Author Archives: Queen Bee Knits

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About Queen Bee Knits

Living in Maine, knitting, baking and loving my family. Please be kind!

I’ve lost it!

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I went looking for my 40″ circular needle “wire” yesterday. I need it so knit up a quick pair or two of baby booties with the magic loop method. I love that with the magic loop I don’t have oodles of pokey needles aimed at all times at my wrists!

Anyway, I can’t find it at all. I’ve searched my needle “organizers” (and they certainly must not work if one is lost!) and one of my two knitting bags. I know I had it when I was knitting all those bazillions of fingerless mitts around Christmas time … where it’s gone?

Gone … knitting when I find my needle! 🙂

Another Knitting Post? Reversible Cables Baby Blanket

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Just to shock the hell out of you, here’s another post on knitting.

Cables are really not a difficult stitch. They may look intimidating but they’re really not difficult. There are only two stitches in knitting: knit and purl. (And dropped or added which are not official stitches and they’re not welcome in my knitting.)

Reversible Cables Pacific Heights Organic Baby Blanket

This blanket is a pattern that I found on Ravelry. I liked it for its simplicity and its cables! I love cables (must be my Irish heritage!) Blankets for babies should be washable and dry able because they’re going to be washed and dried a lot – and they’re meant to be used! This one is white … inconsistent with the mess that babies make but totally in line with their innocence. I love white baby blankets.

The yarn that I chose for this is “cheap-o” yarn from JoAnn Fabrics – Sensations Rainbow Classic. Described as “a classic brushed yarn, it’s a big ball and it should be enough for the whole blanket. (I hope!) it’s really soft and a little bit fuzzy like a mohair yarn (but acrylic). It’s a bulkier weight than the pattern called for so I’ve changed the number of stitches that I cast on and we’ll see how it goes. I also decided to use a larger needle and pulled out my Denises … in a size U.S. 11.

The pattern is called Pacific Heights Organic Baby Blanket created by Patty Thomas. It’s a simple pattern with Garter stitch with a lovely bunch of cables in the center. They are reversible cables which means that you can turn the blanket over and the cables look good on both sides. Very clever! And I really love that when I forgot the pattern when I went  into work the other day, that the repeat is simple enough that I could remember it! Yay!

I’m knitting this blanket for my sister Annie to give to a friend who is having a baby this summer. She’s actually asked for three blankets. Yikes! I’d best get busy …

Gone knitting!

Spud and Chloe Little Boy Blue Baby Hat – in progress

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It must be time for a post about knitting! (Ya think!?)

Heirloom Stitches "Little Boy Blue Hat"

I’m making a baby hat for my sister to present as a baby gift for a friend (booties will be knitted to match). I bought a pattern and yarn in Cincinnati when I was there to be a back-up support for my kids. Who knew that I could love a yarn so much?

So, here are the details.

1. LYS – Fiberge in Montgomery, Ohio. Fiberge has changed hands and moved to a new location since I lived in Cincinnati. it’s still a nice little yarn shop, however. The selection of yarns is delicious – and I had a difficult time figuring out what I wanted to knit with. Always a good thing! I decided to be responsible and since I had just purchased a ball of really special novelty yarn here in Florida for me, I bought a pattern and yarn for one of my orders … which leads us to the pattern.

2. Pattern – Heirloom Stitches‘ Little Boy Blue Hat (you can find the pattern on Ravelry (Ravelry dot com) or on the designer’s site  … click here to be magically transported. It’s a really sweet classic Aran design with seed stitch (my favorite these days) and cables. Sized to fit a 12-24 month baby … always a good thing when you’re knitting for a new baby. They always get tons of tiny clothes and nothing to “save for later”. Anyway, I loved the pattern and it’s a breeze to knit! Pattern calls for US #7 needles and a yarn that Fiberge didn’t have but gauge is 5 sts = 1 inch. So, I picked …

3. Yarn – Oh. My. Goodness! I totally love the yarn that I chose to knit this hat! Spud & Chloe by Blue Sky Alpacas “Sweater Worsted” is a worsted weight superwash blend of 55% wool and 45% organic cotton. (They’re going to love that part in California!) Color is, again, that classic Aran ivory (color #7500 “Ice Cream” – love the name! – , lot # 0831). I simply love knitting with this yarn. It doesn’t split or pill and it’s so soft! The baby’s head will not be itchy at all and it’s knitting up to be so cute! I think I may be in love! 🙂

The hat takes a few hours to complete  – hey! I’m a purposeful knitter … each stitch is thoughtful and meditative. Therapeutic. Imbued with love and peace with wishes for health and happiness for the recipient.

I’ll post finished pictures later. But now, I’m gone knitting!

Sick Dog :(

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My Sick Little Boy

I had a sick little dog over the weekend. He was fine on Friday morning, his body felt warm on Friday night but I really didn’t think much of it – it’s hot in Florida! But on Saturday morning when he refused to leave his crate in the morning, he didn’t seem to want to or be able to walk, and then felt really warm when I picked him up, I knew something was really wrong. I had a sick little dog!

Off to the vet we went … to be there when they opened at 8. (Come to find out the doctors don’t come in until 8:30 or so.) $500.00 and nearly three hours later, I walked out with no real answers but I had a full-body x-ray that showed no injury or problem. Blood drawn for a CBC and a horrible hot spot – the likely culprit – shaved and “dressed”, and three medications and some salve for his “boo boo”. (The hot spot was all down the front of his neck and not even a “collar of shame” could be put on him to keep him from scratching. So, he was to be my constant companion for the day – and into the night.)

His sister didn’t know what to do with him. She sat and barked and sniffed and watched him in his bed. She didn’t stray far from his side – except to guard the water bowl from Max – all day. They are so bonded! I’ve never had two dogs at the same time who are as close as these two and it was sweet that she stayed right by his side.

Today, he’s much happier and seems to be feeling better. The blue tape is off his leg and we all slept through the night last night in our own beds. I was reminded of the nights when my children were little and they didn’t feel well and how helpless I felt as a parent. All I could do is take them to the doctor and hold them and love them until they started to feel better. This experience with my dog was very similar.

I’m glad we seem to be over the hump … and I’ve gone knitting!

 

Moved to Tears

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Several times in the last week or so, I’ve been moved to tears.

Those who really know me wouldn’t be at all surprised. My heart is worn on my sleeve. And now that I’m starting to come out of the post-divorce fog, I am finding my heart to be more vulnerable than it has been in a long while.

Compassion for the people who feel unlovable. For those who have been beaten. For those who are lonely. Even for one person who has hurt me very badly but is hurting himself even more. Gratitude for my friends and family who listen and advise and support me so completely. There are fewer friends and more family and I am so lucky. I have a man who would drive for four days to support me as I support my kids – even if it means pizza and bagels and half-price book shopping by ourselves and 2,000 miles on the road for a dinner with my kids. Love for my brothers and my sisters and my children and the love of my life. Love for my “old” Roomie who is still my bestest buddy 36 years later!

I may not be wealthy right now but I’m certainly rich – rich with blessings of people who love me and for that I’m so lucky. Life is full of silver linings. I’m so glad that I can find them today.

Gone knitting.

Knitting Certification – progress

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I am a knitter!

In order to teach at Michael’s, I have to become certified to teach knitting with the CYC (Craft Yarn Council). I have been working on getting the swatches knitted for the first five lessons and I’m nearly there. One swatch (lace) to go and then the ends need to be woven in and they all need to be blocked. I’ll attempt to get this project done and in the mail this week.

OMG, that means today and tomorrow!

The certification is somewhat simpler than the requirements that I’ve experienced in the Knitting Masters Program through the Knitting Guild Association … which I will get back to working on as soon as I get some orders for knitted garments finished and sent. Orders from friends and family are keeping this Queen Bee’s fingers busy!

I’m grateful that my knitting can help them to give a hand-made gift to special friends!

Gone knitting!

My Trip to the Windy? City

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Sunset from the "el"

It may have been windy but it was not chilly at all at the end of March. In fact, it was downright warm … Ok, let’s be totally honest and call it freaking hot! 85 degrees in Chicago? In March? Absurdly warm … and I brought long sleeves. Thank God for Target!

No particularly flattering but my chins are smiling!

Despite my actor daughter’s mysterious illness that kept her out of three shows, including the one I – and theater house manager daughter – was to attend, we had lots of time together and it was wonderful. Got to see my son briefly on his way to Michigan on Spring Break (his last). What a treat. Met daughter #2’s new beau … and like him very much.

There’s nothing quite as comforting as leaving your child knowing that there’s someone that she loves and who loves her. Someone who’s got her back. Someone who she can talk to and someone who puts up with the crazy family drama and still hangs around. My approval stamp was already taken out, used and put away. Welcome to the family, M! Thank you for loving my daughter. Daughter #1 has a man in her life who’s really special, too. I feel very grateful that they both have someone to share the ups and downs of life with  and that they don’t have to deal with “it” alone. It makes my heart feel full and calm.

We did a ton of walking and eating and talking and walking and eating. We may have had a couple of glasses of wine or a martini or two. Saw the Marilyn statue on Michigan Avenue on the way to the urgent care clinic. Went to the beach and buried Mabel – my grand-dog – in the sand. Shopped at Target and Whole Foods. Threw away a couple of organic mangoes two days later. (Boo!) Drank tea, coffee, water, rode busses and the “el”, walked and ate some more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fishy Tree on the Magnificent Stinky Mile

The flowering trees were all in bloom as were the tulips and daffodils… some smelled sweet and some, not so much! (What tree is this that smells like rotten fish?! And why did anyone think they are good trees to plant along city streets?) I can’t imagine how those who have the fortune (or misfortune) to have one of these trees outside their apartment windows survive this time of year!

Mom's Bad Hair Day - by the (used-to-be-green) Chicago River

It’s always great to spend time with my kids and this trip was no exception. I’m so proud of them all and I’m so happy to be their mom.

What a wonderful trip to Chicago – thanks, L. for letting me sleep in your bed and sharing your space with me. I love seeing you grow and spread your wings! And, K., when was the last time I got to take you to the doctor? 🙂 And my boy – you’re almost done. A couple of months of college work and you’ll have to find a real job or come and live with your mom. I’ll take care of you! 🙂 Ha! Like that’ll happen … the live with mom part, I mean!

We needed to deal with some serious family stuff that reared its ugly head while I was there. I’m full of gratitude that this stuff is coming up now when I’m feeling stronger and more capable so that I can offer support to my children as they deal with some very difficult stuff. I am so lucky to have been given the gift of these three kids.

Gone knitting (with a grateful heart).

 

On the Road Again

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Happy!

This is a happy woman. Toes in the sand (even if it’s not salty) and surrounded by my kids. Not sure that there’s anything better. It was hot and I had cooler weather clothes but I was so happy to be able to be there with them.

On the road to Cincinnati to support my kids through a rough spot. There is nothing in the world that is more important than my kids and I will write more soon.

Gone driving!

Mrs. Clean Battles the Stinky Dish Washer

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My muscles are not nearly as well-defined!

When I turned the dishwasher on the other day, I figured the stench that was emanating from it would go away once the dishes were clean. That the fish residue was causing the odoriferous cloud.

NOT!

Just read a blog post that said I can replace the expensive rinse aid (the light was blinking that the rinse aid was low) with white vinegar. Wow! I just HAD to share this! I’ve been buying that blue bottle of stuff for years. If only I’d known! A teeny weeny bottle of a well-known brand is quite an expenditure. Using vinegar is a lot (note: A LOT!) less expensive and better for the environment, too. One thing to note, however, make sure the rinse agent stuff is all gone before you add vinegar. Lots of chemicals used in the normal course of life don’t like each other and make a toxic blend! So, err on the side of caution.

But get rid of the blue stuff you’ve been using because the packet came with the washer! You’ll save enough money to buy more yarn! 🙂

Gone knitting

PS – wanted to add one more thing about vinegar. It has anti-microbial/anti-bacterial properties and is edible and biodegradable. It will not harm children or pets. Put full-strength vinegar in a spray bottle and use for disinfecting countertops and bathrooms. This “cleaner” can be used for so many things – and has no chemicals which makes it safe for humans and pets with allergies and asthma. Forget about “convenient” (and expensive) throw-away cleaners. Vinegar is a fabulous all-purpose, green, frugal household cleaner!

Call Me “Teacher”

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I haven’t written a lot about knitting in the last few posts. You must think I’m not knitting …

Well, I certainly am knitting but it’s been such an odd assortment of “oddities” that you may not believe it. I’ve finished a seed stitch bordered baby blanket and a newborn hat to match. I have finished a seed stitch dog jacket, as yet unnamed, to add to the Prima Dogma line by Queen Bee Knits. It turned out really cute, if I do say so myself! No pictures yet, sorry!

I’ve also been working on samples and demos at the Michaels store where I’ll be teaching knitting in April. I am not sure whether I misunderstood or if the store managers were unclear but, whatever, we’ll figure it out! I’ve got a calendar together for April and have sent out two emails to potential students who have been interested enough to give me their contact information. Signs will go up in the store next week when I get back from my trip to Chicago – in the yarn aisle. I’ll also have a few samples … I hope! I’ll be knitting them in Chicago with my own yarn. A couple of hats and a couple of fingerless mitts … and I’m hopeful that the classes will be attended!

I’ve knitted one uterus for the “government free v-jj” project headed by Annie Modesitt and another of her friends. I’m getting political? Who knew? But it’s fun to have an opinion and take the risk of sending a knitted female body part to a couple of Florida politicians. One as a thank you and one as a “hands off my uterus!”. 🙂

I’m also knitting swatches for my certification. I’d love to get them all finished and sent off by the end of the month. Not sure it will happen but it’s a goal to head toward.

All in all, life is good and I am feeling lighter and more hopeful. It’s nice to have a job to come home to after our summer vacation. Time to get some Queen Bee Knits patterns ready for test knitting (look out Ravelry! and Knit or Knot!) and to get some pieces knitted up for my shop.

Gone knitting … well, at least I’ll be dreaming about knitting!