The Story Behind the Pattern

The Shelby Cat Throne was named for a finicky cat who lives in central Illinois. For some reason she will not sit directly on your lap, only walk back and forth across your lap all the while purring. The cat pictured on the site under Exclusive Patterns is named Hershey and immediately claimed the throne as soon as it was completed. (Actually he claimed it several times while I was knitting it. I would set my knitting down and even if I would be gone just for a minute, he would be sitting on it when I returned.) So I had to knit a second one for Shelby herself. And I am happy to post irrefutable evidence that she loves it!

Harvest Time

It's harvest time at my garden plot. After weeks of no rain at all, we have received about two inches in the last week and the vegetables really took off. I was especially worried about the corn which seemed to be stunted even thought I was watering it every other day. The other gardeners tell me there is just no substitute for rain; all vegetables suffer even if they are well watered by hand.

I have yet to cut open the cucumbers, but the corn was eaten almost immediately. It was so sweet and delicious even without butter. I simply placed the cobs in a glass baking dish, put a little water in the bottom, covered it with saran wrap, and microwaved for 7 minutes. Mmmm!

It's Fabulous

I came across the Caron Fabulous yarn last weekend and knew I had to have it. It is a "ladder type" yarn and will not be easy to knit with, but I fell in love with the feel of it and especially the colors. Reminds me of the ocean. If anyone can share some tips for knitting with this type of yarn, it would be much appreciated!

Keep an eye out for an Exclusive Pattern on the Daily Knitter using the yarn. A shrug anyone?

Anne

It's Rained!

I ran home from an errand this afternoon so anxious to check out my rain gauge. I never thought I would say that, but it has been so dry here this summer and we actually got rain. But how much? Almost an inch, my trusty rain gauge said. Next I'll be running out to my garden plot to see if the rain did much good out there. It fell so fast, in less than 20 minutes, that I wonder if it had enough time to sink in. The ground is so hard and cracked. I guess I shouldn't complain...

Corinne

My Knitting Chair

When I booted my husband out of my favorite knitting chair last night, he asked me, "Why does it have to be this chair? It seems you won't knit anywhere else." I have been seriously contemplating his question ever since. The end of my leather sectional recliner with the arm on your left hand side when you sit down is the ONLY place I am entirely comfortable knitting. The height of the arm is perfect. I can set my knitting bag on the recliner's footrest at a ideal distance. My lap is at a terrific angle where I can work with my needles and have a cat on my lap. It is my perfect knitting chair! Somebody out there ought to design a knitting chair with adjustable arms, places for your yarn, storage for needles, etc. I would love it!

Anne

It's Edible

I saw this yarn and immediately thought of cotton candy. But I next thought of all the pink I see in women's golf wear right now. Keep an eye out for a golf vest in the next set of Daily Knitter Exclusive patterns.

What's New at The Daily Knitter

Check out The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Yarn

Flea market knitting finds.

Try the new Daily Knitter Crossword Puzzle

Can you fill in all of the knitting terms?

Show off your shoulders with Peggy

Our latest exclusive pattern is a tube top with small sleeves.

Give a perfect gift with the April flower basket

The yarn's name inspired this "one size fits all" project.

Felt an evening bag with the Carrie clutch purse

Combining wool and eyelash yarn with fantastic results.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 75 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

No "fru-fru" for Fido allowed

View the latest Product reviews

Are you a Wild Woman Knitting?

What were they thinking? The Daily Knitter Blog

The Daily Knitter editors share their knitting thoughts and much more.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to Knit One, Cruise Too!

Welcome to Knit One, Cruise Too!, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found on the What's New, Exclusive Patterns, and Yarn Shop Directory pages at the Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Is that a blimp?

While playing 18 holes on a local golf course Saturday afternoon, I heard a strange buzzing overhead. The course is adjacent to the local Dupage County airport, but the noise did not sound like an airplane. I never expected to see Snoopy in the sky! There was the Snoopy II blimp coming in for a landing. My guess is that the blimp was in town for the Western Open golf tournament, but what a treat to watch it come in for a landing.

Corinne

One for the Record Book

June 2005 has officially been designated the 2nd hottest and 2nd driest month on record here in Chicagoland. This is in over 77 years of continuous observations! The farmers are desperate and our front lawn is brown, brown, brown. My husband is the official "waterer" of the house and has decided to just give up on the lawn. He is focusing on the trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Today the heat has broken and we are only supposed to reach 80 degrees. This is great, but there are still no major rains in the forecast. Ugh!

Anne