hooray! I also opted to try seaming on the train this morning - which is usually something I avoid because it's easier to spread out a sweater and concentrate at home in a stationary location

That being said, I've got the second sleeve and pockets left to do...and, of course, more loose ends!

Here's a peek...


And here's my SP for the day...I know, thrilling, right?