Duty versus Desire

Pen on Notepad courtesy of foter.com

Does this ever happen to you?  Fun activities distract and keep you from those things which you should be doing.  I'm supposed to be studying for a "mid-term" (multiple choice and matching), but for some reason I'm having a hard time staying on-task.  Worse yet, you'd think that knitting would be my distraction (after all, this is a knitting blog).  You'd think I'd be more organized and focused?  Not so much!  The procrastinator rises again! 

Keyboard courtesy of pixelperfect.com

Instead of studying or even knitting, I'm wasting time playing video games on Facebook (but I have a lovely virtual farm and virtual restaurant.  How sad, n'est pas?).  In the words of Jackie Chan, my focus needs more focus.

Guess I better hit the books.
Later,

Snow Day

This has been a winter of umpteenth snow days.  Being in the country, my trek into town takes me past hay fields and farms, across which the wind howls and blows much snow.  Long story short: the driving can be quite dicey at times with snow covered roads and white-out conditions.  Today was such a day.

And I can proudly say I used my time wisely and spent most of the day knitting.  I worked on a pair of socks I'd started in December.  I like stripey socks and this yarn (Patons Kroy Jacquards) is working up nicely.  I so love my wool socks.  Woolies make me very, very happy. :)

Stripey Socks

I even worked on the lovely Avocado. The body is complete.  And I've even managed to work on one of the sleeves--in the round of course.  I worked out when to start the decreases.  The rest should be easy--I hope.

Avocado in Progress

Here's hoping I can get out to work tomorrow.  This girl needs to bring home the bacon (so she can buy some yarn--hee, hee!).

Have a good week! :)

At Long Last!

Finally!  I got my hands on that iconic and definitive tome on all things top down: Knitting From the Top by Barbara Walker.  I've been itching to own this book for ages!  It had been available in the US at Amazon.com for a number of years, but sadly "out of print" on the Canadian Amazon.ca (and I wasn't prepared to pay $200 plus for it).  So imagine my surprise when I saw it was available . . . and me with gift cards to spend!!  Oh joy!!

Walker's Knitting From the Top

I also ordered Ann Budd's collection of top down sweaters, but that hasn't arrived yet (part of my order shipped from Ontario and the rest came from British Columbia.).  The two will complement each other nicely: one focusing on theory and the other on patterns (for any size, any gauge and any yarn). 

Budd's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters

My other acquisition was the third collection of patterns from Wendy Bernard, Custom Knits: Accessories.  I've always liked Bernard's patterns and how she gives the knitters suggestions for modifying and customizing the pattern.  So it was a no-brainer for me. 

Bernard's Custom Knits Accessories

Happy inspirations!

About the Avocado . . .

Almost Completed Body

Yup, its growing!  Very pleased with my progress this week.  I made a concerted effort to work on this project.  It became my naptime and lunchtime knitting.  And of course it was my waiting-room knitting.

WIP

Guess what?  My plan worked!  The bulk of the body is done.  I'm actually working on the garter hem.  The pattern called for 5 " for the body before working hem, but I decided to lengthen it to 6 ".  Planning to work the garter hem for about 1" before casting off.  Then its off to work the sleeves in the round ('cuz I'm not a fan of seaming).

Garter Detail

Hoping to put up my mods and patterns in one of the pages at the top of my blog as a free pattern inspired by classic garter stitch.  I'll keep you posted. ;)

Wintery Blast--Take 2

Ice on Window

So last weekend we had a blast of winter with snow and ice.  We only got 'bout 16 cm of snow, but the ice pellets and blowing snow made for treacherous driving.  And the frigid temperatures of -20 to -30 C did nothing to clear up messy roads (All week I had to drive on ice-covered roads.  And I hate driving on ice!!).

The View to our Neighbours

This weekend is no better.  Snow and ice again.  Not sure how much snow we've gotten so far, but it's still snowing.  And blowing.  Have I mentioned how much I hate winter?!

Tree at Top of Driveway

Thank heavens for the wood stove to keep us warm and cozy on those blustery days.  There's nothing like the warmth of a wood fire to chase the chill from cold bones.

Warmth of Wood Fire in Stove

Wherever you are, stay warm.  And have a good one. :)

Creating a Teddy

Making a teddy bear involves the creation of various pieces . . . 

Legs and Feet

Pictured above are the legs and soles.  There's a whole lotta ends and seams waiting to be taken care of . . . *sigh*  Perhaps I've mentioned my dislike of finishing?  And all that goes with it: seaming, sewing, weaving . . . *double sigh*

One Arm

And this is the arm.  I've already finished the first arm and slowly progressing on the second one . . . 

Tally ho, little knitter!  Tally ho!