A medium sized crisis hit the old homestead on Saturday. There was a kitchen fire a week before moving day. I wasn't home, but Jack, my cat was. There are some really stupid people in the world and I no longer live downstairs from them. Yeah, evidently the smoke alarm was going for at least half an hour and they didn't bother to call 911. They thought I was cooking...sheesh. The old stove has push button controls on the front and I guess I leaned on one before leaving to clean at the new place. Something must have fallen onto the burner and whoosh. Other neighbors saw smoke, 911 was called, firemen bashed down the front door, the cat ran out and after making their way through some serious down to the ground smoke, but thankfully, the fire had put itself out and was contained to the stove top and a couple of items nearby.
The big mess, however, is the smoke damage. What a mess! Hopefully, the claims adjuster and the restoration company can get things done in a day or two since I have to move on Saturday.
The second worst part (and it's a close second) is all of the washing of yarn and WIPs to be done. So far the clothes are coming out smelling fine, but I dread washing all of the yarn. So, no pictures to show, it's too depressing.
On a good note, the painting of Hazel's pantry went well and I can't wait to get it organized and show it off.
Monday, September 07, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
New digs
This post is not about knitting, although there is knitting in progress. It's about my new digs. The current neighborhood has totally gone down the toilet and my life has been stuck in a rut. With the help of my sis, et al, I've found a new old place and will be moving soon. The new place is sunnier, but is old and has some serious design flaws, so I'll give a tiny preview and invite suggestions for decorating on a serious budget. In preparation, I've been reading a couple of design and DIY blogs and can't wait to get started creating. I think it'll be fun to show the UGLY before shots and(hopefully)fun and creative after shots. Here goes with some of the uglies.
It's a 2 bedroom townhouse and sits right next to Little Chico Creek (I know, the name sounds redundant, but we also have a Big Chico Creek in town). I love that there are gardenias by the front door and that there is a security screen door so that I can let in air and the scent of gardenias.
The smallest kitchen in the world with the largest appliances. Hmmm...hopefully, the floors will be replaced soon.
Dining - There's somthing I like about the funky, waffly room divider...will figure out a way to make it interesting.
Livingroom - am looking for a new sofa and have plans to recover an antique chair, paint some old furniture and make some cool pillows. Not sure about the window coverings yet, for now will keep the mini blinds.
Bedroom #2 with super duper craft closet/room on the landing. I am most excited about the hall closet. It's really deep, so have plans to insert a sewing table, donated by a friend and put up shelves to house my sewing, knitting and crafting supplies.
Bathroom - boring, but I think I'll go with a light (not mint)green shades. I want this to be a soothing room and will probably make my own shower curtain from a cute printed sheet. I'm envisioning plants and I also have a little antique plant stand that I will paint to match.
Bedroom #1 - this will be my room. I have some huge mahogany furniture and it will not fit in this little room, but the closet is twice the size I'm used to and very deep, so will pobably put the vanity in the closet since it's low and and maybe put my small TV on it. In the room will be the four poster and a highboy. I need some color inspiration, but have been thinking of white linens with splashes of aqua, green and something else...not sure. Ideas anyone?
Bedroom #2 again - thinking about a large world map from National Geographic and going with a travel theme. Inspriration for color will probably come from the earth tone map and some of my treasures from Latin America. I have a twin bed set, but will probably try to make the bed look more like a daybed and shove it against the wall so that I can put my desk in the room and use it as a home office.
Super ugly back patio/soon to be Garden Oasis - Want to get a chaise lounge and another chair with a small table. Thinking of putting up a trellis with something that climbs for added greenery and most plants will be in pots so that I can take them with me next time I move. Also thinking about stringing up some white lights. It's a really small space, but I want it to be a nice place to relax and pretty for when I entertain so that guests can spill out onto the patio garden. I may go with an old world look with patina'd accessories and pretty colors.
Pretty long post, I know, but looking for ideas and plan to show before and after photos as soon as I get started. There's a lot of cleaning to do, but I will have at least a week before moving. Oh, and if anyone out there sends ideas, keep in mind this is a rental. I hope to stay for awhile, but can't really alter anything too much.
It's a 2 bedroom townhouse and sits right next to Little Chico Creek (I know, the name sounds redundant, but we also have a Big Chico Creek in town). I love that there are gardenias by the front door and that there is a security screen door so that I can let in air and the scent of gardenias.
The smallest kitchen in the world with the largest appliances. Hmmm...hopefully, the floors will be replaced soon.
Dining - There's somthing I like about the funky, waffly room divider...will figure out a way to make it interesting.
Livingroom - am looking for a new sofa and have plans to recover an antique chair, paint some old furniture and make some cool pillows. Not sure about the window coverings yet, for now will keep the mini blinds.
Bedroom #2 with super duper craft closet/room on the landing. I am most excited about the hall closet. It's really deep, so have plans to insert a sewing table, donated by a friend and put up shelves to house my sewing, knitting and crafting supplies.
Bathroom - boring, but I think I'll go with a light (not mint)green shades. I want this to be a soothing room and will probably make my own shower curtain from a cute printed sheet. I'm envisioning plants and I also have a little antique plant stand that I will paint to match.
Bedroom #1 - this will be my room. I have some huge mahogany furniture and it will not fit in this little room, but the closet is twice the size I'm used to and very deep, so will pobably put the vanity in the closet since it's low and and maybe put my small TV on it. In the room will be the four poster and a highboy. I need some color inspiration, but have been thinking of white linens with splashes of aqua, green and something else...not sure. Ideas anyone?
Bedroom #2 again - thinking about a large world map from National Geographic and going with a travel theme. Inspriration for color will probably come from the earth tone map and some of my treasures from Latin America. I have a twin bed set, but will probably try to make the bed look more like a daybed and shove it against the wall so that I can put my desk in the room and use it as a home office.
Super ugly back patio/soon to be Garden Oasis - Want to get a chaise lounge and another chair with a small table. Thinking of putting up a trellis with something that climbs for added greenery and most plants will be in pots so that I can take them with me next time I move. Also thinking about stringing up some white lights. It's a really small space, but I want it to be a nice place to relax and pretty for when I entertain so that guests can spill out onto the patio garden. I may go with an old world look with patina'd accessories and pretty colors.
Pretty long post, I know, but looking for ideas and plan to show before and after photos as soon as I get started. There's a lot of cleaning to do, but I will have at least a week before moving. Oh, and if anyone out there sends ideas, keep in mind this is a rental. I hope to stay for awhile, but can't really alter anything too much.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Inspiration for the day...
This is a wonderful and inspiring story about a couple of amazing young men (and not at all knitting related).
Long time, no post
Dear Blog,
I must apologize for neglecting you all these months. It's been a very unsettling year, but I assure you, knitting has been happening. Lots of knitting. You see, the more stressed I am, the more I knit and the less I blog. Ravelry has also been a factor in my neglect of you, but I haven't really posted anything there either. After a week of rest and time to clear out some of the cobwebs in my head, though, I feel inspired to catch up with you and I'm going to try to post once a week. I know, I know, some bloggers post daily, but that's unrealistic for me, so my goal is once a week.
Here are a couple of my FOs.
From Katia Ninos No. 41, modelo 21. Made for my niece, Rilee who is starting 6th grade next week.
This one was for me, but there are problems. Not with the pattern, but with the yarn. Word of warning: Berroco Touche stretches! I'm going to try to shrink it in the dryer. Fingers crossed. I loved the pattern, though. It's the Favorite Sweater from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard.
I love these buttons found at Hearstrings.
That's all for today.
I must apologize for neglecting you all these months. It's been a very unsettling year, but I assure you, knitting has been happening. Lots of knitting. You see, the more stressed I am, the more I knit and the less I blog. Ravelry has also been a factor in my neglect of you, but I haven't really posted anything there either. After a week of rest and time to clear out some of the cobwebs in my head, though, I feel inspired to catch up with you and I'm going to try to post once a week. I know, I know, some bloggers post daily, but that's unrealistic for me, so my goal is once a week.
Here are a couple of my FOs.
From Katia Ninos No. 41, modelo 21. Made for my niece, Rilee who is starting 6th grade next week.
This one was for me, but there are problems. Not with the pattern, but with the yarn. Word of warning: Berroco Touche stretches! I'm going to try to shrink it in the dryer. Fingers crossed. I loved the pattern, though. It's the Favorite Sweater from Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard.
I love these buttons found at Hearstrings.
That's all for today.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Freeway Knitting Funny
In lieu of knitting pictures, today I'm posting a joke my mom sent. It was a blonde joke, but I substituted 'woman' for 'blonde' in order to be PC.
A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing in the car, he was astounded to see that the woman behind the wheel was knitting!
Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULL OVER!"
"NO!" the woman yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!"
This just cracked me up, "Thanks Mom."
Knitting is happening, but I have to take some pictures. The skies will be sunny this weekend, so will be sure to post some.
A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway. Glancing in the car, he was astounded to see that the woman behind the wheel was knitting!
Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULL OVER!"
"NO!" the woman yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!"
This just cracked me up, "Thanks Mom."
Knitting is happening, but I have to take some pictures. The skies will be sunny this weekend, so will be sure to post some.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Volver
It's been quite a year and I've neglected my blog for a very long time. I've never really been able to keep up a journal for very long. I write lots of entries in my head, but then never seem to get it in print whether it's on paper or here on the blog. I'm really going to try to do better this year, but it's not a promise.
We've had a couple of weeks of very nice weather and it's about to come to an end. This is bittersweet because, while I love warm weather, Northern California is in a drought and wee need the rain. I've been walking a lot more lately for health and happiness. We have many beautiful places to walk in Chico and my favorite is Bidwell Park. Even though the trees are leafless at the moment, the sycamores are striking with their white trunks.
This is where Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn was filmed.
Can you picture Robin Hood and his Merry Men riding their horses through Sherwood forest? Of course, the footpath wasn't paved back then, so picture dirt.
The other day, I visited a local thrift store and purchased three wool sweaters, which I plan to unravel and recycle. I'm trying to be thriftier this year and what better way to be green, thrifty and creative in one fell swoop? So last night, I began deconstructing the first sweater. It's going to take forever, because the yarn is fingering weight.
I had a little help from my fur child.
I think this is what they call cat napping.
We've had a couple of weeks of very nice weather and it's about to come to an end. This is bittersweet because, while I love warm weather, Northern California is in a drought and wee need the rain. I've been walking a lot more lately for health and happiness. We have many beautiful places to walk in Chico and my favorite is Bidwell Park. Even though the trees are leafless at the moment, the sycamores are striking with their white trunks.
This is where Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn was filmed.
Can you picture Robin Hood and his Merry Men riding their horses through Sherwood forest? Of course, the footpath wasn't paved back then, so picture dirt.
The other day, I visited a local thrift store and purchased three wool sweaters, which I plan to unravel and recycle. I'm trying to be thriftier this year and what better way to be green, thrifty and creative in one fell swoop? So last night, I began deconstructing the first sweater. It's going to take forever, because the yarn is fingering weight.
I had a little help from my fur child.
I think this is what they call cat napping.
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Casual Elegant Knits Blog Tour!
It's here...the Blog Tour of the Year! My dear friend Faina Goberstein and her co-designer, Dawn Leeseman are touring the blog world with their new and beautiful book, Casual Elegant Knits. I am honored to have been selected as a test knitter of the Vintage Hat pictured below.
The Vintage Hat was a very easy knit with an interesting decorative cast on that created the lovely scalloped edge. I'd never seen this cast on method before and the instructions in the book were quite easy to follow. The sash can be worn several different ways.
Here's turban style.
Here's the lovely vintage rose.
And since I was a flapper in my past life. Here's how I probably looked in the 20's.
Be sure to visit Faina's blog to take the tour. I know you're going to love this book.
My next project from the book will be the Funnel Neck Sleeveless Top. It's a classic with beautiful details.
The Vintage Hat was a very easy knit with an interesting decorative cast on that created the lovely scalloped edge. I'd never seen this cast on method before and the instructions in the book were quite easy to follow. The sash can be worn several different ways.
Here's turban style.
Here's the lovely vintage rose.
And since I was a flapper in my past life. Here's how I probably looked in the 20's.
Be sure to visit Faina's blog to take the tour. I know you're going to love this book.
My next project from the book will be the Funnel Neck Sleeveless Top. It's a classic with beautiful details.
Good Intentions
I promise, I meant to blog regularly, but something is always distracting me. I was never very good at keeping a journal either. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this up during the fall semester...sigh.
I've been knitting a lacy jumper for one of my nieces and hope to finish it tomorrow so that I can deliver it along with something else special in a couple of weeks. I did not finish my lace and rib tank, but it's next after the jumper. I know that the holiday knitting must start soon, so must finish other projects quickly!
I've been knitting a lacy jumper for one of my nieces and hope to finish it tomorrow so that I can deliver it along with something else special in a couple of weeks. I did not finish my lace and rib tank, but it's next after the jumper. I know that the holiday knitting must start soon, so must finish other projects quickly!
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