Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rain + Knitting + Cats = Joy

I really, really like sock knitting. I'm almost done turning the heel, and only had to rip it out once (so far). Fortunately I have a little bit of experience with short rows, otherwise I would have been lost during the last sock class. Next week we learn how to pick up stitches to close gaps in the heel.

I'm surprised by how much I'm enjoying the class. There is something wonderful about sitting around a big round table with a group of women, quietly knitting. It gives me that same peaceful feeling I get after meditating or doing yoga.

Last weekend I did something I've been thinking about for a long time-- I bought an MP3 player. I'm not ready for an iPod, so I got this tiny little thing that simply plays music and audio books. Buying music online is great fun. My latest additions are David Bowie, Don McLean and Cat Stevens, and I'm loving the soundtrack to the first Twilight movie.

The Adventures in Lace knit-along starts next month and I'm torn between lace socks and this gorgeous
bird nest smoke ring that I learned about from Maureen at 5 and a Beagle . (Both pictures are from elann.com) Either project would involve learning new knitting techniques and would take me out of my comfort zone, so I guess I can't go wrong.

It's cold and wet here with back-to-back rain storms scheduled for the remainder of the week. Thank goodness! It's been dry for the last three years and we need a rainy winter. Last night I was curled up on the couch knitting and listening to music on my headphones, and the cats kept looking at me funny, like they were wondering if they should be alarmed. I turned off the music and was stunned to hear it POURING outside like I haven't heard in ages.


Knitting, rain, cats ... that's a recipe for joy in my book.

18 comments:

Thimbleanna said...

I agree -- the perfect triad. Or in our case, knitting + cats + snow. That scarf-thingy is gorgeous -- that gets my vote!

Dogwood said...

Oh, you have carved out such a nice life for yourself! I am so proud of you. You sound so happy and satified. Yipee for my dear friend...

I am loving your sox knitting.

Isn't our CA rain just so yummy!

Sweet pix of Appollo.

Hugs, Dogwood

Theresa said...

Well, that is one special sock! Will you make another one? hehe, of course you will! Love the colors. I bought an ipod last year and haven't used it that much. I used it some at the beach and when I walk. Pretty cats! Enjoy your evening and I just saw the scarf ring on one of the talk shows this morning. How about that, twice in one day! Hugs from this ole gal!

Rachel said...

Those sounds like the perfect ingredients for a wonderful evening! I love rain; I'd trade this snow in for it right now!

You're doing so well with your socks. I bet you will be happy when you have a pair and can proudly say, "I made these myself!"

That bird nest smoke ring is gorgeous. Wow! Ooohhh you should make it! And send it to me. haha.

I love my little tiny MP3 player too. I only use it at the gym, though. I don't think I could handle an iPod, though my daughter loves hers. I really don't need anything that fancy.

Have a lovely rainy week!

Suz said...

Oh what a wonderful day you described Goldenbird
The sound of rain
kitties
knitting...so nice
I like that you liked the table of women all knitting...very meditative I think
I LOVE that neck lace...really so delicate and the color of it in the picture
Love your almost finished sock...looks expensive

Jill said...

Sounds perfectly delicious! I agree with Rachel, though - I'd trade our snow in for your rain any day! I really love your sock yarn - what a great color! Your class sounds terrific.

GARAGE SALE GAL said...

The bird nest scarf looks very pretty and I think you should make one or two!!
Mailed the ATC today..
Warmly,
Deb :)

Kitty said...

OH- the smoke ring is beautiful! There are so many great patterns to choose- it makes choosing so hard!

Maiden Jane said...

Great job on the socks so far! Pretty, pretty lace. I'm still at a loss as to what to make...and some new yarn landed in my lap today...I'll post soon.

Susan Gallacher-Turner said...

Living in rain country, I don't see it quite the same way but I must admit it's a wonderful excuse for a cup of tea, lighted candles and crochet+doggy+kitty!

I vote for the scarf, it's beautiful!
Susan

ImplausibleYarn said...

Congratulations on your sock progress! I agree that lac scarf thing is beautiful but I also have seen some great lace socks popping up places. Its a hard choice.

PunkiePie (Jen) said...

Loving the socks! I can't wait to see them finished.

Linda said...

Hi Stacy,
Your socks are looking lovely:) It is wonderful just sitting and knitting with friends, our knitting group meets once a week and it is lovely to just sit and chat and knit...
Warmly
Linda

stringsofpurls said...

I love the lace project. I might consider that myself. Nice blog!

Anonymous said...

You have similar taste to me in music :o)
The sock looks very complicated. I have never made them, Exept for some little childrens ones and booties, but they were knitted on straight needles.
You choose such pretty wool.

Woollywotnots said...

Love your sock knitting and great to hear about your knitting group. How lovely. I'm not surprised you love your MP3 player, they are such a fab invention. Sounds like your life is cosy and warm whilst it rains outside! If you're after any suggestions for MP3s, see a link I've posted in things to do in January on my blog. Loads of things to listen to that are inspirational. The links there, if you need any talking listening.

woollywotnots said...

Hi Stacy, dig out the MP3 cosy case I sent you as part of the cosy swap. You'll be able to use it now : ) http://woollywotnots.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/cosy-swap-parcels/

Maureen said...

I had put my smoke-ring on hold, but after seeing the pictures, I think I'll have to start it up again. Did you start on one yourself or opt for the lace socks?