Knitting Memories part 1

Knitting has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. When I was in 5th grade, I remember taking the bus downtown with my friend Valerie. Her mom worked at an upscaled women's clothing store so 1st we would go to see her. Then we would cross Genesee Street to go to the Knit Nook to learn how to knit. Of course by then I had all ready be doing garter stitch "scarfs" but wanted to learn more. Our first project was a pair of super soft and cuddly slippers. They were light blue and I was in awe at how the lady used this winder to make the yarn into a ball. At 10, one can be amazed by such simple things. Although the original slippers are long gone, those Saturdays almost fifty years ago will forever be in my memory bank.

SLIPPER SOCKS Instructions are for Child’s Size with changes for Women's & Men's in parentheses.

Size 9 (10.5 for men) knitting needles and 3 oz of worsted weight yarn.

1 strand Gauge: 4 sts= 1 inch 8 rows--4 ridges= 1 inch 2 strand gauge: 3.5 sts= 1 inch 7 rows= 1 inch

Slippers can be worked in single or double strand. My first pair were double strand and very warm.

Cast on 27 (29-35) sts

ROW 1: - wrong side - K9 (9-11), p1, k7 (9-11), p1, k9, (9-11).

ROW 2: K all sts.

Repeat these 2 rows for 5 (6-8) ins., or 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. less than desired finished length allowing the 2 (2 1/2-2 1/2) ins. for toe, end on wrong side.

TOE: ROW 1: P 1, *k1, p1; repeat from * to end.

ROW 2: K1, *p1, k1; repeat from * to end.

Repeat these 2 rows of ribbing for 1 1/2 (2-2) ins., end on wrong side.

First DEC. ROW: Work ribbing for 7 (7-9) sts, * slip, k and psso, k1, k2 tog. *, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, repeat between *'s once, finish row in ribbing; 23 (25-31) sts.

NEXT ROW: Work 7 (7-9) sts ribbing, p3, work 3 (5-7) sts ribbing, p3, finish row.

2nd DEC ROW: Work 6 (6-8) sts, * k2 tog., k1, slip, k and psso *, work 1 (3-5) sts, repeat between *'s once, finish row; 19 (21-27) sts.

Break yarn leaving an end about 12" long. Thread yarn tail onto yarn needle, and remove the remaining sts from the knitting needle, pull tightly to close. Repeat pulling tail through all sts twice.

Finishing -- Fold cast on edge in half and sew 3 (4, 5) ins. from toes leaving just enough room for heel. Then back stitch for 4 sts and cut yarn. Attach your yarn and sewing needle at heels then stitch heel shut. Make another

Weekend with Tyler

....starts out with a bowl of popcorn. A wicked tradition in our family. Aunt Deba likes to start our her Saturday with some. Before the days of microwave pop with all kinds of flavoring was that white hull less corn dripping with real butter and salt.

Playing in the cupboards is particularly fun. First we take out all the bottles and then we climb in and close the

door.

I still remember Saturday mornings. My mom would go shopping at Loblaws and we would "help" put the groceries away. Of course, that usually meant unloading the special drawer my father has built into the bottom cupboard and re-organinzing what was already there.

Janet and I would line all the can goods out and sort them by category before putting them away. Gosh, my mom was such a patient women. Our kitchen was not that big but here was a dog, a cat, 2 kids, a floor full of can goods and a smiling mom.

Pencils, Pens, Markers... usually one or two in each hand. but somehow these found there way to the kitchen floor. I get them latter because Tyler is off on another adventure.

Ending a busy day by getting ALL that was in that bowl.

Slouch Hat in Cranberry

Just about finished with my first attempt. I tend to make several items from one pattern until I get tired of it. This one knit up beautifully but it's a little short so the next one will be ..... a little longer. Kati likes it anyway.

Knitting

To get me through the day at work I think about that cup of coffee waiting for me at home and then the basket of yarn and needles beside my chair. My latest creations - slouch hats. Made a cranberry one for Kate, a light tan one in alpaca and a really nice brown alpaca one that is a keeper. Now I am thinking about changing the pattern for the body of the hat. I love to make hats mostly because they are quick and I can complete one in a short time. In fact, I don't usually wear a hat but this style works really well, stays on my head and doesn't give me a head ache. Weird I know but my mom would say the same thing. I think it's our big heads.

I found that the leftover yarn from socks make great baby, doll and kids hats plus the variegated yarn looks cool. Hopefully when I get enough made I'll get them up on etsy and ecrater. I'm horrid at taking the photos and getting them off the camera and onto the computer.

When I came across this while surfing knitting patterns I could not resist downloading. If you know me at all you know that I am "out there radical" when it comes to babies. This is my Tyler to a tee.

The weekend is here and I get him all to myself tonight. yea.

Snow Day

Even though Saturday was a bit chilly it didn't stop Tyler and his parents from going to the town park for some fun. I glad Bob and Kati like to go sledding because this gran doesn't do cold. Now if God would only make snow that didn't melt in the heat.

Libby and Tyler

Went to feed Libby this morning and asked Tyler to help. Even though we are down from 5 dogs to 3, lab feeding time can be hectic. I filled Libby's bowl and told Tyler to "Go Feed Libby". Libby didn't give him a chance she chowed right in. He kept walking to the kitchen and she kept right on eating.

After dinner giggles

I never knew having a grandson living in my house could be so much fun. He is always quick to entertain us whether it is playing his "guitar" or playing peek a boo with his bib. Tyler is such a happy child who can really show his dislike for going to bed at night. His crying last about 30 seconds and then down he goes and sleep reigns.

Kentucky traveling

Last summer we had the pleasure of driving from Louisville to western Indiana. It was a fun and relaxing time for Doug and myself.

Just to prove we drove on the "Autobahn" sort of!!!

I never go anywhere with my knitting. Made 12 dishcloths on this trip
My favorite lunch from Taco Bell - Chicken Quesadilla>
How we started each morning. A Tom Horton's bagel, egg and cheese (cause they don't have enough Dunkin Donuts) and a crossword puzzle.

Tonight I got out the train set and what a fun time we had playing with the......silo. Not the people or the trees and animals but the two piece silo.