how do i love thee? let me count the ways . . .

for the last 27 days we've celebrated the uniqueness of this month with all things heart related . .  from bibs to book marks, but if truth be told, the guys in your life probably aren't the greatest fan of a delicate little cotton heart to sit their cup of coffee on!

and despite the fact that it's February and 70+ degrees even as i'm writing this morning, i still want the guys in my life to know how much they mean to me . . so perhaps my knitting should be more about planning and thinking ahead and working on projects that i can stash and store for birthdays and Christmas ... what guy doesn't want a hat or 2 to grab and go ... they seem to be rather popular at school right now . . so i've found a few really great "GUY SITES" for options to consider knitting between now and the end of the year, in their favorite colors, just so they too will have a piece of my heart . . . always!

This Brooklyn Tweed option is a simple and easy pattern to follow and looks just like the ones that all the guys are wearing around the school .... the 'beanie' style that is close fitting and that does not have a folded up cuff.  And while stripes are certainly a fun 'option', they are just that - - optionAL!!!

if you have a friend who's more RETRO in their fashion statement, then this hat would be a fun, but current, throw back for them!  Using Worsted Weight yarn, it would work up rather quickly . . and you could certainly bypass the crochet provisional cast on .... but .. you've got time to learn something new, so why not give it a try . . . and also get ready for the things we'll learn in June (as far as crocheting goes!)  This is a great, heavy duty, lined pattern that really is WORTH the extra effort.  The tutorials and pictures make it a simple, easy to follow, process . . .  Go for it!  Call is a resume builder!

i LOVE this option for something a bit different!  at the moment i can't think of who would wear the striped version, per se, but how cool would this one work up in a solid color even!  it would have an interesting TEXTURE that would distinguish from just another generic off-the-rack hat!

and what about THIS one ????  i LOVE the motion that is created by a simple math equation . . it's almost like the mistake . . that ISN'T !!!  i just want to stay home and knit hats all day today!  (cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze!) . . .  please?

if you do the math on any of the above samples, you will see that you cast on, on average, 80ish stitches and knit a minimum of 5" before starting your decreasing.  So, how about THIS for a valentine measurement?  How do i love thee?  Two Thousand Eight Hundred Stitches worth minimum!  Not that you can equate your love with stitches BUT . . . with a 16" circular needle you sure can make someone smile each and every time they snug that hand-made gift of love on their sweet little head ... and as they stuff it back into their pocket when inside they will be reminded of how their significance to you in each and every stitch that was wrapped around your needles - - the yarn you chose with them in mind  - - the love you knit into each stitch!  They will KNOW that they are your valentine - - as plain as the nose on their face . . or the cap in their backpack!

since it's pay day today i'll do a quick 'commercial' for some of my favorite needles to help expedite this Valentine hat project along . .  i LOVE the patina finish on these U-nitt bamboo needles ... i have them in regular, circular AND double points .. and would recommend you adding them to your stash as well ... they are available on E-bay and you can get an entire SET of circulars for under $20!  Sizes 1 - 15 .... for LESS than $20 .... free shipping!  They are smooth and feel great in your hands .. the tips are not so pointy that they split your yarn . . . i really can't say enough good about them but highly recommend them to you . . and please don't be afraid of the double points ... they are a great addition to your knitting collection . . and if you chicken out once they arrive, they also make great holders for your hair if you are having one of "those" days and just need to get it up and out of your face!

This month of Love has provided me with plenty of time to think about the blessings i have been given, in the way of both family and friends . . and has made me realize how often i take for granted my motives and methods . . if i've knit something for you then surely you KNOW that i love you .. and thus, i may not have actually TOLD you . . but honestly!  who in their right, and honest, mind does not like to HEAR such a verbal affirmation and commitment!  Those 3 simple words, that mean so very much to each of us . . i LOVE YOU!!!!  and then the sweetest of all sounds . . the hear your own name at the end of that declaration . . i know how much i long to hear that from my heavenly Father . . to know that i am Loved and Accepted ... Forgiven and Redeemed . . the know that His Sacrificial gift of His Son so that i too can be adopted into His family ... makes EVERY day Valentine's Day for me ... and i long to live a life that pleases Him and honors Him with my faithful and obedient walk . . to show Him how much i love Him ... not only by what i do . . but by what i say as i a sit and knit and praise Him for all that He has done for me!

Dear children, let's not merely say that we love each other;

let us show the truth by our actions.

I John 3:18

Friday Fun

KNITTING:

A creative mess

is better than tidy idleness. 

~Author Unknown

and who here among us had NOT had one of those days/weeks/months/years?  Can someone out there please help me understand WHY it is that when you pull your yarn from the center of the skein (just as the manufacturer recommends) it would seem that you pull the BIGGEST possible wad of knotted, matted fiberous TANGLE of teeny, tiny little hairs that have attached themselves to one another with such Super Glue force that not even the Jaws of Life can permeate them .. much less separate them into one long, continuous strand of knitting . . .  you KNOW that you know what i'm talking about .....   you are sitting and knitting and the creativity is flowing and you are working with a little 1 oz skein of the softest little baby yarn and all of a sudden the tension on your yarn would indicate that you have just caught a large mouth bass on the other end!  you tug, expecting this little knot to disintegrate and your knitting to continue but NO!  so you tug a bit more .... with a tad more PURPOSE in the pull and still NOTHING! .... so finally you flat out YANK it!  then,  SUDDENLY your arm is flying OVER your head as you pull out a GRAPEFRUIT of a knot from that soft, warm and fuzzy little ball of yarn that is no bigger around than a Clementine!  WHERE IN THE  WORLD DID THAT TANGLED MESS OF ???  COME FROM  . . . and WHAT MACHINE COULD POSSIBLY do THAT to the yarn!

But you know, we are reminded in I Kings that our days aren't always as they appear . . the knots and tangles that seem to be pulled out of nowhere, the bumps in the road that weren't visible just a few steps prior.  Just ask Elijah . . .

And the word of the LORD came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”  He replied, “I have been very zealous for the LORD God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”

The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

it would seem that sometimes God uses those Grapfruit-sized knots to slow me down . . to get my attention focused back on HIM ... to remind me, as i'm working my way through the maze of yarn, that i have so MUCH to be thankful for .... and if i spend my time being grateful while working through that knot, then the tangled web of distraction soon dissolves into a pool of blessings when i realize that the Source of my Strength is Christ alone .... and He is sitting there with me ... working through the knots!  When i'm tempted to throw up my hands in disgust or weariness He has His Patience to infuse me ... and there are even times when He offers up His scissors to cut the knot and move me forward . . but He knows!  He longs to sit with me even in the midst of the jumbled and snarled complications i so often make of my day, and listen to me sing Praises to Him . . to have a grateful heart and wait patiently for the lessons He longs to teach me ...

and when i find myself focusing on Him, i really can begin to see the Creation that seems to be born from my creative mess . . .  tidy idleness leaves me sitting on a shelf with no yarn or needles or pattern . . Christ has redeemed me to serve . . and share . . . He has loosened those Knots of my past and rewound me into a beautiful ball of blessings, fit for His Kingdom and Yarn basket!   . . So,  . . . perhaps this week hasn't been such a bad thing after all . . . those knots have given me pause for reflection . .. . and upon closer inspection i can see that my Father is looking over my shoulder in that same water . . .

it doesn't get more secure than THAT!

it's been a LOOOONG week . .

i had really BIG plans for this week!   TONS of knitting to tackle ... and i just knew, in my heart of hearts, that i'd get SO MUCH accomplished and checked off of my list!  We hosted a Show Choir Competition this past weekend and Friday and Saturday each contained 36 hours in them (at least that's what it felt like!) .... and i knew going in to this weekend that i should have plenty of time to get one scarf completely finished, and another one more than half way done.  i also packed yarn to work on a hat for a friend . . .  (BIG plans. Really, Really BIG plans . . . )

Remember this swatch?  I had grand plans for this little Auburn scarf . . using a great pattern from my Barbara Walker Treasury of Knitting, Volume 2.  However, the more i worked on it this weekend the more it curled on itself . . and despite the fact that i wanted it NOT to curl, IT DID! SO.... i ripped it out!  Several times . . . during those 36 hour days . . .

and FINALLY surrendered to my Crochet Hook!  i chained 270+ stitches and started this fun little crochet version of the Feather and Fan pattern . . and it is flying now!  I am liking the curls and ripples and will probably attach some fun little dangly circles at the end just to finish the cute!  Needless to say, i should have had this one completed before i left the school at 1 AM Sunday morning ... but . . .

i Didn'T!   :(

and in the midst of my Auburn dilemma i had this floating around for a March Scarf!  i LOVE cables  .. . . and had this wonderfully soft yarn from Deborah Norville in a rich grape worsted weight ... i'm doubling it and using a size 11 needle .. and am planning on making it an eternity ring scarf . . at least right now, that's the plan.  But i clearly have learned this past week that not everything works out like you had intended!

Isn't that kind how we "do" life most days?  Plans and lists and more plans, sprinkled in with some dreams and some hopes, and then plans on how to make those dreams come true . . always anticipating what the future holds or how we want it to unfold . . just so long as we can 'control' it or 'contain' it in such a way that makes sense to us.  and YET, when you apply that theory to God's love you soon realize that there's not a CHANCE that you can break into the VASTNESS that is His Love!  I had big plans and packed accordingly for this weekend .... based on what i thought i knew and how i envisioned it would go!  But God knew that i clearly needed to spend more time getting MUCH better acquainted with the yarn itself . . which was achieved through ALL the many times of ripping it out and starting over ... rolling it back into a ball and casting on again .... separating the double strands and trying to do something with single strands ...and ripping THAT out ....  it became a very tactile lesson in patience and perseverance .... a tangible means of learning what would really be best suited for the yarn ... for the design ... based on the weight .. the needles ....

and when i realize that i also have big plans for God rather than acquiescing to His Plans for me . . . i find that He, on most days, is probably spending time rewinding me .... casting me onto His needles again .... separating all the planned entanglement i get myself into because i have yet to fully comprehend (and therefore TRUST) that His ways are NOT my ways ... that His plans are not my plans . . yet!  I have failed to grasp how desperately He truly LOVES me ... and longs for my very BEST . . .   He has to re-do . . not because His plans failed to work ... but because i continue to force my will onto His .. and He is a gracious God and is willing to wait until i seek His face ... call upon His name before He will step in and gently clean up ... rip out ... start over, using His pattern!

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you

with power through His Spirit in your inner being,

so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

And i pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - -

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Eph. 3:16-19

let me introduce you . .

to Barbara Walker and her Knitting Treasury series of books!  I was a most fortunate recipient of 3 her "Treasury of Knitting" volumes for my birthday this past year and i have spent not nearly enough hours pouring through them ... just glancing at all the examples that are knit and the written instructions that provide row by row directions so that my knitting can look 'like that too"!  As i did some reading on Barbara Walker herself i learned that she was a younger knitter that was a bit frustrated at the lack of organization when it came to finding good knitting examples so she set out to do just THAT!  Her 1st book was originally published in 1968 and sold for $10.00 hardback.  It contains almost 300 pages filled with black and white examples of each stitch, along with her notes and directions.

Book One is dedicated to the creative knitters of the past and the creative knitters of the future and includes chapters on Knit-Purl Combinations, Ribbings, Color-change patterns, Slip-stitch patterns, Twist Stitch patterns, Fancy Texture Patterns, Patterns make with Yarn-over stitches, Eyelet patterns, Lace, Cables, and Cable Stitch patterns.  All of this in ONE book!  and to think that someone actually got this Treasure for $10.00!   If you do a search today you'll find that it has increased in value substantially . . but it is STILL worth the investment.

Book Two was published in 1970 and was $15.00, probably due in part to the addition of color pictures sprinkled throughout.  The dedication reads:  To the Further enrichment of a beloved craft this book is hopefully dedicated.  It is almost 400 pages long and is filled with many of the same chapter titles but completely DIFFERENT examples.  It also includes a wonderful chapter on Mosaic patterns as well as Lace Panels and Insertions, Borders and one on Edgings.  so of COURSE, it must be included in the my "collection" of reference books!

Book Three is not for the faint of heart, (i,e, those who think they can't read a chart!) . . . but i would still strongly recommend adding this volume to your collection as well.  Published in 1972, Mrs. Walker filled 300 pages with charts AND directions AND pictured examples of every imaginable shape and design!  Cables, lace patterns - even a turtle pattern and chart!  Because she was a front runner in pattern production, her charts are all Hand Drawn which add a touch of personalization (despite the reality of the fact that this was pre computer generating charting ability) ...

This is just a taste of what Barbara Walker has added to the knitting picture over the past 30+ years .... but it also proves the point that you never know what a difference you can make with what you do, or what you share!  There is a website now called The Walker Treasury Project that is designed to continue this inspiration.  Knitters that have come to appreciate all of her examples and who are incorporating them into their modern day knitting are also now contributors to what Mrs. Walker originally intended - - by sharing a current, color photograph of one of the examples in the book they are carrying the torch for yet another generation of knitters ... for those "future" knitters that she referred to all the way back in 1968!

Hebrews 12:1-2 carries a similar sentiment of encouragement to each of us:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and , perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Long before i ever got here there have been men and women of faith who daily lived a life that honored Him.  Despite the lack of publications, or the inability to share with the masses about their struggles OR their victories, these followers of Christ continued to walk by faith, some days simply one step at a time . . and yet their consistent and faithful examples have become the "great cloud of witnesses" that are perched in the grandstand of my own life now, cheering me on . . . encouraging me as i daily seek to live a life that honors Him.  And . . in so doing, i have to ask myself, time and again . . .   Am i leaving my own marks of 'encouragement and inspiration' for those that follow?  Whether that be friends that are walking with me now, or family that i have been entrusted to raise . . or perhaps (i pray, i hope!!!) grandchildren that will one day sit on my favorite porch swing with me . . .

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, O Lord.  They rejoice in Your name all day long; they exult (Leap for Joy) in Your righteousness.  Ps. 89:15-16

Your Ribs are Showing . .

Last week we talked a little bit about the Basic Concept of Ribbing . . how the proper combination of Knits and Purls, when alternated in sequential order, can create a clean and distinct decrease in your knitting - - yet still allow it to stretch out and accomodate the give and take of a fitted garment, a hat band or a sleeve cuff.  But did you know that you are NOT limited to K2, P2 ... or K1, P1?  The options for consideration are only limited by imagination and/or viewing consideration, i.e., will the back side of the your knitting be seen as well, as in a scarf?  For some, that doesn't matter, and yet for others having both sides "match" is important.

The KISS scarf from yesterday used the Mistake Stitch Rib pattern and IS a reversible Ribbing.  Other options to consider are:

Farrow Rib:
Worked on a multiple of 3 + 1

Row one: *Knit two, purl one, repeat from * to the last stitch, knit one.
Row two: Purl one, *knit two, purl one* across.

Embossed Moss Stitch Rib

Worke on multiple of 7 + 3 stitches.

Row 1: Purl 3, *knit 1, purl 1, knit 2, purl 3. Repeat from * across.

Row 2: Knit 3, *purl 2, knit 1, purl 1, knit 3. Repeat from * across.
Row 3: Purl 3, *knit 2, purl 1, knit 1, purl 3. Repeat from * across.
Row 4: Knit 3, *purl 1, knit 1, purl 2, knit 3. Repeat from * across.

Fisherman's Rib
Cast on an even number of sts.
1st row (wrong side): Purl
2nd and every following row: P1, (K1b, P1) rep to last st, P1.
Repeat Row 2 until you reach your desired length.

(although this looks like a traditional K1, P1, the detailing is actually achieved by Knitting 1 through the ROW BELOW it.)

Slipped Stitch RibbingWorked on multiples of 5 + 2 stitches.

Row 1 (wrong side): Knit 2, *purl 3, knit 2. Repeat from * across.
Row 2: Purl 2, *knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, purl 2. Repeat from * across.
Repeat these rows for pattern.
Note:  stitches should be slipped with yarn in back




Got some ideas now?  Can you see how some ARE reversible and others would be best suited for sleeves or sweater edges only?  What about an entire HAT using one of these ribbing options?  Cable stitches are a form of ribbing because it draws the fabric in ... but we'll tackle cables NEXT month .....

i really like the concept of Ribbing because it serves as a tangible reminder for me of my own daily walk.  The give and take, the increase/decrease compliment that reflects a life surrendered to the Lord's leadership.  Of course the verse "He must increase, i must decrease" immediately comes to mind, but the benefits of choosing to relinquish my will to His is sometimes a minute by minute struggle ... though i'm fully aware of the mess i make when i feel like i should be in charge of it all .....  (you'd think that after 50 years of mess-making i'd be a bit more eager to relinquish that control ... but, being the hard headed female that i am . . . enough said!) 

John 16:24 reminds me to "ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."  Asking is a such a hard thing for me at times because it verbally, out loud, implies that i need help, that i don't know what i'm doing, that basically i'm not in charge.  and YET, God promises that WHEN i ask, my JOY will be complete.   does that mean i will actually GET what i ask for .... well, it simply states my JOY will be complete so i'm going with the promise that i will GET what He KNOWS will meet my needs!

Staying connected to Him is the answer to what i need ... allowing Him to be the lead.  And if i consider myself as part of the Ribbing in His knitting garment, seeing Him as Front stitches and me as the 'ribs' sticking close to Him, is much akin to being in continual prayer with Him ... always talking and not just running to Him at the last minute for a quick fix, snugged up close so that His Presence becomes my Shield .. my Fortress... my Refuge!

while i certainly can't remember the last time i was thin enough that my Ribs actually stuck out, i pray that my heart will be so closely connected to Him that His Ribs are more evident that mine ... EVERY day!

a kiss is just a kiss . .

When's the last time you shared a Kiss with someone special?  Is there someone you'd Like to Kiss, but just aren't brave enough . . . yet?  :)  Well, this fun little pattern is one that i really like because it's a nice variation on the theme of ribbing . . and really is something easy to memorize ... can be put down for years on end .. and picked and resumed in a heart beat!  

I found a very affordable cashmere/merino blend for Knitpicks several years ago and ordered 3 skeins to make a scarf for Bubba.  The only problem with this yarn selection is that it will spoil you rather quickly . . once you work with cashmere, and find yourself mesmerized by the decadence of that tiny bit of string as it grows between your needles, as it flows from the skein and through your fingers to form the stitches that drape like succulent grapes hanging from a vine . . on my!  And yet, this was a perfect reflection of a Kiss if you think about it . . . the simple act of closeness that conveys a Multiple of Meanings . . the ability to speak VOLUMES without ever uttering a single sound.

For this scarf i used a size 6 needle.  The yarn band recommendation gives a range of size 5-7 and i wanted something that was not too tightly knit and yet not too loose or lacey, so ... size 6 is was!  This Mistake-Stitch Ribbing pattern calls for a multiple of 4 stitches plus 3 extra. WHAT?  I thought knitting was a mindless and therefore a very viable form of relaxing and yet i'm finding more often than not, that i have to use my MATH skills! ... Who knew!   Good thing for me i did pretty good with my 4's!   Okay ... so i cast on 23 (5 x 4 = 20 + 3 + 23) ... and knit for a few rows to get the pattern established ... Nope!  Too narrow and strippey looking!  Rip out!  Do over, this time with 35 (8 x 4 = 32 + 3 = 35) .... knit again .... so close, but not quite enough ... so ... rip out Again .... and bump it up to 43  (10 x 4 = 40 + 3 = 43) ...   Perfect!!!!  ....  Time to sit and knit and watch this special little pattern work a tantilizing texture all around my hands ... and with the sheen that is worked into this cashmere yarn, the vertical rows of ribbing formed by the knit stitches that pop up like little soldiers standing at attention make this one of my favorite all time scarves ever!   Thus, i call this my KISS scarf . . Keeping It Short & Sweet!

Pattern:  *K2, P2; rep from *, end K2, p1.
Repeat until you are content with the length .... or have to go to work, or do the dishes or do carpool!  Then pick it up and knit some more!  I really like this pattern because because the edges don't roll, and with a solid color yarn your handiwork is highlighted and the visual effect is quite stunning despite the simplicity.

All because of a simple kiss . .

The simplicity of a kiss . . an oxymoron, yes? This seemingly random and easy manuever opens your heart to the blessings of giving AND receiving because we all know, the best part of a kiss is when you get a kiss back!  The giving of a kiss reflects SO much more than just a small act of physical involvement .. the emotions and trust that are contained within . . one only hopes that the "reply" is mutual. And i've learned that it's the little things that mean so much ... just like my relationship with my heavenly Father.  My simple act of Trusting Him has opened my eyes to the Vast expanse of His replies!  I entrusted Him with my heart so many years ago, and He replied with the Kiss of Forgiveness through the gift of His Son!  

Each day i choose simply to seek His face, to cast a glance towards Him - and He replies with promises of Provision and Guidance and Direction with each reflection of Trust i share with Him.  Rather than criticize a situation i find myself in, if i opt to whisper a prayer of Thankfulness it becomes a Kiss of Trust and results in a contented heart rather than a critical one.

I Peter 5:7 calls me to share an obedient kiss of casting all my cares/anxiety on Him  . .
                                               and in turn i receive - because He cares for you!

Ps. 141:8  But my eyes are fixed on you, O Soverign Lord;  in You i take refuge.

Col. 2:6-7  So then,  just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,
                     Continue to live in Him,
                     Rooted and Built up in Him,
                     Strengthened in the faith as you were taught,
                     and Overflowing with Thankfulness!

You must remember this

A kiss is just a kiss,

a sigh is just a sigh.

The fundamental things apply

As time goes by.








 It's February .... that special month for sharing kisses with those you love!

My Heart, My Home

Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics,

when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew knit;

especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts

than while so occupied.  ~Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

i just LOVE the idea of being at home with my own heart!  To be able to find that one thing (i..e, knitting) that can "occupy" my mind and yet calm my heart.   That one thing that is a reflection of things that i can't always convey .. .. until my hands connect with the yarn and needles ..... and the finished product becomes a tangible expression of me ... what i long to say but can't always get out .....

yesterday i received a sweet little "prize" from a friend, simply to say "thanks" and "have a good day".  it was a cute little bag that contained a COLD diet coke, some crackers and some M&Ms!  Nothing huge, or extravagant .... Nothing fancy or incredibly expensive ... and Yet, this simple act of kindness, shared with a smile on her face, reflected a kindness from within, that spoke VOLUMES in a little bitty bag tied with a cute curly bow!  VOLUMES because she shared her heart!

it's THAT connection . . the heart . . the contentment in the small things .... the gracious and hospitable acts of instinctively sharing . . that screams of True Beauty!  In a society filled with obsessions over appearance we sometimes forget that God looks on the heart ... and that for Him, Beauty is born from within.  Beauty is displayed in those 'gentle characteristics' that allow a woman to maneuver through the day with a grace and ease that comes from contentment born from time with Him. Such "time" bears fruit in the form of a charm and mystique that few actually tap into. Just as our confidence grows as we sit and knit and build our "strength" up by knitting more and more, and trying new things as we learn them, so the Beauty of being one of His daughters flourishes and blossoms even, when we acknowledge our "family connection" to Him and submit to His nurturing and direction.

Yet i am always with You;  You hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.

Whom have i in heaven but You?

And earth has nothing i desire besides You.

My flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is the strength of my heart

and my portion forever.

Ps. 72:23-26

to be "THAT Girl", a 'woman of high thoughts and accomplisments', who shares a coke and smile through my knitting .... who gives my heart without reservation rather than retreating up on the shelf out of fear of being hurt or laughed at . .. THAT is my prayer!  That is my goal!  To know His Peace ... to have a heart that reflects His touch . . . . . to be able to hum along with Him as i continue to be Amazed at how He loves me!

The Lord your God is with you,

He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zeph. 3:17

learning yet ANOTHER way . .

of how NOT to do something!  Perhaps before i die i could author a book on all the things that DON'T work!  For instance,  those little heart bibs.  it's probably best to have a bigger plan in mind BEFORE you cut the yarn and forget to add the straps! . . . just saying!    and Rachael's cute little purple hat.  Whipped it in up a fairly quick amount of time but the weight of the yarn was not a good choice!  It has left her with ear flaps that will make her look like she's from Who-ville rather than a typical university student . . and i don't really think that's the look she was going for!  (i'm seeing yet another Frogging opportunity on this one ... and maybe double the yarn so that perhaps THAT will help those flaps relax some?  Maybe?? ... let you know next week!)

great concept BUT
somehow those straps
seem rather essential
in the BIG picture!

LOVE the color .... LOVE the concept
but those dad gum Ear Flaps . ..
Can't you just see a bunch of
little Who-ville girls running around?
(none of which are named Rachael . . fyi)



great pattern found
in Barbara Walker's
Mosaic Knitting, Vol. 2



THIS is a TRUE
Slipped Stitch ... and
NOT included in the pattern ...
and it did NOT go away,
even after many, many rows
of wishing!

and moving on down my list of weekly what-not-to-do's . . . my Auburn scarf.  Love my yarn, love the colors and love the pattern - - however the thing i'm learning about Slip Stitch is that it creates a very Dense fabric so i really need larger needles so that everything will relax.  Relax . . Shoulder's down . . knitting's supposed to be fun!  NOT all squeezed up and tight and curling on the edges!  and what's UP with that skipped stitch?  Notice how i kept knitting even though it's looming there, larger than life!  Somehow i once again figured that if i knit fast enough it might just get absorbed into the rest of the pattern!  (clearly i shouldn't be making really important decisions that late at nite!) . ..

My Alabama houndstooth scarf is now 63" long and it too has the same character quirkiness as the Auburn scarf .... my garter stitch is so soft and flowey (yes, that's a word!) .... but the slip stitch portion of houndstooth is denser . . so i'm making notes on how to Relax one to meld into the other better ... for NEXT time!

63" .... i'm thinking that when
the black yarn runs out it
will be time to bind off and
call it FINISHED!
(but look at all those yarn tails
to weave in!  YIKES)

sprinkle in some Valentines and you've got a pretty good week of Experiments .... and yet more opportunities for "Perhaps i'll do that one again - in a Different way!" .....and in keeping with the parallels of my life and knitting, i find that this is a picture perfect scenario of God's forgiveness and grace as well!  Yesterday i mentioned feeling a bit shelf-like, perched up and out of the way for a while as the rest of Life was moving at a frantic pace.  but i have to ask myself, am i shelved because that's where God wants me . . or because that's a more optimal place to hide until i'm ready to play again?

I'm learning that looking ahead, straining too far to envision what Tomorrow looks like, often leaves me with more fear than contentment!  Squinting leaves me with wrinkles and worries .... and the anticipation steals the joy of the Present Moment ... which means i'm loosing time with my Father Who promises to be with me, here and now - on the shelf or on my way!  Every step of my journey .... all my steps of Today that will carry us, together, into all the paths of tomorrow that He has ordained for me!  Do i retreat into the security of Today's "schedule" in order to avoid the unanswered Questions of Tomorrow or am i Standing on the Promises with an open mind and hand as to what God will provide at THAT exact moment ..... 

Cleaning out my knitting bag this week ..... inspecting the thoughts and intents of my heart as well .... seeking His face .... for just right NOW!  No need to worry about all the projects yet to be knitted this year .... or all the Plans that He has lined up within the next week ... month .... or even years down the road!  Weddings are coming, jobs will change .... children will grow into adults that He will use to bring Himself honor and glory .... and yet, He remains the same ... Righteous, Holy, Steadfast, Forgiving ..... and Mine!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Cor. 5:17

knitting that's out of this world ...

If i asked you now, could you name all the Planets in our Solar System?  For some of us it's been QUITE some time since those early celestial science lessons .... Clearly i can name the Earth, Mars, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto with no problem .... the others are a bit fuzzy .... checking on Google indicates that i have memory lapses when it comes to Mercury, Uranus, and Neptune  .... and WHAT??? who KNEW that "they" have decided that Pluto is actually a "dwarf" planet and probably shouldn't be counted in the original 9 that i learned many, many years ago!  Well, if Pluto's OUT, then i'd like to propose you add Planet Purl to your Scientific Data plan!

One click here will take you to an interactive knitting site that has much to offer all that visit.  Planet Purl calls itself the "knitters guide to the galaxy" and is filled with FREE patterns, good self-help videos, and even offers free on-line classes via webcams and chats/discussion boards similar to Facebook or Google Chat forums. Planet Purl offers knit-a-longs and hosts special events to meet current pattern designers and catch glimpses of new knitting books hot off the press!  There is a Yarn Directory for anything you may be looking for ... a General Store for all kinds of things that pertain to knitting ...Travel Directories and Knitting Communities that will answer questions and even provide a place to share projects you're working on.  This is yet another fun site to add to your "favorites" list ... or sign up for their newsletter and then they'll come to you!

One thing i've noticed since learning how to work my computer and maneuver around a bit on the Internet is the feeling of "connection" i have with someone simply because of this common bond of knitting.  I have several "friends" that i check on regularly that i first "met" on Forums provided by Ravelry.  These ladies share similar interests in knitting, family and faith.  And through the exchange of emails we have become a bit more acquainted and discovered that distance doesn't diminish similarities.  In fact, there are days when this "connection" is a bit empowering ... knowing that Pam, who lives in New Jersey, is knitting up a storm while i'm perched on my sofa and tootling around with a scarf, is encouraging to me.  Jacqui's in North Carolina, runs her own restaurant and also coordinates one of the forums that i post on and that we do fun swaps on.  She ALWAYS has a million things going, even if i am simply waltzing along with another washcloth!  They are slam-packed BUSY .. i am Still ... and ... i am okay with it! 

Perhaps it's one of those 'season' things where the cold has inspired them.  For me, i think i'm more in a hibernating mode and this seems to carry across to other areas of my life as well.  There were days when i felt like i was in the Thick of things, steady busy and being used by the Lord, learning things, sharing things, going, going, going.   And now .... it's a bit more like viewing Life from a Shelf!  Simply sitting back and observing - - waiting - - listening - - relaxing - - trusting - - listening - - growing - - praying - - listening - - do you ever have those seasons?  Finding myself perched on the shelf has afforded some much needed time, in the midst of the chaos around me, to regroup.  Time to refocus.  Time to renew and repair (and is IT the year of the PAIR in my book!) . . .

In 2 Cor. 12:9, Paul writes "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore i will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.  That is why, for Christ's sake, i delight in weakness, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when i am weak, then i am strong.

Isa. 30:15 reminds me:  In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. 

According to God, life isn't always about the next BIG Project in order for the day to be considered a Profitable one!  The simple and steady act of garter stitch, knitting every row, every row, every row,  is a lesson in obedience.  There's not a need to spend countless hours scouring through books and yarn shops in search of the next truly magnificent Fair Isle Sweater to knit .... or measuring my day by the number of Cables that i knit! Learning to connect with my Father and simply sitting in the quiet and calm of His Presence is "TOPS" on my list .... Understanding that "Busy" does not equal "SUCCESS".  Busy is often a blurry means of hiding those things that are lacking ..... Allowing the Calm and Quiet to expose the Truth is the place i'm longing for ... to be a Moon that simply revolves around the Son .... THAT's the science lesson and location for me!

Ps. 46:10 ... Be still ... and KNOW that I AM God!

My 1st Valentine

We've knitted hearts for cards, hearts for washcloths, so why not a heart for that little one that has stolen YOUR heart? In keeping with a Pair of Projects for the month, i've added this little Heart Bib pattern for your new Valentine!

Based on the Tried and True "Basic Washcloth Pattern", this simple little bib is a great way to continue using up your stash.  All you need is a little button to sew on the end of the strap and in no time you could have an assortment of bibs that would rival any Whitman's Sampler!  (with fewer calories as well!)

Just click on the "Au Pair Project" tab at the top to get started on this sweetheart of a design ..... and try not to grin next time you catch a glimpse of those sweet cheeks, covered in carrots, but wrapped up and covered in your love!

Don't you wish that YOU could be the recipient of such a covering sometimes?  What if we ALL wore those bibs like we get when we eat lobster (i personally have never eaten lobster, but have seen enough friends adorn those lovely plastic bibs that protect them from themselves while they are dining!) .....  Wouldn't it be nice to be able to toss the mess we make into the washer, revealing a clean and ready-to-go persona just waiting to be uncovered beneath such a bib? 

Do you ever have those days when 'making a mess' almost feels more comfortable than "getting it right"?  Those days where dropping your phone in the toilet was one of the 'better' things that happened .... relationships seemed wonky, tones were misinterpreted, traffic created chaos to start the morning, too much on the To-Do List made the day loom ahead with no hope for checking it all off . . .

I find that on those days when i am more concerned about ME than about helping others the chaos just seems to snowball!  All of a sudden i am consumed with why "i always have to be the one to _____" and my list of noble acts of kindness and selfless deeds of servant hood suddenly propel me up on the Mountain of Pity ... and the party begins!  Please tell me you have those days too?  Of course, when i am at that pinnacle of selfishness i am not really concerned about YOUR location ....  i am so engulfed in my own despair and the VAST AMOUNT of injustice at the way i'm being treated ......

Clearly i AM the one that needs a BIB .... because i am acting just like a Big Baby and i'm sure that there is NOTHING pleasing to my Father during those 'party' moments!  NOTHING!  Rather than panic over life as i view it momentarily, rather than sit in the highchair that is called the Front Desk - or my Car -  or the Sofa -the Kitchen Sink - or while waiting in line and just whimper pitifully, rather than take my toys and go home opting to retreat and hide and sulk (and knit) .....  Why don't i RUN into the arms of a Heavenly Father that is fully aware of all the Carrots i've smeared on my cheeks!  A Father who sees the Spinach of the Day and still chooses to love me!  A Father who has enough Plum Pudding to make EVERYTHING right in the world again! 

For me, i have a tendency to Wear my dinner so many times.  Perhaps if i talked less and focused more on the task at hand i might actually hit my mouth!  AND if i applied this same mindset to the rest of my day i might just find that God's Promises are True .... He LONGS to care for me and is willing to clean up the messes i make all along the way!  When i focus on things that i don't understand i find that i have failed to rest in Him .... This is what i know to be true:

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!   Eph. 3:20-21

For NOTHING is impossible with God.  Luke 1:37

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures, He restores my soul. . . . He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  He anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Ps. 23

His love is a banner of me ... a Bib of forgiveness that His death has provided so that on "those days" His love makes it All Better!  Think it's time for a nap ....  after all, You make me lie down in green pastures . . I will fear no evil, for You are with me!   When's the last time you were rocked to sleep ... you felt sweet dreams sweep over you as you were tucked into a place of security .. and forgiveness ... calm and quiet, content to know that you were loved .. just as you are!

Happy Valentine's Day

  Happy Valentine's Day 

 from my heart to yours

For this sweet little heart you'll need:
* Small amounts of 2 colors, worsted weight yarn
* Size 6 needles (i used my double points so that one could serve as a stitch holder and i'd still have 2
                           needles to work with)
* Embroidery needle for weaving in ends and adding 2nd color edge stitching

With Main Color, Cast on 2 stitches using a knitted cast on.

Row 1:  Kfb, K1.

Row 2 and all even rows:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyif, purl to end.

Row 3:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, knit to end.

Row 5:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, M1R, K1, M1L, K.

Row 7:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, knit to end

Row 9:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, K1, M1R, K1, M1L, K2.

Row 11:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, K2, M1R, K1, M1L, K3.

Row 13:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, K3, M1R, K1, M1L, K4.

Row 15:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, K4, M1R, K1, M1L, K5.

Row 17:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, K4, K2tog. Turn, leaving remaining 6 stitches on holder.

Row 18:  Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyif, purl to end.

Row 19:  Slip 1st stitch purlwisew wyib, knit to end.

Row 20:  P2tog, P2, SSP.

Row 21:  SSK, K2tog.

Row 22:  With WS facing, Bind off by slipping 1st stitch over 2nd, then cut yarn and thread tail through final loop, weaving in ends. 

Now, to finish the 2nd half.
With WS facing, slip 1st stitch purlwise (at this point there is no yarn in front OR back), attach NEW yarn
                 and purl to end.
Slip 1st stitch purlwise wyib, knit to end.
Repeat Rows 19 - 22.

With 2nd complimentary color, thread yarn through needle and work a edge stitch around the completed heart.  (i pulled the yarn tail from one of the ends up through the top to the front side to attach the little heart pendant and then threaded it back to the back so i could weave in the tail.)

Attach the heart to the card with double sided tape .... or hand stitch it down, using matching thread and a Thimble so you don't kill your finger trying to work it through the card stock!

Key

Kfb - Knit into the Front AND Back of the same stitch - making 2 stitches from 1.

wyib - With Yarn in Back of work
wyif - With Yarn in Front of work
M1R - insert your Left needle, from back to front, under the bar between the 2 stitches.  Lift this new "stitch" onto your Left needle, and Knit through the Front of this new "stitch".  It may be a bit awkward and/or tight at 1st, but this will create an increase that slants to the RIGHT and blends well into the fabric you've already knitted.
M1L - insert your Left needle, from front to back, under the bar between the 2 stitches.  Lift this new "stitch" onto your Left needle, and Knit it through the BACK Loop of the new "stitch". 
K2tog - Knit 2 together
P2tog - Purl 2 together
SSK - Slip 1 stitch knitwise, Slip Next stitch knitwise, insert Left needle into the FRONT of these 2 stitches (now sitting on the right needle) and Knit them together.  [creates a Left Slanting Decrease from the Right Side]
SSP - Slip 1 stitch KNITwise, Slip Next stitch Knitwise (this will twist these stitches so they are oriented correctly to lay smoothly when the decrease is complete).  Slip these 2 stitches BACK onto your Left needle and Purl these 2 stitches together by inserting the Right needle through the BACK loop, starting with the 2nd stitch away from the end, and then the 1st stitch.  [creates a Left Slanting Decrease from the RIGHT Side]

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.         I Corinthians 13: 4-8