A tired day

 Today turn into a shopping and rest day.  I let Shipit deliver the Target order.  John and I went to Sprouts. I mainly picked out the fresh fruit and vegetables, while John zoomed around the store getting everything else on the list.  Although I think I forgot to add bread to the shopping list.  

I also managed to clean the kitchen up and not take a 2 hour nap after my shower, that is baby steps on the road to recovery.  I would occasionally like to take a giant leap. That is not happening now.  

Dinner was cooked together with John handling the vegetables while I made the omelette.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with having breakfast for dinner on warm humid days.  

I only knit about 2 inches on a broken rib pattern scarf.   

Now it’s time to call it a day.   TTFN 

Tunisian Crochet in the Round

 Today I took a class on Tunisian crochet in the round at Bird House Yarn on 5th Avenue and Tucson Blvd.The class was fun. I had a good time. I found the cup warmer easier than the beginning of the hat. I think I’m gonna have to make a few new stitch markers to finish the new hat project. That should be an easy 20 or 30 minute task. I promised write all about the class and books tomorrow when I have more energy.

Despite resting all morning, I am exhausted. I drove to mid town, spent 3 hours at the yarn shop. Then drove home.  John took me out to dinner.  I sat and knit most of the evening.  I am definitely out of spoons, but much too hot to sleep.  TTFN

An Editorial to Share Far and Wide

Please feel free to copy this blog and send it to your insurance company. Feel free to post it to you social media posts. Thank you, Sheri

 Dear United Healthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Well Point, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and other Carriers,

We the public have not heard how you plan to handle the actions of the new healthcare mandate from Florida and the growing wave of parents who refuse to vaccinate their children against the common but in some cases extremely dangerous and deadly childhood diseases that are preventable.  I am talking about Poliomyelitis, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Whooping Cough, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Chickenpox, RSV, Chickenpox, HPV, and a host of other infectious diseases.  

Have you talked with your actuaries about the increased risks and costs associated with each of these diseases? Including, but not limited to the cost of lifelong use of ventilators, braces, wheelchairs, and special equipment associated with  Poliomyelitis? This is important because the federal government is cutting back on Medicaid funding that would normally cover these costs . The March of Dimes has changed their goals with the advent of the Poliomyelitis vaccine. The March of Dimes no longer covers the costs associated with Poliomyelitis for individual patients. Instead they now work to reduce birth defects. The increased stays in Pediatric Intensive Care Units for infants who get Whooping Cough? With each disease having its own associated costs.  

As I look at the bigger picture you have a number of different factors that come into play.  First and foremost are your stockholders. How will they react to lower dividend rates brought about by higher healthcare costs? Will the stockholders ask for higher rates from your customers so they’re dividends are not impacted? Will they ask for policies to be terminated?

 You also have those that pay for the insurance. This includes many businesses and some individual policyholders. Will they stand for higher rates because people refuse to do preventive care? Will they demand the people be excluded from benefits for refusing to vaccinate? Will they be willing to pay higher price prices to cover the cost of people who refuse to vaccinate? 

Then you have the individuals with the insurance. How will they react to the insurance company telling them they must vaccinate their children or their children will be excluded from their policy for the following conditions of normal childhood illnesses that are preventable by vaccines. How do you plan to educate these people? People tend not to look at the entire picture these days. Some people say vaccines are bad no matter what so you can’t make us give our kids vaccines. Others are saying we must vaccinate for the public good. How are you going to balance that out?.

The reality is that most people of childbearing age are not old enough to remember the effects of these childhood illnesses. They don’t remember how entire schools got vaccinated on the same day by the public health departments across the country. They don’t remember losing friends to childhood illnesses. Most of these people have been vaccinated themselves and don’t remember weeks of isolation until you were well enough to go out in public again. They also don’t remember the dark rooms children had to stay in for a couple weeks at a time to prevent blindness from rubella. No books, or television allowed, because it would damage the eyes. Two to 3 weeks of solid boredom. Can parents afford to stay home the entire time?

Where are you going to take your stand? Right now the country's last line of defense, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is in tatters. They have lost their focus on preventing disease and trying to keep the country as healthy as possible. The CDC is losing a vast number of doctors and scientists. Their only job was to keep America healthy. They are being replaced by people without medical degrees or the knowledge of science needed to do the work. They are being replaced by gossip mongers. These gossip mongers are spreading lies and would not know the basic science if you put the book right in front of them. Are you willing as companies to take a stand for the health of America? Are you willing to let your bottom line be ruled by gossip mongers without facts? Are you going to demand that science must lead the effort for health in this country? US major health insurance companies have more power than the average person to change the course of this discussion. All I ask is that you gather your facts as soon as possible. Talk with your actuaries. Talk with your board of directors. Talk with your major stockholders. Come up with a reasonable plan. Most importantly put their plan to action. You have the power to change the course of history. You have the power to make America healthy. Use your power wisely.

Sincerely,

Sheri Karobonik 

Retired Disability Rights Activist 

Mrs. Karobonik retired as a Disability Rights Activist when her youngest child died from an incurable metabolic disease in 2019.

Busy getting things finished.

 I have been busy finishing projects, but too tired to take pictures.  The count for this week is 3 scarfs finished.  1 pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves completed.  Another pair a mini mittens started, the first one is almost done, and I think I have a better way to do them. Time for pencil and paper first. I personally prefer bottom up instead of top down.  Also knitting on 2 knitting needles or one pair of circular needles is easier for beginners than juggling 5 double pointed knitting needles.  

I restarted a Tunisian crochet scarf and am making quick progress.  My purse project is 25% finished.  My 3 pound cone scarf project is making great progress.  No it’s just the odds and ends of the UFO’s that need to be finished.  I just need to find a place out of the house either no distractions.  

I have at least 1 new pattern to type up too.

I even found the time for a few 5 minute chores around the house today.  Now it’s time to call it a day.  

Another BBD

 Today was another BBD.  I managed to sleep most of the day.  However I did get myself together enough to go out to Loving Spoonful’s for a lunch of tomato soup and a corn muffin.  The great thing about a good vegan restaurant is that I can order anything without having to ask if there is milk in the dish.  

After lunch was more napping.  John took me out to Beyond Bread for 1/2 sandwiches for dinner.   Followed by a trip to Safeway to get more fresh produce.  

I started a new Tunisian crochet scarf. I just meandered my way through the first few inches.  I also got a few rows of my purse project finished before dinner.   

Both restaurants are locally owned and have good food.  We like to support local businesses whenever we possibly can.   If you are ever in Tucson, I can recommend both restaurants personally.   

BBD

 I woke up to another bad body day.  Not much got done except for 3 loads of laundry, changing linens, tinking a project.  

I Have Stirred Up a Hornet’s Nest

 Yesterday’s blog post stirred up a hornets nest. Apparently some fiber artists and business owners believe that there is only one way and one tool to measure wraps per inch. I disagree. Below are things I have used in the past to measure my wraps per inch. Everything in the picture, but one thing has been used. The only thing in the picture that I would not use is a ruler with a metal bar across one side. The reason for this is that the metal will cut into the fiber and damage to the yarn.

Yesterday’s blog was about the labeling of yarn. I stated that Yarn manufacturers and Indy Dyers needed to place the correct yarn weight on the package. That is not a huge ask considering that it is literally your job to get this right.  The yarn I was showing in yesterday‘s blog was sold as worst weight yarn, the yarn was so thin that I decided to measure it. The yarn came out as fingering weight yarn at 14 wraps per inch.  I have been told that I don’t know how to use a wraps per inch tool and that I don’t know how to measure Yarn weight correctly. I learned how to use a wraps per inch tool, OK it was a 12 inch ruler 20 years ago. I don’t think I need a lecture on how to measure yarn weight. What I also know that if the yarn comes in at 14 wraps per inch it is not worsted weight yarn and should have been labeled fingering weight yarn. Using your eyes to determine a yarns weight on your phone or computer screen is not scientifically possible. There are many different  factors to consider, including did the photographer use any enlargement. Does your computer screen magnify your images? Can you really judge the size of yarn on your phone screen? To really judge a size of the yarn, you have to be there in person. You also need to rely on vendors to get the information right.

I usually only need to use my wraps per inch tools in spinning.  I personally feel that the fiber arts need to be very inclusive. This includes everything including gender, race, and religion. We should not make economics a concern for anyone. As you can see from the picture below there are wraps per inch tools that we can even borrow from our kids school supplies. All you need is a 1 inch measure, Whether it be a piece of cardboard, a dowel, a ruler, a needle case, anything will work as long as you can put a 1 inch measure on it.

We as a group need to tell these people to stay in their own lane.  My first spinning teacher ran a farm and raised fiber animals. She sheared them. She processed the wool. She spun the wool. Most importantly, she taught me how to use a wooden ruler to determine wraps per inch and what weight fiber I had spun.  So unless you can show me how measuring an inch in the round or on a ruler is mathematically different, then stay out of my lane. My husband designed the wraps per inch tool that I use the most with my help. It is exactly 1 inch. So unless you are measuring the diameter of an object, a linear inch is always an inch.

We also have to be very aware of people’s budgets. Not everyone can afford to shop at a local Yarn store or even Michaels. Some people shop for their yarn at Salvation Army, Goodwill, or any other number of thrift stores or garage sales. Some people get their yarn from church. Some people get their yarn from other organizations in return for finished projects. It does not make you a better Knitter if you can afford expensive yarn. That just means you have money to spare. I have been known to rip out projects and not want to look at the yarn ever again. The yarn is still good and still usable, This is why I give the yarn as practice yarn to new students. I know that any art endeavor can be expensive, so because you’re your business owner it does not give you a right to tell everybody which tools to use. You can recommend tools that you carry, which is your prerogative. However, which tools an artist uses is up to them.

Yarn Standards

 There are supposed to be standards in yarn sizes. When I first started knitting over 25 years ago we learned the names of the yarns. Lace, weight, fingering weight, sport, weight, double knit or DK, Worst weight, Aran weight, Bulky weight, super bulky weight.

Then when I started spinning, I found the code to those names and what they mean. It involves a tool called a wraps per inch tool. I wrapped the yarn around the tool and figure out how many wraps it takes to fill 1 inch. So the code gives me the size of the yarn. Lace weight yarn is 30 or more wraps per inch. Fingering/ sock weight yarn is 14 to 16 wraps per inch. Sport weight yarn is 12 wraps per inch. Double knit yarn or DK Yarn is 11 wraps per inch. Worsted weight yarn is 9 wraps per inch. Aran weight yarn is 8 wraps per inch. Bulky white yarn is 7 wraps per inch. Super bulky yarn is 5 to 6 wraps per inch. These numbers also determine the amount of yarn you will get per skein of yarn. 

These are all mathematical formulas. The math is supposed to be precise, not subjective. These formulas are all standardized. They’re standardized to the point where they now have code numbers 0 which is lace weight yarn all the way through size 7, which is Super  Bulky yarn.  

With yarn sizes presented to makers and users of yarns, why in heaven‘s name am I getting mislabeled yarn from some dyers of yarn.  Take my current project for example. The label clearly states that the yarn is a worsted weight Yarn. This would call for a US 7 to 9 knitting needle. My only question is why am I knitting “worsted weight” yarn With a US size 3 knitting needle. As you can see below, the stitches are perfectly fine with a size 3 knitting needle. If I were to use a US size 7 to 9 knitting needle, I would have a very lacy project at this point. For a size 3 knitting needle, the yarn is supposed to be a fingering or sock weight yarn. The yarn is at least four knitting needle sizes too small for the stated size. 

As you can see from the two different measuring tools I used to measure the weight of the yarn. It is definitely a fingering weight yarn. The brown measuring tool comes from Katrinkles.com and the red wraps per inch tools are made by my husband and available only at Grandma’s Spinning Wheel. 

This problem is not limited to Indy Dyers or large multinational yarn companies. I know it can be quite difficult to get exact specifications from some mills. But all yarn must meet the standardized sizes. If ordered the quantity of yarn that I needed for a sweater in a worst of weight yarn and a fingering weight yarn was substituted, I would have multiple problems. First off I would not have enough yarn to complete the sweater. Secondly my gauge would be off  by at least 25%. And if I use the proper size needle called for worsted weight Yarn, I would not have a sturdy sweater, but a lacy sweater. The size would most definitely not fit right.  The desired pattern would be useless to a newer knitter. A more experience, knitter would first curse out the producer of the yarn for mislabeling the yarn. Then would have to decide after making a swatch in each of the desired patterns if it is worth rewriting the pattern to use the yarn or pick a different project. If they really wanted to make the sweater, they would have to re-order the yarn possibly from a different vendor. 

I know it can be quite pricey to have to reprint labels. My humble suggestion would be to determine the actual size of the yarn before printing the labels for the yarn.  By all means, please measure the yarn before you label it. I am lucky, I am only making a scarf so the needle size doesn’t matter. However, I did order a worsted weight yarn and got a fingering weight yarn, which makes me very unhappy. This has happened with several different Yarn companies to me this year. With the price of yarn drifting ever upwards we expect better from everyone. We expect the yarn to be properly labeled. We don’t want to buy a worsted weight Yarn and get a DK or fingering weight yarn when we order a worsted weight yarn. We really want a worsted weight Yarn. Otherwise, we would’ve ordered a different size yarn. 

Inflation does not shrink the width of the yarn. However, spinning the yarn to the wrong standards will shrink the size of the Yarn. Please don’t think your customers are fools. We demand the best from you.

Changes Ahead

 Yesterday afternoon in an effort to make my purse lighter, I changed the projects in my purse out.  My current project was was almost 400 grams or 14 ounces and growing. Think making a shawl. I changed it out for 10 ounces which will shrink once I finish the scarf.  The scarf pattern will be finished soon, once I have the energy. This is the third time that I am making this pattern.  I really love the ease and look.  

The next change is dealing with health matters in a reasonable way.  I have been dealing with the same health issues for 17 months.  With 17 more months of treatment currently planned.  I do have a hard time walking long distances without resting.  So I have applied for a new license plate for my car.  With the personal caveat that on good body days, I will park near the back of the parking lot and on bad body days will use it to park in the front of the lot.  This way I can gain back a little more independence.  Hopefully this will allow me to look and feel a little less haggered after doing just a few errands.  

Of course I am spending a few minutes each day organizing y knitting room.  I can get a lot done in 5 or 10. I utes of work. This way things don’t feel so overwhelming.  

This and That

 To day was all about getting paperwork done and packages out the door.  I packed the boxes and John went to the post office.  I was reminded again to pack the books separately because the postage is less that way. I must say that I took a few minutes to swoon over the Golding Fiber Company Spinning Wheels. The only one in my budget range is a small traveling spinning wheel. Not to say if budget was not a problem there were one or 2 spinning wheels that I might consider. 

Then it was on to the paperwork. I am not surprised that the durable medical equipment company who refused to take my insurance also failed to provide their company tax identification number on the paperwork they sent me for the insurance claim.  I will be going to another more reputable company for the on going supplies.  

I even managed to get some paperwork out for a nonprofit out 2 months early.   I still have 2 on line forms to fill out. I really hope that they are quick forms and the pages are not to long.  

On the fiber front. I unravel 3 rows of Tunisian crochet due to a dropped stitch.  I also worked on the Doodling Shawl for 40 minutes and knit a little over an inch.  

Well it’s time to call it a day.  

Reorganizing Again

 I got a new mushroom shaped ottoman for the knitting room.  It has enough storage space for most of my very small warping yarns.  This in turn gave me room to swap out to shelves that store yarn and projects.  The warping cones went to the small bookshelf and the kits to the more roomy bookshelf.  The advantage to this is that when I want a larger cone of yarn, I will not have a bunch of cones falling on my feet.  I also have a larger area to put kits of yarn. This makes them more visible.  

To tell you the absolute truth is that I am searching my yarn stash for a certain shade of brown and yellow in a luxury fiber like  silk and linen blend or just silk or maybe something more exotic, before I search the bins.  This of course is for my bespoke shawl.  So far I have not found neither.  So the bins it is for some stash diving. 

I also put away a slew of books and started a Bookman’s bag.  All totaled it took all of 30 minutes.  Which was wonderful, because I only had 30 minutes of spoons.  

I also got 6 inches into a broken rib charity scarf from the 3 pound cone of yarn.  This will be scarf number 5, with at least 15 to 20 more to go.  At least when I pair the yarn on the cone with a worsted weight yarn I can use U.S. size 13 knitting needles so it goes extremely fast.  

I am wishing everyone a wonderful week. 

My Doodling Shawl

 Today’s progress was made on another one of my favorite designs.  My Doodling Shawl by Sheri Karobonik , this time using Perth by Queensland Yarn in the color Bay of Fires.  Using US 10.5 circular knitting needles.  The pattern can be found on Ravelry.com under Sheri Karobonik.  The shawl is very easy to knit. It is a perfect beginner pattern or a break from lace knitting.  

No projects got finished today  

The Best Way to Work Down My Yarn Stash

 I am making a good amount of progress in knitting and Tunisian crochet projects today.  Except for weaving in the ends they are basically finished.  So today’s  knitting and crochet count is one of each.  I do wish I had a bigger Soak Wash tub to hold the projects that need seaming or weaving in the ends.  The basket includes one pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves to seam in the Della Q snap bag and 3 scarfs that need the ends woven in.   Maybe it is a good thing that this is the small wash tub.  I am sure I could get 3 times the amount of projects in the bigger wash tub.  I like to weave in the end in natural light.  I also tend to have more energy earlier in the day.

Currently I am on a finishing binge on the project front.  My body seems to require more rest right now.  So the best thing besides napping that I can do is listen to a book and knit.  Also winter is coming, so I need to knit faster.  I say this tongue in cheek, because today was yet another day over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There has not been enough rain this summer. So the summer seems longer than normal. A good afternoon rain storm just makes the day more pleasant. Because of the long-term drought in the desert Southwest, we haven’t seen regular afternoon rain showers for a long time.

Projects Half Done

 It was a day for drop spindles and Tunisian Crochet.  I am almost done with the first ply of a lace weight yarn of Striken Lock. I got a four ounce or 100 grams worth to try out. I fell in love with the roving    It has taken almost all my feather weight drop spindles to complete the project.  As soon as I am done with the first ply then it will be time to get the yarn off the spindles to ply.  

I also made progress on two Tunisian Crochet projects. One is a charity scarf that I am completing the edging.  The other is my advent calendar from last year.  I am almost finished with the first of 5 sections.  The next section will be solid white.  Then the next color section, followed by white and the last color section followed by a white boarder.  

If you have not guessed it already, I am working on my Ph.D in knitting and spinning = projects half done. I think the projects half done have won. 

Of course I had a bad body day and spent most of the day resting.  

Today Was All About Knitting

 I am currently designing 2 new knitting patterns.  The good news is that the elements for one pattern have come together. I will begin to type up the relevant information and instructions.  Taking pictures in 100 degrees Fahrenheit is not ideal for this pattern. So I’m going to have to come up with an alternative that’s indoors. 

The Bad news is that the second pattern on the third section will have to be tinked. I can say at this point having two out of three sections done is helpful. However, the last section is the largest section. Tinking will take place soon.   

I have finished the Maxi Fingerless Gloves for my daughter.  All I can say is that The yarn is scrumptious. It is an alpaca, silk blend from the Yarn Dragon in Seattle, Washington. It even came in a worsted weight which was needed for the pattern.  He has a beautiful on line shop. It is a luxurious fiber that I’m sure my daughter will love. And hopefully there won’t be any allergies involved. On gloves looks larger then the other because I just had to try them on. I might have to get a skein of this yarn for a pair of gloves for me. 

If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

 While visiting in San Diego last week we had a chance to visit the state historic park called Old Town, San Diego. When going through La Casa de Estudillo, we got to see some very old spinning and fiber preparation tools.  In the main bedroom there was a very small spinning wheel.  In one of the other rooms we spotted a squirrel cage for taking skeins of yarn and wrapping them into balls. There was no adjustments to be made like the Squirrel cage I purchased from Shepard’s Woodworking . Of course all the skeins of yarn would have been made the same size, so there was no need to make it adjustable. What I am really saying is that if you wind large amounts of yarn at home you definitely need a squirrel cage at home.  Some things never change. I have had mine for a few years now and wish that I had gotten it sooner.  The hand carders looked very similar to the hand carders produced today.  The difference was in the handles.  The handles looked like they were carved or whittled by hand. The blacksmith would have added the pins on the carders with each one made by hand. The handles had no grip like the modern ones that I use. 

Of course there were no acid dyes around to dye the yarn. It is my humble opinion that various plants, spices and flowers were used to make the colors.  

Below are a few pictures.  

A Travel Tip

 We took a break from the heat.  We spent 4 days in San Diego.  The weather was nice.  The food was good.  The Doctor Who exhibit at the Comic Con Museum was well worth the time and money.  My favorite picture from the museum was the Tom Baker scarf.  It was awesome in person. I loved the length. 

You always have to be aware of pickpockets.  They are all sizes and all ages.  The one that tried to pick my wallet was in her later years.  When traveling I normally put my wallet under my knitting or Tunisian Crochet project in a medium Della Q snap bag and my medicine in a Stasher bag.  The pickpocket thought that the Della Q snap bag was my wallet. Because of the size of the shawl in progress she could not get it out of my purse.  I was rewarded with a very deliberate body slam. She put a lot of shove in that for someone her age.  I do still have my wallet. Double pointed knitting needles have also been used to foil a pickpocket In the past.  

*I purchased both the Stasher bag and the Della Q Snap Bag. I am a fan of both companies and use there products on a regular basis.  I am not being paid by either company.  I will however earn a commission on  purchase from ads on the website 

Progress Report Advent 2024

 This week I started working again on the Advent Kit that I bought in 2024 from Cornbread and Honey. The good news is that I am working on it again. The bad news is that I probably will not be done by December 2025. I working on this with on this with Tunisian Crochet on a size H, 8 or 5mm, on fingering weight yarn. That being said, I am 4.5 mini skeins in.  The oak pattern that I designed has 6 mini skeins followed by a white section, repeat once and add the last 6 mini skeins.  With a crochet boarder in white.  

I am getting a lot of nice compliments from complete strangers.   That feels really good.  I also did the next 2 Russian joins so I won’t have to weave in any ends. I can also use all the yarn with less waste.  

A Progress Report

 

 Last night I started a new pair of Maxi Fingerless Gloves, by Sheri Karobonik Designs.  Tonight I finished the first glove, Except for seaming.  I have started the second glove and I’m Two rows in.  

As you probably guessed I gave up looking for my lost gloves.  I am trying something different this time.  I am using my Maxi Fingerless Gloves pattern, but am doing stocking stitch in the garter stitch section.  I am really liking how it’s turning out. I’ll have to see what they’re like when they’re seemed up, and I tried them on. Although, as with most patterns, I had a small difference of opinion with a designer on one section and I think I’m going to leave it there just because it’s a cute addition to the design. If I like it, you’ll see a new pattern soon. If you’re adventurous and have the skill set, go ahead and order the maxi fingerless glove pattern off of ravelry. You will find it under Sheri Karobonik designs.

A Busy Time

 We seem to be in a cycle of replacing and repairing things around the house. The latest thing that was about to die was the air conditioning unit. It was 16 years old. So I think we got our moneys worth from the old unit.

We did a lot of research into air conditioning units and installers. We learned some new things along the way, such as when they say an air conditioner is so many tons. What it really means in the original meaning was how many tons of ice would it take to keep a building in England cool for a day in the summer. We also learned that our old air conditioner use the old ser Ratings. The new ser Ratings are much different. We landed up getting a Lennox air conditioning unit from Costco.  It was a mid range unit. Not the best and not the worst unit, but it suited our needs. The new air conditioner is now fully installed and running well.

What we didn’t realize is the day that we picked in advance was going to be the hottest day of the year in Tucson. The outside temperature reached 112 Fahrenheit. The inside of the house got up to 85°, despite pre-cooling the house to try to keep it cooler. I went out after lunch to find some cool places to knit.  

First, I went to Bird House Yarn on 6th Street and Tucson Boulevard. Birdhouse Yarn is under new ownership. The new owner is Sarah and she has done a lovely job with the shop. I even signed up for class next month. Tunisian Crochet in the round. If you haven’t been to Bird House Yarns since the change of ownership, I would highly recommend a visit. There is a lot of dyed in Arizona yarn from independent artists. The store has a nice layout with yarns group by weight.

I then headed over to Grandma’s Spinning Wheel on Tanque Verde. What I did didn’t realize as I had it down sixth Street going east was how much road construction there really was. I would probably avoid sixth Street and fifth Street until the construction is over.  I spent the afternoon knitting and catching up with friends. Around dinner time I went next-door to the pizza place and got a nice sub sandwich for John and I to share. Then I headed home. I took a different route home mileage wise. It was a little longer drive, but time wise It was really shorter. In avoiding Grant Ave, I cut At least10 minutes off my drive time. With less traffic too. 

John also repaired our shower door. Cleaned up a pack rats nest by our back door.  I on the other hand went through 5 drawers, getting rid of clothes that were too big. Yeah me! Filling up 3 bags for Bookman’s. Then repeating the process on Friday.  

I nearly forgot to mention that I started trying to get back in some semblance of A fitness level. In the last 12 days, I have exercised 10. I have not done that since I got sick last March. Hopefully, it will have some positive effect on my life and my body.

Should I Write the Pattern?

 I think about this a lot lately.  It takes so much time and energy to write a new pattern and everything that goes along with it being a one woman show.  The only pattern that I have ever exceeded the cost of the yarn was a washcloth.  The cotton yarn was on sale for $2.50 USD.  The pattern sells for $5.00. I have sold less than a dozen patterns since I listed the Cactus Washcloth on Ravelry.com more than 10 years ago.

I designed it to based on a saguaro cactus in my backyard.  I initially used it to teach a guild class. Then I figured I had put about 60 hours into this washcloth. So why not try to recoup money for some of my time and supplies? The money made off the pattern was less than $60. After supplies they came, my profits were less than $57.00 in “profits” after 10 years. I also made less than $1.00 An hour for all the work. That is my best selling pattern. Most I have not even recouped the cost of the yarn.

I’m thinking about this now, because I’ve designed an easy to make pattern whilst doodling with yarn. The pattern can be used for Yarn tastings, leftover yarn from other projects, or one skin of yarn. Please let me know if you think I should write the pattern. Is it something that you would buy? Is it something that Yarn store Owners would consider selling by making a kit or selling the yarn and pattern together. I know people love free patterns. But the time spent, and the expense, it just does not seem right to be given away my intellectual property like that. I’m not sponsored by any Yarn companies. I pay for all my Yarn. I take all my pictures. I type and edit the patterns. Since I’m running on a lot less spoons I used to, is it really worthwhile? 

Please note that this is a first draft and changes will be made for the final version. I usually just doodle out my first drafts and decide whether it’s worth while to do a second draft. I also edit the patterns like writers do. 

A Hiccup

 I think I have had a hiccup on the road to recovery.  I personally think the stress of my mom being in hospice and dying shortly after has set my bodies systems off kilter.  I kept my to do list to five activities today. It took me till 9 o’clock at night, but I did finish everything.

I spent a good part of the day resting. Which everybody who knows me, knows it’s not a good thing. I am not a person who’s meant to sit still. I did finish a book today, My Korean Grocery Store. A book that I highly recommend.  It was hard to put down. Then I started another book.  Then I spent some time on untangling some yarn. I also spent some time working on an oak knitting project for me. There will be no pattern written. I am just doodling with yarn and color.  An oak knitting project is a one of a kind knitting project, not to be duplicated ever.  

My Weight Loss Journey

 I find sometimes on a journey I have to stop and weigh things out.  Today was one of those times.  I was at the supermarket of all places when this thought occurred to me.  I was busy picking up distilled water for the roborock, yes it takes distilled water.  The water in Tucson is notoriously hard. Tucson water is full of minerals. My husband has found that using distilled water decreases maintenance time.  

The 1 gallon jugs of distilled water weigh in at approximately 8.34 pounds which is equivalent to 3.785kg. Meaning that picking up 2 at a time is approximately 16.68 pounds or 7.57kg.. if I take the amount of weight I have lost over the last several years, 50 pounds, that would be equivalent of 5.99 jugs of water.  Rounded up to 6 gallon jugs, you just know that they would unceremoniously kick you out of the supermarket if you ask for .99 of a jug of water. That I determined was an awful lot of weight. Just lifting 2 made me think how lucky I was to lose that much weight.

The weight loss has changed the way I move. The size clothing that I wear. My entire appearance. My weight loss journey is far from over. I did however, hit a major bump in the road when I got sick in March 2024. Like the fact that I have been doing a lot of resting at times. Certain medications can make healthy food taste absolutely horrible. More take out food than is healthy. The overall lack of spoons. I have only lost about 5 of those pounds since I got sick. My body has taken the time to make some other adjustments besides weight. This has lead to dropping 2 dress sizes since I got sick.  Remember that inches are just as valuable as pounds in a weight loss journey. 

I made major lifestyle changes. Adjusted the way I view food. By eliminating most processed foods, I did not have to weigh or measure my food or count calories.  The book and program that I use is called “A Pound of Cure” by a local Tucson Doctor, Matthew Weiner M.D.. I personally did not use weight loss surgery. I save surgery to keep my hands useful.  The book can be ordered online.  

I made this decision along with a doctor that I was seeing at the time.  If you like the information and the lifestyle changes in the book. Please ask your doctor to read the book and work with your personal physician. I am not giving medical advice.  I am giving you a peak of my lifestyle changes and sudden realizations that I go through at times.

The Upside of Losing Things

 There is always an upside of losing things in my house.  The first is I tend to find a lot of things to recycle. The second thing is that I find things I have lost and given up of ever finding them again.  So today’s tally is pretty good with one exception, I still have not found the missing gloves.

I did find enough old paper work to necessitate doing 3 rounds of shredding old paperwork. I really hate getting behind on that. 

I recycled a batch of old magazines. If they are 2 to 3 years old and full of current events, the events are not so current. 

I added to our perpetual Goodwill box.  Always a plus. 

I  also found an old knitting tool for my newest student. I also found a small magnet board for putting patterns on for me. 

I also found 3 lost weaving magazines. One even explains how to set up a little loom for inkle weaving. All dated from 2016 to 2022. I did say they were old. They still look new. 

Most importantly found my knitting book from Cat Bordhai.  Unfortunately I did not have the necessary skills to take her classes when she came to Tucson. Now that I have the skills, I at least have her last book “One Dozen Magical Momo Cowls”. I can now also read the charts from the book. The book also includes a detailed explanation of how to do a möbius cast on . I might even try to make one for an upcoming fashion show. 

I would like to leave you with a thought. May your deep cleaning time always be filled with adventure, wonderful finds and a slightly cleaner house. 

This and that

 When looking for something else, I managed to find out why the recliner was not working properly.  Apparently a coloring book worked its way into the recliner mechanism.  It was very difficult to dislodge, however it was accompanied.   The recliner works perfectly fine now.   

I also spent some time spinning today. I went old school with drop spindles.  I finished off one spindle and started another.  After spinning this project on and off for more than a year the first phase is almost finished.  Then it will be time to ply it  I also got to spend some time with a fellow artist.  We talked all things spinning for a while.  

All shopping was done online today 

Another Scarf Finished

 I finally figured out a very good solution for the 3 pound cone of fluffy fingering weight yarn.  I combined it with a double knit. I then used a U.S. size 13 knitting needle.  The first’s scarf came in at just over 50 inches long.  The colors are terra cotta and a variegated blue.  It looks and feels wonderful.   I am sure a teenager will love it.  

I also spent a little time organizing yarn stuff again today.  The priority projects to finish are on the fireplace.  Teaching bags were emptied and sorted.  Some patterns went to the giveaway pile.  I also found time for a lot of rest too.  

I still have not found the missing fingerless gloves. I really hope that they show up   They just can’t walk off inside a silver Della Q bag, can they?

The Number of the Day is 3

 As in 3 loads of laundry finished, now we are not counting folding the laundry. That is because “No laundry shall be folded before it’s time.”  1 bag of trash and 2 bags of recycling out which equals 3.  And most importantly 3 chores finished around the house.  Alas, that did not include my knitting.  I did not complete any knitting projects today.  I can say that I am almost finished with another scarf.  

The day also hit an interesting note. The grocery store up the hill from us has decided to do an upscale makeover.  Really does anyone really need an upscale bohemian grocery store when they are looking for their Orville Redenbacher popcorn? I looked all over the store for it. Turns out the country’s best selling popcorn is no longer good enough for them. I also got the you aren’t the right fit for our grocery store look. All they had was some upscale $15.00 a bag popcorn from back east.  They have also gotten rid of most of the made in Tucson or Arizona products. It’s a-shame because most of the hotels drop their guests off at the mall to do some shopping.  In my humble opinion people flying in from the east coast don’t want to buy, what they can get at home cheaper to give as gifts.  Something made in Tucson or Arizona would sell faster. 

They also did something that I have never seen before at any meat or fish counter. They weighed my purchase, but did not print the tag. Then they wrapped up my purchase in a lot of butcher paper, more than they use to use. Weighed my purchase again and then proceeded to print the tag. So what ever the meat or fish cost per pound, I was paying the same price for the paper per pound. Most stores figure in the cost of the paper into overhead, which is fair. That really has me tempted to look up the state law on that. Maybe even proceed with it. 

 My usual summer sundress with an oversized cover up and silly socks was not appropriate wear by the looks that I got from the staff.  It’s summer in Tucson, we do not get dressed to the 9’s to go grocery shopping.  Come to think about it, we never get dressed to the 9’s to shop in the winter either.  Are they going to be disappointed if they expect us to dress up to shop.  

The popcorn solution was to make an online order at Walmart to be delivered tomorrow.  It’s worth paying the delivery fee not to leave the house and get some extra rest.  I might have over done it today.  

TTFN

Tinking Yet Again

 I tinked another scarf today.  I did not like how it was turning out.  So I combined the original terracotta yarn with a variegated blue yarn which was slightly thicker.  It has a distinct southwestern flair. Then I went from a U.S. size 9 knitting needle to a 13.  I started another Broken Rib scarf.  I am past the point in the terracotta yarn, when I decide to tink it out.  

I am so glad that I made the decision midway through the project to change it.  Even if I have to say so myself. It looks so much better.  The combination of the yarn and the stitch pattern adds so much depth to the scarf.  Even better is that I have 3 more skeins of the blue yarn.  That will be 4 scarfs in total for this color combination.  Since the terracotta is on a 3 pound cone I will have to look for more coordinating yard. I am beginning to wonder just how many scarfs that I will get out of 3 pounds of fingering weight yarn.  

Below is a picture of today’s progress after tinking.  Just in case you were wondering, the scarf is currently 31 inches long.  

That is not all I accomplished today.  I actually got some deep cleaning done too. I did not quite fill a full recycling bag, however John felt it was a good start.  I still have not found my purse gloves. The decision has been made to start a copy of both pairs.  Maybe then I will find them.  

Delivery Day

 Today is one of the best days of the year for me.  It’s delivery day for all the hand knitted scarfs, hats and other warm weather items that I have gathered since January.  There were 6 carrier bags full of warm clothing.  The back of my car was packed to the brim.  

The Flowing Wells School District was pleased with this year’s delivery.  I have also started working on the next delivery.  The scarf that I finished yesterday is the first finished project of the next delivery.

133% of Goal Plus A Free Pattern

 I am now at 133% of my knitting goal for the year.  I just finished a charity scarf with yarn gifted to me by my friend Mary Gavin.  To celebrate, I am giving you the pattern for this scarf for free. The name of the pattern is a broken rib.   It is an easy pattern to make.   

Broken Rib Scarf

Cast on in multiples of 4 plus 1

Row 1 knit 2 Purl 2* repeat until the last stitch. Then knit 1.  

Repeat row 1 until you reach your desired length or run out of yarn.  

Cast off in the pattern. This means knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches. 

Spoonie Life

 Even though I am feeling better and have more energy on some days. I can’t attend more than one event per day.   It just leaves me exhausted for a couple of days.  Today was the first day since I over did it on Wednesday that I feel better.  I even did some small chores around the house.  Despite the Sjogren’s flare up and the need for multiple naps per day   

So I am moving some chores to next week.  I just don’t like not being the energizer bunny.  

11 Hats

 I finished my 11th half of the year today. I also spent a good portion of the day cleaning. I have completely filled the bottom portion of the recycling bin today. In my cleaning, I still have not found the silver storage container that I have two pairs of gloves in. It’s been a busy day so I think it’s going to be a short blog.

Blogger is having trouble uploading my photo tonight.  

Pictures

 I finally had time today to take some pictures of my finished projects.  These are my favorite 3 out of the 6 completed projects. The silk scarf and wool mittens are for me. The woolen mittens did shrink, but not felt after a hot bath followed by hanging in a very hot garage.  Who am I kidding, it’s summer in Tucson the garage is always hot this time of year. Yes, I actually make things for myself very occasionally. The cotton scarf is for charity, it going to my favorite children’s clothing bank.

Project Failure

 I am going to plan B with the pattern that I started on July 11th.  There were errors in the pattern that lead to the shawl literally, falling apart, as I was knitting it. I went back and looked at the pattern. There were some errors, but I didn’t feel it was up to me to correct them.

So I ripped out the knitting And designed something totally different. That won’t have so many ends to weave in. It also won’t have a lot of fussy stitches. Adding fussy stitches just to add fussy stitches is just silly.  They would not have been seen from 5 feet away even when blocked. So I’m designing something that’s similar but different. It will be easier to knit.  I have no idea if I’ll release the pattern or just chalk it up to not doing knit along again. This was my first knit along. I was sorely disappointed.  I do however like the yarn and will use it up.  I do see a lot of Russian joins instead of weaving in a ton of ends.  

TTFN