Rain, and Knitting Days

I am hearing that this may be an "El Nino" year, with all the storms they are having in the states, and we sure are having a lot more rain, earlier in the year, than what we had last year. The weather seems to have no pattern, any longer, only does what it must with global warming and all. We have definitely had plenty of rain this past week. I hope it stops, even if only temporarily, long enough for my daughter to visit me. We will have to hit the decks early to get ahead of the rain. One of the best things about the rain, is the clear skies we have when it lifts, and even when it rains, it is not the same darkness I use to associate with rainy days.


I shot some photos early in the morning and the blue mountains you see here, I can only see on the very clear days. I took them on telephoto, so they look closer than they really are. They are miles away, even as the crow flies, and to drive there, well, it takes a long time. It sure is beautiful. They are not as clear a focus as I would like, and I guess I will just have to get out the tripod one of these days.

I have even had to put on a sweater to keep the chill from getting me. Maybe I'll get to use my new sweater and socks sooner than I thought this year.

I finished the Honeymoon Cami for Ines, and see for yourself, she is as cute as can be in it.




Rachel just loves the blanket, and will not lay it down, carries it everywhere she goes. And nap time could not be easier. At 3 years old, her little smiles of excitement are so gratifying. I also made a small crocheted blanket for her doll, to match with left over yarn.

The gray Saucy socks are finished, and I just need to take some pictures to add to the files, and will put it here when I do that. Added, and am happy with them! The pattern shows up nicely, but pictures just don't do them justice. They will keep my feet warm this rainy season.

I started another Cami, called the Bias Corset, and it is coming along well, and has been fun to work out the uniqueness of it. I decided to put a second color in the front ribbing and it is interesting the effect it is having on the lay of the top. I am using a different fiber, than suggested, with a bit of stretch to it, so it will finish slightly differently than the merino suggested. I think it will fit me better with the extra elasticity in it. The ribbing in the back will give it a close fit, and ease as well. Turning out beautiful! The decreases in the lower front have given it the slop in the center that I am loving.



I also started another pair of socks...what you think I would not have a pair going on the sock needles again? I guess I am as addicted to making socks as everyone else who makes them continuously. And I like trying different patterns each time too. Because I love the color variations in yarn, I usually have to try each pattern before I cast on for real. Not every pattern shows in the variations of colored yarns. I just love multi-colors, what can I say. This time, I am doing a vintage fluted pattern, and they are looking good. I had started a different pattern, and even after testing it, and then casting on, I didn't like the result and frogged it. My knitting friends gasped, but I am a process knitter, and I don't finish what I don't like, so I am better off to frog the silly thing and start over, different pattern, different result. And may times, I'll frog if it isn't feeling 'right' in my hands. Don't really even have to look at it to know, there is sometimes it just tells you.This is Cafe Delicias, where we knit.

Our knitting group is going great, and this past Thursday was no exception. We get more and more traffic just stopping by to say 'hi' and introduce themselves. We are a 'chatty' bunch, and anyone speaking English, is drawn to our table. We met several ladies this week, one wonderful lady who has lived here for 14 years, and who was 'uuuhhhing' over our beautiful yarns, wondering where we got them. Costa Rica has many crafts and many small shops with items for sale, but yarn is not one of the best items offered. I never considered myself a 'yarn snob' but I guess, I am and may as well defend my tastes. Polyester and I are not on friendly terms since I long ago found knitting with real wools, cottons and silks to be so much more of a pleasant experience. Not only does it make a difference in the construction process, but the finished garment is miles ahead of the look poly affords one. So, the internet is my friend too. Living on a global basis is not a big stretch, if you know it is there. I am amazed at the number of people who are still "computer-phobic" and will never have the pleasure of this wonderful tool. Even here in Costa Rica, where most of the population still do not have personal computers, there are Internet Cafes on every block. They may even last, time wise, longer here as a business than they did in the states. The income level is much lower here, so it is not a high priority of things to buy for ones home. The youth are growing up with more desire to have technology and are learning it quickly. The next generation will be very computer literate.