Ceme Knits

I'm knitting ...

2010-12-12T12:52:00.003-05:00

I finished gran's BFF (Ms. Shirley's) shawl before Thanksgiving, but didn't block Rose Garden ...

not bad. And I made a few scarves for the holiday, a few necklaces ... check it out at http://cemesdesigns.blogspot.com/.

Happy knitting!

To start anew or finish up ...

2010-10-28T17:34:00.000-04:00

I have a few unfinished projects on the needles; ok, more than a few, but I don't love them anymore. I saw this something wicked by Karen Miller and OMG, OMG, OMG ...

Can't I start it ...

Teaching at Loop

2010-10-03T22:51:00.000-04:00

My favorite knit shop is Loop at 19th & South in Philly. I love the people, the yarn, and the shop itself. Craig's the owner and my neighbor and his shop is so bright and friendly. The ladies make you feel welcome. Come on in, can I help you, sit, knit, chat.

Recently Craig put a call out for knitters/crocheters to teach. I jumped on it. I love lace and want to share with everyone. I also love knitting cowls, entrelac and fair isle. Craig asked for samples, so I went home and started working on an entrelac cowl. I took two skeins of Noro Silk Garden (a dream to work with) a pair of size US 8 needles and a pot of tea - sat down with Craig's own Herringbone Neckwarmer pattern and Laura Spaldin's Entrelac Scarf pattern and set about to create the Buttoned Down Entrelac Cowl. I took the cowl to Loop buttonless because I tend to stick to earthy, comfortable tones and I love wood buttons on cream, and since I didn't want to part with my favorite buttons (and Craig might've wanted something more colorful) I kept my buttons for me, but here's what I cam up with:

11 button holes if you love buttons like I do, but you can use as many buttons as you want.

This cowl may be placed on the Fall schedule, check with Loop. For a copy of pattern contact Loop directly. Maybe I'll see you in class.

Happy Knitting!

Ceme

Ida's Gail ...

2010-09-27T16:18:00.000-04:00

Its been ages since I've blogged, but I was knitting the entire time, I swear. As a matter of fact, I finished maybe 10 projects since Dawn, and the one that's worth blogging about ... Ida's birthday shawl ...

Gran won't let me take a picture of her (she hates pictures), but she almost teared up when she saw her birthday shawl and the best thing of it all - I was able to surprise her! Yup, I got together her best girlfriends (Ms. Ellen - who happened to bring her own tea bags oh mi - they went to elementry school together; Ms. Shirley (they travel the globe together); Ms. Irene (they're churchmates and go back decades); Ms. Mamie (they share grandchildren); Ms. Gertrude; my bff Mary; and my brother - who chauffeured them in his great big ole Lincoln Towncar), a table at the Rittenhouse Hotel (her favorite tea spot), and a Tiffany's birthday cake for Gran's birthday tea. After everyone arrived and because I can't stand to see a box unopened, I sprung this soft lacy shawl on her - and when she saw it she said "its beige my favorite color" - I knew I had got her.

Gail wasn't an easy pattern to knit up, Raveler's can read all about it on my Ravelry page Ceme.

Happy Knitting!!!

Dawn, Meme and so much more

2009-11-11T13:33:00.013-05:00

Right side fini - measures 25 x 42 to center seam (stretched, not blocked). I'm getting ready to start the left side orange 2 and I'm going to run out of yarn, so I off to Loop tonight.
Yes, the mullberry pops!

If a Raveler, check out my friend Allison's Dawn - the colors are gorgeous. And like Allison, I'm so not looking forward to the i-cord edging. I'm still suffering from pi-shawl edging, what's a girl to do ... do you think Grace would be terribly upset if I found another edging? It feels like its gonna take me four-ever (in monhts). Ok, ok - I'm gonna just do it!

I've been putzin around doing other projects too, here's my - I'm so lovin these colors.
Mermaid Gloves by Stephanie Degen

And I'm still working on Cheryl Oberle's Sampler shawl so what its been zzz for years, come on peops there's 400+ stitches on the needles and we have to purl back - URGGGGGGGG - its moving slowly, very very slowly.

Happy Knitting from me and the Memester!

Dawn

2009-11-06T10:12:00.015-05:00

When I look at this picture I reflect upon Genesis 1

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day ....
14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

I love that picture!

Now I invest in the shawl. The texture and drape call to me

so I being

then step out

and thrive

Life is good, knitting is my passion, and God is awesome! How majestic is His name, indeed.

Happy knitting!

The Fine Line by Grace Anna Farrow

2009-11-02T13:55:00.013-05:00

Grace did it! Self-published, knitting Sensei! Or is she more like a Samurai! (Teacher/Fearless Warrior ...) The shawls are gorgeous!

First there was Volt!

then Dawn!

then Smolder!

Then I wished Grace had blocked Shale, but the more I looked at it, the more I loved it the way it was. Then there was Horizon and Dusk. But no matter how many times I flipped the booklet open (which was lots), I knew I was going to make either Dawn or Volt first.

So, I swatched for Dawn (only because I wound the yarn first) and found this awesome picture of the sunrising in Edinburgh, Scotland - stunningly beautiful!

I decided to make shrimp the contrast and mulberry the first color, but when I started the project mulberry was to dark and shrimp washed out. Frogged! Two nights of swatching, I was going mad! I've got to get started. So, I started with shrimp (like original) and used mulberry as contrast. Here's how I re-sketched it from Grace's original sketch.

Doesn't look too bad (of course the center is not in mulberry.

I was a little frightened, so off to Loop I went. Craig, "what do you think?" Was the second thing I asked (the first was to wind my yarn for Volt), and I completely missed Mark sitting there at the table knitting yall! Mark had needles and yarn in his hands - I said, WOW, I honestly had never seen Mark knitting. Craig said, "Grace would be proud." Well, I am seriously hoping he's right. I started feeling a little better. And today, meeting my BFF Mary at lunch, she said "gorgeous, the mulberry POPS," so now the knot in my gut is dissipating - thank you Craig and Mary.

And yes to all of you out there wondering, I put everything else I have on needles on hold! I dropped everything when the book arrived. I love knitting shawls!

Happy Knitting!

Rectangle Shawl by Kim Hamlin

2009-09-25T14:39:00.003-04:00

I'm almost there ... two skeins of Blue Sky Alpaca left to knit up. Why don't I just finish this already? This is it! I vow to get it done. This baby's gonna we worn during the Fall of 2009.

Lady Eleanor - Part 2

2009-09-16T09:55:00.004-04:00

All done! Finished on 9/6.

Still haven't blocked. Absolutely love the colorway. No fringe, extra tiers, 1/2 ball of my 10th skein left.

Kureyon ...

Next up, Silk Garden top down sweater!

Happy Knitting!

Lady Eleanor

2009-08-27T23:14:00.007-04:00

Started July 24, 2009, I'm now almost done. I'll have two skeins left. To fringe or not to fringe? Maybe I should go over the required tier count, because I'm a plus size woman ... maybe just a few extra tiers and no fringe? This was such an easy knit. I don't know why I kept putting it off. And, I learned something new = knitting backward (purl). I'm a pro at knitting backward now. I never have to purl again (because I always purled back tight). Well I shouldn't say "never" ...

Happy Knitting from me and the Memester.

One Down, One To Go

2009-07-30T00:10:00.004-04:00

Ok, one mitt done, one to go ... I will say, it looks good. I left the seam out, because I like a tighter fitted glove. I also used HiyaHiya #2 and 0 for the rib.

I have to confess, I didn't just work on this, I started my Lady Eleanor in Noro Kureyon #149 Friday night and worked through the weekend. Just Tuesday night did I finish Endpaper #1 mitt. Here's my Lady Eleanor Stole ...
looks pretty good. I'm knitting on some big needles for me, #10.5, that's right me - OMG!

Ok, happy knitting!

Fair Isle

2009-07-20T00:27:00.024-04:00

My inspiration - Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang Nine years of knitting and I fell madly in love with lace. I tried, socks - Doublepoints. Gloves, OMG 10 fingers of, need I say it, Doublepoints! Bags, I went through a spell - sold 40 Felted Bag. Sweaters - I've got a few. Hats - I've got more than a few. Scarves - whose counting .... Shawls, I have 40+ .... I tried Fair Isle and Intarsia, did pretty well in class. Arans, Cables - I'm ok. Top down sweaters, 2. Why can't I do Fair Isle? Floats way toooooooooooooooo tight. Well, I'm in love now and love makes us MAN UP! Finally, I'm plucking up the balls - I'm gonna make these mitts.

Last Sunday I played with the ribbing on my new HiyaHiya needles. Monday, I'm Fair Isling yall ... I ripped ... Time to practice Endpaper ... Tuesday, I did like the Endpaper Ribbing, but oh well, I'm not crazy about mine. Wednesday, I like Fair Isle! I love HiyaHiya! My floats look pretty! I like ... Thursday, time to start Endpaper in my desired colors, charcoal blue and light blue ... Stevie Wonder couldn't sing it louder, Isn't She Lovely, isn't she wonderful ... Friday, Saturday and Sunday I started the thumb gusset, but True Blood is on ... Lovely!

Happy Knitting! Oh, Meme wants to say something ... Goodnight!

HiyaHiya Eunny Jang

2009-07-12T23:58:00.007-04:00

I've always loved color work, fingerless gloves and lace, but I've only mastered one, not anymore, I'm about to become a color work, fingerless glove samari. Hiya!

That's right folks, feast your eyes on my newest necessity 9"s of stainless steel circular knitting needles. Lovely! Craig, Loop! Hurry up becuase I'm going back for a second set of these babies. Hey, I've gotta work the pair together.

The reason for this new necessity ... Eunny Jang's Endpaper Mitts. When I saw this one knit up for the shop, I felt the pull to knit in my bones. I went home and swatched on doublepoints, but I wasn't feeling it! I have no love for the doublepoints. But this mitt is weighing heavy on my brain. I found the perfect combo too - grayish blue and light blue - to go with my charcoal grey winter coat. Lovely!

Saturday, July 11. I had things to do, and kept telling myself to get to Loop and get a 40" US 2 needle to make the mitts. No, that cable gets on my nerves more than doublepoints. I played and played with my yarn, I was working well, but what happened, I pulled out the wrong needle and lost an entire side of work - AARRRGGGGGGGGG I put down the mitts and played with my stole. To hell with it!

You can't stop the brain from working ...

Sunday, July 12. I am going to Loop to get the 40", these mitts are taking up every extra portion of my brain. I am miserable! I set off ... I got there and my knitting mom was in the shop - Martha taught me to knit oh my in 2000. Hi mom! What ya working on? We chatted and I told her I had to take a picture of the store mitt to give me inspiration to get my act together. I took the pictures and was working my way over to the needle rack when mom said, have you seen the HiyaHiya needles? No mom, what's that? HiyaHiya are 9" circular knitting needles for things like mitts and socks. Over to the table I proceeded. Oh my, too cute. What said a stranger. I said, HiyaHiya. She replied, Hiyatoyoutoo! I said, no these HiyaHiya needles. I think I found what I need. I said, its a go! Let do it. I'll take sizes 0, 1 and 2. I'm all set.

I ran home, walked the Memester, made dinner, and while I was waiting for True Blood - I Heart Bill Compton! - I cast on just to get myself familiar with the needles. I'm in love! They take a little time to get used to because they are small, but its well after midnight and I wanna knit. I frogged my swatch and started on my own. Earth tones are my favorites, so I grabbed a multi ball of Koigu, Olive/Cream/Brown and a solid Celery and I'm going to town. I had to blog about it before I forgot. I'm having a blast.

Hiyanight!

Isager

2009-05-20T23:35:00.005-04:00

I love this yarn. Its lace tweed and I think I found the perfect shawl. I was browsing Ravelry and came across Bendis' Icelandic Shawl. And she did her's true to the book.

But I think Cheryl Oberle's Triangle Feather and Fan will look nice in my three color selection.

I originally swatched in the denim, but decided that the sinfully rich chocolate should be the center. The denim is a true denim if anyone is looking for something to go direct with a pair of jeans. And the golden yellow is beautiful too. You can get your fix at Loop. Thanks Craig for finding this yarn.

Happy knitting!!!

Miralda Finished

2009-05-15T22:45:00.007-04:00

Its done and I love it!

Ok, I cast on too tight, like I always do. I used a size 10 needle to cast on, I don't know why ... oh well.

Happy Knitting!

Now I have to figure out what the heck is wrong with my iPod/iTunes music. I can't hear my music while I'm playing on ravelry or blogging.

I think maybe I should trade my Dell Laptop in for a MAC!!

Miralda Shawl Home Stretch ...

2009-05-12T00:15:00.003-04:00

I am loving this shawl!

I love the yarn too! Classic Elite Yarns Silky Alpaca Lace - 2 skeins

Ok, I wasn't crazy about those nupps, but I stood my ground. Granted it slowed me down purling those nupps together, but it was definitely worth it in the end, they look lovely. I have two extra balls of this colorway, maybe I'll trade them in for black or maybe I can swap with someone out there in lace loving land. Any takers?

Happy Knitting!!!!

Holiday knitting list ...

2009-04-22T18:24:00.014-04:00

Each year around May I start on my holiday knitting list. I add some names or cross out some from previous years and start looking for ideas. I have to admit, by November I'm done with holiday knitting. This year I have a newbie to the list.

I still have a job for now (Thank God) and as a token of appreciation and my hard work, I've been assigned a new attorney. YUP, a Senior Associate well on her way to one day (in the next year or two) becoming partner.

Four days after being assigned to her she went on vacation - YIPPEE - Vive La France. She e-mailed me 10x a day, once branding pictures of the Iron tower.

Every day, for 5 wonderful days, I got 20 e-mails with work to be done - did I mention hard working. While I was here, working for my partner and lateral hire, there was a mountain of work to be done for Sr., so I rolled up my sleeves and dove in - the desk was a wreck, her office a maze, her files - where the heck were her files. What was that pile on the floor I nearly skidded across the office on? What was in that mug ... In between the annoying e-mails (if I was with her in Paris I would have thrown her blackberry into the Seine). Here's Musee d'Orsey, evening, viewed from the Seine. I mustered up the strength to clean up, clear out, find, index, purge, re shelf, organize and file, all the while still loving up my partner and lateral. I got Sr.'s old assistant's desk clear, Sr.'s office clean, files organized, books re shelved, etc. by Thursday, 4p. Now if only I could get rid of her blackberry ... . I managed to keep partner appeased, but the lateral must've gotten restless because at one point she tracked me down (oh did I mentioned Sr.'s office is 2 floors away from me ... go figure).

While away, I was wondering about Sr. Should I add her to my holiday gift list of hand mades? All those e-mails, do this, draft that, get, read because I can't see it on my blackberry, e-mail me the contents of this agreement, no that one, go up to my offices and dig through the piles of sugar honey iced tea on my desk and find that agreement and e-mail me the contents ... I was ready to pull her hair out and pick her icy blues off with sharpened paperclips, but Thank you God, I have a job.

Upon returning I was given a trinket box of French chocolates - oh now I feel bad for being annoyed ... but I'm allergic to chocolate, I won't tell yet. I'll keep the box nicely sealed forever. Hey, how was she supposed to know I'm allergic to chocolate - we've only been together for four days. Its not the gift, its the thought, so I will add her to the list of hand knits, but what? I don't think she does shawls, she doesn't look the type. I don't think a hat would do ever, because one snowy cold ass day in January I was on my way to Borders and we exchanged hellos because we recognized each other from the office, no hat, it was freezing out - but I did spy a full length navy blue cashmere coat - LOL! She always in a gray, black or navy blue suit. What to knit ... what to knit ...

So far, there's the ole list of 23 +1 now, not everyone gets hand knits. My baby sis will get a hand knit, my best friend will get a hand knit, my niece and nephew - books.

More unfinished ...

2009-03-13T23:30:00.016-04:00

But first,let me introduce ya'll to my peops: Big bro - Joe - and his youngest - Justin. Justin's 3 and a cutie, so what he needs a haircut, he's adorable! Those big brown eyes just snuggles up to my heart. I have to admit it, I can only take the kiddies in spirts. My lil girl is an old broad named Meme.

OMG, I have way too many projects still on needles. What am I going to do? I also realize I have way too many sets of knitting needles. Oh well. Back to the unfinished buz Misti Alpaca Kimono. Ok I swatched for this puppy with Grace at Rosie's Yarn Cellar, yup you heard me - Grace. Now, she's been gone from Rosie's for about three years now and I had to swatch way before that. Frog time. I'm going to use this for maybe the Box Shawl from Folk Shawls, maybe? Stay tuned.

Now, what in the world is this ...
I remember the yarn, Alpaca I found at Lambs Wool about two years later - I only purchased from Rosie's, Sheep and Wool, and Stitches my first couple years and I spent every Sunday in Rosie's for the first two years of my knitting taking classes - YUP! I think I should have asked to buy stock.

Wow, look what I found - Leda's Dream from Pink Lemon Twist, I actually got it when it was the Mystery Stole. I have the pattern somewhere around here. YUMMMM Zephyr, I have got to get back to this.

Well, I'm exhausted and will blog the rest of the unfinished buz next time. Boy, I had no clue I had all these projects still on needles.

FYI, I now have 419 songs on my iPod which includes podcasts. I'm so excited. I've had my iPod for like 6 years and I'm just learning how to really use it. Amazing! I'm techno slow, but I'm completely hooked on the Knitmoregirls and Under the Tuscan Gun. I think its time I brushed up on my Italian too.

Have a good weekend!

Unfinished Projects ...

2009-03-12T12:06:00.008-04:00

Wow, I didn't realize I had so many. Some have been long since forgotten. Let's see:
First up, BIRCH - Sharon Miller, I started this is brushed alpaca and I did something wrong and threw it in the basket and its lovely, but I can't rip it out because it knots up and oh its soft as ever, but I swear I have to pluck alpaca outta my eyes for days.

Now here's my cabling scarf that I swear I love, but hate the cable needle, that sucker keeps slipping out of order. I forget which row I'm on, blah blah blah the yarn is Lorna's Worsted Weight, I forget the color. Lovely. I was going to do Melissa Leapman's Reversible Cable Scarf, one day I'll pick it back up. Maybe ...

Here's the Rectangle Shawl from Blue Sky Alpaca and the yarn is Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted. I love this yarn. I'm on the 3rd ball. Ok, I keep this one in the bag on the sofa right next to me and pick it up whenever there's a CSI Miami or L&O Criminal Intent marathon on, I love Horatio and Goran.

Now, Lady Eleanor how are you? Noro Sock, loving the brown, green and teal. Pattern is actually boring. I do about two rows and put it back in the bag on the sofa and veg. I get bored. I love seing the color change, but it soon loses its appeal. I hope it blocks bigger than it appears, I used too small a needles and now I'm thinking, should I rip or just have a nice entrelac scarf? Decisions.

Well, enough for today I feel like knitting. Next time more unfinished projects ...

unfinished projects ...

2009-03-12T12:06:00.001-04:00

I've finished some stuff too ...

2009-03-11T14:28:00.006-04:00

1. Commission work. Spider Queen (Hex) from Victorian Lace Today. In Habu Cashmere, 5 balls, size 3 needles. Here she is blocking. This was worth every minute, every second and the forever wait to block. It took me about two months to finally get it blocked. I gave the finished project to its owner with instruction on how to block. She had it for about a month and then gave it back asking me to block. Well, it sat in the bag, wrapped in tissue paper for two months. Then my brother Joe and his lil boy Justin came over and someway, somehow it got pulled and stretched while still in the bag. I got nervous and took it out to find it was snagged in spots. I panicked and blocked. Viola! Perfecto!

2. My co-worker Charmaine asked me to knit a set for her grandson. She was easy to knit for, she picked the colors and said, go for it. This turned out very nice. I was a little nervous because the yarn was thicker than I'm used to (hey, I'm a lace slut remember), so it knit up bigger. Baby Surprise Jacket, booties and hat. In cashmerino, three balls, size 3 needles. I actually got this done in three weeks too. The buttons came from Carlins at 8th & Arch.

3. Jasmine's Jade Ramblin Row and Zimmerman Sweaters (I forget the name of the sweaters pictured, I think it was the June project). Size 3 needles, Koigu solids, multis from Loop, and a bunch of millends from Rosie's Yarn Cellar. I did the blanket first, trimmed everything in the green that I splashed throughout. The remaining yarns finished the sweaters.

Next time, unfinished projects ... way too many, but I don't care I'm gonna blog them all ...

I'm still knitting ...

2009-03-09T12:57:00.006-04:00

I've finished some projects, for real I did. And as always, I have several still on the needles. I'm a needle hog, I have to start as many projects as I can and then when I'm sick of looking at the needles, I get them done.

Here's my koigu pi. The shawl took me 1 month to knit up. That's right, 30 days; however, that dang border took me 9 to 10 months. I stayed up that final night until 4:30 in the morning, determined to get that thing off the needles. And here's my like #8 top down sweater. I have issues loving the sweaters that I knit, maybe because I'm a shawl slut, or maybe because I see how large the sweater is and I'm like - YIKES is that mine!!! I got this yarn, Wings from Rosie's sale bin about 3 years ago. I've cast on and frogged several times, but this time its actually looking like it will be a good looking, 3/4 sleeved mock turtle neck or maybe a cape? Spring is here really, do I need another sweater? Cape? Poncho?

World News ...

2009-03-06T15:33:00.005-05:00

For me and many others in the world today it feels like its been 32 hours in every day ... my jobs talking layoffs! The world is talking layoffs. California, Detroit, Pennsylvania. So many people, no jobs! My heart is breaking.

I'm a legal assistant at a med-sized Center City firm where I've been since 9/11/00. Me and my friends are concerned because hey, times are tough and I keep thinking, I've been working since I was 12, what'll I do with myself. I worked through Jr. and High school, college, only once in my life did I actually quit a job without having something already on the burner - that's a story for another day, I'll probably call that, what the F*&! was I thinking.

Anywho, picture this - My First Job - Al's Deli on 7th & Winton in South Philly. Mr. Al was at least 70 when I was 12, but he kept that store open for what seemed like forever. Oh I still love beef brisket with potato salad on it on pumpernickle bread the way Mr. Al made my sammy. I can smell the fresh cut brisket and bread, just thinking about it. I worked at the Deli part-time after school and summers until I turned 17, then I took a job making lots more money at Dr. Salvatore's Family Medical Practice as, a receptionist on 7th & Snyder. Well, I'll never forget Mr. Al, Mark, Sheeba, Ms. Molly and the Deli.

Back to the story, this particular Saturday afternoon before Easter, around 4:30 I saw a pair of shoes that would change my life forever. I ran home and asked my dad for $7 (that's right, eat your heart out I'm over 40 and shoes did at one point cost $7). My dad shouted, "What do you think I'm made of money?" My heart sank! How dare he, he never told me no. He had the nerve to shout GET A JOB! Well, I hit the door running, straight around the corner (I grew up on 7th & Jackson) and into Mr. Al's Deli shouting I need a JOB! I'll sweep the floors, I'll walk Sheeba (his 100 pound German Sheppard that everyone was afraid of), I'll stock shelves, I need $7 now! He told me to calm down and asked why I needed the money. I told him, I'll work for life for $7 (who knew). I shouted, I have 15 minutes to get back or she'll close and lock my shoes up. He told me to walk Mark to the night box at the bank and then I could have my $7. Well, I shook my head no no no, panting with tears in my eyes, I begged to work for $7, trying to explain I needed the money right that moment. I put my hand over my heart and swore that I'd be back to sweep up and stock the shelves for the "rest of my life" if he gave me the money. He handed me $7 and told Mark to walk me to the store. I ran tugging Mark. I got my shoes! Cream victorian lace up shoe boots to go with my cream Easter Sunday lace dress with matching gloves. I was beautiful, mom put ringlets in my hair and a lacy ribbon! I went back to Mr. Al's and sweep up. I kept my word! Dad always said, my word was my bond and that I had to keep it ...

I had no clue deli's sprinkled sawdust on the floors to make sure nobody slipped. I was sweeping until 6:30 that night and the dust wasn't going anywhere. Mr. Al stopped me, gave me a pint of Half and Half - for my mom, he knew mom loved half and half in her coffee - and had Mark walk me home. I had a grin on my face a mile long that night even if my arms hurt like heck.

Fast forward 3 weeks, my Newfoundland Hound, Sally a 110 pound dog (and I was afraid of Sheeba) ate the tip off one of my shoes (who would have thought), but I got one wear out of em, so I was happy.

Today, I feel like I'm waiting for the bomb to drop. There's a knot in my stomach that won't ease and I think my eyes are gonna pop outta my head.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T15:32:00.016-05:00

My firm setup a television in our Justice Roberts Room and I rushed up at 11:45a. I got there (front row) just in time to see Rick Warren open the ceremony. In December 2008, Barack Obama chose Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. Rick caused tears to well in my eyes. He was direct and honest.

As I sat, I got chills anticipating Biden's swearing in and then our 44th President, Barack Obama. My eyes teared as I sat on the edge of my seat. Joe Biden got sworn in around 11:55 and Katie Couric said, technically at noon Joe Biden becamne the President of the United States of America.

At about 12:09p Barack Obama took the stage (I thank God for my eyesight, Barack Obama is one handsome man), to become the 44th President of the United States of America. Words could not escape our mouths, the room was still. My brain shouted, OMG, I'm witnessing history. I am a part of this historic event. My eyes welled, my heart pounded in my own ear. And his words again united this nation. He did it! Barack Obama's my President! FAITH. He knows struggle, he knows strife, he knows fear, he knows God and the brotha is FINE. George Bush set the bar so low, Barack only has to step over it to succeed. This is one amazing brotha as my nephew put it, Auntie he's Superman for real for real!

To close this joyous ceremony, Reverend Lowerly himself, a real poineer from the Civil Rights movement. His benediction was oozing in wisdom and love. Thank you Reverend Lowerly, you put the feelings we all have into words.

Oh and one more thing, Aretha Franklin - Thank you Father for her voice, she's an amazing singer. And thank you Ms. Franklin for wearing clothes that didn't make you look overflowingly silly. And that hat - GORGEOUS - where did she get it?

Here's to our future.

One day at a time.

Howdy!

2008-06-05T14:21:00.004-04:00

I've been MIA from blogland, what can I say, I've been reading instead of knitting (oops). Its that dang border on my hugmongious pi-shawl out of the lovely koigu - Sugar Honey Iced Tea, I still haven't finished that dang border. I know. I'll get back to it, this summer, sometime. I also have to take pictures of the finished knitted projects, but I can't seem to put these books down.

I just just - last night - finished "Color of Law" by Mark Gimenez. There I was in Borders, browsing and this book just fell off the shelf right into my hands (seriously). I turned it over and instantly had a flash to one of my favorites - To Kill a Mockingbird. Mark you did good. It was fresh, fast-paced, and the hero was named "Atticus" - what a man! That golf club would have done me proud too and the lil girls - one named Barbara Boo and the other, Pajamae (Pa shu may). I haven't read a book in two days in a while, not even a Patterson novel. Thanks for the rush.

Next up in my hands will be Adbuction by who else, Mark Gimenez, then The Perk by Mark Gimenez (when it hits the shelves in July I'm on it). But while waiting for The Perk, I'll have to read Sail by Patterson - I just can't get enough of Patterson. And anything with the word "shark" around, draws my eyes in like a hawk. I'm love the ocean - I blame my dad and Ernest Hemmingway! Somewhere down the line, they got me hooked on the sea and its world of creatures. SHARK!!!!!

Happy Birthday

2008-04-09T12:25:00.003-04:00

April 9, 1933, my grandma Sally and grandpa Robert had a beautiful baby boy. My dad! WFO, Sr., Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday!

Hope you have many many many more!

Have a blessed one!

Ceme

P.S. Meme told me to tell you, why didn't you invite her to the birthday party!

Ravelry

2008-03-07T12:41:00.004-05:00

Ok, I typed an entire blurb for my blog and my computer went blank. Why?????

Well, I'm not completely brain dead, I remember writing, I love Ravelry! And, Knitster Chelle was right: when you fall, you fall hard.

What have I been doing? Working, Ravelry, knitting, Ravelry, reading, Ravelry, cooking (oh I made a dish - ok, I'll tell you about it on Ceme Eats Drinks and Shops later) and watching the Complete Jane Austen on PBS. What can I say, I'm an Austen, Bronte, Shelley, Collins, Brown, Dumas, Shakespearean classic book lovin nut, and if you put it on film, I'm there - ok, I know its a lil over the top, but from the mouth of my great grand mom, "you were here on this earth before for sure because my babe's soul is way old."

Now, back to Ravelry - oh my goodness, I learn something new each day. I learned today how to add my pictures to other groups (I'm a lil slow when it comes to technology, but I'm out there is what counts right - LOL!).

What have I been knitting ...

1) EZ's pi shawl - almost done - I'd say I'm at 90%. In Koigu on size 3's. Pictures to come. I have to take them this weekend.

2) Still got the Sampler Shawl from Folk Shawls on needles, I'm bored with all those dang stitches.

3) I swatched for Princess on size 2's with peach zephyr. I think I need 0's. Oh well, I got ahead of myself.

4) My top down sweater - frog! Classic Elite Wings on size 4's in dark olive. I cast on to tight. (For those who know me, I know, I know - LOL!)

5) Landscape - I have frogged the Lorna's Laces (something didn't look right) and now have Sea Silk. Shawl pic to come.

Well, that's it for now. I have got to go, the lil leprechaun is after me. I leave you with a picture of Meme waving

What's going on?

2007-12-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Courtney and Max! Clyde is just as nice a name as Cecil. But I was kinda partial to Cecil - :o)

Why am I knitting less?
Why don't I feel like playing with my yarn?
Why don't I pick up my needles?
What is wrong with me? Please - NO ANSWERS - :O)
I check my favorite knitting blogs every day, but I'm not inspired.
And by the way - Knitster Chelle need I say it - ;o)
And Lace Maven - please, I'm totally addicted - ;o)

Well, at least I've been somewhat productive.

I finished reading:
Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides
Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin' by Paula Deen and Sherry Suib Cohen
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
You've Been Warned by James Patterson
Third Degree by Greg Iles
Christmas with Paula Deen by Paula Deen

On the table to be read:
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See
The Deen Bros. Cookbook by Jamie Deen, Bobby Deen and Melissa Clark
Invisible Prey by John Sanford
The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

Well, for those of you who haven't reached a stalemate, happy knitting!

Ceme

The complete baby set

2007-11-05T15:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally have all of the pictures from Corey, Jr.'s baby set that I (with the help of Knitster Chelle) knit up real quick this summer. Isn't is adorable! Now, I have to do a pink Baby Surprise jacket (maybe I can convince Knitster Chelle to do the hat and booties) by x-mas ...

Baby Surprise Jacket

Rambling Row blankie

Knitster Chelle Hat and Booties

Ceme

Princess Shawl

2007-11-02T16:33:00.000-04:00

I've placed my ordered - isn't it lovely (drooling)

look ...

Soon!

Ceme

Coffee/Tea Swaps

2007-10-30T14:36:00.001-04:00

Ok, I have good news and not so good news:

First Good, look what I got from Kathy, my Tea Swap partner. Stunning -
I love everything. Thanks Kathy.

Now, the not so good, I haven't heard back from my coffee swap partner with her questionnaire answers. I'm starting to worry because in order for me to get something that I know she'll like, I should at least be able to refer to her q-answers. Oh well, I have until 11/17 to get the package out - hopefully the Coffe Swap will go as nicely as the tea swap.

Ok, if you get a chance, check out Ceme Eats, Drinks and Shops. I've been taking cooking classes (not because I don't know how to cook, but because I want to entertain more and have a broader selection of recipes) at Williams-Sonoma. And see what we did in class ...

Enjoy!

Ceme

TS4 Questionnaire

2007-10-17T14:02:00.000-04:00

Restrictions on type of tea? Only green, black, herbal etc? No restrictions, but I'm not crazy about raspberry tea unless its blended with something else like Earl Grey or something

Loose or bagged? Either

Treat preference? Butter cookies are my norm, but please "no" chocolate

Yarn color preferences? Anything in the browns and green family are to my liking. Actually, I love to try workign with a dark cranberry color.

Sock knitter? No

Any allergies or things you want your pal to know? Chocolate makes me itch, coconut makes me ill, mohair makes my eyes itch

Do you collect anything? Teapots, cup & saucer sets

What are you knitting right now? three shawls, rambling row blanket, top down Ceme Design sweater, my second baby surprise jacket for another co-worker.

Coffee Swap 3

2007-10-08T10:30:00.000-04:00

I almost didn't make it. Coffee or Tea - I like both! Here's my answers to the CS3 questions:

1. Whole bean or ground? Ground
2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Fully Loaded
3. Regular or flavored? Flavored
4. How do you drink your coffee? Creamy with Equal
5. Favorite coffee ever? Blueberry, Hazelnut, Toasted Almond
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? FUSSY
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Butter Cookies or Custard Tarts
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? Please "no" chocolate
9. Yarn/fiber you love? Lace weight - Habu, Alchemy, Misti Alpaca, Zephyr, Jade Sapphire, Helen's Lace, Schaeffer
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Chunky, fuzzy or hairy - oh my
11. What's on your needles? Three shawls - Sampler, Spider, Ceme's Design and a Ceme's Design top down sweater
12. Favorite colors? Greens, browns (cranberry is a color I want to try)
13. Allergies? Mohair drives me nuts. Chocolate makes me itch.
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest?
I really dislike flirt, fur, fuzz or fluff yarns.

Tea Swap 4

2007-10-05T12:28:00.001-04:00

YIPPEEEEE! I had such a great time participating in TS3. I absolutely love this swap. As an an avid teapot, and cup and saucer collector - my teapot collection is well into the double digits, and my cup and saucer sets are, lets just say I have some real beauties - I absolutely adore the delicate beauty of fine china and I sit and knit after selecting the right teapot and it makes me feel like royalty! I remember as a child going to my first tea ceremony with my great-grandparents. And when I went to tea with my teachers Ms. Overtone, Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown, I had a blast (so what my cousin Larry wore a powder blue suit, hey is was 1970 ok - smile). Oh and when my mom would let me and my baby sister have tea with the china my grandmother gave her (that my granny purchased in England), we felt like big girls!

Tea to me is a celebration. I still have tea with my grandmother - every chance we get. I even have my best friend and granny having tea with me and we sit and talk and I pull out my knitting and we have a wonderful time.

Well, now that I've said that, I have to call granny, to make our plans for tea tomorrow! Have a great weekend! Happy knitting!

Ceme

Wow, summer is over already ...

2007-09-07T13:07:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful summer we had here in Philadelphia. Not to hot, not to wet! All in all this was one of our best. Does anyone remember a few years back when we suffered 100+ temps for weeks? HOT! HOT! WAY TO HOT!

Well, I spent the summer nesting. Me and my siblings took a trip down memory lane and WOW wonderfully fond memories. Diving in the pool, running around the tennis courts, basketball, horseback riding, boating .... My big brothers Billy and Joe would escourt me and my baby sister Lanie to the Lakes (a section of Fairmount Park in South Philadelphia) to go boating, play tennis or basketball, horseback riding, and of course, swim (that is everyone except Lanie because she was always afraid of getting wet and she still is - LOL). Every single time we went my parents would arrive later with a big cooler of sandwiches, iced tea or lemonade and these big honeydew melons or cantaloupe. My mom would always say, lets pick a cool spot under a big shady tree and spread the blanket - boy those were good simple times. We'd eat and fall to sleep on the blanket. Good times indeed. And family vacations - oh my goodness, we had a blast. Once we went to AC to see the horse dive from the pier - that was a fond one - crabbing, building sand castles. And we loved it by the lake in Connecticut - visiting my father's family. Or in Houston, with Aunt Betty - oh my goodness, those breakfast buffets Auntie prepared! I miss Houston - my fondest memory was how green everything appeared. I fell in love with Houston, I really think it was the breakfast buffets - waking up to the smell of hot biscuits and bacon - smile! Or driving cross country - dad is a retired truck driver, so he didn't mind long distance driving and boy, how did they manage with four lil children. WOW!

Well, this summer I didn't go to the Lakes - I'm to old for all that activity, but I did do some knitting. Here's pixs of two different versions of Icarus. I have to frog the green Andrea (its too wonky), but I started again in Claudia's Handpainted Silk in the lovely Copper Penny And I started a reversible cable scarf And I managed to find time to got some eye candy

Well, enough about me. Meme is begging to say "Hi!"

She's absolutely adorable, always begging me to take her picture!

Well, I did finish a few things this summer too, but the pixs came out blurry, I'll post them next week.

Enjoy the weekend!

Ceme

Celebrity Gazing

2007-07-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

Ok, picture this ... (can you tell, I'm a big Golden Girls Sophia fan) Sunday in church (St. Patrick's) after the Priest says, "Mass has ended ..." I make my way to the back of the church and before I get to the steps ... there he stood, who you say, Mr. Mark Wahlberg! That's right - Markie Mark all grown up - and ladies he's absolutely, positively, 100% eye candilicious, with gorgeous on top! He's so polite too, which makes him even more yummy to look at! The man is short though ya'll - LOL! Only about 5'6/5'8 at the most. My head comes up just over his shoulders and I'm 5'3 1/2 (YES MARY, I'M 5'3 1/2 - LOL!). Well, Mark was in my way so I politely said, "excuse me" and he said, get this, "my bad, let me get out of your way" - LOL! YUP! Mr. Cutie Cute spoke nothing like a tough guy - LOL! A thick Bostonian accent lets you know he's definitely from the Boston area. Gorgeous, polite, rich, no wonder his girlfriend didn't let go of his arm the entire time - LOL!

I have to say, seeing and laughing with Mark wasn't as exciting as meeting Danny Glover, because I did a full blown tap dance for Mr. Glover - LOL! Picture this, walking through the Reading Terminal, back when Mr. Glover was in town filming Beloved, and standing at the fruit stand, right next to me, was Mr. Glover. I looked over and smiled and it hit me - that's Mister (from the Color Purple). I said, oooooooooooooo and started dancing - LOL! Then I spoke, "dag Danny, youse dusty!" YUP! I called the man DUSTY with a capital "D" to his face. And then I added, "not only are you dusty, but your sneakers are dirty!" Well, he was dusty and his sneakers were dirty, but did I have to go there - LOL!

Well, that too was fun, but not nearly as fun as when I meant "Julia" that's right every young black girl who grew up in the 60's knows of "Julia" and I got to meet her. I stood within arms reach in John Wanamaker's in November 2000 and she even spoke to me ... get this, "nice outfit" and "you can wear a hat" - was what Ms. Diahann Carroll herself said to me. She is the cutest person.

I've meant countless sports people, but I only knew of Dr. J, Darryl Dawkins and Bobby Jones. I didn't know the guy I sat next to at my doctor's office who played for the Flyer's (later to find out, he was Eric Lindros). He was there to see sports doc, Dr. Manpau (however you spell it). The man was very handsome, but I had no clue as to who he was, I guess that's why he sat down next to me - LOL! He felt safe - LOL! All the other women in the doctors office (including personnell) were swarming around us. YUP! They kept asking for autographs for their sons, husbands, boyfriends, fathers, etc. I was like, WOW! And then there's the Eagles. I got to meet Donovan, and I'm not a fan of his at all after our introduction. He's rude!

And last, but not least was my introduction to Dr. Charles Stanley of In Touch Ministries. The man captured my heart with his book, "The Source of My Strength." His blue blue blue eyes speak of great worship and love and respect for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I enjoyed meeting the other celebrities, but I adored meeting Dr. Stanley!

There goes my celebrity gazing post!

Oh and the time I went to the Steeler's game with my big brother all so I could see Franco Harris! Well, I never got to meet Franco, but I sure was horse from calling his name ... GO FRANCO GO! Oh how I loved me some Franco - LOL!

Wishing and a hoping ...

2007-07-17T12:58:00.000-04:00

Check out my wish list. I was blog surfing and stumbled across finished lace shawls from Lace Maven, Lacefreak and Miss Alice Faye and I want:

1) the Shetland Lace 1 Ply Spring Shawl
2) the Princess Shawl
3) the Nesting Shawl
4) the Unst Shawl and
5) the Simply Stunning Collection

All from Heirloom Lace!

Well, I guess I better hunker down and get ready to spend a fortune!

Ceme

Claudia Handpaints and Koigu

2007-07-13T15:03:00.000-04:00

Love is in the air! No, really it is :O) Two of my new favs - Claudia Handpaints and Koigu! In the first pix Claudia's "Chile" and second, the wonderfully delightful Koigu, I'm naming it "Chocombo!" I'm in love I tellya! Love! Love! Love!

What to make, what to make?

And I just have to show my other loves - Anne, Andrea and Zephyr. For those of you who don't know, I'm a Zephyr slut - yup and I'm proud of it too! I have so much zephyr my gran tells me I can open my own store! ZEPHYR!!!!!!!!!!

Well, just had to check in (real fast) and make a posting before the weekend. Have a good weekend everybody!

Next week I'll have pixs of my "Me Ramblin-Rowha" - its just for me - ha! And my Cash Iroha shawlette (I'm constructing this babe with the help of a Victorian Shawlette pattern)! And the latest most up-to-date pixs of my Sampler Shawl (in black zephyr) and the commissioned Hex shawl (from Victorian Lace Today in red cashmere). Oh and I can't forget the newest most adorable pix of my Meme with her latest hot summer hair do! Stay tuned ...

Ceme

Congrats Knitster Chelle

2007-06-28T15:53:00.000-04:00

Congratulations on the purchase of your home!

God bless you on your newest journey!

Ceme

O Lord, our Lord; how majestic is your name in all the earth! - Psalm 8:1

I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders.
I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praises to your name O' Most High - Psalm 9:1

Thank you Father for answering our prayers!

Facts about me ...

2007-06-28T12:28:00.000-04:00

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my great, great grand-mother, who lived 94 years. I miss you momma momma!
When was the last time you cried? I cry over commercials - I'm a water head - LOL!
Do you like your handwriting? Yeah, but it could be better.
What is your favorite lunch meat? Low salt ham
Do you have kids? If you call Meme (my spontaneously wiggly shih tzu) my lil girl - Yes!
If you were another person would you be friends with you? Absolutely!
Do you use sarcasm a lot? Yes
Do you still have your tonsils? Yes
Would you bungee jump? No! Nodda! Neva! Make me - LOL!
What is your favorite cereal? Golden Grahams and Frosted Flakes, but I only eat Special K (with Berries)
Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? No way, I'm too lazy for that - LOL!
Do you think you are strong? Absolutely!
What is your favorite ice cream? Can't do ice-cream
What is the first thing you notice about people? Men - hands; Women - jewelry
Red or pink? Pink
What is the least favorite thing you like about yourself? I'm a chatterbox and can dominate a conversation. And I get depressed every Christmas and Mother's Day since my mom passed.
Who do you miss the most? Karen Morgan Orr - my fabulously wonderful, magnificently great mom. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her. I will always miss her.
What color pants and shoes are you wearing? Olive Green
What was the last thing you ate? Coffee
What are you listening to right now? Amy Winehouse - Rehab
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Forrest Green, Emerald Green or Olive Green - get it - GREEN
Favorite smells? Chantilly Lace or Chanel #5 perfume - reminds me of my mom
Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? Mary - my buddy! Come rain or shine, Mary will always be one of two people (my lil sister Elayne being the other) that can put me in my place and make me roar with laughter - LOL!
Favorite sports to watch? Well, if I'm going to watch any sport for more than 5 minutes its going to have to be Football - those men with those big thighs and those tight form fitting uniforms - LOL!
Hair color? Strawberry blonde
Eye color? Brown
Do you wear contacts? Can't - I'm way too dramatic to put anything in my eyes.
Favorite food? Fried chicken or slow baked ribs or meatloaf - either served with potato salad, collard greens and buttered corn bread washed down with sweet southern iced tea and peach cobbler for dessert - LOL!
Scary movies or happy endings? Either way, please make it a happy ending! "One of my favorite movies is Deep Blue Sea"
Last movie you watched? Children of Men - oh Clive Owen, why did you do that movie?
What color shirt are you wearing? black
Summer or winter? Fall and Spring please - weather between 40-70 only for me - LOL!
Hugs or kisses? Kisses
Favorite dessert? Banana's with milk and sugar when I was a kid (I still do now, but very very rarely). Now, cake please - LOL!
What book are you reading now? The Target by James Patterson; The Quickie by James Patterson; The Tenant at Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte; and Honeymoon sound recording by James Patterson. I grab one of the books in the morning and take it with me to read on the ride to/from work, I listen to the tape at night and knit
What is on your mouse pad? Thomas Kinkade
What did you watch on TV last night? QVC's Ask Lisa; and One Life To Live on SoapNet
Favorite sound? Lionel Richie singing anything. Piano or Cello instrument. My littler sister's laughter. Our firm's Vice-Chairman's son's laughter (Will is absolutely adorable - he had me at Beethoven - LOL!)
Rolling stones or beatles? The Commodores
What is the furthest you have been from home? You name it!
Do you have a special talent? Yes, I can take 2 sticks and a very long string and make a beautiful shawl - that everyone wants.
Where were you born? South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania born and raised.

Another Knitting Meme ...

2007-06-27T11:39:00.001-04:00

I swiped this from Working Mom Who Knits (my Tea Swap partner). The game is SCATTERGORIES...it's harder than it looks! Here are the rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They MUST be real places, names, things...NOTHING made up! If you can't think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person before you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.
Your Name: Cecelia (aka Ceme)
1. Famous Singer/Band: Commodores
2. 4 letter word: Café
3. Street: Camac Street, Philadelphia, PA
4. Color: Cerulean (sky blue)
6. Vehicle: Cadillac
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Cards
8. Boy Name: Carl
9. Girl Name: Celeste
10. Movie Title: Cape Fear
11. Drink: Coke
12. Occupation: Clerk
13. Celebrity: Carol Burnet, Cab Calloway
14. Magazine: Cooking Light
15. U.S. City: Charlotte, NC
16. Pro Sports Teams: Cardinals
17. Reason for Being Late for Work: Coughing fit
18. Something You Throw Away: Can
19. Things You Shout: Catch me if you can
20. Cartoon Character: Cinderella, Caillou, or Clifford the Big Red Dog
Note: Knitting news next post was - Corey, Jr.'s Baby Surprise Jacket

Corey Jr.'s Baby Surprise Jacket

2007-06-26T12:36:00.000-04:00

SURPRISE!!!!

Everybody who knows me knows I was totally out of my element with this project, and now that I'm finished the "Baby Surprise Jacket" by EZ (Elizabeth Zimmerman) I must say, I surprised myself!

Everything happened so quickly ...

1st - knit this baby up (Voila!) Looks Sci-Fi doesn't it

2nd - connect the dots (inside out looks good)

3rd - seam and add buttons (5 button holes completed, only 4 buttons - that's all they had) and its just absolutely adorable

I wanna make one for me! EZ was a genius. I didn't see it, I just didn't see it - LOL!

Corey, Jr.'s baby blankie ...

2007-06-13T16:49:00.000-04:00

My co-worker Corey and his wife became proud parents in mid-April 2007. Well, a lil over a week ago Corey asked me if I would knit Corey, Jr. a baby blanket - its a boy! Blue he said ... make it blue. Well blue (and anybody who knows me knows blue is not a color I'm familiar with, I mean I can do dark navy at the most) was going to be tough - dark, light, medium oh my ...

BLUE...

Well, off to Rosie's Yarn Cellar and to the Koigu mill-ends (that way I'd get every color variation of blue I could imagine) and with the help of one of the regular staffers (I'm so sorry, I don't know her name, but she was wonderfully patient and very very nice to me and my color leary self) we came up with this to lot to start with

and it grew into this

how'd I do? I have to admit, blue slowly became a favorite for me. And Koigu is another of my newest favorites.

Ceme

Pictures of past projects

2007-06-08T16:42:00.001-04:00

I'm still learning how to use this blog, and since I don't know how to upload my knitting picture library, I'm just going to pick some random pictures and show them. Here it goes (I apologize if its doesn't turn out right):

Seed Triangle (my own creation) - Alpaca Silk

Highland Triangle Folk Shawls - Lorna's Shepherd Worsted

Folk Shawls, Faroese - Silky Wool

Grace and Courtney's Half Pi - Anne

Fiber Trends, Landscape Shawl - Socketta

Fiddlestick, Peacock - Zephyr

Traditional Lace Knitting, Half Pi - Anne

Let's see how this works. I'll post past pictures of other stuff another time.

Ceme

Tea anyone

2007-06-07T17:03:00.000-04:00

By now everybody who knows me knows I love to go to tea. Saturday afternoon tea is a tradition. So, picture this …

Saturday, June 2, 2007 - me, my gran and my tea loving buddy Mary go to the infamous Bellevue at the Park Hyatt’s Ethel Barrymore Tea Room (now known as Café XIX). Haven’t been there in years because last year they closed shop for renovations - for well over 9 months - we were directed to the Ritz-Carlton for tea, but now the Ritz only has Sunday afternoon tea on weekends. So picture this …

Tea, mine and Mary's Mad Hatter – pomegranate, vanilla and passion fruit (sounds good right) - over-steeped and bitter (and the waitress said to me - in her uber thick French accent - “please let it steep a lil longer”).

Scones, muffins or biscuits you ask … only one, cranberry scones, and they were hard as rocks and dry as sand, so I coated them with Devonshire crème - I love Devonshire crème, love, love, love (LOL).

Sandwiches, open faced shrimp salad with way too much cilantro on rye – tasty; open faced cucumber sammy on soft rye with a thin spread of some kind of tomato based dressing – bland, bland, bland topped with chopped olives (how can olives be bland) oh well; open faced smoked salmon – well gran loves herself some smoked salmon, so she ate all 8 of them finger sammys – yes they gave us way to much smoked salmon (LOL); egg salad, delicious; and whitefish or some kind of fish (not tuna) on soft white bread - very tasty, but what kind of fish was that?

Desserts, what about the chocolate mouse – Mary handled all three of them and she ate the Lemon Curd with a spoon (LOL). And there were sugar cookies, mini mini lemon poppy drops; some kind of licorice cake drops and lets talk about the chocolate strawberries - well, I’m allergic to chocolate and gran doesn't eat anything "darker than her" (her words not mine), so the mutant strawberries dipped in the heavy coating of chocolate, I scraped the chocolate off and ate the strawberry and Mary ate the strawberry with the chocolate and washed it down with a glass of champagne. Nothing else can be said about desserts (LOL).

Report card please … tea was not good to me for the price (and M had champagne). I've had better for a lot less - a lot better and nothing was bitter or burnt or dry or crumbly like sand. And the topper, Mary left her favorite pair of eyeglasses and I "tried hard" to retrieve them. They didn't send the glasses to housekeeping (like the Assistant to the Executive Director of Housekeeping said), they didn't put the glasses up (in case we came rushing back), they tossed the glasses! That's right, tossed a pair of prescription eyeglasses. Can you believe that? Well, the Bellevue flunked, big time!

Next stop Gilbertsville ... Mary, get directions (LOL)! Will keep you posted.

Signing off with a "new" picture of Meme (isn't she adorable) ...

This dress is absolutely stunning ...

2007-06-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

I was just going through my digital photo album and wanted to post about this beautiful Victorian dress. Stunning! Now only if I could fit it! I was thinking of purchasing it to make it my lose weigh incentive - kinda like that itty bitty yellow bikini thingy - but I have the feeling this dress is a tiny bit pricey.

And this is the part that really gets to me ... I know woman who could pull this dress off no problemo - Grace and Olive (wouldn't even have to hem it - oh Mo'Nique was right skinny women are evil - especially Ollie - LOL), Doreen, Mary, and my babe sister Elayne (would have to hem the Sugar Honey Iced Tea outta it - short people - LOL!). Oh well, just wanted to share, now I need some ice-cream!

Look what we got ...

2007-06-01T15:05:00.001-04:00

Oh I don't think I've posted this part of my swapping addiction yet. I signed up a while back for Knitters Tea Swap 3 and boy did I have a blast shopping. Anne, antique china shop, fun, fun, fun. I even hit Kitchen Capers (twice once in Center City and once at the Cherry Hill Mall). Tea is so relaxing and you can really chill with a cup of tea and knitting while listening to the classics. My swap partner, Clara, sent me this package of goodies and as you can see Meme is eying her prize ...

and she's off - LOL! Clara, Meme says thank you only her's came out - ruf ruf ruf!

Thanks Clara. I hope you got your package and the cup, oh I pray the cup didn't get broken!

Ceme

Adventure in coffee ...

2007-05-25T11:27:00.001-04:00

I had a coffee adventure and need to share, but first let me say, "I've been a member of Gevalia coffee delivery for 11+ years and have tasted a world of coffee - Café Sperl - Viennese; Antico Greco - Rome; Café de Oriente - Spanish; Café le Procope - French; Kenya - African; Jamaica Blue Mountain - Jamaican; Stockholm - German; Antigua - Caribbean; Hazelnut; Crème Brulee; and Blueberry."

And now the adventure ...

As soon as I got the email I was included in coffee swap - and since I love Gevalia - I added to my auto shipment for my swap partner. I was so excited and decided to get the coffee order out of the way immediately and since I had an international partner, I'd get my entire package out on May 18, plenty of time - I planned it to perfection. RIGHT? I completely put the coffee portion of the swap out of my head and got down with the goodies. Yarn - check! Chocolate or cookies or both - check! I had a plan and it was going in my favor. The package was growing. I had everything, but wait … where's the coffee?

I logged onto my Gevalia account. My auto shipment shipped on May 11. GEVALIA! I'm mailing the package on May 18 (its going international). I always get my shipments within 5-7 days. May 18 is over, its May 19. Gevalia you said, it should arrive - ok, May 21. Whoosh! I'll be ok if I ship May 22. I repeated to myself "SELF" wait until May 22! You'll make it! Well, May 21 the mailman didn't have a box from Gevalia. Now, I'm going to have to do something drastic, I had to ship tomorrow. Starbucks - I don't like Starbucks! What about Dunkin Donuts - I like that, but will my swap partner - its kind of mellow. Time was up and I had to make a move. I was talking to myself big time! I called my girlfriend and said, I'm going to the supermarket tonight meet me there - I gotta get coffee - I mean they have that big coffee grinder so they have to sell coffee - RIGHT? But I need the bag to be factory sealed - just in case.

Well, here's where the adventure got scary - LOL! My girlfriend couldn't make it. I was on my own. I had no clue there was so many brands of coffee at the - Supermarket? I don't look for coffee at the supermarket because - DAH - I get it delivered. At the market I felt like a total - Idiot! I should have gotten Starbucks. My swap partners package was complete except for the coffee. Yarn, mug, chocolate, cookies - everything except coffee - WHY was I loosing my mind now - LOL! What was wrong with me. Make a decision C! Pick one! Starbucks (oh I don't like it)! When I went to the supermarket (some 11+ years ago) for coffee there were brands like Maxwell House, Sanka and Folgers - Maxwell House is good, but will my partner like it? THERE'S too many choices: Chock Full O’Nuts; Eight O’Clock; Folgers; Global Ground; Green Mountain; Juan Valdez; Kona; Laazza; Maxwell House; Melitta; Millstone; Nescafe; Nespresso; Newman’s Own; and Starbucks - organic or gourmet brands - I was dizzy and needed coffee - LOL! My eyes started watering. I started reading every bag/tin and even waited for somebody to come along and ask which was their favorite. 25 minutes later, no one! I walked on over to the Deli section (holding my breathe) scanning carts like a fool - when out of the corner of my eye I spied a cart with "Folger's Gourmet Lively Columbian!" I looked around for the owner - woman, mid 30's, looked like she knew what she liked - why did I grin, exhale and run back to the coffee aisle and grabbed the bag?

Joke, I hope you enjoy the coffee. I had the best time shopping for your goodies. I apologize for getting stumped with the coffee. Who would have thought it was the coffee "that made me sweat!" And em … on May 25 my specialty coffee arrived from Gevalia.

Ladies, let me know which "supermarket" brand coffee you like the best - just in case!

Ceme

I just love these ...

2007-05-21T15:18:00.000-04:00

I saw this over at A Tale of Two Needles so here's mine.

Marked in bold are the things you’ve knitted, in italics the things you plan to do, and leave the rest.

Afghan
American/English knitting
Baby items
Bobbles
Buttonholes
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Cardigan
Charity knitting
Continental knitting
Cuffs/fingerless mitts/armwarmers
Darning
Designing knitted garments
Domino knitting
Drop stitch patterns
Dying with plant colors
Dying yarn
Entrelac
Fair Isle knitting
Freeform knitting
Felting
Garter stitch
Gloves
Graffiti knitting
Hair accessories
Hat
Holiday related knitting
Household items
I-cord
Intarsia
Jewelry
Kitchener stitch
Knitting a gift
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Knitting and purling backwards
Knitting art
Knitting for a living
Knitting for pets
Knitting for preemies
Knitting in public
Knitting items for a wedding
Knitting on a loom
Knitting smocking
Knitting socks
Knitting to make money (donated cash to church)
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Knitting with alpaca
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Knitting with beads
Knitting with camel yarn
Knitting with cashmere
Knitting with circular needles
Knitting with cotton (don’t like cotton)
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Knitting with dpns (don’t like it)
Knitting with linen (don’t like linen)
Knitting with metal wire
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Knitting with silk
Knitting with soy yarn
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with synthetic yarn (didn’t we all start out that way)
Knitting with wool
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Lace patterns (I love everything lace)
Long Tail CO
Machine knitting
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Moebius band knitting
Norwegian knitting
Participating in a KAL
Pillows
Publishing a knitting book
Purses/bags
Rug
Scarf
Shawl
Short rows
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Slip stitch patterns
Slippers
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Steeks
Stockinette stitch
Stuffed toys
Swatching
Sweater
Teaching a child to knit
Teaching a male how to knit
Textured knitting
Thrummed knitting
Toy/doll clothing
Tubular CO
Twisted stitch patterns
Two end knitting
Writing a pattern

Two beautiful projects waiting to be finished ...

2007-05-18T16:23:00.000-04:00

Here's Sampler Shawl (Folk Shawls) in black zephyr absolutely lacy and elegant - just the look I was trying for - I'm on Pattern 2.

And here's Icarus (Interweave Knits). I think I'm going to frog this one - I love the yarn (Andrea - silk) and color, but something doesn't look right to me.

Two lovely shawls - maybe I'll be finished by my birthday.
That's all for now.

Ceme

Maryland Sheep and Wool

2007-05-10T13:46:00.000-04:00

Took more pictures of the animals ...

and walked away with lots of lamb in my belly - LOL! It was good! Had a blast!
Thanks Rosie's Yarn Cellar.

Em ... Lisa, do you think you can get a bus for Stitches in Baltimore this year ...

Ceme

Ok, is this a real dog?

2007-05-08T17:07:00.000-04:00

My co-worker sent me this picture of (let's call him Super Champ). Do you think he's real?

Well, my lil girl is a seven year old, 16 pounds of pure lovin, cuddlin, snugglin enjoyment, full bred Shih Tzu. I live to pamper her in all her chunkyness too - LOL! If she could talk she'd tell the WORLD I sing to her (and I call her Whitney Houston when she barks because she croones), I pamper her literally to death, I give her snacks when I'm snacking, but I refuse to give her my food - why you ask, because I don't eat her food, why should she eat mine - LOL!

Meme (a/k/a Archibald Herrington Nasty Face when she plunges her face in water, snow or leaves; Chunky Monkey when she waddles down the street because she's to tired to walk and wants me to pick her up; Snuggle Pup when she throws her lil head on my neck to sleep; and Fat Ass when she annoys the heck outta me during the last walk of the day because she's no guard dog and can't protect us if the crazy people who are out at night decide to act up).

Well, eight years ago I started hearing my biological clock ticking and decided I needed to be needed, so what ... marriage, children (not until marriage ...), what? I did the next best thing, I called my big brother Bill (who bred either Olde English Bull Doggies or American Bull Doggies - smush faced, doggie odor, droolers), but I didn't want one of them and told him I saw this beautiful Neopolitan Mastiff (puppy). His response was, "as long as you don't mind feeding something that can eat you out of house and home." I replied, "never mind." And within a year Meme literally pawed her way into my life and I scooped her up and never looked back. Isn't she adorable. Knitster Chelle gave Meme this pink London Doggie trench for x-mas a few years back.

Anywho, I'm thinking that Neopolitan Mastiff (above), would have eatten me out of house and home and possibly eatten me if he got hungry enough. I hope that picture isn't real because I always dreamed of getting one of those beautiful Neopolitan pups. Oh well ...

Enough for now. Gotta go finish shopping for my Coffee Swap partner. Sock books ...

Later.

Ceme

Coffee Swap 2 Part II

2007-04-26T14:31:00.000-04:00

I was assigned a partner. I'm so excited. Joko is from Finland (visit Joko's blog, I have the link on the side bar). We introduced ourselves and shared our CW2 questionnaires. Now, I have to learn how to translate my English into Finnish? Or Suomi (or suomen kieli) or Swedish or Russian?

Joko, when you get a chance, please let me know which translation to use.

Will keep everybody posted. I'm off to get some goodies for Joko's package - I hope Joko likes classical music ...

Ceme

Coffee Swap 2

2007-04-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

I made it! I am so excited! I didn't make the original coffee swap, so I'm looking forward to having a good time. Thanks Knittymama!

Ok, here's my answers to the Coffee Swap 2 questions:

1. Whole bean or ground? Preferrably ground

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Fully-loaded please

3. Regular or flavored? Flavored

4. How do you drink your coffee? Lots of half and half and equal

5. Favorite coffee ever? Gevalia Blueberry or Olde City Southern Pecan

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? Fussy

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? My absolute favorite coffee mate is Walker All Butter cookies

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? Not really.

9. Yarn/fiber you love? Alpaca, Zephyr, Silk, Jade Sapphire, Kiogu - anything lace weight really

10. Yarn/fiber you hate?100% wool unless Shetland lace weight - anything above fingering is not my favorite; and mohair - I can't knit with mohair, it makes my eyes itch

11. What's on your needles? Three projects
Icarus from Interweave Knits - using Shaeffer Andrea (silk)
Half Spider (Hex) from Victoria Lace Today - Habu Cashmere
Sampler Shawl from Folk Shawls - Zephyr

12. Favorite colors? I love greens (olive, hunter, sage, forrest, light, dark); Blacks; Grays (charcoal); Browns (from beige to caramel); and if multis - tans, browns, deep reds, orange, greens and creams

13. Allergies? None

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? I do not like chunky or bulky yarn and I never was one for those crazy color combos like blues, pinks, reds, purple, etc. all in one - reminds me of the 70s

Two shawls done!

2007-04-05T12:13:00.000-04:00

Last week was very productive. I finished two shawls:

Swallowtail (Interweave) was done with one skein of Anne on size US #4. Here it is blocking (I love it)

And here I'm modeling (I should have worn a white sweater)

And Kimono (Folk Shawls) that I had to block on my bedroom wall because its too big for my blocking boards

So now I'm working on Icarus (Interweave) in Andrea, which I'm loving, and Hex's (Victorian Lace) on hold! I'm glad I have until August to complete Hex.

Well, enough for me today. I'll post again soon. Happy Resurrection Day!

Knitopause - Is it contagious?

2007-03-01T16:54:00.000-05:00

I'm going through Knitopause! Knit-o-pause: one's inability to move the fingers the way they should while holding Addi Turbos and very expensive yarn.

I'm experiencing hot fingeritis, flashing yarn and blurred patterns all because its not cold enough to knit like I used to - LOL! I remember a few years back it would be cold and crazy outside and my fingers spoke volumes. Now, I want to sit and watch the little bit of snow that does fall, fall.

My current projects:

Hexagon's moving very slowly. I made a mistake and I don't want to frog back, but I'm gonna have to because its a commissioned piece. I doubt my customer will appreciate me telling her - oh its a design element - LOL! Oh well. I'll swing by Loop and talk to Grace! I know how she looks forward to me stopping by cause I'm too chicken to frog my own projects - LOL!

Tail is moving a little faster, but I stalled when I was trying to figure out a way to make it larger without making it too large. Well, I'll press on and pray it doesn't turn out too small.

In the meantime I'm having lots of fun cooking and wine tasting! Yes, all my friends know I used to love to eat out - 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I'd latch onto a restaurant and be there for lunch and dinner. Dining out was a good thing! Now, I'm loving hanging out in my kitchen creating meals.

Last night I revised a recipe - Potato Crusted Salmon. It was so easy and I prepared the meal in least than 30 minutes. Rachel Ray, eat your heart out! This recipe was so easy even before I revised it: Preheat oven at 350. Ingredients: two (2) 4oz salmon fillets (with or without skin - I did it without skin), 1/2 teaspoon honey, 1/2 tablespoon mustard, pinch of dill, 1/4 cup bread crumbs (Italian style), 1/4 cup crushed potato chips (less fat), 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Mix honey, mustard and dill together and spread over salmon. Blend bread crumbs and crushed potato chips together in a bowl and top fillets. Take a baking sheet and brush a little bit of olive oil on it. Place fillets on sheet skin side down. Cook in oven for 15-20 minutes. NOTE: Crumb mixture that falls on the baking sheet will burn, so I baked mine for 15 minutes and turned the oven off leaving it closed for 5 minutes. Delicious!

I served it to myself with my own version of Mandarin Orange Salad. I wash a bag of blended salad mix - preferably one with butter lettuce because that's my favorite - open and drain a small can of Mandarin Oranges - toss the oranges and salad blen in a bowl. I put mustard, lemon juice, dill and garlic in a measuring cup and whisk to make the dressing. Pour over greens/oranges and done!

What a delicious meal. I hope you try it and enjoy! If you want some of my other delicious 30 minute meals, e-mail me.

Well, I'll post again shortly.

Where has the time went ...

2007-02-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

Its February! Where the heck did January go? Have I been that busy? Why haven't I posted? What the heck have I been up to?

Going through my stash - NO!

Hugging my cashmere - NO!

Drooling over my alpaca - NO!

Fondling my sea silk - NO!

Eyeballing my zephyr, Anne, Andrea - NO!

Panicking over using 000 needles to start a Kiogu shawl - NO!

Maybe:

Plotting future projects - OK! I'm addicted to shawl knitting so I spend a good amount of time plotting new drastically lacy projects - LOL!

Working - YES!

Housekeeping - SOMEWHAT!

Cooking - YES!

Neighborhood shopping with my knitaholic side-kick Knister Chelle - YES!

Snuggling up with my snuggle pup Meme - YES!

Did I hear somebody say - any actual knitting?

Yes, I found time to cast on for the Swallowtail Shawl (Interweave Knitting - Fall 2006) using Anne - no pics - because my lazy chunky ass left my d-camera at grannys house (and my arthritic right knee won't allow me to walk the 3 1/2 blocks back to granny's to get it - darn knee - LOL!)

Did I hear somebody say - why haven't you finished ...

Kimono - I'm totally bored with it - really I am - LOL! I don't wanna look at it ever again - LOL! I know I'm almost ready to cast off. I know there's only one ball left. But ... but oh hell - I know, I know, I know. DAGNABIT - I'm sick of it - LOL! I'll finish it one day, someday soon in 2007 - LOL! Really! I will!

Now, what's in my future - LOL! WINE TASTING! KNITTING! COOKING! Thinking seriously about getting Meme a snuggle pup. But do I really want another pet? HEY - Maybe I can get a Vicuna, their small right - LOL!

Chelle, I want a VICUNA!

Finishing up 2006

2006-12-29T09:44:00.000-05:00

Tis the season to be jolly ...! And we knitters are always jolly so long as we have coffee, tea, chocolate or wine! And as always we're jolly good and ready to finish projects so we can cast on new ones. I'm a shawl nut! Shawls, shawls, and more shawls. I want 365 shawls in my collection. Lacy, beautiful, sexy shawls. Hey, I said I'm a nut!. Anywho, I'm almost finished my 2006 cast ons. Three left, but who am I kidding - rollover to 2007, so Ima try and finish them really I am ...

Why, just last week I finished for me this beautiful Highland Triangle (from Folk Shawls).

Chocolate Lorna's Laces Sheperd Worsted, seven balls on US 4 - I'm a loose goose, but it turned out beautiful and I call it my lap shawl because the sucker came out so darn big.

I never check gauge anymore when knitting shawls because I use the yarn and needles I like no matter what, so bigger is better and I'm sticking to that - LOL!

I also finished my girl/co-worker Ollie's "Sheena Shawl" (from Hunt Valley Cashmere) in late November. Ollie didn't care what color/yarn I used so long as it was lacy and beautiful. So I destashed 600 yards of pink zephyr on US 2 and it came out lacy and lite and since Ollie is so much taller and thinner ... it blocked big enough.

Here Sheena is blocking on the foam boards me and Knitster Chelle got from Home Depot. We did good Chelle.

And here Ollie is modeling her finished, beautiful Sheena!

Go Ollie! Who said skinny women are evil - LOL! Only Ollie - LOL!

Well, I think I'm fini posting for today. Boy, three pictures in one post, I'm getting darn good wouldn't you say Chelle. Now I only have to spend a day with Chelle and a computer so I can learn how to put links on the side of my page and links in my post - LOL! I'm getting there!

I'm going to go and plot my projects for 2007. Currently, I've been commissioned to knit the half hexagon from Victorian Lace Today. The buyer selected Habu Cashmere dark red (which I got at Loop). I cast on for the commission on xmas night (and I have until July to finish the commission). This shawl is absolutely beautiful. I'll post pics in a few days.

Well, everyone have a happy and safe New Year!

Ceme

Here's Meme ...

2006-12-21T12:26:00.000-05:00

This is my lil girl Meme and her favorite furry blue scarf. Meme say's hi all!

New to blogging

2006-12-21T10:50:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm new to posting and I don't really know what I'm doing, so I've asked Knitster Chelle to be my blog teacher (check out Chelle in her beautiful black Irish Diamond - from folk Shawls). Thanks Chelle.