Learning My Limits

“Change. It has the power to uplift, to heal, to stimulate, surprise, open new doors, bring fresh experience and create excitement in life. Certainly, it is worth the risk.”

-- Leo Buscaglia

As the seasons finally decide to shift from winter to spring we are blessed with a myriad of color and texture. This was my parent's driveway after a thunderstorm. It got me thinking of Puff the Magic Dragon and that phrase, "along the cherry lane". I grew up with this magical, flowery gift every spring. Few people get to experience pink snow. It was very cathartic to my state as of late.

I'm in this happy/chaotic mood that I'm desperately trying to work through and I think truthfully I just took on a bit too much. *stop sniggering* Last week we added my BIL's two adorable wonderful kids to our household and now we are a family of six with two cats. Which, is super. I am truthful here when I say I am so happy that we can provide a safe, happy place for them to live. Family is everything to me.

The downside is that I used the closet they will need as storage and I have no idea where in Sam's Hill I am going to put it all. So I've been looking at projects stashed that will never come to be and letting them go. I just can't do it all.

Before we had my beloved son I used to do a little of everything and there just isn't time for that anymore. Over the last six years I've figured out what is important to me and those are the things that I find time for so those are the things I will hold on to.

Also, I'm trying so hard in being a half-way house for my Mother's things not to get lost in her stuff. Because every other week we clean at my parents then move everything up here and then distribute it as is needed. I want to make sure anything that is important to Mom gets to stay with Mom...who kicked on Wii and beat everyone in golf and bowling BTW.

And truth be told I am tired. This back and forth every other week is exhausting...the dust alone kills us even with masks for about three days. So after hard contemplation, we've decided to quit the MS&W lamb cook-off. It is just too much. I admit it. I said I'd stop taking on more stuff when it got to be too much so this is me being good to my word. (If you want the recipe I'll be happy to send it to you.)

I finished the sock from 06...sorry about the color...and I really enjoyed it. I will make the other one but I'm going to take a break until after Fair in May and try to get stuff done for our booth. Knit Picks got some new sock yarn and after the nice woman at the local Italian deli asked me to help her with some itty bitty socks...I just couldn't resist. This Felici is scrumptious...I'm in love with it! Another gift from the parents was the Harmony double points and I love them too. There's not much about socks I don't love.

Oh, KnitterC is having a contest for her 500th post. Quite a milestone! If you stop by please mention I sent you. She is an amazing spinner...crafter...healer.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. :) We did Wii and have really good BBQ and it was so fun my parents stayed until 7:00 p.m.! My wonderful in-laws came and it was quite a special day with a full house of loving family...a day I will always remember.

Take care...happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Ever Connected

We are a strand in the web of life. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are connected.
-Chief Seattle-

You would laugh if you saw me today. Most people try and look their best on their birthdays but this is my day to work out at lunch and the health of my body is very important to me: hence the sweat attire.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I walk at lunch because it is the only time I really have to do so. I go at least a mile and whereas that may not be a lot, it is more than nothing and it makes me feel good. I like to feel good.

Today is also Family Fun Night which means from the time I walk in the house to the time I go to bed at 8:00 p.m.: no IPod, no TV, no video games (even handheld ones), no computer…I even try not to use the microwave or oven by picking up a healthy meal on the way home.

Even though today is my birthday and I’d like to pick a video game and have some fun I will not be selfish. The family time we have is priceless. We all enjoy the change in pace…although not checking e-mail is hard…harder for the DH. lol

I admit fully that I’m a hardcore gamer. I really love my video games. So for my B-Day celebration when the family gets together on Sunday I told them what I really wanted: to get food from Main Street and to Wii as a family…just to have fun with the people I love.

I’ve always wondered why kids get to have so much fun on their B-Days with celebrations and themes and stuff. I’m all about themes. I’m starting my own tradition. I’m 40 this year and I’m darn proud of where I am and I think one day of having fun like a 5 year old (without the tantrums…as long as I’ve had my coffee) sounds cathartic.

This week my tarot card was the 9 of Swords. The normal translation for this card is misery, sadness, terrible things…but the way I read it is different. I usually take the card and find out where it is on the Kabbalah tree of life before resigning myself to a reading.

This card is in the 9th sephiroth (or sphere) which is completion of a cycle and making way for a new cycle. Swords are air and representative of communication, creativity, learning and other air correspondences.

To me, this card is saying you are still working on a bunch of things that are in their end phases and you just need to get them done so new stuff can come in. But I have also been listening to the people that surround me and their communication has been cruel and petty this week. I have chosen not to get involved or offer to help when people are starting from a place of anger. I’ve just backed off and left politely and quickly shielded myself from the onslaught of negative energy.

This week I feel like I am in medias res. Caught in the middle of all my project where the beginning was a long time ago and the end is far from sight. But that is okay because at least I am somewhere right?

I’ve been teaching socks everywhere it seems…and it feels good. Socks are a little thing. But warm feet can make a person warm enough to turn down the heat a bit…thus helping the Earth a bit…because every little bit makes a difference…because we are all connected.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

You Reap What You Sow

Every week I pick a tarot card to kinda guide me through the week and help me to make the right choices. I used to pick one a day but that was way too much thinking ya know? LOL

Anyway, this week I picked Death. Now, most people when they see this card balk. But my name means Reaper. I am supposed to take the Grim One as a sign that there is much work to be done in my life and get rid of the old to make way for the new.

I always thought my parents were pretty smart to give me a name that might help overcome my enormous amount of startitis in one house and nothing in the completion one.

So after saying a prayer for all my friends, family and other assorted loved ones I got a’reapin’.

I sent out goodie boxes
I finished our taxes
I tried lamb until it was just right and sent the recipe to the judges at S&W
I cleaned up and organized

And just when I was feeling really good about myself…I find this sock in my drawer at work, pushed to the back and long forgotten. It was last blogged about on January 21st, 2006. It seems a reaper’s work is never done. *sigh*

So world meet my oldest WIP. This is from a sock class that I took online with one of my blog friends who is probably sniggering in her coffee at me. Which, I deserve. I really do.

But with my new attitude…I see this little sock as a good thing. When I started it I had no idea how to use all those fun socky techniques that are second nature to me now.

I played with it yesterday at the LYS and not only figured out where I left off but made quite a leap from 1/21/06 to the sock you see above. Besides we are on my favorite part; the heel. I love heel shaping. :)

So While I may reap what I sow…or knit in this case. This sock was patient and waited for me to get to a point where I understood the method and the stitches before making its appearance. Now I can’t wait to finish it.

I can't wait to see what else I can finish before the week is done! :)

Have a great day!

Ruinwen
:)

I'm Awake Now...Really. :)

“It's important to be heroic, ambitious, productive, efficient, creative, and progressive, but these qualities don't necessarily nurture soul. The soul has different concerns, of equal value: downtime for reflection, conversation, and reverie; beauty that is captivating and pleasuring; relatedness to the environs and to people; and any animal’s rhythm of rest and activity.”

-- Thomas Moore 

 Thanks for your concern and well wishes! Your words mean more to me then you know!

So after Friday tearing me into the ground; I had no choice but to step back and take it easy. Here is a goodie that came to me. The Woolen Rabbit makes such lovely yarn. I saw the colors on her blog and had to have them. I can't wait to dig into this beautiful...yummy yarn!

As much as Friday wore me out I really came away with accomplishing a bunch of things that were very close to my heart. I've been working on a way to make a ritual necklace that embodied my way of praying. Kind of like a rosary... Anyway, I spent three years researching and figuring out the correspondence of each stone as it fits into what I believe and finally...here it is. You can't believe how happy I am to finish a project that has been on the back burner for three years! And a special shout out goes to Willow who really helped me to think about a bunch of things I hadn't before. I don't think this would have been possible without her words of wisdom.

Do you ever buy something thinking how cute it would be in such and such only to horde it away to never see the light of day again? Well, these cute little bug beads were bought years ago for fair. I thought they would make nice little spring bracelets for the kids.

I actually made 5 of them this Friday. And they have been kid-tested and approved by my sweet niece.

I made a bunch of other jewelry too. Finished by sock class write up...bless you DH for taking all those photos *kisses* you know you are the best! I also *gasp* organized all my beads, findings and cords. So on Wed when I go to bead all I have to do is load the board with my ideas!

We worked on our Sheep & Wool lamb entry which, has to be in by the 5th...but it just didn't make the grade and we are buying more lamb today and marinating it to try and enhance the flavor.

And then there was taxes...which are in no way complete. But I did feel that I really took a bite out of a lot of little things that needed to be done.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

And the Winner is...

Sallee! Congrats! :)

I guess I should let you in on a little secret. Sallee is the reason I started this blog. She's given me the courage to do many a project and is always has a shoulder to cry on when I'm in need.

But again I could wax poetic all day about each of you that I call friends...

Not today though...my mental processes have given up. I feel like a Mac truck ran over me and then backed up again for good measure. I did too much yesterday but it needed to be done...so what can you do?

I finally got all the clothes to the consignment shop...12 bags and 6 trips later I made it to Dad's house to grab more stuff to start the process all over again. I was D-E-A-D tired when I got home but I made jewelry for Fair and I will post it when we are done with taxes. The clothes are washed and put away. We took Mom out last night for a lovely dinner despite I was running on empty. I finished a project that I've been working on for 3 years...

I'll post pictures when I can.

I hope you all have a nice weekend.

Ruinwen
:)

What's My Name Mean?

What Ruinwen Means

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are very charming... dangerously so. You have the potential to break a lot of hearts. You know how what you want, how to get it, and that you will get it. You have the power to rule the world. Let's hope you're a benevolent dictator! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

This is downright scary how accurate it is. :)

Let the Light In

Ring the bells that can ring.

Forget your perfect offering.

There is a crack, a crack in everything.

That’s how the light gets in.

-Leonard Cohen

It is spring, a time of renewal and nourishment. It doesn’t matter that there was frost on the ground today or that our flowers aren’t warm enough to bloom. Because nature knows when She is ready and won’t make Her appearance a moment sooner.

Not me. I’m the Queen of Horrible Timing and Wrong Shoe Wearing. I am always doing things bass-ackwards at the last minute. But that’s me and I accept that.

I have a friend who is always late. She says she will be late to her own funeral. We always told her events were an hour later than planned so she would be on time. You learn and adapt because the only person you can change is yourself.

As I am in charge of all holidays until the end of time, I’ve learned to adapt. For Easter/Ostra dinner we had an appetizer of Tuscan soup (Safeway Select…very yummy), a main course of shepherd’s pie and spinach savoy (a family tradition) and raspberry and apple puff pastries for dessert.

You see I learned from Thanksgiving that I try too hard to please everybody and then I end up 1) making more food than four families could ever hope to eat and 2) driving myself crazy trying to be perfect.

Well, this spring I said, “The heck with perfection.” I know that only the Gods are perfect. I learned this from crafting. You always make a mistake for the Gods…not that I don’t make plenty anyway. The Navaho, when weaving, deliberately weave a thread that looks like a mistake. That “mistake” keeps the rug from being perfect and serves as a path for Spirit to enter. That “mistake” allows a little light in.

This Easter/Ostra I tried letting a little light in. We combined our traditions and read from the Bible for Dad since he missed church this year. We blessed the spiritual representations of our seeds and all the kids participated. We had a wonderful dinner full of different tastes and textures. And finally, we sat back and played Wii as our family does every Sunday. After doing scads of dishes I was ecstatic to get my Pro in bowling and get a Turkey.

This year I didn’t try so hard and I think the air of stress was missing that usually hangs around the holidays. It was a really nice day. I was tired afterward but not wiped.

In knitting news, my LYS asked me to make this scarf from Sheep Shop. It is a delightful knit. I had to get used to starting on a purl row and my knit rows being evens…but after that everything is going well. I think I will make this again. I don’t have the label for this yarn so I have no idea what it is. But I love the way it is making up and as my LYS said, “It is nice to challenge yourself with something new once and a while.”

I like lace, it lets in the light. :)

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Friends and Neighbors

Ramblings of a Witch tagged me with the task of coming up with three blogs that stand above the others as my favorites and that I cannot do. Every blog on my sidebar is special in some way to me; that's why it's listed.

Yesterday was Sweater Day . A day to honor that man who asked me as a child, "Won't you be my neighbor?" I loved Mr. Roger's neighborhood. I remember parts of the show very vividly like Miss Lion or the Trolly.

But see that is what the people on my sidebar are: neighbors..friends. Through our blogs, we've interacted in some way. Some of you are so close I consider you family.

So last night I asked my DH who he would list. And of course, he said Sallee (who is having that contest two posts down) and Christine who are like sisters in other states. If I had to pick a brother I would want it to be John who is not only funky fresh but he is a jack of all things fiberly. My family knows him on sight due to the fact we watched him on Knitty Gritty a few times.

Then there is Kim who's visual eye-candy of a blog has me believing that hot tea is brewing in front of me while I am knitting too beautiful for words yarn that she spins, dyes...she is just amazing!

Geraldine can fit more interesting things in a post from yummy recipes to crafts to amazing little tidbits that fill up my appetite for knowledge.

Really I could go on and on because something from each blog on my sidebar pops into my head. Like what an amazing designer Marnie is while having such adorable pups as Panda and Thea. Of course, if you are talking cute pups I'd have to include little Moses on Christine's blog and prize-winning Skyy and Cleo on Kim's blog.

And I could go on about cats...all the wonderful cats that these people have...because these are vibrant people to me...special friends, net-neighbors and family who I can't survive without. You are my life-line. Your names are inscribed on my heart and I am so thankful that you found your way into my life. :)

I've run out of time I had hoped to list more...but the clock is telling me that clothes are in order if I'm going to leave in 15 minutes.

So Happy Easter, Ostra, Spring Equinox...may the seeds that you plant in your heart grow in abundance throughout this season of life and renewal.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

P.S. At the top there are my felted mice. Two are stuffed and were given away as gifts yesterday. The man at Starbucks was very surprised to see those little eyes in there...needless to say they thought I should have bunnies not mice in my purse. And all the way home I started thinking about how easy a bunny would be... *grin*

P.P.S. I totally forgot that I wanted to do a contest...I have way too many herbs to store and I want to share them with someone who wants them...and if you are fiberly then I will throw in some yarn too. It makes very ecological shipping material. :)

Ok all you have to do is visit a blog in my side bar that you don't already read...and tell me the first line of their latest post in a comment on this post. Remember a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet!

Cut off for the contest is next Friday the 28th. I will put your names in a hat and let my son draw one. Good luck. If you are new to the blog; welcome! The list of herbs is in the saffron post and now I really have to run!

When Life Gives You Saffron Make Paella

I have a very clear memory of watching the Avengers on a little black-and-white TV and eating paella. It was chock full of chicken, sausage, and shrimp. It was my introduction to saffron and it was love at first bite.

For my Ostra bag this year I decided to use saffron. Usually, I frown on using saffron because of the cost. But this year I reasoned that this is one of the most important rituals that I do that sets the tone for the entire year…and if that isn’t worth some quality herbs then I don’t know what is.

I also decided if I was going to buy saffron it wouldn’t be from the grocery store. Something you might not know about me is I love working with herbs. I love how they awaken a sense that we don’t really use every day. The sense of smell is actually one of the most potent of memory triggers. When I smell an herb it reaches down into a part of me and tugs on the tendrils of my past joys and sorrows like nothing else can.

Herbalism was my focus when I got my N.D. I am also certified by the American Botanical Society. I used to have over 200 herbs that I used for everything from teas and tinctures to mojo bags. But since becoming a mother I found it hard to keep up with every one of my passions. And unfortunately, where I live we have drought conditions making it hard to grow anything…although my sage still lives through drought and ice.

I’ve missed making teas and more than once I’ve found myself reaching for a bottle that is long gone and it hurts a bit. You don’t realize what is really important until it is gone. So this year I opted to buy fresh beautiful herbs from all over the world:
Pink rose petals from Chile
Cinnamon from Indonesia
Vanilla beans for Madagascar
Blessed thistle from Hungary
Saffron from Spain

I have to say I was very impressed with HERBALCOM. The herbs are fresh and full of aroma. Which brings me back to saffron. Even now I can smell it on my fingers…mmmm. I know there is paella in my future.

Paella is named for the pan, a paellera, that the Spanish cook in. It is a flat pan with two handles. Everyone has their own version of what to put in the paella. Two years ago I made one with muscles, crab, clam, white fish, scallops, shrimp and lobster and it was *sound of lips smacking* divine.

But DH is allergic to seafood so I will make it with chicken and sausage. My son is excited to try saffron and has also approved the chicken sausage combo. So here is my recipe. But the thing about paella is that you should make it as your mood dictates. I also like a bit of spice in mine so you can change that too. As long as you have some rice, saffron, and olive oil it should be okay. If you want to make it vegetarian just substitute the meat for veggies. Also, follow the instructions on your rice for the liquid amount. All rice is different.

Note: If you have saffron threads they need to “bloom” or soak in some liquid in order to let their beautiful flavors develop.

Ruinwen’s Paella

¾ cup of olive oil
1 med onion, chopped
One clove of garlic per person, minced
One piece of chorizo sausage per person
One piece of chicken per person
½ cup of rice per person
3 cups of broth chicken or vegetable broth for every cup of rice (check package)
¼ tsp of saffron
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup red, orange, or yellow pepper
½ tsp of cayenne if you want more spice

Brown sausage and set it aside. Drain sausage grease to ½ tsp and sear chicken.

Heat the olive oil in a separate pan over medium high heat. Add the onion and red pepper to the oil and cook until the onion begins to soften. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant or about 5 minutes.

Pour in the rice and let it absorb the oil and become translucent, which is about another 5 minutes. Add sausage and chicken, broth, paprika, saffron and cayenne. Cover and cook per rice’s instructions. In this case it is 25 minutes.

Remove from heat. Taste. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. Stir. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy.

:)

I don’t mean to limit the use of saffron to paella. Countries all over the world enjoy its unique flavor. Here are but a few dishes from over the globe:
Bouillabaisse from France
Risotto from Milan
Some tajine recipes from Morocco employ saffron

knitnana is Having a Contest

If you don't know knitnana you are missing out on some of the most beautiful bags ever. I love mine it is sturdy and holds just what I need because she thought of putting in all these little pockets. I have a whole bunch of them and believe me I intend to buy a bunch more.

Oh, the contest...she would like some input on her next creation. If you participate you get put in a drawing for her new Glady design that holds interchangeable needle sets like Knit Picks, Boyes or Denises. And I for one think it is a super idea and can't wait to have one in my Grand Mera. :)

Beautiful Things

Let me start off by saying I'm sorry this pic is so not showing the beauty of this piece. Dan is just an amazing crafter. I've been reading his blog for a while now and have watched him make lovely crochet, beautiful sea glass jewelry...then he got into art for a while...and now he is doing things with precious metals that are just amazing. I fell in love with this pendant the minute I saw it and had to have it. Seeing it now I realize that I didn't know how resplendent silver could be. Dan coaxes luminosity out of metal that I have never seen before. So if you have a sec you should go check him out...he is amazing! :)

So I realized that the leaf edging just wasn't what I wanted. No matter how many leaves I swatched they never looked right. And believe me, I swatched a lot of leaves. In fact, I was in the middle of one when we were waiting for our food at I-Hop and the Cat in the Hat came to our table. My son gave him a high five. I wished I'd had my camera. Actually, I wish I had brought my mice with me and I could have had a picture of the Cat in the Hat with my little mouse...what a pic that would have been! But if wishes were fishes...then I'd be up to my armpits in tuna.

Needless to say sometimes the simple is better and I have begun casting off the caplet in picot edging. Happy comforting...has never let me down...picot. I'm hoping to get some good knitting time at the LYS tomorrow while my mice are felting. I love that they have a felting machine! So I can work on two things at the same time *yea*.

Goodness knows tomorrow will be the last time I can work on it with Ostra/Easter and the cleaning of Dad's house this weekend. *whew* I'm tired already.

I wish you all a beautiful day and happy crafting.

Ruinwen
:)

Of Mice and Impossible Charting

Winter's Fury. We had more ice than anything else this winter. This was a day that I stayed home with my son and was sick while he played video games all day. Ice in the Norse Runes stands for Isa: Reflection. It is a time of going within and finding all the resources that you already have carved on the tablet of your soul.

I think that I have done this. I have found a balance between family, obligation, hobbies, work and nurturing of self. I have found the voice to say no when it hurts to do so. I have spoken up when I feel walked on and abused. And I have found time to ruminate and renew when it all is too overwhelming.

Of course, my DH is my rock, my son my sunshine and my knitting my saving grace. But knowing what you need is half the battle to getting where you are supposed to be. So as cold and bitter as winter was this year, I learned many lessons that I will use for the rest of my life.

Spring's beauty. Time to think about the seeds I will plant. Spiritually I am asking for patience and compassion. Physically I think I will plant tomatoes since I love them in the summer. Little changes make a big impact when done with a clear intent.

My caplet is at the edge and I wanted to do something special for the bottom edge. So I poured over pattern books until I found the Windblown Leaf border.
So this chart is from Knitting on the Edge and it was the hardest thing I've ever charted. There are so many no-stitches in the pattern that I felt like I had entered a black hole. But after 5 tries and more hours then I'd like to admit, it is ready for testing. Best to put it away for a day or two before attempting the dreaded swatch.

These mice are from Kitty Knits and they have yet to be stuffed or given noses and eyes. This is my first intentional felting project and I really enjoyed making these cute little critters.

So I've been trying to figure out which direction I want to go with this blog. A good friend told me to do whatever I want since it is my blog. I've been only posting when I have knitting...but with my limited time, I don't knit as much as I used to. So please forgive me while I figure this all out.

Anyway, have a super weekend!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Stitch By Stitch

"We cannot tell what may happen to us in the strange medley of life. But we can decide what happens in us -- how we can take it, what we do with it -- and that is what really counts in the end."

-- Joseph Fort Newton

I know that I’ve been distant. Knitting is something I rarely have time to do. Yet once a week I go to the shop and find how comforting it is to me. It really helps to heal my soul. And I’m not complaining in any way shape or form. This just is how it is right now.

We moved Mom up to Assisted Living right by my house in January. I wish to say that it’s been smooth sailing but everything seemed to go wrong the first month and Mom, bless her heart, did the best she could with all of it. I’ve been so proud of her!

This weekend we were able to take her out and about our little town in her new wheelchair and she really had a good time. It was such a blessing to see her really smile and laugh and enjoy herself.

Every other weekend DH, sis and I are cleaning at the house in hopes of getting it ready for market so Dad can join Mom. Baby steps…one room at a time it is getting cleaner. Like the stitches on my new caplet pictured above. Stitch by stitch, row by row it is getting longer.

I’ve already changed the pattern by using a crochet cast on. The pattern said when you finish the shoulder part go back and pick up 98 stitches. There was no way that was happening. Also by doing it this way I can spit join back onto the cast on end and pick up as if I never left.

I really enjoy the richness of color in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky in Redwood Forest Hand-Dyed. It is such a joy to work with. Oh, I also changed the side increases to knit front and back instead of make 1. I like the raglan look to it. And I plan to edge in picot to boot.



Here is a pic of Obsidian and Widdershins together. My sweet purry furries…recharging their batteries in the sun.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

1 Pair of Mitts and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Stressless Mitts

By Ruinwen
Here is a cute little last-minute knit that makes up easily in a day. This mitt employs a K4, P1 ribbing in the body to ensure a snug but comfortable fit.

Materials
5 double-pointed needles to gauge
Cascade 220
A scrap of waste yarn
Stitch marker

Gauge
4 stitches per inch – size eight needles
Pattern
Using the long-tail method, cast on 10 stitches on each needle.

Join and knit with working yarn and tail to secure for the first two stitches of K2, P2 rib. Put a marker after the second stitch to signify the first needle. Work in ribbing for 10 rounds.

Switch over to K4, P1 ribbing for 11 rounds.

In the next round, we want to make room for the thumb by using waste yarn to knit stitches that we will later remove. This yarn should be approximately the same thickness that you are already using but a different color that will make the stitches easy to pick out later.

Knit 6 stitches with waste yarn on 1st needle and remove marker for the waste yarn will now mark the first needle. Slide these stitches from working needle back to left-hand needle. 1st needle should now have 10 stitches again but the first six will be in a different yarn.

Knit 6 more rounds in K4, P1 rib.

Change to K2, P2 ribbing for 10 rounds. Bind off all stitches.

Now go back to the waste yarn stitches and place the bottom and top rows of the stitches that are being held by it on two separate needles. Take out waste yarn carefully. You should have six stitches on both needles.

Join new yarn knit 4 stitches from 1st needle. Take a new needle and knit remaining two stitches from 1st needle and pick up 2 side stitches. Knit 4 stitches from the top needle. Take a new needle and knit the remaining 2 stitches on the top needle and pick up two side stitches. You should have four needles each with four stitches on them.

Knit 6 rounds. Bind off. Weave in ends.

Now, make a second one. :)

Stressless Mitts 2007 Ruinwen. All Rights Reserved, Knittin’ Chicks and vixenpath.blogspot.com

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Anyway, the whole mitt thing started when I was trying to make a pair for a guy I work with and I didn't like the way they fitted. So I added a rib to the body and now they fit him. These were for me but well...they are living at the shop and I will have to make myself another pair later.

As with any holiday season, things have been crazy. Last year my folks were in and out of hospitals and nursing homes and this year we are moving them into Assisted Living. I am trying to be the most loving, understanding, helpful being I can be. I can't even begin to understand how hard it is to pack up and leave the house you've called home for 40+ years and move into an apartment. But I'm doing everything I can to make things easier for them.

I really think as hard as this is that it for the best. And if there is a silver lining to all of this...they will only be five minutes away because they agreed to move to my town. So I can pop over after work and on weekends and it will be really nice.

I'm behind in most everything but that is okay because I always am. I believe in the message of the season and I'm taking time to let the light be reborn deep within me. All things considered, I am very blessed.

If I can't get back to posting before Yule/Soltice/Christmas/Kwanza...please have a wonderful, fun, safe, and happy season and a *big hug* from me.

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

Yule Sweater #1

This sweater is for my niece and it is a very enjoyable knit. The yarn is Patagonia Nature. I'm normally not a fan of fat/thin yarns but I love this one. And boy is it soft!

I was running out of pink and my LYS just happened to have two balls of purple (her second favorite color) in stock. So I thought the pink looks like stripes anyway why not add some purple? I think it is turning out great. If I have some time this weekend I hope to get a huge chunk of it done. It would be nice to finish before Thanksgiving so I can start on Yule sweater #2.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Stupid is as Stupid Does

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm
not sure about the former." -Albert Einstein

Here is a picture of my shawl I made for fall and never got to wear. It lives at the shop where the owner was nice enough to block it and bring out the loveliness of the yarn. I really enjoyed this knit. It was made with Ironstone yarns and was an exercise in increasing and decreasing in a lace pattern.

So I get the stupid award today for booking a full day of work on a day we have off. Since I booked it then I needed to be here for dispatch...so I lost one of the eight days I get a year because I was neglectful of the schedule. :(

I wanted to thank everyone that sent good thoughts and prayers to my family. I wanted to also thank everyone who said they would come and knit, crochet or sew at Starbucks. I only wish we lived closer.

I'm working on a top-down sweater now and having a lot of fun with it. This is one of the three sweaters that I am making for Yule. I think I will be done with it at the end of the week since it has been such an easy, enjoyable knit. I will post it when I'm done.

Have a wonderful day!

Ruinwen
:)

Ear Flap Hat c'est Fini!

I just love this hat! It fits me perfectly...though it really is too big for my son. He wants one of his own now too. I really enjoyed this knit. His will make up even quicker than this one.

Now I know that my snowflakes came out a bit wonky...but it is the thought that counts right? And one goal down! ...now if I can just find someone to knit with me at Starbucks...

Mom says a big "thank you" to all those in blog land sending her good thoughts. Also, thank you for your words of encouragement, you all are the best. :)

Have a super weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

The Hat That Woke Me Up

A person asked Buddha:
“Are you a God?”
Buddha’s reply was
“No.”
“Are you an Angel?”
“No.”
“Then what are you?”
“I am Awake.”
-- Unknown Source

I try to be an aware person. I listen to my body and try to give it what it needs to keep going. My soul craves the simplest of things: family, friends (including furry ones), Pokemon or gaming in general, knitting and coffee.

Right now I’m a little addled by things beyond my control so I dug up my hat. I started a hat a while back and never really got very far. I made one ear flap and saw that I would have to join it in and freaked out. Why? I don’t know. But into the bag for later it went, and I’m just digging it out a year later.

Last night I made the other flap and joined the whole thing in the round. It was on the needle, flaps and all in less time then it took for my son to dawdle about getting into a bath. There was no fear it was all so simple and fun to do. I’m working in Knit Picks Swish Superwash which is 100% Superwash merino wool in dark navy and deep ocean and I’m loving every stitch of it.

This hat is just the thing I needed to get me back on track while everything around me goes out of my control. I don’t even care that I’m going to have to go back and mend a hole at the join. It is all part of the process. And it shows that I’ve grown as a knitter…I hope as a person. I believe that the two are intertwined…like each stitch of this hat.

I think I’ll decorate it with some contrasting embroidered snowflakes for Bridget my Patron Goddess. Something simplistic…like a cup of miso soup on a cold day. A little bit of whimsy that lets my child-within out to play…with no rules in sight. A simple balm for my soul…

If I could beg a favor of you, please keep my family in your thoughts…they all are going through a rough time right now and this is really all I can do to help them. Thank you.

Have a lovely weekend,

Ruinwen, who hopes to have a finished hat by the end of the weekend...
:)

Always at the Very Last Minute

“It is while trying to get everything straight in my head that I get confused.”

-- Mary Virginia Micka

I love my little squat white pumpkin. I thought it very ghost-like for All Hallow's Eve.

I took Samhain off this year to get my life in order and feel like I have a little bit of control again. And it worked. I have found my center even if I am still a day late and a dollar short with everything it doesn't change who I am...and I will always be a gal who does everything important last minute and by the seat of her pants... it's in my genes...imbedded in the very fabric of my DNA.

Speaking of fabric...I just finished a shawl that I really enjoyed making and totally never got a shot of before it went to live at the LYS. So I have been knitting. This month I am not starting any new projects. I need to complete a few of these WIP's...like the hat I was designing in the spring. It has gotten cold enough here that I wish I had a hat. And I could wax forever about why I waited until the last minute to work on it...but you see its who I am.

Ah well, I hope to have something nice to show you after I finish the blanket from hell. I hate that some designers don't check their work...it drives me from here to next Tuesday when a pattern is wrong. So DH and I sat at Mc Donalds and charted this blanket after I ripped it out. Mc Donalds is one of my favorite places to figure out patterns 'cuz my son can happily play while DH helps me from going insane.

So said blanket has been ripped, recast and two repeats have been successfully done from my new chart. The LYS owner is happy with my results thus far but truly I'm just not feeling it.

So since I don't do so well with goals that are high in number I will pick three:
1. Finish this blanket so I can work on another WIP
2. Go to Starbucks and knit by their roaring fire while drinking something yummy
3. At least find my hat and pattern and see where the heck I am

So, until next time...happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

Fun on the Hay Slide

October really was fun even though it went so quickly and DH was sick for most of it. My sweet son was supposed to go to the pumpkin patch with his daycare but it was rained out...twice! So we took him and he had a blast. The corn maze was enough to do me in...next time I'm bringing some food, a compass, and a map. lol We got an awesome pumpkin pie fresh out of the oven...oh it was so good! And we bought some yummy pumpkin bread too. All in all, it was a nice day, the rain held out and my son had a lovely trip. Later on, they tried for a third trip at daycare and he did go again...bringing me a lovely pumpkin...

I've made pumpkin pasta which was really good and heated up really nicely with a bit of cream to reliquify everything. We made pumpkin bread that really is more like bread pudding or pumpkin pie without a crust. I had so much pumpkin left over I put it all in there...but it came out delish. I still have to make an actual pumpkin pie. I need to find some new things to do with pumpkin. lol :)

Fair Socks & Scrubbies

Here are my socks in all their glory. One nice lady told me if it was October she would have bought some socks. "Hello" it is October...oh well. My sister's wonderful scrubbies that play on our family heirloom pattern are the best. I love, love, love mine! :)

Our Booth For Fall Fest

So catching up on October...here is our booth at Fall Fest. There was no one behind us which allowed for a wonderful breeze. Unfortunately, the day was in the high 90's. I got heatstroke and was absolutely miserable. On the upside, we had fun and sold enough to make back the tent, food and a little profit. :)

MEME meme MEME

Okay I've been totally AWOL and you would laugh if I told you why...but in any case I've been having a lot of fun.

So since I have three people that I promised to do their Memes...here they are for your enjoyment. :)

First from the sweet Bianca...7 funny/different truths about me.

1. Coffee is my elixir of sanity...I worship at Starbucks as often as I can.
2. I raise Pokemon on my DS and happily trade them all over the world for fun.
3. I love merino...just holding it will make me smile.
4. I am addicted to Christine Feehan books.
5. I love Halloween...and wish I could dress up every day.
6. I have spent many hours trying to find the perfect pangalastic gargle blaster.
7. One day I want to be the fastest crocheter in the world.

From the wonderful Kimberly I have 8 random things. Of course the above stuff was pretty random but I'll try to think up some more since I've been so remiss.

1. I like petting baby sharks.
2. My favorite Pokemon is a tie between pikachu and bulbasaur.
3. I need to hear the ocean once a year or I go insane. *too late you say?*
4. I will knit anywhere.
5. While orchids are my favorite flower I adore purple pansies.
6. I take spiders and small critters outside instead of killing them.
7. I adore pumpkin spice in almost anything. *mmm coffee*
8. I believe in ghosts.

And I know that you are sick of me by now but I promised the delightful designer Edna so here are another 8 things.

1. My favorite mixed drink is a lava flow.
2. My favorite place is Hawaii.
3. I love luna moths.
4. I adore those little pill bugs that plauge everyone's garden.
5. The hardest thing I ever knit was a penguin...the easiest a blanket for a power ranger.
6. I think the Wii is the neatest game system ever.
7. My house is on a ley line.
8. I could get lost in a paper bag.

So there a bunch of facts that maybe you didn't know...maybe you didn't want to know. ;) But at least I kept my promises to 3 wonderful crafty mavens!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Soft's Sweater

Soft is my son's stuffed dog. He wanted me to make him a sweater. So here is the Fair Isle on the back.

It was a fun little knit.

Hope everyone is having a nice weekend.

Ruinwen
:)

Bridget's Clapotis C'est Fini

Isn't she beautiful?

allthingsheather has the most beautiful color sense. She dyed this just for me. Don't you think she really expresses the sky during a snowstorm perfectly? I am so in love with this yarn! I have enough to make something else...maybe a pair of cabled socks?

I love this pattern so much I'll probably make a few more next year. Right now it is back to socks since Fair is next weekend and I have two pairs left to make.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

I'm So Blessed!

Christine sent me an amazing package!

Wow, I'm dazzled by all the goodies! First off there is the cute mailing label which states, "Chicks with sticks rule!" It is decorated with adorable little stickers.

Inside is such wondrous stuff that I just want to go and play with it all. There is roving in purple and green which, I just love together! It is so yummy I can't wait to spin it! *although I'm not as talented as Christine* This is plain to see by her lovely green handspun she sent! *I think I recognize Tonks!* You're plying is so beautiful I can't wait to knit with it.

Then she made me a rejuva-skin body mist which contains; glycerin, witch hazel, lavender, and peppermint and smells divine! You know me so well!

Another great gift; a double point needle caddy. How did you know? :)

There is a book Knitticisms...And Other Purls of Wisdom which I just can't wait to read.

And Finally the sweetest card...thanks Christine you really made my day.

I've been a little bummed since they stole my credit card number...but this really turned my whole week around...thank you! Oh, and my son said, "Tell the nice lady I love her stickers! Is it okay if I share them?"

Oh, Christine thank you for such a lovely package...you are such a wonderful friend and I hope one day we can meet in person!

Bright blessings,

Ruinwen
:)

My 200th Post

I know I’ve been quiet. I hope to have some pictures later on in the week because I have been working on a few things and even finished a few.

I want to thank everyone for their outpouring of good thoughts, vibes, and prayers for my DH. His operation was a success and they removed a quarter-size piece of bone that was floating about two inches above his knee. Even the Doctor was quite surprised by the magnitude of it. Even though he had bigger incisions this time we believe the previous PT let him heal faster and he is already driving short distances.

I’ve been plugging away on my socks and ripped out the blanket that was hurting my hands and restarted it with single strands. I think it looks fine and less like a mat now.

The last two weekends I had all-day sock seminars and we really had a lot of fun. Except that it is hard to enjoy yourself when your town is hurting the way ours is. There was a fire that wiped out seven businesses and five families on September 4th. No one was hurt but everything was destroyed. Main Street has been closed due to the fact that the one standing building that they are taking down today, might fall at any minute.

I’ve been trying to help where I can and most of the time that is just to listen to people who need to grieve…I’ve gotten involved in fundraisers…and counted all my blessings over and over. Our little community has banded behind the businesses and families and the love and compassion, not to mention the donations have been so heartwarming.

I love my little town. I love that walking down Main Street I see a dozen people that I know. That I know the shop owners by name and if they see me they wave or stop to talk to me. My heart hurts for the people who lost everything. I ache for the shop owners who walk around just lost and the families grieve over simple things like lost baby pictures.

The whole town is grieving; each in their own way. But through it all life goes on. My son is in 1st grade and I joined the PTA. I think I agreed to a bunch of things that I don’t remember, but that is okay. My sweet sister got a new job and I’m so happy for her!

And wow, it is my 200th post. Thank you all who lurk or read this blog. This last week the importance of community really hit home for me. All of you out there in cyberspace are special and important to me and I am thankful for each and every one of you. Bright blessings to you and yours.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Coming Up For Air

Sorry, it has been so long since my last post...life and all you know. :)

I crocheted this granny square blanket for mindless crafting. I like the way it came out. I mixed the glittery yarn in for a festive touch.

Here is a slip stitch baby blanket I am making. It called for two strands and it really hurts my hands. I tried a single strand version and it still looks as nice. So next time I won't use two strands. It is a fun pattern in which you carry the yarn in the back when you are on the front and in the front when you are on the back. This way the front stays all pretty.

The amazing John was having a sale and I scored some luscious Malabrigo. The pic does it no justice and you can't feel how soft it is either. But it is the most amazing merino I have ever touched and I just can't wait to find something worthy of its amazing texture.

And...of course, there are socks. I want 10 pair for the Fall Fest and here are 3 done and one on the needles. And I started them last week on Monday...so I feel that this is a possible goal.

Well, that's it. DH has to go back in for knee surgery 'cuz they missed something so keep him in your thoughts, please.

Happy crafting everyone,

Ruinwen
:)

More Socks...

Some random silliness. Here are the Snowcat socks with the black light.

So true to my word I made four socks this week. These are made with Sheep Shop Wool and I am in love with them.

I've gotten really fast at making these socks. And I really enjoy the ease of them.

Sheep Shop has some awesome colors. They really know how to dye with really rich hues.

I hope you have a nice weekend!

Ruinwen
:)

Princess of the Sea

Here is Sea Witch modeled by the one it was intended for. It was a perfect fit and the little princess loves it. I'm hoping to write up this pattern sometime soon.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Just Because...

I love thistles...even though they have some rough edges they are so beautiful! A thistle is the symbol I use for my healing center. :)

Fox...Socks...

Sorry, the pic is so dark...but they are cammo of the ice and snow variety. I’ve been working on finalizing this scaredy sock class and I’m finally done. I made two socks in two days and I think that I could make these with my eyes closed now.

We are selling socks for Fall Fest to go with our save the Earth theme. ‘Cuz putting on a pair of socks can save a lot of energy instead of raising your thermostat. I’m making myself a pair in Sheep Shop wool and should be done on Thursday night.

I’m hoping this class will encourage some people who are currently intimidated by double points.

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Oh and the title...a Vixen is a female fox...get it... :)

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag!

I first saw this Market Bag here at knitorious and fell in love.

I started one the next day and by Friday night it was done. This bag can really hold a lot more then I imagined!

It didn't even take two balls of Sierra Quatro so I have enough to make another one. My DH wants me to come up with a pattern of my own that we can sell after reading this news article . I'm going to keep on in each of our cars so that when the need arises we have a bag and don't have to use plastic ones from the store.



As you can see I, like so many others, have my Harry Potter book. I will not be saying a word...I hate people who spoil it for others...but I did want you to see how big this bag really is. And it is strong too 'cuz this tome is mighty heavy!

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Miss Ewe so Far

Here is her entire upper side. I am working on her face now and hope to have it done by the weekend...but I fear that my late-night Harry Potter viewing will prevent much more work getting done...

I'm so excited. The tickets are in my purse...the book is coming to me on the 21st...I wanted to go in costume...but I never got my scarf done *surprise...surprise*

So...if you get a chance give knitnana a shout 'cuz her birthday is tomorrow...she makes the most awesome knitting bags you have ever seen. I love mine...all four of them! :)

Happy crafting!

Ruinwen
:)

And the Winner is....

I can't pull the wool over your eyes...it is the fabulous Miss Ewe!

Thanks for your support. I know everyone says it all the time, but you guys are the best. I can always count on you to cheer me up and to stop me when I'm being too hard on myself. Some days I don't know what I'd do without you....really. :)

So the camera died or I would show you the top of Miss Ewe which, is complete. This is a pattern from the same book as the Pablo the Penguin and I'm having just as much trouble...but I will persevere because EWE have spoken!

All puns aside...you guys really do rock!

Hopefully, I'll have some pics tomorrow...

Stay cool and craft happy,

Ruinwen
:)

WIP (Why I Procrastinate)

“Don't water your weeds.”

-- Harvey Mackay

Although I believe a weed is a plant who is a victim of prejudice, I also see the folly of giving all your nourishment to life’s weeds and not watering the metaphorical plants that have sprouted from my Ostra seeds.

It is hard not to look at one’s to-do list without shuddering over all the things still left undone. Yet it is the moving forward in goals and such that allow us to grow as a person.

Finding the balance between making time for the things that need to be done and not fainting from my own expectations seems to plague me lately. I feel tired before I begin and yet I keep trying to get it all done.

But what else can one do? I guess after looking at my life I’ve realized that I tend to “water my weeds” way too much. When I originally posted the goals that I wanted to meet it was so I could be accountable but I’ve realized that it only drives me slowly insane not meeting them all.

It is not due to laziness that I don’t meet my goals it is due to the very nature of life itself. Suddenly a baby blankets needs to be completed for a new member of the family or a terrible tragedy brings about the need for charity items. A turn of events at the LYS makes way for having to get in projects before a deadline that previously did not exist on my list of goals.

I find my self pulled suddenly in so many directions and my list suffers. So what can I do? I feel without goals my life will be void of direction and I will find my projects languishing somewhere between a WIP and an FO for so much longer than necessary.

Is choosing one goal a way to cop out of my responsibilities? Because to me, it seems the safe option. Pick a WIP to work on for the month and let it be the filler project that I work on instead of starting something new when one of my “other” projects are completed. And it will remain my goal until it is complete.

So this is where I ask your help Dear Readers to decide what WIP I should focus on. Please and thank you. :)



I will leave this poll up until Sunday and whatever WIP has the most votes will not leave my side for the duration of the month.

I hope you all have a safe and Happy 4th of July.

Ruinwen
:)