Getting the Boot....

quilt finished. Well, the top is done and I'm having it quilted. So I'm finished. I started this over a year ago, then put it aside in frustration because something wasn't working out. As usual when I put a project aside, it takes me a long time to get back to it. And the good news? I don't remember what the problem was, because I didn't have any this time around.

Here's a close up of the corner detail, where I used the "narrow frame" concept from Ricky Tims' Convergence Quilts.

Rushing Rivulet

No, it's not what I'm paddling. It's what I'm knitting:

Sheep #3 again, using the Rushing Rivulet riverbed sock from Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters Book 1. This is a fun pattern so far. I'll see how well I still like it by the end of two socks!

SSS has been averted on the first Sheep #3 socks. Photo to come when the second sock is dry. I used Elizabeth Zimmerman's sewn bind off for second sock and I think I'm happier with the results.

Spring in Tennessee Is.......

Spinning on the deck!

Not Kidding

When they said "punis from India" they weren't kidding:

It would seem that I'm thinking about trying to spin cotton.

Rare Moment

Summer (aka "The Grouch") in my lap, BC on the arm. Each knows the other is there, but they're ignoring the fact. "If I pretend she's not there, I can peacefully do my own thing."

Summer doesn't get much press in my blog. Mostly because she just doesn't do cute. But she's about 14, and since Cali's passing almost two summers ago, she's been the grand dame around here. A recent round of antibiotics has improved the condition in her mouth and she's eating better. I think she's feeling better, too.

Riverbed Socks

My first completed sock from New Pathways for Sock Knitters by Cat Bordhi. It's a "Riverbed" sockitechture, where the "gusset" stitches are on the botton of the foot - you should be able to see the triangle from about mid-foot to the heel. I have a Coriolis sock on the needles, but it got put away somewhere and it's hiding among the UFO's right now, so this counts as my first sock from the book. I'm in danger of SSS, though, because now that I know how to do this, I want to try another one from the book.



BUT.... I love the yarn - it's Sheep Shop Sheep #3, a wool/silk blend that is soft and knits like a dream. Not sure how well it's going to wear for socks, but I want to find out. Luckily it's sport weight, so the second sock won't take long. I must cast it on today, though!



Other views:

Harlot in Nashville

Stephanie is as funny, intelligent and profound as ever. Even more so in person than in print. I will never miss a chance to see her in person.

I went early to the event:

The Borders guy was setting up the sound system:

The Borders people were great. They made rounds with samples of coffee and snacks, and made waiting for Stephanie a pleasant "knit in."

I "finished" the Tennessee Spring socks (yes, they're as finished as I intended - they're for Stephanie as a memento of Tennessee [ "Born on a mountain top in Tennessee; Greenest state in the land of the free"] and she knows and I don't know how long to make her socks and how she likes to finish the toes).

I met Sydney (www.doctordirt.com/blog) and Rick (who took pictures for me):

Good day, great times! Thanks Stephanie. I always leave your presence inspired, not to knit more, or knit better, but knowing that I have the potential to be a better person, and striving for that. Thanks Sydney and Rick. Thanks Nashville knitters. And thanks Borders.

How I Did It

"It" being the button closure on my green vest, photo originally shown in my Jan 20th entry. I had a request for further information, so I hope these photos will help.

This is the closure, fastened but pulled open a little in order to see the loop inside.

Here's the front unfastened and folded back, showing the crocheted loop sewn on the inside right, and the greenish, though clear (I know it doesn't look clear in the photo, but it is) button sewn on the inside left. The buttons on the outside are non-functional, purely decorative. It's the inside stuff that's doing the work.

We've had company, there's been rain and the rivers are running. So we've been paddling. Folks have been calling David to get information, arrange meetings at the river, and discuss options. We told him he should start answering the phone "Paddling Central" and he has! It's a hoot. Here's a photo of the doorway between our living room and kitchen last night: 6 drysuits all hanging to dry out for another day on the river.