Settling In

Here is the second attempt at swatching cables for the yoke, this one done in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran on size 8s with the cables twisting correctly. Once I settled in I found something out: I love knitting cables. And I think I actually like the cables twisting incorrectly. Wouldn't it be kind of cool to do a patchwork blanket of all different cable swatches? No doubt a million people have already thought of this, but if you've seen it somewhere, tell me, cause I'd like to see what that looks like. And then you could sort of patch it up with the cables going horizontally and vertically, or whatever?

The quilt (which is really a whole-cloth "printed" quilt and not a quilted quilt) I blocked this on in the guest room (though you can't really see it here) reminded me of the cover of the fall issue of Adorn magazine and I feel so bad that I didn't mention this last month when it came out. Linda in Montana (and by the way Linda in Montana you know I think there is no better reason than yours for going to Montana) — thank you for asking me to be a part of this issue, allowing me to talk about my inspirations and featuring my pictures from the blog.

I am so flattered to be included in Adorn, and especially grateful that they included my favorite photo of Auds. It was hard for me to look at it when I first saw it — I'd turned in my text and photos months before the issue hit the stands, never dreaming she wouldn't be here by the time it came out. Hi girl. I remember the day you crept up on me on the couch like that. Man, do I miss you. Well, this page will always have a very special place in my heart. Adorn magazine is always one of the most lush, colorful, and fresh publications out there, and this issue is so well done (as they all are), and stuffed with pleasures and projects and pretty things to see. Thank you for the opportunity, and thank you to everyone who wrote and mentioned that they saw this. I really love how it came out. I think the issue's on the newsstands for the rest of the autumn, or you can get a subscription here, too.

My web shop is pretty much of a mess. I hate having it not-updated but . . . it's really not updated. I am hoping to make things again someday. Oh, someday. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I'll get there. Maybe. Eventually. When I finish the Piccolo-Playing Sweater. Ahem. And when I finish slobbering over the intensely distracting cuteness of these two. That's taking up a lot of my time.

But it's just so good to see those dimples again. So I sit and stare for hours.

And kiss that soft little brindle-cheek.

Yes, it's a puppy blog now. You said I could.

Comments

[Vickie]

I just breathed a sigh of cotentment reading this; glad you will have that pic of "Auds;" I know you still miss her terribly; but you also have this new little angel that already has brought you such joy. Absolutely enchanting!

[Marsha]

I can't tell you how much I love reading your blog. I had tears in my eyes and pain in my heart over Audrey and now I've got tears in my eyes (again) and JOY in my heart over Clover Meadow. Keep her pictures coming because we ALL want to see her grow, and see the joy that she brings to you and Andy (and US just being able to watch from a distance).

[Frances]

I love it when their little puppy paws are still pink and soft, before adulthood -- and hard sidewalks -- render them brown and calloused. But perhaps Corgi paws are always pink and soft?

[cladeeclucla]

Awwww, her paw pads look so soft. I can just smell the Clover breath now. mmmmm. :) Thanks for pointing us in the direction of the Adorn mag...I may have to get a subscription!

[Mel]

I love knitting cables too!

[missy]

How could we tire of looking at pictures of that precious puppy?!

[Lesley]

I think you absolutely must do that cabled 'quilt' as it would look so lovely - great excuse for doing loads of swatches too.
Things will always come back from the least expected places to remind you of Audrey but those memories get sweeter and sweeter with time - and it's still very early days. Puppers and dimples will help to make it all the sweeter xxx

[missy]

I TOLD you it was turning into a puppy blog! I have found that I come here not looking for crafting or business hints anymore but looking for puppy pics!! OK by me.

[denise]

OMG! I look forward to your posts everyday at work. =)

I just can't stand the utter cuteness that is your corgi puppy. It had me going through photos of my girl & thinking about the puppy days. cute, cute, cute, cute, cute.

[Jenna Z]

Oooh, I'll take a puppy blog any day! (Now, once a blog becomes a 'baby' blog, I usually stop reading but puppy blogs are another story!) I found out I LOVE cables too, don't you just love how they magically twist after the cable needle row? It's amazing to me that someone figured that all out, how to make it happen!

[Jen]

Hello, Its not knitting, but there is a book called 63 Cable Stitches by Darla Sims. Its got 63 blocks of crocheted cable designs, and a pattern for taking all the finished blocks and making them into a blanket. About knitting, I dont know.

Love the Clover pictures, SO cute!

[GingerMoth]

Awwwh! Soft smooshy face cuddles are the best!! Well Ms Posie I just came across this last night, how to cable without a cable needle, courtesy of WendyKnits (Wendy and her knitting supervisor Lucy rock) :
http://wendyjohnson.net/knit/cabling.htm
I think cables are so enticing with their curls and swirls. And nothing finer than cabling with a warm little furry on one's lap! ♥

[Lilli]

A picture is worth a zillion words, and I'm feeling lots of puppy love. Which is good because the photo of knitted cable was giving me hives. Fear of knitting, you know :) Kudos to Brave Alicia !

[Fireflyhilldesigns]

Love seeing the pics of Clover Meadow and just love your blog altogether! i keep my whole family up to date with what you are up to.. oh I hope that doesnt sound creepy.

[kick]

Gratuitous puppy photos are a must with each post!

There's this site for a cable afghan: http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/afghans/cables/index.htm (not sure if that'll work) and Melissa Leapman has a book called Cables Untangled with an afghan on the front.

[Chris Howard]

Oh! Oh! Kiss those pink toes for me!

[Liane]

I just love your blog! I read it all the time but never comment because I never have anything useful to say. Except for today! Here's a link to a beautiful picture of a Great American Aran Afghan--
http://theraineysisters.com/?page_id=319

Also, this month's magknits has a free cable afghan pattern:

http://magknits.com/Oct07/patterns/burridge.htm

[HeidiAnn]

You bet we said you could!! And we were looking forward to every bit of the puppy-and-everything-else-blogging!
And loving every bit of it!

[Cin]

I've been reading your blog for a while now, but have to admit that I've become much more loyal since adding your link to my google reader.

I know what it's like to love and lose a companion like Audrey, and it makes my heart hopeful knowing that you opened yourself to the possiblity of Clover. She is good for you, in the way that only a dog can be.

Now of course, I have to break up all the smooshiness by saying that you've given me a serious case of puppy envy, and that the video you posted nearly did me in.

[Gaile]

I love the puppy photos.

Oh, and you reminded me that I have a pattern in a book somewhere that is basically a patchwork of knitted cable patterns (all done in aran yarn). It's one of those things I bookmarked but have yet to actually give serious thought to. Maybe I should look again, as I too love knitting cables! And besides, you can never have too many cozy blankets around.

[Nonnahs]

You totally can! I thought I was enamored by little Corgis before Clover came along, but now... oy! Thanks for allowing me to live vicariously until the BF and the dog allow a new puppy in the house. ;)

[carrie]

You might want to look up Barbara Walker's knitting Treasuries. There are 4; I think the last one is the one that might be most useful--she has a bunch of charted cable patterns, and shows the samples being made up into a blanket. (the original book is called something like "sampler knitting", there's also an amazing cabled coat). The books have recently been reprinted but the pictures are still old-style (60's ish?) so a little imagination is called for, but I am sure you could envision the perfectly posie-ish modern version. Other books for cabled throws and blankets: Cables Untangled, by Melissa Leapman; swatched cable afghan on cover. Viking Knitting by Elspeth Lavold I think also shows a nice blanket of cable swatches--or maybe I am misremembering that, but there are lots of lovely cable patterns in that book anyway. You could also google the Great American Afghan. Good luck, can't wait to see what you come up with!

I *love* Clover. She is adorable.

[amy]

That is a stinkin' cute puppy! But, also, the photo of your cable swatch is stellar. It looks like I can reach out and touch that swatch.

[andrea]

yes, yes, and yes, more please.

i absolutely cannot wait to get that issue of Adorn!

Alicia, everything you touch turns to gold.

[kate]

You are solely responsible for my daily pleading for a corgi puppy. I never thought I'd want a pure-bred anything (I'm a mutt kind of gal) but you and clover have swayed me. I'm researching where to find one!

Oh, and your husband's darn cute, too!! ; )