Hubby in Wisc. has a chat with a calf about getting
her head stuck in a gate. He was able to get all of
her back on the same side with a little coaxing.
Monday, February 28, 2005
A Photo Album Day
Hubby in Wisc. has a chat with a calf about getting
her head stuck in a gate. He was able to get all of
her back on the same side with a little coaxing.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
A Baby Sweater Pattern
Yesterday when I weighed in, I was certain that I was going to have to tell you all that I had failed to lose my half a pound, but was surprised to find that I had lost a whole pound! I’m quite sure, however, that I will gain it all back since I made Jacob a belated birthday cake today. Chocolate mint cake-mmmmmm.
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And now----the sweater pattern!
I had the advantage of having a sweater made with this pattern in my hands when I made this sweater the 1st time. The little woman who had made the sweater for my daughter hand copied this for me. I know that each time I make it I puzzle over what she wrote and try to make it “work”. I have done the best I can to decipher it for you; her handwriting is typical of the women of that generation—flowery and beautiful, but also shaky with age. Sometimes little notes were scribbled into the margins, and I tried to get them all to fit into the correct order. I did my best to produce a coherent pattern! Enjoy! Jean
Baby Hooded Sweater
Size 1-2-3
Needles No. 5 & 8
Crochet hook No.00
5 buttons
Gauge 9 st=2”, 6 rows =1” (No. 8)
Cardigan
Neckband: No5 needle. Cast on 54(58-62) st. Work in ribbing of k1p1 for 1”. Change to No8 needles work as follows:
Yoke: Shape raglan
Row 1 (right side): K8. Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K4 (5-6). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K 18 (20-22). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K4(5-6). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K8—(8 incs) Turn.
Row 2: Purl (slip markers).
Row 3: *K to within 1 st of marker. Inc 1 st in next st. Sl marker. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. Repeat from * 3 times. K across. Repeat last 2 rows 10 (11-12) times. (Makes a raglan sleeve.)
Next row: Purl—150 (162-174) sts.
Divide Work
K 21 (22-23). Place these sts on a holder (left front). K32 (35-38) (left sleeve): place next 44 (48-52) sts on a holder (back); place next 32 (35-38) st on 3rd holder (right sleeve). Place last 21 (22-23) sts on 4th holder (right front).
Left sleeve:
Cast on 2 sts. P across. Cast on 2 sts. Work in stockinette st. K 1 row; p next. Dec 1 st each side every 8th row 5 times—26 (29-32) sts. Work even until sleeve measures 6 (6-1/2”-7”) from underarm or 1-1/2 in. less cuff. Dec 0 (1-2) sts on last row 26 (28-30) st. Change to No5 needles work ribbing k1 p1 for 1-1/2”. Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Right Sleeve:
With No8 needles cast on 2 sts. K 32 (35-38) sts from sleeve holder cast on 2 sts—36 (39-42). Work same as left sleeve. (Note: I always do both sleeves on same needle using another ball of yarn—Then you’ll be sure they are the same.)
Body:
Sl sts off left front on No8 needle. Join yarn at left underarm. Cast on 4 sts. K across back sts. Cast on 4 sts. K across right front sts 94 (100-106) sts. Work even until piece measures 5-3/4” (6-1/4—6-1/2”) from underarm or 1-1/2” (ribbing allowance) less than desired length. Change to No5 needles. Work in ribbing k1 p1 for 1-1/2”. Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Left Center Band: (Crochet)
From right side work 1 row. Sc on left front edge working 1 sc in each row. Ch 1, turn each row. Work 4 more rows working 1 sc in each sc. End off.
(A note from Jean: I find that I need to make a few less st than one per row or the band is too big.)
Right Center Band:
Work 2 rows sc on right front edge as for left center band. With pins mark position of 5 buttonholes evenly spaced on right center band—first on ½” above lower edge, 5th on ½” below neck edge.
Row 3: (buttonhole row) *sc to within 1 sc of pin. Ch 2 st. Repeat from * 4 times. Finish row. Ch1. Turn.
Row 4: Sc in each sc across row working 2 sc in each buttonhole. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 5: Sc in each sc across. End off.
Hood
No5 needles—cast on 67 (69-71) sts.
Row 1: (right side): P1 *k1p1 repeat from * across.
Row 2: K1 *p1,k1. Repeat from * across.
Repeat last 2 rows for 3” (ribbing). End wrong side. Change to No8 needles. Work in stockinette st until piece measures 7 (7-1/2—8) ins from start.
Shape back: Bind off 10 sts at beg of next 2 rows. Bind off remaining 47 (49-51) sts.
Finishing
Block pieces (not ribbings). Fold hood in half. Weave back seam keeping seam flat. Fold ribbing in half to right side. With ends of hood 1-1/2” from front edge of sweater, sew hood to neck edge, easing in hood. Sew sleeve seams and underarms. Sew on buttons (5).
The Sweater, size 2. I used 4 ply, Worsted Weight. Since I was switching from the American to European style knitting throughout and picking it up sporadically, the stitch was very uneven :-(. Oh, well--it will wear :-).
------------------------
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
The footnote of my Concordia Study Bible says, “As you only have been our security in the world, so also make our labors to be effective and enduring—though we are so transient.”
I have no visions of ever appearing in the pages of history. I do, however, hope to make an impact upon my world by raising children of God who will serve Him throughout their lives and by reaching out to others through friendship, sharing God’s work in me. Many are searching for security—and we do not always find that God offers what we think we want. Yet our trust in Him is comforting to us and to those around us. Though we are here on earth as the shadow of a cloud passes over the land, He is, from generation to generation.
Blessings.
------------------------
And now----the sweater pattern!
I had the advantage of having a sweater made with this pattern in my hands when I made this sweater the 1st time. The little woman who had made the sweater for my daughter hand copied this for me. I know that each time I make it I puzzle over what she wrote and try to make it “work”. I have done the best I can to decipher it for you; her handwriting is typical of the women of that generation—flowery and beautiful, but also shaky with age. Sometimes little notes were scribbled into the margins, and I tried to get them all to fit into the correct order. I did my best to produce a coherent pattern! Enjoy! Jean
Baby Hooded Sweater
Size 1-2-3
Needles No. 5 & 8
Crochet hook No.00
5 buttons
Gauge 9 st=2”, 6 rows =1” (No. 8)
Cardigan
Neckband: No5 needle. Cast on 54(58-62) st. Work in ribbing of k1p1 for 1”. Change to No8 needles work as follows:
Yoke: Shape raglan
Row 1 (right side): K8. Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K4 (5-6). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K 18 (20-22). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K4(5-6). Inc 1 st in next st. Put a marker on needle. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. K8—(8 incs) Turn.
Row 2: Purl (slip markers).
Row 3: *K to within 1 st of marker. Inc 1 st in next st. Sl marker. K1. Inc 1 st in next st. Repeat from * 3 times. K across. Repeat last 2 rows 10 (11-12) times. (Makes a raglan sleeve.)
Next row: Purl—150 (162-174) sts.
Divide Work
K 21 (22-23). Place these sts on a holder (left front). K32 (35-38) (left sleeve): place next 44 (48-52) sts on a holder (back); place next 32 (35-38) st on 3rd holder (right sleeve). Place last 21 (22-23) sts on 4th holder (right front).
Left sleeve:
Cast on 2 sts. P across. Cast on 2 sts. Work in stockinette st. K 1 row; p next. Dec 1 st each side every 8th row 5 times—26 (29-32) sts. Work even until sleeve measures 6 (6-1/2”-7”) from underarm or 1-1/2 in. less cuff. Dec 0 (1-2) sts on last row 26 (28-30) st. Change to No5 needles work ribbing k1 p1 for 1-1/2”. Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Right Sleeve:
With No8 needles cast on 2 sts. K 32 (35-38) sts from sleeve holder cast on 2 sts—36 (39-42). Work same as left sleeve. (Note: I always do both sleeves on same needle using another ball of yarn—Then you’ll be sure they are the same.)
Body:
Sl sts off left front on No8 needle. Join yarn at left underarm. Cast on 4 sts. K across back sts. Cast on 4 sts. K across right front sts 94 (100-106) sts. Work even until piece measures 5-3/4” (6-1/4—6-1/2”) from underarm or 1-1/2” (ribbing allowance) less than desired length. Change to No5 needles. Work in ribbing k1 p1 for 1-1/2”. Bind off loosely in ribbing.
Left Center Band: (Crochet)
From right side work 1 row. Sc on left front edge working 1 sc in each row. Ch 1, turn each row. Work 4 more rows working 1 sc in each sc. End off.
(A note from Jean: I find that I need to make a few less st than one per row or the band is too big.)
Right Center Band:
Work 2 rows sc on right front edge as for left center band. With pins mark position of 5 buttonholes evenly spaced on right center band—first on ½” above lower edge, 5th on ½” below neck edge.
Row 3: (buttonhole row) *sc to within 1 sc of pin. Ch 2 st. Repeat from * 4 times. Finish row. Ch1. Turn.
Row 4: Sc in each sc across row working 2 sc in each buttonhole. Ch 1. Turn.
Row 5: Sc in each sc across. End off.
Hood
No5 needles—cast on 67 (69-71) sts.
Row 1: (right side): P1 *k1p1 repeat from * across.
Row 2: K1 *p1,k1. Repeat from * across.
Repeat last 2 rows for 3” (ribbing). End wrong side. Change to No8 needles. Work in stockinette st until piece measures 7 (7-1/2—8) ins from start.
Shape back: Bind off 10 sts at beg of next 2 rows. Bind off remaining 47 (49-51) sts.
Finishing
Block pieces (not ribbings). Fold hood in half. Weave back seam keeping seam flat. Fold ribbing in half to right side. With ends of hood 1-1/2” from front edge of sweater, sew hood to neck edge, easing in hood. Sew sleeve seams and underarms. Sew on buttons (5).
The Sweater, size 2. I used 4 ply, Worsted Weight. Since I was switching from the American to European style knitting throughout and picking it up sporadically, the stitch was very uneven :-(. Oh, well--it will wear :-).
------------------------
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”Psalm 90: 17
The footnote of my Concordia Study Bible says, “As you only have been our security in the world, so also make our labors to be effective and enduring—though we are so transient.”
I have no visions of ever appearing in the pages of history. I do, however, hope to make an impact upon my world by raising children of God who will serve Him throughout their lives and by reaching out to others through friendship, sharing God’s work in me. Many are searching for security—and we do not always find that God offers what we think we want. Yet our trust in Him is comforting to us and to those around us. Though we are here on earth as the shadow of a cloud passes over the land, He is, from generation to generation.
Blessings.
Friday, February 25, 2005
Passing the Baton: Winter to Spring
The moon is nearly full tonight. It is just a slight wobble in the sky, orange and oversized, as it rises above the horizon. I’d like, someday, to visit the stars and planets, to see the beauty of the universe first hand. People always joke about getting to heaven and asking God questions—mine just might be a request to visit the vastness of his realm…
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We have a sick calf today; she's a bit wobbly on her feet and is running a low fever. She is one of the calves that was born only a couple of months ago to one of Bethany’s show heifers, September. Here, we are praying that the calf will respond to a warming box, bottles of milk, and some medicine. The mommy seems to be under the weather, too. Perhaps she has not had enough milk for her baby if she isn’t feeling well. They are in the medical pen. I don’t know if my husband will need to go out and check on them in the night or not.
Soon we will be busy with calving. The weather has been warmer the last few days, and we have noticed that the sun is more powerful. It will not be long before spring is here.
It won't be long now...(This is spring 2004)
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
“Before the mountains…you are God.” I have always found the verb tense the translators used in this startling. “You are”. This is a present tense. It tells us a state of being that simply exists all the time. If I said, “I walk to school,” you would understand that I have done it in the past, I did it today, and I plan to do it everyday. That is how God is. “You are God” means that he was, is, and will be God. We always teach our children not to shift the tense when they are writing, but I think the writer of this would not have considered it a violation of that rule; rather he has stated his belief in an everlasting God, one who existed before all things began.
Do we have the same belief? Do we trust that what is happening today, happened yesterday, and will happen tomorrow is under the control of the same one who created the perfect orbit of the earth around the sun? or the DNA in our cells? or the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungus root?
We are offered the opportunity to rest in this knowledge and to live at peace.
Blessings.
-------------------------
We have a sick calf today; she's a bit wobbly on her feet and is running a low fever. She is one of the calves that was born only a couple of months ago to one of Bethany’s show heifers, September. Here, we are praying that the calf will respond to a warming box, bottles of milk, and some medicine. The mommy seems to be under the weather, too. Perhaps she has not had enough milk for her baby if she isn’t feeling well. They are in the medical pen. I don’t know if my husband will need to go out and check on them in the night or not.
Soon we will be busy with calving. The weather has been warmer the last few days, and we have noticed that the sun is more powerful. It will not be long before spring is here.
It won't be long now...(This is spring 2004)
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
"Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
Psalm 90: 1-2
“Before the mountains…you are God.” I have always found the verb tense the translators used in this startling. “You are”. This is a present tense. It tells us a state of being that simply exists all the time. If I said, “I walk to school,” you would understand that I have done it in the past, I did it today, and I plan to do it everyday. That is how God is. “You are God” means that he was, is, and will be God. We always teach our children not to shift the tense when they are writing, but I think the writer of this would not have considered it a violation of that rule; rather he has stated his belief in an everlasting God, one who existed before all things began.
Do we have the same belief? Do we trust that what is happening today, happened yesterday, and will happen tomorrow is under the control of the same one who created the perfect orbit of the earth around the sun? or the DNA in our cells? or the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungus root?
We are offered the opportunity to rest in this knowledge and to live at peace.
Blessings.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Thank You, Thank You!
I’m, well—speechless.
You came out to greet my daughter with so many sweet comments! Some were thoughtful given with wisdom; a few of you recalled life on the farm from your own childhood. A couple of children posted who loved the farm animals, and many of you stopped by simply to join in the fun. You are precious! My site meter should have a tongue hanging from it—panting from trying to keep up with the dozens of visitors! I am humbled and amazed. As I said on the TWTM boards, “It has been like throwing an impromptu party and having dozens of friends show up!"
Very simply: Thank you.
--------------------------
I have accomplished something today. I started knitting a little blue sweater for a friend’s baby—now when was that? Were we going to the CHEA conference in May of 2003 when we visited this little guy just after he was born? (Tell me I’m wrong!) I’d hung up my knitting needles when the hectic pace of children and homeschooling had taken over my life, but I had decided I’d like to pick them up again about the time this little tyke came along. Of course it had to be a blue sweater since all the clothes in Lauree's household had been pink for the last three babies.
I chose a large size, figuring it would give me time enough to make it. Good idea. I finally handed the sweater over to the little brown eyed boy this evening. He’s the cutest little fellow, but it is good that his big sister is hugging him and not me—he’s a little shy of the lady with the camera!
Aren't they sweet!
A woman who’d made the sweater for my first child gave the pattern to me. The pattern starts at the neckline, and the body and sleeves are made in one piece. The placket is crocheted which helps it to keep its shape; the hood is added last. This is a fun pattern to make!
I had a nice time tonight when I went out to deliver the sweater. Last time Lauree came to visit me, I told her I had cookies but failed to get them out. Bad hostess. Lauree had kept back a plate full of cookies so that I could have a treat—she makes them with no milk, just for me! I think I should ask her for the recipe.
--------------------------
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
Many years ago I sat upon a swing at a camp for missionaries singing this song.
I remember a woman who had been a missionary telling me that now that I was becoming a teen-ager, I needed to know that I would not always be going to church and worshiping God simply because my parents did, but that I would have to make the decision to do that for myself. She laid before me the challenge of following God into my teen years and beyond. I still remember her name, even if I do not know how to spell it: Kathy Bleizie. I remember a lot of things from that camp because the decisions that were made back then have directed my life.
Be sure to take the time to tell this to your young teens. Someone else will not always take them to church or ask them if they have read their Bibles. Whether we like it or not, some day they are going to have to take that road by themselves.
Blessings.
You came out to greet my daughter with so many sweet comments! Some were thoughtful given with wisdom; a few of you recalled life on the farm from your own childhood. A couple of children posted who loved the farm animals, and many of you stopped by simply to join in the fun. You are precious! My site meter should have a tongue hanging from it—panting from trying to keep up with the dozens of visitors! I am humbled and amazed. As I said on the TWTM boards, “It has been like throwing an impromptu party and having dozens of friends show up!"
Very simply: Thank you.
--------------------------
I have accomplished something today. I started knitting a little blue sweater for a friend’s baby—now when was that? Were we going to the CHEA conference in May of 2003 when we visited this little guy just after he was born? (Tell me I’m wrong!) I’d hung up my knitting needles when the hectic pace of children and homeschooling had taken over my life, but I had decided I’d like to pick them up again about the time this little tyke came along. Of course it had to be a blue sweater since all the clothes in Lauree's household had been pink for the last three babies.
I chose a large size, figuring it would give me time enough to make it. Good idea. I finally handed the sweater over to the little brown eyed boy this evening. He’s the cutest little fellow, but it is good that his big sister is hugging him and not me—he’s a little shy of the lady with the camera!
Aren't they sweet!
A woman who’d made the sweater for my first child gave the pattern to me. The pattern starts at the neckline, and the body and sleeves are made in one piece. The placket is crocheted which helps it to keep its shape; the hood is added last. This is a fun pattern to make!
I had a nice time tonight when I went out to deliver the sweater. Last time Lauree came to visit me, I told her I had cookies but failed to get them out. Bad hostess. Lauree had kept back a plate full of cookies so that I could have a treat—she makes them with no milk, just for me! I think I should ask her for the recipe.
--------------------------
Thoughts from my Big Green Chair
Many years ago I sat upon a swing at a camp for missionaries singing this song.
Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul!
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole!
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me,
Thy great salvation so rich and free.
I remember a woman who had been a missionary telling me that now that I was becoming a teen-ager, I needed to know that I would not always be going to church and worshiping God simply because my parents did, but that I would have to make the decision to do that for myself. She laid before me the challenge of following God into my teen years and beyond. I still remember her name, even if I do not know how to spell it: Kathy Bleizie. I remember a lot of things from that camp because the decisions that were made back then have directed my life.
Be sure to take the time to tell this to your young teens. Someone else will not always take them to church or ask them if they have read their Bibles. Whether we like it or not, some day they are going to have to take that road by themselves.
Blessings.
