Friday, February 21, 2014

Friday


Sometimes it is just a blessing to make it to the end of the week intact. This has been a busy week here with little lambs, house guests, a sick son and extra work. Max is finally rested up after all of the lamb busniess, little lambs running around everywhere does not make a 9 year old boy with a bad hip happy.  He can now go back to gazing out the window at the pool, waiting for it to turn on, so he can bark at it.  My son is finally getting better, boy those antibiotics took a long time to work.  He had to go in for some extra blood work just to make sure things are fine, but he is on the mend.  Thank you all for your kind well wishes for his speedy recovery.


The linen stitch scarf is no more.   I just love the look of the stitch but I knew that this baby was going to be a big problem for me.  You see it takes FOREVER to make.  First I cast on 500 stitches to make it lengthwise, well that was a disaster right away, I lost my place, got all turned around and frogged it.  Next I decided to cast on 39 stitches and make it width-wise, I switched out different balls of yarn every two rows and this is as much as I got done before having a long talk with myself.  You know I am a bit crazy so talking to myself is not all that unusual.  While linen stitch is beautiful, resembling weaving, it just takes way tooooooooo long.  I think I might not even finish this scarf in my lifetime if I knit on it for hours everyday.  This beautiful Berroco yarn deserves more from me, it deserves to be made into something beautiful that I will finish, so again we had a little frogging session.


The back of the stitch pattern is as interesting as the front.  I fully admit I am a bit jealous of those people out there on Pinterest who have made such  beautiful linen stitch scarves, my hat is off to you.  Frankly I am in awe that you have the persistence and dedication to get this scarf done.  It must have been like running a marathon, swimming the English Channel, or climbing Everest. I need simple right now in my life, very, very simple.


Nothing could be more simple than a dc square, that will be combined with other dc squares and all joined together in different directions.  Pick it up, crochet a few stitches, put it down with no worries you have lost your place.  24 stitches by 15 rows make up a square for me, easy peasy.  Now I just have to get more paperwork done, new patient evaluations written up so I can work on this some more.


These flowers were left by my nephew and his girlfriend as they departed for much colder temps up in Minnesota.   They are quite beautiful on my kitchen table and remind me of the darling couple that spent time with us this past week.  Ah, young love is so darn sweet isn't it?

How has your week been?  I have been missing you!

37 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

I'm glad that Max and your son are back to normal - whatever that passes for in your house! I hope that you work things out with the scarf/yarn soon, it really is beautiful yarn and the start of the scarf that you showed is beautiful too, I do like the stitch, but.... if you are not in love with making it and it is taking ages, it might be an idea to consider something else as otherwise you might still not like it when it is finished. Just wondering.... Hope that you have a good weekend. xx

Anonymous said...

Isn't that the truth? Sometimes I'm so happy to see saturday come because of just needing a break from the week. Glad things are getting better. That stitch is gorgeous, but I agree, hats off to those who have the patience! :) Happy weekend sweet friend!

Bridget said...

This has been a tough week for me as well. But I have to say that the picture of Max definitely helps. Please give him a kiss from me.

And have a great weekend!

Tanna said...

Yes, young love IS sweet! ;)

You know, that seed stitch is just beautiful... and the joy of the simple is a good thing. Medicine for the soul. =) blessings ~ tanna

Stins said...

Most of the time the simple things are the best!
Thank you so much for your sweet comments everytime;
i really appreciate it! Lots of love from Mirjam.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

So thankful your son is getting better. :)

Aww Max cracks me up barking at the pool. He is adorable.

Yum! Yum! Yum! on that yarn. It's so pretty.

Could you maybe do the linen stitch a different way other than 500 stitches long, could you do it smaller like the scarf you have cast on now?

Hugs to you sweet friend.

kathyinozarks said...

I agree sometimes we just need simple in our lives. the flowers are just so lovely-enjoy!
I finished up sewing the binding on to my quilt now I need to decide how to prepare the 1 embroidered words that will be sewn into the hearts. that is not going as simply as had hoped.
tax prep work, and new tires on our vehicle-and cold temps return here
Happy that your son is on the mends-hope you are too-hugs

kathyinozarks said...

I agree sometimes we just need simple in our lives. the flowers are just so lovely-enjoy!
I finished up sewing the binding on to my quilt now I need to decide how to prepare the 1 embroidered words that will be sewn into the hearts. that is not going as simply as had hoped.
tax prep work, and new tires on our vehicle-and cold temps return here
Happy that your son is on the mends-hope you are too-hugs

kathyinozarks said...

oops that should read 18 words

Unknown said...

I am so very sorry to hear your son has been poorly i hope he is one the mend now. Thank you for your lovely message or support on my blog i am really sorry that i didn't email you personally to say thank you but i did appreciate your kindness so thank you. Life has been a little hectic the past few weeks but we finely seemed to have turned a corner. Enjoy your beautiful flowers. Take lots of care, Delia x

Anonymous said...

I am saving up my sock yarn bits to make one of those linen scarves. A friend is doing one and it is very interesting to see how the colors play with each other.

Now you would THINK I'd have plenty of scraps, but I gave them all away over the years and just started keeping them. So, it's going to be awhile before I have any significant progress.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Unknown said...

So glad your little man is getting better, there is nothing worse than poorly ones. Your dog is beautiful.
I can't imagine trying to knit that much, I am the worlds slowest knitter so if it would take you a lifetime it would take me 3!!! Can't wait to see all your crochet squares together...p.s you are not the only crazy that talks to themselves ;)

kristieinbc said...

I'm so glad your son is getting better, and that things are starting (hopefully!) to calm down at your home. I have never tried lined stitch, but have always thought it was beautiful. After reading about your experience I don't think I'll be giving it a try any time soon. Ha!

Babajeza said...

I had such a busy week. And this is not going to change soon. Have a nice weekend. Hugs, Regula

Pammy Sue said...

I love seeing pictures of Max, and that is a great one. He's so pretty and looks so gentle. I have seen things with the linen stitch and love it too. Too bad it's such a pain. How nice for your nephew to leave you some flowers. They are gorgeous. I need to buy myself a bunch at the grocery store...haven't done that in a while and it always makes me happy. Enjoy your weekend.

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

Seeing your pup has made me miss mine this morning. We are traveling this weekend, and the poor guy is in a kennel. A good kennel, but nonetheless. I can't wait to see him on Monday.
But we are having a good tome visiting friends and so we are having a very nice weekend.

Betsy said...

First of all-I love your flowers! Those gorgeous colors would brighten anyone's day. Max looks serene and content once again and I'm sure he is glad for the peace and quiet because while one lamb may be manageable, four could be a bit much even for such a sweetie as Max.
I'm glad your boy is on the mend. Little Piper has been home all week except yesterday. Then she got sick all over again during the night last night so Mommy is home again. So many ickies out there this year.
Now for your beautiful linen stitch scarf. I decided years ago that I was only going to make things that make my heart sing. This is my hobby. My "thing" that makes me relax, content and be happy. If I'm not enjoying the process, what's the point? So my friend, frogging it seems to be the right thing for you. That yarn will end up being something very pretty and you will love both it and the fun you had getting there.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend Meredith. I'm so happy to have you as part of my world.
Blessings always.
Betsy

Handmade and off-centered said...

The "would have been" scarf looks great. Love how the colors are :) Some things are just not meant to be made and thats OK. Sorry about the hard week you had, it makes the weekend all the more worth while!

Have a nice relaxing weekend.

Hugs, Birgitta

Anonymous said...

My favourite part of this lovely post is dearMax's face. I think he is just thinking so much. What a beautiful,beautiful face x

Gracie Saylor said...

Yea for Friday! I am glad your son is feeling better! I am glad you showed us the linen stitch scarf before you frogged it! What you made was beautiful, but I hope you find something that brings you joy in the making with that lovely yarn. How wonderful to be left with lovely flowers from loved guests :) Mary and Jason and their 4 girls are off on an overnight trip so I can relate a bit to how you may feel with the lambs and your guests gone :) xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Meredith my dear, So happy to hear your son is on the mend! All those yarns are so nice, It's good that you are not stressing over unnecessary doings!!!! We all should take a lesson from you. Hope your weekend is relaxing : )
xoRobin

cockney blonde said...

Beautiful flowers but I'm afraid its Max that gets my attention. I could sit and stare at his beautiful photo for hours, x

Joyful said...

Oh my! You have had quite the week. I'm hoping now you can get some rest. I too like simply projects. I honestly don't know how some women can make such intricate and time consuming projects and make more than one of them. It is really something I'm in awe of. I hope your little boy is much better soon and that your beautiful dog doesn't have to run on his hip too much. Big hugs. Have a wonderful weekend. xx

kathy b said...

I have missed you too mere!!! Max is so Huck like. Troy and I just marvel at his face.

Thank goodness you told the linen stitch tale..I can just cross that off my some days! If you can't stick it out i sure can't!

Teresa Kasner said...

Awww.. Max is so cute I wish I could snuggle with him and air kiss his snout. Your nephew was a good guest to leave flowers. Sorry your linen stitch experiment was a bust for you.. but best to know when to stop than expend any more energy on something. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Joy said...

Ah well Meredith, you certainly gave that linen stitch a fair old go, and it was very pretty, but I understand completely where you're coming from - we know don't we - sometimes that frogging just has to be done!
It must have been a worry for you having your boy so sick - I'm so happy to hear he is on the improve now, and also happy that the lovely Max can now relax again and forget about all those little woolly lambs getting under his feet and being a nuisance. And now he has chance to once again keep the pool and its strange sounds under close watch in case it attempts to take control!
Looking forward to your next project lovely lady, and in the meantime do enjoy your weekend, and those beautiful flowers, what a sweet and thoughtful couple! Hugs, Joy xo

* said...

ThoSe flowers are gorgeous, what stunning colours! It sou D's like you've had a very full week....I'm glad to hear your bo

* said...

(I didn't press post!). Imglad to hear your boy's getting better, what a relief for you!that linen stitch is stunning, but I feel your pain, its just like those beekeeper quilts, very lovely, but that's a life dedication! Aren't you glad it wasn't a linen stitch blanket! I do love that yarn so pretty! Hope there is some respite for you to get your energy back up and get back on track again. BTW, I love your pics they are great!

Mrs. C said...

Glad that your son is finally on the mend! The flowers are so pretty! I'm sitting here ripping out a project that I started months ago but didn't like... it's a bit of a pain because it's a fuzzy kind of wool that grabs onto itself and doesn't want to let go! Hope you have a good weekend! :)

Penny said...

Lovely Meredith
So nice to see you being spoilt with those pretty pretty flowers and so pleased that your poor boy is on the mend now ;o)
I am loving that linen stitch, my goodness I have never seen it before, will need to look into it. It does look really pretty with that colourful and happy yarn x take care and enjoy the east of the weekend x

Cari said...

I'm sorry your linen stitch scarf is not working out so well. When I cast on I put a stitch marker every 50 stitches so I could keep track. Then when I finished a row, I put a green (for go) knitting needle cap (whatever they're called) on the end I would start with and another color at the other end. I knew there was no other way I would be able to keep track of which end I should start on.

But…you take care of your sweet self and knit or crochet what keeps you sane!! That's what I do. Take care !! Hugs

Jennifer Hays said...

I'm glad your son is doing better. My son is still coughing 2.5 weeks into his flu, but he's getting there too. The yarn you're using for the scarf is so pretty. I am sure you'll find the right thing to do with it. The colors in it are very similar to the colors of your flowers, actually. I hope you're having a good weekend, my friend.

Hannapat said...

Hey you are not alone talking to yourself, I often wonder what people would thought it they were a fly in this house. I am pleased that everyone is back into their own space and routine and also pleased to see that you tried with the linen stitch, after all that is all we can do. It has been school hols here so pretty busy and little time to read blogs. Enjoy your week xoxo

Susanne Tyree said...

I am reading your posts backward, lol. Sorry to hear your son was sick, and hope he is doing better. Love that yarn, the colors are fantastic. Young love, yes, it is wonderful. It seems like so long ago, a million years since I have known that. Time goes by too quickly.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Vicki Boster said...

Meredith-- I knew it!!!! I've admired that linen stitch- wanting to do it- then I look at the directions and think--- no way. I'm so glad to hear you say what I've been thinking. It is a beautiful stitch-- but so not worth it for me!!

It was gorgeous though-- before you ripped it out- lol!

Vicki

Vicki Boster said...

Ohhhhh and your dog baby is SO beautiful!
V.

Rose Red said...

Well, that's a shame about your linen stitch scarf, because it is beautiful - but I totally understand, they do take FOREVER to make!
I made a crochet cowl called the Calm Cowl - very simple pattern and it looks remarkably like linen stitch - I wonder if that would be a good option for your lovely yarn?