We just returned from a sailing vacation in the British Virgin Islands. In addition to books and magazines that I wanted to dive into on my trip, I brought a skein of brick red yarn that wanted to be a dog sweater, a small ball each of yellow and red yarn for an idea I had for Valentine's Day, my trusty tape measure, size 7 needles and a little notebook to jot down pattern notes.

It took up surpisingly little room in my carry-on. On the Dallas to San Jaun flight leg the movie was bad so I used that time to swatch a diamond-like panel for the dog sweater and wrote out the instructions for it.  Then I did a gauge swatch for and intarsia heart vest for my dog Tabby to for Valentine's Day. I was really glad to have the yarn and needles with me. The time flew and if a knitting moment presented itself once we were on our boat I would be ready to let the needles fly.

Knitting on a sailboat can be challenging especially if, like me, you are prone to motion sickness. Under sail on calm sea days, I was able to work on both projects. Under sail on rough sea days, I sat staring at the horizon, wishing the sailing to be over and for Happy Hour to begin. There was some beach knitting too. I have yet to meet another knitter on the beach but I am sure it will happen some day.

Before you think I am a total knitiot, I want to say that I enjoyed all the Caribbean had to offer: exploring fabulous beaches, swimming, snorkeling, sunning...  I finished the books and magazine I brought with me too. But most of all I enjoyed spending time with our friends Carol and Ray. It was pretty close to perfect.

Still it is great to be home and see all my loved ones and to settle back into the daily routine rested and refreshed. I promised myslef if I got through all the mail and paperwork in my home office today that I would knit for a little while.

This is Romeo (I know he looks a little wary in the photo-- he does not like the camera one bit!).

Romeo was found along a rural Nebraska two lane highway. He was terribly thin, so weak he could barely move, and his claws were so long they were curved under his paws. After a few months of loving care from his new family he is fit and fiesty!
 
Romeo is a long-haired chihuahua and shares his new home with sister Casey, a spaniel/bichon mix. He likes golf cart rides and is learning how to walk on a leash and how to 'give kisses' like his big sis. Romeo is not built for Nebraska winters (I know... who is?!), and it was hard for his new family to find store-bought sweaters to fit this tiny guy who weighs less than 4 pounds.

A red and white color scheme seemed perfect since the holidays were coming up and Romeo is a Nebraska football fan.  Last fall I had come across this stitch pattern and decided that I would give it a go for Romeo's sweater. After working a few repeats I thought it looked like snowballs. It worked up quickly into a warm sweater for my new little friend. 

It does my heart good to see this happy little dog loving his new life.

On my For Pets page you will find more info about this pattern. I'll donate proceeds raised from pattern sales to help animals not as fortunate as Romeo. You can also check out the wonderful work being done by the Nebraska Humane Society and Hearts United for Animals by clicking on the links I have provided on the side-bar.

Happy New Year Everybody!
Over the holidays, I got a lot of questions from friends about learning to knit. You can find wonderful tutorials on YouTube which will show you how to cast on, make the basic knit and purl stitches, and bind off.  It is easy, I promise! So practice a bit and when you comfortable here is a very easy and very fashionable first project-- Boot Toppers.

For an invisible seam you will want to learn how to do the mattress stitch (again, see You Tube). Weave in the yarn ends and try it on!
Once you get the hang of knitting, this simple pattern can be modified for any number of stitch patterns. These toppers are a fast knit and make great gifts. Be prepared to make some for your friends-- they are all going to want a pair!

PS: I am getting pretty good at taking pictures of my own feet...

Happy Holidays!
Tabby has got her glam on for the holidays! Have you ever knit with beads? For this collar I added silver and gold color beads to the cast on frilled edge for holiday sparkle. Download the free pattern from my For Pets page.
 For the project you will need size 6mm beads, sport weight yarn and one Christmas DVD to watch while you knit this one up! I hope you make lovely Christmas memories this year and maybe a holiday collar for your special furry friend.  

 

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