The Lack of Progress

The intentions were good. I just don't know what happened. So, here is the meager list of progress.

On the sewing front, one apron has a pocket with a hand stitched hem done. We are really talking pocket not apron for this.

Knitting wise, the Pie R Square shawl is just past the last increase and goes very slowly now. The vest is above the armholes. The socks have a cuff and a few rows. The Kilim jacket is about 5 rows from the armhole split. I think that means 4 rows have been completed.

Spinning wise, a bobbin is about half full with the unknown wool from Idaho. It is white with grey and brown. And I should mention the designer slubs from the second clips.

Really not much progress to show or report.

Mount Denali

For some reason, I have been thinking about Mount Denali this week. Probably because two years ago, we went to Alaska and spent sometime waiting for Denali to peek out from its clouds. According to the guides, we were lucky.


Mount Denali only shows himself infrequently. It usually takes five or seven days to see his peak. We were where we could see him for three days.

If you have the opportunity, this one of those don't miss it sights. The pictures just aren't the same as the real thing. We were at an elevation of about 1000 feet for the pictures and Mount Denali is 20, 320 at his peak.


In case you are curious, the natives call the Mountain Denali. Congress designated it as Mount McKinley with out consulting them. Everyone in Alaska calls it Denali.

Comments on Comments

I have receive a few comments since start the blog. I am going to paraphrase them and follow with my thoughts.

A couple of people have mentioned that the color of the Susan Shawl is a good one for me.

This is probably why I really like that hue of blue. I have a theory that people tend to gravitate towards colors that look good on them. It is why it is so difficult to pick colors for people with other skin tones, hair color, and eyes. Blue is my very favorite color and red is currently in second place. Blue is also Rudy's favorite color.

A friend ask what the other camera dodgers thought of the picture of me modeling the Susan shawl.

Frankly, I didn't consult them before the picture or while posting it. We all know what their recommendation is concerning cameras. "It is better to be behind the camera than in front."

I have one subscriber to the blog.

I really didn't expect anyone would want to clutter their mailbox with my writing.

The mystery stole generated several compliments.

Thank you. It looks better in photos. The change between the body and the bottom edge is more noticeable in person than in a photo.

A reader thought unicorn horns are over rated and really liked the idea of the unicorns hoof.

Unicorn horns are suppose to have magical properties. This blog is not magical in any way. Occasionally, I feel like I am under soome paw or hoof. So, I just liked the idea.

Thank you for the comments.

Baubles and Diamonds

The plan was for four pairs of earrings during my last beading session. Alas, I couldn't find the parts in my various bins and zip locks for two pairs. The sad part is, now I only remember what one of the parts is. So, I may repeat the process soon for the other pair.

The good news is two pairs were completed. The wood cat beads were matched with turquiose. Which is supposedly a current fashion combination for colors. If it isn't, it is close enough for me
or whoever ends up with the earrings.

The second pair are in honor of the narrow gauge train rides I have gone on. The earrings in the gift shops weren't calling my name, even though I was looking. I found these charms at Bead Stringers several months ago and decide this is what they were for. This pair is definitely mine and will join the collection of less than normal earrings worn to work.

That takes care of the baubles in this post, now for the diamonds.

I finished knitting the diamond scarf out of my hand spun yarn. Just a little walnut size ball of yarn is left. Hopefully, the yarn will hold up and not need repairs. The hand spun hasn't been put to the test for wear yet. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Out of twelve ounces of fiber, the scarf is about seventy four inches by eight before blocking. It really shouldn't change much after blocking.

On Needles and Pins

It seems like a good time to review the unfinished projects. Not all of them have photos.


On the knitting needles, there are only 4 projects right now. The Pie R Squared shawl pictured with Trinka. It is with some of blue and white hand spun. It is going quickly, I have completed the third increase and just started the third ball of yarn. Of course this means the slow part is coming up.

Also, on the needles is the first sock of a pair using Cascade Fixation yarn.

This is the Stone Wall vest out of Folk Vests. I am actually using Black Water Abby yarn as specified in the pattern. I did change something. I am using a slightly smaller gauge so I can get between the large and extra large. The vest is intended for Rudy. I am hoping the yarn softens up after washing otherwise it will languish in his sweater 'drawer'. The color really is dark blue but my lighting wasn't the best for a picture.


And here is the slightly infamous Philosopher's Wool sweater. It is the Kilim jacket. As you can see, I am almost to the arm holes. The original plan was to finish it for this winter. Maybe next winter. It holds the record for being on the needles right now, 15 months and counting.

As you can see Trinka likes anything that smells like sheep no matter how faint.


In the sewing department three aprons are cut out and have been for awhile. This a picture of two of them. I really plan to work on them soon.

Also, I have a shirt cut out. If I sew it up soon. It will be ready for summer. Of course, this means the cuffs on some of my long sleeve shirts are starting to wear and I have plenty of short sleeved shirts and blouses.


Several other items are cut out but I see no reason to admit to the number at this time. And without pictures there is no proof that I have more unfinished projects.

So, it is off to work on a project. And the question is, which one first?

And a Little Bit of That

I may just deserve a reward for being lazy. I took some more pictures last week. They are still in the camera and will probably stay there until more pictures are added.

There were two 'finds' last week.

The first find was "Green Eggs and Ham Cookbook" by Georgeanne Brennan. My Mom had told me about the book and it took two book stores to find it. If you like Dr. Seuss and odd cookbooks, you may wish to check for this in the Children's area. For some reason, it isn't consider a grown-up cookbook. Possibly, because of the Dr. Seuss theme, or maybe because of the age recommendations for cooking prep work. It was just too much fun to leave in the store. Who can't use a recipe for Schlopp.

The other find was Cascade Indulgence for half price at A Knitted Peace. I had really noticed the yarn before. The alpaca/angora yarn felt soft, so 3 balls of black followed me home. I do have a plan for them.

In other knitting news, the bulky white/blue-grey handspun has spoken. It is becoming a Pie-R-Squared shawl. I am using size 13 needles which after 6 ridges feels about right.

My current knitting puzzle is how far will 5 skeins of red Light & Lofty go. It is a bulky boucle intend for size 15 needles. There is 140 yds. in a skein. I post a query to the local knitting group.