Old McCotto had a farm

Yes, I know. It has been too long since I posted. Work has been very busy because this is testing week. So, I am sorry to be silent for so long, but I do have a lot of sweet pictures to show you from my trip this weekend.

Sly and I went to the Harvest Festival at the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore. It was a totally beautiful day to spend down on the farm.

Sly really thought this 1917 steam powered tractor was cool. I think he is right.

My family raised pigs when I was younger. I have a soft spot for the ugly, ill mannered mammals. Isn't he cute?

Geese. I have nothing special to say about geese. I just like the picture.

We raised chickens too. We had Rhode Island Reds when I was growing up. I think the roosters are beautiful birds. Dumb, but beautiful.

Lastly, some wooly goodness to share. A soft, fuzzy sweater, I mean sheep! There was a sheep shearing demonstration, but I missed it.

I stuffed myself full of Autumn's bounty: roasted sweet corn (they dipped the whole freakin' ear in melted butter! YUM), the best apple ever (for those of you who don't know about honey crisp apples, run out and buy some NOW), apple brown Betty, Swedish potato sausage, and apple fritters. All very tasty!

Happy Knitting!

Late Post

I really wanted to post these pictures from my last trip sooner. However, I caught a bad cold this week, and I just wasn't up to blogging.

Sly and I had a nice time. We really didn't do much, but we relaxed and enjoyed our trip very much. One thing I wish I had taken a picture of was our pizza picnic in the park. Yes, we ordered a pizza and ate it in a very cute little park. The park had the sweetest log cabin. We were able to look in the windows and see that it was fully furnished, but not open to the public at that time.

Buddy got to go this time. He loved his trip. As you can see, he was very worn out. I had to vacuum the RV the next morning to get all the yellow fur out of the carpet.

There will be a ginormous knitting update this week. I have lots of stuff to share.

Happy Knitting!

Tee Hee

Kayt clued me in to this comic. I think you all should go have a look.

Ravelry

I got my invitation to Ravelry before I left for Mackinac. Since I have been back, I have had oodles of nerdy, knitterly fun adding MOST of my stash (it is shameless), books (almost as shameless as the yarn), and listing items to my queued list (like I am ever going to knit ALL that).

Ravelry is great. If you haven't heard, Ravelry is an online knitter's notebook/journal all in one. Members can connect with other yarny goddesses and see what is popular in the knitting world. I love it. As a total geek and obsessive kniter, Ravelry is heaven for me. It is so easy to browse patterns. No more wondering what is out there to knit! I also love seeing what other people have done with patterns I am interested in making.

So, if you are on Ravelry, look me up! I am mollyknits over there.

I am going out of town for the holiday weekend. Buddy should be thrilled, he gets to go with us this time. My plan is to make Campfire Socks out of a discontinued Knitpicks Memories yarn called S'MORS! How perfect is that?

Happy Knitting!

Happenings

No photos or progress reports today. I am only knitting sporadically at the moment. School started this week, and that means lots of prep and planning for me. My job is remediation for students who struggle with Indiana's ISTEP test. I have a job because of No Child Left Behind (I still dislike the law, but you don't want to get me started on that).

I have been selecting the students who I think will get the most out of tutoring before the test starts at the end of September. It is great to work with small groups of students and offer them strategies that they can use to get higher scores. I also started a "Homework Help" program. Any student who sees me for tutoring can come to me during homeroom to get help finishing his homework. I am looking forward to this program!

If you have lived under a rock and don't know about the "No Child Left Behind" act, schools are required to test each student every year. If a student does not pass the test, the school must provide extra help to that student (my job). In addition, a schools over all test scores must get higher each year.

So, I am a busy girl at the moment, but I am happy to be back at work.

Happy Knitting!

My Sockapalooza 4 Socks

I have wanted to post pictures of what I got from my sock pal for a while, but Sly likes to hide the battery charger from me. Now that my camera has properly charged batteries, I can share.

The socks came all the way from Colon Germany, and they fit perfectly. As you can see, they are in my favorite colors, black and purple! Notice the Harry Potter goodness.

I also really loved the mini sock and sweater she sent. These will be on my Christmas tree this year. Aren't they sweet? The sweater is a real sweater. If I could find someone small enough, it could be worn. The sock is a fully 3D sock as well. I need to figure out the mini knitting. What a great way to use up scrap sock yarn.

School starts tomorrow, so I'll be back at work. I am running low on yarn money now. Not that I'll be buying yarn. I still have the yarn diet to think about.

Happy Knitting!

Girls Who ROCK!

Both Jen and Kayt have tagged me with this, so it is time I shared! While I question my "rockness," it will be difficult for me to pick ONLY five Rockin' Girl Bloggers.

In no particular order

Suz totally rocks! She is a shy, sweet girl in person, but her blog rocks! She had found a voice on the Internet. She openly shares her views, passions, and sweet spirit with so many people on the Internet and touched many lives.

Jools rocks! Not only because she gave me a Nice Matters Award, but because she is my oldest Internet pal. We may go many weeks or months without talking, but like all good friends, we always manage to pick up where we left off.

I have to tag nice people too, but I think it is only fair that I tag people for one thing at a time! :)

Steph rocks me like a hurricane (dumb song). She has a healing touch, warm personality, and the greatest smile. She is a totally fabulous, beautiful person.

The other Jen in my life rocks. She showed me how to make soap and knit socks. She was the best help desk person PNC ever had, but she didn't believe me when the computer ACTUALLY BLEW UP!

Last, but never least

Punkin rocks! Pumpkin pies are my favorite, but Punkin is a faithful commenter on my blog. It is nice to know that people are actually reading my rambling thoughts on knitting and life. I don't think I have ever said "thank you" for all the comments, so thank you Punkin; YOU ROCK!

Okay, all you Rockin' Girl Bloggers, slap that button on your blogs and tag five Rockin' Girl Bloggers to spread the love. You all rock, you all are awesome, and I am glad to know you.

Happy Knitting!

Sockapalooza 4

Pattern: Ridged Feather from Sensational Knitted Socks

Yarn: Fortissima Colori

Needles: two size 1 circs

Yes, I know I am a bit late with these. They took longer than I expected. I have good reasons 1) I never do a pattern over the foot. I am just lazy that way, and 2) can you all see how well these two socks match?! I mean, just look at that perfectly matched pair. I am rather proud of that.

The socks were inspired by the Great Lakes since I live so close to Lake Michigan. I think it is only fitting that I worked on the socks (not as much as I would have liked) during my camping trip.

See how well the socks match all the lovely blues in Lake Heron? Not to mention those waves.

I am off to mail the socks with a few extra goodies because I took so long.

EDIT What kind of town has a post card with a 25 year old picture of the hospital on it? Seriously, I bought a post card from my home town to send with the socks (as is tradition), and the ONLY post card I could find with ANYTHING from the town on it was a photo of the hospital. SHEESH

Happy knitting!

Vacation all I ever wanted

Yeah, I loved the Go-Go's back in the day.

We have returned from our all too short trip to Mackinac Michigan. Sly and I both agree, it is one of the best trips we have ever gone on in the RV. We are planning a much longer trip for next year.

The fun actually started during a pit stop for gas and food. We didn't have any real plans for a place to go. We both prefer diners to fast food, and we really like the out of the ordinary. Rosie's Diner was perfect. It was very vintage inside with lots of history and character. What was really cool was the old couple who came by for lunch. They used to eat at the diner all the time when it was in New Jersey back in the day!

This is the view from our campsite (Okay, we did cross the little street in front of the RV). Making the picture smaller has distorted how well we could actually see the Mackinac Bridge. We also had a fantastic view of the island.

The campground was really nice. We didn't spend much time there, but the view was great, the showers clean, and a convenient free shuttle to the island ferry.

Just me sitting outside the RV knitting and enjoying the view.

The ferry ride over to the island was really fun. It was a hydro jet, so there was a giant rooster tail of water coming out of the back of the boat. Yes, I am knitting in the photo.

Fort Mackinac is a state park with lots of cool historical re-enactments and exhibits. There are too many cool things to show ALL the photos we took, so I am just going to post the kniterly fun. I did want to share this photo of a young shopkeeper knitting to past the time. I actually showed her how to purl while we were there. Sly thought that was so strange.

Mackinac is the kind of place where there is a beautiful vista around every corner. I won't bore my dear readers with ALL the views (I am sure Sly to get a photo of them all), but I thought I would share a few really pretty vistas.

A word of warning to all of you with a sweet tooth, the economy on Mackinac is driven by FUDGE! The main shopping district has 17 fudge shops (all claiming to be number 1 and the original Mackinac fudge), and it seems that fudge is the number on souvenir from the island.

I have knitting to report on, but this is a long post. I do want to thank my Sockapalooza pal for the lovely socks. I will have a big post about Sockapalooza in a day or two. The fudge as slowed me down.

Happy Knitting!

Camping

Sly and I are taking a short trip to commemorate our 20th wedding anniversary.

You see, I spent most of the actual day of our anniversary standing in line with my nephew to buy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Sly was not feeling well, so we didn't spend any time together.

We have a romantic RV trip planned way up in Michigan at Mackinaw. The campground is really nice, and we have a site right on the shore of Lake Heron. I promise to post lovely pictures when I return.

Happy Knitting.

Finished Object Photos

Pattern: EPS yolk sweater from Knitting Without Tears
Yarn: Purple: Galway Highland Heather Green: Manos Del Uruguay
Needles: Knitpicks options size 7

I was standing in bright sunlight, so the color looks more hot pink than purple, but it is actually a deep, lovely shade of purple. I am so happy with how this sweater turned out! I am planning more sweaters based on Elizabeth's Percentage System. It is a great why to make a sweater. The fit is fabulous. It was easy peasy to knit as well.

Here is a close up of the yolk pattern. I used the Manos for a couple of reasons. First, due to the cost, I don't use Manos much at all. Second, since the yolk pattern is a simple one, I thought it would highlight a great vergated yarn well. Third, I adore the impact the slubby green yarn makes in an otherwise traditional sweater.

I haven't blocked the sweater yet, so there is some major puckering just below the yolk.

Pattern: Cozy
Yarn: Philosopher's Wool

While I was at Stitch n Bitch Wednesday night, I finished Cozy. Don't look at the ends I haven't woven in yet!

The stitch pattern on this wrap is really lovely, but the pictures on Knitty do not do it justice.

Thank you to Jenifer from Piddleloop for all the great photos.

Off to finish the Sockapolza 4 socks!

Happy Knitting!

Yarn Diet

I have my list of the things I want to make before I purchase more yarn.

The List:

Sweaters

Blue and white snowflake design I thought up for some blue and cream Galway I have
Tweedy sweater from Jo Sharp I got super cheap (18 balls for $60)
Lavender raglan from more Galway I have

Hat, Scarves, and mittens (I am not selecting yarns for these items YET)

Mobeus scarf
Gnome hat
Knitting around mittens

Socks 10 pairs of whatever I feel like making at the time but I want to use these yarns

2 Lorna’s Laces
2 Thank Ewe
Urban gypsy
2 Knitpicks
White Willow
Sophie’s Toes
Sly Socks

One Lady E wrap in Noro Silk Garden and maybe a Pi R Square shawl in some lovely lace weight alpaca I have.


I did not get too many suggestions, so this list was compiled using Kayt's suggestion as a starting point. So, Kayt will get her pick of a book and yarn for her help. The book choices are: 25 Gorgeous Sweaters, Hip to Knit, or Little Box of Sweaters. We'll just have to root around in my sock yarn drawer for some sock yarn for her. Kayt, leave a comment with your color choices, and I'll find something nice. :)

There needs to be one exception to the yarn diet, I have ordered a large amount of Rowan Summer Tweed for a sweater from No Sheep for You. It would be really rude of me to order the yarn, and then not buy it.

I swear, I have some FO pictures to share. The wonderful Jen took some great photos last night at Stitch n Bitch. I will post the finished Grimace and Cozy shawl pics as soon as she sends them too me.

Happy Knitting!

Yarn Diet Give Away

I can't find my camera right now, so pictures of FOs will have to wait for a while.

I need to go on another yarn diet. Mostly a sock yarn diet (scary thought). I could knit about 75 pairs of socks without buying more sock yarn. I blame etsy. I love all the pretty, hand dyed yarns made in small batches by independent crafters and artist.

It isn't just sock yarn either. I have more than enough yarn to knit myself 20 sweaters. Considering what a big girl I am, that is a lot of yarn!

And don't get me started on the knitting books!

I am running out of places to put my stash. So, it is time for another yarn diet. What is your opinion, how many pairs of socks and how many sweaters should I knit before I am allowed to buy more yarn? Leave me a comment with your suggestions. Be honest. I'll dig up a few things to share with those who make suggestions (books and yarn).

Happy knitting!

No time to post photos!

Harry Potter day!!!!

Tonight, at midnight, I will have the final Harry Potter book in my hot little hands. I can't wait.

Unfortunately, Grimace won't be done in time for fair. He is nearly done, and I did try it on last night (just before starting the neck shaping). It fits PERFECTLY! I am happy. Look for the finished photos soon.

Happy Knitting!

Grimace, belated birthday, and BANG BANG BANG

Let me start with the progress I have made on Grimace. I have the body done up until the underarm join, one sleeve, and a good start on the second sleeve. Actually, this photo was taken yesterday before I went to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. I have about three inches to go on the second sleeve now.

The green ball of yarn is Manos De Uruguay for the yolk. I had spent several days trying to design a yolk pattern. However, I started thinking about the possibility of frogging, and the tremendous amount of weaving in ends. Since I want enter this sweater in the LaPorte County Fair (1 week and 2 days away), I thought a simpler yolk with a dressier yarn would have impact, but simplify the knitting process. Also, I had a reason to buy two hanks of a lovely yarn that I normally can't afford.

The gift card from my wonderful Stitch n Bitch pals came in handy when buying the yarn. It is more green than blue, and some of the blue bits are actually a lilac color. I think this yarn will have a huge impact in the finish sweater. Do you see those nicely wound center pull balls? I did them myself.

My birthday gift from Sly and the kids FINALLY came. This lovely swift and ball winder were on back order for a while, but they are safe with me now. I think this present is as nice as my clothesline. Jealous? :)

My roof has been covered with sweaty men for the past two days. Today, it wasn't even safe for me to leave my house. I am getting a new roof. It has been interesting because the 120 year old shake roof was under the two top layers. It actually seems to be in better shape than the newer layers. The workers are great, the get here about 7:30 am and leave around 7:00 pm. While I am happy with their work, the NOISE is starting to drive me a bit nutty. We have two more days to deal with. It is starting to rain now (no kidding), and I only have half a roof!

Hope your home is quieter than mine.

Happy knitting!

St. Joesph Michigan

Sly and I took a little drive today, for no particular reason. This time we visited St. Joesph Michigan. Besides all the stunning views of Lake Michigan, there was a totally cute downtown area too.


I just loved this woman in the fountain. I like how the water drips around her and she has this look of contentment or sadness. I can't figure out which.


There were no LYS in St. Joe, but I did find this totally adorable quilt shop on the way. Behind the fence was the cutest garden.


Sly like the fireman's memorial. He took a crappy picture of it. Mine is so much nicer.


I also found Dumbledore. Can't wait for book 7 to come out. At least I have a movie to see this week.

I have been working away on Grimace (the purple Elizabeth Zimmerman sweater for fair). Other than lots and lots of purple wool, I have no other knitting to show off. I should get the second sleeve done tomorrow. I'll post a progress report this week.

Happy Knitting!

What else would Molly do while waiting for book 7?

Pattern: House Hats Wide Stripe Version from Charmed Knits
Yarn: Wool-ease in Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw colors
Needles: size 7 16 inch crics and DPNs

I finally got around to knitting a couple of house hats. They are cute and fun to make. In addition, I was distracted from Grimace for a while.

Happy knitting!

Suz made me do it!

I got tagged by Suz, so now I am doing this meme.

The Rules:
Go to Wikipedia and type in your birthday (only the month and day). Find three events, two births, and one holiday that occurred on your birthday. Then tag five friends.

My birthday, as some of you will remember, is June 16.

Three events:
1487 - Battle of Stoke Field, the last dying breath of the Wars of the Roses.
1903 - Ford Motor Company incorporates.
1960 - Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho opens in New York.

Two births
1938 - Joyce Carol Oates, American novelist (I always rather liked sharing my birthday with her)
1971 - Tupac Shakur, American Rapper (that is just funny to me)

Holiday
There was really only one I WOULD choose (there are two for the day),
Bloomsday, in honour of Leopold Bloom, the hero of James Joyce's Ulysses set on 16 June, 1904.
The only other cool thing about my birthday is that it is the day in Ulysses. One of these days, I will actually manage to finish reading this book.

I won't tag anyone. Have fun with it if you want.

I am going back to my pile of knitting ADD. I have been doing lots of stuff, but I haven't spent enough time with any one project to actually COMPLETE anything.

Happy knitting!

I want to live on this street!

Gentle reader, don't you all wish you lived on PURL street? I couldn't believe my eyes when I drove by this afternoon. I MADE Sly turn the truck around so that I could get picture to share with my dear readers.

For no real reason, this morning I thought it would be a fine idea to drive to Goshen, Indiana. It is a little over an hour away. I had been to many towns around Goshen, but never TO Goshen. It is a part of Indiana's Amish country (yes, we did see Amish, but I am a bit used to that). I did take issue with Goshen calling itself the "Maple City." I happen to live in "The Maple City" and I am darn proud of it! I don't know why I thought this would be a fun drive, but I am glad I went.

I had no idea what a cute, and vital, downtown I would find. There were upscale shops and coffehouses. We found park benches and pot brimming with flowers. We found this knitting store.

Eve-Nigue Knits is a cute little shop just off the main square. I loved that it was bright and sunny and nestled into a vintage store front. The store didn't have the largest selection (I am a bit spoiled by my regular LYS), but I think that it is well on its way to becoming a super LYS.

I bought souvenir sock yarn and a handmade polymer clay stitch marker. If you can't tell, that is a flamingo.

Just so you all don't think that I made Sly run around and do knitting things all day, we found this second hand book store. He spent a lot of time rummaging around in boxes of comic books. He was in geek heaven. While I was in the knit shop, Sly was across the street at the nut shop buying a lovely snack of chocolate covered raisins.

So, I had a lovely day. I hope your day was as nice as mine. And thank you for all the birthday wishes!

Happy knitting!

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my ? birthday. However, since I don't want to talk about how many birthdays I have had, here is a photo of me at 5. My mother always made me angel food cake with strawberries for my birthday.

Happy knitting!

Erin's photo contest

Dorky Erin is having a contest. Here is my entry (so far).

A knitter (other than yourself) knitting in public

a sock (handknit or not)

a library card

a ball of green yarn

a street sign

a flower

a public work of art

My reflection in an unexpected place

someone in a catalog pose

a funny billboard or sign