Lucky Penny's Workshop

Addiction

2012-01-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

Now that my life has changed to the point that I'm now a full time knitter, I have a pretty extensive neckwear wardrobe. This has been the Season of the Cowl for me. Behold the State Street Cowl, with a napping Piccolo underneath. For some reason, the Blogger application turns my photos upside down. I can't figure out how to change that. Anyhow, the details are, knit with 2 skeins of Brown Sheep Burly Spun, in light charcoal, on size 13 and 15 needles. I liked the design so much, that true to my knitting proclivities, I knit another one.

The stash sale was pretty successful given the uncooperative weather, and scant advertising. We're going to do another one, probably in May. Stay tuned.

The Burden

2012-01-17T22:48:00.002-06:00

My most recent moving experience has left me feeling somewhat burdened by my possessions. I love my new apartment, but it's smaller than the last one, and has no off site storage. Over the years, I have gathered a lot of stuff. Some makes it easier to live in my modest home. It's a little easier to live with my new austerity plan with some beautiful collections to comfort me. I have gathered yarn for two separate stashes, my Lucky Penny stash, small amounts for dog sweaters, and the personal stash, yarn in human garment amounts. It's now become difficult to manage, even to gather yarn to do color recommendations for custom work. So, in the interest of reducing my stash, I'm having a studio sale on Saturday, along with a few like minded friends. We all like the good stuff, and we're passing it along, deeply discounted.
Join me and my friends this Saturday, January 21, from 1-7 pm at Sara's Shoes, 4723 N. Winchester, Chicago, 60640. Email me, luckypennyknits@att.net, if you need directions.
Besides yarn, in dog and human garment amounts, I'll have some gently used knitting books, and copies of Doggie Knits (new, and not discounted) for sale. Our host is an amazing shoe designer and cobbler, so you will be able to see her work, as well.

International Dress Your Dog Day

2012-01-13T21:52:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow, 1/14, is International Dress Your Dog Day! What will your best friend be wearing?

Modern Girl

2012-01-06T19:45:00.000-06:00

Over the past few months, I have become increasingly aware of the Modern Girl. Most of them are young enough to be my daughter, if I had ever had children. They have mastered technology, and have not let themselves become hindered by not having a car. They breeze into the knit shop with their little bike helmets on, stopping to pick up some yarn on the way to Trader Joe's, or if not on a bike, they check their iphone app for the next time the CTA bus will be arriving. This week, I took my first step to being a Modern Girl. I now posess an iphone, so I will master technology. Today, I downloaded an app that will allow me to take credit cards at events! So clever. I took the photo above with my new camera, and whoosh, sent it off so it could be posted to Facebook. If my Rav4 ever dies, and it could be soon with 215,000+ miles, I may not replace it, and will walk, bike, or bus. Maybe. I would have to rely on a IGo car to take Piccolo to some appointments. But, not having a car would save some expenses.
I'm taking on a new challenge--building a sweater for a special needs dog. This little cutie is Geiger, who is the spokesman for Trio Animal Foundation, and his mom, Sue, is one of the founders. They do amazing things for homeless animals, including covering medical costs, and helping to find foster programs and homes for some of Chicago's neediest pets. I thought that knitting a sweater for a tripod would be easy--just eliminate a leg opening. Not so much. For the front leg amputee, the remaining leg is brought forward for balance--so a sweater with a traditional leg opening will torque when Geiger walks, and end up pinching him. That's been his history with donated sweaters so far. So after his initial fitting, I am now working up a totally new sweater shape, that will allow him to move his front leg comfortably.
This photo is funny--it looks like Geiger is wearing the hat, that is actually on Sue's head.

To Bed with 2011

2011-12-31T18:39:00.000-06:00

2011 is so over. I cried (not much), I laughed, I peed (from laughing). My hopes for 2012 are to be settled in my new home, which so far is working out splendidly except for the mouse that refuses to be trapped, and the excess of crafty posessions that I now officially have no more storage for. Plans for unburdening to follow soon. The studio is almost up and running. My other wishes for 2012 are good health for my best friend in the world, the Piccolo, and for Lucky Penny world domination.
What's happened in the last month is unpacking, and making the new HQ comfortable. I had a birthday, and a marvelous dinner out with friends. More laughing. Have I mentioned that I have the best job ever? Other than being with Piccolo, it's my favorite place to be. Christmas was a day of snuggling with my baby, and ordering some very tasty Chinese food from a Chinatown quality restaurant in Uptown. If you are familiar with Chicago, Uptown is home to a lot of mental hospitals, so there are crazy people on the streets. I was going back to my car with my food, and out of the corner of my eye, saw some woman starting to run towards me. I got into my car quickly, and locked the doors just in time. She stood next to my car so I couldn't drive, screaming at me. I was yelling, "get away from my car!" Merry Christmas to me.
The Man has been spending most nights here with us, and has given me his cold. So, a quiet New Year's Eve, doing what I hope to be doing for the rest of 2012. Knitting.
The photo above is the last finished quilt of 2011. Bruce and Gary's quilt in honor of their marriage. According to Pantone, orange is the color for 2012. Fortunately, B & G like it, too.

I Believe in Love

2011-12-04T21:20:00.000-06:00

It took me months to get this done. This is the back medallion on the quilt I made for my friends Bruce and Gary to celebrate their civil union. Not being able to do curved seams in quilting yet, the rings are done with applique. I found the initials and numbers in fabric. B & G. 7/24/11. Photos of the quilt front to follow!
It's been a month since I've posted. Wow. Piccolo and I are in the new Lucky Penny headquarters, and fearful that some univited may have come along. There is a lot of unpacking to do. I really need my mom here. She's excellent at fitting things into other things to organize storage. The move was hard physically and financially. Hoping to repair over the next few months.

Home

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-05:00

What is a home to me? It's a place where I can make a cup of coffee, and a simple meal. It's a place where I can be creative and laugh, which is why Knit 1 feels like home. More importantly, it's a place where Piccolo and I can feel safe. We haven't felt safe for a long time now. I've been talking about it for what seems to be forever, but now maybe I've found it. The next home. The camera flash hides the stained glass window above the mantel. The neighborhood is nice but not trendy, and there's a chicken coop in the back yard. If you don't hear from us at Lucky Penny HQ over the next few weeks, it's because we're packing and planning on making the new Lucky Penny lounge a lovely place to be.

The Lakeview Sweater

2011-10-25T21:57:00.003-05:00

This past summer, the principals of a Chicago company, PoopBags, walked by the knit shop, and inquired about the dog sweater models in the window. They are now offering an exclusive design, the Lakeview sweater. Knit from Dream In Color Groovy, it's available in four sizes, and four colors. Beautiful, functional, and machine washable!

I Love to Knit.

2011-10-15T20:12:00.000-05:00

I spent a delightful day yesterday, knitting a top down thrummed mitten. Imagine being in a room with a bunch of people that you like, with nothing to do but knit. Heaven. This is a thrummed mitten. I'm using a yarn called Pur by Schoppel Wolle, that's not spun, and looks like a velvety ribbon. The yarn seemed to bloom as I knit it. I'm using a size 6 needle for worsted weight wool, as I knit rather loose. The thrums are Blackberry Ridge Roving. The thrums look like happy little hearts. This is going to feel like sticking my hands in a fluffy wooly cloud.

Queen of Wands

2011-10-08T21:18:00.000-05:00

I love this little sweater. David R. knit this for Oscar, and very kindly let me share photos here. Not having enough Kureyon to complete the project, he did some stash diving and used leftovers of Malabrigo Worsted and Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride. One of the things that I've noticed with Ravelry postings from the book is that people are not knitting the sweaters long enough--the short rows at the end are intended to make the bottom curve around doggie hips. The sweaters just look so much richer and custom made when they are the proper length. It's easy to do, as most of the patterns are written top down.
I've been thinking about being fearless, again. In the face of a global depression, corrupt politics, and my own complicated personal life. In my daily affirmations, I must channel the Queen of Wands--powerful, benevolent, and fearless. Moving forward, and getting serious about a move, with or without others.

2011-10-08T21:07:00.001-05:00

Beautiful attention to detail, adventurous use of color, and a little label inside.

The last few days have me distracted--after consulting with experts, I must keep my eye on the prize--new Lucky Penny designs, and cracking down on getting a book proposal done. It's time, really, now.

Strong Sewer

2011-10-04T12:34:00.000-05:00

Someone gave me an unfinished quilt top last year, that looked very much like one that I had previously made. I loved the fabrics, and thought that it might be good to use for my show table display. It was finished a few months ago, supplemented with dog fabrics from my stash, and the Tammis Keefe fabric that I coveted so. Long arm quilted with the dogs and bones motif that I like using for Piccolo's quilts.This close up shows a little of the flavor of it. I no longer have a friendly relationship with the person who gave me the top, and I hope the addition of my own happy fabrics has taken some of the bad karma from it. Among some of the other gems this person said to me, one was that I was a "strong sewer." I think that's not like calling someone a talented quilter. A compliment, I suppose, and a diss at the same time.

Fluffy Pet

2011-09-24T10:03:00.001-05:00

I finished one Canyon Divide pencil roving scarf. It's a big one--about 12 inches across, and six feet long. I love the join action that's happening on one side. The colors are Wheat Heather (which to me, looks like creamed corn) and Dyed Charcoal. Pencil roving is not spun, so very fragile when being knit. There's a lot of my spit in this scarf! I love this thing so much, that of course I'm knitting another.

Knitting McGuyver

2011-09-16T21:35:00.002-05:00

There would have been a time when I would have declined a request like this. That was in the days pre-depression. Now that I need my knitting to make a living, I say yes to things. This is supposed to look like a Chicago police officer's uniform. There's a lot of technique in this. A pattern will be forthcoming. The truth is, I like the challenge, and it appears that I can work pretty well with a deadline.
We're wearing sweaters again! I can sleep without ice packs!
For the first time since April, I used the oven. I made meat loaf tonight, and will make some brownies shortly.

Forecast: Sweater Weather

2011-09-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

Lucky Penny Hand Made is on the road this weekend! We're going to be at September Fest at Carl Sandburg Village, 1355 N. Sandburg (aka Clark St.), in Chicago. Things get started at 11 am.
This is a party for the residents of Carl Sandburg Village, but the craft show is open to the public! Find the festivities on the mall between Cummings House and Dickinson House. We'll have finished sweaters, books, and other goodies.

Waiting, Impatiently

2011-08-30T12:08:00.002-05:00

This is coming to Knit 1 in September. Pencil roving from Imperial Stock Ranch. Lynn had this scarf draped around her at the show when she was placing the order, and all I could think of is, I want. I'm not into a matchy thing, so just the scarf. Really long. When's that package coming?
I have five more sweaters to knit to finish my wholesale order, so most personal knitting is on hold until that's done. It's painful. I just want to knit all the time.

Kisses are In Order

2011-08-26T10:28:00.000-05:00

It's National Dog Day!

Knowledge Base

2011-08-24T12:10:00.001-05:00

If it seems that I knit fast, it's not true. I just knit a lot. I'm currently working on building my knowledge of Habu fibers. This is another shot of Gretel, because you wanted to see it again, right?
There are things that I should know, and things I shouldn't. Among the shouldn't, it that St. Andre is the most fabulous triple cream brie that I've ever tasted. Like eating butter.
I'm working on making the best home iced coffee. Inspired by the cafe next to the shop. We found out that it is cold brewed. I'm using my French Press and cold water to steep my coffee, and let it sit for 12+ hours before use. I've been told that it can be re-heated for a really smooth hot coffee. I'll have to try it.
Still working on some sweaters to fill a wholesale order. I'll have purchase details available sometime in the next few weeks. I'm thinking about some more Habu garments, and perhaps trying something with my knitting machine.

I Don't Want to Know

2011-08-12T12:34:00.001-05:00

If the universe is trying to tell me something, maybe I don't want to know. Yesterday was just crummy. It started in the morning, when I was taking Piccolo out, and a neighbor commented about my hair. Then he started talking about how my last hair never looked good on me, and made some other inappropriate comments about my physcial appearance. I couldn't wait to get away from him. Things got worse around 2 pm when I realized that sometime during the day I lost the keys to the apartment. I've never lost keys. Took some time to get a set from the Man, and make copies. Things got even more crazy when I spotted a mouse in the living room. Have a mentioned lately how much I hate this apartment and my landlady? The mouse sprang a trap last night, and the Man re-set it, and we found it in the trap this morning. I'm going to get another trap in case a friend comes looking for it.
Things started to get nuts a few days ago. Let me back this up a little. About two weeks ago, I got an email from someone at my publisher's office, saying that someone called to report that she was having difficulties with one of the designs, and could I email her. The book was published three years ago, and the patterns were written five to seven years ago. They have been published in two additional languages. There was a tech editor assigned to the book, and I know that there are some errors in the book. Regarding the German and Russian editions, I can only imagine that things get lost in translation. My impression is that the books may get translated by someone who is not familiar with knitting. I came to this conclusion after helping people interpret patterns translated from another language to English. All of that said, sweaters are still being knit. No one up until now contacted the publisher. I had a feeling that I was dealing with someone unstable, and attempted to help, fearing that I would end up getting a one star review on Amazon. I hate review sites, if I haven't mentioned that before. It's a vehicle for someone to use the internet as a weapon. A few emails back and forth with this woman, I realized that I was going down a rabbit hole. She stated that she had never made a sweater before. After she asked me to re-write an entire pattern for her, I knew that there would be no end to this situation, and didn't reply.
It's not that I don't think re-writing some of the patterns is a bad idea. I've given it some thought, as one day Doggie Knits will be out of print, and I'll publish individual revised patterns, or an ebook. Right now, you can purchase Doggie Knits on Amazon or Barnes and Noble for the price of a single pattern. That really, really irks me. At the moment, re-writing the patterns is not on the top of my priority list. This woman knows nothing about my life, or any of the deadlines or issues that I'm dealing with now. It just crossed a line. A few days later, I found the one star review on Amazon. She used her real name, so there was no mistake. The other evening, I came home to find another email from her for more help. Talk about some effing nerve. My reply included a copy of her review. She didn't back down. Have you ever heard any one say that knitters are so nice? Don't believe it. There are plenty of evil nut jobs who knit.
The new knitted object is Gretel, from CocoKnits. I used Habu Cotton Gima. It's a different knitting experience, sort of like knitting with paper. It's knit in the round up to the armholes, and I twisted my cast on, not realizing it until a few inches in. Cotton Gima really likes to tangle when being taken apart. I cast on again, and knit a few rows flat before joining it in the round. I always thought of that method being the chicken shit way. Stitches in Cotton Gima like to stick to each other. For more control over my stitches, I used a bamboo needle. I like this design a lot. It's a light, exotic looking layering piece. I can see having a few. I've been hankering to knit with wool these days, but I cast on for another one, which I will make longer. In Linen Paper. Knitted cast on, the chicken shit way.

Still Knitting

2011-08-09T11:21:00.001-05:00

I am still knitting, even if the blog doesn't convey it. Here's another view of the Sunshine and Shadow, on an appropriate sized bed.
I'm getting my hair cut this afternoon, and giving some serious consideration to going short. It's been about fifteen years, and I'm hot under all this hair. I can feel my temperature rise even thinking about hair.

Flip Side

2011-08-01T22:15:00.000-05:00

I was in a kind of hurry when I pieced together this back for the large Sunshine and Shadow. A log cabin mediallion! Made with some favorite Denyse Schmidt fabrics, and some collected scraps.

more of the quilt back, with the medallion framed

Now, She Wants One

2011-07-29T19:48:00.010-05:00

It's another quilt that will find a way to get out to the Bay Area, maybe after my mom gets through drooling over it. I'm super pleased at how it turned out. Lots of saturated color. This is a generous throw size, and I heard noises about perhaps sewing a larger one, with similar fabrics.

Salad Days

2011-07-22T21:44:00.001-05:00

Salad is what's on the menu at Lucky Penny HQ. It's too dang hot for anything else. Big salads, with lots of stuff in them. Drinking iced latte in the morning. Drinking a lot of liquids. It's too hot. I'm dreaming of sweater weather. Lovely crisp air, and me and Piccolo wearing wool. How much longer?
I made this quilt top maybe a few years ago, when I was into my Sunshine and Shadow phase. Currently replaced by my log cabin phase. It came back from being long arm quilted a few weeks ago, and I've just finished sewing the binding on today. This one is big. It has quite a drop on the little full sized bed we've been using. I was considering loaning it to my mom for a while, but it's making me pretty happy where it's at on this bed.
Current mood is scattered. Preparing for what's coming, and there's a lot. Orders to fill, and perhaps a move. With fewer occupants. According to my astrologers, Pluto is moving through my seventh house of primary relationships, and causing trouble. Because when you've just reached a milestone birthday, and having a crisis because your business is not what it used to be (welcome to America), the answer is to set a date to break up with your SO. Piccolo and I will just keep moving forward, and I am looking for a smaller place, with room for my work, that will be safe for us. If I've learned anything over the past few years, it's that I can't control the behavior of others. But, I have to say, FU Pluto. You're a bastard.

More Knitted History

2011-07-16T20:33:00.000-05:00

Over Fourth of July weekend, we were in Lake Geneva for a while, and my mom brought out some of the sweaters that I have knit for her over the years. I think this one was about 1985-86 ish. It was a Christmas gift. My mom was the coordinator of the gift opening on Christmas Eve, and we're a open one at at time family so everyone can see versus the gift opening frenzy family. She was talking about something, and completely not paying attention to opening this, and let out a little gasp when she looked down and saw the sweater. It's been a vivid memory of Christmas for me. The sweater is wool, and I think the pattern was from a Vogue Knitting. She still wears the sweater. I have photos of some things that I have no recollection of making. I will be posting these every so often.

Keeping Up

2011-07-12T21:08:00.000-05:00

Throw another project on the pile. This is Current, the knitalong that's going on at the shop. Separation for the body is anticipated to commence tomorrow night. Perhaps I'll be there. There appears to be at trend for knitting garments out of sock weight yarn these days. This is Dream In Color Smooshy with Cashmere, color Cocoa Kiss. Not as cocoa as I had thought it would be, it's more grey/purple. The backdrop here is the quilt I made for my mom last summer. Tonight, as I was making dinner, I found some scraps of orange fabric that I likely pulled out of the scrap bin at the Needle Shop, in a shopping bag. Perfect for inclusion in the wedding quilt that's in progress now.

Summer in My Summer

2011-07-09T20:32:00.000-05:00

This has been a difficult week. My 50 something body is betraying me. Nights spent in bed tossing, sweating, clutching an ice pack to me, changing its location to achieve optimal coolness. While the air conditioning is running. I'm getting some improvement with a Black Cohosh supplement, and some sort of herbal sleep aid. Still unbearably hot at times, mostly at night. It may take some time for the remedies to take effect.
I love making gloves, if I haven't mentioned it before. This was a little consolation gift after an interview last week. The gloves are from the fantastic book, Knit Noro, using two different colors of Silk Garden sock. The mate to this glove will be totally fraternal. The thumb was finished after the photo shoot. Lots of ends to weave in!
Sewing is going on here at LP HQ. Some needle cases soon to be appearing at a Chicago yarn shop, and a quilt for some good friends who finally get to make things legal after 20+ years together.

Layin' Low

2011-07-02T20:32:00.000-05:00

One of the things I like best about days when I get to be home is Piccolo next to me on the sofa. So relaxed. My best friend and muse.

Because More is More

2011-06-28T10:44:00.000-05:00

More Mondo Cable! The cap sleeved version of the pullover, knit with Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece, color, Emerald. Finished earlier this month, so it could be worn at TNNA. Currently, one more is on the needles, and yarn procured at last week's Midwest Fiber and Folk for another cap sleeved version.

Need to Know Basis

2011-06-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

In keeping with my proclivity to make more than one, I just finished another Transatlantic! I was at a drive up ATM, and looking for a pen in my glove compartment, and found cash! Left behind from the Man during a road trip, but, hey, I figured he didn't miss it. So, where better to spend that cash than at Knit 1, on some lovely cashmere blend. The yarn is called Cashmere Queen, and it's a cashmere/silk/wool blend. I love it. The yellow is a small skein ordered from Miss Babs, color Squash Blossom. Sport weight. The shawl is living a Knit 1 for a while, until I need to wear it. Two more Stephen West designs in my queue--Clockwork, and Spectra.
Off to the Midwest Fiber and Folk Art fair today, for a little shopping, and hopefully some yummy Polish food. Then back to the studio where I intend to chain myself to my Bernina.

Knit It, and the Dog Will Come

2011-06-18T09:58:00.001-05:00

This Gidget Hoodie was intended for another dog. David (of bunny sweater fame) made it for a family dog, Oscar, but it turned out too small. He is in the process of knitting a larger one for Oscar, and saved the finished hoodie for another dog. Isn't Ruby cute? The hoodie is knit in the same Noro Kureyon that I used for a book sample. I love it.
This little sweater has a lot of skill building techniques--top down shaping, provisional cast on, three needle bind off. Just a few ends to weave in, and attach the top portion of the pocket. A great result!
Gidget Hoodie, from Doggie Knits, Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend.
A big thanks to Sharon Rosenzweig for the photo of Ruby!

What's Columbus Doing in Ohio?

2011-06-14T09:37:00.000-05:00

Back from the Big Show. Helped Lynn buy yarn and other goodies, and Knit 1 has got some really good stuff coming. Downtown Columbus is really fun, and what's it doing in the middle of a red red state? Really good food, and a lively atmosphere, and of course, Jeni's ice cream. I think that the Columbus native who sat next to me on the flight home was really surprised that there would be a trade show for the needle crafts industry. He was a little freaked when I took the sock on dpns out of my bag, and was surprised that there would be a profession like "professional yarner." Besides food and yarn, lots of laughs were had. One being in the coffee shop Sunday morning when we spotted another show attendee pouring some clear liquid into her orange juice. Speculation was made about what the liquid may be. I said that fiber supplements may be clear, and that perhaps she was concerned with her colon health. Some snarking also was done. Here's what--if you call yourself or your associates a "knitting rock star," I think that makes you a target for snark. Promotion is one thing, but calling yourselves a word like "visionary" is a little over the top. We were also a little suprised when a rather well known designer was pretty surly when she was the only sales person in her booth. Not the best representation for her design collective. While the experience was fun, and the first time I had been there since the release of Doggie Knits in 2008, it was a lot of walking, and work! It's a lot of pressure speculating what new products will be a hit with the Knit 1 customer.
One of the best things was seeing Bonne Marie--she's my Chicago friend, but I don't get to see her much, and we had dinner with her on Saturday night. She told me that people who were shopping in her exhibit had talked about the adaptation of Maximus that I have knit for Piccolo--so, here's another photo of her in it. I came home yesterday to find her walking funny, and uncomfortable--we have an emergency appointment with her chiropractor later today.

A Little Break

2011-06-09T07:23:00.000-05:00

I'm going to the Big Show this weekend, to walk the show, assist my boss, and rub elbows with the Knitting Celebrities. Does that make me Knitterati?
Piccolo will be at LP Headquarters with her Man, and safe as it will be much cooler this weekend, so not at risk for heat stroke (after last year's trip to camp, I was worried about leaving her again).

Cake Eater

2011-06-03T21:07:00.000-05:00

So, the thing happened. It didn't take the three hours anticipated, and enhanced techniques were not employed, but it wasn't pleasant either. The personal injury attorney was really cute, and about the age of my oldest nephew. It was sort of a glimpse into another world--the manicured, crisp white shirt, wealthy world. Something foreign to me. I like a starched white shirt, and I'm pretty sure that it wasn't laundered at home. I wonder if I will indeed get paid for my time. Something about the parties involved does not inspire my trust.
I did eat that cake.
I have this new book, called Knit Noro. It's fantastic! I'm making a chevron scarf that will be felted. It's hard to put down, and there's some stuff that I need to finish.

Don't Try This At Home

2011-05-31T21:41:00.000-05:00

A treasure that came my way tonight via Facebook. Although I like the attitude, I don't condone dressing like your dog. I know that people really like this, but I could never bring myself to design a matching human thing. Maybe I'll have to change if the price is right!
Dare I say this? I may be over the road trips to Wisconsin. After this past weekend, the Motel 6 seemed even trashier and more ghetto than usual. It creeped me out, and was super loud when I was trying to sleep. Of course, the Man had no issues. Rather than spend another night in a nasty motel, I suggested we sleep in our nasty apartment on Sunday night, and go back to Lake Geneva on Monday. The Man was agreeable to this. That's one reason why we're still together. After dinner on Monday, we walked down to the busy resort town with Piccolo, who was totally freaked out. No more crowds for her, I'm afraid. And, I must have spent $100 on gas this weekend, another good reason to curtail our trips.
My deposition on Thursday afternoon is expected to take three hours. I am so angry about this. I am told that they use a timer, and if I take a bathroom break, they stop the clock. I think I want a big margarita after this ordeal. Or, a big piece of cake. Or both.

Feeling and Not Feeling

2011-05-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

I lost a day today. I should have been sewing, but I just didn't feel it. Some knitting was accomplished, along with a few errands and some knitting time. I was dragging because of the red wine I consumed last night, some hormonal stuff, and not sleeping well. Anxiety here at Lucky Penny HQ. We are going on a much needed road trip tomorrow, but when we get back, I just hope I can get through the next few days unscathed. I have to appear at some law office for a deposition. This is related to the job that I lost in 2009. It was always my worst nightmare to have to do this, and now, after I had hoped to put things behind me, here it is. I'm getting paid, after I pitched a fit to the attorney that was hired for me (although I'm not the target of this suit), but if I hadn't, I'm sure no compensation would have been offered. Pay or not, I just don't want to do it. I can't imagine what I could possibly contribute, as I have no real memory of what happened on a particular day in 2008 that I would have found uneventful. I've been told that this inquisition could take many hours which ramps up my anxiety, and baffles me even more.
In better news, I'm working up some sweaters to be sold on another website, which will be a complete departure from the traditional Lucky Penny look, and machine washable, after finding a great yarn. A few weeks ago I boldly washed a sweater from my own wardrobe in a front loading washer at the laundromat, along with the rest of a regular load, in Cheer. I say boldly, because once that washer door closes, it can't be opened until the cycle is over. The sweater came out perfect.

Why I Do It

2011-05-22T20:33:00.000-05:00

In case you questioned the sanity of crocheting an afghan out of Malabrigo for my dog--here she is in a full on snooze. As soon as I put this over the back of the sofa, she was on it. Work progresses on the big one for us. As always, lots of other things need to be finished.

The Transatlantic Piccolo

2011-05-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

Piccolo encased in a Transatlantic shawl! As soon as I had the yarn, it was hard to put this aside. I made this a little larger to use up as much of the magnificent cashmere, silk, and wool blend yarn as I could.

2011-05-20T21:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a little closer look at the buttonhole detail. Yarn used was the recommended, Madeline Tosh Pashmina, purchased at Jimmy Beans Wool on line. Colors are Twig and Silver Fox. For the buttonholes, I remembered seeing a display from Miss Babs at a show with smaller skeins of sport weight for color work, and ordered a few hanks. At one point, I had considered making every buttonhole a different color. True to my process, I have another of these on the needles. It's going to be opposite, with the garter ridges a light color against a dark grey. I'm tickled with the color I have selected to outline the buttonholes in.
This design turned me around to the Stephen West porfolio. I like the graphic-ness of his design, and have a few more in mind. Actually, another design is in progress, and I have his Clockwork design in my queue. This shawl has gotten a lot of wear already.

Afghan-istan

2011-05-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

We were thinking of display for Knit 1, and one of the ideas was stitching for the home. I had some crocheted afghans in my Ravelry queue, so it seemed to be a good idea. Last Monday evening, Lynn headed for the Malabrigo display like a zombie looking for brains, and I caught the bug. I swatched a different pattern, a granny stripe, but decided that little dog feet might get snagged in it. I went looking for a pattern for something with single crochet, and a ripple. I loved the idea of a big one that would drape artfully over our bed, with a riot of color. I started one, and it ended up being too narrow. I liked it too much to take it apart, and decided that I would make it for Piccolo. True to my habit of making more than one, I started another, wider ripple afghan that would be for the bed.
This will end up being approximately a 30 X 30 square. Colors used are jewel blue, Frank Ochre, Hollyhock, Pigeon, Sealing Wax, Pearl Ten, Sapphire Green, Buscano Azul, Apricot, Indigo, Orchid, Butter, and Ravelry Red. I started this on Monday night, and may finish this weekend. The one for us will take longer. One reason is that this uses a lot of yarn! Could that be why I see that most crochet is done with cheap yarn?
I am loving the density of this afghan. It reminds me of one my Nana made, which I must remember to photograph next time I'm at my mom's. It's also sort of refreshing to work on a project where I don't have to think about size, or will it look good on me, or what I can wear with it. Just lovely wooly ripples.

It Begins

2011-05-13T21:58:00.000-05:00

There's a cold snap on its way to Chicago, and my apartment is still close to 80 degress, while it's in the 50's outside. This is not the time of year I'm looking forward to. There's still enough humidity in the air that the passive smoke in the apartment hallway just lingers. I'm back to sleeping on an ice pack, and haven't been sleeping well over the past two nights. I hate summer weather, and it's just beginning.
This is the other side of the most recent Piccolo quilt. Lots of dog themed fabrics, from Moda, Tammis Keefe, and Heather Ross. Along with some Denyse Schmidt and vintage looking fabrics.
My current obsession is a crocheted ripple afghan I'm stitching now. It was going to be for our bed, but turned out smaller than I had wanted. I decided that it's going to belong to Piccolo. Photos to come.

Knit On

2011-05-08T21:48:00.000-05:00

"Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crisis."--Elizabeth Zimmerman.
These words ring true with my life. If I didn't have knitting, I can't imagine where my life would be. Unhappy and hopeless, probably. Knitting is a good thing to hide behind, although I've been doing it in plain sight. A young woman in a knitting class said that she had heard that repetitive motion, as in knitting, creates endorphins. That explains a lot to me about why people are now craving it. Something must be done to soothe the pain.
This is the window at Knit 1, as for now. I just wanted to document it before it comes down soon.

Flip Side

2011-04-30T09:44:00.002-05:00

If you think I'm nuts for making quilts for my dog, the fact is, she really uses them. I put it down for her, and she knows that she needs to roll in it, and twist her face in it. All of my dogs did the face twisty thing. I think it's a Pekingese mannerism, probably because of that face wrinkle. It's the cutest thing. This is the flip side of the spotted quilt that I posted a few days ago. It's like a double faced quilt! I improvised the design with strips and patches. Is this a barn raising? Fabrics are Tammis Keefe, Denyse Schmidt, Moda, and some assorted reproduction vintage.
Piccolo was super playful when I took this shot. She was attacking and killing her little squeaky lamb, and playing catch with it. Something about my mother's home makes her frisky.

Everything is Good

2011-04-28T15:38:00.000-05:00

It's the best thing ever to wake up in the morning and have this in my face.

My Knitted History

2011-04-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

I think all knitters can identify creatures in their life that are knit-worthy, or not. For me, Piccolo is (she can't really complain), and the Man is not. My mom, however, totally is worthy of hand knits. For example. This was unearthed from the archives yesterday. I believe that I knit this sweater for her over 25 years ago. This was an Adrienne Vittadini design from an issue of Vogue Knitting. I have some parts of it somewhere knit for me, but never finished mine. I did a fair amount of intarsia knitting before I really knew what I was doing. The yarns for this sweater were purchased at Weaving Workshop in Chicago, the earlier incarnation of what is known as Knitting Workshop today. The lesson here is that if you knit with high quality materials, and select a fairly classic design, your sweater can be worn for years to come. If I were to change anything on this sweater, it would be to assemble the shoulders using a three needle bind off (my favorite for a nice, crisp seam) and have more buttons/buttonholes.
It did give me a little thrill to see this old friend after many years.

2011-04-25T09:57:00.000-05:00

Here's a close up of the ribbon and bow that run along the back of the cardigan.

Can't Say No to My Mom, part 2

2011-04-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

It's another quilt for my mom to give as a gift. A Blooming Nine Patch, as I'm over the Sunshine and Shadow, even though now I sort of wished I had done another. This is taking a little longer than I had hoped, and has more cutting than I had remembered after doing mine. I'm also making a log cabin for my niece along with this, so it was slowing down the works a bit. I'm just going to power through the last of this to get it done!

Little Muse

2011-04-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

This is Piccolo on a typical work day at Lucky Penny HQ. That little snoot, pink tummy, and furry paws. I just want to kiss all of it.

It Rains, It Pours

2011-04-16T21:12:00.001-05:00

Lots of stuff happens. Piccolo related, she's being treated for two bacterial infections, and today, I almost had a bad household accident with her. I was about to wash her muddy paws in the bathroom sink, and I turned, holding her, and one toenail got caught in the radiator cover. It took a (long) minute to get it out, and honestly, for a moment, I thought I wouldn't be able to. The Man was not on the premesis when this happened, and part of the events of this past week included me having a meltdown about him and Our Living Situation.
Other Things that Happened--car stuff, and today, going to the shop, my tote bag fell over when I opened the car door, and knitting fell into a puddle. My beautiful Malabrigo cardigan.
My knitting sort of sucks these days--I finished a sweater, that I helped many people to make look fabulous, and it looks horrible on me. I should have known not to knit this style, as it has been a failure in the past. As a good friend said, "you shouldn't put a circle on a circle." It won't happen again. I'm working on a plan to re-purpose the lovely yarn. The current sweater will never be seen in public.
In Other News, Piccolo has another quilt. If you look close, you can see some application of my new Tammis Keefe dog fabric. The back of this is pretty special too, almost like it's another front. More photos to come.

Frank Ochre

2011-04-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

I love the name of this color--it sounds like a man's name, and just cracks me up. I started this sweater when a student was making one in project class, at my suggestion. I thought the cable pattern was easy--and even though she has had problems with it, I still stand by my opinion--I had the pattern memorized before the first repeat was done. For some reason, cables go faster for me. This is the Brigid Jacket from the lovely book Vintage Modern Knits. For the first time, I'm using Malabrigo worsted, and I understand fully why this yarn gets so much love. Like buttah. I'm now working on the not so interesting parts that don't have cables.

Hop To It

2011-04-01T16:16:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to knitter David R, who recently acquired Doggie Knits, but didn't have a dog to knit for. He carefully measured a family bunny, Isabella, and knit the Penny sweater! Yarns used were Malabrigo Twist, and Cascade 220. Thanks to David for allowing the photo here. Best email of the day!
Looking for some more laughs? Our little friend Duke is now blogging about his human.

New Favorites

2011-03-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

If you've been following along on the blog, you may remember the sad end to my all time favorite sweater. I've been on a quest to replace it. This is a contender--I've made three, and a fourth is in progress. This is another Mondo Cable Pulli, from Chic Knits. The yarn is Black Water Abbey, purchased at the last Stitches Midwest. I went there with knitting this sweater in mind. I knew I wanted this yarn, but was not sure about what color I wanted. This is Peat, a deep, chocolately, nuanced brown. I knit the sweater a little longer (per advice of my stylist, aka the Man), adding one cable repeat. I used less than 5.5 skeins of yarn, so I have 1.5 left for something. One of the advantanges of top down construction is the option of making something longer--I added length to my other two Mondo Cables after they had been worn.
On the needles now? More cables, a delightful little cardigan from Vintage Modern Knits, and fine tuning a new dog sweater design.

Because I Can't Say No

2011-03-18T08:38:00.000-05:00

I have a hard time saying no to my mother. This is a throw sized quilt that I made for her to give as a gift. She originally wanted me to do a log cabin--but I talked her down. Too much cutting! This is another Sunshine and Shadow, which makes 6 (one is a top that still needs quilting!). Made with a strip piecing method, I think it gives a lot of look without too much effort, which is why it's great for a gift type quilt. I love the strong colors, and if you've followed my work, you know I love sharp contrast. I think that my mom really likes color the way I do as well. This may be lingering at her place before it goes to its inteded home in California. I have to do another quilt gift for my mom! This time, I may do a little Blooming Nine Patch to make things a little more interesting.

2011-03-18T08:31:00.001-05:00

Another shot of the quilt, with a peek at the borders. Fabrics used were Heather Ross, Kaffe Fasset, Anna Maria Horner, and Jay McCarroll. I used the swirly print on the outer border and binding on previous quilts. It looks like some kind of painted Italian paper. I really love that pixelated blue print from Jay McCarroll that's on the narrow border.

2011-03-18T08:26:00.000-05:00

My "signature" on the quilt back--a Pekingese from my recently aquired Tammis Keefe fabric!

Ring Toss

2011-03-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

When I was taking a photo of these, I thought about the Coneheads on Saturday Night Live. Ring toss, if you remember, is how the Coneheads made whoopie. These are little Micromus cowls, that Piccolo wears over her sweaters. Knit in Cascade Magnum, Brown Sheep Burly Spun, Blackberry Ridge Wool/Mohair blend, and Schulana Taiga. Sadly, the Taiga, which looks like shearling when knitted, has been discontinued. How to knit it? Do a Maximus for yourself, then with the scraps, knit a tiny one for the dog. You can figure it out.
Don't you have a taste for some fiberglas washed down with beer? Leave the beers on the six pack rings for the full effect.

Eight Years

2011-03-04T22:13:00.000-06:00

Eight years of Piccolo-ness. It's the longest that I've had any of my dogs. If you had told me 20+ years ago, that I would be a knitting dog enthusiast, I would have never believed you. Now, I can't imagine not having a little dog to cuddle, or knit for. Piccolo is the most excellent of muses, and is glue that keeps my relationship with the Man together. Really. Most times, when I'm away, for work, or an errand, or out to dinner, I just can't wait to get back home to her.

Looking In

2011-02-28T10:42:00.000-06:00

People stopped on the street to look inside Knit 1 when Duke came to visit! Details on the sweater: the Piccolo design from Doggie Knits, Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend. Body in Noro Kureyon, bands in Lorna's Laces Fisheman, trimmed with red Stonehedge Fiber Mill's Sheperd's Wool. We have needles ready to make one to fit for your dog!

They Don't Know

2011-02-24T11:45:00.000-06:00

Why I love dogs: They don't care that people can be angry and bitter, and that the world can be a place where people are marginalized. They just give, and receive, love. That's why I'm inspired to knit for them.

Our little friend Duke is having surgery today! Piccolo and I wish him a speedy recovery.

The Happy Visitor

2011-02-15T16:56:00.000-06:00

Here's how the story of me and Duke started: A few months ago, my knitting friend, Joan, sent me a link on Cute Overload. It was this little Pekingese with a blog. The similarities to Piccolo were striking. Both of them adopted from Petfinder (only Piccolo's adoption happened many years before Duke's), both around the same age, and both from Michigan. Piccolo's vocalizations are like Duke's. Looking at the blog photos, the streets looked familiar. Sure enough, Duke also lives in Chicago. A few months ago, I was teaching a sock knitting class, and I was talking about how much I love Duke, and how I would love for him to be a spokesmodel for Lucky Penny. I wanted to knit him a sweater. One of my students said that she knew Duke, and his people. She facilitated our on line meeting, and I knit Duke's sweater. On Saturday, he stopped by Knit 1 to try it on. A perfect fit! Duke's human, Henry, nailed the measurements.
I must confess, that since I found it, I read Duke's blog frequently. I love that his humans, Henry and Amy, adopted a senior dog. It's all about the quality of the life that you get to spend together.
Since Henry was kind enough to provide links to my blog, my stats have gone up exponetially! Thank you, Duke fans, for stopping by, and I hope that you'll return.

I'm A MidCentury Girl

2011-02-11T20:24:00.000-06:00

I do love me some midcentury design. I have pottery from the 40's and 50's, and we eat our meals in the Lucky Penny household, including Piccolo, off (mostly) vintage Fiestaware. If I had it to do all over again, all of my furniture would be Heywood Wakefield. That blond wood with the smooth corners. I went kind of nuts when I found this fabric collection. It's a Tammis Keefe commemorative. I could swear that I own a vintage linen dishtowel with this print. I'm waiting for the bolt (15 yards!) of this fabric that I purchased from an Etsy seller. I have 6 + yards of it in grey right now. Among other things, it's going to be the back of a quilt that I intend to use for Lucky Penny show display. My show assistant for the recent holiday season made the comment that my booth display was the most colorful at the shows, and I want to continue to be most colorful. You can't see in the photo, but one of the breeds included in the print is a Pekingese! This fabric makes me so happy.

I Would Call That a Cowl

2011-02-04T20:55:00.000-06:00

Spotted in a People In Style magazine while I was waiting for my Shrek green (toe) nail polish to dry. Knitters are setting the trends, baby!

Cabin Fever

2011-02-02T17:25:00.000-06:00

We went out for a short time today, because the Man couldn't stand being inside all day. We walked down our street, and most of the residents were shoveling out their street parking spaces, leaving a pile of snow on the corner parkway that appears to be more than ten feet high. I think I'm going to be hoofing it to public transit, or begging the Man to drive me with his 4 X 4 vehicle for the next few days. We're cooking some stick to your ribs type meals, including this really tasty split pea soup.
Saute 1 onion, 1 carrot, 1 parsnip and 2 stalks celery in olive oil. Add 6-8 oz of ham, 2 boxes of chicken broth, two bay leaves, and 1 package of split peas. Let simmer for about an hour, or until the split peas are tender. Serve with croutons on top. I made mine in a pan with olive oil and (lots) of butter, and black pepper. They would be much better with garlic powder. I could swear I purchased some at Trader Joe's a few days ago, but I couldn't find them. The Man could not stop eating this soup.
I'm staying put for a few days--maybe I can finish a sweater for myself that I started this summer!

Force Majure

2011-02-01T17:27:00.000-06:00

I was done with errands before 1 pm today. Now, the Lucky Penny family is holed up in HQ, with a pot of split pea soup simmering on the stove. I've been preparing since the weekend for the storm that's swirling about outside. Piccolo was groomed, and I was able to get her in early, and I did the laundry. I did have enough clean things to last a few more days, but by the time I would really need laundry done, taking it out to the laundromat in 20+ inches snow would have been a much harder slog. I think the Man is going to go a little stir crazy, and who knows if he will do any work on cleaning that room now that he's in captivity. But, I have lots of knitting and sewing to do. This giant lace scarf is from More Last Minute Knitted Gifts, appropriately called Big Lace Scarf. I used two skeins of Magnum, rather than the one that was called for, to make it nice and long. I left enough yarn to make another micromus for Piccolo.

I Could Live in This

2011-01-28T17:26:00.000-06:00

It is a feeling like no other when a sweater is so successful. This is Idlewood, by Cecily Glowik McDonald. I used Cascade Eco Wool, purchased at the Fold. I had started another project in the yarn, but it just wasn't speaking to me. I made patch pockets for this tunic, but my advisors say no. This is so comfortable, and I love the big cowl. So much, that true to my fashion, I'm thinking about making another.
Thanks to the mannequin at Knit 1 for posing. So much more photogenic than me!

It Was A Two Sweater Kind of Day

2011-01-21T19:33:00.000-06:00

I love sweater weather, and if you have been following this blog, you all know how much I detest hot. But, this winter has kind of gotten to me. So many layers to put on before going out! The work of it! Not just me, but Piccolo in two sweaters, and we get boots on her. She will lay on her back and let me put the disposable rubber boots on her feet. Last weekend, I was a crummy mom, and thought we could get away with a walk without the boots. About a block later, Piccolo stopped, and cried. I carried her back to the apartment.
A few weeks ago, the boiler in our building went out (not for the first time, but for the longest--three days), and it got down to forty degrees in the apartment. The landlady is now angry with us for subtracting the night's stay at the Holiday Inn from the rent. She only talks to the Man about it, though. I think she's intimidated by me, because I see through her. But, it just wasn't safe for us to stay here. After that, the Man moved into my lady room. Both of us, and sometimes Piccolo, in our old full sized bed. Do I ever wish we had a new mattress. Now, it's hot in this apartment! It's so weird to go from being so cold outside to so hot in here. Who knows how long this will last--knowing my landlady, that old boiler is probably held together with old chewing gum and rubber bands.
I've been working on projects, really busy, and some teaching. I have almost no sweaters left in stock due to an unusually good Christmas season. I've also been asked to make a quilted gift for someone, so there's lots to do, and not enough time for it. Good problems to have.

Maximus, minimus, micromus

2011-01-07T11:23:00.002-06:00

2011-01-07T11:20:00.001-06:00

Well, hello there. So much for the knitting wrap up of 2010. One of the things I was obsessed with in the past few weeks was knitting Maximus, a Chic Knits design. I knit a lot of them. Two for me, which were true to the pattern as written. I loved how big they were, but it's difficult to stuff them under a coat. On the pattern, it's shown worn over a coat. I wanted to add a little something more to my mom's xmas gift of hand knit wool socks, so I made a minimus, if you will, fewer stitches and shorter, in Cascade Magnum. I had some left over from that cowl, so I don't know what possessed me, but I knit a micromus, which looks so damn cute on Piccolo. I like it over her sweaters, too. So much that I'm knitting more.

Happy Holidays, People!

2010-12-22T11:57:00.000-06:00

Piccolo, the Man, and I wish everyone the happiest of holidays! We've had the best season for Lucky Penny in a long time, and we're truly grateful! Be back in a few days with my 2010 knitting wrap-up!

Holiday Gift Bazaar Tomorrow!

2010-12-18T09:14:00.000-06:00

This is our last show for 2010! Come out and see us at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Dr., Chicago, 11 AM-5 PM. We will have sweaters, books, and other little goodies for sale!

How Bert Stays Warm

2010-12-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

This is how it's done. Wearing a Lucky Penny Hand Made sweater! This is Yoda, which you could knit yourself, from the book, Doggie Knits, Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend.

Shopping, with libations

2010-12-11T19:34:00.000-06:00

Come see us tomorrow, at the Urban Folk Circuit, 2-6 pm at the Elbo Room, 2871 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. Shopping, music, cocktails. Sounds like a lovely afternoon!

Matchy

2010-12-06T14:47:00.001-06:00

I frequently get asked to make matching people stuff to go with the dog sweaters. That's really not my thing, I find it rather silly. This is about as matchy as we will get at Lucky Penny HQ, and only for personal use. I'm making more Noro Kureyon socks, and the colorway matches a sweater I made for Piccolo years ago. My first pair of Noro socks have been worn and washed a few times, and like a good pair of jeans, get better with age. I can't imagine that we will wear these at the same time. Piccolo wore two sweaters layered out today. I think I might get some smaller disposable booties. In my desire for more foot coverage, I think that the ones she has are too big, as they can all come off quickly when walked on outside.

Busy Weekends

2010-12-03T18:39:00.000-06:00

Piccolo will be home relaxing, and won't see much of me on the weekends. I'm booked with stuff on Saturday, and Sunday, I'll be here and somewhere else. How can I be in two places at once? Because I have excellent friends covering for me!

Happy Feet!

2010-11-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

I have so many projects on needles, it often takes a long time to get done. I'm not a fast knitter. I knit a lot of things, because I'm almost always knitting. I can't remember when I started this pair, but they were finished in the last few weeks. Monkey socks, a pattern on Knitty. In Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport, a weight I prefer to their Shepherd Sock. Just my opinion. If you like Shepherd Sock, I say Mazel Tov. Besides the wool socks, lately my feet are very happy because of routine foot care that includes regular pedicures and slathering of Dry Heel Eliminator almost daily. My heels were dry and deeply cracked, and my pedicurist reported a huge difference once I started using the cream. I don't think of the pedicures as an extravagance, it's just a procedure that I need to maintain some sort of foot health, which appears to become more important as I get older.
We had a low key Thanksgiving with lots of food. My knives were not the sharpest, so carving the turkey was more like ripping flesh off bone. Piccolo stood underfoot during the procedure, and had drippings all over her head. She had a crusty turkey mohawk, and having no pet or baby shampoo at home, I had to wash her little head with Dawn dish detergent.
So busy here at Lucky Penny HQ. I have three shows booked in three weeks, and lots of other activities. December is going to be jam packed.

Thankful for This Most of All

2010-11-24T23:03:00.000-06:00

The Lucky Penny household has made it to another Thanksgiving, mostly living on the razor's edge. But, we're cooking a feast, and I'm thinking about the things to be thankful for, although, there appears to be less this year. But we still have each other to cling to, and friends to laugh (and knit) with. I'm thankful for the kindness that has been shown to me, and will try to pass that kindness on to others. I'm thankful most of all that I have the companionship of the remarkable little creature that loves without judgement. Who is just happy to be. My heart, as it turns out, weighs eleven pounds.
After shopping at five different places, and mutiple trips up and down the stairs, the turkey feast is going to be cooked tomorrow. The last time I made Thanksgiving dinner for us alone, we were finished in about a half hour. Can you believe that stores ran out of turkeys? I had planned a very small organic turkey, and ended up with a corporate farm turkey from the third grocery store I had gone to. I can't believe that I gave into this, because the common room still is not cleaned to completion (although I must give the Man props for making an attempt). I'm sort of looking forward to all the meals that will be created from the leftovers. Turkey pot pie, turkey casserole, turkey soup. Just the type of comfort foods that are so good right now. I'm hoping to have some sofa time, with knitting, sandwiched between all that cooking.

Powerful

2010-11-21T20:55:00.000-06:00

Progress on the Green Sweater continues. I am loving all the tailored details. The front and neck steeks have been cut, and the sleeve steeks have been crocheted in, ready to be sliced open. It is a powerful feeling to take a tube, and cut it open into a sweater. I was cutting it at a knit night gathering, and one knitter kept calling the process "bad ass." That's right.
We're on the fence about Thanksgiving here at Lucky Penny HQ. I've been after the Man for months to remove his ever growing debris out of the common bedroom. I've given a deadline of Tuesday, or no turkey cooking will commence. Although I hate saying no to him, I'm standing firm on this. Even if I have to eat a turkey tv dinner.

DIY Trunk Show VIII: Cre8 and Celebr8!

2010-11-19T14:57:00.000-06:00

It's tomorrow! Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., Chicago. See you there!

Holiday Show Season Begins!

2010-11-11T15:07:00.000-06:00

We're packed, and ready to go, not too far from Lucky Penny HQ. Find us tomorrow, 11-6, and Saturday, 10-4 at the CYC Foundation Holiday Fair, Belmont Station, Chicago. It's Belmont and Lake Michigan in Chicago. Sweaters, books, and other surprises await!

Like Magic

2010-11-05T23:23:00.000-05:00

Of course, little stinker Piccolo was doing much better when I took her to see the canine chiropractor on Tuesday. Some issues were found on her spine and apparently, Piccolo's little butt is on crooked. She had a laser treatment, and now, apparently, must feel like a million bucks. She's back to her old self. We're going to get some follow up treatments to keep her that way. Sweater weather is here, and we're apparently not ready for it. Why is it every fall I find myself short on Lucky Penny inventory?

A Post Halloween Scare

2010-11-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

WCIU, The U / U Dog / Vote / Piccolo
I don't remember signing up to do this, but when I was contacted, I thought "why not?" I was not expecting to be part of it, and am so not camera ready. But, Piccolo looks adorable. She was scared out of her mind for this, and afterwards, passed out in the car on the ride home.

Slow Repair

2010-10-29T22:19:00.000-05:00

Piccolo has Intervertreval Disc Disease, and had a flare on Wednesday. She's walking with a little limp, and doesn't appear comfortable. She was whimpering before I got her on steroids. It's not the first time this has happened, as Piccolo is a jumper, and sometimes I let her jump more than she should. Piccolo was resting here after a visit to the vet, and wanted to be on top of the sofa. She's wrapped in one of my newest finished objects, except for blocking and weaving in ends, a large half granny square shawl. I used two skeins of Noro Silk Garden sock, from the stash. More stash than cash, and nothing eats stash like crochet. I like crochet! I saw someone wearing this shawl at Yarn Con, and I was obsessed with having one.
Yesterday I went for the day to SOAR up in Delavan, WI. It may sound crazy, but I had Piccolo riding shotgun. I needed to keep an eye on her, and didn't want to be 90 miles away, and she likes the car, and spent most of the time sleeping (with the help of a Xanax that did nothing the day before). I want her to sleep it off. I'm giving strong consideration to taking her to a holistic vet for lazer treatments next week at a friend's suggestion.
Current mood here is annoyed. The Man went downstairs last night to the landlady to complain about lack of heat, and she gave him a letter stating that she wants to raise our rent 10%. Good timing. I'm furious at the thought of paying more for something that I don't want. She stated "increased costs" which is rich because in three years she's done nothing substantial to maintain this building, including not cleaning units between tenants. We should have been out of here a long time ago.

Happy Feet!

2010-10-22T11:48:00.002-05:00

Working on replenishing the sock wardrobe. So many socks have died over the last year. The pattern is the Retro Rib socks, from the Interweave Press book, Favorite Socks. I mostly just knit the cuff to the pattern, then take liberties and do the heels and toes my usual way, ending up with 8 live stitiches for less grafting. These are knit from my favorite wool for socks, Mountain Colors Weavers Wool Quarters. Sport weight, on a size 2 needle for somewhat instant gratification. Here's a tip--I wear or bring these socks when I try on shoes. They have to be hand washed, but I really don't mind, especially when there are lovely wool wash products available. I need to get these on, now!

More Stash Than Cash

2010-10-15T23:29:00.000-05:00

For the last few years before last December, I had written often about fear consumption regarding my stash. I had the attitude, why not buy it now, while I still can? The result was, lots of yarn, mostly purchased with specific products in mind. Over the years, there have been some unfinished projects, most of which still appeal to me. This vest, for example, I began back in early 2009, now just recently finished. This is the One Cable Vest, knit in the yarn it was designed for, Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted. This has been the fourth time I've knit this vest. I think that I can safely move on. It's the second time I've knit it in this yarn, which is luscious. Be warned though--it's heavily over-dyed. The water I soaked it in for blocking was like ink when I took it out. I suspect that it will bleed dye for some time, so it may always need to be washed seperately. I love that after a wet block, the color, now with some fading, takes on a lovely depth and patina. My love for vests continues. I have a lot more in progress right now, one from three years ago, that I may move up to the finish line. I did start Keelin, true to my obsession. I shopped around in my stash, and the yarn I found was a compromise to my color vision (blue instead of the red that I wanted), but so far, I like what I have in progress. It's totally satisfying that the yarn I'm using may have been in my posession for ten years.

I Want to Make Everything

2010-10-10T19:23:00.000-05:00

The story of my knitting. I have a few obsessions.
1. Keelin. I saw her at Yarn Con, and have been obsessed ever since. Still mulling over a yarn for this one. I'm thinking red, but looked at some yarns that are in the massive stash. I don't have enough yardage stashed for this one. I'm thinking a red. I would set all other projects aside to knit Keelin and finish right away, I love it so much.
2. The Ohio Knitting Mills book. I'm so inspired by the vintage garments in here. Thinking about aspects to incorporate into my own dog designs.
3. Crochet! I learned how, again. I'm feeling confident enough to try a garment. I'm obsessed with this one. I have the yarn, I'm using Ultra Alpaca Light previously earmarked for another project. There's also this now vintage Jo Sharp design, Isobelle from Book Two. I was talking about it in crochet class, and now of course, I can't find the book. I have lots of yarn that could be used for her.
Piccolo can never have enough sweaters. It's the usual Lucky Penny design, with Blackberry Ridge hand paint for the body, and Cape Cod Fibers Lobster Pot for the bands and turtleneck.

Hand Made, Hand Spun

2010-10-08T17:02:00.000-05:00

I have no desire to spin yarn, although I do have an appreciation of the handspun of others. When there was a SpinSpanSpun trunk show at Knit 1 this summer, I knew that I wanted the treasure hank of Bluefaced Leicester hand spun to be a special sweater for Piccolo. Who deserves it more? The turtleneck, bands, and trim are knit in Dream in Color Classy, which makes this one of the few machine washable sweaters in her wardrobe. I haven't found many machine wash yarns that I think will hold up to frequent wear and washings, which is why the yarns for Lucky Penny are mostly hand wash only. The pattern for this sweater can be found in my book, Doggie Knits, Sweaters and Accessories for Your Best Friend.

The Story of Yoda

2010-10-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

It was February of 1991, and I went to Save-A-Pet with some friends. They were looking for a dog. I was just along for the ride. She was in the lobby of a ramshakle little shelter in Palatine, IL, in a pet carrier, away from the little dogs. She chose me. I didn't have a clue about how to care for a little helpless creature. She taught me. I she hadn't chosen me, I'm sure that by now my heart would have withered into a bitter, nasty thing. Loving her, and the dogs that followed has kept me from losing hope in a world that for the most part, these days, seems hopeless to me. Yoda was the first dog I knit for. Yoda changed my life for the better, probably in more ways than I can express.
The shelter that housed my little Yoda dog moved to a location in Grayslake, IL, and fifteen years later, finds itself with financial difficulty. This depression hurts pets, too. If you can help with a donation in October, a kind family has offered to match your donation. To sweeten the deal, any custom sweater from Lucky Penny or purchase from my Etsy shop, will have 10% donated to the cause.

It's Time for Yarn Con!

2010-09-30T11:57:00.002-05:00

I've got that yarny feeling again. If you count again being every day. Yarn Con is Saturday! October 2, 10 am-4 pm at Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago. I'm selling copies of Doggie Knits, some gently used pattern books, finished dog sweaters, and something new--dpn needle rolls, hand made by me!
10% of sales will be donated to Save-A-Pet, the incredible no kill shelter where I adopted my first dog!

Fun with Piccolo

2010-09-27T13:04:00.000-05:00

Photographing pets is a tricky thing. Piccolo always looks so serious in most of what I have of her. She is really a happy little dog, who loves to play and likes a little mischief. I've caught her here playing with her favoite toy, her squeaky dawg. This gets attacked, and shaken, and often is carried along on her walks. During sweater weather, I often have to pry it out of her mouth to get the turtleneck over her head. Getting the sweater on at the Lucky Penny household often involves play.

Fraternal

2010-09-23T12:52:00.000-05:00

Well, clearly, mismatched socks are not an issue for me. Last winter, I blew through most of my hand knit socks, leaving me with scant foot wardrobe for this season. I've been working on these socks forever, it seems. Last month, I splurged on some double pointed needles from Signature Needle Arts to get me going on finishing these. The yarn is Noro Kureyon sock, a finer weight than I usually prefer for my sock knitting, but I like these so much, I'm giving strong consideration to knitting more. Would you like to learn to knit socks? Registration's open at Knit 1, for Saturday mornings, four sessions beginning October 9.
The Lucky Penny Hand Made experience is on the road again! To the Gold Coast. Saturday, we'll be at September Fest at Carl Sandburg Village, 1355 N. Sandburg (aka Clark St.). 11 am-4 pm. I'm going to have delighful neighbors, and I'm sure I will be laughing a lot. I'll have copies of Doggie Knits, sweaters for sale, some deeply discounted. Get your dog ready for sweater weather. It's coming for sure.

More Fun Dog Stuff

2010-09-19T22:32:00.000-05:00

This bank reminds me of a show that I watched on Sundance Channel of Tom Ford interviewing Jeff Koons. I discovered that the Man likes the art of Jeff Koons. I'm sort of itching to get over to the MCA soon. I think there's a Calder exhibit up, and I really like him, too.
I would really love to have a bank like this.

It's a Party!

2010-09-17T10:39:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow evening, stop by Wigglyville, 3337 N. Broadway, Chicago, for Barkfest! Mix and mingle with like minded people and pets! I'll be there with books for sale, and taking enrollment for a class we have planned at the store. 6-8 pm.

How Did I Do That?

2010-09-09T16:08:00.000-05:00

There was a time when I would work multiple jobs, work on Lucky Penny, work on personal things, and take care of pets and a Man. I look back now and wonder how I fit it all in. Now, most days, I feel like I'm spinning my wheels or treading water. For the next two months, as the nation I live in looks for more people to hate so the ignorant come out and vote, I just want to lay in a fetal position, snuggled with my little Piccolo. I thought of starting a political blog, separate from this one, because I want to keep this blog a happy place. I decided not to start a new blog, because I think it would make me even more angry and depressed.

What could be happier that looking at photos of little Piccolo on a new quilt? This is her dog cabin. The back is really cute, too, and I did a pieced binding. Forgot to get some money shots of it when I was in Lake Geneva this past weekend. Piccolo was being treated for ear infections when this photo was taken, which is why her ears look so greasy.

My Happy Forest

2010-08-29T18:21:00.000-05:00

Once again, I continue my habit of knitting something that works more than once. This is the Mondo Cable Pulli from Chic Knits. Honestly, sometimes I wonder why I knit any other designs. These never disappoint. They fit me. They're classic, and effortless. Thanks to the mannequin at Knit 1 for posing--if you look in the corner of the photo, you'll see a little quilt, dog water dish, and squeaky toy--Piccolo visits the shop frequently.
The yarn used for this sweater is Dream In Color Classy, color, Happy Forest. Purchased at Mosaic Yarn Studio in Des Plaines during the St. Patrick's Day sale. The mods made to the sweater were making it longer, and using a k4, p2 ribbing to minimize curling. I think that this sweater will get lots of wear this season. Is it wrong to have another on my needles already? Because I do. Working on one in Black Water Abbey 2 ply in the most delicious deep brown.

Happy National Dog Day!

2010-08-26T13:38:00.000-05:00

At Lucky Penny HQ, every day is National Dog Day. We're here thinking about what to wear for impending sweater weather. For Piccolo, me, and all the little dogs out there!
Do something special for your dog today!

Wish List

2010-08-24T10:31:00.000-05:00

I love collecting dog centric things. These are now on my radar..................

Loving the Log Cabin

2010-08-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

My mom is one of the best recipients of hand made items. She really appreciates, and uses them. If you've been following the blog for a while, you know that she continues to wear sweaters that I've made for her long ago. This quilt now resides in her beautiful Lake Geneva home. It's a generously sized throw, or extra covering for occupants of the guest room. The quilt was 72 x 72 before washing, but it looks like the 100% cotton content has shrinked somewhat. I do love that quilty texture. Mom chose a blue solid, and the rest was scraps from previous projects, and gifted and collected fabrics.

2010-08-16T16:47:00.000-05:00

A peek at the back and the binding. The back is Joel Dewberry's Black Eyed Susans on stripes, and the binding, from Denyse Schmidt. The corner block features my signature, if you will, a strip of vintage dog print fabric. I'm still in love with the log cabin. I could just keep making them!

Killed by the Cuteness

2010-08-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

I was noodling around on Etsy a few days ago, and came across this coin purse in an article related to pets. I just had to have one. I love it! The shop is called Cuore, and Mika, the designer, makes the most delightful, mostly dog themed items. Keep it in mind for the next time you need a gift, or greeting card for a dog or animal loving friend!

Mosquito Soup

2010-08-11T17:17:00.000-05:00

Summer misery continues in the Lucky Penny household. I hardly spend any time out in the heat, but I'm still completely gnawed on my the nasty strain of mosquitos. I swear, there were even some in the apartment. Piccolo's been to the vet for an ear infection, I'm sure it was exacerbated by this heat. When will we be able to wear wool again? It's just going be be hotter and more humid for the next few days. I need a cold drink.
This is my current travel in my purse project. There will be steeking to follow, but for now, while I'm past the hem, it's just knitting a tube. The yarn is Briggs and Little Sport, from Schoolhouse Press. The yarn looks like a kinky overspun pile that will torque in the garment, but it's knitting up straight and even, and lovely. I think the color will be good on me.

Piccolo is Awesome

2010-08-06T11:52:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy about all the time I get to spend with Piccolo. Lately, she's been more exposed to the World, instead of the world of just myself and the Man. Piccolo usually doesn't let people touch her, but the other evening, I witnessed her allowing two strangers to pet her, and Piccolo approaching others for attention when they didn't have food. After all these years with her, is she coming out of her shell a bit? I'm giving some consideration to taking her along to an outdoor show next month. Piccolo is my studio muse, but may make an appearance as a spokesmodel!