Batty for Yarn

AHHHHHHH!!!!

2010-10-24T15:31:00.003-04:00

I just can't believe it has been since July since I last posted. I thought I was going to be so good! Well I know you know, but life happens. We have been so busy with our day-to0-day stuff That I don't get on the computer much. Little G is taking a nap, so I have time to update pictures, ravelry and my blog.

G is growing like a weed these days. He will be 9 months old on Nov. 2nd. I just can't believe it. What a little person he is too. He has 2 teeth and he does look so cute! He is crawling around and pulling himself up on things. Only a few bumps and bruises. He has learned to ease himself down gentley this week, so that is great instead of just letting go!

I have been busy with work and getting things settled there. I don't know why, but things at school just seem a little hectic this year. More than usual. It is hard to believe that we are two months in already too.

On the knitting front I have been ticking off small projects for gifts... plus a lot of recorder cases for the kids! I really should make those all year long or over the summer instead of Sept and make myself crazy having them ready for October!

Here's all my latest goodies:

some morew baby cloths

a baby shrug

a matching frilly hat

some crowns for me niece

lastly some crocheted hats for gifts...

hope all is well with you all. I hope to keep caught up now!

I thought I had more time

2010-07-28T11:24:00.002-04:00

Summer time means more time at home right? Why can't I find the time to update here once in a while? I guess a soon to be 6 month old keeps me busy. Little G is doing great and will be 6 months on Monday. Crazy how time flies. I have so much to show you too! There has been knitting!

Made these Noro socks a little while back but just didn't get the picture off the camera!

Made this water bottle cozy real fast for a swap last month. Love the leaf design too!

Sewed the toes on these this morning. Started them on a car trip, but it took a while to really get the second one done this month.

I even have some Christmas knitting done! This is that cute little lionbrand cardi with the eylets on the top. Can't really tell from the picture, but it came out super cuter with this bargan Vanna yarn I found. MAking a similar one for my other niece too. They both love purple!

Great swap package over on Ravelry that I was a part of. Don't you just love that shawlette?

Even a little blue cable bib for little G:

That's about all from here. I am caught up on my knitting pics and even slipped one of little G in there for you! He is almost sitting up by himself and can rolls both ways now. We might be ready for him to be mobile!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-04T12:35:00.002-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA for a bit. Heading back to work left me with no real "free time" for the computer. Little G doesn't like being where the computer is, so I canonly get here when he is sleeping (and I have been sleeping when he does) or if huby has him. But I haven't been able to stay on for too long.

Have been knitting too... when I can...

Made this cute little mock cable hat for G last month before I had to return the book to the library.

Made him a few bibs for those droolly occasions.

And lastly husband's birhtday socks:

Just a lot of leftovers in his favorite colors.

I have a sweater for my niece on the needles as well as a pair of socks for me too. I am out of school for the summer, so I am going to enjoy every minute I have! Mom, G, and Me took a road trip last week to VA. to visit my sister and her family. G did great in the car. We broke the trip in half each way with a stop in PA. for the night each direction. We had a lot of fun. Boy is it hot in VA. Not sure I could do that for long. Of course we are starting our own heat weave today. Hope we survive the humidity!

Tomorrow I am getting back on the exersice wagon. Since I started back to work I haven't even been able to do much walking with G in the carriage. SO I hope to get him outside during the mornings while it is cooler. Plus I am taking an ourdoor bootcamp class for the month of July! I hope I survive that too! Just realy needed a jumpstart to my routine. I like to workout at home, but I figured this would get me out doing something by myself while hubby watching little G or drops him off at one of the grandmother's for the morning.

Glad to get a chance to check in. Will post a new pic of G soon as he just turned 5 months on Friday! Where does the time go?

May already??

2010-05-21T19:21:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I let a month slip right on by there. In my defense I started back to work and was trying to get little G on somewhat of a schedule. Schedule not so much now that he is at 2 grandmothers' house during the week while I am at work. Once he is home he is on one. Weird.

Going back to work wasn't so bad. I sneak off at lunch to see him and feed him, so it break sup the day. He is getting big.

Lots of little knitting projects happening too. There was a baby shower at work this week so I had been working on things for her including:

These adorable baby cloths! I love the patterns and want to get more designs from this creative person!

Plus a small hat and thumbless mitts and

this fun little crocheted baseball cap. Little G is modeling. I will have to make him one in a bigger size. It is a cute pattern and fits really well!

Only a few more weeks of work until summer vacation which is nice. Plus I got my first paycheck today which helps too! Too bad the weather has to be so darn hot here during May! Can't it wait until school's out?

Hope everyone is doing well out there. I am off to check in on a few of your blogs!
Happy weekend!

Spring is finally here!

2010-04-24T14:46:00.002-04:00

Not sure where the last couple of weeks went, but they have come and gone. The grass needs mowing and the perennials are starting to show. I haven't gotten out there to rake up the leaves that didn't make it to the compost pile! Yikes!

Little G keeps me hopping these days. We are taking him out more and experience the world. Little cutie. We drove to Rochester last weekend and he slept most of the drive which was awesome! He is finally learning to sleep in the car. That wasn't true in the beginning. Had a fun time with my aunt and uncle.

Haven't been knitting too much or reading either, just moving right along in short choppy steps. A few small projects for gifts:

Cute little dragonfly bag. Love this stitch. Think it would make a great stitch for socks.

A washcloth to put in a bag for a friend going through a tough time. She loves purple and this finished up this skein of cotton!

Plus I was in an exchange on Ravelry:

Got some great stuff from yarn, patterns, cookies and a sock project bag. I have been dieing for that caterpillar scarf pattern and I finally got it! Yeah!

And lastly I will leave you with a pic of my growing baby boy. He found his hands and fingers this week and his voice too!

Hope to get back soon with some really knitting content. I head back to work in another couple of weeks. Luckily for me summer vacation is just around the corner after that!

Made it to the new yarn store

2010-04-03T17:01:00.002-04:00

Can't believe I was able to get there already, but on the way home from the doctor's yesterday we dashed in to see the joint. It is a beautiful shop. She needs more yarn, but it did look lovely in the new setting! I couldn't not buy something. No it wasn't sock yarn! I am overstocked in that area as it is. I bought a cotton tweed in a bright blue to make little G a vest I think. I was looking for a good pattern on Ravelry, so I have a plan to use the yarn in the near future.

Had to show you the twins in their new garden hats. Stopped to see my friend last week and her girls are beautiful. Just a month older than little G.

Aren't they adorable?

Little G is doing well. Had his check up the other day. Grew another inch and a half and is up to 11 lbs now. My little weed, growing so fast. We had lovely weather the past few days, so we have been outside loving it! I'd love to get in a little gardening if I can get him to sleep in the stroller.

Have been working on some left sock yarn peds for hubby's b-day in June and a second pair of Noro socks for me. His are almost done, mine, not so much.

Having a quiet day at home tomorrow for Easter. Can't wait to enjoy it as a little family.

A new LYS is in the works!

2010-03-18T14:46:00.002-04:00

Sadly a few months ago one of our LYS closed down due to high rent, etc, but she ended up selling the business and it is almost ready to open up again! Hopefully it will be a wonderful new place to visit and spend time at. I was hoping it was already open, but she needs a little more time to deal with all the yarn... doesn't that sound promising?

Well, little G is keeping me very busy, but I have a little help most days, so I can run an errand or take a nap. Both my mom and my hubby's mom have been wonderful these past 6 weeks! I can't believe little G is already 6 weeks old! How fast the time goes....

Yes, I have been knitting while little one sleeps or eats. A friend had twins right before me, so I made these two garden hats for her daughters...

The pattern was super easy and even putting the flowers on was much like adding a bead. Hope they like their new hats.

I have also been trying to use up a little stash. SO I have been working on a few scarves as gifts. That's about all from here today. I'll show you the cute hat I made for Little G next time!

Welcome March

2010-03-08T18:00:00.001-05:00

My only FO of the month. Things have been quiet and uneventful here. Time with a newborn makes the world speed up!

Where did the time go?

2010-02-22T17:25:00.002-05:00

Here is out little G man!

The little one was born on Groundhog's day! A crazy day all around for us. He was 6 13 and 20 inches long. SInce then he has put on a little more wieght is is just over 7 lbs and 21 inches now. I am getting some sleep when he does, but there has been o real knitting going on, so I thought I would show you one pic witht he hat I knit for him a while back!

I hear him crying for some dinner... off I go!

Still Waiting....

2010-01-30T13:04:00.002-05:00

Silly I know, but the little one is overdue... nothing new really, but this week has been tough on my body the last 40 weeks have been a dream, but this week has been a little trying. I really feel like a pregnant lady waddling and belly first! My hip started hurting this week which really doesn't help at all. Well the news is, if I don't have the baby this weekend I have an appt. at the hospital for induction on Tuesday. So the little guys time clock is ticking down! The question is... will we have a baby in January or February.

Other than getting little down in the house since I am not standing up for very long at a time... I have been gift knitting.

A cute tic-tac-toe game for my niece's 4th b-day in March.

Along with this adorable vest made in Homespun. The pattern is from last year's knitting calendar.

These are for a friend. They are the Irish Hiking fingerless mitts. Really easy and fast.

Made this lattice scarf for my mom as a thank you for all the driving me around she has been doing. It came out really nice in my opinion.

Well, that's all from here. Hopefully I'll have a different picture or two to shown you next time!

Still hanging in

2010-01-21T12:56:00.002-05:00

I am very close to the due date which is Monday. Have a drs appt tomorrow, so that'll be interesting to hear what they say about me and the little one. He is growing and moving like crazy. I stopped working a week and a half or so ago. It is has been so nice to be at home and get some things done! With the nice weather, I have been able to get outside and walk for a while each day. So between getting the house ready, walking and resting I have also been knitting too!

Finished these Wanida Socks from Cookie A's Sock Innovations book last week. I had to do only one repeat of the pattern since I wasn't sure about how much yarn I really had in the skein. I used Summer Sox in cotton and wool. They are great to wear, but there wasn't a ton of yardage!

So with the tiny bit of leftovers, I made a very small pair of socks for the little one. He will be able to wear them in a while. Too big for a newborn right now though. I do love the color of these socks too!

A friend at work has been supplying us with some boy clothes for the last couple of months when she finds them. He daughter is having a little girl, so I whipped up a couple of girly things for her..

This adorable lacy hat, plus the Petal hat which I love, but didn't take a picture of.

And these newborn booties. All in this pink pearly yarn I had in the stash. It is super soft and a cute pale color too.

I have a few other things in the works as well, including my nieces 4th b-day present coming up in March... figured while I had time, I would get those done too. Not sure how awake I'll be and motivated to knit I'll be in the next few weeks. Hopefully I never lose my drive for knitting!

Well, here;s hoping I have some exciting news the next time I get to post! Wish me luck!

First day of Leave

2010-01-12T10:37:00.002-05:00

I am home from now on. It is a lovely feeling not to have to rush around getting ready for work and warming up the car. Now the waiting game starts... when will this baby make his appearance? I really don't know, but I am happy to have some time at home to get a little more ready since the two weeks at Christmas didn't really get me very far. With my husband on the living room floor then, I really could get nothing done with him in the house. He has been getting better little by little. Each day is a little different. He does have good days and bad days, but luckily nothing like those over the holidays. He is back working and out of the house! I am looking forward to several hours by myself everyday! Although I do have family members checking in all the time, which is interesting.

I have been knitting like crazy... I know you already think I did that before!

Here are my Nutkins. I loved the pattern stitch! It was easy to remember and worked up pretty quick. The yarn was lovely. It is Prism, Saki in Smoke. The only issue was it stained my fingers as I worked with the yarn. I had to scrub my hands every time I knitted! I will have to soak these socks and wash them a few times before I put them on my feet! Otherwise I will have black toes!

I found this cute little kits for the Tassel Top hat pattern from Bully Woolies at the LYS. Sadly it is going out of business, so I have visited there a few times. I of course bought more sock yarn... that I really don't need at all, so this kit was a fun change. The pattern was easy and it is made from cotton. I may have to make a few others for the nieces in larger sizes next year. It is a cute and fast project.

Well, just wanted to update you. I am feeling good and should get off the computer and do a few things on my long to-do list that I created to keep me occupied over the next week or 2 (or 3 or 4?!?!?) Hope all's well with you all. I'll keep you posted.

January is here

2010-01-05T16:50:00.002-05:00

Wow... I is hard to believe it is January already. I am happy to kick off the new year to tell you the truth, it was a strange and somewhat difficult 2009 in some regards and happy and exciting in others. I am about 37 weeks and counting now. I went back to work this week which keeps me busy and my mind occupied at least for a couple more weeks. I have a drs appt tomorrow, so we'll see how that goes and what they tell me then. I do feel good still... back to being a little tired at the end of the day. I really like coming home and knitting and reading for the night. Oh, I loved that before too, but now it is too cold to do any errands after work, so home is GOOD!

I finally have a few pictures for you too...
First project of the year...

Just a scrap blanket that my sister gave me the small squares before she moved, so I thought I would try to bulk it up to donate later this year once I have a few more blankets.

Ribbed sweater for the baby:

Loved this adorable Debbie Bliss freebie pattern and I thought I would test it out for us. I made it in the smallest size, but I would love to make it a lot larger for later on. It was super fast and easy. Reminded me of the t-shirt type sweater where you start with the back go up, cast on for the arms, and then come down the front. Really nicely done!

Petal Socks:

Finished these a while back in Dec. I loved the yarn and the pattern. The yarn is Prism - Saki in the Fog colorway. I love it! I hope that the LYS has some more of it!

My new cowl:

I don't have a hat and I am not sure I am really a hat person, so I decided to try this cowl pattern - the fresco basket cowl. I joined the KAL at Ravelry and this worked up pretty fast too. I have worn it a few times as a cowl, but not yet as a hood. It doesn't stay up on my head like I would really like... so there may be a hat in my future!

That's about all from here. I need to think about dinner. Not sure what or if I really want to cook tonight. Hope all is well with you all!

Happy December

2009-12-27T15:49:00.002-05:00

I can't believe how fast this month went and we are almost ready to turn the calendar again! We've had kind of a crazy couple of weeks again here at home. I am doing fine and baby is moving like mad! I am up to 36 weeks and heading to the doctor's every week now. All these doctor's appointments and extras have kept me way too busy. Not to mention all the family get togethers and holiday baking which I also squeezed in there. School went right up to Wednesday this year, so that made it extra crazy and I had to train my replacement so going over things and lessons has been a huge chore since I'll be out for a few months.

Hubby has thrown out his back and his sciatic nerve has been too much trouble over the last 3 weeks. He hasn't ridden in a car since Thursday when we were heading to my mom's for dinner and he couldn't make it down the street due to the pain. Needless to say we turned around and headed home where I dropped him off and had to go, since dinner was in my car! He is doing better as of today. I got him out for a walk around the block and he can actually sit for a few minutes and lay on his side instead of his stomach. We are heading to the doctor's tomorrow and hopefully x-rays to see if it is something more serious. Hopefully he can be a good passenger and stretch out if he needs to.

We have one more family dinner tonight so hopefully he can manage the car for 5 minutes as we head down the road.

I have been doing some knitting, but it has been easier to read than count lately. Finished off several books including The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Not bad, but not as engaging as his other books. I am ready to start another new one tonight as I finish off a little baby sweater.

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I have pictures on my camera ready to show you, but not enough time today to load them where I want them.

First Snow

2009-12-06T14:31:00.002-05:00

Yes, we had out first snow of the year yesterday. It is still on the trees today, but the roads seem to be fine. We were really only supposed to get a dusting, but it was more like 3 inches. I ran errands in the morning and just as I was turning the corner for home, my muffler and pipe gave way! What a noise. I swear it happens every year at this time. Being Saturday, my regular mechanic isn't working at 1 in the afternoon, so I scurried to find a place to fix it that day. Luckily I found one and it was done before they closed. Not really what I needed yesterday, but I was going to take it in next week when I get my snow tires and inspection done... oh well. One this checked off the list now.

Thanks for all your kind words about Bailey over the last month. It was super hard and even though we all have to go through the loss of a pet many times in our lives... this one seemed much harder. Husband came home with his ashes this week in a beautiful jar/urn. Of course we started in crying all over again. Of course in another month once the baby arrives, we will have something to take our minds off of our loss, but the day to day is weird without him here.

There has been knitting!

I worked on these mindless (yes that's what I needed) Maizy socks. Weird how they are the same lot number and the pattern is different. More blue in one, more rusty color in the other! I looked the yarn, but it is a little thicker than regular sock yarn.

Made a top down hat for our little one with matching thumbless mitts. The yarn is so super soft. My mother found it on sale at a LYS that I don't get to visit often, and bought one small skein.

Lastly,

Here is my last Christmas present for husband. You know how he loves orange, so I thought He'd love this pattern with an olive green. You can see I did the lining with orange. I had some Knitpicks wool left from a hat I made him several years ago now, so I thought it would be perfect. I actually left out 10 rows of the pattern. I think the hat would have been way too big and I would have ran out of yarn too.

That's all from here. Now that I have finished the hat and socks, I need to find something else to work on this week. Maybe I will wind up some new sock yarn and work on another pair of socks for me.

Thanksgiving Weekend

2009-11-29T15:39:00.002-05:00

It has been really nice having a few days off from work to rest and put my feet up when I can. The week before was too much and I really needed some time to depress and collect my thoughts. We had to put Bailey down last Tuesday, so we have been on an emotional roller coaster with that and going to childcare classes and a doctor's appointment. We are still getting used to Bailey not being in the house or greeting us at the door. It has been strange.

I don't have pictures today, but I have finished a few very small projects for the little one. A small hat and thumbless mittens. I have also been working on socks for me in Maizy, which I am not sure I actually like, but one sock is done. I cast on for a fair isle hat for a present too.

I have actually been reading more than knitting when I can (between classes, family get togethers and basketball season starting....) Seems to ease my mind and there has been too much on it lately. Just picked up the a Jodi Picoult... Vanishing Acts. I have read almost everything else by her, so I was surprised when I started it yesterday that is wasn't familiar.

Tonight after getting lots of laundry done and put away, we are heading out for one last family dinner at a local restaurant. I'll post a few pics soon.

Sunday and sunny

2009-11-15T15:35:00.003-05:00

Overall not a bad weekend. At least the rain is gone and it was warm and sunny today. Very unusually for November.

Thanks for all your kind words and thoughts about Bailey. He was holding his own until yesterday. He isn't doing much but sleeping right now. I think my husband is finally ready to let him go, so tomorrow we'll call the vet in the early am. I just don't want to see either of them suffer from what Bailey is going through.

I'm feeling pretty good. Can't believe I am 7 and a half months along right now. Baby is moving and kicking up a storm right now. We had one shower a few weeks ago and I have a work one coming up this week on Thursday. That is also between Infant care classes for my husband and a check up at the doctors too. I'll be a very busy week overall. We are still house sitting for my FIL as well. These weeks I never feel like I get much accomplished. Luckily I have some things that weren't photographed, but are now to show you.

Here is another bib with a fun stitch pattern.

Saw this one and I loved the little dino pattern on front. It isn't really clear in the picture, but it is a fun pattern to knit up.

Now onto a few Christmas gifts...

This is a cute little cable scarf for my niece. It matches the sweater and beret that are already complete.

Queen Anne's Lace Scarf made with SWS yarn for my sister. I loved the colors. I have a little extra, so I may make a hat/beret for myself with these colors.

Lastly...

Scrap peds for my husband. Some Regia and Opal scraps worked together for these socks. Hope he likes them.

Going to check on the dog then work something up for dinner. Homemade Indian I think. Hope all is well with you, I'm sure this week will be tough. Looking forward to next weekend!

A Sunny Day

2009-11-08T12:01:00.002-05:00

I should be outside digging up the dahlias, but I'll get to those soon. It is a beautiful sunny day here so I thought I would use a little of the quiet time to get things up on the blog and off my camera. Today has been a good day. Bailey is doing ok. Not eating much, but moving around. The vet is not giving him very long, so we are in sort of a waiting period right now. Husband is having a very difficult time knowing that Bailey won't be around much longer. He's only 9, but he has made quite an impact on our lives.

Now onto knitting!!
Here's what I got at Rhinebeck so many weeks ago!!

I found a zuaberball, which I really want to try. Plus the Dorchester Farms had interesting yarn this year. I loved the skeins I bought 2 years ago. And some more Melody which I loved working with this summer. Seems I was on a little big of a purple kick at the festival!

Finished these socks for husband for Christmas. They are a little brighter orange with black flecks. It was a Knitpicks tweed yarn and just a plain 2x2 rib.

Also for Christmas is this little cardi for my Niece. Hopefully she likes it. It was super fast to knit and really easy. May have to make one for myself when I am back to my own size.

Now for some baby knits...

Finally got the zipper in the back of this hugs and kisses cable sweater. It is really adorable in person. The colors go really well together.

And lots of bibs..

I was trying out a bunch of different easy bib patterns. I liked the icord tie one. Just trying to use some of my cotton stash.

Currently I have a baby blanket on the needles, a pair of short shorts for husband and the Queen Anne's Lace crocheted scarf for my sister... I still have a few pictures to take of a few other things I finished over the last 2 weeks, so I will get those up soon. I am feeling good. I am 29 weeks and doing well. I am up to doctor's appointments every 2 weeks now, so that is one more thing to squeeze in there. We are house sitting for my in laws until the end of Nov., so we are living out of 2 houses. Can't wait til that's over and I am back in my own bed once again.

I am off to go dig a little then rest with my feet up! Have a wonderful week!

Time away

2009-11-05T16:52:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been MIA for a couple of weeks. I do have lots of pictures to show off, but I just hadn't made the time to upload them into fliker. Too much happening on this end over the past couple of weeks... between happy events (baby showers and family get togthers) and not so good stuff (death of a classmates and dealing with our dogs illness) I am really spent. I have really wanted to get online and check in for weeks now.

I will try to get here again this weekend and show off a few goodies. For now, dinner and feet up.

Off to Rhinebeck

2009-10-17T07:36:00.002-04:00

Too excited to sleep this morning, so I was up early. Making a little breakfast and will hit the road in a little while. Should take about an hour and a half to two hours to get there. Looking forward to walking around and doing some more yarn shopping. Sadly, I didn't see Morehouse Farms on the list this year though.

I am sure I'll need a nap when I get home after the walking today. It is only supposed to be around 46 degrees, so I need to plan a good warm outfit today. I'll let you know what I buy when we return!

Lots of Little things

2009-10-11T14:54:00.002-04:00

I have been making lots of little things. They go quick and my brain doesn't feel so taxed with bigger projects with a lot of counting and complicated patterns. I do have this passes and I can get back to my "normal" knitting eventually.

I friend is expecting next month so I made her this little lacy hat...

and these mock cable matching socks. Haven't given them away yet, but I will before the end of the month.

I also whipped up this easy cable beret for Ellie for Christmas. It matches the cardi that is just awaiting a flower on the front. It doesn't look like a beret, but that is what the pattern was. It was nice and chunky yarn, so it went pretty quick.

And for my own little one, I made this blue sweater. It goes with the square hat from my last post. I am thinking it might be a good take home outfits, but who knows. I have a small pile of handknit pieces for my LBB (little baby boy). I hope to do several more, but I might want to wait and make different sizes for later too. There are so many patterns I want to try out.

This morning I made a small pumpkin hat from the Itty-Bitty book for a friend who was in town. Didn't get a chance for a pic since my Hubby took off with it before I could get the camera. I love a good fruit or veggie hat! What kid doesn't look adorable it them?!?!?

I have the day off tomorrow and a scheduled Drs appt. Just routine and I hope it goes quick. You just never know when you walk in their doors. Hubby and I hopefully will get a few things done around the house tomorrow too. Keep your fingers crossed that we get the crib moved from downstairs to the upstairs room!

Lots of pics to share

2009-10-01T17:27:00.002-04:00

The week sort of got away from me, oh and the week before that! Things have been buzzing around here both at school and home... I can't believe it is Oct. 1st today! Crazy! Fall weather is here and here to stay I'm afraid. Broke out the mittens and cashmere scarf this morning! Cold and damp... yucky!

I have been working hard trying to get a few little projects completed for my little one... so I have a few pics to show.

First up is a pinwheel blanket. It is made with soft yarn with color flecks in there. Not sure if you can really see the. I really like the yarn. There are some leftovers, so a sweater of hat or something might be around the corner too.

Cute little moc-a-socs too! I had some leftover sock yarn that I really liked, so I made these booties. A little big for newborn feet, but I loved the pattern so I had to make them!!

A little square hat with stars from the Itty-Bitty book. Thought it was a cute and quick one I could handle. I am working on a matching sweater in the blue. Maybe the "home from the hospital outfit"? We'll see I guess.

Lastly...

We had a local fiber fest last weekend. The first annual. It was awesome! It was about 20 minutes from my house and there were tons of vendors there from local farms, stores, and even VT places too since that isn't too far. It's not Rhinebeck, but there were several barns full of vendors. We got there early and no crowds! I loved it. Can't wait until next year! So I got some Jitterbug sock yarn, 2 skeins of hand dyed sock yarn, 5 skeins of kool-aid dyed yarn to make 2 baby hats, and one gently used sweater pattern that zips up the back! Not bad really Lots of good buys. Now I am ready for Rhinebeck!

Feels like fall

2009-09-19T11:23:00.002-04:00

Well it will be here on Tuesday, of course the news seems to think we are going to have a frost/freeze tonight. I have to remember to get out to the garden and pick a few things and pull others inside.

Thanks for all the fun congrats messages. I am a good secret keeper huh? Everyone at work was thrilled, but very surprised! What fun I had making people's jaws drop! I am still not really showing at 5 & 1/2 months, so people look at me and shake their heads. I am getting bigger, but not really noticeable to an outsider I guess. Soon enough I'm told!

Well as for knitting I felted the elf slippers for the 5 YO birthday party....

They were a big hit! Size was a little too big, but she can wear them with socks now and they will fit eventually. They looked really cute on her too!

I worked on a project for me as well.

My new primavera socks, wich I am wearing right now since it was a little chilly this am. They fit great. Pattern seemed to move right along.

I am just finishing up a pinwheel blanket for my little one to be. Should be finished this weekend. Not sure what I will work on next. Should probably start thinking about holiday gifts though! Have you all started any holiday gifts?

I've been keeping a secret....

2009-09-05T16:09:00.002-04:00

I figured Labor day weekend might be the perfect time to share....

If you didn't guess, well I am having a baby. I am 5 months along already, hence keeping things a secret... Explains why I was taking naps all summer and getting lots of rest. I am due the end of Jan and we found out this week it's a boy! We are really excited! I finally get a chance to knit boy things since I have 2 small nieces.

I am heading back to work on Tuesday for several months, then a little time away from the job and back at it again. This year will be crazy, but I think I am up for the new changes. I will have to slow down on all the books I have been reading this summer and get cracking on some baby items. Just cast on last night for the Pinwheel blanket, and I have also been working on a pair of socks for me. Since the mornings have been chilly around here, I have pulled out a number of wool socks already to wear!

Hope everyone has a fantastic Labor day weekend! Thanks for stopping in!

Progress

2009-08-31T12:57:00.002-04:00

There has been progress this week. I have sewn and finished the three things on the needles these past couple of weeks.

These are the felted pixie type slippers for Gracie's birthday. Right now they are both sewn up and waiting the felting process. I have to find some jeans that need to be washed to help us out. I have about 2 weeks to get these completely done and dried!

I also made a Bobbi bear. It is the big version, but I altered it to make a smaller bear. I made the torso too long, so he might need a sweater to something to distract the eyes for his long torso. Over all an interesting pattern. It is a cute bear!

And I made these Lorna's Laces Lacy Spring socks. It was part of a KAL. I didn't have a single skein of Lorna's so I dug out so leftovers. I thought I would have enough, but if you look closely the toes are finished in a blue. You hardly notice the toes in person. They are comfy and snug. I really liked how the cuff was made. I will use that again.

So you see, lots of progress. I am impressed that I was able to push forward and finish these before the end of August. I went to school today, but to sort through the mail. I stayed an hour, and still didn't get through it all. We get a lot of stuff in the library! A lot of paper to recycle! I will head back again later this week. I want to open the boxes with books. Then it'll feel like Christmas seeing all those books!

Now that the heat is gone

2009-08-24T11:12:00.002-04:00

I can get back to normal. I feel like I lost a week or two with the crazy heat wave we had. I just don't function very well. I lose all train of thought and motivation in heat and humidity. Luckily I think it is breaking. I finally did some laundry today and it is out on the line - hopefully the thunderstorms will hold off for a while yet.

Since I had stayed inside, I got a lot of reading done and some knitting on different projects.

This is the Hugs and kisses sweater I started a while back. I ran out of yarn and wasn't able to find any this week. I have something similar, but a smidge lighter that I may jsut use for the hood. I would like to finish it and get the zipper in before school starts.

We have also had a huge amount of family in this month, so we have been having get togethers galore! I realized that my niece turns 5 in a few weeks and I hadn't done anything yet! I scrambled to thinkk of something and finally cam up with felted slippers. I just have to make 2 more little pieces and sew them up, then felt. Should be cute!

I also cast on for a pair of summery lace socks for me. I pulled scrap yarn and have started on second short sock already. They are working up pretty quick.

Tomorrow is a day of errands with my mother. We will be driving everywhere to visit several differnet stores. Then I really should head into school to check mail and straighten up, but once I walk in the door there is no turning back! School will begin again very soon!

Sticky Weekend

2009-08-16T08:40:00.002-04:00

I guess we are finally getting our summer heat. I wish it had been in July, since I am not really a fan of 90 degree weather. I am hoping that it doesn't run into Sept. It is terrible starting school when it is hot and humid and 90 degrees. Maybe it'll pass after this week.

Despite the heat I worked on wool blankets. Sad I know!

Finished these last week. I had a bag full of odds and ends that my MIL had found at a garage sale about 5-6 years ago. I used a lot of it when she gave it to me for socks and other small charity projects for kids in Russia, but as I was cleaning the stash room, I found the end of the bag. There was enough for two pretty large blankets. So they have some fun shades and tweeds when you look close. I am happy that I used up the bag, but non of them had any wrappers so I don't know what they were or how much was there.

Had a nice birthday on Friday. Very quiet. I stayed home and read and enjoyed some solo time while hubby went to a bike ride. My sister's gift arrived form VA too. An ornament, earrings and a drawing from Ellie. Hubby was too good to me. I told him not to go overboard... he tends to overspend. He found a little speaker to plug into my Ipod and it is amazing sound! Now I don't have to use earbuds or lug around a huge player when I go outside to the deck! My second gift was a cell phone. I have been holding out not getting one. But hubby really wants me to have one just to be safe when I am traveling. I guess I am ready to have one. It may come in handy.

Today I was going to go shopping since I have a few gift cards to spend, but it is going to be in the 90's today and well, I grabbed several movies from the library yesterday and I am back to knitting... so why would I want to leave the house?

1st Christmas present done!

2009-08-09T14:15:00.002-04:00

Scary, but I only started them in April and it took me until the very end of July to complete them! Yikes.

Nothing special really, just Lionbrand yarn I found for a dollar at Job Lots. Hubby will loved these come the winter. He looks forward to new handmade socks. The crazier the better it seems.

Finished up two more blankets too:

In the bags they go to be donated later this month. Right now the two bags are in the kitchen ... but I may have to move them soon since they are getting fuller and fuller with goodies. Hopefully they keep lots of people, both big and little warm over the winter.

This week was busy, beside all the crocheting. Went to 3 workshops for professional development hours. We need 6 hours every year for school. I did them this summer so I didn't have to worry about them during the school year. I scrambled last year, so I thought I'd make it easy on myself and get them done now. Also had a family get together with cousins that were in town, so needless to say, not much at home got done. A load of laundry that was all I could fit in.

This week should go a little easier. Going back to moving things around the house, planning on picking blueberries, a doctor's appointment, and my birthday is Friday. Very low key week I hope!

More Blankets.

2009-08-03T10:35:00.002-04:00

I haven't been knitting much lately, just crocheting this past week or so. I have also pulled everything out of my craft room. I am serious about downsizing and using what I have. The room looks bare now, but it still isn't quite done. We got new bookshelves for the room from my FIL, so out with the flimsy old ones and in with the wood. I am also moving a sock yarn dresser from the room upstairs and replacing it with a smaller bookshelf. All the books from my upstairs office are moving downstairs. Needless to say I am glad it is summer, because this whole project is taking me all summer. Which is ok. I do a little a day so it isn't too overwhelming. A lot to work into the house, but it will look and feel so much better when the two rooms are done.

Since I don't really have much baby colors anymore in the stash, I decided to make several for the local nursing home. Here are the latest two...

Just a simple ripple to work up the leftover skeins. I have some green yarn that is going to go into a blanket next. I am slowly making a dent, but there is so much more. I actually used up a huge bin of yarn this summer already from all the blankets I have done. Which is great. But as I was cleaning this week I found more acrylic stashed away. So that is now in the mound to use.

Other than reading and crocheting, I have made several batches of pickles - both dill and bread & butter. Cukes seem to be the only thing coming out of the garden this year. Not much else is really growing well. Or at least ready to be harvested.

Still July..

2009-07-27T16:18:00.002-04:00

Thankfully It is still July and I still have all of August to play with before Sept and school roll around again. Not much happening this week. Just trying to clean and organize the house a bit while I have some extra time on my hands. I pulled apart the yarn room the other day. I think it is more of a mess now than before! Yikes...

Pulled out some baby yarn my sister had given me before she left. Doubled it with some white yarn and whipped this granny up yesterday. Plus I had been using fun fur to make some crazy recorder cases for the fall. I thought I had used it all up and then proceeded to open another tote and found about 12 more skeins! I am using it as fast as I can just to get it out of the house.

I have had my knitting needles going too. I finished the pieces for a zip up kids cardigan and they are blocking. Hopefully I can sew that up this week and find a zipper.

Plus I started this cute thing:

It has the x's and o's cable up the front of this zip up the back hooded sweater. The pattern was so adorable, I had to try it. I have the front and one side of the back done.

Had lunch with a friend today at a new Asian restaurant. Great food! Even after walking for another hour and a half, I am still full from lunch! And I have leftovers for tomorrow! Yum!

Crazy week

2009-07-19T09:18:00.002-04:00

I has been somewhat of a crazy week. We are finally get a little heat for summer. Those are the days I like to stick close to home since the heat and humidity seem to make my head hurt... not migraine hurt, but just uncomfortable hurt. So 3 days this week have been a little tough on my head. Good the last 2 days which is nice though.

Wednesday I met a friend for lunch and a little yarn shopping. I bought the Bobbi Bear knit pattern that I have been really wanting to try for a year or so. I pulled out some yarn and plan to cast on for it soon. Thursday I met another friend for a trip to the NYC Ballet matinee. We had a nice time, but it was really hot! Luckily the program ended just as a thunderstorm was heading our way. I pulled into the driveway just as the rain started. Friday I had errands to run and had to stop in and see my mother. She has been a little needy lately since my sister moved to Virginia. (I can't remember if I told you they had actually moved... They have been gone about 3 weeks now. I do miss having them right around the corner. I will miss Ellie growing up, but luckily there is pictures and easy enough traveling plans. They are heading back for a visit at the end of August, so that will be great!)

Yesterday I went with my SIL to her friend's new house to help out with the flowers. She is from Texas and wasn't sure what she really had growing in the yard, plus she wanted to thin some of the beds out. She has a beautiful piece of property and it was fun looking at all the lovely beds. I was given some bee balm and some pink yarrow to add to my own garden.

Today, I am staying home! Too much running around the past few days has exhausted me! Luckily it is summer and I can tap a nap or two! Even with all these things I have been working hard. Here's the proof...

Finished these two blankets. Have a couple of other things going too. Not to mention my pile of books that I have been working through. Finished "the last promise" by Richard Paul Evans and "The God of Animals" by Aryn Kyle this week.

Fourth of vacation

2009-07-14T15:29:00.002-04:00

I realized today that I am a fourth of the way through my summer vacation. I love vacations were I don't really have to leave the house. I do this most days unless errands need to be done. I actually left the house today. I went to the post office and dropped off all of my latest projects: 8 blankets and about 9 sweaters at one place and 24 preemie hats at another. Even with all of this project completion, there doesn't seem to be a dent in the crazy stash.

I took time out and make myself a project this week:

I really needed these too! Even on a 90 degree day, I have cold feet. These have some in very handy the past few mornings! They are double stranded and very cushy.

Also finished a couple of blankets that have been dropped off as of today. In person these stripes are much more subtle. Flash makes them stand out.

Just a granny square. I try and do different patterns so I don't get too bored just using the stash.

Have another blanket of two in the works with some baby colors. Plus I have been knitting on hubby's socks. I have one completed and I started the second this morning. I have plans to go to the Ballet on Thursday at the outdoor theater, so I wanted to take the socks to work on them during the performance. We'll see how much I get done.

Working hard...

2009-07-10T08:51:00.002-04:00

on my stash. I have three bags of sweaters and blankets to donate. I am hoping the place is open today so I can drop things off and move them out of my back room. I really need to clean up and organize a lot more in that room. It is overflowing with yarny goodness!

Here is the latest things to go in the bag...

A cute Patches blanket from an older crochet book I have on my shelves. I loved the look of it, but there were way too many ends to weave in. I hate to weave in ends. But over all it was really cute I think.

Can't really tell from this picture, but it is a little crocheted short sleeve jacket. If I had one more skein, then it would be a little different. Can you believe this yarn was in the stash? I borrowed 3 Candi Jensen books from the library and had fun making several sweaters. Crocheting goes much faster than knitting for me. I thought I could get through the stash faster if I crocheted a few things.

I finally remembered to get the socks I was working on for my hubby for Christmas out of the car. I had them there so I could work on them whenever, but since school stopped they have been idle, so I grabbed them yesterday and was able to turn the heel and start the gusset on the first sock. It feels funny knitting after all that crocheting. I am itching to start something for me. I think It will be a pair of slippers and then Nutkins Socks.

Using Stash

2009-07-03T12:43:00.002-04:00

That is my number one goal for this summer. Use up my stash. Or at least the acrylic part. I was gifted several tubs full last year and I decided it is high time I got to use them and donate the projects. Yesterday I pulled it all out of the closet and had a look. There is a lot! Some I will never use, but most can be worked into blankets, sweaters or hats. So that is my goal. I have two bags ready to donate next week. The fun part is trying out a whole bunch of different patterns. I borrowed a few Candi Jensen books from our library and found a couple of little things to make. Plus I pulled out some of my printed patterns over the years and worked on them too. If I am going to use stash, I might as well have fun.

This is a small carriage blanket done in the box stitch. I think it came out really cute. I would work this pattern again too.

Made this crocheted sweater from a booklet I had around. It is pretty cute in person. Yarn was from a swap, so it works.

Made a matching hat to go with it too. Still a tiny bit of yarn left, but not much!

This purple number was knit using a Bernat hooded sweater pattern - minus the hood. I didn't really like how it was constructed.

This is a Candi Jensen pattern. It was supper easy, but the sleeves a thin. I started with pink, but ran out, so now it is a pink and purple sweater. Weird but cute in person.

I have a few other things in pieces and no pictures until they are finished. I started an crocheted blanket last night -- seems to use up a lot of yarn! And I started making a few recorder cases for the start of school. Just have to sew together one other thing and you will have lots more pictures!

After several straight days of rain, I am happy the sun is out. I don't mind if it is a little cool, but sun is always good! We have two parties to go to tomorrow and Sunday. I was volunteered to bring dessert. So I am making a chocolate mousse pie and some double chocolate cookies. Luckily it isn't 90 degrees, or I might be buying something at the store!

Have a very Happy 4th of July!

Summer Vacation

2009-06-28T12:27:00.002-04:00

Lovely thoughts... I am officially on summer vacation. Last day for the kids was Wednesday and teachers went in on Thursday for a few contractual hours. SO Friday was my first day! I have been getting lots of little cleaning projects and cooking done around the house. I get up and read for a few hours every morning and knit or crochet away for several hours too. I have been out of the house doing an errands or two a day, plus walks with our dog and the husband. I think I am really going to enjoy this summer!

As you know I am really trying to use up the extra yarn I have in the house, so I have been working on a few crocheted blankets - they just go so much faster than knitting them... and some preemie hats and some sweaters too.

These little sweaters work up in no time at all.

I love a good ripple pattern, so I made one in the round with pinks and one in purples. Sadly I have not made much of a dent in my acrylic stash. I pulled out some more last night and have made some progress on a cute box stitch carriage blanket. I also have one other crocheted sweater somewhere and pieces of a knit one blocking. I'll show those off next time.

I just really wanted to up date and see what is happening with everyone else. I seem to lose track of time when I am at home these days and not get on the computer. I am looking forward to working on some socks, but I am on this donation kick for the moment, so I will get a few more things put aside to donate downtown once I can go during their business hours. Then maybe I'll get back to me... I haven't ripped out my cable socks yet, but I did put them away. I will most likely rip them out and use a different pattern.

Another visit

2009-06-19T16:44:00.002-04:00

I have been working on the spindle socks a bit and tried them on yesterday. They are very tight. I am thinking of frogging them. Maybe going with a toe up sock instead. I love the yarn, but the pattern from the start hasn't been my friend.

Instead of knitting I started on another crocheted blanket to donate. I quickly went through some red heart yarn and picked several skeins to use up. After this one I think I need to go back to knitting for a while. I bought these to help sway me:

I may not use the yarn right away, but I really want to try out these new needles! I have been drooling over them in the catalog and online for a while, so I couldn't help it.

Not much else happening around here. The garden is finally in. Perfect timing with a rain storm the next day. We spread things out a bit more to give them more room to grow. Can't wait to see those cukes coming in. I had to buy some at the market today because we have been wanting the 7 day refrigerator pickles. I made a ton last year, and I want to start again soon. Of course I forgot the vinegar at the market today, so I'll stop tomorrow and pick some up. mmmm pickles!

New month!

2009-06-14T11:14:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I surprise myself and can get online at home and multitask. These past few weeks, I just haven't done well with things. I have been a little overtired and have let many things fall by the wayside! Yikes. School is coming to a close. We just have this week and next, then I'll be on summer vacation. I am really looking forward to it. I really just want to be able to get up, have a cup of coffee and stay in my comfy clothes until late morning! Soon.

My garden is doing pretty well. I have been picking lots of asparagus, lettuce and strawberries. I even made a batch of strawberry scones this morning. They are so delicious! Soon I will be seeing some radishes and peas hopefully. I love picking straight from my own house instead of buying things at the store!

As for knitting I have completed a pair of slouchy socks:

I did intend these for me... but I think they will fit hubby a little better. I like the way the heels came out too. A little funky for striped yarn.

I also cast on for a second pair of socks for me:

These are the Spindle Socks. Well they started out that way, and then I modified the pattern to a better looking cable in my head. Of course there have been nights the past couple of weeks I just haven't felt like knitting, so I haven't.

Last week I picked up my crochet hook for the first time in a long while. I can do that in my sleep, so I have been working on preemie hats and some baby sweaters. I am really trying to use up the odds and ends I have around. I have a bunch of gifted yarn that I plan to make into blankets, but first I have to pull it out and look at what colors there are.

Thanks for stopping in to check on me. I have to take a few more pics and I will post again soon.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T12:51:00.002-04:00

I am taking a break for the outdoors for a few moments. Had to have a little lunch so I thought I would jump here and update since I meant to get here yesterday. Spent the morning spreading seeds. I had a bunch for friends and ones that I have collected, so I thought, no sense in them sitting. If they were meant to grow, then they needed to be in the ground. Yesterday I picked up some veggie plants for the local place. Just have to roll out the weed block and then those will go in the ground. I love to see what grows from little little seedlings! We basically eat from the garden all summer. Head out there and pick something to grill or add to a salad. Yum!

Yeah! Finally a finished project!

My Olympian Socks are complete! Was able to finish them yesterday. Which made me very happy! Can't really see the Olympic rings on my socks, but believe me they are there!

I was also able to finish:

These are for a person at work who is getting married. We are having a little shower in a few weeks. Wanted to make sure I could finish them and have them ready. They came out pretty cute with stripes. Hope she likes them.

Nancy asked what pattern I was planning for my Panda Silk from the last post. Well to be truthful, I don't have a plan for the yarn. I bought it just because of the silk content. I did pull out a huge pile of patterns for my next sock (of course I have to finish the toe ups that I am working on first! No distractions please!) I have a few pattern in mind for the next sock, but no thoughts on yarn for this.... I would love to try Nutkin which would be perfect for the Melody yarn I bought a few months ago....Primavera too and there is always Kew. I can never decide. Any thoughts on what sock pattern I should cast on for next?

New Goodies

2009-05-21T18:13:00.002-04:00

I met a friend for a little yarn shopping a little while ago. She bought lots of yarn to make a beautiful shawl and I bought these goodies. That is Panda Silk! Yum! I had never seen it in person before. Plus I bought some Cascade sock yarn. Both choices are a little out of my normal color palette, but I really liked them!

I am working on the Olympian socks STILL! I hope to have them finished over the weekend. I am just finishing the second sock's gusset. Not much farther now. I am not sure what I will pick up next. Would like to work on the toe ups I have started, but I may work a few other quick projects before I go back to those. Not sure why, but I am not really thrilled by them.

This weekend I am planning to purchase my plants for the veggie garden. I would like to get them in with this long week. Hopefully I can get them in and have some rain to help them along. The patch is ready and so I am to get the veggies in. Hopefully things go as planned!

Have I completed ANYTHING this month?

2009-05-17T15:20:00.002-04:00

Sadly I am not sure I have. Things have been busy around here. Some good and some not so good. My sister got a new job and she and her family are quickly packing up and moving from NY to VA. A nine hour drive. I am a little disheartened that she is moving and my little niece will be so far away. We got the news last week and they will be moving before the end of June. Like I said very quick. It is a lot to process.

Home has been busy, I have been spending more time outside in the gardens getting them cleaned up and new things planted. That is good. Lots of things are popping up, no real flowers. I wanted to go out there today, but the wind is nuts! Sun is out, but I hate the wind. Good for my laundry today though!

I have been working on my Olympian socks. I now have one complete and really hope to be finished with these next week? Well at least before the end of May. They are my May socks, so I hope they get done! They look really skinny, but the fit snug which works for me.

I also started these a while back, but I don't know if they well work out well. I have to start the gusset, so I put them down. They may end up fitting my hubby - lucky him!

I did pick up my Feb Lady's sweater. I am finally on the lace pattern part. So it does take a little more concentration. I can't work on it at night. So I may put this away again for a summer project. It is already a little too big, but maybe I'll like it that way!

Posting before the next week is up!

2009-05-03T11:12:00.002-04:00

Wanted to try to post again before I missed another week or two. I can't believe I let that time fly away.

Finished my petal socks:

They are a Jeannie Townsend pattern - Petal in Happy Feet sock yarn. I do love this yarn. It is wonderful to work with and I love the colorway too. Colors are a little duller in person. What looks like blue on the screen is more grey, which I like They fit great too!

Finished up another baby sweater and hat set. This is for a friend due in August. I wanted to make sure I had hers done in case something else came up.

I went back to working on my Olympian socks that I cast on during the 2008 Olympics. Sadly I put these down because I wasn't excited about them, but ran across them the other day and thought I should really work on them. I actually have about 3 pairs of socks going now. I started a pair of toe ups last week and have to be in the right frame of mind to start the heel and I have a pair for hubby going too.

I even went and did several more rows on my Ladies Feb sweater too. I know it is going to be much larger than I need, but I do want to finish it.

Karen - made you muffin recipe again this morning, but I put in a 1/3 cup cocoa powder. I t is like biting into a Reese cup! I guess I should put these away for dessert!

NYC and back again

2009-04-28T12:54:00.003-04:00

We had a great time in the Big Apple ... was it really 2 weeks ago? Wacky! The show was amazing and the city was a lot of fun. The bus dropped up off right in from of the NY Public Library! It was very cool!

I have been knitting away too. Finished my petal socks, plus a small baby sweater and hat. I realize I have been spending too much time on the Internet looking for the best deals and I haven't been doing things I enjoy. I need a little balance.

Woke up with a headache/migraine today with the heat, big storm coming and stress I decided to take a half day from work and relax a bit. I am feeling much better now than this morning. Now I am going to sit and relax a bit. Yoga maybe? We'll see how my head if feeling after lunch!

Wednesday is going to be a good day!

2009-04-14T18:52:00.004-04:00

Now thankfully taxes went in a few weeks ago, but tomorrow I am heading to NYC! I friend and I signed up for a bus trip that included theater tickets to

I am so excited. I have never been to NYC to be a tourist. I went only one other time for an interview about 15 years ago, but this is totally out of character for me to do this. I am very excited to see this show as well.

We will get to the city around 10am, walk around and see the 2pm matinee! I just bought a small messenger bag today so that I can wear it around my body and have a little room to bring some knitting for the ride down!

I'll let you know how it was probably on Friday!

It's Official

2009-04-10T14:36:00.003-04:00

I am on spring break! Wahoo! Sadly, my cats don't know that I am allowed to sleep in. They started meowing for food around 4:45 this morning!~ Yikes. What is with them. Cute yes they are, but not at that time of day!

Spend the morning do a few errands around town. When I got home I started a little yard work. We are just finally seeing signs of spring. This is my clue to get out there and rake the flower beds. I managed to do three of them. We have just barely - some lilies and irises poking through as well as a few daffodils, bleeding heart and peonies. I try to get the leaves off without too much damage. I also raked the herb bed so that I could plant my newest one.. rhubarb! I tired this once before and it didn't take, so I figured I would try again! It is now planted with s few strawberries.

Thought you might like to see my newly 3yo niece n her pink sweater. What a cutie she is. I have heard that Pablo is always close by when they are at home! Success!

I told you last time that I had been doing too much shopping with 50% off coupons and sales at the LYS. SO here are two really cute felt kits. One is a sushi bag! I love this! I will probably have time later in the summer to make this one! I also snagged some panda wool basically BOGO... and a little melody yarn that I have been dying to try. I may have to make my next pair of socks from this stuff to see if I need to buy more!

Off to surf the net for a bit then work on my petal socks.

I'm Back Again!

2009-04-06T17:47:00.002-04:00

Can you stand it?!?!

What a Monday this turned out to be. I walked into work and barely got my coat off before I had several questions, concerns, and demands... Needless to say it went downhill from there. Crazy to crazier! Computers and people seem to be the main culprit! Now I am home, hubby's away tonight and I am happy for a little alone time to unwind and watch what I want tonight.

Also wanted to show off my latest socks project:

Theses are a Jeanie Townsend sock pattern from a while back. I was waiting for the prefect sock yarn to use and I think this is it! Happy Feet! Love the colorway and how it works with the pattern. Just started on the second, so hopefully can get these done buy next week.

Baby, baby, baby..

Lots of people are expecting, so this little hat goes with the white and green striped sweater I made last month. They are wrapped up and in the gift basket at work.

Currently I have the petal hat on the needles to go with the other baby sweater I made last month with the fun eco-friendly Caron yarn.

Now I am off to eat dinner and kick up my feet for the evening!

Arggg!

2009-04-04T16:42:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it is April! Where did the last 2 weeks go???

I had pictures on the camera, but they are where I thought they'd be. I have been yarn shopping more than producing items! GO a few cute kits from AC Moore with 50% off coupons... plus a few trips to the LYS too. Will retake picture and get that up.

Have really been working on my petal socks and second one is one the needles. Feb lady sweater is on hold and sitting patiently for my upcoming vacation!

Sadly I have have been busy, Ellie's 3rd b-day (Pablo penguin was big a hit too!), sick, hubby's been sick, and taxes... so that has occupied too much of my time. I have not been on Ravelry or FB in weeks and feel totally out of touch.

I did also just finish this morning (since it was due back to the library) the book KNIT TWO by Kate Jacobs(?). Actually it was slow at the beginning, but picked up speed. First was very depressing, but this one i liked a lot better!

Hope all is well with everyone and I need to get my camera and snap a few shots.

Spring has sprung

2009-03-22T11:47:00.002-04:00

I went out to get the paper this morning and noticed that some snowdrops have popped through the frozen earth here! They pop up before the crocus, so spring is on the way here. We still have some snow, but with the warmer weather the past couple of weeks things are slowly starting the melt.

Busy around the house and work these days. Not much time for books or knitting, but I did manage a little of both. Was able to finish up the Lorna's Laces pinstripe socks last week...

They came out pretty well. I have a lot left fro the two skeins, so I might try a pattern instead of just ribbing with the leftovers. They only thing I didn't car for was the dye job of the second skein... as you can see there is a funny grey zigzag where the dye didn't quite line up correctly. I tried to put that in the back of the sock so I wouldn't really notice it while I am wearing them. This pair make three complete pairs for the year so far. My plan is to try to do at least one pair a month.

Also finished up a little baby sweater for an upcoming shower...

It is made with Caron soft eco fiber. I was given this skein, so I had no idea that it was environmentally friendly until after I finished and looked at the wrapper. It is made with 10% recycled plastic. Fun little fats on the wrapper. I was hoping to have enough left over for a hat to match, but that is out of the question since there is barely a 2 inch ball left.

I did go to the LYS last week. It is right across the street from my hairdresser. I popped in to see what was new. I only left the store spending $20 and walking out with 4 small skeins of sock yarn.

Neglectful...

2009-03-15T18:36:00.002-04:00

I really have no good excuse for my absences except that time really flew! I had a small cold and our local college basketball team finals were last weekend... See no real good excuse, but I was thinking of you all!

There has been knitting though!

This cute little guy is a raccoon scarf made from the latest knitting magazine. Can't remember which one that the moment, but It is linked over a ravelry. Other than him that I made for my Intern who left last Friday to go do another internship at a HS... I have been knitting my grey socks. I am on the toe of the second one, so those will be finished tonight. I haven't gotten very far on my Feb. Ladies Sweater. I am ready to start the lace pattern, but don't want to start it if I am going to be interrupted. So I may wait until Tuesday to pick that up again. Tonight I am hoping to cast on for another baby sweater for a shower coming up in April.

I really haven't been doing anything really exciting unless you count my little obsession of couponing... Sadly with today's economy I too am feeling a pinch or two. So I have been searching the blogs and finding out some interesting tips and tricks to this new "sport". It does take time to line things up but I seem to be in a new schedule of places to shop on certain days. Plus AC Moore has been giving out 50% off coupons the last couple of weeks. I have gotten a few things. I will post my new scores soon.

Thanks for checking in. I hope to be back to regular knitting and posting once again!

A little grey here

2009-02-24T19:20:00.002-05:00

Here is the beginning of my Lady's February Sweater based on EZ's baby February Sweater. I really liked the little version I made a few weeks ago that I really wanted one for myself. Haven't gotten very far, but so far so good.

Also have a pair of socks going. This is my in the car or at lunch easy as can be pattern. Just 2x2 rib. The yarn is Lorna's Laces in pinstripe which I have had for a while and really wanted to try out. I wonder if it will look any different once I get to the foot and stop the ribbing...

Thanks for the kind words on Hemlock and the baby sweater. Both are packed away for now until I can give them to their new owners.

Last day of Vacation

2009-02-22T13:53:00.002-05:00

And its snowing! Funny how much bad weather we get on the day we are supposed to go back to school or the day before vacation starts. I loved having some time off this week. Didn't really do much, but a few things around the house and some knitting. I realised this morning that I didn't read a single book this week, so this morning I got up around 6:15 or so (sadly I really don't sleep much later than that ... I AM a morning person and enjoy it)... I picked up the book I had started last week and am almost done with it. Took a break to read the paper and make some soup, get distracted by the Internet and here I am....

There was lots of knitting this vacation.

Here's the Hemlock after blocking. Not sure it is really the thing I want to gift to my friend, but at least it looks better than when I first cast off. Not sure if it is the baby yarn and would really be better in a thinker more natural type yarn. Who knows...

Also finished..

This was so fast! I loved the original pattern with several different colors, but I just wanted to use two for this first try. It is truly a wonderful pattern! I cast on booties to match but those haven't gotten too far yet...

I have been working on too many different things all at once (which is probably why I don't feel like I got much done over vacation!) including the Lady's February sweater, lorna's laces socks, and a felted sock/slipper thing which I may end up frogging before I get too far...

Enjoy your weekend and send good thoughts for starting back to school tomorrow without a delay!

Working on baby gifts

2009-02-18T12:31:00.002-05:00

Many people around us seem to be expecting in the next few months. I'd say around 8-10 couples right now since we just found out about another last night. So I have been busy with the baby yarn...

These little cuties were mailed off yesterday along with the matching pink EZ February sweater completed not too long ago. The expectant parents are due at any time, so I wanted to get the gift in the mail.

I have a friend at work who is due around May so:

This is the Hemlock throw. I had lots of baby yarn that was gifted a little while back, so I have been trying to use this without new purchases. The throw is almost done and I am ready to cast off today.

So over the next few months you will be seeing lot of baby gifts. Mostly sweaters I imagine, maybe a blanket or two. I'll see what I am up for.

Yesterday was felting day here. I got to felt 2 bags. One knit and the other crochet. Knit seems to work much better. Maybe crocheted is too think to start. The same yarn was used, so that is what I can come up with. Once things are dried and sewn together, I'll post a few pictures.

First offical day of Feb Vacation

2009-02-16T13:31:00.002-05:00

Thankfully I am on vacation this week. I hate to say how fast both Sat. and Sun. went by! Sat. was errands and a little shopping and yesterday was fun outside day. Hubby and I took the dog for a nice long hike through the nature preserve. I do love it there. It is close to our house and pretty well maintained. I watched out for birds and other things. It was National Bird Counting weekend. Funny how today there are a ton of birds in the backyard, but yesterday All I saw was a crow. I think they know I want to look for them. Pretty day and we had a ball tromping through the snow.

Thanks, I too think hubby did a wonderful job on my swift. It works so well. I wound up several cakes so I am set for a bit. He thought I might pull out ALL of the to be spun into cakes yarn... I thought I don't want to be doing this into the next month if I pull everything out... so I said I like to do a little at a time!

I have been working on my niece's birthday gifts... She will turn three in March. So here's what I have:

Ribbon T-shirt = Done! It is made out the "ticker tape" ribbon yarn from Moda Dea. This yarn was gifted to me, but can be found in the dollar store or Job Lots around here. Pattern can be found here... Ravelry
I made one for my other little niece in the pinkie purple color way. Love this pattern! Wish I could make one for myself. A friend mentioned it would be a really cute dress too if you made the front and back longer... next time!

Pablo Penguin is done? Almost done? He is really cute as is, but does he need a bow tie? Hat? Scarf? I just can't make up my mind, but he is mainly complete. Pattern is from Knitted and Felted Toys book. Chilly Billy is make on size 3 needles, but not Pablo here... He is made of worsted yarn on size 10's. He is squishy and lovable.

Last on the list is the felted kitty bag. Pieces are done, but I need to felt. I have a bag and slippers to felt all at the same time so I am waiting until I finish those. Just cast on for the slippers this morning. Hope I like them.

Christmas is here!

2009-02-14T16:19:00.002-05:00

Ok, I know it isn't, but my last present of this year is completed!... Take a look see...

My husband was able to finish my swift! I am in love with this thing! What did I do without it? We I didn't have any fun winding hanks of yarn to cakes in my lovely winder! But now I do! It took less than 10 minutes from taking the yarn label off to tucking the last yarn onto the newly wound cake. Eight minutes to hang the hank and turn! It is amazing!

So know I have access to more of my sock yarns... I really hated unwinding and trying to make it work as it wound into a cake... Now it's so easy!

New goodies

2009-02-06T17:29:00.002-05:00

Well I have been working hard both at home and school. I was able to finish some socks a week or two back:

Yarn was from LYS that was having a sale a while back. It is Jawoll Sport I think. Loved the colors and they worked up pretty quick.

I have been working on my February list of items. So far I have the pieces of a TShirt:

Will sew this together this weekend. It is a little bright, but it will be really cute once it is all together.

I worked up the pieces for the kitty cat bag..

Now I have to felt it. I am currently working on the scoop felted bag. Have one side almost done, and then I may felt these two items. I really do want to make another pair of slippers which will also be felted. So I may wait and felt everything all at once.

No plans for the weekend. I just offered to babysit tomorrow for my 3yo niece to give my sister and BIL a few hours to themselves. We'll see if she takes me up on it. Usually my mom is around to help, but she is enjoying a lovely week's vacation in Texas with her sister.

Would also like to get out and walk with the dog. Possibly snow shoes too. Have a lovely weekend. I am off to knit and maybe read a bit.

Goals for February

2009-02-02T16:55:00.002-05:00

I was getting ready to go to work this morning and I realized I have a lot to do this month... and it is the shortest... hmmm....

1. Finish ribbon t-shirt for Ellie
2. Felted cat bag for Ellie
3. Knit/crocheted penguin as Pablo for Ellie
4. Felted bag as part of KAL at school
5. Felted slippers for me for a KAL
6. Vest as part of a KAL (Vestruary)
7. At least one more baby gift (I think there are 4-5 expected)
8. Hemlock Blanket for a friend
9. Socks (me!)

I am sure there are a few other things I am forgetting, so I may have to add those in too. That is enough for now. I hope I can get things done. I am a little ahead with Presents for Ellie since her b-day is in March, but I want to make sure she has good gifties to open.

I am working on the ribbon tee right now so that is almost done. The problem is what to cast on next. Will it be from my list here? I surely hope so!

Here again!

2009-01-31T13:19:00.001-05:00

I love having a day off in the middle of the week. Now I have a long weekend - or what feels like a long weekend to enjoy! No knitting to show, although I am on the second sock and will show you soon. Hopefully I'll be knitting in a few minutes, but I had to share this...

A friend from work showed this one and I thought it was totally something my cat would do! Off to make some blueberry coffee cake! Oh and to knit socks!

Would you believe

2009-01-29T07:10:00.002-05:00

We had more snow yesterday? Plus a snow day. I wanted to get here yesterday since it has been a little while, but I just never sat down to do it. Busy is an understatement these days.

Here are my finished Pomatomus socks. They are dreamy. I love the bamboo yarn. I haven't actually worn them for more than testing the size, but they are really lovely. When the weather warms a bit and I am not wearing wool, I will slip these lovelies on!

I also finished the February sweater pattern by EZ. It was fast and quick compared to the BSJ. I did make a few mistakes on the YOs, but overall it came out pretty well. I do think that the sleeves are very wide and 14 extra stitches may not be really needed. Plus it make the actual sweater very wide. I will try this again on smaller needles and yarn and see how I like it. There are 5 people expecting over the next few months, so I do need to get busy. Not to mention my niece will turn 3 yo in March... what did I cast on? A pair of socks for me!

Finally got my camera up and going

2009-01-18T12:17:00.002-05:00

I got it all charged, but I haven't been working too much... or that you can tell by pictures. I completed one pomatomus socks and am on my way closer to the heel of the second.

This is a very slow pattern for me. I am not a big chart person, as I have mentioned before, but I can't wait to get past the gusset, so that I can straight knit on 2 of the 3 needles! I have tomorrow off, so I am hoping to get a lot done on it today and tomorrow. I am getting antsy for a new project, but I really want to finish these first.

I forgot to mention I have been doing a little shopping. There was the WEBS sale a week or so ago and Michaels had yarn on sale, then there was amazon....

I bought all this with projects in mind and not just because things were on sale... well mostly! The black and grey wool will become a bag or two that a friend and I are making. The SWS is because I wanted to felt it into something, I am thinking new slippers! The EZ book is because I really wanted the February Sweater pattern and I have the yarn to make it for an upcoming baby shower. You'll also see some Flat feet undyed which I want to try and some cascade in blue and orange to make argyle socks for next Christmas?!?! Some of the Blue yarn will become a pair of new mittens for me to match a hat and there is also some lovely sock yarn... for me! Everything with an idea in mind!

It is snowing again like crazy. I made a pot of soup and it smells ready, so off I got to have a bow and get back to my pomtom socks to see if I can finish them before Tuesday! Wish me luck... or send me completion thoughts!

Working away

2009-01-13T18:37:00.002-05:00

Well this post should have a picture or two, but I forgot to charge the camera. More likely I left it on and the battery drained! I am really working on a book -Rise and Shine... I am almost done, so my knitting will take priority soon enough. I have been taking my socks to work to work on at lunch. Every few rows helps! I am just finishing the gussett, so hopefully one sock will be complete soon.

Bookclub on Thursday this week, so no knitting until book is done... tonight? Keep your fingers crossed!

Snow Day

2009-01-07T09:47:00.002-05:00

Well another freezing rain day, but I thought I would try to use my day off to get a few things done at home. I knew of course that I needed to blog since I haven't since I went back to work. I have finally cast on a sock for me! I worked on so many other projects, I wanted to work on socks (and a few other things for me!)

I have never used this Regia in Bamboo before, but I thought it would nice with this crazy pattern. I do not really like following charts, but after going through the chart once, it seems to be moving right along.

I also finished my BSJ that I was working on...

The blue is electric in the picture, but more subtle in person. Love how this yarn created the stripes. Plus there is a nice blending effect between the colors that shows up nicely in person.

With the rest of my day I hope to accomplish: sweeping the kitchen, vacuuming the downstairs, laundry, cooking basmati rice, a workout, and then maybe some knitting and reading... which of these will I really get done is completely up in the air!

Happy New Year 2009!

2009-01-02T12:45:00.003-05:00

Hope all are happy and healthy at the beginning of this new year. So far it is really cold! Dropped off my car at the garage this morning... forgot to have it inspected when I put on my snow tires a few weeks ago. I noticed on Tuesday that I was running out of time... with the holidays no garage was available until this morning. So with a little free time I am on the computer catching up on various places. This morning I finished my latest book - "Serving Crazy with Curry" - predictable, and now I am craving Indian food since the main character was coking up a storm throughout! I also read cover to cover the latest Knit1 magazine. I guess from the editor's letters that they have a new look. I remember picking this magazine up in the past, but not really liking it... patterns etc... but I think there are 6-8 things in this issue that I would love to make! I really liked it! Too bad the next issue doesn't come out until May!

Thank you all for the wonderful comments on my crocheted filet afghan. It went pretty quick and came out really well. It will be donated to my local charity group to give away. Hope someone loves it!

Moving out of crocheting and back into knitting. I made a little bit of heaven for myself..

This wonderful and super soft Cashmere scarf. Well more like a neckwarmer. It is a keyhole neckwarmer and I loved wearing it the other day to shop with a friend. I found the cashmere in the 50% off bin, so this was a little treat for me.

after the scarf I cast on for another BJS -

The yarn was a little iffy, but I like how it is striping and with the way it is folded, it should look good overall.

Happy days

2008-12-27T12:20:00.003-05:00

With all the lovely snow we received over the past week or two... it is now raining and melting several inches away! Oh well. It is just the beginning of winter I suppose. With lots of vacation time I have been working away.

Finished up this crocheted filet afghan. It has hearts and clovers in the pattern. Worked up with a stash on baby yarn. I think I used up about 12 skeins. That is good, but I still have 4 left. Now what to do with those. Matching sweater maybe? We'll see. The yarn is really soft. Hats too?

Speaking of soft yarn. I pulled out some Royal Cashmere I found in the half price bin of the LYS and cast on a little neckwarmer (for myself).

It is lovely yarn. Not really sure about the pattern. It is a little strange. But several finished projects I have seen look wonderful. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

As for a few goodies that came my way... I wasn't sure what my husband would get me for Christmas. I tell him not to spend too much. Well He went to the LYS with a few ideas in mind. Namely Prism...

Here is Smoke

and Fog. Both very lovely sock yarn that I have never seen and new additions to the store.

He also loved this Gossamer kid mohair (I think he thought it was cashmere) Can you tell which skein he manhandled in the store?

I loved opening these lovelies. Then in the last box was a picture with something he has been working on and was hoping to have finished... A SWIFT! He is creating a swift for me! I sent him the instructions ages ago and forgot about it. SO I will have a lovely swift in the days (or maybe weeks ahead!) Will keep you posted.

So overall a lovely time with family and goodies - both edible and yarnie!

Oh and I almost forgot. All my handmade gifts were well received. Husband LOVED everything. Especially argyle scarf! He wore it yesterday as his jacket to visit friends to show it off as well as his new hat and a pair of socks.

Happy Early Christmas

2008-12-24T13:29:00.002-05:00

Most likely won't get here tomorrow, so Merry Christmas all.

It has been snowing like crazy (seems like everywhere) for several days now.

As you can see our back yard is covered. This was a few days ago. The snow is now several more inches high. Once the sun comes out again, I'll try to remember the camera to show the difference between then and now.

I got an early present...

Lovely isn't it? One of the ladies my husband plows for we jokes before all this snow that I would be happy if she traded his snowplowing for yarn. SHe thought it was a fun idea. She works at a LYS and thankfully has been paying hubby, but he showed up with this fun Christmas present for the two of us. SHe mentioned that He should get something out of the skein. I think she's right. I also think we could both get a pair of socks from this monster! It is really lovely Bo Peep Yarn in some of his and my favorite colors!

We are off to dinner in a few hours, but I just wanted to do a quick post before my whole vacation got away from me.

Happy Holidays everyone!!

Another snow day...

2008-12-19T16:45:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? We have a half day snow day today. We had a 2 hour delay earlier in the week and today we went home early. I just made it home before the snow started sticking to the ground. It is crazy out there now. I am sure several of you are being hit by this same storm. It is also the beginning of my Holiday vacation. I am happy for a solid 2 weeks off this year. I feel like I really need a break and hopefully will be energized to go back.

Finished a few more things and now my holiday knitting is complete...

This is the thorpe I finally made for myself. I have even worn it several times. It is super soft. I should search for more of this yarn to make matching mittens!

This is 2 pairs of ear warmers for when riding a bike in cooler weather. One set is for my husband the other is for a friend's husband.

Lastly a few more hats to go in the charity box. I ended up making and mailing out a dozen for a local health house that put out the call. They also need mittens, so that might be the next thing I work on.

I have been working on a filet afghan as well in between everything else. I am on about row 40 of 120. Now that I am on vacation, I will most likely be able to finish this up and maybe work on something for myself!

Will post again before Christmas. Happy Holidays is you are busy and not around the net for a bit!

If I am here, it must be a snowday!

2008-12-12T09:52:00.002-05:00

That's right! We had an ice storm actually, but it is snowing now! Great right, ice first then snow... but hey, I am still in my pj's and don't have to go any where for a while. In fact I just finished the UAS --

I was really worried I wouldn't finish this since I could only knit it when my husband wasn't home. Very excited it is complete!! Now to wrap it up with a few other things including a pair of short socks --

Now I have completed 4 pairs of wool socks for him. I know he will enjoy them all. In fact he was complaining this morning that he went through all of his wool socks this week already. SO these new pairs will be very well received!

Last Sunday I read in our local paper about a few charities that need different things. Two of which I can do. One is looking for children's books, so I dug through a few places and will pop those in the mail this next week. Another was looking for hats and mittens for kids. SO I pulled out a few odds and ends and whipped up a few hats --

I pulled out a box and plan to make and stuff the box with as many as possible before next week. I also pulled out a few skeins of wool to make some mittens to go with them. Hopefully they will be well-received too.

On the agenda for today is a Christmas movie or two, some hat knitting, and a little baking since I only have one more week of school before the vacation. I wanted to make a few goodies for a few co-workers as thanks.

Snow is coming down

2008-12-11T16:57:00.002-05:00

Well It is coming down at a heavy clip right now. I have no pictures to share today, but I didn't realise how much time actually has gone by since my last post. I blame facebook really and scrabble. But that's another story. I have finished many things and if I have a snow day tomorrow - keep your fingers crossed -- then I will take a few pictures and post them.

Off to make something Mexican for our dinner and finally finish that argyle scarf!!

Hello December!

2008-12-02T16:54:00.002-05:00

I just can't believe December is already here. Sadly I did get up (well I was woken up by cats) early on Black Friday morning. I went to the place nobody was! Radio Shack. Only about 4-5 people were there with me when the doors opened at 6am. They were getting plasma tvs and digital camera. I went for a small ipod and free docking station and a turntable to plug into the computer to catalog all of hubby's albums. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. To me it was worth the trip. All those gifties are wrapped up too. I am not a big fa of wrapping, so I decided to wrap as I go this year. I am liking it so far. So basically hubby is done (except fro two handmade gifts to be finished - argyle scarf and short socks). Nieces are done and wrapped. I have to decide on a gift card for my brother and I finished my sister after school today. We picked names this year in my family so I only have 2 people to buy for instead of 4.. weird I know, but that's what they decided to do.

I tried out the cabley mittens pattern. Man was it fast! I really love the way they worked up. I wasn't sure I would like the way the thumbs were done, but things turned out great. These are a gift for my clerk.

I also worked up two quick apple cozies for a friend to give to her mom.

They were quick to work up and I finished in no time.

Right now I am working away on the scarf. 17 repeats done, hopefully I run out of yarn before I have to complete 23 repeats. It is almost long enough to stop. Plus I cast on for a pair of short socks for hubby. I was able to work on them during a meeting today so I am closing in on the first toe. These too are working up fast. After these I hope to be pretty much done with gifts for now.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T13:03:00.002-05:00

It is Wednesday and we have off from school. Gave me a chance to stay in my pjs a bit longer. Just ran a few errands" market and post office... now I am back in comfy clothes to spend this wet day indoors knitting and relaxing before tomorrow.

We are heading to my sister's around 3pm, plenty of time to get my veggie dish prepared for dinner. We will watch a little college basketball around noon, and I of course will knit! Should be a low key day with only 6 adults and 1 two year old. We are also picking names this year. I tried to do away with the whole gift giving. Not for selfish reasons or lack of money... but if the holidays are to spend with the family, why not just enjoy the time, laugh and eat together without the stress? I was vetoed my my mother who wants to exchange. Normally I am finished with all of my shopping by this time of year, but this year I haven't started and it freaks me out. We need to pick earlier if this is going to work in the future.

Enjoy your holiday! Yummy food and fun with your families! Happy Thanksgiving!

Here I go again

2008-11-23T12:18:00.002-05:00

Another week gone. Things have really heated up here. Basketball season is upon us, so off we go with my FIL to the college games which are fun, but time consuming. Work seems to be heating up... I might have done a no-no and made another librarian mad by telling her what I think, but I hope things settle down before our next meeting in two weeks. I have been knitting, but not as much as I should since bookclub was Thursday, so as usually I was trying to finish up the book (The Grace that Keeps the World - Tom Bailey). Set in the Adirondack Mountains so it is sort of local to me, which s why the group picked it. I liked it, but didn't think the end was presented well. No one else really liked the book, so on to the next!

Here is my scarf progress from my solo weekend:

I have just a few more repeats to go. Hope to finish it up over the next two weeks. With some time off at Thanksgiving, I hope to speed up my progress.

I also completed the Turn a square hat by Jared Flood.

Not sure I really like it. It doesn't show off the Noro as much as I would like. Maybe the orange is too strong. I was tossing around the idea to make a similar hat, but follow the argyle pattern and create a matching hat to the scarf. We'll see how much time I really have left.

Lastly I have also been working on another doily.

It only has one butterfly on each petal instead of two that the last one had. This one is much smaller and is more for an end table than a bedside table. Will be mailing away for blocking for the friend whose pattern it is.

So there's me in a nutshell these days... too busy to sit still. We have flurries today so I really need to think when I am going to put the snow tires on the car. Maybe next Friday. We only have two days of school next week - Yea! It has been a struggle at school lately, so I am hoping things do settle down. I don't like to be anxious or stressed.

Cloudy Day

2008-11-15T08:34:00.003-05:00

The weather is super warm, but very cloudy this week. Husband is away this weekend so I am hoping to get lots done... maybe (keep your fingers crossed) get his argyle scarf done! Big plans for it. I have several movies on tap so I can sit and knit today and tomorrow. I have about 11 of the 23 repeats done. Half way home right?

I was able to finish the scrap socks..

Flash on camera makes these very dramatic, but they blend really well together in person. That online yarn is crazy! I got almost two full pairs of socks out of it! I have a few more in the stash, who knows how many will come from those! I laid out some bags and put sock yarn from the stash on them to have myself a sock knitting year - 2009. I just want to plan out what patterns for each skein and then I have 12 bags at the ready for the next year. Who knows if this will encourage me more, or just depress me having all those projects ready to knit.

Since it has been raining, at lunch I started the "turn a square hat" by Jarod Flood. So far so good. I am right at the decreases now, so I should have a finished hat this weekend.

Well I am off to do a few errands and walk the pup! That'll make him happy!

A sunny day in November

2008-11-09T11:57:00.003-05:00

I should be knitting away on a few presents, but I just can't get off the computer! Yikes! After this I swear I will get off my butt and move to a different chair! I taped a movie yesterday so that I could knit to it. Can't remember what it is now, but I will look soon!

Here's a picture of a project I finished in August, but sent away to be blocked and photographed.

It is a Hardy Hass Design. If you look closely, you can see butterflies around the edges. This one is pretty large. In fact I am currently crocheting a smaller version. I work on the doily while hubby is in the house and I have progress on these while he is out:

I am using a couple of leftover skeins to complete pair number three for Christmas.

Get out the vote!

2008-11-04T18:01:00.002-05:00

Just got home from our polling place. I have to laugh since it takes place in a building that hosts several districts in one building. District 2 had extremely long lones! We live in district 4... no waiting and two booths! It took longer to drive there than sign in and pull all the levers!

Why do you think only one of the several disticts had lines? No one in my district voted? Couldn't get to the polls? Didn't care to vote? Didn't know today was election day? It bothers me a bit!

Will post again with some pictures!

Long week so far

2008-10-29T16:24:00.002-04:00

Here I am again. It feels like it should be the weekend, but Only half way there. Wanted to show of some FOs and some other goodies while the snow comes down outside. That's right you read correctly! It is snowing like crazy!

Look at all my lovely goodies from shopping last week. I have not seen maizy or panda soy in person, so I grabbed some up... plus look at this "Yummy" yarn... that's truly the name! The Regia galaxy is for hubby for a future pair of socks. Didn't need it all, but I love what I got!

I also was able to work up two BSJs in some icky cotton that was hiding in the stash...

There is still more of this cotton, but I will hold off and work on other things before I pick it up again!

Made this cute little snakey-wormy scarf for my niece. Matches the beret and mittens. Should be a cute little set for her.

Lastly....

Argyle scarf is growing. It is dense and thick. May have to be put on hold for another week or so while hubby is back in the house!

Lost control

2008-10-26T11:01:00.005-04:00

Needless to say ANOTHER week has escaped me. Where does the time go. It is almost November for goodness sake!

Friday I met a friend for a cup of tea afterschool, but before we sat down to knit, I dragged her to the LYS that was having a sale. She was completely undercontrol, but not me! This lovely lady always has the best sock yarns! So that's what I bought:

We had a lovely time picking yarn, drinkng tea, listening to music and chatting away.

Saturday in the rain and cold, hubby and I went and worked for our BIL who is ruunning for a ocal office here in town. We went door-to-door hanging little hangers. After a cold damp morning, I realise I am not cut out for politics! We then took a hike with the dog waking between the drizzle and the dourpours to come. When we got home I had a message to jon s friend for an evening out. Went to see "Into the woods" at our local homemade theatre in the park.
Not quite Broadway, but interesting all the same.

Today is a catch up day-- need to get things done around the house. I really should be working on this...

So Sad, no Rhinebeck

2008-10-19T10:20:00.002-04:00

I couldn't find anyone around here that wanted to go down on Saturday, so my lovely Husband volunteered to be my fiber buddy for the day. I was happy to spend the day with him and feeling yarn in a beautiful setting. Sadly I woke up with a terrible migraine Saturday morning. I spent the entire day in bed and by late in the afternoon I was finally feeling better. Hubby still offered to drive down even late in the day so that I could go. I just wasn't feeling 100% nor could I stand the extremely bright sunlight streaming in the windows at every angle. So We didn't go.I am sad, but I really didn't NEED yarn. Although it would have been fun to wander. I thought of driving down by myself today, and I would have loved it, but again I don't NEED yarn, so I decided to stay home and get things done around the house that have been neglected.

School keeps me way too busy, and once I get home, I don't really like getting on the computer. I get some reading done and some knitting too. I finished up a cute pair of purple mittens to match a previous beret for one niece.

I also cast on in pink to match the second beret for my littlest niece another pair of mittens. These are the Dulaan pattern with a wider thumb. Supper easy and really fast too!

The colors in these pictures are seemingly dark. The previous pictures of the actual berets are truer in color than what is shown here.

I received a swap package last week. It was organized over at Ravelry and it was a Book or Movie swap.. Supposed to be a themed package with a handmade object along with some yarn.

I received some lovely yarn. Knitpicks Essential in Pine and another skein I had never heard of or seen before: Neighborhood Fiber Company, Watershed in Kingspark colorway. Plus there was a book by one of my current favorite authors: Philippa Gregory and a few other odds and ends to complete the package.

Now that my blog is updated, my ravelry page, the laundry is working, and the newspaper is read, I am off to work on my scarf. I have about three repeats complete. I promise to take a picture and post a picture of my progress really soon!

Hello October!

2008-10-09T17:36:00.003-04:00

I can't believe how far we are into October already! I swear, I really need summer all year long so I can don't have to work and can get more done! Yikes! School has been busy, a little too busy these days. I signed up for a few more committees and just trying to get organised is a feat these days. Plus I decided to give my husband a special surprise for Christmas (if I can get it done)... I started working on his family tree. I have been in contact with a number of people and a lot of info is flowing my way. I think he will be pleased with how far back we go right now. Hope to find a bit more in the next several months though to help him embrace his heritage. I love doing this kind of stuff!

I was able to finish the round ripple in homespun:
A little smaller than I would have wanted, but it is already donated as of last weekend.

Finished the ninna beret:

I just have to decide if I want to make the roses that are shown in the pattern. I made one, but I am not convinced I like them yet.

And I crocheted this cute little ditty bag:

It too is already with the recipient. hopefully she likes it. It is made from Incredible Ribbon Yarn by Lionbrand (I think!). Super fast and really cute too!

I also am working on a pair of purple mittens to match the purple beret, a pair of scrap socks for hubby, that double knitted scarf. It is so slow going! I only have two repeats of the pattern done so far. I think I have about 22 more to go! Wish me luck getting that done too! Had the day off today, so hubby and I walked the dog, bought groceries, did laundry, hung it out on the line and now I am curling up to knit... while he is on his bicycle.

Lots of projects

2008-09-28T09:49:00.002-04:00

I seem to have a scattered brain and attention span these days. That is what happens to me when I head back to school. I get interrupted so many times during the day, put down what I was doing, help someone, then pick up another project to do and forget about what I was working on originally. So I have carried this pattern of behavior home with me. Good for non-boredom, but bad for project completion!

I have a charity meeting coming up, so I thought I would use up a little more Homespun yarn and work on this new pattern I got a few weeks ago. It is for a round ripple. The yarn doesn't show the pattern very well. But it is fast and easy to remember... just what I need! I bought a kit, but I want to use the wool that came with this pattern for a cardigan sweater. Maybe I'll start it too!

Here is the ninna beret off ravelry. It is small yarn size 3 needles and ok to work on. It will be for my youngest niece for Christmas. I cast on for this pink one because I had so much fun working on this:

This one is for my other young niece. Pattern is out of Charmed Knits which I borrowed from my school library! I plan to work up a pair of mittens to match. She is totally into My Little Pony, so I thought this purple would be great for her!

Pus I cast on for the uncle argyle scarf for my husband for Christmas. I have only done one repeat of the pattern. It is pretty slow going... being chart work and double knitting. The over all effect is pretty neat thought. I also ave another pair of socks on the needles for him too. I am using up some odds and ends to make a monster sock for him too.

Lastly a gift for a friend...

Thia amigurumi lion off the lionbrand siite. It was quick and easy. I made it last weekend while watching tv on the computer so I could check in on the pattern. I am planning on doing that today too. I hate printing out all these new and fun patterns if they are fast and easy. I would rather just have it up on the screen and check in on it.

Well, I think that's all for now. Lots of odds and ends like I said. I have a it of a cold, so that may also have to do with things scattered around the house. Started last Thursday night and has gotten worse over the last couple of days, yesterday being the very worst! Today I am feeling a little better, but I woke up at 3 am and couldn't fall back asleep. I may have to take a nap in a little while!

2 pairs finished

2008-09-21T11:51:00.002-04:00

Crazy times I know! Thanks for all the fun comments on my kindergarten classes. They can be trying. This week's kids were so much better. Was there a full moon the week before? Maybe that's why they were out of whack! I do have two classes that are angelic right now. Hope they stay that way! Then there are the other two classes. Not sure why some kids are groups together... Too bad some of my other classes weren't better. Like one of my 2nd grade classes on Friday. Two boys just couldn't keep it together and I was at the end of my rope with what their comments were. I would have loved to call their mothers, but the conversation would have started something like..." well Mrs. Jones, after your son "tooted" (his words) he was rolling on the floor gasping for breath and pulled another boy to the floor with him... When I asked why they would behave in such a way, your son rudely told me that he ate your oatmeal this morning and the chemicals must have had a bad reaction.." That was only part of their craziness. 2nd graders acting worst than kindergartners! Yikes!

Yes there is knitting too! I finished both pairs of socks I was working on:

These are for me. Zigzags from the Ann Tillman book with the blue penguin socks on the cover. Easy pattern to memorize. Lucky for me since I had to return my copy to the library.

These are the second pair I will put away for Christmas for my husband. I am also working on a scrappy pair to use up some of the orange odds and ends. I may or may not get those totally done for Christmas. I am going to cast on for the Uncle Argyle scarf from the Son of SnB book. I have the yarn.. and yes there is orange there too. Hopefully I can get some of that done while he is out on the bicycle today.

I would love to get out in the garden and dig today since we are having a plant swap at school at the beginning of Oct, but I just don't feel like it. I will soon or else I won't have anything to swap!

Plus I just looked at what I have queued at ravelry... 625! Yikes, but get going on a few of those! Most are for me, but some are holiday gifts and ideas.

A little ice cream?

2008-09-14T15:36:00.002-04:00

This is the very quick, easy and very cute necklace we are giving to Gracie for her birthday today to go along with the pink bolero. We are having a small b-day party me, my hubby, Gracie and her mother. So much fun for a now 4 year old!

I'm still working on socks. Will post a pic of those next time. Both pairs are coming right along. Hopefully they will be finished next week or so. Of course bookclub is this week and I am reading fast to get that done for Thursday night.

School has been crazy. There are some wack-a-doo kindergarteners that have come in. In previous years, only one or maybe two don't want to follow directions, but this year I have 3-4 in every class that are obstinate! They simply refuse to do what they are told. And all this entails is sitting where the rest of the class is sitting and lining up when I call them.... I just can't believe these few kids are beyond stubborn! Hopefully they get used to being at school and start enjoying themselves instead of being like this.

Christmas knitting

2008-09-05T16:54:00.002-04:00

I know!~ Can you stand it?

Working right along on this second pair for hubby. I have never used this brand of sock yarn before and I am loving the subtle stripes. I picked it up from Webs a few months back on a field trip maybe last March. I remember it being a little cold with a little snow on the ground. Hopefully over the next week or so I will finish these up. I was able to complete the first sock at our opening day conferences. I have more yarn set aside to work one pair of scrappy socks with some of his leftovers... mostly oranges.

Then there are the things I work on in plain sight. These are the zigzag pattern from another knitted sock book that I borrowed from the public library. There are too many books to own so I give many a test run through the library. These are pretty easy, just 2 rows to repeat and one is just knitting.

Thank you, thank you for all the kins words about the star quilt bedspread. I too think it came out lovely. I haven't heard whether the recipient likes it as much as when she first saw it in small pieces. I dropped it off at my sister's house so she could give it to her sister-in-law. I am sure she will love it even if it just to have something her mom was working on before she passed. But thank you for all the lovely words about the spread. It was a lot of work with a lot of ends which yes, I did try to work them in as I went. Plus I left long tails to use for the sewing as well. By the end, I had it all down and memorized. It would make a nice smaller afghan too, maybe with leftover colors. Someday after I do a lot more knitting for me!

Back to school September

2008-09-01T16:14:00.002-04:00

Happy September First! I figured this might be my last little bit of time before I head back to work tomorrow to give the blog the last shout of summer! I have several meetings tomorrow with the district and with our our school faclty, not to mention seeing everyone and getting ready for the kids on Wednesday. A full day none the less.

Yesterday I pulled out my second pair of Christmas socks to knit on while hubby was off on a bike ride. I got through the cuff, past the heel and gusset and am working on the foot. I would like to get these and another pair done to wrap up for him. I finally got to pop in "The Golden Compass" movie that has been here for a week. Overall interesting. Seemed like a very condensed version of the book. Almost like on fast forward. To me they left out a few details I liked from the book, but overall the scenes were good. Not a kids movie in my eyes at all, more of a preteen/teen selection. But who knows.

I also was finally able to finish the star quilt crocheted bedspread yesterday. I wanted to try to have it done before I went back to school so I wouldn't have to worry about getting it done. I dropped it off today so it is even out of the house and not taking up any more room!

It literally covers my queen size bed. It is pretty dense and heavy too. Pretty, but I am glad it is finally off my to-do list!

Yesterday I pulled out all the yarn labels I was saving from Jan1, 2008 until Aug 31, 2008:

Then I tallied up all the yarn I have used in that time...
320.17 ounces = 20/21 pounds
18,346 yards = 10 plus miles!

School?!?!?

2008-08-29T09:53:00.002-04:00

Yes, I do have to leave the comfort of my home and get off my butt, put down my knitting and books and drive the car to work next week. I when in yesterday to "see" the place again. I hate the very first day back because everything is in such disarray! They clean, but don't put things back. The host people in there and things are left all over the place. Then there are the boxes of supplies.... I have general supplies (glue, crayons, pens, tape) and library supplies (book covers, displays, bookmarks, etc) and there are the books! I found a new supplier at the very end of the year and I got a better deal than my usual company, so I seemed to get twice the amount of books than usual! I had a bout 10 hug boxes of books to open and take out of the boxes. There were so many books! I love it! I forget what I order from Jan. or May until now. It is like Christmas opening lots of gifts!

After about 2 hours of getting organized, my friend, the music teacher and I walked from school downtown to have lunch and do a little book shopping. We had Indian for lunch. The food must have been from a different region than I've had before since everything was totally different. Good but different. Then we hit Border's since we both had coupons and gift certificates. She picked several fiction titles and I hit the knitting section. I walked out with two new books... Knitted and Felted Toys and The Knitted Teddy Bear. I can't wait to try several of the animals in these! Great future gifts for my nieces.

Today I am going to watch a DVD before it needs to be returned: The Golden Compass. I read the trilogy, so I hope the movie is good. I am working on another pair of Christmas socks for hubby and I AM going to finish the star quilt bedspread. I have almost all the pieces made. I mostly have to sew it all together. I ~~want~~ need to get this done before school starts and I'll want to work on way too may other things!

MIA this week

2008-08-23T15:20:00.002-04:00

I do have a good reason for being out of range this week and her name is Ellie...

I was baby sitting for the week for my lovely little niece who kept me in stitches laughing. She was so good I can't stop talking about her! The stories I won't bore you, but my stomach still hurts from laughing!

I also got a fun package from a swap over at Ravelry from Swamplily...

Wonderful book, yarn and more goodies. I love swapping. It is too addictive though. I like the smaller ones these days, then I can pick the ones I want.

I have set done my olympian socks to work on a doily.

A friend asked me to test the pattern so I am. It is size 20 thread with a size 10 crochet hook.... all tiny. I just have to work out 5 more petal tops. There are butterflies toward the ends if you can see them.

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-14T09:03:00.002-04:00

I started my day with some blueberry pancakes...

because I felt like it. It is a little cloudy here today and rain might be in the forecast, but that won't put a damper on the day. My husband comes home from his several days of camping while I enjoyed several solo days of stay-cation here at home. I know some people don't like being alone or spending time alone, but I love having the house to myself!

I received a lovely b-day swap package yesterday from a co-celebrator over at Ravelry

Look at all this fun stuff! A very nice birthday package! I love the yarn and something I have never seen before... tiny sz 3 circular needle for socks! I want to use it right now!! Plus chocolate and books. Who wouldn't love these goodies!

The colors of the yarn are amazing. I have never seen this brand in my LYS, but I am happy to have it in my house. Plus she printed off several patterns (all of them I would like to make!) and tied them with ribbon! Such a great idea!!

Now since it is still early and before the rain comes I think I will drag this guy:

Out for a walk in the nature park. Which he will love. Just have to make sure I put on lots of bug spray!

Picture heavy

2008-08-11T08:13:00.002-04:00

I can't believe I have so many pictures, maybe I should save a few for tomorrow... nah! I'll just take more!

Well, I am enjoying a little solo stay-cation. My b-day is Thursday this week and my husband and his WHOLE family is camping (about 25-30 people) at Lake Durant. I told him he wouldn't have to get me anything for my day if I didn't have to go camping. I have never been tent camping and really didn't want to experience it with all those people, during rainy and stormy weather with no chance of driving home. So I am enjoying a little solo time here while they are getting rained on, but enjoying the wilderness.

With the Olympics starting Friday, I cast on for a new project:

Olympian Socks. I like they way they looked in the pattern. Hopefully once on me, these too will have some rings. I just pulled some wildfoote out of the stash to work with. I should have grabbed something a little lighter in color, but oh well. I like them so far.

Another reason I wanted a little time to myself is my husband decided not to take on ANY jobs for the whole month of July and now 2 weeks into August. Love him, but I need a little time alone. Plus I wanted to work on his Christmas gift:

Just 2x2 rib socks in his favorite colors. He'll love them. The yarn I picked up last fall at the NYS&W in Rhinebeck. It is a little thin, but I like it so far.

My webs order came in:

I missed out on 2 other sock yarns that were sold out before they processed my order. I would have liked them too, but I didn't need them. You'll see two more for me and one more in orange for DH for another pair of x-mas socks.

As you know I have also been working on baby sweaters to donate at the end of summer. I got two more done with stash yarn:

I found two more pattern books that I had never used, so I thought I would try out a few patterns. Both are crocheted and were really fast and easy. I would work the blue pattern again. It came out cute. The pattern ins in green and white making it look like a letterman's jacket or something. I'm sure I have more yarn to try it this way too.

Enough pictures for you? I am off to read now! I know how unconventional. I am reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. I have book club tomorrow and I am not even half way through the book. So far a lovely story and I didn't even realise when we choose it that it is set in China, but it goes well with the Olympics being on.

Clean bill of health

2008-08-07T18:16:00.002-04:00

We took Bailey back to the vet's office to have his stitches removed two days ago. Dr. M said everything looked great now. Thank you!! It was rough going there with his surgery and the infection. Now his is good as new. We celebrated by taking a little hike/walk yesterday to stretch every one's legs. I forgot how much I missed walking with him at our little nature park. It has clearly been over a month since we all walked. A little family bonding.

Beside working on baby sweaters to donate, I have also been working on a blanket for a friend whose mother passed away. I received all of her yarn at the end of June with one stipulation. Finish the blanket she started. Here's how I got everything...

There were some odds and ends, little pieces, some sewn together, some bigger than others and all the extra yarn to work on it.

And work I have! This this is so large. I know the pattern said bedspread, but seriously it could fit a king and a half! This piece is larger than my couch right now! So far I have about 6 rows sewn together and these:

20 more pieces to put on once the white part is added. The pattern is really simple and each diamond doesn't take too long. But sewing them all together is sort of a nightmare. She bought Red heart no dye lot yarn... is there a difference in color? Yes, yes there is. I am hoping that the recipient really doesn't notice the subtle color variation as much as I do. It is coming along well and I would like to be done with it by the end of the month. Can I do it? I sure hope so!

I saw a yarn sale last week at Red Bird Knits and bought these lovelies...

I was excited to see the Noro sock yarn in person. I hope I will like using it! The sale was a good one. I should have ordered more, but this is good for now since I also ordered from Webs as well.

Sunday

2008-08-03T12:00:00.002-04:00

That's the best title I could come up with for right now. Not sure why my mind is blanking, but it is. I meant to get here yesterday, but I ended up taking a 4 hour nap in the middle of the day and well the day was over for computer time after that. The reason I was exhasted was we had gone out Friday night. We met friends for a concert at SPAC - Saratoga Performing Arts Center. We saw The Police and Elvis Costello (not in that order)>

This is"Message in a Bottle". A little shaky, but sound is good.

While Elvis was on stage Sting came out to do a little Duet of "My Aim is True"

Over all it is probably one of the few concerts I have been to where I actually knew EVERY single song played by the warm up and main act. I likie both of these two bands, but I am not sure I really should have spent $60 per ticket for a seat on the crowded lawn. Usually the lawn is any where from $15-$30, $60 a ticketed seemed a little crazy... did someone need braces for the kids? or grandkids at this point?

Here's what I have been knitting...

Do you know what it is? or will be?

You've convinced me!

2008-07-31T18:50:00.002-04:00

I wasn't sure, but with all the comments, I had to keep going on the pink bolero and see what the finished piece looked like.

Not bad over all. It is kinda cute. Not sure I am really crazy about all the little pieces flying around, but the yarn s so very soft. Plus it is bubblegum pink! I made a size medium so she could grow into it. I really liked the finishing edge. I had never knit a picot edge before. I have crocheted one, but this was so easy too!

Beside hemming and hawing over this sweater, I made a trip to the farmer's market. I have lots of things going in my yard, but they have lots of blueberries! I love fresh picked berries I made blueberry pancakes, froze a few and even turned on the oven for these:

They were so good! I went back today and bought more. I have been snacking on them all afternoon! Yum!

Oh and I won a contest too. Some lovely sock yarn arrived in the mail...

This is from spinningyarnsonline.com I made a blog comment and won this lovely skein of hand-dyed yarn! I really need to cast on for some socks soon!

What to do about this?

2008-07-28T10:28:00.002-04:00

I had this great idea to make my sound to be 4 year old niece a bolero for her birthday in September. I came across a cute pattern in "Lionbrands - Just Gifts". The example is made with "romance yarn", but I didn't like working with that yarn so I thought I would look through my stash and see what else I had to use. I found four skeins of Moda Dea - Tutu. Now I am sure this is really more for scarves and fur cuffs, but it is in bubblegum pink, so I thought I would give it a try...

My husband thinks it is "too much fluff"... but I would like to see if I can finish the sweater and see how it looks after it is complete before I decide to wrap it up as a gift. The yarn is so very soft! The little pieces of fluff do get in the way a bit, but I am not sure I will like it as an over all sweater. I am having a hard time sitting and knitting this one from start to finish... any thoughts?

The boys are getting better

2008-07-24T15:57:00.002-04:00

My husband is back on his feet and ready to roller blade and bicycle. Our big boy, Bailey we are keeping under ~~lock and key~~ tight surveillance for a while longer. We had to take him back to the vets last Thursday for a night at the vet's . He ended up spending the night and getting stronger meds. He has another week to be lo-key before his stitches come out. I think Bailey is ready to roll (in his head anyway!)

I have been knitting and sitting in wait. Several baby sweaters for donation later this summer.

Little Lamb in blue.

Pink Precious sweater. I have 7 sweaters in a bag ready to donate. I will see how many more I can work up before the end of summer. I figured the place would really appreciate them toward the fall.

I have also gotten one sweater done for Christmas.

It is from Yarn Girls Guide. It is the "like riding a bike" sweater. I just need to find large button to go on.

I also pulled out a project I was asked to help finish. Will post about that next time. It is huge!

Just got back from the Farmer's Market where we picked up some blueberries, corn and a tomato. I have lots of things growing well at home, but I am always ready to see what other people have growing. The coolest thing was these purple beans today! Only, when they are cooked, they turn a bright shade of green! Funny! I wonder if they are lightly steamed and then shocked in cool water if they would retain the purple. They would be fun in a cold salad! hmmm.

New stuff

2008-07-17T19:14:00.002-04:00

As you know I have a lovely garden that I work in quite regularly during the summer. One of my goals this year was to try to save more than just tomatoes and tomatillos if I could. I have been making jam from the berries, dill pickles to enjoy now, freezing some squash. I am constantly looking for new ways to store up for the winter months when I can't garden.

Yesterday I tried some Microwave Bread and butter pickles...
They turned out so well! I grabbed the recipe from AllRecipes.com so if you like bread and butter pickles, these take 8 minutes in the microwave. The recipe called for a cup of sugar, but I only added a 1/2 cup. I think they are perfect! We have been having them straight from the jar as well as on every sandwich and veggie burger over the last several meals!

Next up, was cilantro pesto. I made it with walnuts and it is now in the freezer.

I have been knitting away to stock pile a few things just like my canning effort...

A cute little wrist yarn ball holder. Made with stash sports weight. Pattern worked up easy and fast. I attached the handles to the ribbing, but the pattern showed cute d-rings. I didn't want to run out to finish the project, so I just attached as is... Darn cute too! I might have to make one of these for me too!

Also finished up a baby sweater..

This is the Dapper Pattern. I have always loved this sweater on the front cover, but never had the courage to knit it, so I figured why not! I was really easy with a slip stitch pattern to help make the texture. I have one more sweater done in this bright pink, but I still need to sew on the buttons.

On the heath front... husband went to the chiropractor today (finally!) I guess he didn't believe me that he would feel better after he went. A little tightness prevails, but better than no movement at all. As for our dog, Bailey was having some troubles, so we called the vet and took him in thinking he had just ripped a few stitches. The vet said the would was infected and wanted to replace the stitches. So our big, little guy is staying overnight at the vet's tonight. They said he can come home tomorrow morning with an E-collar. Keep your best thoughts on a speedy recovery for our big guy.

Going in spurts

2008-07-15T13:06:00.002-04:00

Summer has things goings in different spurts. Some days I would rather read by myself sitting in front of the fan... other days I want to watch movie after movie while working on a project or two... then there are days when I just think about the garden and what I am going to do with the produce that is growing. This summer has been good to me so far. We have black raspberry jam jarred, pickles that are curing in the frig, more cukes that are going to become bread and butter pickles later today. Squashes that will be frozen and other that will become ratatouille.

I don't know what I waited so long for... I had the book "The other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory on my stairs waiting for me to pick it up. I have read others by her and I guess I was holding out since I didn't want to be disappointed. I started yesterday and am about 200 pages in... why did I wait so long. Like her others, this is a great book. I can't wait to get further into the story and enjoy every minute of it!

Yes, I have been completing projects too.... I made some crocheted flowers from leftover sari silk for the black bag I had knit a while back. Thought it would spice up the bag quite nicely.

Plus I finished my MIL's birthday present which is in October.

Not sure I will use recycled sari silk again, but the colors are pretty. I realise that I should have used a different pattern to really show off the yarn, but this one is done and I know she will love it and wear it.

I should get going on another pair or two of socks, or presents for my nieces, but alas I have been knitting baby sweaters for charity. I have a bag ready to donate with four sweaters in it, so I thought I could work up a few more before I drop them off. I finished one and am half way through another. They just work up so fast, who wouldn't want to knit one?!?!

Lastly, I have been home caring for two ailing boys. My husband threw out his back Sat night. So he is in some pain and moving very slowing. He left the house today which is good for both of us since there really isn't anything I can do to help him feel better. Then on Friday our dog, Bailey had to go in for surgery. We found a lump when he was at the vet for a check up earlier last week and the vet thought it might be cancerous. So Friday he went in to have it removed. Poor guy had what I would describe as diaper rash and for a dog that isn't easy. I have never heard him whimper and whine and it was breaking my heart. He just isn't comfortable even though we are trying everything to help him. Today seems a bit better and hopefully the hair will grow back so he won't feel so disturbed.

So that's been my last few days. A bit of crazy which keeps us on our toes. Here's to a quieter week!

Why don't I make the bed?

2008-07-11T08:19:00.002-04:00

First off it is vacation... but that isn't the whole reason. I have trouble going back to made the bed once my husband is awake and downstairs... namely Chuck. He is the problem:

Chuck isn't a morning cat, or an evening cat. Actually he pretty much sleeps all day and mostly through the night. He has a 3:30 am feeding time, which he gets me up for most nights... but Chuck is a lay-about kind of cat. Notice the second grey lump in the picture too. Ella has taken to joining him on the bed. As much as I try and scoot them off, they make it back on before I can straighten up! It is summer after all!

I have been working on a number of small projects while on vacation. Small and quick seem to hold my attention better lately. Here is swiffer cotton pad:

Works pretty well too. My floor get so dirty with a big dog who rolls in the dirt!

Plus I finished my chevron lace socks too:

They came out great! I loved the quick working pattern with just a touch carried down the foot, not the whole lace pattern. The yarn is to die for! It is Fleece Artist but I am not sure of the colorway since it doesn't say on the label. I have yet to find it on the Internet, so I will keep looking. It is black with a blue, cranberry and green. Funny that even though this is from one skein, the beginning of the skein worked up completely different than the middle to end. That's how it works right?

I have a few other things I have been working on, just too lazy to take the pictures. I have been out in the garden tending my veggies. Lots of green tomatoes, small peppers too. I grilled a green and a yellow squash last night, plus made several jars of black raspberry jam and one jar of dill pickles. I have to harvest about a half down more cukes this morning and get those on some jars. I love to have my own harvest and eat on it all fall and into the winter. We talked about expanding the garden to twice its size for next year. We might need a bigger freezer!

Trying for days!

2008-07-07T15:39:00.003-04:00

Yes, I have been trying to get on the computer and blog for days now! No real excuse accept, well, we have been watching the Tour de France and that's all that really seems to take place once the race starts in July. I will try to be better about it! In fact I took pictures the other day and never got around to loading them into the account! Yikes! Plus Husband came home from up north and well, I never get done what i want to while he is in the house, so today he is off doing some errands and making contacts to work this week and next. I home he has a plan for the rest of the summer, we can't have that much together time without going crazy. Well I can't. I love summer and one of the reasons is because I get some alone time! Don't you love your alone time?

I have been working on this recycled sari yarn shawl for my MIL

Her birthday is in October and I felt the need to make something for her. I had a different pattern picked out, but I really wanted to use this colorful silk sari yarn for her project. SO far so good. It is a real simple thing. I put it aside to work on socks, but I will get back to it shortly.

Socks are moving right along. This was yesterday, so I am down past the gusset now. Hopefully I can finish these up in the next day or so. I should go pop in a movie and knit. When I need time off from knitting I have been working on my crazy recorder case project. My plan was to crochet 2 a day for the kids at school. I don't know if I have done that the last few days, but right now my total is 5 for June and 11 for July. We'll see what really gets done this summer.

When I don't want to craft, then I read or garden. Yesterday was a lot cooler, so I gardened and weeded the veggies. I still have peas and asparagus coming up with the beginnings of tomatoes, peppers and squashes. Haven't really read another too exciting. Bookclub was last Thursday. We read "Food of Love" by Anthony Capella. Read this one if you love authentic Italian food. Last night I flew through "Zen and the art of knitting" by Bernadette Murphy. Interesting and fast read. Things to think about as you read this one.

Back in town

2008-07-02T07:59:00.002-04:00

Had a lovely few days away up near Indian Lake. I was going to try to post right before i left, but as many of you know, time gets away from you. We forgot to pack several items which wasn't a big deal except upon coming home! I forgot my pillow and toothbrush! Yikes! Two very important things if you ask me! Didn't realize until the late afternoon that I had forgotten to grab them. More concerned about the crazy down pouring of rain on the highway that I couldn't exactly see clearly through as I drove. Just a bit nerve wracking! Husband is still up north finishing another day of his working vacation so he will bring home my things, but I broke in a new pillow and toothbrush last night!

Before we left I was able to get my retro socks finished...

They came out very nice! I really like the way they fit. Could have a few less stitches to make the pattern really stand out, but they are done now!

I also crocheted a little bag.

I wanted to make something for the grocery store for apples, oranges, etc. I only buy a couple at a time, so hopefully this will help in the plastic dependency.

Now onto vacation... We stayed at our aunt and uncle's cabin on Lake Snow:

It is very peaceful. We were up there last July while husband was working on this cabin for his aunt and uncle. Our dog loves being up there. He isn't a city dog, he loves nature trails much more than pavement.

Got to work on one pair of socks...

Yes they are there in the picture on the table. It is the Chevron Lace pattern from Ann Budd's sock book.

Lovely pattern to memorize and work on. I pulled out some Fleece Artist yarn I purchased in VT before the Naked Sheep store closed its doors. I just loved this colorway! While knitting I brought a long a book on cd to listen to since there is basically NPR or the ipod (which I love both), but really wanted to lose myself in a good story. Man was it a great story. I listened to Miss Spitfire. The story of Annie Sullivan right before and the early months of working with Helen Keller. It is written as a Young Adult fiction book, but it is basically her biography with lots of links and bibliographies listed. SO good!

Well I am off to do a little cleaning and laundry while I have the house to myself. Post more progress soon.

Heading out of tedious toward completion

2008-06-26T15:35:00.002-04:00

Yes, it is true. I was able to complete the first socks and seem to be flying right along on the second. The pattern sequence is now memorized and I just have to keep track of the rows and not what the stitch pattern is...

I love the color of this yarn and the pattern is now just ok. I really loved the look in the book, but in person maybe for my foot and leg there is too much sock and not enough stretch. If I had used a sz 1 dpn it might look more like the book picture. Oh well. I am heading toward ~~home~~ the toe and well on my way to completion!

I took these socks to Knit Night last night. It may be the last for a while. Our host is heading off to Ireland for a year. I know! Who wouldn't be jealous of that!?! She is off to study music in Dublin. And most likely find some wonderful yarns! I may have to ask her to send care packages to us instead of the other way around! So as usual I didn't get much knit, just the heel flap... we eat dinner first and get distracted by babies and other projects, and I never get done as much as I thought that I would or should. I always come home and knit a little more before bed and fill in the hubby on the latest from the ladies.

Well yesterday was the children's last day of school and I had meetings and clean up today, but now I am home and it is official! I am on SuMmEr VaCaTiOn!! Wahoo! Of course after last night, two people were working on Christmas gifts! Yikes! And I was puttering right along on socks for myself! Then I thought that maybe I should be casting on for my September & October birthdays... One niece will be four YO and my MIL is in Oct... I don't know what to make for Gracie (I was thinking a sweater for preschool) and I want to make clapotis for my MIL out of recycled sari silk... We are heading out for a few days up north starting Sunday, so I should decide what I am going to be working on over the next day or so! Otherwise it will be socks! But there's nothing wrong with that!

Tedious

2008-06-21T15:51:00.002-04:00

I started the Retro Rib sock, what seems like weeks ago (it might have been last week) and I haven't gotten very far at all! The rib going down the leg was soooo tedious! I love the look of the pattern, but I will not make these again! I don't know if I will make it through the second sock!

I chose Patons Kroy in Hickory since I had some in the stash and they used the same color for one other the socks in the pictures. I have made it to the end of the gusset, and luckily the pattern stitches are only on 2 out of 4 needles. I seriously contemplated not putting the pattern down the foot because it was slow going, but I thought it would look better if I did... so there we go.

When I need a break from the socks, which seems often, I work on preemie hats.

And I was finally able to finish up the black tote I had started. Over all I think it came out pretty neat!

School is almost out for the year. The kids have three more days and I have another half day on top of that. SO overall not too bad. I plan to do a lot and get a lot of things done this summer. We are also going to try to head back up north to stay at the cabin we were in up near Indian Lake, NY. Maybe for the second week in July. I should be able to get a book or two read, plus maybe a pair of socks or two that week. Right now I am a little behind at work getting my last minute things done: inventory of the books, orders ready for the summer, cleaning up the space report cards, etc... with only 3 and a half days left I hope I can manage most of it!

The past few months I have only gotten to post on the blog once a week, I would love to do more over the summer while I have some free time. Not sure what the plans is, but I do love getting here and posting, not to mention reading what everyone else is doing and making out there.

Weekend comith

2008-06-13T17:51:00.002-04:00

Thankfully the weekend is here. Fridays never looked so good. All my afternoon classes had substitutes so when they arrived at the library door, they were CRAZY! I know they are excite, so am I for that matter, but they were bouncing literally through the library! So I am happy to see Friday. Hubby is away in Boston this weekend. Just called from "Great woods" which I think is now the Tweeter Center? His b-day present from a college roommate to see REM and Modest Mouse. He was really looking forward to it. The trip out route 2 only took 4 hours. Yikes! Hope he has fun.

I have lots of pictures today. I finished my Thuja Socks from Knitty...

Koigu is beautiful yarn. This is the first tie I used it. I should have done toe up socks so that I could use up every bit of this goodness, but I did pretty well with the planning and only have a little bit left from each skein. Don't you just love the colors?

I have been fascinated with market bags lately and will probably try out 20 patterns over the summer, but I crochet a very quick one the other day..

I used up some blue and cream cotton and the bag is pretty sturdy. Used it at the farmer's market on Thursday.

During the month of May I participated in a Market bag swap over on Ravelry. I rec'd this fun package from the great state of Vermont!

Lovely patterns and yarns were including along with a fun other goodies: candle, bee balm and soap! Thanks!

Now you know I have been trying to use up the stash I have in the house. I wanted to work it all down to a manageable room/closet and not more than that. Well, I just got back from a friends house, her mom past away about 9 months ago and this is garage sale weekend here in town. She asked me to stop over and see what I wanted of her mom's craft stash.

Crazy isn't it! And I left stuff there! I have restocked my yarn for blankets and odd projects, but look at it all. There are three bins of acrylic, novelty, cotton, thread, sock yarn and more! It is crazy! I even got some needles and small crochet hooks, plus a few quilt supplies! I really haven't even looked through it all I am only telling you what is on top that I can see! They also asked if I could finish one of the projects her mom started for her sister to keep. So that is the crochet quilt afghan in the corner. All the yarn is there, so I will take it out and put the pieces together for the family. It was fun to go through the stuff after the crazy day! It feels like Christmas with all these goodies!! Can you imagine what I left there!! She loved to shop and make things for everyone! I didn't take any of the cross stitch or needlepoint projects half of which weren't even opened! Latch hook, bedspread projects and more! I think I will go open the crates and see what surprises are in there for me to enjoy!

meme via karen

2008-06-09T17:01:00.008-04:00

Saw Karen do this and thought it was so beautiful!

1. Maureen Lines, 2. Chinese Food Box, 3. Saratoga Springs State Park, 4. Zen like a rolling stone, 5. But their beauty and their style Went kind of smooth after a while, 6. make lemonade.., 7. McNaughts Comet Eyre Peninsula South Australia, 8. choco-vanilla swirl, 9. ms. independent, 10. in the forest, ^o^ looking for Treebeard...♫ sacred monkey forest sanctuary in ubud ♫, 11. Homebodies' Yaupon, 12. Azalea Malabrigo Blue Jeans Lace Leaf Shawl - Tip Detail

a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

The Questions:

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your flickr name.

Have you seen this?!?!?

2008-06-07T12:25:00.002-04:00

That is so cool! A very interesting way to make it easier for people like me! I may have to try it. We'll see what summer looks like later on for time. A really great idea though!

Weekend is here again. We are going through a heatwave starting today and into next week. I got some garden done earlier and the laundry is out on the line, now I am in the cooler than outside house and may have to stay here for a few days! I get heat headaches if I go from one extreme to the other... not sure I am going to fair at school on Monday. It will be miserable in the building! Yikes!

Wish I have a few pictures to show you, but I am being lazy and there wasn't much knitting done this past week. I really had to push myself to finish the bookclub book (The summer I dared by Barbara Delinsky). Overall not terrible, fluffy and predictable, not quite a book that really has a descussion for the group. Happily I finished it and so did everyone else! Of course it sparked a lot of family discussions instead of book related topics!

I think I outdid myself last week with the blankets and hats, that must be why I wasn't productive at all this week! I just finished one thuja sock this morning! They are worked on size 5 needles so they should have gone much faster than my regular socks! Hopefully second sock goes faster than the first. I am using Koigu (kersti merino crepe - K801) from my stash gifted from a secreat pal several rounds ago. I guess I was really ready to use it now! So lovely this yarn. I have never used it before.