Orbital re-entry

Remember my list of 6 wierd things, and how I left my ex my house and car last week for visiting with the kids while I stayed with a friend? Well, this week has been scant of knitting as I have been negotiating the re-entry from my extra-domestic orbit of last week. My kids love their dad very much, but we always have this mini-abandonment party when he leaves. It will be fine. But it takes effort to soothe and smooth and love away that hurt.

That is not to say I have not been sneaking knitting inspiration as I can. ;^)

Blue skies to all,

Lark

6 Wierd Things About Me

6 Weird Things About Me

Cheryl tagged me for this game, so OK, I'll play.

THE RULES:Each player of this game starts with the ‘6 weird things about you.’ People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave a comment that says ‘you are tagged’ in their comments and tell them to read your blog.”

1. I have never worked for anyone longer than my present position, which is 4 years and a week. Dilletante? Maybe. Air Force brat with nomadic roots more likely.
2. If I ever come into money, I want to throw a party anonymously and invite everyone I know, and leave it to them to figure out that knowing me is the reason they were invited. Should shock a few people, and delight others.
3. My ex husband is here visiting the kids this week and he is staying at my house (where I am not) and using my car. I don't ever stand between him and children. I'll let you know if this was the right thing to do when they hit 30.
4. I see design everywhere. Margene was posting about lace a few weeks back and how she was seeing it everywhere. Welcome to my world, M!
5. Color thrills me!
6. Out of the blue, or as Forrest Gump might say, for no particular reason, I have become an alpaca rancher.

And I tag... Susan
Erin
Laurie
Julie
Teyani
Jess

Bubble Wrap Cap Pattern

Thanks to everyone who has written about wanting the Bubble Wrap Cap pattern! Gee, shucks, and shufflin' my feet here. Glad you all like it. It practically knits itself in just a few hours. Betcha can't make just one. Hope that if you do, you'll send me photos. I'd love to see them!

Edited this post to include the text of the PDF, which doesn't seem to be working for everyone. You can find the PDF file at the Lonesome Skein Knitalong, following the link to the right, or going through Yahoo Groups. I'll investigate the non-working link later. For now, the pattern:

Bubble Wrap Cap

Fits heads 21” to 23” with ease—perfect for gifting when you aren’t sure of the recipient’s head size, or as a quick-knitting charity cap.

This hat has a great stretchy fit, thanks to the bubble wrap pattern stitch.

Yarn: LoneSome Stone Fraser Flats

55% mohair, 45% wool

Or any yarn that will give gauge

Approx. 120 yards (109 m)

Needles: 16” circular, size 7 (US) or 4.50 mm, plus same size in DPNs for crown

Gauge: 16 stitches over 4 inches

in stockinette

Marker

Cast on 88 stitches. Join, being careful not to twist stitches and placing moveable marker at join. Work Rolled Brim: Work stockinette stitch (st st = K every row) for 1 ½ inches (3.8 cm).

Bubble Wrap Pattern Stitch:

From marker, *work K2, P2 rib for two rounds.

Work st st for four rounds.

Work P2, K2 rib for two rounds.

Work st st for four rounds.*

Continue in Bubble Wrap Pattern Stitch (between *’s) for 5 ½” (14 cm) or desired depth, ending with a K2, P2 ribbing round.

Decrease for crown:

K2 tog, P2 tog for one round (44 stitches).

Switch to DPNs, distributing work on three needles (15/15/14). Work st st for four rounds.

Work P2, K2 for two rounds.

P2 tog, K2 tog for one round (22 stitches).

Work st st for three rounds.

K2 tog, P2 tog for one round (11 stitches).

Finish: Break off yarn leaving 12 inch (30.5 cm) tail. Use tapestry needle to thread tail through remaining 11 stitches, pull tight and fasten to inside. Weave in ends. http://larksheart.blogspot.com

©2006 Lark Meadows, Skylark Meadows Ranch LLC. Permission granted for individual, not for profit use.

Wishing you Blue Skies,

Lark

The Bubble Wrap Cap!

Here is my first FO for the Lonesome Skein Knitalong. Not a moment too soon, right? It's a great cap with lots of stretch to fit a range of head sizes. Amazing what a weekend confined to bed with bronchitis will do for your knitting time.

I designed the pattern to be forgiving for gift giving, not too tight not too loose. It easily fits 21-23" heads. My daughters said the stitch pattern looks like bubble wrap, so voila, the Bubble Wrap Cap. I can post the pattern if anyone is interested. Only used about one third of the skein.

LoneSome Stone Fraser Flats yarn
55% Mohair, 45% Wool
Fall fantasy colorway, 325 yards per skein
4 stitches per inch, size 7 US (4.50 mm)

Forest Canopy finished object!

Wonders never cease! I have finished my Good Man's Mum's Christmas present, and before the big day no less. Now to ship it off to Michigan in style.

Forest Canopy

Knitting like a mad woman on Susan's Forest Canopy Shawl, an elegant and simple lace design that flows through your fingers. This one is for my Good Man's mum for Christmas. Nearly there!

One Heck of a Ride

Well, if my last post was Back in the Saddle, all I can say is that it's been one heck of a ride! In the past few weeks, I have:

Knit
Driven
Flown
Worked
Dreamed
Spun
Sewed
Laughed
Cried
Loved
and learned to deliver alpacas

More on that later. I have been busy knitting gifts for others of late. It is such a pleasure to choose pattern, yarn and knit with love. Even holidays speeding toward me at the speed of light cannot stress me when I am knitting. Find joy in the process.