Knit and Run

Knit-and-Run Goes Numb

2008-02-02T12:13:00.001-05:00

A more fitting name, a more functional blog, I done went NUMB. All is pretty much he same, a touch of spring cleaning and the ability to change things up a bit more quickly. Isn't that what we all like? The name is suits me well too, I'm slowly losing my touch, not what I used to be, blah, blah and blah.

I spent time gathering some old projects made long before blogging existed at my desk and wishing all the long gone gifts had been photographed. I'm still keeping ye olde Knit-and-Run, I'm a sentiMENTAL fool that way. I hope you'll still visit me.

My FLA - Week 5

2008-01-31T19:19:00.001-05:00

I know, no weeks 1 thru 4. This is the ~~first~~ fifth week of a series so cleverly thought of by Hillary. She's shoutin out for DC. I'll begin with a vacation we took in 06 and didn't blog about it because, well this is a knit blog and all. ~~hahahahahaha~~ That year, we splurged and instead of driving the 200-something miles, we flew. We also stayed inside the resort at Portofino Bay Hotel. Also payed extra for express tickets that gets you right on the rides and exhibits, no lines, no waiting. Totally. Worth. It. Did I mention it was July? Florida in July is HOT. Good thing I wasn't um, changing then. I took my very first sock in progress on the plane. The sock is no longer with us.

We got in at night so we would be well rested when we hit the park in the morning. The hotel has an entire town with family dining and an Italian restaurant that was just like eating at grandma's in Italy. It cost about as much to go to grandma's in Italy. I also enjoyed myself in the hotel's bathroom that had cool leuver windows above the tub. I scared the crap out of the old man with those! OK, I'm 12, but I'm snickering right now just thinking of it.

Portofino Bay at night

Looking the other way is the bay where I spent time in the morning feeding all the ducks that came in for breakfast. I couldn't get decent photos of them, but I remember cracking up because one duck would be out on a little wooden boat (there for decor only), and that duck sounded like he was laughing. They didn't come around at night though.

First thing in the morning, our water taxi came to get us and wisked us off to playland.

As you can see, the offspring was completely thrilled.

Hello Universal!

Some highlights:

The Mummy: Highly recommended.

The Incredible Hulk, ah no. Not me. We hung out while the girls went on it. Three times. This looks much smaller here than it really is.

This is what we saw while we waited. Did I mention it was hot?

Oh wise old mountain man, when the hell are these kids gonna get tired of this ride?
Hot hot hot hot hot

I bought stuff while I waited. hot hot hot hot

Don't I wish....

Reminds me of the old SNL. You're that land shark! I'm 12

No Universal trip is complete without stopping by SpongeBob's ~~pineapple~~ house.

When you can't be home...

They're not kidding, they're everywhere.

How do you measure the success of a vacation?

When you wind up with a steaming pile of kid at the end of the day.

B is for...

2008-01-28T06:01:00.000-05:00

Baby Bibs O' Love ala Mason-Dixon . These were made with one skein of Sugar and Cream self striping I found at A.C. Moore while on a yarn raid with The Betties. We seem to be managing get togethers more often than just knit nights, and Blogfree Debbie always apologizes in advance where ever we go.

Many Bib's O' Love have come out our group, especially from Mimi who seems to be addicted. Intervention? Nahhh

For A Good Time, Click...A Public Service Announcement

2008-01-26T17:51:00.000-05:00

JenLa's blog (Knottygirls dot com/JenLa/blog) is experiencing server issues. If like me, you've tried linking there, and got the web page with the blonde hottie, you know it's not not fixed yet. I sure would hate to be in their web host's shoes for the next few ~~weeks~~days. Jen, I tried to comment last night, but that chick wants me bad.

So until JenLa is up and running again, you may admire their button here.

Talk about Friday Fuck Up

A Contest!

2008-01-11T18:59:00.000-05:00

Go!

A

2008-01-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

It sure is nice of Vicki to get an ABC Along going for the year. It's not too late to get in on the Action, hurry on in, After January 19th, you're a spectator.

A is for ABC Along, Award, Anime, Agony

I was Awarded by JenLa in their 4th Annual Knit Blog Awards! I received the Hawkeye Award which for anyone that knows me is most fitting. If you had told me three years Ago I would have received this honor, I would have said well dammit I'll try!

The 2nd Annual Anime convention is now going on at our public library and if madame Kate does not wake up soon, she will miss it. It would have a little more exciting if she entered their drawing contest, but a certain mother of hers saw it too late to get in. Which brings to the Agony that is my new job. One word to The Man, (lawsuit) if you don't cut out the shit you're pulling and furthermore, good luck cause you're going to be training a new person every three months asshole. You're very smart and know your job, but you lack the common sense and time management skills God gave a bedbug.

Cripes, is it B yet?

What's in the Box?

2008-01-03T14:19:00.000-05:00

It's all about the food over at Mason-Dixonland, and it makes me realize how self brought up I've been. My mom cooked without recipes and she was a good cook, she's also been gone for 7 years, so to open up her box and show her recipes would be fairly morbid at this point.

Left to right is The Campbell Soup Box gifted by sil's ex-mil about 20 years ago. My own recipes and those of my mil reside in there, as well as, 250 ways to spruce up yer food with soup. Good stuff.

The Toy Shoppe box was bought by me years ago when I decided to start the Christmas cookie tradition. It has all my recipes for cookies I like and maybe a few dozen dessert recipes made their way in there too. Never met a grain of sugar I didn't like.

The one with the apples on it was given to me by my other sil, it was her mother's. There were only a few of her recipes in there, but not the ones she was famous for. Damn.
My fave and most often made recipe besides spaghetti sauce, is my dear friend Diana's cheesecake recipe. This baby comes out almost 3 inches high and is light as a feather. Not that I've ever tasted one, except for that time I ate that wing that had a small feather still attached...
Diana gave me this off the top of her head saying she'd made it so often, she knew it by heart. And now, so do I.

Diana's Cheesecake

Greese a 12" Springform Pan and line with crust:

1 Cup graham cracker crumbs
3 Tblsp. melted butter
2 Tblsp. sugar

Combine an line pan wrap bottom in foil so the foil comes up the sides of the pan near the top.

Batter:

4 Packages 8 oz. each Cream Cheese
1 Cup sugar
3 Tblsp vanilla
3 Tblsp flour
5 egg yolks (put the whites aside in a mixing bowl)
1 Cup sour cream

Beat all ingredients except sour cream til smooth, add sour cream mix thoroughly.

In egg white bowl, add 3 Tblsp sugar and 2 shakes cream of tartar and beat til stiff peaks form. Fold into batter by hand and dump into crust.

Place in a large baking pan with about 1 inch boiling water added and bake for 1 hour in 350º oven.

Turn off oven, open door and leave in oven for another hour.

Chill, pig out! Any questions, please feel free to email me. A big thank you to Carole for letting me know that tomorrow's the deadline although this is not the stuff winning posts are made of.

This always takes me back to the days when I was a brand new banker and very young. We were a good team and about 6 of us still keep in touch. Much has happened good and bad, but I always think of Diana when I make this cake.

So there it is, nothing of grandma's, no aunt's pictures, no sisters at all. Most girls have things like laces and china handed down from their mother's or grandmother's trunks. What did I inherit from mine?

And a

2008-01-01T18:10:00.001-05:00

The 4 Stages of Pi

2007-12-27T21:33:00.001-05:00

Pattern here.

Happy Holidays

2007-12-23T12:40:00.000-05:00

The best gift of all is friendship. A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I Felt Thirsty

2007-12-18T20:44:00.000-05:00

1. House a wreck, check

2. Dryer fixed? check. Thanks dryer, it's holiday time ya know

3. Presents wrapped? nah

3. Lots of knitting? uh uh

4. Cards sent? yep

5. Paid city ungodly amount of cash for water hookup? ~~it's holiday time fools~~

6. Working overtime? yeah

7. Cookie dough made? of course

8. Forget anything? probably

9. Have a great time with your friends at the holiday party? oh yeah baby.

9. Lost mind, hm check

Happy holidays everyone! I would post more pictures of FOs, but I didn't take them yet. Much to my amazement, I finished something and pretty fast even for me. The Felted Kitty Bed by Wendy was really fun to knit. Check out her Gallery for the pattern.

I used 2 strands of worsted wool held together. 1) The colors match the cat 2) didn't have bulky wool in the house (this is FL) 3) I had to start it right there and then.
After knitting:

While drying: (after washing it 4 effing times ~~and it still needs one more washing~~

It really is fun to watch this go from a seemingly unshapely thing into a little bit of kitty heaven.

Even the girls crafted with me. They felt like clay that day. A rare treat indeed to hang with them.

Next shot will after Christmas with the cat in it. I'm trying to keep it a secret. He'll ignore it just to mess with me. Because waking me up a 5:30 AM on the freakin weekend and eating the tree and puking it up in MY spaces isn't enough. He must still be mad from our conversation last Sunday.

B-Whatcha making?

Me-A burial bag for the cat.

B-Oh that's nice, you're so mean.

Me-I have enough yarn for one for you too honey.

B-At least I'll go warm

In the meantime, Linus becomes quite ill looking with an obvious cold. Oh shit.

Long ~~and not funny enough to post about~~ story short, he got over it in a day. Guess he wants that bed.

And this is how he repays me.

Lifted from the counter while we were out of the kitchen. He once did that with a roast beef and got the dog in trouble for it. The thief of meats.

Let it not be said, I never drink and knit.

Thanks blogless Debbie, for taking such an artsy picture! I does not look like worms in my cider, but I sure could go for one now. And thank you Meg, for making my Christmas extra special in the form of a handknit gift :)

Nice Beth! Hope to see you Monday!

2007-12-01T20:09:00.000-05:00

Carol,

Who just sat down after getting the holiday lights on the house (this is something I do) Brian and I don't play well together in the holiday light game. The tree is up and lighted, the poor angel, well, she's on the tree let's say. The cat promptly curled up under the tree as soon as the skirt was laid. I did one load of laundry (with the broken dryer which only removes the wrinkles, doesn't heat or dry at all. I was starving and enjoyed my favorite pizza and wings; had a great cup of coffee.

Soon, a hot shower another cup of coffee, a few small crochet projects I've been working on to relax and stop shaking from crawling around on the roof in the hot sun like a fool.

After staying up late last night playing with the blog and decided at 11:00 that this was no time to be playing with the blog. I like the new features, but I happen to like HTML
The sweet smell of rest to come. Time to seal the boxes, stamp the cards and start wrapping. Cookie dough thoughts are baking in
my brain. This started as a response to an email from my girlfriends
to say thanks to Beth for something really nice she did for the community. Aren’t yas glad you all didn’t get this as an email?

You’re welcome.

2007-11-27T21:25:00.000-05:00

Because everyone else is:

Now that the pressure's off, I'll be blabbing all the time.
Phew! That felt good. And I just love birdies.

Your Brain is Orange

Of all the brain types, yours is the quickest.

You are usually thinking a mile a minute, and you could be thinking about anything at all.

Your thoughts are often scattered and random - but they're also a lot of fun!

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking about esoteric subjects, the meaning of life, and pop culture.

What Color Is Your Brain?

Found this at Kim’s. I just had to see what color mine is, it's expensive to have a brain surgeon do it for me and my insurance doesn't cover this sort of thing. Think in color and without obligation!

Need I Say More?

2007-11-25T15:29:00.000-05:00

Of course I do.

Thank you Nancy! It was a fun contest, and for a great cause, you're a good one.

Thank you Michelle! If you don't stop spoiling me, you may have to adopt me. Really.

Pattern here

Mods: I used US size 13s for the body and US 5s for the bottom and strap. A quick knit with 2 balls of cotton.

Loopy Ewe

A Piece of Vermont

Bridget tagged me for a meme: I am to open the book I am reading, turn to page 161, and read the fifth sentence. After I share it with you, I am to tag five other bloggers. Like I told Bridget, don't expect Shakes Beer from me. Here goes: We keep a supply right there in that little cedar box.

The fact that I'm reading anything surprises me. If you would like to share your 5th sentence of page 161, please do, I would love to see.

Happy holiday shopping! I'm done.

Spread the Love not the Germs

2007-11-13T20:15:00.001-05:00

Think I caught it here. Can't be sure. You've been warned.

AWW The Contest Edition

2007-10-31T06:10:00.000-05:00

JenLa is having a contest for AWW, which is Dave’s brainchild. I wonder if he thought that not only would we love looking at his asses, but would happily throw in our two buns worth. The word brainchild makes me gigglesnort, I'm 12.

Part of JenLa's contest is to post on any Wednesday of October and display the button:

Check. Next, display a pic that would make them laugh. OK,

So concludes my contribution to AWW contest edition. Did I mention I'm 12? Yeah, Marin, me too.

I also start my new job today, so I don't know how Internet or blogging friendly they're going to be. Probably best to listen, take notes and be otherwise generally professional. Who am I kidding? I got lucky getting this and I intend to give it my all. Doing good at work means better fiber perks in the long run. Win-Win

Since it's Halloween, I wish you all a happy and safe one and leave you with some Zombie fun.

I so forgot where I found this!

It Is Time...

2007-10-29T06:08:00.000-05:00

You know you've been home a long time if:

1. The house is clean

2. There is plenty of food

3. There is a respectable FO pile

4. You're up to date on Dr. Phil

5. You start to make new friends

If you crochet and want a quick gift for your fiber friends, this little one can be done in minutes and uses teeny amounts of yarn. I added a "handle" to mine to attach it to my knitting bag because I save the snippings and use them for stuffed objects.
You will find the pattern here.

Excerpted from an email to friends:

Well it was bound to happen. I accidentally went to Knit Picks and slipped over the keyboard and ordered the Harmony Options set. I just didn't see it coming, it all happened so fast. Even the cable needle set seemed to magically appear on an order confirmation. Just didn't see it coming. It could have been someone else, I guess it was just my time.

Get a Yob

2007-10-24T18:09:00.001-05:00

Bum no more! Through a former job contact, I am now the proud owner of a brand new job doing what I like and what I'm good at. Just doesn't get any better. Now I can have my nerves reset to the relax mode. And since I had a contest mentioned on this post, I can announce the winner! The official count was 53 days. Ashley guessed within 4 days! I wished I would have listened to you Ashley, I could have had a grand time while home. Well Ashley, I'll be sending the yarn you've chosen and the awesome stitch markers made by the fabulous and talented Torii! I just have to take another photo because for some reason, they don't want to appear.

Torii must have worked some magic on those babies. Oh, speaking of babies, the stealth projects are no longer under the radar. Right before the Clapotis, there was this:

Beth’s Little Star Afghan Crocheted with Caron Simply soft and an H hook. Mom's name is Beth and I like crochet that's unusual. No thinking about this one. I loved working on it and it was a fast project.

Also for baby Z, mom wanted these: Diaper soaker before felting

The pattern: Day-to-Night Felted Soaker and I know I have a felted pic somewhere. I'll just pop it into the next post.

Knit with Lion wool 1 skein each black and denim blue then machine felted. It will be held closed with Velcro until baby Z figures out the joy of pulling off his clothes. heh, heh

For mom,

Hello Kitty Cloth from Peaches n Creme and of course a matching cloth for baby.

While I was working cloths, I finished a few for Rabbitch who is distributing them to those in need.

Pattern here.

So the mad scramble begins before I'm back to work. I sure am going to miss home cooked lunches and naps right after.

I Lost One Pound in One Week!

2007-10-08T07:55:00.000-05:00

I've been away far too long and being unemployed, you'd think I'd post more. I've had 2 heart attack inducing events to deal with one of which I will dedicate an informational post to and soon and that's only because it will serve as a public service. Let's just say for now, it has to be worded ever so delicately to protect me if you will. It's partly why I haven't been visiting you guys and contributing my usual 2 cents worth.

Now for the weight loss. I'm not on a diet and one lost pound is nothing to cheer about, except if it's in yarn weight. The reason I didn't have a heart attack or lose my mind completely is because I had a project to protect me from the big bad world. And I knit Clapotis in one week people! This is the first truly wearable thing I knit for myself that I will actually wear. The reason I knit it in black? Because I will actually wear it. I joined the Second wave movement expecting to maybe finish it some time in this life, and events that ~~tore a rift in my soul~~ happened seemed to have accelerated the need to ~~commit suicide/go on a 4 state killing spree/assume a new identity/crawl into a hole and die~~ knit.

So without further ~~bullshit~~ ado, here she is...

Does this make my ass look big?

Specs: Clapotis from Fall 2004 issue of Knitty

Started Sept 20 PM Finished Sept 28th AM

Yarn: Lambs Pride Worsted wool/cotton blend in M05 Onyx Black 1 lb. cone

Needles: Knit Picks Options US size 8 on 24" cables used as straights

Mods: Are you kidding? Me modify Kate Gilbert's design? I had 6 false starts to begin with!

I had an epiphany, I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I believe my knitting is at a crossroads. I'm taking the road that leads me to knitting things I will actually wear.

One for Me, One for You

2007-09-16T08:59:00.000-05:00

Stealth knitting is almost done and will be posted after next week! Yay!

The contest for employment is still on and I thought it only fair to give it a post of its own. The contest will end on THE day I receive an offer for employment that I say yes to.

If you already guessed in this post, you can leave it as it is, or change your mind. Please leave your guess in this post or this one as I am of little brain and it easily scatters. In the event of a tie (or duplicate answers), there will be a random number pick.

Rules: The ticker in my banner is counting days since unemployment.
Please give me a number you think will be displayed on the day I receive a job offer. That's it.

Two prizes are up for grabs!

You get one of these from Dave Daniels Cabin Cove, I get the other to celebrate working again. These are Dave's hand dyed sock yarns, 100% Merino wool, fingering weight at 425 yards each. One is enough for a pair of socks. You get to choose which one you want.

The other prize was made by my friend Torii, who by the way, is a jewelry maker. The colors reflect a fall theme, and since I scored a nice set of these for my birthday, I can tell you they are niiiice! Thank you Torii!
I lifted this photo from Torii's blog and hope she continues to make these!

There you have it! Pick a number any number, and good luck!

No Candy Friday

2007-09-14T17:13:00.001-05:00

AssWatch Wednesday the First

2007-09-12T07:37:00.000-05:00

I don't have a WTF Wednesday or a Walk with me Wednesday post, so I give you my first AssWatch Wednesday.

Before I ever heard of AssWatch Wednesday, I got this shot cause this is what silly girls do. Wait til they're grown, let's see if they if they WANT their butts to look larger than they are.

You wouldn't know it to look at it, but here there is some serious weed pulling going on. This may be the very thing that winds me up in divorce court. Or, it could make for a great Halloween costume. Repair man at your service.

Now the dog gets dignified. She doesn't want to appear as a trashy bitch so she turned her back on me. Right Dolly, I know how you keep that clean, don't pull that dignified crap on me.

Linus enjoying himself with his and not ashamed of bathing in public.

Daniel, this was fun! I'll work on getting more sophisticated rearage in the future. The second one in your post reminds me of someone I used to work with! Who says we don't look?!

This comes directly from the family, no exciting buttage going on here and I would certainly be on Mr KAR's shit list if he ever sees this. Inspired by Dave, I think this is rather fun. One Wednesday Dave, I'll post some true Florida style asswatching pics worthy of the southern region, that is, if I ever develop a real life and get out there.

Sunrise, Sunset

2007-09-10T10:18:00.001-05:00

This is what I saw from my back yard this morning and had to share it with you.

A sunrise is beautiful thing. It brings with it the promise of the day to come. I realized a moment later that this was the 17th anniversary of my father's death. He left us suddenly, without warning or goodbyes. To the southwest, I saw this sky:

Dad: March 17, 1952

The stormy sky made me realize how beautiful and expected things can be and how suddenly they can change without warning. It's been a partly dreary day ever since. I seemed to have glanced at the best part of the sky today and I'm grateful.

My mother, also no longer here, left me this bloom on her orchid this week.

Although my parents were divorced for years before they left this earth, I don't believe they'd begrudge me a collaborative effort by them to bring me a little pleasure for a few moments. This is how I remember my dad.

December 25, 1989

Cherish the sunshine, the laughter and even the rain. Things can turn stormy at any moment.

"Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." -Elizabeth Zimmerman

Buy Candy Friday

2007-09-07T10:52:00.000-05:00

Yes I bought candy, but not the chocolate kind! Yes, there's been knitting and crocheting, but not all of which I can post yet.

This cloth has contestual value, so please read. Did you ever look up a word you were making up just to make sure it isn't really a word?

Here's my entry for the contest going on at Anne’s I'm lifting the rules right from her site because it is her contest. The rules:

1. Knit the dishcloth pattern (on her site)
2. Post a picture on your blog, and list whether you used straights or circular needles, and the style of knitting that you used to knit the cloth (If you aren’t sure, knittinghelp.com has some great videos that would show you), and if you knit combined method
3. Link to this post in your post
4. Leave a comment here with a link to your blog post with the photo
5. Viola! 4 steps, 4 entries.
6. You earn a bonus 5th entry by leaving a suggestion as to what to name the pattern in your comment.

I was alerted to this contest by Amanda. Thanks Knitting Mama!

Here's my humble submission and I named it East Meets West.

Specs: Anne's pattern made with 1 skein of Peaches n Cream (threw the band away) and size 7 straight wooden needles knit in continental style. This was fun and because I love a contest, I'm donating to Rabbitch who is collecting cloths for a good cause. You still have time to enter in hers too. I feel like I got a double deal on this one, 2 chances to win. I'm contest ho hear me compete.

I was given some really nice gifts for my birthday from Michelle. Girl, you spoil me!

I swear this bear is related to Spike, tho I haven't seen him sporting slippers and a robe lately. I call her Shelly cause I'm so damned clever. It's known I take less than stellar photos, but I captured the little fairy charm pretty good. For me.
Thank you thank you thank you Michelle!

I was also gifted at our local pub by Torii who is making incredible stitch marker sets. Torii, I'm already using these and they rock! All the joins in the rings are hermetically sealed so your not going to have these babies snagging your knits. Torii, I love these and because you made them, they are treasures. Thank you!!

Oh yeah, contests right?!

There's still time to enter Norma's contest by knitting a scarf or donating!
Here's one that just needs blocking and possibly some fringe. The other one is almost halfway done.

It's been fun being home this week. I got the house in order (pretty much) and have cooked and baked to my heart's and the family's content. I ran errands, got rid of stuff (a lot of stuff) and saved us $3,800 in home owner's insurance. Yeah, that was fun. It was set to go up $4,300 instead, it went up $500. Not too bad I must say.
~~Thank gawd it didn't go up $4,300 cause I would have shot myself right in front of the insurance agent!~~ Instead, I recruited her into my knitting group! Ha! We always find each other don't we?!

It's so nice being home, I get to ponder things I would long have forgotten at the end of a work day. Like, if you put a ticker on your blog and it counts down or up to THE date, what happens after day 0? Now I know. It's counting days since instead of to. So, enter another contest! Yep, it's been 7 days since unemployment for me and no solid prospects in sight. I ~~will~~ must go back to work, so here's the contest: Guess how many days since unemployment the ticker displays on the day I have accepted an offer for employment. That's it. You can leave it in the comments on this post, or email me with your guess. The prize? Something socky from here

I bought 2, one for me and one for you! You'll get to choose the color you like best, the other is mine. I did say I bought stuff, and I know I have money left, cause there's still checks in the checkbook. Happy weekend!

Knitting Under the Inflewantz

2007-08-25T17:29:00.000-05:00

It's been a strange week, but aren't some of them? Employee Appreciation Day was Thursday. We had a great time. There was an after party. Friday was hard in a couple of ways. 5 Days, and I'm on vacation. I would normally insert a big Woo Hoo here, but it's the going back to work after the vacation that escapes me. I don't know when or where that is. I hate being new, I'll live through it, but I don't like it.

Is there knitting here anymore? You bet. It's been the rock of my Gibraltar, the cream in my coffee and the fiber in my diet. Most of it is still sort of stealthy, but 3 or 4 weeks and I'll bomb you with photos. I feel a little wonky with blogging and it's hard to focus, just too much life at once sometimes makes me just. Stop.

Watch me light up when I'm home on a really rainy day in September at 10 am though! You're likely to hear that Woo Hoo then.

Here's some knitting related stuff so you won't think I'm trying to cop some free therapy from a group of smart and compassionate people.

The old birthday is almost upon me and I was given the go ahead to order this:

Heh, like I need permission. Three words about this book: Worth every penny. K?
Cat Bordhi outdid herself. Linus saw the word Cat, and thought it was for him.

Here's a knitting bag I won over at Erin's and it's my favorite! She made this awesome bag and let me tell you, it's like store bought! She has incredible sewing skills; Erin, I believe I told you 3 times already how much I love this bag!

Stalled for a new project? Go see Michelle’s blog for a KAL she's putting together for a gorgeous sweater that will challenge you to pieces, but leave you with a great addition to your wardrobe. Michelle, I think this was just another plot to get a post out of me.

Like to donate? Then The Red Scarf Project 08 is for you, no time to make a scarf? You can click to donate, that easy.

This one is crocheted, I called it Gwen's Red Scarf in Crochet. A knitted scarf that Gwen made for Norma was "sort of" emulated in crochet. Almost done, but crocheting in afghan stitch curls like knitting, so I'll have to block the daylights out of this. My own pattern, so I saved you a link.

Or how about something a little smaller to knit? Rabbitch has your project right here. You'll have to ask her in the comments for the info, I happen to have her box # cause I "knat" hats for her last year. She coined that phrase and I thought it only proper to use it in reference to her. I've wanted to for ages!

This one is by Knits by Rachel and I'm using the same shade of pink worsted cotton. My photo sucks ass, Rachel's is much better. It's very girlie.

And if I could have only one thing for my birthday next week, I want one of these.

I have the feeling I'm forgetting something, maybe it was the wine?

Pink, Blue, White, Green and Red

2007-08-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

Warning: Language and ranting ahead.

It was a perfectly planned day. Take a half off from work, get kids, take Kate to her hair stylist, run into Michael's right around the corner, grab a sandwich next door, get to the school and pick up Meg's schedule. Got it.
sccccraatchhhhhhhh

I had a granola bar at 11 am, left work at 1 got home and picked up kids. Kate's hair winds up taking 2 hrs and about $80 more than planned, OK, that's not too bad but it's too late to grab a sandwich so off to school we go. WE go in and go to out table. In lieu of Meg's pink class schedule they hand me a white form and a green card and direct us to the cafeteria in which they say Meg has to have her shots to into the 7th grade. OK....

The cafe is packed with about 200 people and many many many screaming running and overly sugared toddlers who are not happy to be there. We are #97, they are calling #36 and it's now 5.

I call dad and ask him to get Kate as we're "going to be here for a while". The asst principal ushers in a woman with 5 children right into the shot line, the woman behind me goes ballistic and rightfully so. This yields nothing. Didn't expect it to.

Hallay effin luya at 6:45 they call us and we get in the shot line only 3 ahead of us and moving fast. Our turn! I can almost smell the coffee and feel the luxury that is my chair at home.

The nurse takes my white form and green card and asks, "What kind of insurance? Medicare? FL Kid Care? Medicaid?" I say, "Private insurance" and here's where the whole fucking day went to hell....

She asks me in a loud voice "Do you have any sense of conscience? Do you know you're stealing a shot from a needy child?........My mouth dropped, my eyebrows raised, and I said "heh?" Then I sneered and asked her who the HELL did she think she was speaking to? Those shots were donated by the drug company, 13% of my property taxes paid for these programs which by the way, I've never used, and that she was being paid $40 an hour to be there, like she's doing the community a favor or something. She then raised the forms high in the air and tore them in two and tossed them on the floor. That's when I screamed at her "Shove your shot up your ass, you miserable cunt!" and stomped out of there back to the gymnasium to report to the school. Shotless, no less.

Poor Meg is walking beside me as if she just saw the principal naked and said nothing. Back in gym, there are 5 school counselors left, and everything is packed away. I beseechingly said "Will. Somebody. Please. Talk. To. Me? Please?
A kindly faced woman gently waved us over and I Calmly, yes calmly explained what just happened when she extended her hand to Meg and said "Welcome to the 7th grade Megan, I'm Ms. Soandso and I'm your administrator this year while handing Meg her pink schedule with her other hand. I thanked her and promised to bring the blue form required on Monday ans she assured it was OK. See, they know us well, this is Meg's 2nd year here and Kate already passed through the school.

Meg got her shots from our Dr and is now in compliance. I sure feel sorry for people who don't believe in shots.

And for the record, I have always respected the medical profession, for in lieu of a life, they make good money but have no weekends, no holidays just schedules. Blocks of time they must work. Both my SILs are nurses, 2 cousins are doctors so I know hoe these things work.

I do realize, I started all this but forgetting to have Meg's shots updated, but it's not like we're unhealthy people living in the Everglades or something. But this woman had no right to talk to me like that, call me stupid, lazy, forgetful what ever; just please don't publicly attack my integrity (or back me into a corner in any way) and I'll be sweet as sunshine.

I spent an hour on the phone with the hospital administrator and may even file a complaint with the state licensure board. I will be hearing back from the hospital soon. I can't imaging how this bitch would handle a floor full of sick patients if this is how she represents here hospital in public. At least I lit her up Philly style! I would have hated myself if I didn't.

Poor Meg, as we walked to the car I asked her if she was totally mortified and she responded with "Mom, I can't believe she said that to you". Thank Jeebus she didn't hear the cursing. And now that it's posted, it's ova!

The upside to all this? I finished 2 washcloths while we were there.
Oh, is a knit blog? Sure there's knitting, just not postworth and slightly in stealth mode, but soon to emerge.

I Am Daisy

2007-08-10T21:30:00.000-05:00

I am a
Daisy

What Flower
Are You?

"You are just a sweet person. When a friend needs a shoulder to cry on, you are happy to offer yours with a box of tissues as well. Once in awhile, you wish you could be a little more dramatic but then sensibility sets back in and you know that you are perfect the way you are."

I said daisy not dizzy. The Coffee Spaz was sporting a sun flower, so of course, I had to find out what kind of flower I am too. There is much fiber and ink running through my fingers, I may very well in fact, be dizzy. Happy weekend!

My Dream Job

2007-08-08T07:18:00.000-05:00

This is where I want to work. In the meantime, I'm practicing at home.

My Candy Friday

2007-08-03T18:01:00.000-05:00

I have tons to post about, so I'll get right to it. The ticker counting down to unemployment is showing a small number. I can not believe I'll be a lady of ~~full time slave labor in the house~~ leisure in a mere 28 days. I've been busy interviewing like a mad woman so everything will be in place, cause hey? Why should I spend all my soon to be free time looking for work? I say farewell mortgage industry, I'm going to stable pastures. No pun intended. Now, on to really important things!

The Luck O' the Irish has been smilin on Carol lately. We be takin' yer job lady, and ternin' ye streets into rubble so ye can driiive a boompy miiile out o yer way to git hooome it nyte. So they let me win a few contests! Now The Betties have been giving me a little shit cause I haven't been spreading the contest info wealth around, so I promise next time to share. Hey, I was just increasing my chances, what can I say?

On the winning deck, I scored really nicely, I must say. First, Erin had a contest for her String it Along along, still a good place for "green" inspiration. And she sent me this:

That's 2 skeins of Koigu in dye lot # 232649 which translates into a really nice denim blue for me. Thank you Erin, bet you thought I forgot by now. I'm planning socks for me with these, something for my favorite outfits. Jeans!

Next up, came just today when I dragged my ass home early feeling a wee bit sorry I'll be out of work, and find this waiting for me:

Is that a poltergiest on my table? I wouldn't be surprised. Or scared, so if you are, don't give me any shit, hear?

These lovelies are from Hillary for guessing how many trips to the store before vacation. She did very well by the way, an organized woman. These are Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock Color 56 Mt Creek.
Oh how I love the way this feels! Just like butta! Hard to believe there's any wool in these babies at all! Now I'm certain I need to order this in cammo color (which is hard to grab) for kid 2. But after my socks are made with these.

On another note, seems Michelle is a bit miffed that I haven't posted lately. Girl are you sorry yet? I'm not half done! Where would I be without you? Postless.
I can't think of a bridging theme to go into the next paragraph, so I'll just ramble from here.
Earlier, I posted about a friend having a baby on July 25th and when you're a Betty and one of you has one of these:

you do alot of this:

Baby blanket, baby bolero, baby washcloth, baby booties, baby hat. I'll post in more detail as the projects become postworthy.

Speaking of knitting and sock yarn, I finally made these!

Be still my heart. According to Debi, I broke my sock cherry ~snort~ Now the rest should be easier no?
Specs: Lacy Summer Socks from Knitting Lingerie Style
Yarn: Knit Picks Bare fingering weight hand dyed by me, guess I broke my dye cherry too. Worked with US size 3 Bamboo dpns

I stuck right to the pattern because it was my 1st pair and I don't really know how I knit socks yet, well, now I do. I could have made these easily with 2s but they're socks anyway! The blockers were made by Leggy Creations. These are her Day n Night Blockers.

Not only knitting any more, but a wee bit of designing too.

These are being worked up for the Red Scarf Project. Some crochet patterns are needed for folks to access, so I'm trying my best to help out. One of the patterns is an attempt to emulate a knit stitch. Not exact, but the process helps me think of better things than I would if not having this to do. It's a fun challenge!

Not so challenging but fun was the dishcloth for July:

I know most of my photos bite, but this had a nice lacy pattern with a shamrock in the middle. I like this alot. Next post Michelle, is where I discuss Ravelry, and facing my stash, and oh boy, am I in trouble.

A Message for Norma

2007-07-29T10:00:00.001-05:00

Everyone knows that Norma is the national spokeswoman for the Red Scarf Project.

It's time to gear up for the 2008 action! You can get the details by going to Norma's Red Scarf Project 07 site. If this doesn't make you a little teary then baby, you's cold! There's more info on Red Scarf at the Orphan Foundation of America's site also. Even if you can't participate, please give it a shout out, maybe a few of your readers will!

I promised I'd try to somehow translate Gwen's Red Scarf Pattern in crochet, believe or not, not everyone knits. Yeah I know...So not as easy as it looks, but I did come up with a tunisian/afghan stitched pattern that's a tad close. If any one is interested, I am writing the stitch patterns up. Norma, anyone still asking about crochet? Or are they finding their patterns?

Tunisian view 1

Tunisian view 2

I figure if Norma can devote endless hours to this project, the least I could do was devote a post to it. More to come...

Sigh Candy Friday...

2007-07-26T17:36:00.001-05:00

It's A Boy!!!

When a friend in your knitting circle has her baby three weeks "early" there's only one thing to post about. Congratulations!!!!

Excerpt from email today:

The baby was born on July 25, 2007 at 4:24 pm. He is 6 pounds and 17 3/4 in. long. We're going to announce his name to the world at large next Wednesday, but for now the hospital has him listed as 'Master (Last Name)' which has a very nice ring to it. Maybe we'll just stick with that. Mom, baby and Dad are all doing great. He has full head of hair, sharp fingernails and is devastatingly cute.

More to follow later.

Dad & Mom

Fun Facts I dug up for the new mom:

Your baby's birthstone is Ruby (Contentment)
Your baby's Astrological Sign is Leo
Your baby's Flower is Larkspur or Water_Lily (Green, Russet and Red )
Your baby was born in the Chinese Year of The Pig
Your baby will start kindergarten in 2012, be old enough to drive a car in 2023, finish high school in 2025, and will graduate from college with the class of 2029, give or take a year. Can you imagine? This time last year you weren't even pregnant yet!

click/click/click/click/click/click

Hayelp!

2007-07-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

This would be the current state of my internet connection lately. Every night around 9:00, I start losing the connection. I can't even get into my mailbox or anything. Time for call #2 to the tech squad. Hayelp!

Today was rather strange at work. I mean, how often does your employer have a career fair at work? I mean other companies were there to hire us! Tres` Beezar!

Life as I know it is taking a strange turn. I only hope the nice girl I talked to will really pass my CV on to the hiring manager as promised. heh

The best thing to happen all week? I won a contest at Knitting4Shirley’s!
That just made all the craziness that is work life these days just disappear (insert happy smilin' me here)

Don't worry, you won't be seeing any pop-up ads here, but you may see nekkid photos of me on the internet. My husband won't know either, cause we likely won't have access to the internet any way.

Have a great weekend!

Die Candy Friday

2007-07-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

What would happen to your blog if something happened to you? It dawned on me the other day that if I were to unravel to the big yarn shop in sky, who would know? Who would care for that matter, but how do I get the word out without all that inconvenience of coming back from beyond and scaring the shit out of all my friends and family? And so, the Last Post and Testament was born. No pun intended.

This ~~burden~~ task would typically fall on a family member who ~~should~~ will probably be an enlightened muggle. This little document will serve to ~~further confuse the living daylights out of~~ help them in one of their many tasks in finalizing your worldly ~~pleasures~~ duties. I'm also writing instructions on how they can sell off my stash and supplies, they'll need that to tap into my retirement ~~fun~~ funds.

Last Post and Testament

I ________________________ being of creative mind and and therefor, slightly insane, do hereby bequeath my last rites of blogship

to_______________________, who will carry out the task of final posting and keeping of or deleting said blog as she/he deems fit.

Any names and/or blog/email addresses contained herein, are those people whom I wish to be notified that I will no longer be leaving comments on their blogs or responding to theirs on mine due to the fact that I am no longer.

If, however, it is possible to do so, rest assured, I will be blogging from wherever it is that I may wind up, providing of course, they have Wifi.

Should the designated Recipient of this blog not have one of their own, instructions for posting are on page 2 of this document.

Sincerely,

Your name and blog URL

________________
Date

Don't forget the details people, you worked hard to build what you have, don't let it just fade away.

I'm Buying Me Some Leather Pants

2007-07-04T18:51:00.000-05:00

Since I've had this honor bestowed upon me, I think it's time for leather pants and a tattoo. Thanks JenLa!, you really made my day!

I was one of their 5 nominated, so I'm passing the stardom on...each of you then go make a star out of five more and make some one's day too. K? K.

1. Debi: She was the first professional blogger/knitter to reach out to me when I didn't know Jack about either. Now I now Jack well enough to know I still have a truckload to learn.

2. Michelle: Because she is sweet beyond belief.

3. Bridget: Because she makes me think, and Bridget, I would have nominated your Carol for this too, but that would just piss you off.

4. Jessie: This woman makes me pee myself on a regular basis and although that's not considered a dignified thing to do, I always enjoy it.

5. Crafty Bernie: I met her looking for technical blog help which she rocks at, but kept going back because this girl IS crafty!

Now we can all wear leather pants together and scare the shit out of people! I could go on and on (shocking huh?) and nominate quite a few more, but then that ruins it for everyone else and I know they'll have their nominations in the bag anyway.

OK, Robin whose middle name is FO and Nora who personifies class.

Have a safe and happy 4th and don't burn anything down, I for one am invited to dinner in my back yard by the skeeter family. They're having a reunion and I am the main course.

Wiki Waki Meme

2007-06-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

Here's your assignment should you choose to accept it. Go to Wikipedia, type in your birth month and day.
Then post the folowwing on yer blog.
3 Events
2 Births
1 Holiday

Mix and match as you please, it's your blog! Here's mine, no toilets involved this time-thank jeebus.

3 Events:

Romulus Augustus 475 Romulus Augustus appointed emperor by his father as he fled western Rome. Thanks pop!

St. Ausutine, FL 1565 St Augustine is established, it is the oldest city in the US

If you're ever in Florida, it is one cool place to visit. Lots of history here.

Henry Hudson 1609 Henry Hudson discovered the Delaware Bay. What? No else noticed a bay sitting there?

2 Birthdays:

Elizabeth Ann Seton 1774 (d.1821) Elizabeth Ann Seton 1st US born citizen to be canonized. We share the same middle name.

Jack Black 1969 Jack Black actor We share some silliness

1 Holiday:

Feast day of Augustine of Hippo 354-430 Do not! Although I loves me a good feast.

Just a reminder, the Red Carpet Convertable pattern is available for a worthy cause and a minimal price.
Annie and her family truly appreciate it. If you have a personal experience, or just want to leave an uplifting word, you can do it here:

Red Carpet Friday

2007-06-29T07:31:00.000-05:00

The call is out, Annie is in trouble. Please spread the word. Please go here and find out how you can help, and be thankful for your blessings.

Dog Daze of Summer

2007-06-27T18:21:00.000-05:00

It must be summer, fur balz are sleeping under the influence everywhere.

While I've been slaving away; knitting.

Another string bag completed. This one knitted from Erin’s pattern,
was fast and fun. It took me Sunday to Sunday to knit, so you should be able to knit this in about 2 hours.

The string for this was gifted to me by Nancy. Hemp For Knitting in a DK weight color #102 or chocolate brown for those of us who like a more scientific term for colors. I used almost 2 skeins (almost 300 yds) and some beads I had by my chair. Doesn't everyone?

I liked this very much, thanks Erin! I'm going to plagiarize myself on the String it Along site
just to save a little time. What's that blue thing off to the side of this finished bag you say?

I do believe that would be a first sock! The Lacy Summer Sock from Knitting Lingerie Style.
These are knit on US size 3 dpns in Knit Picks' Bare fingering weight that I dyed with Wilton's food dye. I'm getting gauge so I'm one happy camper. I had to make socks so I can use the blockers I bought from Becky. Go there! Contest! I'll wait.

A big THANK YOU! to Michelle for cheering me up again when I needed it and always ~~screaming at me if I go away too long~~ motivating me to keep the contents here fresh. Thank you lovie!

Linus on the other hand, is not at all interested in dogs or projects of mine, unless he's in the mood to play that is. But mostly, he just shows his great enthusiasm as much as possible.

Scavenger Hunt

2007-06-14T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm sidestepping this Friday's Eyecandy report to bring you a contest entry submission for Erin.

A scavenger hunt! It was fun, but time sure flies when you're looking for certain somethings. This was fun Erin, especially when I upped and ran away from my husband in the middle of a conversation to get the camera and chase the ice cream truck that tauntingly drove right by my face. I think a photo of his expression would have be funnier.

The Hunt List:

Knitter in public

Easy. I see these every week

Ice cream truck

Bad picture I know, keep those cameras on your person at all times folks!

A Sock

It is so!

Library Card

I told you I can read

Ball of green yarn

But of course!

Bicyclist

I see these all the time too, us living in the same neighborhood and all.

Street Sign

Not fancy, but it’s mine

Flower

It is kind of fancy. The petals feel like velvet

Public work of art

Le mountain by the Hulk (rollercoaster) at Universal Studios, Orlando, FL
Because we’re so well traveled

My reflection in an unexpected place

I don’t remember what I was trying to photograph here, but all I got was me

Someone in a catalogue pose

This season’s grads

Funny billboard or sign

I know of really funny one, I just never thought to photograph it, so here’s a funny joke:

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a
particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where
they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.
>
>Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their
travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on
Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day. The husband checked
into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an
email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her
email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.
>
> Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston, a widow had just returned home
from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory
following a heart attack. The widow decided to check her email expecting
messages from relatives and friends.
>
> After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted. The
widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw
the computer screen which read:
>
> To: My Loving Wife
>
> Subject: I've Arrived
> Date: October 16, 2004
>
> I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here
now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just
arrived and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared
for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your
journey is as uneventful as mine was.
>
> P.S. Sure is freaking hot down here!

And that concludes my scavenger hunt. Happy Friday!

Tonight's Forecast....Dark!

2007-06-08T06:44:00.000-05:00

Oh Come On!

2007-06-06T06:28:00.000-05:00

Carol --

[noun]:

A person who falls into an outhouse and dies

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

When life hands you cotton, make string bags. After running out of yarn on my first attempt, I pulled out the heavy artillery just to make sure. After digging around in the stash, I found this 2 lb. cone of cotton that I bought eons ago. How could someone forget having this thing in the house? Maybe someone who's just a little over enstashiated?

I couldn't stop til this was done.

I like this bag. It looks dainty enough, but it can hold quite a bit. I will make another after I try a few others. The next one will be knitted and have some real specs to go with it. This one is from an older pattern crocheted with a size C hook in a pure cotton that wasn't marked. I got it from an indie crochet house about 3-4 years ago and it's perfect for this kind of project.

Seems the string bag thing is the general mood for knitters and crocheters alike these days, so I'll just keep making them until I stop. There's been knitting on the Gracious Parcels front and the Dishcloth Fun gang is at it for the month of June too. I've also worked the UFO Resurrection Forever Tank as I'm calling it.

Now I can literally say I'm up to my armpits in knitting. The arm shaping is about to commence, but the directions are right now clear as mud. Do this on this side while doing that on the other while every other row doing this and don't do this on every 5th row or something like that. This is now a "I have to knit this at home where I can think" knit.

I also want to make the Larger Than Life Bag from Interweave. And oh looky, I just happen to have some cotton yarn for it.

A draw string bag made about 10 years ago from a kit.

Now if you'll pardon me, I have to step outside to use the facility.

Silly Strings and Contests and Things or How I Got Back in Action Thanks to Bloggers

2007-05-23T20:08:00.001-05:00

I'm in a stringy kind of mood. Maybe it's the impending summer. Nah...Just as I feeling enamored with making a string bag, the one Trek (who's having a CONTEST by the way- go there!) was making to be exact, along comes an along. That kind of writing would only fly on a knit blog for sure. All you have to do is leave a comment on Trek's blog to be entered! Easy, no?

Erin started a String Along and I joined. Shocking...I did a silly thing, having been a crocheter for more years than I'd openly admit to, I was crocheting away and realized I was quickly running out of yarn. Doh! Trek, this photo's for you.

A real shame too; I was itching to make something from this lone skein of Eisaku Noro gifted me by one of my friends. Luckily, I have 4 skeins of LKD Hemp again, gifted to me by Nancyin a Secret Pal Swap and I wanted to make something open and airy with it. Nancy, I knew something nice would come of that yarn, thank you again!

The Along that came to me today was developed by Erin who invites anyone wishing to String It Along with us to join. Knit, crochet or other. It's fun and a GREEN thing for me. I love planet conscious endeavors and being "green" seems to be the catch phrase of the month.

The other contest I just found out about is going on at Ali’s blog. She's celebrating her first published pattern that's a real beauty along with the yarn to make it. Please tell her I sent you?! That's part of the contest. The other part is listing your summer knitting goals so here's mine:

1. Join the String it Along blog and make at least 3 or 4 bags

2. Speaking of bags, I want a couple of purses while I'm at it.

3. Work on my UFO Resurrection items: Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl and the Ribbon Tank.

4. To make something from a pattern that I've tweaked to make a custom fit. I don't what, just as long as I improve on my knitting skills and maybe surprise myself.

5. Continue with the girl's afghans so they may be able to use them this winter.
hahahahahahaha winter, Florida hahahahahahahaha

6. Continue squares for the Precious Parcels Project (in the sidebar)

I could go on and on, but couldn't we all? I also treated myself to The Color Collection
by Cara. Go see, they're really nice! I mean what kind of fiber fool would I be sending cards to people without fiber on them?

Have a terrific weekend!

WTF?

2007-05-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

If you find my comments for 2 For 7, would you please send them home? They're missing @%$$#&

2 For 7

2007-05-20T07:49:00.000-05:00

Seems I've been on vacation from life, but it's time to return. I've missed my friends the most.

I've been tagged by Michelle and Kim for this, so here goes. And thank you both for nudging me awake, it's been too long. To those of you who've been checking on me, thank you! It truly kept me from feeling like total crap through this whole thing. You girls are wonderful keepers of the spirit of our community.

Now for the 7 things thing.

The rules:
Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

1. I have a killer sweet tooth...killer...I prefer a small meal and a large dessert
Good example: I was up at 8 this morning. I just ate 2 chicken wings for lunch followed by 9 choc chip cookies and a glass of milk-yum

2. I like to do laundry...yeah, I know....

3. Like Kim, I do not like my feet. Nuff said...

4. When I feel down, I tend to fade away from everything as you may have noticed.

5. I have not spoken to my older brother in 4 years, actually, he has not spoken to me. He lives about 25 miles away.

6. No matter what I say from post to post, I love my family; truly, madly, deeply.

7. I will go out my way for my friends, always.

Tagees are:

Krista, Lark, Lucia, Dipsy Doodle, Tani, Nancy, Mimi

Don't forget, there's a contest going on at Trek's just go there, the contest appears right at the top of her post. Read one, you'll want to go back!

Knitting? Oh yeah, here.

May the rest of your weekend be the best of your weekend.

Let There Be a New Post Already

2007-04-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post...April's done and so is on of my UFOs:

I can not believe I actually finished this! Thanks Kat!

Done

Done

And done.

The Mary Poppins Scarf, knit on size 10 needles with an unidentified worsted weight yarn bought long ago. I love this scarf :)

I also finished a few squares for Gracious Parcels Firefly

I bought this little "blocker" at my local grocery store for about $3 and it's perfect for blocking small items like these. I was a little pleased with myself for getting this.

All folded, it uses almost no space.

The squares are 7" each knitted from Encore Worsted, my favorite for this project as they need to be warm and washable. I've decided to use this ongoing project to learn and practice new stitches and some familiar favorites.

There's a contest over at Trek's! Just leave her a comment and spread the word! She's going for comments here, so get on over there and leave one!

Let There be Winners!

2007-04-21T11:35:00.000-05:00

This was so much fun! 1st Bloggiversary, 1st Random drawing and 1st Prize issuance!

And the winners are:

First prize is for Bridget of the Ravelld-Sleave

Second prize is for Krista the Coffee Spaz

This is fun! I'll have to do it again sometime. Thank you all for your kind comments and well wishes. I wouldn't be able to get through these days as happily as I can knowing all of you. You make my tribulations seem so small and I thank you.

Let There Be Contest!

2007-04-19T05:51:00.000-05:00

Today is Knit and Run's blogiversary! I never dreamed this would be so much fun and become such an important part of my life. Because life has weirded me out beyond my ability to think, I will simply ask you either leave a comment or email me (in the sidebar) to win. There are two prizes to be had, purchased especially for you, not some smelly old yarn I had laying around that I don't want. I'll use a random number generator to pick the 2 winners on Saturday 12 noon EST. After which, I'll post the winners and wax philisophical on how knitting and blogging has enriched my life.

Prize #1 is Art Yarns Silk Rhapsody Color #101 70/30 Mohair/Silk 2 Skeins 100g - 260 yds each

Prize #2 is Louet Gems Superfine Fingering Weight 100% Merino in Willow 2 Skeins 50g - 185 yds each and a mini sock blocker with a pattern to make the mini sock that fits it

Good luck!

Enough of That Whining, Time for Fun

2007-04-17T18:21:00.000-05:00

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Thank you all for your kind words and encouragement as I transition from the land of the Movers and the Shakers to the land of the job seekers. Don't feel sorry for me, I'll be working through the end of summer and I got a really nice package. I may even get some time off if I'm lucky. I'm just amazed at the things I think about under duress. I secretly envisioned myself sitting in a clean house, both fridgies fully stocked, nothing to do but knit and blog.

Now for the fun part. Thursday is my blogiversary and to celebrate, I'm throwing a ~~party~~ contest. I have 2 nice yarny prizes, I just have to figure out what the contest will be. One will definitely be a random draw simply because it's simple. ~~Like me.~~

Random thought while contemplating what I want to be when I grow up:
If nuts are found in a nutshell, why isn't there salt water in a seashell?

I Can't Eat Friday or Miter Miter Sticks on Fire

2007-04-12T21:25:00.000-05:00

Spring has sprung here in Florida too! Not really, it's been spring here since forever. I don't even know what the botanical name is for this flower. I only know it's called a Devil's Horn. I can grow them but not name them. This one was given to me by my MIL about 3 years ago. It was dying. It died. Or so I thought.

It "hibernates" for weeks, sometimes months, then out of the dirt sprouts this tiny bit of a plant. Its root is really a bulb that keeps coming back. Very cool.

An ax fell gently at work today. Every employee was gathered and given the news together. I couldn't help but look around the room and study the many faces I have become so familiar with these past years. I wanted to cry. I didn't though, not a good display of emotion in this particular situation. I started thinking how much I was going to miss so many of these people. I have a tightness in my chest and am on the verge of tears. My family has that be nice to mommy or she'll melt look. What's going to happen to the morning routine? I have 2 kids to safely deliver to 2 schools. Then I realize worse things can happen in life. So, I look to the knit side of things. Also, a concert doesn't hurt.

B and I are going to see The Flaming Lips tomorrow! I know this will cheer me up.

Then I started to think how much I like to eat. I'm not a big eater by any means any more, but I've been known to scarf down 3 donuts with my coffee once in a blue moon.
But in times like these, when most folks say they are more prone to eat more than usual, I can not. This is not good for me, but I can't help it. We are being treated very generously, but this also brings a major life change along with emotional ties that must be broken. I must find something that will cheer me up and keep me cheerful, because I can't stand to be around myself when I feel down. No. Good.

So, I was reading blogs to catch up on the latest and realized that there is much Mitering going on. It all started when The Mothers of Miter let loose their creativity on us, thus encouraging many Miters to be born. Or should I say worn? Cara has been knitting a blanket of many many colors and I so enjoy watching it grow and change. It reminds me of how I enjoyed watching her log cabin grow too. I was fascinated by it. I wanted to get excited about a project that would just make me happy to work on no matter how large or small it would be.

Then I read Wendy's blog and she too, is Mitering away at a project I'm also intrigued by. The thing I noticed in reading these blogs is, how much fun they seem to be having with these projects. I need to find a project that makes me feel happy.

I can't remember where I saw more Miters, but I did.

And thanks to power of positive blogging, I landed a project albeit small, that makes me grin! It isn't a miter, but I do have yarn in the stash slated for some.
I must be sure to remove the dime from the Devil's Horn, I may just need it. What were we told? Oh yes, knit on.

Pals, Yarn and Wishing

2007-04-11T06:31:00.000-05:00

A long overdue thank you goes my to my SSP in the Yarn Focus Challenge.

Nancy, you spoiled me with yarn and toys that I simply adore!

I've wanted to try Hemp since I first saw it! Stop that you! You know who you are. I'm thinking of knitting a tote from this, as well as, a table runner in a nice lacy pattern. Has anyone knit with hemp before? This generous amount, Thank you Nancy, will allow me plenty of ideas! If anyone has knit with this, I'd love to hear your input! The candy Nancy sent WAS very yummy. Nancy, was that made from cactus the box is long gone. It's a local treat and I love sampling local treats.

The sheepies are just adorable, The Pez dispenser is on my most used knitting bag already and the big guy talks! Linus thinks the sheep is talking to him so he's very happy to have a new friend see? He's pleased as hail.

Nancy, thanks so much for making my first secret pal swap so much fun! It's also nice to have a new cyberbud. Mwah!

Another long overdue thanks goes to Tani for sending me some yarn to make baby items and chemo caps.

I always believe what goes around, comes around. We reap what we sew. One good turn deserves another. Tani sent this so others would end up feeling warm and loved. So the yarn came from her neck of the woods to FL, will be knit up and sent back to her neck of the woods to warm little heads at a children's hospital where the mom of one of my buds in my knitting group works. Small world huh? And if that weren't enough, Tani has won herself some yarny goodness from a contest she entered. Yep, it went back around. Thank you Tani. Mwah!

Another pal of mine is having a contest! You still have time to get to FKD'sand wish her a happy blogiversary and be entered to win yarny prizes! Her knits alone are worth the click!

Enough of all this gushy stuff! Tomorrow at 11, I find out the fate of my position at work. Me and EVERYone else all at once, called to a mass ~~burial~~ meeting. Looks ominous, but hey? What can I do? I think I'll go get some search tips from The Bez. She can have you moved out, relocated and settled in before you notice something in life had changed.

Now Michelle, don't pass out, but I've joined and actually finished an item in a KAL. Yes I did. I didn't photograph it yet, because I had to jump on the PC to get this post in before the young teen gets on and that could take all night. If you're looking for a fun but light duty KAL, this is it.

Fun Knitting Dishcloths

Yep, that's it. If I can finish something, anyone can.

I know I always complain about my job taking up my knitting time, but it really comes in handy for things like, oh, buying yarn, books, food that kind of stuff but I'd really like to keep it please. Be careful what you wish for, you may just get it.

Celebrate

2007-04-07T21:14:00.000-05:00

I said, Happy Easter!

Adulthood

2007-04-05T07:28:00.000-05:00

Today is our 21st wedding anniversary. When I think of all the things we've accomplished, I am amazed and a little dazed. If I weren't late for work, I'd wax poetic and leave a tear jerking tribute to the man I love here. But late I am, due to some of those accomplishments in life, so here's my little tribute to you, love.

Happy Anniversary sweetie, now you don't have to suck the gas out of the generator this year.

Wordless Wednesday

2007-04-03T18:07:00.000-05:00

Beware the Ends of March

2007-04-01T08:56:00.000-05:00

March brought a few surprises on the knitting front and on the job front. I may or may not be employed by the end of April, so it should prove to be an interesting month; but then, aren't they all? I don't know if I'm incredibly blessed that I'm not stressing about it, or immensely irresponsible. I had time for a bit of secret knitting and to join and complete a washcloth KAL with the Fun Knitting Dishcloths group.

I used Peaches & Cream and the band was tossed, but it's an easy color to spot. I would call it summatime!

I swear when I took it off the needles, it was shaped like a kite. But then, March wasn't my month for performing notably intelligent actions. It's now square (always was) and this was a fun knit and I now have a new cloth for the kitchen! I can't wait to see what Judith comes up with for April!

Next up:

On the UFO front, I did work another inch into the tank I'm making. It looks the same so I won't put up a photo til it looks more like something wearable. while stash diving one day, I discovered another UFO that deserves some adding to.

This is a Mile-A-Minute afghan my eldest picked for herself um...a couple of years ago? i was going to scrap this for another she chose, but when she saw this, she really wanted it. So, 3 strips down, 7 to go. I was a little taken but the design that popped out of the cammo variegated square.

Does anyone else see an Awareness ribbon?

I was a month ahead on my squares for the Gracious Parcels Project and those were mailed off to Firefly. More to come.

I also received a surprise from Tani, who so kindly sent me some of her stash to make items for babies and chemo caps for children. Thank you Tani! Some of these items will actually make a trip back to your area to help out those with new babies in need of warm items!

On a weaker note, I caved and bought yarn again. So for the 2... yes 2 yarn diets I'm on:

All I can say is, I'm not doing so good here. But in my weak defense, let me say, my ~~enablers~~ group decided on a KAL for the Branching Out Scarf. I CAN follow when I have to.

That would be Blue Sky Alpacas’ Alpaca and Silk, a 50/50 blend in Blue I27 Lot 1772-need I say more?

Since I was off the wagon anyway, I thought I'd give the Louet Euroflax Linen a try too-also in a nice denimy blue.

I also received a package from my very first Secret Swap Pal, but I would like to dedicate a post just to her, because she really treated me well, and I don't want to mix her goodies in a monthly recap. So Nancy, in a couple of days I promise! I've been looking through books to find the perfect pattern and this has brought me much relaxation in doing so. Thank you Nancy and Hugs!

So April is shaping up to be a busy month and perhaps a career changing one.

My knit list for April includes:

UFO Resurrection: At least one strip for Kate's Mile-A-Minute Afghan and some noteable knitting on the Ribbon Tank.

Gracious Parcels Project: At least one square for Firefly, but it should really be two.

Dishcloth Fun KAL: Can't wait to see the new one!

The Branching Out Scarf KAL: Adventure in lace knitting!

Some giving back knitting: Baby items

Some stealth knitting.

And not so knitty is:

Career or not?: Remains to be seen, but I was told April 10th there will be news. April 10th being a "soft date". What the heck is a soft date? A night out with a stuffed animal? A tease because they really don't know? Are they gonna take us out for ice cream?

My First Bloggiversary! My first contest too! (insert a wink, wink, nod, nod here)

My wedding anniversary: This week!

A family member's birthday and Easter.

What a month to be already! Hope yours is a good one.

Stupit Is As Stupit Did

2007-03-30T18:47:00.000-05:00

My apologies to all of you who did not get a response to your comments in the last few posts. You see, I posted, then posted again and again. After a week went by without a comment received or an email notifying me of a comment received, I heard crickets chirping. Many. Crickets. Chirping. I pouted a little.

Then I thought, who did I piss off? Have I been blackballed from the knitting blog community? I pouted like a five year old who had their blankie ripped from their hands. You know the pout before the tears start?

Then, while tweaking the template to do some spring cleaning, I realized I had set my comments to moderate mode-no comments, no emails unless I log in and look for them. Like I said, stupid is as stupid did.

I leave comments on many blogs that I enjoy reading and some folks don't reply back, these folks usually get dozens or more comments a day and I don't blame them a bit. Imagine the Harlot responding to every single comment? She does read them though. Ask a knitting question, she will answer. Amazing.

So I was happy as a clam (are clams really happy?) to see my favorite cyber pal's comments flood my in box and thought again (dangerous activity here)they must think I'm so rude. So I have to say I'm sorry you guys, you know I always respond to your comments and enjoy the banter we sometimes share.

There is knitting going on, a small portion is stealth knitting and remains out of radar for now.

A better post tomorrow, but once again my yarn ticker says I have not been good. Who am I kidding? Now I'm at risk of being blogmentally challenged AND have no will power whatsoever.

Keep them coming please, I missed you

Merry March

2007-03-18T16:30:00.000-05:00

Happiness, at least for the recipient is finding one of these.

Snowflakes? Nah...Not here in South Florida. Well, maybe if one of Santa's helpers is soooo good at hiding presents, they turn up long after the decorations and tree have been put away.

Merry March Kate.

According to my yarn ticker, I believe I've violated both of my diets.

It all started when I was placed in close proximity to a yarn shop that is about an hour + drive from home. Not that it's a big deal to drive an hour for yarn, but I really don't have that kind of time on my hands. So in spending the weekend at a sales function for work, I was placed a mere 7 minutes away. How could I not go?

I stayed here for the weekend. The room was nice, and so was the room service.

For those of you who find it cool to park your car in the middle of a lake. The photo bites, but that is a lake.

All this for little ol me? I had 4 hours to kill, my knitting with me, a plate of crab cakes that had so much crab, I couldn't figure out how they were held together. Also a pot of coffee all for me and a PGA Lemonade. Yes, it was.

With the exception of one meeting, it really wasn't work. Being totally relaxed and all, I had the presence of mind to ask the concierge to look for a yarn shop for me and she found one. I swear, I could sense the place.

Hello Koigu my first, nice to meet you!

And you yarns too!

Those would be Noro Daria Multi Cording, Classic Elite Premiere and Laines Du Nord Baby Cover. I'm just getting so yarn snobby and full of myself!

I was not fine, feeling all guilty and everything, then this happened.

Reading my favorite blogs, dying to get my paws on some of Jessie's yarns, I accidentally placed an order. This is her hand dyed 100% Tussah Silk in her color "Isn't it Romantic". And yes, it is. And if that wasn't hard enough to resist,

Wooly Wonka Fibers is now open for business. Thanks Anne, you're really helping me stay ~~strong like jello~~ strong in my diet attempts.

The needles are clicking here at chez knit and run, I got these done for Firefly:

A constant need exists here:

Kate and Meg's blankets are growing at an alarmingly mellow rate.

When Mr. K&R saw me start Kates pure garter stitch Moderne Blanket, he said, "Heh, THAT'S gonna take a long time." Oh yeah? Thinks me, just for that, I'll finish them both before the kids go to college! He will learn.

I also completed something that can't be documented until a later date. I also got a few small gadgets, man how I love gadgets.

Bamboo Cable Needles, Darning Needles and a Mini Crochet Hook. I also ordered the Blocking Pins, but they're back ordered. I love the feel of these little beauties. Got them from Pattern Works.

So I think it's safe to say, if I didn't have a job, I would not have ignored my yarn diet or forgot a Christmas present. Have a really good week all!

More Words in the Title Than in the Post

2007-03-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

You Are 74% Addicted to the Internet

In your opinion, life without the internet is hardly worth living.

Could be, but you probably need a bit more fresh air and sunshine to think clearly.

Are You Addicted to the Internet?

Got it from Robin

Robin, that's a little creepy

Eye Candy Friday

2007-03-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

How Do You Spell Tired?

2007-03-04T21:50:00.000-05:00

Just trying to get one more entry in for La's contest, So here's DeFeet.

Loads of fun getting Dolly to stand still while she's begging for a treat.

I'm so tired, I can barely post. I've been cleaning all weekend. Even got in some knitting and crocheting while basking in the fun of a new channel on satellite TV. Chiller is here!

This is what happens when you don't pay attention to your winding.

So That Was February?

2007-02-28T20:43:00.000-05:00

Time to recap and remember, to recount and recall, to reminisce. Yeah right; who's got time for that? I'm still re cooping from my lost weekend, last weekend. Here's a little of what I did:

First on the dance floor, one of the last to leave. But that's another post.

Recap of knitting for February:

La Ribbon Tank Top, knit 2ing, purl 2ing along. I added about 3" to the front. Fast as snails on flypaper I tell you!

Meg's afghan I promised eons ago was finally started. I like alternating a little crochet in the knit mix. Relieves stress on the hands and arms, plus I'm a million times faster at it.

January Snowfall Square done *unblocked*, February Heart Square started *finish this weekend*.

Squares done, ready to mail.

Go here there's a contest!

It's the DeFeet of Cuteness! And these are the cutest feet in de house.

Linus has taken to sleeping with his arm under his bod with that leetle paw poking out. I thought there'd be more time for knitting, but my plans were defeeted.

Here's to March! Or as we call it where I work, Legal Day 1

I Feel Like Chocolate

2007-02-26T06:35:00.000-05:00

See yourself in chocolate here.

This is what a weekend partying with your co-workers will do to you. There was even a little knitting and an accident occurred. I found a LYS 3 miles from the resort, and accidently drove there and slipped at the register and swiped my card on the way down. In my defense, I can only say, this is the first time I fondled Koigu. How can you not take it home?

More to come after I adjust my ticker.

Fly Away Friday

2007-02-23T09:41:00.000-05:00

Not my kitty, just a photo I recieved in the mail but certainly Eye Candy Friday worthy no?

I will be at a sales meeting at a golf resort this weekend with my fellow co-workers. I'll be eating, drinking and being generally merry and yes, I packed some knitting first.

I will be depositing my usual 2 cents worth at your place(s) on Sunday if can stay awake.

Have a great weekend all!

You're Welcome - Thank You

2007-02-18T08:03:00.000-05:00

Since Maryse has extended her contest until midnight tonight, I'm posting 2 more stunning shots of my feet in their fancy coverings.

I don't know about winning anything, there's some stiff competition out there. Thanks Maryse, this was fun.

Yesterday, I spent some time organizing my knitting bookshelf and free knitting patterns I ~~hoarded~~ collected on-line. I mean really, you'd think I didn't have books or anything.

I now have 4 3" 3 ring binders and finally, all those patterns are organized. If my knitting isn't organized chaos, I can't relax and knit.

Later, B, Thing No.2 and I went to the Cracker Barrel for an early dinner, then saw The Messengers. It had lots of scary moments and good effects, but frankly, I was just a little disappointed. Maybe I've just seen too many, and saw this before. It did have its moments though. At least I finished another square for Sonya and Kevin. I seem to seriously underestimate my knitting speed these days because I could have finished it at the restaurant, but put it away to have something to knit at the movies. Note to self: Always take an extra project in case you run out of knitting while away from home.
Thanks, good advice.

I bought a nice knitting gadget that I've been wanting for some time. This little baby is great. Hands free talking on the phone means no more using my head and left shoulder as a hand. I'm all about the multi-tasking. Also means since I can knit while on the phone, I can call my in-laws more and not get in trouble; at least for that any more. B even thanked me, said it was one of the best things I bought lately. You're welcome babe, the pleasure was really all mine. The reception is as clear as a regular receiver, by the way, so I would recommend this model if you're in the market for one. It's also portable, so you can clip it on and walk around too. The price was quite reasonable. Note to self: What ever expands knitting time is worth having. OK, thanks.

Speaking of thanks, I find knitters really know how to say it. I did just a little hooking up thing, and these girls said thanks in a way that just made me grin from ear to ear.
From Jen:

Primero from Brooks Farm 100% Kid Mohair. I see a shawl, possibly from the latest IK issue, this stuff is just too good to keep only as a pet.

From La:

Tropical stitch markers, how thoughtful! I've made a few of my own, nothing like real ones though. It's knitting jewelry baby!

Thank you both so much, and especially for the good reading and cocktails.

Before knitting today, there will a quick run to the grocery store and blog reading. Then cooking will commence starting with chicken noodle soup, bread and something coffee cakish for desert.

I hope Typepad clears their issues. If you have a Typepad blog, I tried to comment yesterday and kept getting a web page expired response. What's up with that?

Linus says, yo, jus knit.

Tagged for 5

2007-02-16T20:08:00.000-05:00

Tag I'm it! Robin tagged me for the 5 things never revealed on my blog. Should be easy, it's only been 10 months. The rules are:

Get tagged by someone-did that
Write down 5 things that have never been revealed on your blog before-I will
Tag 5 others-I'll let them tag themselves OK?

5 Things that Have Never Been Revealed on My Blog Before:

1. I forget to mention things, like I cook and bake alot. Not that I'm all that or anything, I just love to do it and knew how to cook and bake since I was about 8.
I always make my own spaghetti sauce (about every 2 weeks to be exact) I can cook most any Italian or Polish dish (heritage ya know) and also cook in Chinese and Mexican. I can usually eat something in a restaurant and replicate it at home.
I especially love baked breads,cakes, pies and cookies.

2. I'm pretty much a loner (not in a weird way), but it's generally a preference. I get along great with everyone at work and everywhere else for that matter. Love my knitting group girls and family of course, I even taught classes and spoke publicly. Doesn't mean I felt the confidence I exuded.
I have few friends, but they are true friends, and I to them.

3. As much as I'm a loner, I love animals. Bri teases that I'm like Dr. Doolittle. Good thing we have a small house-there'd be all kinds of things living here. When I was 5, I found a baby sparrow that fell out of his nest, he had no feathers and was really tiny. Naturally, I named him Itty Bitty and he sung like a canary and flew to me from wherever he was when not in his house. He passed away when I was 15. Mom called it quits on me when I brought home a snake from our local creek. He was evicted immediately and returned to his home. I still can't get the vision of mom screaming from the dining room chair out of my head. hee hee Guinea Pigs are my favorite companions. When I lost my last one, Bri said trying to make me feel better, "You wouldn't cry half as much if I went". I said, through my tears, "Yes I would cry half as much."

4. I have a mean, nasty, wicked, evil bad temper. That's why I ALWAYS keep it in check. I never put a hand to either of my daughters. Don't have to, I was blessed with THAT look. mwahhhhahaha

5. To facilitate #4, I find humor in almost everything. Everything. I wouldn't laugh at a funeral or anything, humor has its time and place. I read Emily Post ya know. I also worked for a large bank for 16 years and I was "brought up" very well there. I could consider myself well written and well spoken, but I'm too lazy to do that these days and besides, I write more like I would speak to you in person. This is getting to be a #6 here.

So there they are. Exciting stuff huh?

Here's something silly for Maryse. Not too garish, but kind of goofy. These say I Rock, but it doesn't show well here. I love a contest! And, that' s not my bone on the floor. eewww

Take THAT! Fashion Police...

This is something I ordered at the end of December, before the Yarn Focus Challenge 07, I ordered this: Socks That Rock in Lucy colorway.

Hey Cara! I'm a woman now! Cara's the STR Queen. When Blue Moon Fiber Arts names a yarn after you and your man, you're star material. She's got beautiful cards on her site by the way, and I know first hand, because I received one which will be posted Sunday or Monday. These cards are gorgeous! ~~Hall~~Card store's got nothing on you girl!

A little knitting for Sonya and Kevin:

One or two more, then the January and February squares for Project Gracious Parcels 2007, then I'll pick a project from the UFO Resurrection 07 basket. Quite the joiner, aren't we?

Wordless Wednesday ?

2007-02-14T21:07:00.000-05:00

Blanket of Hope

2007-02-08T21:53:00.000-05:00

This

could be any one of us.

This is so easy, even I can do it. Not your typical Eye Candy Friday, but perhaps the finished blanket will be heart candy for Kevin and Sonya.

Why Do We Keep Doing This???

2007-02-05T16:48:00.000-05:00

Why do we confess our deficiencies, photograph our mistakes and behave all crazy on purpose then hang them all out there for bloggers and everyone else to see?

Because it's fun. Maryse wants to drive the fashion police crazy, not the department, just one officer. This is my contribution Maryse and I'll continue to help you out cause it's fun.

Why do we reach for the camera at times when before blogging, we never would have reached for the camera?

Because everyday life can be interesting, and we love to share it. These were taken around 5:45AM on Saturday. I love seeing a full moon first thing in the morning. This is how I see it right from where I frequently sit.

Why do we knit for a cause to help out someone we don't even know?

Because it feels good. And frankly, sometimes because there are prizes. I don't think it's a secret that I am a certifiable prize ho nut.
These are chemo caps for Kate. All done. Many folks have made lots more, but this is alot for me. There's still time to make the end of February deadline.

Case in point, this is a skein of Regia that I won from Rabbitch. She's still collecting hats for her cause. The rants alone are well worth a visit to her blog. But really, those of you who make things for others know the winning happens as soon as our creations are put in the mail.
I'm looking forward to making something for myself now, as well as, an afghan for each of my daughters. They picked what they wanted after I tortured them into browsing many knit and crochet books. Kate's picked the Moderne Blanket from Mason-Dixon Knitting (good pick Kate)-and Megan picked a crocheted American Flag from an old Book of mine-yay Meg! So after all those hats, I'm ready for a square now Mrs. Zimmerman. So what was the next project?

Preemie caps! These are for The Betties, my very best knitting group. One of the girls has this mom who works in this hospital and they have this need. I feel the need to stitch for my buds. They're also making squares for Warm Up America and I'll make mine tonight with them.

One last question. Why do we insist on knitting/crocheting for every reason we can find?

Because we have friends. This is baby H who arrived last month. His grandmother has been a friend of mine for almost 30 years. H's momma is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I made a pink one of these for H's big sister too. I look forward to making them both more things. Welcome H you cutie pie, you!!!

OK, so I have learned through knitting and blogging that my life is more fun, interesting, focused and sometimes, there are prizes and presents involved. Most important, I have discovered I have made some really great friends.

Pal O Mine

2007-01-30T20:58:00.000-05:00

After joining in on the Yarn Focus Challenge of 2007, I also joined in on my first Secret Swap Pal. This list suggested by Rebekah, is to make life easier for you Pal. And Rebekah, this hat is on its way to you-made with Patons Carmen and Bernat Boa held together, you will not believe how soft this is.

Drink not included.

Christy Bear didn't want to take it off. She bit me. Bad bear.

1. What type of yarn do you knit with most often? It varies-worsted cotton and cotton blends-wool blends.

2. Is there any type of yarn that you would love to try but haven't yet, such as bamboo, banana fiber (seriously they make it - although I've yet to see it in person). Yes! Linen

3. In your opinion what is a luxury yarn? Qiviut, but for all practicality, alpaca and linen are quite nice.

4. Is there any type of yarn or fiber content you dislike or would prefer not to receive? Not really

5. What type of garments do you most often knit? Hats, but only because they're going to those who need them. I plan to make tank tops and cardis this year-socks too.

6. What types of knitting books do you enjoy? Many-EZ, Barbara Walker, Mason-Dixon Knitting-books with lots of techniques and projects.

7. What is a color you like but rarely or never buy yourself? Browns and pinks.

8. If you were pregnant and had to name your baby a fiber, what would her/his name be? Baby Ull :) But really, the babe would be nameless cause momma would have had a heart attack upon getting such news.

9. Do you spin? No and only because I don't have that kind of time on my hands.

10. What is one fiber you've never spun? All of them.

11. If someone in your family or a best friend had to describe you in one word, what would it be? Complicated. Thanks honey.

12. Please tell us one odd thing about you. I don't like to leave the house much. I do though. Working full time and having 2 kids will force that.

13. What was your favorite cartoon when you were little. Tom and Jerry.

14. Do you have animals? If so, please name them and tell us a little about them.
Yes. Dolly the wonder dog and Linus the little old man cat. Both very sweet and loving family members.

15. And last but not least, if you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Oregon. We're very exotic people and we do have a plan.

I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, but frankly, I wish I had. Not now, but for the last two weeks I did. Nothing a Valium factory and tequila manufacturer couldn't handle. I really don't drink or do drugs, but this would have been a good time for it if I did.

The small hat factory continues to churn out hats for Kate and will be nearing its finish soon. A month goes by pretty quick these days, so here's a few.

I'll just take one group photo right before they're to ship to Kate in a couple of weeks. And for my January UFO Resurrection, I am deleting this:

Fingerless mitt started in Dec 06, in which I made a poor yarn substitution. The pattern was good, the yarn was good, just not together. My bad.

For February, I will pick up the Mary Poppins Scarf I started last year.

I'm surprised I don't have many UFOs. After the scarf is the Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl and a Ribbon Tank. So there.

Next post, another list is born. Robin, I'll always play when you tag! Check this girl out only if you want some serious inspiration!

All Hats All The Time

2007-01-14T11:22:00.000-05:00

Before the hats, I was tagged by Kim to post 6 weird things about me. Hee hee, 6.

THE RULES: Each player starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog. Since many have done this already, if you wish to bear it all, consider yourself tagged! And if you do this, please leave me a comment so I can see how weird you are!

1. I have an unhealthy attachment to stuffed animals. Really, they're like pets to me. I also like real animals more than human ones most of the time.

2. Brian happily pointed out that when I use a lighter, I blow it out after I light something. So sue me, I have a fire thing.

3. Brian also happily pointed out I have a peculiar way of bowling. I'm left handed by thought process and eat, write and perform other main functions that way. I can only use my right hand for knitting, crocheting, using a scissor or calculators and phone keying. I also bowl right handed, so he notes when I "take off" for the throw, I have a little "hop". Whatever gets the strike baby.

4. I can sense when there is a spider in the room. I get a creepy skin crawly feeling and no matter where it is, I look right at it. Then I scream.

5. My learning process is such that if you teach me something relatively simple, I may ask again about it, however, if learning something complex, it clicks and I can run with it and even expand on it if possible. Logic and common sense are my friends. So is silliness.

6. I'm going through THE change. If that's not weird, nothing is. I still feel twenty-something most of the time. I refuse to grow up-no fun.

The hat knitting has begun again, this time for Kate. The yarn has been caked...my fiber map of immediate knitting plans if you will...

I don't know what that red thing is, probably a strand of Fun Fur trapped in the camera.

I call the red & white one Cat in the Hat meets the Grinch.

I realized this little hat was not meant to be for a big kid, so this one goes to my knitting group for our local children's hospital. Hard to tell how much yarn is in a furry ball.

The garden set was given to me by Rosemarie, the best next door neighbor anyone could ask for. She visited family in MA, and brought it back! We do lots of planting things together and she's an avid crocheter. Like I said, can not ask for better!

Now for something that struck me as funny. If you remember, Ann traveled to London and experienced the horror of having a personal belonging taken from her at the airport.

One night while planning for a project, I noticed this: Click on the pic for a closeup and look at the bottom.

I think not. Ann will tell you, they're not ALLOWED to travel the world. At least not by plane.

Now for yarnography. I bought yarn with Christmas money before Dec 31, and it's sock yarn. This in no way violates the rules for either of the Knit From Stash promises I made.

I love Tarzhay! It's hand dyed by Scout, and I told her many times, I loved this color since I first laid eyes on it. I even have the perfect pattern for it too. I don't think anyone will for forget The Blue Moon Incident of 2007. Once again the power of bloggers rocked some worlds and now they are back to business as unusual.

And just because...

Not stuffed

Coming next ...hats.

Wedding Bell Blues and Hot Flashes

2007-01-06T17:59:00.000-05:00

And believe me, I've had them both. I've been thinking of changing lately, but not THAT much. I really wanted to change my blog but more on that later.
There were engagements going on over the holidays in my bloggerhood, so if you're one who likes to congratulate excited people, here's a couple of nice places to do it. Lark and Nora. Congratulations girls! I'm so happy for you both!

Speaking of weddings, I had one myself about 257 years ago. After a conversation I had yesterday with Robin, I promised I would put up some photos of my wedding gown. Why dig into the archives of the homestead to arrange and photograph something that's 21 years old? Because I made it. Robin's been crossing over to the OTHER fiber thing called sewing. I'm nervous she'll start blogging about sewing and I for one would miss her knitting. If she sews like she knits, she'll never again have to shop for her clothes and that's something I can dream about doing. I only made this gown because 1)I was young 2)We were broke 3)I was delusional - I cried and swore and saved money for a REAL gown the whole time I worked on it. Some of the lace chose to turn that old yellow color and some stayed white, but remember Robin, the dress is a legal adult in all 50 states, it can do what it wants to.

When I took these out of the box, there was some rice in there too. Mmm vintage food. I seldom sew other than gift bags or curtains and repairs. As long as the finished item is a square, I may be able to handle it.

On to yarn ~~bought in a last minute frenzy~~ purchased with Christmas money before I agreed to this,and this.

From Webs, I found these for a steal! That's Knit One Crochet Too
Angora Soft. It feels like cotton, but it's a 45/40/15 Nylon/Viscose/Angora blend, perfect for this climate. Also perfect is the Debbie Bliss Cathay I scored from these ladies.

They destashed and will donate the proceeds to Knitters Without Borders. They have the kind of stash I only dream of.

Speaking of stash, the are chemo caps to be knit for Kate. Please check her story out if you feel so inclined. There are children involved here! That's the only reason I'd admit to having this in the house.

Yes I have Fun Fur. No Muppets were harmed in the procurement of this either. It was intended for house sock cuffs and bag trims that never happened. But read Kates blog and you may be able to imagine your Fun Fur through the eyes of a child.

And for Norma, hoos having a helluva grammer contest, really, she is!

But really, Norma, as promised, my humble pair to be shipped on Monday.

The scarf on the right is already in your gallery. You can always accuse me of using poor grammar, but never of cheating. Will there be a RS08? If so, you can count me in.

I'm off to find a grocery stocking enough ice to fill the bathtub.

When You Get an F

2006-12-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

Use it!

Julie gave me an F and I'll do my best to Fixate on it. The idea of using the letter given you is to Formulate 10 topics, truthinesses, themes or things with that letter. If you Feel the need for one, let me know, I'll send you one of 26 that I have on File. Let me start by saying, F is for Fluffy!

A pillow from Santa! OK, I bought it myself, but I love it just the same.
Let me Further elaborate on this ths F thing Flying around in my head. For instance, Family. Enough on that subject. Can you tell there was an incident at Christmas? Fkng right there was, and although I Fought the good Fight, I'm still Furious.Well, just a little. I can't be bothered because I do have Friends that can melt away any Feral Feelings I may have about issues past. This Fraternity I belong to, this world of knitters who blog and bloggers who knit is all I need to to stop my urges to Fidget and Fret and otherwise do away with the undesireables in my life.

Hey! This is like a first rant! I've never been pissed here before and man! This Feels Fabulous! Now for the Funny: A Friend who happens to be a knitter/blogger has a story of a Field Mouse. Well maybe not from the Field, but you know why I tossed that in.

Completes this series!

Over AND Beyond!

I've been wanting this for Forever! I Freakin LOVE Emily Post! And Peggy has done a wonderful job in continuing what her great-grandmother-in-law started. A true surprise from Santa. Along with a diamond necklace, I was a little Fawned over.

Received on Christmas eve from Rhymes With Fuschia for participating in Knit Unto Others.

This yarn Feels like heaven on earth! I'll be digging through all the books, zines and patterns for something special. I can't stop Fondling this yarn! Lucia, your Fiber Talents are Fantastic!

Now that Christmas is all but a memory, I can now Focus on learning my new position at work, and knitting. Since there will a Fasting of Fiber in 2007, I only have tomorrow to spend my gift certificates at my LYS. I plan to have a nice time there as this will be my cooling down time. A time to renew the Fun and Festive spirit that was squelched on the eve of Christmas day. A time to push aside the Female curse placed on us when we reach certain ages. I gotta get out of Florida! It's still in the 80s and ladies, I'm on FIRE!!!

One More for the Road

2006-12-20T19:33:00.000-05:00

You Are a Snowman

Friendly and fun, you enjoy bringing holiday cheer to everyone you know!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

Which suits me just fine! And if this were not enough,

On the twelfth day of Christmas, Knit_and_Run sent to me...

Twelve somethings drumming

Eleven somethings piping

Ten somethings a-leaping

Nine somethings dancing

Eight somethings a-milking

Seven somethings a-running

Six somethings a-knitting

Five so-o-o-omethings

Four somethings

Three cats

Two marathons

...and a LiveJournal meme in a pear tree.

That totally cracks me up, cause it sounds like something I would sing to myself. I'm lost in the activities of making sure the house is clean, the laundry and grocery shopping are done so all I have to think about is baking cookies, reading blogs and knitting. Snowman, finished.

He has taken his rightful place with the other snowfolk collected over the years.

Surprisingly, they haven't melted. It's only like 80 fric n degrees here! Can we get a chill here or SOMEthing? I also managed a couple of ornaments, I was really lazy this year. I made a few for the bosses at work (golfers) and a couple for the fiber lovers, me being one of them.

Stuffing novelty yarns into glass balls is fun! Not a single bandaid was needed! A few felt bags for oddly shaped gifts and my niece's bear with her scarf and "purse" to keep her lipstick in. heh heh, her mom & dad will love that. She's 3

Go here:

I gave. I emailed the Harlot. Knitters really showed em we're here. There's another way to give,

go here and see! I did that too. And speaking of giving, January's coming quickly. So I'm making one more for the road.

Merry Christmas my friends

Christmas Time!

2006-12-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

After getting my butt kicked by the flu, I think I can resume Christmas festivities. This is the longest time I've gone without posting and I think Michelle believes I've disappeared.

Speaking of Michelle, sweetie pie, you made me feel like a million skeins of yarn when I saw this:

Would you look at the bag? It's knitted! I'll also have good supplies to document the festivities in the scrapbook and look at those gift tags! Purses! Uh that lovely Regia sock yarn is now being compromised to Megan who really wants socks from it! The coffee is all gone, Michelle, you KNOW what I like! A million thank yous! And I know yous is now a word cause it's in the dictionary. Not mine, but it's in the new one. And now for something completely related:

A holiday meme that I first read at Maryse's.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate with marshmallows please.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? They're wrapped and in the most imaginable ways possible. We've given shirts in pizza boxes. They were not used for pizza!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Both. White outside-it's the only thing that makes it seem cold. Colored on the tree.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Yes

5. When do you put your decorations up? Depends. I like them up as soon after Thanksgiving as possible.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Christmas eve-traditional Italian feast baby!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The Christmas morning we woke up and there was three feet of snow! It was just like in the movie Christmas Story when Ralphie looked out the window and proclaimed, "Wow!".

8 . When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I don't remember, but I was about 6. It was & still is, hard to keep things from me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes sort of. Christmas eve at one SIL's, then ours are opened Christmas morning, then more at other SIL's in the evening. We're rather spoiled over here.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights, wood bead garlands and many ornaments that were handmade through the years. Before children, I actually cross stitched ornaments. HA

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? It would make front page news across the US if it snowed here. So I guess we'd love it.

12. Can you ice skate? Are you kidding? I can barely walk with grace.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Yes, a piano.

14. What's your favorite thing about the holidays? The spirit of it all.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Cookies!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Going to Karen's Christmas eve, to Eileen's Christmas evening then crashing on the 26th.

17. What tops your tree? An angel, I really hate doing that to her though.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I always wanted to be Santa Clause.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I love them all, but Nat King Cole's Christmas Song.

20. Candy canes yuck or yum? Yum, but only one per year is necessary.

21. What's number one on your Christmas list this year? That ALL our troops would be home with their families.

Now a little Christmas knitting that I said I wasn't going to do. A scarf for my four year old niece, cause she loves to play dress up. A pair of fingerless mitts for a co-worker who lives in Michigan. I also made a "goth" stocking for daughter 1's boyfriend.

I added another project to my list after making this:

I have a snowman collection, so when I had three sea urchins in my craft stash, this just popped into my little mind. Some things just come out as you envision them. I hope my knitting will too. I went and joined a knitalong, I must be insane.

Since I'm also joining in on THIS knitalong or should I say diet along, which also coincides with THISI better hurry and get the yarn. This is going to be a year that will test my very will. Integrity I'm not worried about, I'll tell if I slip.

My Life. My Blog.

2006-12-04T18:37:00.000-05:00

Here's a cool meme I found at January One's. So , I downloaded the form here, took a self photo, I was cracking up by the way, and here you go.

I'm in Meg's room cause she has the best self pic photo op in the house.

I've been caught up in all the Christmastime glory-The shopping the wrapping the decorating and man am I tired. I hope to get in some good knitting tonight. I finished 3 squares for Firefly and they're ready to ship. This was the most realistic way I could participate in the Knit Unto Others put together this year by Margene and Carole.

I always want to do way more than I can and when I was younger it was always all or nothing. Now I realize I can not look at this as a "Go big or go home" thing. If I do just 1 thing that helps another, then it's good. If I just wish I could do a lot, I've DONE nothing. I'll continue to do what I can. Of course, The Betties knit things all the time for whatever is calling to be done. That's our group's only requirement: 1 item per year for charity, whatever you want, however big or small. I can live with that. Girl One made a sketch for me (in about 15 minutes no less) I think you'd enjoy. she draws all her sketches with black ink and colored pencils. It's her knitting insert large smile here.

PS, I don't think the meme page is large enough to read. Blogger and Photoshop are playing tricks on me. Don't worry if you can't read it, it's not that exciting. OK, I checked, it's tiny. If you click on it, it's readable, but still not terribly exciting. Happy knitting!

So much done, so much to do

2006-11-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've got to stop taking days off from work, the work at home is twice as hard with no pay, and I'm behind on posting and reading blogs. Why is that? Hope everyone had a terrific Thanksgiving. We did. I cooked for a day and a half then ate myself stupid. I shopped for Christmas, mostly on-line and spent all the "loose" cash. Ouch. All the lights are on the house and the halls are ready to be decked. My butt is still sore from spending a half day on the roof. Ouch again.
I did little knitting, but since it was a holiday, I won't feel too bad about it. I finished B's hat. It looks much better on his head.

And a square for Firefly. If you have some scraps of yarn and time to make a 7" square, this is the place for it.

I expect to finish another tonight because frankly, I won't be able to do anything that requires leaving my comfy chair.
There is more yarn in the house too. Since I promised Firefly I would continue to knit squares, I bought some Plymouth Encore for them.

This also is my little contribution to the Knit Unto Others project. It's times like these when I wish I didn't work.

I also won - yes WON a beautiful prize from Midnight Sky Fibers. This is a handspun and handpainted 2 Ply Bulky Weight Wool/Mohair blend called Luminescent Haze. I am scouring all my books and magazines to find a special project for this! It's just awesome to have yarn like this. Thank you Wendy for making this win possible! You can win too! Just go to Wendy's page here.

I also received 2 skeins of Lornas Laces from Trek Thank you! It's my first LL, and I love the colors in this. Bullfrogs and Butterflies are my kinda colors! Thank you Trek! Insert large smile

I hope this makes Michelle happy, she gets all over me if I slack on posting.

Now how did THAT get there?

Testing, Testing

2006-11-20T19:48:00.000-05:00

One great thing about being a relatively new knitter, ~~how long do I get to milk this new knitter thing?~~ is that almost everything is new. I joined The Meathead Knitalong and just like that, it's done! I figured I was getting fairly good at hats because ~~it's funny that I live in Florida and knit so many hats~~ I knit a few lately. All we had to do, was test knit and embellish with something of our own choice. I had a ball with this.

Here's a closeup:

I have 2 more hats on the needles, then 2 more to knit. Jeeze, will some one tell these people I live in Florida?!

I'm trying to get my squares off to Firefly for Project Gracious Parcels 2006 as well. Time is running out. I'll also post those when they're ready to go.

I probably will not post until after Thanksgiving, as we're hosting the dinner as is tradition here. There will plenty of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, some specialty foods and enough sugar to send all the residents of Cuba to college for 4 years.

I am thankful for my family, friends and all the awesome people I "met" right here in Blogville. I appreciate all the inspiration, creativity and talents you all never fail to provide. May you have as much to be thankful for as I do. x

Wednesday Mix

2006-11-14T20:55:00.000-05:00

What American accent do you have? Your Result: Philadelphia Your accent is as Philadelphia as a cheesesteak! If you're not from Philadelphia, then you're from someplace near there like south Jersey, Baltimore, or Wilmington. if you've ever journeyed to some far off place where people don't know that Philly has an accent, someone may have thought you talked a little weird even though they didn't have a clue what accent it was they heard.
The Northeast
The Midland
The Inland North
The South
Boston
The West
North Central
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

OK Quizilla, ya got me. Guess you can take the girl out of Philly...

There has been shopping:

This is from the talented hands of Scout. She dyed this especially for Socktoberfest in a generous skein of 500 yards, (Superwash Merino/Nylon) enough for a pair of knee socks. She put up some extras cause everyone was crazy for these. Me included. I also purchased the Go Knit Pouch in Meg's favorite colors in an attempt to have her join the knitting fold. She has to learn to knit to get it.

Check out Scout's Swag though, she's added some really cool stuff to her site. (No affiliation), just sharing.

Speaking of really nice yarn, I won some gorgeous handspun from Jenn Wisbeck at Midnight Sky Fibers just for a little donation I made to Heifer International! I scored Jenn's Handspun Luminescent Haze in colors I love! If you want to help out entire families for a small donation, go to Wendy's, all the info is in her sidebar. She's done a great thing there and has some beautiful prizes as well! It only takes a minute...I'll wait

Not speaking of yarn, I spent the whole weekend~~wasting my time cleaning my ass off~~purging "stuff" and cleaning. I did manage to piece together some fabric strips for the Tailgate Rag Rug

I would love to have finished one by now. Do you have to start something to finish it? I did start a hat for B, but it's not finished yet.

BTW, if you have a ball winder, they work great with fabric strips too!

Also finished, is my very first wearable! But I have no intention of wearing it.

This is the Baby Bolero from One Skein.

This was so easy, even I could do it! Next, hat & booties and this baby (set) is done! To see how versatile this pattern can be, go see Possessed To Knit,

Roseann is a much more experienced knitter than I, and she made it her way. She also explains very clearly what she does different to make it the way she did. It's quite beautiful I must say.

Speaking of things done, have you seen what Cara is doing now? She's a genius. If you've not seen her Log Cabin Afghan, you should check it out..really.

And just because it's Wednesday, something random.

This was taken last week, so it's still pretty hot here. Lows are mid to upper 60s and highs are low 80s. We're supposed to cool off a little soon, c'mon already! Have a great rest of the week and stay warm or cool, whatever it takes...

Random You Know...

2006-11-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

This one's for Chappy's Mom cause I ~~am a prize ho~~ love contests. And there's double contest going on over there! Send her your November calendar shot and/or be her 5000th commentor, and win!

Since it's a random day, and because I'm half asleep, check this out. Hey waiter! There's a Canadian leaf in my coffee!

Strange or what? Or is it stranger that I photographed it?
Since I have no knitting photographed, I'll leave you with another of Kate's "knitting":

Have a great day all!

Not Too Swift

2006-11-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

But I can make one if I need to.

I had to stand while winding the skeins, but it worked. Take your unused Lazy Susan, turn a bar stool upside down on it and viola! Yarn Swift. I got quite the looks from my family today. Always keep them guessing within an inch of your sanity I always say. Here's the yarn all skeined and ready to knit.

I dyed this myself by the way. Got the idea over at Crankygrrrrrl's.
I used Knit Pick's Bare 75/25 Superwash wool/nylon and Wilton's food dye in royal blue. Didn't do anything fancy, just wanted to get a feel for doing this. I have a feeling I'm going to need a bigger house with an extra kitchen. It was fun and I'm happy with the results. The proof I guess, will be in the knitting. I did take photos as I progressed, I also took pics of the Saturday sky and some projects, but discovered the memeory stick was removed from my camera that I had to search for for almost an hour because ~~the guilty party who used it, forgot to put it back, then forgot where it was,~~"no one" knew where it went. It wasn't pleasant living with me yesterday I tell you. Do not mess with mom's knitting. Blogging is equal to knitting. Speaking of, I did some knitting on the Baby Bolero from One Skein.
Since taking these, I have blocked and seamed the shoulders & will seam the sleeves on tonight. I hope. Things change fast around here.

This baby's coming soon so I really have to hurry here.

Speaking of births and all, a really nice, special, funny, very knitty and witty person has a birthday today! So go on over and wish Michelle a happy birthday. I'll wait. Happy Birthday Michelle! May all your wishes come true!

Time to start getting ready for Thanksgiving! We always have the family for the holiday and this year, I was able to join something near and dear to my heart. SPOT
I'm a traditionalist at heart. We're not that big on Halloween, but it represents to me a beginning of Autumn and the holidays, my favorite times of the year. And Halloween can be such a pain, you know chasin those bats all night gets really tiring, but then, I'm not too swift.

What scares you?

2006-10-31T12:58:00.000-05:00

Not too much scares me, except for spiders.

eeeeewwwwww off my Royal!

I really like Halloween for this reason:

I have no problem consuming large amounts of sugar. My dentist loves this too.

November 15th will be my 1st year knitting anniversary. I used to be scared to put a project down, when I'd come back to it, I sometimes knit the wrong way. I once could not recognize the stitches I was working. I once didn't know what an FO was, or a WIP, or ssk, psso. I used to be scared that my projects would slide off the needles and I would put them back on wrong, which I sometimes did. I used to put stitch protectors on a WIP and seal it tighter than King Tut's tomb. I know! The exhibit was here for a while. Now I have 7 WIPs, not one with a stitch protector. I've done knits on straights, dpns and circs. I've learned a few cast ons and bind offs, felting and the carrying of colors. I've experienced more humility than great accomplishments, but never frustration. (Not really)
I've even learned to blog.

What is scary about knitting is how crabby I get if I can't at least a little every single day. I've yet to make anything truly noteworthy, but there are many, many things I intend to make. I finished a chemo cap crocheted no less for the local children's hospital. An LYS gave our knitting group yarn for these and since this particular yarn was of the cottony type, it was much easier to crochet it.

I also created a non-knit project ages ago that's a tradition at this time of year.

I have fond memories of this popsicle stick house. I neglected my family the whole weekend to complete this.

There still are, however, a few things that kind of scare me. Please remove any small or large for that matter, children from the room before viewing. You don't want them picking up bad habits.

Megan's room aaaahhhhhhhhhh As she saw me photographing this, she said, "you're gonna post that aren't you?" yeah baby-you learn fast!

Or how about the things that interest your teen these days?

OOOoooo Gerard! shhhh I like some of their music shhhhh
Seems like yesterday, it was all about disney and cartoons and coloring books. Now it's about being dissy, having car tunes and drawing sophisticated things. Scary how fast time goes by. And even more scary is the fact the both my children know how to use photoshop far far better than I. I give you a little child's play. No, not Chucky, but they do like that ~~crap~~stuff.

Here is our Dolly, and this photo clearly shows a sweet, slobbery, never can get enough love of a dog. And that's exactly what she's always been like.

Here, brought to you by Photoshop, is what they've done to her.

Not so scary? Megan, my youngest, has proclaimed that she's too old to dress up any more. This year, we'll watch scary movies and give out candy in our jammies. And so help me jeebus, I'll never walk the neighborhood with one of these again!

It's also scary what we pay good money for. Meet Harm the bunny:

Legend has it that this bunny will tell the truth and nothing but. He has had many owners, no one of whom liked let alone loved him. He would sit in the room and make fun of his "owners" for all their imperfections and anger them to the point of ripping off his ears or tail. He would mysteriously find bits and pieces around the room and repair himself. I now find him in my room and every time he tells me "too much makeup clown!" or "what, you work for Hooter's now?" I just say OK Harm, I'll change. Amazing. And yes, he's mine.

Anyone see the move Twilight Zone? Well, ya see somethin' REALLY scary?

This is real, not photoshopped, and had I known I'd become a blogger, I would have taken lots more shots. This "moth" who I call the bat moth, was spotted on Florida's west coast by me while at a sales meeting for work. This creature was about 8 or 9 feet up on the wall & this is the best shot I got. This batmoth was about 4 inces wide, I kid you not. Now that's enough to send any knitter screaming.

I didn't leave Linus out for Halloween:

Photoshop me, and the stash gets it.

Can't even think of a title

2006-10-28T15:39:00.000-05:00

What a soul, mind, spirit sucking week. Glad it's over, on to better days...trust me, that's all you need to know.

Not exactly the shade of blue I was going for, but since I have no sayso in sky matters, this is the best I can do. It's a nice 72 degrees though.
I didn't get much knitting done this week, also contributing to the very snarky me, but made a little progress on hats for Rabbitch. 3 done, 1 more on the needles.

The 2 little skeins are Knit Picks Ambrosia in Fog 80/20 Baby Alpaca/Cashmere oooooo for the corrected version of Totoro.
Toward the end of the week and largely contributing to dragging me out of where ever I was, are these:

From Knit Picks to make this. It's 100% Pima Cotton but it feels very silky. It's bulkier than I really like, but I do want to try it.
And the Knit Picks Bare a Fingering weight superwash 75/25 wool/nylon for this:

I'm nuts, but I'm going to try a little dyeing experiment. I went to lunch on Friday immediately after reading Crankygrrrrrl's blog, also a major contributor for lifting my spirits because of her meme. ~snif~ That was soooo nice of you! The Crankygrrrrrl furthermore taught me that we can dye yarn with Wilton's! and that's why I made a hasty retreat to Michael's to get some. You know how things can disappear as soon as YOU want to buy them?

I made this some time ago while waiting to find out what kind of baby was coming.
As you can see, I got the news. Now I can finish the afghan and make the Baby Bolero & Hat from One Skein. I'm behaving and actually have an almost completed swatch.
I'm~~out of my mind~~confident I have time for this. This is for my long time dear friends Di & Terry who will become grandmothers again. Na na na na na, you are a gran-ny!
Now that knitting business is done, I give you silliness. Remember the welcome ducks?

They're ready for Halloween. Hope I will be too. Have a fun weekend all! Oh, one more, a photoshopped, no-duh, pic. An e-mail received a long time ago.

Ok, do I eat a banana or the cat's food?

Saturdays and Sundays

2006-10-22T08:40:00.000-05:00

The weather here continues to be hot. I've been feeling blah for the last week, you know, not sick enough to be sick, just enough to feel I'm trudging through everything. Thank heavens for B. He took care of all the stuff I'm not up to so I could knit. So, my better half gives you modest FOs and new WIP here.

Two hats completed for Rabbitchand a third to be started.
I've got to tell ya, these are my first REAL hats and I just love how quick they work up to completion! They make me feel like, well, a knitter. Also in the pic is a new WIP cast on for Firefly's Nap Blanket. She's hosting a KAL. Check out her patterns section, they're quite lovely and so is her writing!

Speaking of hats, remember that Top Down Bonnet I could not upload photos on? Well, scrap the the FO and decide to change it to a pillow, and viola! I give you an October Scary Knits Fest FO:

This is an adorable hat which taught me how to figure 8 cast on by none other than The Fabulous Wendy herself. This is a lesson learned newbies, if the designer says sportweight WOOL, and size 3 needles, DO NOT, use worsted weight ACRYLIC and size 4 needles and knit it in the smaller size to compensate. ACRYLIC does NOT BLOCK! I love giving folks something to~~laugh their asses off~~ smile about.

Speaking of something to smile about, these arrived on Friday and Saturday.

Dolly says, "I'm a denim people!"

And because I'm too weak to feel funny, I'll just leave you with a crocheted shawl I made last year in (I think Red Heart TLC), very soft and squshy.

We're off to see the in-laws for a birthday get-together. Our nephew turns 21 on Wednesday-Happy Birthday Jeff! We also celebrated my dearest sweetie pie's 12th birthday this past Wednesday. Happy Birthday~~my newly found blog fodder~~Sweetheart. XOXOXO

Linus is bored by it all, he says "Just wake me when the new yarn comes."

Another meme for youyou

2006-10-20T16:15:00.000-05:00

48 Things You Could Care Less About

1. FIRST NAME? Carol

2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? No

3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Monday or Tuesday over a news article

4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes

5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Roast beef baby!

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Yep, I'm alright

7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? Yes, its name is blog

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No and they were never removed either. Go figure

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Only from the ground. Afraid of heights

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Lucky Charms, they're magically delicious ya know

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? If they were tied, yes.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Yes in a few ways

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Vanilla-over a banana, covered with hot fudge, wet walnuts and whipped cream

14. SHOE SIZE? 8-8 & 1/2

5. RED OR PINK? Red

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I feel awkward in social situations, but it's just me

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My parents and my long lost friend Bridget

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? I'd rather read it on thier blogs, cause I'm gonna read them anyway

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? jeans, blue t-shirt, no shoes

20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Chocolate pop tarts with milk

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? A stupid political commercial

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Green

23. FAVORITE SMELL? Moth balls (and don't ask how I got my nose between those tiny legs)

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My daughter Kate

25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? Eyes

26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? Absof-inglutely. (Look farmiliar Ann?)

27. FAVORITE DRINK? Coffee

28. FAVORITE SPORT? Knitting

29. EYE COLOR? Green/yellow no kidding

30. HAT SIZE? 20" by knitting measurements are there other sizing standards?

31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No Progressive lenses w/built in astigmatism view. Lucky me huh?

32. FAVORITE FOOD? Steak and salad

33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Scary baby!

35. SUMMER OR WINTER? Winter, which is considered summer to anyone living north of South Carolina

36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Never met a grain of sugar I didn't like

38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know

39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I don't know

40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Denim People, Scarf Style and HTML for Dummies

41. WHAT'S ON YOUR MOUSE Pad? Don't use one

42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? The Sopranos 3rd season 2nd episode

43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Birds chirping, wind chimes, needles clicking

44. ROLLING STONE OR BEATLES? Beatles - Although this is not a fair question

45. THE FURTHEST YOU'VE BEEN FROM HOME? Not far, The Bahamas

46. WHAT'S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? Common sense if that's a talent-I'm told I'm a good cook and baker but that's love

47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Phila, Pennsylvania

48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? Stolen from Ann

So the cat's out of the bag as it were. You know a little more about me.

One of Linus' favorite toys for a couple of days that is.

Dolly thinks if she's decked out a bit, I'll take her photo too. She's right.

Tonight, I knit! Hope you will too!

Random Wednesday

2006-10-18T06:19:00.000-05:00

	Carol was abducted by aliens
	The aliens were attracted by the hypnotic nostrils of Carol

'What will your Headline be?' at QuizGalaxy.com

When I was hastily returned home, this is what I saw before I left for Monday night knitting with The girls.

A little knitting progress too!

Almost two hats for Rabbitch.
Don't laugh, for me, this is good progress. The pattern was generously shared for free by For the Love of Yarn.

Happy Wednesday...

Thank You Norma!

2006-10-15T10:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Norma sent thisjust because I ~~begged~~ asked. Pear and ginger jam made in Vermont by Norma herself! Well, having made one of these helped.Now I have a dilemma, do I save it for Thanksgiving and ~~show off~~share it with my family? Those who think I may be a little obsessed with knitting? Those who look at me a little funny? Or, do I just open it already and ~~scarf it down~~enjoy it now? Norma, I'm just waiting on your thank you, so look forward to a little EZ comin your way! I still have that beautiful skein of

Hello Yarn's Tough Sock 75/25 wool/nylon in Better Weather colorway. I wanna make damn sure I do it justice with a pair of socks than can actually be worn, by me preferably.

I accidentally went on line an ordered sonething from DeStash

the deals are hard to resist, so I didn't.

5 Skeins plus the better part of a 6th of Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool 65/35 wool silk blend in the palest shade of olive(?) I'll wait patiently for it to tell me what it wants to be when it'a all knit up. I also bought something else cause jeeze ma, everyone ELSE is getting one!

The pattern booklet for the famous Great American Aran Afghan.One of the squares therein is by the famous Susan who I know in a bloggerly way. First Place too! Thats gotta feel good.

I even knit a little. I finished Toturo! Yet it refuses to be uploaded to Blogger. I even re-took the pic and re-started the PC, now Michelle will think ~~I'm lying my butt off~~I'm buying blog time or something. Toturo WILL be posted damnit. Just don't know when. There is another hat on the needles for Rabbitch's Cause.

The Pattern is Called Watch Me from here.

I love the simplicity of the hat, but the top has a nice design going, even I may be able to handle this. This one will be for a child since I had to make the 1st one in the only chunky weight I had around and there isn't much there. This will give time to acquire some chunky weight or decide to play with the pattern & use a bulky weight. I hope to help keep a few heads in Canada warm. Did I mention there were prizes? Check out Rabbitch, all the info is there along with a really good rant or forty.
One more project to start on soon from Firefly has me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Check her out, she's got quite a thing going on over there! I'm ~~nuts for thinking I have this much time~~ ready!
Norma, did I say Thank you?

Bad Luck? Moi?

2006-10-13T20:56:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday the 13th!

Randumb Thursday

2006-10-11T19:03:00.000-05:00

How dumb is she?

So dumb, she does a random Wednesday post on a Thursday
So dumb, she sends her Birthday Swap Pal the gift, but left the birthday card at home. Nice first impression for my first swap.

Well, she DID learn the figure 8 cast on

But soooo dumb, she doesn't know left from center!

The little black box is where the decreases SHOULD be.

Top Down Bonnet Pattern courtesy of Hello Yarn free patterns section. I didn't use Adrian's suggested yarn. That's why I'm being punished by the knitting knomes. I'm using Caron's Simply Soft, simply cause I had it in the right color and it probably won't get too cold here. It's also a one skeiner for the Lonesome Skein KAL. Sould have gone for the wool. This is a really soft and drapey yarn for an acrylic, but probably not good for a shaped hat.

Now I'm concerned about blocking, but good or bad, when it's done, I'll post it.

So dum, she can't count
The back CENTER decrease is 6 stitches too far to the left.
It's not noticeable when on, but I know it's there and eventually, I'll have to knit another. Maybe I can adjust Kate's head. Knitters always find a way.

Saturday Sky, a Lonesome Skein and Something Scary

2006-10-07T17:48:00.000-05:00

Forecast 89 degrees...shocking

I joined
because, no I do not have enough on my plate. This KAL is great fun and I am working on a project. Don't know why, but instead of doing really fun things like housework, grocery shopping and taking the car for a checkup, I decided on a stash dive for the KAL. And I did find a Lonesome Skein...

Isn't it cute? Surely I can make something from this...then I realized I may be accumulating a little too much yarn.

My friends, this is the oddball stuff I have and it's not even all of it. This represents only a fraction of the fiber that lives here. I think if I had to face my stash, all in one place, I may in fact realize where my retirement funds have gone. Of course if one has all that fiber, then it's safe to say one would also have to have an equal balance of projects to go with it. Right?

There's no such thing as a fiber intervention is there?

Good

Eye Candy Friday

2006-10-05T20:22:00.000-05:00

I have Monday off. So I feel rather silly today.

There's been very little knitting going on around here lately, and

Michelle won't put up with underachievers, so I humbly show the little bit of what I knit.

The Top Down Hat from

Hello Yarn It doesn't look like much I know, it was my 1st attempt at a figure 8 cast on and only took me about 8 tries to get it right. Maybe the 1st person to discover this clever method figured 8 times trying before casting on would do it. It was way awkward, but once I got it, I kinda felt a little full of myself.

Adrian rescued me after the 7th try. Thanks Adrian! So here's a close up of the top where the cast on was worked:

Linus is in the background, ignoring me. Did I mention I'm also working on my photography skills? I'd also like to introduce you to another one of my little ~~childlike habits~~ joys to play with.

A gift from my SIL when we moved into our house about ~~517~~ 19 years ago. You'll be seeing these on special occasions. Tomorrow, I hope to have a decent Saturday sky pic along with a larger hat and possibly more

Forest Canopy Lace Hey, if you're gonna dream, dream big...

As Random as it Gets

2006-10-04T09:57:00.000-05:00

Like numbers? This will blow you away!

Here is a math trick so unbelievable that it will stump you.

1. Grab a calculator. (you won't be able to do this one in your head)
2. Key in the first three digits of your phone number (NOT the area code)
3. Multiply by 80
4. Add 1
5. Multiply by 250
6. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number
7. Add the last 4 digits of your phone number again.
8. Subtract 250
9. Divide number by 2
Do you recognize the answer?

Saturday Sky and Then Some

2006-09-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

So this is the sunshine state? yick...followed by much sunshine and 80 something heat.

Today is Linus' 11th birthday, and what kind of mom would I be if I didn't acknowledge it! Happy Birthday, Linus your highness!

That's him perched on the back of the chair completely uninterested and yes, it's broken. He is gonna be pissed when we get a new one. Even Dolly the wonder dog got dressed up for the occasion.

Disclaimer: No animals were harmed in the making of this post. But they were slightly humiliated.

I joined in what looks to be the most perfect KAL for me! And anyone for that matter who wants to bust some stash. Check out the

Lonesome Skein KAL

I'm playin in the stash already. My first project is going to be for Kate who wants the Toturo Hat from

Hello Yarn

Adrian was kind enough to reply immediately to my email when I was failing repeatedly on the figure 8 cast on. When I tackle something new, sometimes it takes at least a few tries to get a feel for it. I find putting it down for a while till the "little knitting voice" says, it's time now. I love a knitting epiphany! One good thing about being new at it, there's so many yet to come! And in this case, darling Kate gets a hat from it. Kate's pretty creative herself, I always thought, how can I have kids that do not want to knit? There's yarn and supplies everywhere, until I realized this IS her knitting:

This was drawn with a black ink pen and colored pencils. Not bad Kate OXOXOXOX

10 Things, 2 GiveBacks and a Shawl

2006-09-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

10 Knittery Things You Didn't Know About Me - An invitation from

Grumperina

1. I've be dying to learn how to knit for years, many years & finally taught myself how last November. I was thrilled & have lots of time to make up for.

2. I'm very self-conscious about the things I make due to the fact that I'm a severe perfectionist.

3. ANY and EVERY chance I get to acquire books, magazines, yarn and "supplies" for knitting, I WILL do it - Even if it means not getting new clothes or (be still my leather lovin heart) shoes.

4. Much housework has been neglected due to knitting and blogging (without guilt of course)

5. By nature I'm a "just go for it" person, but when it comes to knitting, I'm a little trepidatious about doing something new (like lace OMG) but I'm doing it anyway.

6. I love wearing cotton garments (I do live in Florida ya know) I don't much like knitting with cotton. Even when I squish 2 clean socks together from the dryer, it makes my skin crawl & that ain't pretty.

7. I'm not a packrat, but when it comes to hoarding knitting books and especially yarn, let's just say - I'm up for any game of my stash is bigger than your stash. Although I wouldn't be on the top of the mountain, I'd see me alot of valley below.

8. I'm not a 1 project grrl. Or even a 3 project grrl.

9. I get really cranky if I don't touch any knitting within 48 hrs

10. I still like to crochet. I've been doing it for 40 years and my mom taught me how. It led me to learn knitting alot faster than if I never did. I don't have my mom anymore, but I have her legacy of crochet.

whew! I didn't realize how ravin mad I am about knitting...nexxxxtttttt your turn!

I did finish 2 things for giving back. The 1st of many I hope red scarf for the Red Scarf Project (in the sidebar). And a Chemo Cap for a hospital. These items go to our Grand Poobahs of our kntting group, and they get them to the right parties.

I did start on the

Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl

. I see folks cranking these out 1 and 2 a week. Not THIS grrl! I'm sloooow. It's a shawl easy for even the 1st time lace knitter (me), and it does look tiny right now, but I feel another addiction coming on!

So,

Michelle

hang in there, the Leaf Lace is gonna be keeping you warm one of these days.

Help! Does anyone have some

Katia Jamaica

lying around?

Elizabeth

can use some. I'm gonna send her some just because her birthday is coming.

Are You Talkin to Me?

2006-09-24T10:19:00.000-05:00

Michelle

you're on...

Saturday Sky

2006-09-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

From the south,

to the east, it's all different here. For years I've been trying to ~~force~~entice my girls to try on a craft, ANY craft. It's not like there isn't a dozen or so mediums aound here. Since Meg is in 6th grade and has art class, she HAD to do this:

A yarn project...The funny thing is, she didn't flinch as I grabbed it and photographed it knowing it would be added to the blog. Note to kids: Nothing creative is sacred around here any more! I think they're getting it. It's just a matter of training the neighbors not to snicker when they see me in my PJs photgraphing the sky, my flowers and stuff I bring out of the house.

There's been little knitting going on here, but I did manage a chemo cap for the cousin of one the girls in my Monday night knitting group.

I do have to start on some things and get photos posted before Michelle starts ~~complaining~~ gently reminding me that I need new photos on the blog.
Where would I be without ya? Probably not knitting or blogging.

I am going to attempt a button of my own today. I figure, if we blog it, we're comitted to it. ~~Even if we don't but have a seemingly good excuse why we didn't.~~

Have a terrific weekend all! I have to catch up on reading some blogs.

E C F The 1st

2006-09-22T05:54:00.000-05:00

Late bloomer this year, but always worth the wait. Happy Friday!

Hooome, Home on the range...

2006-09-18T12:15:00.000-05:00

Yes I am...for 2 days that is. So I can work on creating a button, and hopefully, some knitting. I finished the red scarf and need to block it, it goes to my knitting group for the Red Scarf Project (over in the sidebar). I started the Mary Poppins scarf that I found

here

. And this is the meager progress I made so far:

As you can see, it's the perfect scarf for Florida, so I may keep it for me. I'm using a worsted weight yarn I bought long ago simply because I liked the colors. Ya never know what and when something from the stash will call out to you. Besides the

Forest Canopy Shoulder Shawl

I told

Michelle

I was going to start, I also bought this to make

this

.

Lots and lots of Wildflower D.K. from Plymouth yarn. It's a DK weight 51% cotton/49% acrylic yarn and holy crap, there's alot of it. But I did promise both my daughters an afghan and I must deliver. They both chose their own. I have to photograph the other, it should be quicker to make as it's crocheted. Michelle, I AM ready to start the shawl now, this is what I bought

I'll be using the Knit Picks Shadow in the Jewels colorway. A really nice fingering weight and for me, a first. It's the dark blue looking one, although a few colors radiate from it. My photos do not do these yarns justice, so check out Knit Picks over in the sidebar for a much better look. I also have to make a Chemo Cap for someone and then the

Toturo Hat

by eldest daughter's request. I'm not over extending myself...right? Hey boss! May have a couple more days off?

Saturday Sky

2006-09-16T11:00:00.000-05:00

AM

PM

Have you stripped lately?

2006-09-12T20:21:00.000-05:00

Stop that! I'm talkin fabric here. Finally, a use for all that fabric that's accumulated over the years. I'm making 1" strips for the Tailgate Rag Rug in

Ann and Kay's book.

And whatever else may come to mind.

Also an almost FO for The Red Scarf Project, over in the sidebar. Just deciding on an edging. It's made with yarn that's cottony and silky in your basic stockinette stitch. The label was long ago lost.

The crocheted baby blankie is waiting for its edging too. I need to know what kind of baby is going to be be using it before I can add the color, then a matching sweater can be made too. I may be getting a little ambitious on the projects here. It's that job and those kids that keep calling me mom and all.

Michelle

thinks it's good idea to have a shawl stitch n' bitch and I agreed. Anyone like to join us? We're new at it, so it would be exciting to have ~~experienced knitters holding our hands~~inspiration from seasoned knitters. Michelle, if I'm not speaking for you here, I'll fly up there so you can slap me one. Then we can go have that beer.

Shake, Rattle and Roll?

2006-09-10T18:38:00.000-05:00

When you live in Florida, you certainly don't expect to read the morning news and see this:

So I checked into the story at our local

NBC news. We're accustomed to at least a week's warning with a hurricane. Note to mother nature: WE DON'T DO EARTHQUAKES HERE. Ah please?

Just makes me feel rather sheepish.

Saturday Sky

2006-09-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

This was taken about 5 weeks ago, but it was Saturday. Today's photo would render a grey square.

Honey, I blew up the blog

2006-09-07T20:52:00.000-05:00

Michelle,

This post is dedicated to you. And no, I didn't do it on purpose. While at work today, I noticed a button did not have the proper link attached, so after adding the link to the button, I pushed the Destroy everything you've built for the last 5 months button. Didn't know I had that one. I tell you, it's the knitting godess. She's paid a few visits before, but not with such force. All because my

next project

is to be altered slightly. Not the pattern, I was just going to use a slightly heavier yarn and larger needles. I just bought the Denise needle set and the Knit Picks Options set last month. Also bought these: The knitting godess may think I'm getting carried away, so don't tell her I have one more box coming next week. I'm still working on getting the rest of the buttons back up and at work we don't get days off for blog repair. Have a fiberlisious day!