Friday, September 29, 2006

Juneau Kayaks

The kayak rental business is probably closed down for the season. In the summer, tourists and probably a few locals rent boats for the day to paddle around in Auke Bay and nearby waters. More ambitious kayakers can leave Juneau for adventures that last for days, weeks or months. There is a lot of wilderness around here.



Thursday, September 28, 2006

Black Sea Hat


Now that Grumperina has released the pattern for her Black Sea Hat, I guess I can post a picture of the one I made last March. The picture I saw on her blog back then was enough to get the idea.
I gave this hat to a sweet babe who was our neighbor in Puerto Vallarta, who has no need whatsoever at this time of year for anything to keep her warm. A year ago we were all waiting for her arrival and now we hear she is walking and growing up like all beautiful babies.

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Finnish Socks


The book, Folk Socks by Nancy Bush, has been on my bookshelf for a couple of years. At first glance, I wasn't very interested in the patterns but now I find myself in a serious sock making mood. This is likely the first in a series. Like any peasant folk knitter, I changed the pattern a bit to fit the yarn and my construction preferences. The fiber is 45% cotton, 42% wool and 13% polyamide, called Strapaz Cotton by Steinback Wolle. After some washing and wearing, I'll report back on how it holds up. The needles used were US 3.

Friday, September 22, 2006

Three Women in Turkey

Katherine gave a presentation to a Rotary Club gathering last night and showed some of the photographs she took on her exchange in Turkey. She was well spoken and charming and made all of us proud. This picture was taken in Istanbul.



Thursday, September 21, 2006

The River


Here is a scene from my everyday life: walking on the bridge to cross the river.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Father and Son Socks


Pattern: Father and Son Socks
Mona Schmidt
Interweave Knits Fall 2006
Yarn: Regia Bamboo Color
2 skeins
Needles: US 1

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Cable Rib Socks


Pattern: Cable Rib Socks
Erica Alexander
Interweave Knits, Spring 2005
Yarn: Cherry Tree Hill Supersock
Color: Peacock
Needles: US 1
A good pattern and great yarn! I'll make more of these.

Friday, September 15, 2006

Thursday, September 14, 2006

A New Chapter


Dave got a job! He will be Juneau's new Airport Manager. After four years of unemployment/retirement, he was ready to return to work and this position is a good fit for him. He is interested in city government and he hangs out at the airport most days anyway. He might as well get paid for it.
I am suspicious that he actually just wants to buy more toys (defined as anything with an engine). Today a guy named Leonard called. He has an airboat for sale. It sounds like we are shopping for an airboat. Possibly a hovercraft. Another motorcycle. Snowmachine. Float plane. Aircraft carrier.
Cashmere. Bernina.
Congratulations, Dave!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Meadow Flowers Shawl


Pattern: Meadow Flowers Shawl, from Knitter's Stash
Yarn: Regia Bamboo Color, 2 skeins
This is a simple pattern that I have made before. My mother-in-law, Carolyn, was willing to commission a shawl since I was hankering to make one. Also, I found a kind model in my friend, Patricia, who gets credit for the pretty flowers, the happy dog and the great hair.

Friday, September 08, 2006

Walking the Dock


Katherine lived with her dad on a houseboat for a few years before Dave and I were married. We all lived together on a larger boat for a couple of years after Ray was born. Without an assigned slip, our boat was moved around from harbor to harbor depending on the season and other subtle factors known only to live aboard residents and those who managed the city owned facilities. There are seven or so harbors in town and we got to know them all.
Walking the dock was sometimes a chore and sometimes a pleasure. Carrying a baby and a bag of trash up a steep, icy ramp was no fun, even when the wind wasn't blowing. But on a warm afternoon or a still evening, it was pleasant to stroll the fingers and floats of our neighborhood and look at the range of floating craft tied along side. Shiny yachts and fishing boats shared space with skiffs and sailboats and a home built submarine. It was always interesting and I still like to go down to the dock every once in a while and have a look around.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Jaywalkers


Hundreds of these socks have been made from a single, very popular pattern. Mine were made with Trekking XXL yarn and US size 1 needles. The pattern is here.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Mending Turkish Socks

Katherine brought home some socks from Turkey that were her well worn favorites. Since holes had formed in the heels and toes, she scissored some heelless, toeless socks that she continued to wear. She was smart enough not to wash them so it wasn't too hard to fashion some new feet.