I Just Can't Wait Sometimes and K2tog

 

~~~~~~~~~~for snow and

~~~~~~~~~to start a new lace freebie

especially with this yarn I have in my stash,

and the cabin fever with all the cold weather.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 And on days like today, I just look at it after 5 or 6 rows of the pattern

 

and realize after it's stretched out, the beauty shows.

 

The beauty of the colorway and the way it shows the lace.

 

When  stitches are put together in a pattern intentionally to leave a "hole" for lace,

 

sometimes it's not until it's all stretched out until it's full pattern can be appreciated.

 

Space can be beautiful when it is in the right timing of a pattern.

It can be a real mess when it's not supposed to be there.

 

Reminds me of our journey in life. The places we think are holes, can sometimes be just part of the pattern to make the bigger picture, our journey pattern, a more beautiful purpose in the end.

 

This I know for sure:

 

Those that left holes in our hearts, were just part of the whole pattern, and that in God's grace, He knits our life the way it should be if we put our trust in Him always and always seek His will.

 

Knitting gives me time to meditate. I think that's why there are research studies that show how therapeutic knitting really is. However, if you ask some people, they would say it's just for old people. Man, what they are missing out on, no matter what age!

 

The rhythm of it. The counting. The freedom to choose. Choose colors. Choose patterns.

 

It's very functional as well as beautiful as the process goes along.

 

At the end, there is no better sense of accomplishment which is like a balm to our soul.

 

And the very best part of knitting is using our gifts to give of our hearts.

 

This is just what knitting means to me. I'm blessed to have been able to learn a year ago as it's been as good to me as many a close friend.

 

On the reading front:

 

I'm finishing the Bible study devotional book and online study group called Wife After God in just 4 days!!! I can't believe it's almost over. I don't want it to be........

 

 My review of this is highly recommended for Christian wives. The author is the group leader, Jennifer Smith, and she is very gifted with teaching about such a HUGE part of life. I'm also blessed to have a husband who is just so easy to love and respect. You know marriage is a true KNIT 2 TOGETHER!

And for that, I'm truly, truly thankful.

I think God had me go through a marriage of what is not, to show the contrast of how a real marriage should be.

 

#soblessed #soloved #sothankful #knittedtogether

 

My Review of ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Red Lace Knitting Needles

 

I went to knit group last year and right before class, the owner of Bumbleberries in Clarkesville, GA had this yarn on a clearance rack. The skein is HUGE. I was drawn to the teal colors and subtle colorway. Of course I can't find the tag that was on this large skein right now. I usually keep them but now can't find this one. I wish I could tell you more about it.

I made up this knit design so that it flows in blocks using knit and purl stitches. Using number 10 needles as it's somewhat bulky and what was called for on the yarn tag.

I picked this back up and put these on circular needles instead of straights and moving much faster.

 

 

Needles are ChiaoGoo in the interchangeable set Red Lace. I really got a deal on Ebay recently as someone just didn't like the way the needles felt in her hand so she sold them at a fraction of the cost. I mean FRACTION. I had to reread it twice. She only used them a couple of times and I was so blessed to have found this the very day she put them on Ebay. At first I thought something had to be wrong with them at that price but it's not. I have small hands so they fit perfectly for me. I can see how someone with larger hands may not be as comfortable although the needle tips are 5 inches long.

 

The Chiao Goo Interchangeables Red Lace Circular Set, comes in a compact and very organized zippered holder, with a pack of markers, cords (6), measurer, needle card, T-pins to tighten, and 4 end pieces to hold work if you want to store for later.

 

I had already used a ChiaoGoo needle in the past and really loved them. I used Addi ones last year and I will have to say for the price I like these just the same, if not more so. I found through experimentation that I prefer circulars on all projects even when patterns are written flat.

There is no snag at the joins. They do stay together well when used with the T-pin. The cords are plentiful in size variation and the quality of the cords are excellent.

 

 

 

 

 

zip-zip

 

 

This is all in the side pocket. I love the colors of the markers.

 

 

 

Each slot has a label sewn in for the number and the number is inscribed on the needles.

 

 

Please excuse Abbie's white hair. It gets on everything even though I try to remove it all.

 

 

 

 

 

Both large and small of all sizes have their own place tucked inside this little bag.

 

 

So, yeah, this is really a good deal I think, but I know everyone has their own opinions.

 

In summary, I love the ChiaoGoo Interchangeable Red Lace knitting needle kit because:

 

• it's so compact and organized
• the stainless steel needles are very pointy which I like for any project
• they have smooth joins and do not snag yarn
• options for needles sizes 2-15 cover a lot of patterns
• the 6 cords are made very sturdy and there is no aggravation with winding up like nylon
• you can make the cords even longer by joining two
• comes with plenty of markers and end pieces for small and large cords
• the side zipper pouch holds all the accessories
• I love metal needles slick and pointy nature for faster knitting.
• I love the classic color of the case itself.
• you can buy additional cords to fit them. Chiagoo cords however, as other name brands do not fit (which makes sense) and they are very affordable.
• the number size is easy to read on the needle itself
• these do not have bends in the lower part of the needles (some do but I don't like that)
• I love that I waited for a year to get a steal like this instead of ordering a set at full price as this was listed for 75% off retail and hardly used at all.

I LOVE< LOVE

Goodbye wood needles, goodbye straight needles and HEeeeeeellow ChiaoGoo RED needles

 

I just love red anyways. It's a really close favorite color of mine but Pink is my favorite.

I do love the classic Black, white and red together. Just classy. And functional, and very cost effective.

So what needles are your favorites?

Have you tried ChiaoGoo ones? If so, how did you like them?

 

 My dearest husband has just returned with a cord of wood and putting it away so a cozy fire in a few in the wood stove while I knit a while.

 

May God Bless you this weekend with lots of love, coziness, kindness, memories, and a sweet loving companion to share it with,

 

Jennifer

New Yarn is good eye candy!

Hello,

 

Yesterday I went to the junkin' store, actually a few of them to find a really cheap but usable to repurpose--frame for my Jane Austen sampler. After 3 hours, still didn't find one I could get. So, I probably will finish as a hanging because I do want it to go on my sampler wall in one of the guest rooms.

More on that later!

 

My splurge for this week was 2 skeins of Red Heart Boutique yarn. Found this at Walmart and honestly, it's like yarn shop quality. It almost has a soft mohair appearance but it's not. It's very soft and pretty. The colorway is called Tidal. It's a gorgeous teal and light green and medium teals. There are 258 yards on each skein and it recommends a number 8-9 needle. I want to make a small shawlette and lacy so I will use a bigger needle.

 

 

Red Heart has come a long way baby!

 

I think I'm dreaming of Spring already. However, I heard we are in for a big cold front moving here about 9a in the morning and lasting through the week, making very frigid nights. Tomorrow night is predicted at 17 with a real feel of 3 degrees.  Someone said today the Farmers Almanac spoke of this area having 4-5 snow episodes this Winter. Hasn't happened yet though. But.................................we have many weeks of Winter to go!

I feel kind of silly talking about these temps when I know there are many of you that live in much colder climates and probably laughing at us southerners.

 

It's time for a small design. I had some ideas while roaming through the afternoon and my devotionals. My creative juices are flowing. ;-0

 

Stay warm and cozy,

Jennifer