Emptyknitster

As I usually do each evening, I sat down to watch the local news. Halfway through the newscast Bob McGuire announced that within the last 15-20 minutes a fire had started near our house. I hopped in the car to investigate. It was close but could have been closer and within minutes planes were dropping retardant. Two hours into the fire Hubby texted me "On fire over ridge from house. Looks to be heading to interstate. Be ready to leave. Watch for the smoke column,"   I packed a bag with a few days worth of clothes, toiletries, my computer and charger, some extra sock yarn for nervous knitting, the NorDak daughter's China treat, and then dug out the cat carriers. Next it was time to gathered some family mementos.  "The Antique" (NEVER to be left for kindling) a Christmas plate of my grandmother's from Germany so probably Great Grandparent Duis', The Hedges Bible, The Brewer Bible, a German book of my Grandmother's listing birthdays, coast...

I've been experimenting with dyeing speckled yarn. My first try turned out okay but I thought I could do better so out came more dye and I gave it another try. I liked the result but didn't want to waste the leftover dye and so out came the dye pot, more yarn and I dyed a multiple colored tonal yarn. When I put the two together it was clear another hank needed to be dyed and I needed to knit a "Find Your Fade" sweater. It's been a fun knit and I look forward to showing you the finished project.

Who would have thought there was a needle killer hidden in this adorable little kitten?   Polly's currently chewed up three pairs of my Addie Turbo Sock Rockets. I've tried to do my part and be more diligent by putting them away after each use but she dives head first into my knitting bag! So I finally dug out the needles I ordered from Ebay a few years ago for sixty cents a pair. They are Chinese needles and have crazy sizing and metal cables (instead of the plastic Polly appears to be teething on) But they work and seem to be doing the job.  At the time I didn't know why I bought the needles, I had so many already. Now I know they were a necessary item for my little orange shorthaired kitty to keep her happy home.

During the month of June I worked very hard to deplete my Red Heart stash. Often, when non-knitters learn I knit they will offer me their grandmother’s stash. I accept with the dream the stash will be cashmere but it’s always been a stash of Red Heart. Over the years I’ve acquired quite a big box. Every kitten bed I finished was Polly's favorite until I finished another, then the new one was her favorite. In total I completed thirteen cat beds and twelve cat blankets for the vet.   Pattern: Cat's Craddle by Comfort for Critters Yarn: Red Heart Worsted Hook: I Pattern: Sunflower Pet Blanket by Maryann Yarn: Red Heart Hook: I Polly is now the proud owner of one of the cat beds. I also finished forty-three preemie hats for a sum total of 8,518 meters.