Have a question that doesn't fit into any of the other categories?

Post it here, and we'll try to answer it!

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SuzieKnits on June 8, 2008 at 6:16am

I live in New England where knitting for me usually focuses on warm woolies and socks for the cold weather. I always wonder what knitters in warm climates like Florida choose to knit and what yarns are their favorites. If you live year-round in Florida or a similar warm climate, please tell me about your knitting projects and the yarns you love to use. If I ever move, I want to know what possibilities await me! Thanks!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gritsnobutter on June 8, 2008 at 7:35pm

Born and raised in Florida!!! We love to knit down here, socks are getting a lot of attention. We just don't knit a lot of boot socks or heavy-wt wool. Fingering wts are great. I like to knit lacy scarves, light-wt fun stuff. I do knit the occasional hat for those of us natives who can't stand it at 32 degrees!! I live in North Florida so we do have about 5 nights a year that are cold (Not an accurate stat mind you just a funny one compared to the New England winters). Cottons and silks are nice for our projects. If you like lace and open work that is a plus! I just bought the Victorian sampler which has some cotton based yarns that I'm looking forward to working with. Would love to hear more about your knitting and would welcome you to our beautiful state should you decide that no snow is a viable option for you!!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by SuzieKnits on July 2, 2008 at 9:09am

Thanks for your reply! I love to knit socks and have never knit in fingering weight so that would be a great project for me if I lived in a warm climate! For several years, I used to stay with my in-laws in Delray Beach when they were still alive, and I always brought knitting with me--mostly woolen-blend socks that I hoped to have completed for the winter season. Once I worked on a crocheted baby blanket in acrylic yarn (when my daughter was an infant). There was a yarn shop in the Delray area that I used to go to with my mother-in-law but one year when I went back there, the shop had closed and the building was an office complex. How disappointing. That shop always held special memories for me and I always tried to buy some yarn when I was visiting. There is something magical about planning a new knitting project when you are visiting out of state. I always came back inspired with the yarn that reminded me of my visit. I am presently knitting socks for the fall/winter weather. One pair for my daughter and one pair for a friend. I am looking forward to trying out some of Knitpicks socks yarns for future sock projects. Are you knitting on a project now?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by becknit on June 10, 2008 at 2:44pm

Hi Kelley,

I have a question about traveling with Xena. I am going to be taking my dog - Bear with me for the first time on an airplane. I know that you take Xena alot. Any advise on what to expect or how to make the trip better? I have already gotten a softsided kennel - I was told it had to fit under the seat in front of me and that Bear had to stay in it the whole time! This I don't like. Has this been the case for you or do you find it depends on the airline? I was hoping he could sit on my lap after we got settled.

Thanks ~ Becky

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kelley Petkun on June 13, 2008 at 2:49pm

Hi Becky,

How long will the time be from arriving at the airport and picking up your baggage at the other end? Will you be having any stops along the way?

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by becknit on June 13, 2008 at 3:34pm

Hi Kelley,

We are flying from Sacramento to Dallas and I am estimating the time will be about 7 hours or so and we have a layover of about an hour in Salt Lake City. Bear can usually go pretty long without a potty break but I would like him to a least get out and stretch.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kelley Petkun on June 13, 2008 at 3:52pm

Ok, here we go!

I would recommend that you buy an absorbant pad for the bottom of Bear's bag. They are usually right next to the dog carriers at the pet shop like Pet Smart. It's just that there will be all sorts of things going on as you travel and he may loose a little control.

I would recommend a light breakfast and very little water. Is Bear used to being in the bag for a long length of time? Does he find it comforting? Most dogs appreciate having a "bolt hole". Anyway, he will not be allowed of the bag during the flight. Sorry, but I can tell you that the flight attendants are most adamant.

There are natural sedatives you can buy at places like Pet Smart. I don't use them with Xena because she is so comfortable in her bag. Oh, and buy a tube of NutriStat at Pet Smart. It is a high energy food that is good as a treat when dogs are stressed. Just squeeze out a little bit and Bear will lick it off the tube opening. It smells awful but dogs absolutely love it!!!

I bought a couple of knit baby blankets from Target to be Xena's "blankies". There is always one in her bed. I pack it in our suitcase so that when we arrive at the hotel, I can put it over a pillow and she is comfortable sleeping there at night.

Check and see if there are any Service Animal Relief Stations at the airport in Salt Lake City. If you have time, that would be a nice break for Bear.

It is a bit of a hassle to take along our little furry friends, but once you arrive, it is an absolute joy to have them share in the adventure!

Hugs,
Kelley

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kelley Petkun on June 13, 2008 at 3:53pm

One more thing. Get a vet certificate before you leave. I have never had anyone ask for it but you know if you don't have it, they will want to see it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by becknit on June 13, 2008 at 6:51pm

Thanks Kelley for the advise. Bear has traveled with us by car and RV all over and has stayed in hotels before but this will be his first airplane ride. He also goes into the office with me daily. He is a very calm dog and so I think he'll do okay but I will take your suggestions and also look for the "tube food". I was planning on getting a certificate from my vet - just in case. I am taking his own small bed and favorite toy. I am working on getting him used to the case.

I'm so glad to have him going with us instead of him going to his "other Mother's". My friend is so disappointed at missing a chance to have him. We leave in 2 weeks. I'll let you know how it went.

Thank you again. I enjoy your podcasts and blog -especially hearing about Xena.

A Fellow Dog Lover ~ Becky

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by becknit on July 22, 2008 at 4:54pm

Hi Kelley,

Well we are back from Dallas and I wanted to let you know that our little dog Bear did great!! He faired well on the plane, no accidents. No one even knew he was there. He adjusted to the kennel just fine. And I got the certificate and no one even asked to see it! He was a great all around traveler. He will be traveling with us more. Thanks again for the advise!

Becky

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by JAN JOHNSON on June 11, 2008 at 10:54am

WHERE CAN i FIND INFORMATION ON USING STEEKS...NONE OF MY BOOKS EVEN TOUCHES ON THE SUBJECT

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Snow White on June 11, 2008 at 6:45pm

I am knitting the Emma Jacket. I have had some wonderful experience and some problems with not enough stitches or length to do what the directions say. I have improvised and it seems to be ok. My question is, what happens to the raw edge of the steeking. I used the sewing machine tecnique so it won't ravel, but it looks bad. I am working on the lapel so have not finished. Can you tell what is to happen? I don't see any finishing instructions on the pattern.
Thanks Snow White