strings and purls

A Contest And A LITTLE Catch-Up!

2008-09-11T21:13:00.007-05:00

Grace is having a contest and is giving away one of her most beautiful shawls. So, if you haven't already done so, go over and check it out, and tell her I sent you.

Where does the time go? When I see I haven't posted in a month I can hardly believe it. And, it makes me feel guilty. I'm not sure why, but it does. I know how disappointing it is to keep checking someones blog only to find no new posts, and there's probably no one left that even bothers to check mine. I've always had a very small readership, but the ones that do stop by have become good friends, and I don't want to lose them.

I've been overwhelmed with "stuff", it seems, and right now I'm working like crazy just to feel like I'm not going to drown in the sea of all the things I need to get done. School started August 18, and for some reason I'm busier than I was last year. I do have about 50% more students, so maybe that's why. Even though I work at it constantly, I never seem to get to the bottom of that pile of papers that need correcting.

Then there's my mom, who is still struggling to adjust to being in an assisted living facility. They've called the ambulance for her twice in the last 11 days, which is not so fun. They haven't found anything "wrong" with her, so now they're treating her for panic attacks and we're really hoping that will help. She's always been a high anxiety type, so my brother and I have thought for a long time she should be taking something, and now she finally is.

Finally, what's been taking up the most of my time lately is this little 4-month old sweetie:

Her daddy is the young man we adopted when he was almost 19 years old because he wanted a new start and a new family. He'd come from a very troubled past and had been our foster son. Anyway, after doing very well for several years, he made an about face and went back to the "streets", shall we say. Even though he was living here in town, we only heard from him every few weeks, and he hadn't been home in 19 months.

A few weeks ago he needed some court papers to prove his adoption and name change in order to get a new SS card. So, the poor baby HAD to come home. I chewed him out for never coming around, and after that he started calling me every day. One time he was talking about the baby and said, "You're a grandma", to which I answered, "No, I'm not". I told him that I wasn't a grandma until I got to hold, love, and spoil that baby. And to my evil delight, Social Security would only mail his new card to our address, in care of me, so I told him he wasn't getting it until I met his wife (he's been marrried over a year!) and got to see the baby.

Well, he didn't make me wait until the card came. He brought them over and has been bringing them almost every day since. Needless to say, I've fallen head over heels in love with my precious grand-daughter, am enjoying getting to know my daughter-in-law, and am thrilled to be spending time with James again. He and our youngest birth son are two weeks apart in age, so they've always been VERY close. Nathan had missed him terribly, and they love spending time together again.

The odd thing is, we've never had a falling out with this boy. Our relationship with him has always been good, and in many ways he was easier to get along with than the other two. So this whole separation thing was really weird. He said his pride kept him away, and told me I made him cry when I scolded him for not coming home for so long. We're just thankful he's back, and has brought others with him for us to love!

Tomorrow I'm picking her up after school, and Ashlynn and Grandma are going shopping together! I can hardly wait!!

It Ain't Easy Bein' Green.....

2008-08-11T13:48:00.005-05:00

No it's not easy, but green I am, and not nearly as cute as the googly-eyed little guy in the picture!! I'm sure you've already guessed as much, but ya, I've been hangin' out at the frog pond again. I finally finished one of the two table mats I was working on, and was trying to convince myself it was okay to knit that much only to come up with what seemed to me to be a bunch of holes. Then I started my routine anal inspection of my work, and realized that one end (the top in the picture) was "wider" than the other.Right away I knew why. My gauge was so far off on this pattern that I tried needles all the way from size 4 to size 11. Finally went with a 6, deciding it wasn't so fussy (this is a table mat, after all!!), and I would knit a little loose. Big mistake, that. The project got set aside for several weeks, and of course when I picked it up again, I knit in my "normal" tension. I could have easily blocked the piece into submission, but "I knew", and that would forever drive me crazy. So, a froggin' I did go, and I now have a nicely wound ball of Euroflax linen awaiting some other project. I didn't like the mat well enough to knit it again, or I would.

But wait, there's more. The other table mat I was working on had been left untouched for weeks, so I got that back out and started knitting on it again. Things were going well, and I'd added about six to eight inches of work when I noticed a piece of yarn that wasn't quite where I thought it should be. I had to study it for a while to even determine if it was a mistake or just a piece of yarn that was a bit too loose, but eventually my anality (Yes, that's a word, and if it isn't, it should be) won, and I ripped out everything I'd done. Shoot! Well, I am going to get back to that project because I love the pattern, but for right now, I'm working on something else.

SOCKS!! Yes, socks! Me... trying my hand at socks again. I left town quickly (no time to grab the knitting!) last Wednesday to take my uncle to the doctor, only to find out I would be waiting around while he had surgery on his retina. I was going to hang out at my LYS, but the surgery center likes to have someone there for the patient during the surgery. When they told us that my uncle said, "If I die what difference will it make if she's here or a few blocks down the street?" He cracks me up. Anyway, I couldn't enjoy shopping knowing they wanted me there, so instead I grabbed a hotdog at a gas station and went to the yarn shop just long enough to buy something to work on while I waited. For some reason, socks seemed like the quick, easy answer. I grabbed a hank of Jitterbug yarn I'd been admiring, a pattern for beginner socks, and some size 1 needles. I was set!

And I'm having a blast with them! I've turned the heel, and am well on my way to having a nicely shaped gusset with NO HOLE!! Oh, yeah!!! I think the third time will be the charm for me! My first attempt at socks failed because the yarn I used was limp and droopy, resulting in a sock that was baggy and ill-fitting. Frogged it before I was done and used the yarn for a child's cap. Second attempt was with yarn I'd been given, and it was so ugly I wasn't about to work that hard on socks I wouldn't want to wear anyway, so I dropped the partially knit sock and the rest of the skein right into the garbage! *GASP* I know... somewhere in the world someone could have used that yarn!

Something else I've been playing around with lately is Locker Hooking, which I'd tried out at the fiber festival. It's fun to do, and I've made three pieces and given them all as gifts. The ones in the picture are nine inches square, a nice size for a hot pad or just a little mat to set a candle, lamp, or whatever on. They were a big hit, and now two of my friends want to "get in on the fun" and learn how to Locker Hook.
Today my baby turns 22, so a big "Happy Birthday" to Nathan! He told me only two days ago that he'd love to have a hammock, of all things. Well, I never gave that (goofy) idea a moments thought, and then yesterday I walked into Penneys only to see two big boxes (hammocks, natch!!) with a sign that read 70% off. Well, they'd been $300, and were now $75. But, once the additional 40% off AND my 20% off coupon were factored in, I ended up paying $36 for a $300 hammock. That's 88% off, math fans! So, Mom did okay! Now he tells me he's going to clean up the downstairs so he has a place to set up his super deluxe, brand spankin' new, mammoth birthday hammock. We'll see...

Fiber Festival Fun~~

2008-08-02T14:51:00.019-05:00

Where does the time go? It's already a week ago that my friend Kathy and I were at the Fiber Festival in Fargo. We had the best time ever! This was a "first time" event, and I know it was very small compared to great yarn shows you all have out east, but we had perfect weather, and positively the best day I've had all summer!

We were there before it opened and stayed until it closed. There were demonstrations and hands-on activities. I could have dropped a bundle on the supplies to try several new crafts, but I managed to restrain myself. I made a rag doll and tried my hand at fabric painting using templates and Locker Hooking. I've never actually watched anyone spin before, so was mesmerized by the gals who were spinning yarn. Someday....

The Fiber Festival took place at Bonanzaville, which is a frontier setting recreated by actual buildings from the days when North Dakota was settled. You can walk through the community and in and out of the various houses and other buildings. Kathy and I felt like we'd been "transported" to a different era, and were none to anxious to return to the 21st century!

This cute little cabin was the first house build in Fargo, ND back in 1869. Hard to imagine raising a family in such a small, simple home. Inside was a loft, and two rickety old beds. What you see on the front stoop is an array of hand-woven baskets and an area to sit and work. Very quaint and charming.

We also visited the General Store, which was stocked to the brim with goods from a bygone era. We learned from the "storekeeper" that the items in the store were the actual inventory that was there when the store closed. I felt like I was in Little House on the Prairie!! Check out the Linament in the lower right corner. Everyone needs some quality Linament now and then don'tcha know!!!For those of you who love to bake and putts about in your kitchen, here are the baking goods! Don't you just love that enormous can of baking powder, and look at the boxes of Morton's Salt! The Hershey's Cocoa can hasn't changed much, has it? Both Kathy and I were just tickled as we went through this store.
And for all my knitting friends, here's the "handwork" department!! This was it... just a box of cotton.
Of course I have lots more pictures, but I'll save them for later! The school, court house, and bank were adorable, and there's an old Lutheran church where they still hold weddings!

I did buy a couple of skeins of yarn from one of the vendors, but forgot to take pics of it. I'll get those taken for next time. Last summer I bought some (WAY too much) yarn when my LYS in Fargo was going out of business. Well, happily for me it's back! It has a new name and new owners, and it's better than ever. They had a booth at the festival and then I got to see the store on Tuesday when I gave my uncle a ride to Fargo to have lasar surgery on his eye. I only had an hour to spend there (I NEEDED at least four!!) but I know that the owners are friendly and helpful, and they carry some great yarn. I would love to get back one time before school starts, but we'll see.

With all the yuck I had going on, my knitting mojo up and left me this summer. The only things I seemed to be able to work on were a couple of dishcloths, mostly while waiting to get in for doctor appointments. But, I guess that's better than nothing, and it does allow me to say I have some FO's!!

The first one is My Favorite Dishcloth from Harvest Moon Designs. I really like this pattern... it's fun, easy, and quick to work up.

Then I made two more DW cloths. I always get a kick out of watching the colors come together on this pattern. The yarn is Peaches & Cream in the Fiesta color. Really bright and summery. The one on the bottom is Sugar 'n Cream Early American Ombre. I made another one that was a great color, but sent it away for a swap before snapping a picture.

I've also gotten back to a table mat I was working on before school was out, and it's starting to grow. Funny how that happens when you actually knit on

something! I'm at least half done, and anxious to get it finished. There are a

couple other projects I'm itching to start, but I want to make some serious progress on the table mat first.

Last evening was "girls night out" with my three best friends in the whole wide world. We usually go to a restaurant, but instead met at a home. We grilled steak and chicken, and each brought something to share. There were cheesy potatoes, scalloped corn, a beauteous leafy salad, and yummy fruit. We met around 6:30, and guess who got home at 4am? Yup, it was me. And the others, too! Hubby couldn't believe I was getting home so late. Or early. Men just don't get it. We had so much catching up to do that we didn't even get tired. When we noticed that it was 3:00, we couldn't imagine where the time had gone. However, there is the price to pay. I'm certainly not a bundle of energy today, and don't suppose I'll be accomplishing great things! Frankly, I don't care. If I have some computer time, knit some, and maybe read some, I'm okay with that! And to top it off, I had left-over scalloped corn for breakfast!

A Stormy Contest~~

2008-07-25T13:49:00.003-05:00

Just ran across an interesting question over on Grace's blog, and she's turned it into a contest! Go check it out!! Here's what she asks:

"When you are knitting and using metal needles like Addi's or Options and it starts to thunder and lightening, do you put your knitting down? I do, and pick up something on wooden needles and Tom thinks I am crazy. "

Hmmm... since I've never thought of that before, I would just keep on knitting. However, now that Grace brought it up, it will be the first thing that crosses my mind next time a storm pops up while I'm knitting!! Maybe it helps if I have rubber soles on my shoes!!

I'm hoping for a nice day tomorrow, as I'm going to a fiber festival at Bonanzaville with a friend. First time I've had the opportunity to attend anything like that, and I'm hoping it will be fun. Bonanzaville is part of a county historical society where they've set up original buildings from the late 18 and early 1900's. A bit of a restored frontier town, I guess. There will be demonstrations, hands-on activities, and vendors. First outing I've had this summer, and I'm really looking forward to it. If it's a good time, I'll have pictures to share when I get back! Do you 'spose they'll have yarn???

Crawling Out Of A Time Warp~~

2008-07-21T18:37:00.011-05:00

Ever feel like you're walking around in someone else's body, or living out some movie or soap opera that isn't your life at all? That's how this summer has been for me. I was walking around in Target a couple of weeks ago and realized that the whole world was going on around me, but I somehow wasn't a part of it. I could see other shoppers, and browse the aisles, but it was as if I wasn't really there. In a bubble I was, so wrapped up in things that weren't 'normal' for me that I felt totally alien with the rest of the world.

Like a kid, I counted the days until school would be out so I could get on with my summer plans, and they were many. Well, you know what's said about "the best laid plans....". The day after school let out my brother came to town to help me pack up my mom's apartment, as she'd moved into assisted living. (Lots of Mom stress over the past 9 months--both physical and moving issues-- had already contributed much to making me crazy.) Somehow I'd convinced myself that it wouldn't be all that hard, but OH MY, how we do accumulate stuff. We worked our tails off.... we threw, we donated, we moved, we put into storage, and we also put into our garage. Of course, all this brought great angst to my mom, which trickled down to me. My feet got so swollen that I had to loosen the straps on my Birks by two holes, which has never happened before. I guess it was stress, as it went away and hasn't come back, but at the time I was wondering if I was gearing up for the Big One.

Next up, my oldest son had surgery on his knee to repair a torn ACL and whatever else he damaged. This was planned, but it's a painful surgery and slow recovery, and it's always tough to see someone you care about so miserable. These ordeals are never easy for a mom.

Now it's my turn to visit the doctor. Thinking I haven't had a check-up for two years (and having not been sick haven't even seen a doctor in as long) I thought it was about time. Once I got there I found out it's actually been three years. Bad girl, me. Anyway, as much as I hate the whole process, things are going along quite swimmingly until the Doc asks me one of those "girly" questions, and she isn't fond of the answer. (Shoulda kept my big mouth shut!!) Next thing I know, she's scheduled me for a pelvic ultrasound. Ever had one of those? If not, you should... just for the sheer fun of it. Let me give you a little hint: it's both external AND internal. Are ya with me here?? And it lasts quite a while... very thorough, let me tell you. Let's just say he left no stone unturned.
Other results that I'd already gotten back were all good, and I wasn't all that concerned about the untrasound until after I'd had it, and then panic set in. Fear of the unknown grabbed me and twisted me into knots. I'm usually not like that, and I still can't explain it, except that maybe it was the straw that broke the camels back. I'd reached my limit of stress and anxiety, and this last thing just knocked me off my feet. So, four days later when I went in for the results, having her refer me to an OB/GYN for a biopsy really sent me into a tailspin.

And it's the waiting that's the worst. Eight days until the next appointment. And now, lets insert company. My sweet dad, who hasn't been to visit in a few years because he was caring for his wife who had Alzheimers, is coming to spend time with my brother and his family, and with us. He was with us for ten days, and I'd been so excited to have him come, but having this medical stuff weighing on me made me less that a good hostess. I felt bad, and I tried so hard, but I just couldn't be me. First, I hadn't been sleeping. Would wake up between three and four EVERY morning, and that was it. No more sleepy-bye for me. So I was exhausted. Next, I lost my appetite (which never happens!!), so cooking was torture, and forcing myself to eat was worse. Bleck. Luckily, Dad is very understanding.

Fast forward eight days, and OB Dr. had no interest in doing a biopsy, but instead thought a D&C might be fun for me. Okay, so now I would wait nine more days for that. I had no idea what a big deal they are... actually considered "surgery". Most have general anesthesia when having one done, which is my WORST FEAR IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD. "If I have to rip my hair out by the roots and bite on a silver bullet, there is no way they are putting me to sleep for this. No way, no how!!!" So, the very kind and gentle anesthesiologist and my Dr. decide to try it with just sedation, and if that doesn't work, then a spinal. I've never had anything that even resembled high blood pressure, but at the hospital before this little event it was right up there! Scared, me was. And for the life of me I don't know why. It wasn't all that bad, and quite honestly, I didn't expect it to be. After the procedure, the Dr. told me I was tougher than she was. **Pat self on back** However, I did "come to" a little a couple of times during the whole process, and when I did I felt some pretty red-hot pain. Doc said I "squirmed" a little bit a few times.

(This cutie dragonfly spent the afternoon dangling from the overhang of my house.)

Well, I was hoping to get to wait at least another four days for the pathology results, but oddly enough they came back in two, and I'm thankful to say everything is good. No bad cells at all, and I've had my post-op appointment and am done with that for the summer. I thought I'd feel better instantly, but it didn't work that way. (This whole time all of the things that are usually fun for me were not. I did nothing that I usually do: no knitting, no blogging, no on-the-patio sitting. The only thing I did for entertainment was Sudoku puzzles, and I did dozens of them.) Five days later I realized I was starting to feel like myself again, and was enjoying doing things around the house and had plans for some fun computer and knitting stuff later in the day.

And then the phone rang.........

That morning my younger son had left with a group of friends and the leader of a youth center here in town to attend Sonshine, a Christian music festival. On the way home, he would be dropped off near Minneapolis and wait to be picked up by one of the youth leaders from our church on the way to a short-term mission trip to the inner city. It was a trip for middle schoolers, and Nathan was going to be one of the leaders. He's such an exhuberant kid, and was so excited about these two simultaneous trips.

Anyway, the phone told me it was Nathan calling, but another voice asked for me (heart starting to beat faster now) and told me that Nath seemed to be having some kind of a seizure, and asked if he'd ever had one before. (NO!!) He told me Nath was coming around, but was unable to tell him his moms name (WHAT!!!) and didn't know where he was or where he was going. And he seemed to have stopped breathing for a while. (Now I'm feeling like my heart may just stop completely.) He's over 100 miles from home, and will be taken by ambulance back to Fargo, which is 75 miles from where we live.

I couldn't even string a sentence together when I called my husband, but managed to say, "Something's happened to Nathan, you have to come home." Minutes later he's home, and we hit the road for Fargo. I felt so bad that Nath would be there all alone, but when we arrived there were six of his friends waiting for us. Nathan had been riding with the leader, and that vehicle came back, along with another one with several of his best friends.

Again we feel very blessed, as this turned out to be not nearly as bad as it seemed to be, or could have been. What happened was he "passed out with seizure-like symptoms". There's a medical name for it, but that's what it means. And here's why it happened: First, Nathan had only gotten about two hours of sleep the night before. He gets too excited and just can't sleep when he's looking forward to something special. Second, he had donated plasma that morning, which depleted his blood volume. And third, when they stopped for lunch in Fargo he sprinted about six blocks in the heat right after eating to get a magazine at Barnes & Noble. When they picked him up, he "went right to sleep", or more than likely passed out. About 30 miles out of town the seizure-like symptoms started. The doctor said it's not all that uncommon, but I've never heard of such a thing. They did do a CAT scan and run all the other tests to be sure. The tests confirmed that the Dr. was right, and it had not been a seizure. Nathan came home with us and missed the music festival, but he's gone again now! He left with the group from church yesterday on the mission trip!
(Jayda thought this little "triangle" of shade was just right for an afternoon nap!!)

So, the beautiful summer days have passed, but in a way that didn't seem real, and now I'm less than a month away from going back to school. But that's okay. I'm just thankful that things are starting to settle down, and I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of my break. One of my favorite things to do is sit out on my patio, which is where I am right now. It's a perfect evening, and I think I shall go in and get my knitting....

A Fun Package From The Mailman~~

2008-07-05T10:03:00.012-05:00

I received the most wonderful package from my Keepin' Cool In Summer Dishcloth Swap Pal! Wendy sent a box full of fantastic goodies, all wrapped beautifully in bright, summery colors. There were even fun little messages attached to the gifts! Here's what I found when I opened the box...
And here's a group shot of the goodies after I unwrapped them...

She sent some Crystal Light for me to add to my water bottles. Believe it or not, I haven't had that before, so am anxious to try it. And, there were fruit snacks to munch on. Then, in the pampering department she sent some almond hand soap that smells just delish... almond is my absolute fave, so this one goes in MY bathroom so I don't have to share it with the boys! There's also a very nice hand cream, a cute little notebook with a pen attached, and some just-for-fun flamingo socks!!Next up is a pattern book for some adorable knitted snowflakes that look like great fun to knit. The yarn Wendy sent is GORGEOUS! It's Brown Sheep Cotton, which I've not had before, and it's soft and luverly. The colors are rich, and I just love that! The WonderVase is a piece of heavy plastic that you fill with warm water and shape to your liking. Then you change to cool water and add flowers! Inside that green "disc" with the flower on it is a sun hat! You take it out and give it a flip and it turns into a hat with a big brim. Then you twist it just right and it fits back into the little zippered pouch. The sun does unsightly things to my face, so it will come in handy! I'm hoping to attend a 'first' Yarn and Fiber Festival in a nearby city later this month, and this hat will go with me!!Wendy sent not one, but two, knitted dishcloths. The pattern is a very pretty one that I haven't seen before. She chose colors that are perfect for my kitchen!

Thank you Wendy for everything!!

You've been such a great pal, and I've enjoyed getting to know you!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Topic #4

2008-07-05T09:50:00.002-05:00

Here's this week's topic: Go check out one other person's blog who's answered some of the weekly topics. Find someone you have something in common with, who posted a really cool cloth pattern, or who 'calls' to you for some other reason, and post about them on your blog sharing why!

This was fun, because it got me reading some blogs that are new to me, and I enjoy that! I seem to find something interesting no matter whose blog I'm reading, Even though this blog isn't new to me, I have to say that one that I really relate to is Alaina's. She's been a regular read for me for quite some time, and we do have a few things in common.

We're both teachers, we both have sons who are within the same age range, and we live in the same area of the country. Our names are even similar (and unusual), and we both KNIT!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Topic #3

2008-07-02T20:32:00.006-05:00

Now that Summer has OFFICIALLY begun.. what do you do to beat the heat? A nice tall glass of lemonade? Frozen Coffee? A dip in the pool? What's your favorite way to keep cool this summer as things heat up?

Definately a tall glass of something cold. Iced tea or coffee will do very nicely, and I'm even good with a big glass of ice water. Ya, I know that's boring, but it is refreshing!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Topic #2

2008-06-17T21:38:00.004-05:00

This week I'm asked to share what makes me feel like summer has really arrived. Well, just like the kids, since I'm in school nine months of the year, I do feel like summer is here when school lets out. However, we do get out quite early in these parts (May 23 this year), so sometimes the weather is summery then, but often times it's not. This year we had a few nice days sprinkled here and there, but mostly we've had a long, cold, and lately very rainy, spring. Last week I actually ran the heater in my car a couple of times because my toes were so cold!

Another thing that makes me have that summer kind of feeling is when I've got my planters filled and looking purdy out on my patio. I try to wait until most danger of frost is passed, which they "say" is the end of May. Who knows??

Even when it's cold out, if the sun pounds through my south sunroom window, my doggies think it's got to be warm and inviting outside. I tell them it's cold, but they're not satisfied until I let them out to discover for themselves that they indeed cannot lay on the cold, frozen brick. After about thirty seconds, they're woofing to come back in. However. . . .

When I see THIS. . . .

. . . I KNOW it's summer, cause this is no cold-weather doggie I have here. When my hounds lay down on the warm patio brick and bask, I know it's time to grab my knitting and a cup of coffee and join them.

And this big guy may LOOK tough and vicious (yeah, right!!), but he's a big baby that cries to be in the sun. (And to sit on his mommy's lap--all 78 pounds of him.) He finds even the smallest sunbeam shining through a window unto the carpet and lays himself down in it.
As you can see, it's a tough job being the family dogs, but it's gotta be done!!

Keepin' Cool in Summer Topic #1

2008-06-09T22:37:00.005-05:00

This week I'm asked to share a favorite dishcloth. Well, it's hard to choose just one, but I do love so many of the designs by Sue over at Harvest Moon. I have a number of them, and those that I've tried have all turned out just fantastic. Fun designs and great directions--you can't do any better than that!! The one pictured below is one of Sue's designs, titled My Favorite Dishcloth. I've made several and really like the pattern. The yarn is Bernat Handicrafters in the color Jewels, and I used my size 7 Lantern Moon needles. I'm actually working on another one of these right now in a different colorway.
Here's another dishcloth I finished recently. It's the Lacy Round Cloth by Rhonda K. White, and you can find it here. I've made a couple of these as well, and they're fun and easy. The yarn on this one is hand dyed that I purchased on ebay last summer. Sorry, but I don't know where it came from. (I know, *sigh*) It's a little finer yarn, and I used my Clover Bamboo size 6 needles. Very cute, if I do say so myself!!
In other knitting news, I spent some serious time at the frog pond tonight. I'll blog about that later. My grandma used to have a saying, "As you sew, so you rip". Well, I guess we knitters have our own version of that same saying: "As you knit, so you frog.!"

Keepin' Cool in Summer Questionnaire~~

2008-06-04T20:16:00.004-05:00

It's been a little while since I've been in a swap, so I'm looking forward to being a part of the Keepin' Cool in Summer Dishcloth Exchange. Here is my questionnaire:

1. Do you Knit or Crochet? Both, but lately it's been all about knitting. For how long? My grandma taught me both when I was just a little girl, so for a L O N G time!!

2. Do you enjoy using metal, wooden, or some other kind of needle\hook? I have a variety of wood straights and dpns, and I really like them. I have both wood and metal (addi) circs.

3. What are your favorite types of yarn? There are so many wonderful yarns, how's a girl to choose? I like nice wool, cotton, and whatever looks "fun" or catches my eye. Any you just can't stand? Don't care for novelty yarns much. Eyelash and other similar types are out for me!

4. When it comes to cotton, are there any brands you'd love to try and haven't? I'm curious about the new skinny cotton from Blue Sky.

5. When you make Dishcloths, do you use them yourself, or tend to give them as gifts? Both.

6. Do you have a favorite color? I love rich, saturated shades and jewel tones. Teal, navy, berry shades. Any that you dislike? I'm not a big fan of pure shades of yellow, orange, kelly green.

7. What color(s) (if any!) are your kitchen and bath decorated in? My kitchen is pale shades of teal with some beige. One bathroom is teal and taupe, and mine is white and soft rose with the occassional shot of beige and soft blue.

8. What are your favorite scents around the house? Vanilla, almond, and clean "water" and "air" scents.

9. What is your very favorite thing about summer? Being able to sit outside on my patio. I'll take pretty much anything I need to get done out there to work on: bills and paperwork, computer stuff, and of course, knitting!

10. What is your least favorite thing about summer? Humidity.

11. Do you use soap or body wash in the shower? Body wash.

12. What scents do you enjoy in the bath? Vanilla, almond, and fresh outdoor scents.

13. What is your favorite dishcloth pattern? How do I choose just one? The last two I've made have been "My Favorite Dishcloth" from Harvest Moon Designs, so I guess that's my current fave.

14. What sort of treats do you enjoy? When it comes to treats, I am most easy to please. I like chocolate (duh!), and I really enjoy Lindt white chocolate truffles. Sweet or Salty? Either/Or/Both!!

15. Imagine today is one of the hottest days of the year - what do you do to keep cool? Or are you one of those folks who loves the hot weather? I stay inside and appreciate my air conditioning. I might french press some coffee to sip with a biscotti, or maybe a glass of iced tea. Then I'll sit in my favorite chair and enjoy my beverage while I knit and look out the window into my backyard. I can enjoy some of the beauty of nature without the heat.

16. What sort of hobbies do you enjoy besides knitting or crocheting? I haven't been doing much other than knitting lately, but I do also enjoy beading and working with polymer clay.

17. Do you collect anything (besides yarn!) Not really. I have a couple of Willow Tree Angels, as well as a couple of this or that, but no big collections.

18. Are you on Ravelry? I am, but I have done absolutely nothing with it. If so, share your ID! alanaR

19. Do you have any allergies? No.

20. Do you have any pets? Two dogs (Boxers) that I love way too much and spoil shamelessly.

And The Winners Are...

2008-05-19T19:23:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Holly and smariek, the winners of my blogoversary contest! I used the highly scientific method of putting all the names (and there were a lot of them--some of you did all the extra credit!!)) into a bowl and drawing two. Thanks to everyone who entered... it's been great fun reading all your comments and suggestions.

I've already checked out a number of the ideas for my Sea Silk and I'm going to look at all of them. I recognized many of your names from swaps I've been in and from comments on other people's blogs and it was fun to have you stop by mine!

Thanks to all of you for making my

Blogoversary Contest

so much fun!!

I really enjoyed myself, and

I hope you did, too!!!

Just Enjoying the Evening~~

2008-05-18T20:05:00.004-05:00

Finally an evening where I can just sit outside and enjoy! Some of the first summery days we've had have been accompanied by winds that just about knock you off your feet. Matter of fact I believe I was quite the spectacle leaving the grocery store yesterday.I was doing my Saturday morning "box" run in my continuing effort to have enough boxes to move my mom out of her apartment next weekend when my brother and sister-in-law are here to help. Well, I spent considerable time fitting boxes one inside the other, getting as many as possible in one trip. This way I could fill my shopping cart once and be on my merry way. Did quite well... had them fit together in a creative puzzle-like fashion and tucked and balanced on my shopping cart. Piled high enough I had to peek around them to see where I was going. What I failed to factor in was the gale force wind blowing outside.

Ya, I know... you're already a step ahead of me. Once I exited the store the wind hit the broad flat surfaces of my boxes and off they went, sliding across the parking lot with me hot on their trail trying to bring them into submission with my foot, while at the same time trying to control the cart (also not an easy task). A pretty sight, I'm sure... especially from behind. Oh well, if onlookers were adequately entertained, then I'm good. Anyhoo, I managed to wedge the runaway boxes into a bike rack, rush to my car with the cart and prop it against the side of my car while I went back for the naughty boxes. I thought I heard them laughing... do boxes laugh???

Well, one might think I would have learned from this experience, but one would be wrong. I managed to repeat a different version of my stupidity at the second grocery store. Not the SAME mistakes... new and different ones! That's gotta be a good thing, right?

Then I got to my mom's apartment, only to find myself struggling again, this time with my butt in the air and my shirt blown clear up to who-knows-where! An elderly gentleman sitting in a car parked next to mine must have had his chuckle for the day. Strong winds and a bunch of empty boxes just do not mix!

On a different note, my blogoversary contest ends tonight at midnight, and I'm anxious to draw the winners. Since I work in the morning, I won't be up that late, but will draw them tomorrow, and notify the winners as soon as possible. Yea... it's been a fun party!

This Is Really Fun!

2008-05-13T22:24:00.003-05:00

I'm getting the biggest kick out of this blogoversary contest! I can't believe how many comments I've received as well as great suggestions for using my Sea Silk. It's fun checking out new blogs, and I've peeked at a few of the suggested patterns, too.

While nosing around I came across this gorgeous piece, named "Iris", designed by Susan of A Few Stitches Short. I would love to make something this glorious, but honestly don't know if I have it in me. Would I die of old age before I got it done?

Anyway, I don't think this pattern/kit is available yet, but I believe it will be soon. I was there checking out Crocus Pocus, a smaller piece that I could possibly make with my Sea Silk! Susan certainly is a gifted designer of beautiful lace.

I've been working on my South Seas Table Mat, so it's grown a little. It's an easy knit, but doesn't knit itself-- I have to actually pick up the needles and go at it. I can hardly wait til school's out and mom's moved so I have more knitting time. If it EVER WARMS UP, I'll fill my planters with happy flowers and sit out on the patio with my coffee, my dogs, and my knitting. That's one of my all time favorite things to do....

I'm Having A Blogoversary Contest!!

2008-05-11T21:00:00.006-05:00

It was one year ago that the daughter of one of my friends helped me set up a blog for the sole purpose of being eligible to participate in a swap. I've swapped a few times since then, blogged more than I ever thought I would, and have made some really fun friends!

Well it's time to celebrate, so I'm having my first ever contest! I'm not a big time blogger, so if you're one of my three or four regular readers, your chances of winning should be pretty good!!

There will be two winners.

The first person whose name I draw

will get to choose one of these two books...

... and one of these hanks of yarn.

The second person drawn will get the other book

and the other yarn!

Easy as Pie!!

And, there will be some other goodies for both of the

winners as well.

Not sure yet what they will be, but I'm

thinkin' on it!

Here are the rules:

1. Leave me a comment and your name will be entered one time.

2. Mention my contest and link me on your blog and your name will be entered a second time.

3. Make a suggestion as to how I might use the Hand Maiden Sea Silk that is pictured in my previous post and you'll get another entry.

4. I'm going to try to be a good little blogger and post a couple of times this week. Come back and comment on those posts, and you're name will go into the hat yet another time.

The contest will end at midnight, one week from today. That's Sunday, May 18.

Good Luck, and Thanks for Entering!!!

And The Week Goes On... and on... and on...

2008-05-09T22:16:00.010-05:00

How long can these last several weeks of school be? There are always a couple of kids that finish school "early" and just check out, which makes it so lovely for the rest of us. Oh, well... there are only two weeks left. Nine days with students. Not that I'm counting... I'm not. (Mmm Hmm)

Yesterday the secretary came to my room bearing these lovely flowers from my oldest son and his girlfriend. It was such a bright, cheery spot on my desk. For the rest of the day I just kept staring at them. Right before school was out I turned them around to find that one of my adorable students had pinched every petal on one of the big lilies. All six, so hard that they were transparent and wilty. I was so upset that when they returned from PE I made them all sit and listen before I dismissesd them. Revisited the lecture on personal space and told them I expected a confession. One of my co-workers shared a portion of her mind, as well.

Would you believe I got my "I'm sorry" within just a few minutes? And that it came from a new student on his very first day? Whoda thunk? I've gotta say, though, that I was glad it wasn't one of the kids I've been working with all year. It would have been hard not to take that pretty personal. This little guy doesn't know me yet, and I don't know him, so somehow that makes it easier for me to swallow.

I went straight to the florist after school to get the lily replaced, and the sweet girl at the shop didn't even charge me! Needless to say, the flowers didn't go back to school with me!! They are now gracing my coffee table at home!

I got a great yarny treat from Loopy Ewe! And believe it or not, it's the first time I've ordered from them. Probably because I've not been all that successful with knitting socks. I won a Loopy Ewe gift certificate from Amanda, so I went shopping and splurged on something special. It's Hand Maiden Sea Silk in the colorway Paris. I just thought those shades were too purdy to resist! Don't ask me what I'm going to make with it, because I have no clue. Just thought it was something I should have!! (Ya I know, that's hard for you to believe!)
Even though life has been totally hectic lately, I have tried to knit a couple of stitches now and then. I've finished a couple of dishcloths, which I haven't taken pics of yet. I'm also working on a couple of lacy pieces, which are great fun. This is a simple pattern, but seems like quite a bit of knitting just to end up with a bunch of holes! It's the South Seas Table Mat from Knit Two Together. I'm using the Euroflax that it calls for, but I did have jump up a couple of needle sizes. That's unusual for me, too, as I knit a bit loose and often find myself having to use a smaller needle. I had to start this one a few times before I found a needle that would work. It's probably about three times this long, now.
This next pattern I is totally dreamy. I absolutely lurve it!! And watching the design "come together" is SO fun! It's sized to be a fairly large table runner, but my lifestyle isn't quite that grand, so I've scaled it down some and am making it both narrower and shorter. It's from Berroco, the NaturLin leaflet, #273. And I'm actually knitting it with NaturLin. Two projects using the yarn that's suggested. Look at the great detail in the design. It lays so nice, even without being blocked that I can hardly wait to see it finished and all blocked into shape. This one will probably take me a little while to finish, and it's not something I can do while watching TV or chatting with someone. If I find mistakes, I HAVE to rip down and fix them, so it's better just to be careful in the first place.My mom has moved into assisted living, so I'm working on the enjoyable task of packing up and vacating her apartment. I only have one brother, who is 300 miles away, so he's not able to help as much as he'd like. (He does do all the telephone junk, though, and I really appreciate that because I hate doing that kind of stuff.) He and his wife are coming over Memorial Day weekend, and we'll finish it all then. Meantime, I'm trying to do a little each weekend so our task won't be so monumental. Last weekend I got her china, crystal, and other fancy dishes all wrapped and boxed. It's nice to have that task out of the way. I'm thinking tomorrow may be a den kind of day.

This has been quite the reminder of how we tend to accumulate "stuff". Makes me want to come home and get rid of almost everything I own! Just on general principle!! Can't help but think of how the Bible tells us not to store up treasures on this earth where moths and rust corrupt and theives break in to steal and destroy.

We're having a lousy spring. Two weeks ago my hubby took some cool looking snow pics (if there is such a thing at the end of April!) for me to put on my blog, but I just didn't get around to it. Of course it melted right away, but it's still been cooler than normal, and also gloomy. The up side of this less than great weather is that warm, sun-shiney days make the kids at school even more restless.

I actually did some beading recently. I haven't done any for ages, but wanted to finish a piece I'd started, as I needed a special gift for a friend. I found out just how much I've missed working with beads. Most of my things are organized, but there are a couple of drawers that are quite a mess and I want to get everything all sorted and put away. I'm going to do that when school's out, and then I'm going to take some time to make some things. Found some beads I'd forgotten I'd bought, and they were really cool! Need to use them!

But... gotta finish packing Mom up first :o)

Found Us A Contest~~~

2008-05-04T00:23:00.004-05:00

Sue is having a contest, so stop by her blog, say hello, and get yourself entered!

I see I'm coming up on my bloggiversary in a few days, too, so perhaps it's time for me to start thinking about a contest!!!

Ive Got Some Catchin' Up To Do...

2008-04-16T19:43:00.017-05:00

Well, it was awhile ago now, but Dorothy surprised me with the "You Make My Day Award", and I will admit that getting it really did help to make MY day! I'm a very "small scale" blogger, and to be called out by someone who enjoys reading my blog was very cool! There are also some great bloggers who make my day everytime I read their posts, but unless I'm mistaken, they've all received this award already, so just check out the "Where I Go" list on my sidebar, and you'll see who they are! If you're on that list, you are definately a "Day Maker" for me! ~~~Big, fat hugs to all of you~~~

This was a super fun surprise: I won a contest over at modest purls -- a $25 gift certificate to The Loopy Ewe! I'm so excited... I've never ordered from Loopy Ewe, but have done lots of window shopping! Well, now I shall order, and I can hardly wait. I've been drooling over an especially gorgeous skein of Sea Silk, and there's also some Cherry Tree Hill yarn calling out to me. Hmmm. Decisions, decisions.

I finished the wrap I was working on a while back, but haven't posted pics because I was waiting to get it blocked. Well, I'm still waiting, but decided at least to steam it somewhat into shape with my iron so I could take some pictures and get them up. I know at least one person was anxious to see them--Yes, Chan, I'm talking about YOU!!
I'm not all that pleased with the way it photographed. I tried it both indoors and out, and couldn't get quite what I wanted, but you know how that goes. Here are the finished specs:

Size: 84 x 21

Yarn: Noro Aurora (ten balls)

Needles: Straights, size 8 (wood)

Pattern: Saw something similar in a book or

magazine, scribbled a few notes on a scrap

of paper, and put it together as best I could.

(Ya, I know.)

I do expect it will get a little bigger once it's properly blocked, especially in the width, which will open up the lacy "stripes" a bit more, as well. The little light/shiny spots are where the yarn is wrapped with an irridescent fiber. It's randomly here and there, but looks kind of nice.

Then, Chan tagged me for Book Tag.

Here are the rules:

Pick a book at least 123 pages long.

Open that book to page 123.

Find the fifth sentence and post the next three.

Then tag five other people to do the same.

* * * * * * * * * *

Since I'm not reading anything at the moment, I chose one of the last books I read, One Holy Fire, by Nicky Cruz.

"Raymond, I have to be honest with you. I don't know what to tell you. I'm not equipped to help you deal with your pain."

* * * * * * * * * *

This thought that makes me smile... I only have five more weeks of school. Whadaya think about that?? I can hardly wait to be able to sit out on the patio in the mornings with my hounds and sip coffee while the sun rises and the birds chirp.

Speaking of my dogbabies, they love the warm spring sun. Here they are lovin' and snoozin' on their couch in the sunroom as the sun pours through the window. They'd be sad to know that their mommy has plans to set that couch out on the berm during spring clean-up week.

Guess Flex is wondering why I'm snapping pictures. Or maybe he can read my mind and that crabby face means he doesn't even want me thinking about getting read of their old, torn, hairy, dusty (wonderful, perfect, sweet-smelling) couch.

This summer I'm going to try NOT to take on a huge project that disrupts my whole household for weeks. The painting of my livingroom, foyer, stairwell, and halls last summer was a royal pain in the neck. There are STILL a few things in a far bedroom that haven't been put away. However, I am thrilled with the results, and enjoy them each and every day.

I've still got lots of yarn, and other stuff, that I want to put on ebay, so I'm going to do that. I'd also like to have a garage sale, but that means DH must first clean the garage to my specifications, and I'm not holding my breath on that one. And, I do want to get my basement in order. It's a finished basement, but it needs some serious (VERY serious) de-cluttering, getting-rid-of, and cleaning. Get those things done, and it would really be a great place to hang out.

I've started working on two more lace projects. Even took some pics of my (not all that much) progress, but I'll wait to post them till next time. They're both fun, but one of them is REALLY cool! At least I think so!

I'll leave you with a picture of a little bag that I crocheted to hold a gift for a swap I was in a while ago. No pattern... just made it to fit a little something I wanted to tuck into the box.
.

A Colorful Contest~~

2008-04-08T14:33:00.003-05:00

There's a fun contest over at modestpurls! Check it out to share your favorite colors and get some fun color ideas from others!

Kids... Don'tcha Just Love 'Em??

2008-04-01T19:23:00.007-05:00

I didn't give much thought to the fact that today was April Fools Day. No big deal, right? Well, leave it to my students not to come to school ill-prepared. Only a few minutes into class I walked from the front of the room toward my desk, and just as I took the last step, I heard a rather suspicious sound? Looking puzzled (I know I did because of the raucaus laughter in the room) I asked, "What was that?" Silly, stupid me. That only added to their glee! Then another "sound", this one suspiciously "fart-like" in nature erupted from, well, me it sounded like, but it wasn't.

Those little darlins had strategically planted an electronic "Fart Machine" under my chair when I was out of the room before school. Geniuses, I tell you... I'm working with young geniuses, here! Gotta give 'em credit; that was good! Many chuckles were had those first two periods of school.

Almost funnier was third period, which is my prep. I was sitting alone in my room, working, and every once in a while another "pfhhht" would erupt. Even when they were across the hall, thoroughly absorbed in their history class, my little sweet potatoes were thinking of me! Kinda warms the cockels of your heart, don't it?!?

Since I'm here I might as well post pics of a couple more FO's. I'd made and felted this bag quite some time ago, but recently needed it for a gift so I knit up some flowers to brighten it up a bit.

Started out like this...

Ended up like this...

The flowers were a royal pain in the tush, as I had to cut away large chunks and sew through many tough layers of felted wool to get them into shape. Took me three hours to get the flowers put together and attached to the bag. The good news is, she loved it! I now have three friends walking around town with these bags sporting unseemingly large flowers, but they love them. They say lots of others do to, and if I would "make up a bunch" for them to carry around they could sell them for me, easy peasy! Who knew.

A few swaps ago I received the BEST tape measure from Chan, and knew I just had to figure out how to make them. At the time I didn't know where to get them. Anyhow, these are the little guys I came up with, and they were fun to make. Quick and easy!
There are now indications that spring may come to North Dakota this year after all. Not too much snow left any more, and it was warm today... upper 30's. (Stop it.... that's not funny!!) Well, my doggies wanted to be out in the yard a bit, so I let them. I told them not to go where it's wet, but apparently they didn't 'hear' me. Came in with all eight of their snow-white feel drenched in mud, with tufts of last years dried grass sticking out from between their toes. Their punishment: Can't be in the livingroom with Mommy (and VERY light carpet) until the piggies are clean. Must stay in the family room. Life's tough when you're the family dogs!

Some Contest Fun~~

2008-03-26T18:09:00.003-05:00

It's not to late to enter Chan's Bloggiversary Contest! Go check it out for a chance at some great prizes!

And then hurry on over to Anne's Contest, where she's looking to find out about some new blogs that will interest her. And remember to tell her I sent you!

Who Am I, And Where Did Me Go??

2008-03-25T21:35:00.010-05:00

My mojo is gone, I'm in a deep purple funk, and stress levels are at the 'red alert' level. I can't believe how long it's been since I blogged, but the inertia just hasn't been there. I took three huge emotional hits, two days apart for six days, that really sent me reeling. So many serious matters on my plate right now that not much seems like fun.

The third hit came when my oldest son called me late one night to tell me he'd blown his good knee. Now he has two that are a mess, and both more than likely needing surgery. He's had an ACL repair once before, but now probably needs two more. If only he'd give up all the sports and hijinks and take up knitting. It's so much safer, don'cha think?

However, I did have a day brightener over the weekend when I opened my mailbox to find this great yarn from Amanda. I was one of the winners in her PMS contest and she sent some of her own hand dyed yarn. It's soft and mooshy and will be great fun to knit up. A big "Thank You" to Amanda for her generous gift!!
Since I'm here, I might as well share a couple of FO's. I must confess I knit them up a while back, but getting around to doing the felting was the hard part. In fact, I only got it done when I was forced into it by the impending birthday gathering for a friend, and her gift needed felting. I made her a bag adorned with felted flowers, but I'll show pics of that next time. Meanwhile, here's a coster pre-felting....
And here's how they turned out. They're okay, but I'm not sure they're worth the work. I've made round ones before, and they were not only more fun to knit, but I liked the end product better, too. These aren't as thick, and the hexagonal shape isn't quite as "hexy" as I'd like it to be. I'm tempted to trim the corners to make the edges straighter, but that might be a bit risky. Probably ruin the striping, too. The yarn is Berocco Jasper, a self-striping wool. I got the six coasters out of two skeins.

Next up, a pair of gargantuan slippers, which felted down to a perfect size for my foot. I came close to felting them too long. Wouldn't that have been a blunder....

Pattern: House Slippers from Knit 2 Together

Yarn: KnitPicks Shamrock, 3 strands

I've also finished the wrap I started a few weeks back, but need to block it before I take pics. It's nice... I like the way it turned out. What to start next... Hmmm... I wonder...

I Got the GREATEST Doldrums Package Ever!

2008-03-04T20:28:00.009-06:00

First of all, let me mention that Amanda is having a PMS contest over at her blog. Now doesn't that just sound like something you might want to check out!?! And, don't forget to tell her I sent you!

Ooooh-eee, did I ever have a thoughtful Winter Doldrums package waiting for me when I got home from school today! Holly was my spoiler, and let me tell you, did she ever make me feel like a queen. As you can see, even the box it arrived in was cool....

I unwrapped one fun thing after the other....

First off, since this was a dishcloth exchange and all, are two very cool dishcloths. She used fun patterns, both of which are new to me. The multi-colored one is really textured--the honey comb design is raised and gives it a 3-D look. Love 'em! Then, she sent a bunch of loverly yarn and knitting accessories. Two skeins of Cascade Quatro in a very pretty colorway, and three skeins of cotton. I can't get the Bernat Handicrafters around here, so I've been wanting to try it! I LURVE Brittany birch needles... need I say more? And, I've been yearning for the Chibi so I can have one in my "grab it and go" knitting bag and another one in my knitting basket by my chair at home. The stitch markers, which came in the cute little gold bag, are rich colors and a great size. The soap and lotion set (vanilla cream... yum!) in the little caddy is going straight into MY bathroom. There will be no sharing that with the guys! The tea will be sampled before I go to bed tonight, and I simply adore the stitch a day calendar. I've already paged through half the year and it's given me all kinds of ideas! I don't have a book like that, so it will be a great resource for me.

Thank you, Holly, for being

a great Doldrums pal!

It's been fun getting to know you,

and I thank you so much for

the great package you sent!!

Winter Doldrums Topic #6~~

2008-02-28T17:22:00.002-06:00

For this week, go through those who've commented on last week's topic - find someone who had an idea on their day that sounded appealing to you, as well, and tell us why, or what appealed to you, and link to their blog! If you can't find someone who has a day you think you'd enjoy, find one that you thought was interesting, odd, or funny in some way, and talk about it!

Well, after reading everyones idea of the perfect day, I think I'm going to go with the very first one I read a few days ago. Grace and I seem to be thinking along the same lines... water, knitting, and serenity. However, her day is by the ocean, and that sounds wonderful. It's been years since I've been to the ocean. Besides, if she lets me join her for a while, then we'll get to meet and knit together, and that would be huge fun for me since she's one of my bloggy friends. And, I promise not to tag along with her and Tom for dinner. I'll have my own date!!

It's Fun Being A Misfit!!

2008-02-25T20:58:00.007-06:00

Grace hosted a small swap for some of us who didn't get signed up for the cocoa swap, so ours became the "Misfit Cocoa Swap". Well, misfits we may be, but we sure had a lot of fun. I had a great pal, and we emailed back and forth all the time. It was not a secret swap, and we sent to each other. When my package came, I opened it to find all these wonderfully wrapped lovlies!
First, lots of great cocoa, and some delish biscotti...
Next, the yarn. What swap is complete without the yarn?? Everything in my whole package was color coordinated. It was just so fun to keep unwrapping! Both of these yarns are new to me, and I love trying new things. And I know my pal, Theresa, has a couple of ideas for this yarn as well. I wanted the counter, as now I can have one in my basket at home, and one in my traveling knitting bag. Not good to have to use a scrap of paper for row counting when you're "on the road"! I needed that size of needles, too.Theresa does beautiful bead and wirework, and she made me some fabulous accessories. Would you pull my hair and knock me down to get that great shawl pin away from me?? I lurve it to pieces! And... earrings!
And stitch markers in two sizes. Notice the adorable little knitting charms!
Then, the perfect scissors for my "on the go" knitting. How many times have I reached into my bag and stabbed my hand with my sharp scissors. Well, no more! These scissors have a point protector to keep me from harming myself, and a great fob (notice more knitting charms, and the one turned on its side is a fat little lamb) I've been using them ever since they arrived, and I love 'em!
My only regret about this swap is that it's over. It's been so much fun.

Thank you Theresa for all

the wonderful gifts!

You've been a great swap pal,

and it's been fun

getting to know you!!

Winter Doldrums Topic #5

2008-02-18T19:55:00.002-06:00

If money were no object, and the day was just perfect - not to hot, not too cold, sun shining, slight breeze - how would you spend a perfect day out that had been given to you in the middle of a cold and blustery winter?

Sounds heavenly, especially given we're back in the deep freeze and can't seem to pull our temperatures above zero, even during the day. I'm freezing, even sitting inside my warm house with a blankie over my legs. And I usually run HOT, not cold. Anyway....

My day would have to be no muss, no fuss. Just somehow magically "dropped" there with all my necessities in the morning, and then gently "dropped" back home at the end of the day. Between drops I would be at a small lake where I could listen to the birds singing and the waves lapping. I'd be sitting at a nice umbrella table, with my feet up and a bag with a couple knitting projects and maybe a pattern book or two at my side. On the table would be a French press filled with hot, strong coffee (this would change to sweetened iced tea in the afternoon, and back to coffee later in the day), and a pistachio muffin.

I would saunter into the nearby log cabin to grab what I needed for snacks and meals. Perhaps a ham and cheese croissant with fruit for lunch, and maybe crab cakes for dinner. And occassional sweets to go with the beverages would definately be in order. Mmmm.... sounds wonderful!

I Want to Make This....

2008-02-17T19:16:00.002-06:00

While looking at some yarn and stuff on some of my favorite shopping sites, I happened across this pattern for a wrap. Ooh-ieeee, I do think this is purdy.I'd like to drop everything I'm doing and cast it on right now. In fact, I spent quite a while looking at the yarn, debating the colors, and wondering if these colors are the ultimate combination or should I choose my own-- all that good stuff, when suddenly common sense kicked in (I hate when that happens!!) and I didn't order anything. Nuthin'. Doesn't mean I won't, but I least I haven't yet. Lots of $$ to buy the yarn for this project, so it might be one of those things that's better "slept on".

Well, I've slept on it, and I still like it, but I have concluded that maybe I should at least knit more than twelve inches on my current shawl project before I dive head long into another. I am gonna order the pattern, though, along with another one I simply must have. BYW, the pattern is from French Girl, it's called Zia, and I found it at Jimmy Beans Wool.

I have done a little knitting on my shawl, and love watching it grow. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to the color changes in the yarn (Noro, you know), which works out fine for a project like this. I also learned a new way--new to me, at least--of starting a new ball of yarn without leaving a tail to weave in. Seems you kind of "fray" the end of the yarn on the ball you're working on, and then do the same with the one you're going to start. Gently twist them together, wet them (spit works just fine!!), and roll the join back and forth in the palm of your hand until they felt together. I couldn't believe how well it worked. I wasn't even able to see where my join was... just kept knitting and went from one ball to the other painlessly. Pretty cool, no??

Here's something fun! Donna is having a contest on her blog, so be sure to stop over and enter!

The Deception of The "Free Issue"~~

2008-02-15T22:40:00.006-06:00

We all get them. Those magazine solicitations where we can get a free issue, and then if we don't want to subscribe, all we have to do is write "cancel" on the bill. These things really bug me. Big. Time. Bug.

I look at them, thinking that eventually some of the publishers will figure it out and it really will be an offer for a free issue, but so far that's only happened once, and that was years ago now. Have you noticed how the issue is only "free" if you DON'T subscribe?? If you don't want their stupid 'zine, then you write cancel on the bill and keep the issue they sent. However, if you DO want to continue receiving the magazine, then you pay the subscription price, and receive 11 (or 5, or whatever number plus one equals their yearly number of issues) for the regular subscription price.

So it's not free. It then becomes the first issue of your paid subscription. Those who subscribe get nothing, and those who say "phooey on you" get the highly sought after free issue. When I've actually taken the time to check regular subscription prices, my case is only substantiated, because the amount is the same as when you're a part of the "free issue" debaucle.

Just this week it happened again; this time with Interweave Knits, which is a magazine I would consider subscribing to. But, after all was said and done, the free issue was no longer free, and I would save 40% off the newsstand price. Well for cryin' out loud.... I can do that with a coupon at Michael's, plus there I can pass on an issue if it happens to be a dud.

Is it just me, or are there others of you who think this is just plain stupid? The last offer pushed me over the edge, and I had to get it off my chest. I feel better now. Do you think less of me?

A "300 Posts" Celebration~~

2008-02-10T21:14:00.000-06:00

Nancy is having a contest to celebrate her 300th post! Go over and congratulate her, and please remember to tell her I sent you!

As part of her celebration she's asking us to share knitting tips and tricks, so I've been pondering what I might share, and have come up with..... not much! Here are a couple of ideas, though.

Those brightly colored plastic "springs" that are used to hold the tips of your needles together on your WIPs are also good for (maybe even better) keeping your sets of smaller dpns together. Especially all those small sock sizes that can look so much the same. Just wrap one of those springs around them, and they can all be in a box together and not get mixed up.

I don't know yet if this is a good idea or not, but it is something I have been experimenting with. I have found fastening ends on dishcloths to be a problem. I've been told it's not cool to use knots, but with the wear and tear that dishcloths take, the woven in ends do tend to work their way out. So, what I've been doing is weaving them in and then I split the plies of the yarn so I have two strands of two plies each. I take one strand under the nearest stitch, preferably one that's kind of tucked down into the work, and then I tie a square knot with the two strands. The knot is tiny, and often can't even be seen. Time will tell how well this works, but I though it was worth a try.

Two Fun Contests~~

2008-02-09T18:21:00.000-06:00

I found a fun contest with a new twist. Stephanie is giving away a book (novel), with a knitting theme, no less! What fun is that! Check it out!!

Then, there's a Valentine's Contest over at BarknKnit, where you get to tell how you and your sweetie met. Go tell your story, and be sure to tell her I sent you!!

As She Knits, So She Rips~~

2008-02-09T13:16:00.000-06:00

Do you see that little glitch in the alternating yarn-overs? Ya, well so did I. I'd made some little goof, now I can't even remember what it was, and that little "oopsie" was what remained after I repaired it.I knit a couple more rows, studied the situation, and decided it was a very small thing in the whole scheme of things, and I could live with it. I'm making a wrap, which IS a pretty large piece, so one itty bitty mistake, no? So, I spent the rest of my evening watching the subtle color changes and seeing my knitting grow to almost seven inches by the time I quit for the night.

This morning I got up, made coffee, and decided to pick up my knitting. Somehow in the light of day, everything had changed and I could no longer stand the mistake. After some sleep, my perfectionism kicked in and I knew I had to remedy the situation, which meant reducing a whole evenings knitting progress to this:
I could've (should've!!) ripped last night, when it would have cost me about two rows. But no, I waited until I could rip row after row after freakin' row! The worst thing is, I think I knew deep down in my gut that I wouldn't be able to stand the mistake, and yet I forged ahead. What's up with that?

Oh well, after picking up the stitches I knit three rows to make sure everything is in order, and it is, so now I can knit it all again, but with greater peace of mind. Maybe tonight. My goal is to get back to where I was, plus a decent chunk more, before I hit the sack tonight. Hopefully. It's a pretty stitch pattern, though, don'tcha think?
It's cold and windy here today. My son had to open Starbucks this morning, so headed off to work at 4:45 a.m. In his sleepy stooper he'd managed to lock his keys in his bedroom, and his spare keys in the bathroom (he's going to be just like his dad, which is scarey), so, being in a rush, I let him take my car. Well, at 4:45 this morning, we were having a blizzard, and he shortly called me saying that he couldn't see even two feet in front of him, and "What should I do?".

He was presently trying to turn around on this road where he couldn't see his nose in front of his face (take a breath, mom!). Since he had my car, and hubby is out of town, there was no way I could go "rescue" him if something happened. I told him to get off that open road and take the residential streets where the blowing snow might not be so bad, and visibility a little better. It took a while, but he finally called that he'd arrived at work safely.

I convinced one of my dogs to come sleep with me, and when we woke up three hours later, the snow had stopped and the sun was shining. If you weren't up during the night, you wouldn't believe we'd had such a storm. The wind is still strong, though, so I'm sure traveling in the open countryside is no picnic. It's so bitter cold out there that the kid didn't even want to go to Target with me when he got home at noon, and we'd been planning that little "outing" for a couple days. Oh well, I can live like Mother Hubbard a little longer, I guess. How long can you live on coffee??

Oh.... some things I CAN knit. And they usually turn out pretty good. Things like dishcloths. I finished a couple using the DW Cloth pattern, and they're great. I do like that pattern. This one is made out of Honeysuckle Cotton. It's funny how you can't see the little bars on the one side where the colors match up. Then look at this one!! OOOOOh-eeeee, if I do say so myself!! Aren't those colors most grand? Just don't ask me what I used, cuz I don't know. It's hand-dyed, and I got in on ebay last summer, and now I could kick myself for getting rid of the tag. (I know, right?) It's only 3 ply, so it knit up a little thinner. I like the way it feels. And looks. And the way the colors patterned.

Winter Doldrums Topic #4 ~~

2008-02-09T09:42:00.000-06:00

Some of us get the winter doldrums and others don't. For those who do, what helps you get rid of them? If you don't get the doldrums, what helps you keep them away?

For the most part I don't get them, even though we experience severe winters here. I think it's because I'm a "home body", so I enjoy doing things around home, and love doing creative things with my hands. That keeps me occupied and content without having to be out in the weather.

Now, when we have a stretch of more than three days where the high temperature doesn't manage to creep above zero, that tends to be a little "doldrumy", and even going to and from work is a chore. Even then, once I'm home and can just stay in and do my thing, I'm okay. Just give me my knitting, my beads, or a book, and I'm happy. I don't even mind busy-work like paying the bills or organizing a closet!

Winter Doldrums Topic #3 ~~

2008-02-04T19:29:00.000-06:00

This week we're asked to share pictures of our dishcloth making supplies. I have a small wood trunk where I keep all my cotton yarn. That way, when I'm headed out and need a new knitting project that travels well, all I have to do is reach in and grab a skein and I'm all set! Probably about three "layers" of yarny goodness in there!!Next, the accessories that I use for knitting my dishcloths. When my LYS gave me that little clear zipper bag, I must admit I thought it was kind of silly, but, it's turned out to be a favorite! Holds everything I need, and I can see just what I've got and where it is with a quick glance. The cute metal tin that holds a ball of yarn used to be my Grandmas, so it's very old. Works like a charm, though, and I love using it not only because it's practical, but because it used to belong to her!

Tagged For A Meme~~

2008-02-04T18:40:00.000-06:00

A few days back Grace tagged me for some blog fun that got me looking back at some of the things I've posted about in the past. Here are the rules:

Go back through your archives and post the links to your five favorite blog posts that you’ve written. But there is a catch:

Link 1 must be about family. This post talks about my nephew showing me how to "finger knit".

Link 2 must be about friends. Can this include my furry friends? I hope so, cause my hounds love to go for a "car ride".

Link 3 must be about yourself. These are some things I am thankful for.

Link 4 must be about something you love. Spending time outdoors with family, friends, and my pups is time that I cherish.

Link 5 can be anything you choose. A memorable night last summer was driving alone through one of the worst storms I've experienced.

If you would like to revisit some memories from your own blog, then considser yourself **tagged**. It's fun looking back! And leave me a comment that you've posted, so I can check out your posts!!

My Little Hat~~

2008-02-02T21:37:00.000-06:00

I've finished my first little hat, and now I'm anxious to send it off to Amanda for her "Hats off to Megan" project! I'm a little iffy about the size, as I don't have anyone to try it on, and I'm new to hats, but hopefully it will work. Here it is perched on a dishtowel draped ball of yarn. There are three rows of a cute little "hole" pattern, but they don't show up on the pics.
I used Regia Bamboo, double stranded, which knit up like a dream. I had previously tried it while learning to knit socks, but I didn't like it for that. Too soft and mooshy--droopy on my foot. But, it worked out great for a hat!
Very blah day today. I usually love getting things done on Saturday, but not so today. I've managed to get some bug from all my snotty little students who are always coughing and sneezing on me, so I'm lazy and good-fer-nuttin'. I only did things that required little to no energy. I boxed up my goodies for my Misfit Cocoa Swap pal, so that's wrapped and ready to go. Wanted to get it mailed, too, but far too lazy for that, I fear. Going to the Post Office just sounds so much like... work.

I did get a bunch of patterns and yarn listed on ebay, which I've been wanting to do for a while. Last year my school teamed up with a Ben Franklin store that was going out of business for an auction, and I couldn't resist picking up some yarn that I'd been wanting, but didn't want to spend the money to get. It was sold by the boxful, so I'd get more than I needed of something, or some that I didn't want in order to get the items I really needed. Well, even though it's nice stuff, some of it I can part with, which will work out great, because then I'll have room for more yarn. Does that make sense? Well, ya, of course it does.

Last night I knit a couple of flowers that I will felt and put on a bag for a friend of mine who's having a birthday. I'd hoped to finish them this evening, but looking at the time, I see that the evening is just about gone. And, considering how well I didn't sleep last night, I should try to get to bed early tonight. But first, a long, hot shower followed by some tea and maybe just a little knitting...

More Contests!!

2008-01-28T20:01:00.000-06:00

Tami is having a contest to celebrate her 100th post. Stop by to congratulate her and enter the contest!

And, Miss Me is celebrating her blogoversary, so go on over and say "hey" to her, as well! And don't forget to tell them I sent you!!

Winter Doldrums Topic #2 ~~

2008-01-27T22:27:00.000-06:00

There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!

I have three girlfriends with whom I get together for "girls night out". We go out whenever we can, but always make it a point to go for each of our birthdays. The last two birthday gifts I've given were felted bags, adorned with huge felted flowers. I intended them as tote bags they could use to schlep things around in, but both friends have been using the bags as purses ever since they got them. (May and June) Cracks me up, but they just love 'em! We were together today, and again they were raving about how many comments they get on their purses. Cathy thinks I should make some for her to carry around with her, and she'll sell them!

Next birthday is February 2, and my felted bag mojo seems to have left me, so I'm having big struggles putting one together for the final recipient. And you better believe, she's expecting one with great anticipation!!

It's really fun seeing friends get so much enjoyment out of something I've made for them.

I Have A Wonderful Angel~~

2008-01-26T21:14:00.001-06:00

I just received the nicest package from Donna, my angel for the Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Swap! It was special from the moment I opened it... everything was neatly wrapped in glittery tissue and tied with silver ribbon.
Each item I opened was so fun, and obviously chosen especially for me. Just look at the yarn!! I'd read about the Lion Brand Organic Cotton and had been wanting to try some, but I couldn't find it around here. If you haven't seen it, it's SO soft... feels like it will be great fun to work with! I can't wait to try it, and have been wondering what I should make with it. The vanilla sugar soap is just right. Mmmmm. WOW, what yummy treats!! I love my coffee, and the nice, bold Sumatra will be great in the morning. (And again in the afternoon with one of the chocolates!!)Donna sent two beautiful dishcloths. They're fantastic designs that are different from anything I've made. The burgundy one looks okay in the pic, but the navy one is just too dark to photograph well. That's too bad, because it's such a neat design with lots of texture and dimension.It's one thing to put together a swap package for someone when you know there's another swapper out there (hopefully!) assembling a goodie box for you, too. It's different when the swap is over, and you put together a box for someone knowing you won't get anything in return. I received these gifts because Donna was willing to go above and beyond. A very kind gesture that meant a lot to me.

Thank you Donna!

Everything is just beautiful, and

will be enjoyed very much!!

TAG~~~ I'm It!

2008-01-26T11:16:00.000-06:00

Wow! This is the first time I've ever been tagged ~~ Dorothy over at Mommy + Knitter "caught" me! Now let's see if I've got what it takes to follow all the steps!!

7 Random Facts Meme

Here are the rules, and they must be posted to your blog.
Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (see above).
List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!

1. I wear Birkenstock shoes/sandals almost all the time, and have about 30 pair of them in all styles and colors. I'm not remotely, nor have I ever been, "hippy-ish" or " mother-earthy" - it's strictly a comfort thing. Once you get used to them, nothing else feels the same!!

2. I used to dislike dogs; even said I hated them. (I was scared horribly by one as a child.) Almost seven years ago now my son bargained with me to get one, and that hound (Flex) and his "sister" (Jayda-- who came along four months later), have totally transformed me! Now, not only do I love my own dogs, I just love dogs period!!

3. I started accompanying a church choir when I was is Jr. High School, and have been involved in music ministry pretty much full-time ever since. Hmm, that must be over 30 years!!

4. I would rather be at home by myself, knitting and drinking coffee, than out somewhere with a bunch of people. It doesn't take a lot of activity to make me happy!!

5. I'm not one who has "lots and lots" of friends. I have casual friends, and a small group of "best" friends who are priceless to me. I've known them for years, and we are there for each other no matter what.

6. I like fussing around with details. I can work for hours getting something I'm making to be just the way I want it. When I clean/organize, I don't like to just make things look better on the surface. I like every tidbit to be just where it should be. (This is not always a good thing!!)

7. I don't enjoy the mundane, at all! Cooking and cleaning drive me nuts, and I try to get out of them whenever I can. I prefer to be doing something, almost anything, with my hands. My mom tells me I've been this way ever since I was little. (Messy bedroom, beautiful coloring book!)

Okay, now for the hard part. It's going to be tough for me to tag seven people, as I have this silly fear of tagging someone who does not want to be tagged. (Maybe that's number 8!) But, this is a fun way to get to know each other a little better, and a couple of those I'm tagging I don't know very well, yet! So, here goes. I tag:

Alaina: http://www.idratherbknitting.blogspot.com/
Jessi: http://alabamafiberdreams.wordpress.com/
Donna: http://knitinggal.blogspot.com/
Nichole: http://www.lapdogcreations.com/
Rachel: http://timesweareliving.blogspot.com/
Ally: http://allybthatsme.blogspot.com/
Sue: http://knittingasfastasican.blogspot.com/

Winter Doldrums Topic #1~~

2008-01-19T16:50:00.000-06:00

Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crocheted creation as a dishrag! What do you call them? Hmm... I'm sitting here, actually pondering the difference between a dishcloth and a dishrag. Anne, only you could get me to do this!! Funny thing is, I'm not sure what I call them. Probably more often a dishcloth, but I know I say dishrag, too. Dishcloth probably sounds more "sophisticated", but come on, we're cleaning the kitchen here, how sophisticated to we need to be.
Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? Not that I'm aware of, unless dishcloths are new and spiffy, while dishrags are old and dingy. Or perhaps, dishcloths are the lovelies we knit and crochet, while dishrags are the store-bought creatures.
How bout a facecloth? Well, can't say as I've ever knit one of those, but I've thought about it. Maybe a facecloth is more open and lacy. More, shall we say, delicate, perhaps!?!
Are they all really the same thing? I'm thinkin' ya, they probably are.

Buy hey!! I knit me one this week! It's my first, FO of 2008. (I know, I'm a slacker.) It's a real purdy dishcloth. I mean dishrag. No, what I really mean is facecloth. Good grief, I don't know what it is!! Do you know what it is?

Pattern: Knitted Lacy Round Cloth

by Rhonda K. White

Yarn: Sugar & Cream Twist, blues/white

Needles: Size 7 Lantern Moon

Do You See Me??.......

2008-01-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

.....You should..... because I'm there.

Look again.... Harder...

I know you can see me, cause it's where I've been hangin' out...

...at the pond,....with the frogs....

You know... just me and them...

RIp-it, Rip-it, Rip-it.

Seems to be what I do best lately. Let's see... nice, almost seven foot long scarf (complete with fringes) for my son. Didn't like the way the edges curled, so... rrrip. Made it all over again with another pattern, which is okay (only okay, but my son likes it), but it's too long. So, off come the fringes (again) and off come eight inches of scarf. He likes it, but I'm still not satisfied. So....

I want to make him another scarf, a nicer one, so I decide the cross stitch scarf pattern in my new 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders book would look nice on a guy. Well, the directions for that "cross stitch" are lousy. There are several ways to interpret what they're saying, and I know I'm doing it wrong, but the other ways I try aren't so hot, either. Not to mention the fact that the shades of brown Noro Kureyon I'm using doesn't show up the stitch pattern at all. I guess it's time to ...rrrip.

But, being determined and tenacious, I forge ahead with another yarn from my stash that is sure to show up the stitch definition better. It does, but the cross stitch is a pain-in-the-neck to do, at least in my opinion, and it has a VERY definite back side to it, so forget that business... rrrip.

Next, I decide to try my hand at some mohair lace (mistake, that). I've been wanting to make something for the friend that gave me several boxes of yarn last summer, and a mohair lace scarf should be just the thing, right? WRONG!! Just didn't like the pattern at all. Those yo 4X really make BIG holes, so about 6 inches of mohair lace later...rrip.

I know!! I'll try another pattern! What a great idea! And this one has beads besides (very cool). Can't say much for the way this one shapes up--the beads make the bottom flare and ripple way more than any blocking will compensate for, so... rrrip. Forget the scarf. She loves jewelry, and I will make her a very cool bracelet. At least I know that will turn out.

Okay, now I need a knitting pick-me-up, so I'll make a dishcloth with some of the stripes cotton I've been anxious to try. Can't go wrong with a dishcloth--it's like falling off a log. I know... you're way ahead of me here... the pattern I choose just happens to be one that doesn't work well with the stripes yarn. All kinds of knit stitches on the right side and that does nothing for the look of the yarn. Once again, it's time. Rrrip.

So you see, the fact that I have no FO's doesn't necessarily mean that I haven't been knitting. And despite all my knitting angst, I did finish one scarf that I actually like. It's the One Row Handspun Scarf from Yarn Harlot. I used a skein of Mountain Colors that I received from my friend. Yes, same friend who will not be gettting a mohair scarf.

The stitch definition shows up better in person, and the little thread of white you see here and there is just the slightest dash of silk. It's nice and soft, and I think I'll break it in today when I go visit my mom.We've been having nice weather, but it's colder today. When I looked a while ago, my little weather pixie said it was only one degree. Could be worse, but that temperature does call for a nice, new scarf, no?

First, I'm going to whip up some Brown Sugar Chewies. Mom saw the recipe on the Food Network and thought they sounded fun, so I wanted to bring some with me today. Want the recipe? Here it is:

Brown Sugar Chewies

recipe from Paula Deen

1/4 cup butter

1cup light brown sugar

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup flour

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/4 cup chopped pecans

powdered sugar for dusting

Melt butter. Turn off heat and add brown sugar. Stir til smooth. Stir in egg.

Stir together flour and baking powder and stir into brown sugar mixture.

Stir in vanilla and pecans

Pour into 8x8 sprayed pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

When cool, dust top with sifting of powdered sugar.

Defeat the Winter Doldrums Questionnaire~~

2008-01-11T22:07:00.000-06:00

I just couldn't resist doing another dishcloth swap-- they're just too fun; so, here are the answers to my questions.

1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? I can do both, but for the last while I've only been knitting.

2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? I just love my size 7 Lantern Moon Rosewood needles, and when I need size 8 I use Brittany Birch. Really like them and want to add more sizes of both to my stash.

3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? I like both Sugar & Cream and Peaches & Creme. Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I've not seen them, but have thought maybe I'd like to try Lion Brand Organic Cotton or Bernat Handicrafters. I enjoy trying new things, so am open to pretty much anything.

4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? My kitchen is mainly a soft teal green, with accents of other soft, neutral colors. The "guys" bathroom is taupe and teal green, and my bathroom is just kind of soft colored and blah--white, hints of soft rose, beige.

5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? I like rich, saturated colors: hunter and teal greens, wine shades, navy, jewel tones, woodsy colors. Least favorite? I'm not fond of primarys, pastels, and neons. Also don't care for novelty yarns.

6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? I like it for a while, but then I start to get antsy for spring, and here in North Dakota the winters are cold and long! Snow I don't mind, but the bitter cold is awful. There's nothing "cozy" about walking out of school in the afternoon to a temperature of 23 degrees below zero. (Love that remote car starter--Thanks Hubby!!)

7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? I've got so many interests that I don't tend to get dumpsy very often, but if I do, working with my hands is the best cure. Knitting, beading, even paper work. Add a good cup of coffee, a scented candle, and I'm all set.

8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? I enjoy so many things, how do I decide? A Starbucks Coffee, maybe a good home made cookie. And chocolate-- you can never go wrong with chocolate... Snickers, Milk Duds, the list goes on and on.

9. Do you drink coffee? Do I drink coffee??? yes... Yes... YES!! It gets me going in the morning, and I sip on it throughout the day. Tea? Recently I've gotten into the habit of having tea in the evening, and I really enjoy it. Actually, the tea swap that got me started doing this, and it's become something I really look forward to. There really are some delicious teas out there! Cocoa? Yup, but it's not something I drink often.

10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? I'm debating between New York City and the English countryside. I might change my mind by tomorrow, but tonight I'm gonna go with New York. I would shop--not so much the big department stores, but the small shops. Yarn shops, for sure! Quaint shops with things for the kitchen and fun gifts. I'd eat in fun cafes and restaurants, see some exhibits, perhaps take in a Broadway show.

11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Nope.

A Blogiversary And A Contest!

2008-01-02T23:15:00.000-06:00

Anne and Martina are having a blogiversary, and to celebrate they're having a contest. Stop by and enter, and please, Please, PLEEEEASE tell them I sent you. It will lift my spirits on this blustery winter night.

I don't know what's going on outside, and I don't want to look, but the wind has come up and things are banging and rattling out there, and usually we don't hear stuff like that inside the house. Of course, hubby and only-son-living-at-home have gone off to the Twin Cities, so I'm here all by my lonesome. I'm really hoping we don't get some vicious snow during the night, 'cause shoveling the white stuff just isn't my cup of tea. Breaks my back. (Speaking of tea, I'm enjoying a cup of French Vanilla that I got from my tea swap pal, and it's delish!!)

I REALLY want my doggies to sleep with me tonight, but I know they won't. I can coax and beg, but they want to be on their cushions, which just happen to be on my leather family room sofa. (Spoiled brats!) If we're hit by a nasty "nor-easter", are dumped with several feet of snow, and the electricity goes out, they'll be cuddled up on their pillows, while I'm all alone in my huge bed, turning blue as the indoor temperature begins to dip below the freezing point. Just thinking about it makes me feel queasy.

Must head off to bed, cause I've gotta be up early for school tomorrow. Ya, today was back to school for me. Boo hoo :o( Maybe I'll I sneek just the teeniest peek outside as I pad my way to the bedroom.

How About a Swap to Cheer You!

2008-01-02T22:33:00.000-06:00

It's cold, snowy, and windy. The days are short and the blue skies are few and far between. Anyone else feeling the dead of winter bogging them down? If so, how about a dishcloth swap? It's fun, it's easy, and you just might make a friend or two! Just hop on over to "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap for more info, and then go back on January 11 to sign up!

'Twas Dishcloth After Dishcloth~~

2007-12-28T17:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know what it was with dishcloths there for a while, but I just couldn't seem to stop myself. Every time I finished one, there was another pattern I had to try, so I'd do "just one more" before starting a different project. Fact is, I wish I were knitting one right now, but I've forced myself to take a break and do some other things. So, I've finished a scarf for my son (which I'd like to frog and do over, but he loves it!), and now I'm working on another scarf for myself.

Meanwhile, for the sake of some knitting FO pics, I've compiled a little gallery of dishcloths for your viewing pleasure. First up, a little blue ditty that really doesn't have a pattern. I saw the center section as part of something else, so I added a seed stitch border and turned it into a dishcloth. The pink one is a pattern I love, from a Leisure Arts book, Color Splash Dishcloths.
Next up, an attractive pattern in a frothy shade of seafoam. This pattern is called Stitch on the Blocks Washcloth, and was designed by Tricotine.
Following Stitch on the Blocks is Another Favorite from Harvest Moon Designs. If you haven't been there shopping for dishcloth patterns, you're missing out. Sue comes up with more fantastic designs than you could ever imagine. And their service is great.Right on the heels of these four colorful beauties comes a series of three done in the color "jute" from Sugar and Cream. A "Study in Neutral", as it were. All three patterns are from Harvest Moon Designs.

"Early Frost"

"Makin' Waves"

"My Favorite Dishcloth"

While leafing through my patterns looking for names, some that I haven't made yet caught my eye and they're calling out to me. Can you hear them? Will I be able to finish my scarf, or will I be enticed into starting yet another dishcloth?? Perhaps with some of the pretty "Stripes" cotton I've gotten from a couple of my swap pals......

The Kid "Finger Knits"~~

2007-12-26T22:07:00.000-06:00

As I was feverishly knitting away on one of my projects while visiting my brother and his family, my nephew informed me that he knew how to "finger knit". I was clueless as to what he was talking about, so he set out to find his previous work, which turned out to be a monster i-cord long enough to go around the "circle" from the dining to living room about two and a half times. Must have been over 30 feel long. And no, that's not some exotic turban he's wearing, but rather his finger knitting coiled up tastefully on his cranium.
Next was a finger knitting lesson for Auntie. He wraps the yarn around his little fingers, turns his hands over, and pulls the previous loops over the yarn he just wrapped. Funny thing is, it really is an i-cord. I was able to put my finger right into the center of it.

Here's a detail of the "stitch technique"!!
And look... waa laa... a giant, variagated purple, good for nothing i-cord. We discussed it, but weren't able to come up with one idea for this knitted creature. Even so, it is VERY cool, don'tcha think??
He said he thought I should teach him how to really knit a little when he comes here for Christmas, but we haven't done that yet. I'll have to remind him! It'd be fun, and he's a sharp little bugger that would catch on right away. It wouldn't be tedious and painstaking like trying to teach some wooden-headed adult. Every time I do that I swear I never will again, but the teacher in me always wins out!

On the knitting front, I finished a scarf for my son yesterday, and he's had it around his neck every time he went out today. He loves it, and that makes mom feel happy! I'm not thrilled with the way the pattern turned out--it's ribbed and wants to stay all bunched up. I had it steamed into what I thought was the "perfect" width, but after he had it on for only a few minutes, the ribs pulled back together. If I had my druthers I'd frog the whole 6-1/2 feet and do it over using a different pattern, but he thinks it's very cool, so we'll see. I'll take photos of it so I can post pics. Maybe someone out in blogland will have a good idea! Now I've started another scarf for myself, and I'm likin' the way it looks so far!

Did a little online shopping this evening, too. Went over to Amazon and ordered a couple of knitting books. Hard to believe, isn't it? Well, I'd gotten a little Christmas Cash, so I figured, why let it sit around and collect dust. That would just be wrong. I'd seen a book on a friend's blog, and was immediately smitten with knitting book envy. Grace, you're a bad influence on me, but that's okay!! I couldn't help myself... I just had to order Ocean Breezes Knitted Scarves, and then to SAVE money and get free shipping, I NEEDED to order another, so I got the newest One Skein Wonders. Makes sense to me..... You too?? Ya, I know.

It's so fun sitting here and typing away. Ever since school started, work and responsibility have gotten in the way of knitting and blogging. I keep thinking there must be a solution (quit my job, perhaps??), but so far I haven't figured out what it is. The good news is, I have six more days to enjoy reading blogs, and maybe even do some leisure posting on my own. Woo Hoo!!

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Goodies~~

2007-12-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

My coffee swap package arrived last week, and it was wonderful!! Chan was my pal, and she did quite the job of spoiling me rotten. It was the perfect pick-me-up during a very stressful week. I opened the box to find lots of goodies, all nicely wrapped in Christmas colors. See....Of course she sent coffee..... A fantastic Holiday Blend from Greenberry's, which is new to me. It's either local, or something we don't have in these parts. And what a fun mug-- Just perfect for my morning java. I love the Lindor truffles, and don't plan to do much sharing with those!!
She also sent a beautiful English China cup and saucer with a holiday theme. That will be reserved for my evening cup of tea.

The yarn she sent was just fabulous! I like using Cascade 220, and there were two skeins of it in a great shade of turquoise. The variegated is a soft wool, and I'm contemplating using it for a felting project, but don't know for sure yet. I thought it would make a cute felted bowl and some felted coasters. I can hardly wait to use the Sugar & Cream stripes. I haven't been able to find it around here, and I've really wanted to get my hands on some. I've gotten some from a couple of my secret pals, which makes me very happy!!
I kept unwrapping one fun thing after the other, and couldn't believe all that she sent. There was a candy stripe trimmed note pad, and some cute little napkins. The bell tree ornament is gorgeous, which does not show up in the photo. It's just encrusted with sparkle and glitter!! I'm in love with the crochet covered tape measure. It went straight into my "traveling" knitting bag, and has already been put to good use. Sweet Mugsy even sent some peanut butter treats for my two doggies, which they love.
I had to take a close-up of the stitch markers-- They are TOOO cute for words!! Are you jealous?? Well you should be, because they are really special! I can hardly wait to use them for my next circular project!This swap was so much fun! Chan was a great spoiler who not only sent a wonderful package of fun things, but she also kept in touch with me, and we had a great time emailing back and forth. We read each others blogs, so she was keeping in touch with me both as a regular blog friend as well as anonymously, and she never made a slip! I couldn't have been more surprised to see who my pal was!

THANK YOU, CHAN...

You made this swap a

Very Special

One for me!!

A Big "Thank You" To My SP11 Pal!!

2007-12-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

Last week I received a wonderful final package from Angela, my SP11 spoiler. It was just what I needed to come home to, as the past couple of weeks have been very stressful for me. Just look at all the great things she included!
First, there's a way cute mug and some cookies that come from her neck of the woods, the Pacific Northwest. How did she know I love snowmen?!? Just look at the beautiful handmade items. The Christmas colored cloths are so fun, and the doily is just beautiful! Each will be well used and treasured!!And then, of course, there's the yarn! What's a swap package without some great yarn? I got two skeins of Sugar & Cream Stripes in the Christmas colorway, which I can hardly wait to use. (Still can't find any of the striping cottons around here, so this makes me very happy!) The colors in the Trekking XXL are just gorgeous--very soft and pretty. And to go with it are a set of bamboo size 1 dpn's, which I didn't have, so was thrilled to receive. Finally, a hank of hand dyed yarn in orange and raspberry shades that are just delish. It was dyed by Jen at monkeyknits.com.Though not pictured, I also received the last two installments of the audio book that Angela sent me part 1 of in a previous package. I enjoyed the first CD, and am looking forward to hearing the rest of the book. I need to find out "whodunnit"!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH ANGELA!!

You've sent me so many things

that I will use and enjoy!

Winter Wonderland Topic of the Week #4

2007-11-29T22:02:00.000-06:00

What is the ideal setting for enjoying the perfect cup of coffee? Who would be there - or would you be alone? Inside or out? Morning or night? With food or just the steaming cup of joe?

Ideal setting.... well that depends. This time of year it's sitting is in my favorite chair in the living room, gazing at my Christmas tree! The coffee can be black or with a good shot of International Delight. If it's time for breakfast, a good muffin is great, but most of the time all I need is the coffee.

I do have one friend that comes over to knit with me, and we love to drink coffee, visit, and knit. When she's here, we often have a goodie with our coffee. One good piece of chocolate is all that's necessary--or maybe a biscotti.

Early summer is one of the most perfect times of the year to enjoy coffee outside. First thing in the morning is such a fun time. I just love to sit at my patio table with a cup of coffee and gaze at my surroundings: flowers, trees, birds, squirrels, etc. My dogs come out with me, and I love to watch them play and stretch out in the sun. Then, later in the afternoon when the sun has passed over the house and my patio is in the shade, it's time for round two!

Typing this reminds me to be thankful for these peaceful, quiet times. This week I've been drinking my coffee out of a styrofoam cup sitting beside my mom's hospital bed, and that is not cozy. I took her in Monday evening, and have been there every waking moment since then except for the time I'm at school. The good news is that the tests they've been running have been coming back negative, for which we are greatful. We've got a tough stretch in front of us trying to keep her safe until she is strong enough to get her knee replaced, but we'll just take it one day at a time. Please keep my sweet mom in your prayers.

It's Contest Time Again. And Again....

2007-11-23T22:01:00.000-06:00

Stop by Chan's blog and enter her contest. She's giving you a chance to share about your favorite charity, and will be giving away fun stuff! And, tell her I sent you so I get an extra entry!!

And then, "Congratulations" to Jane, who is giving away some wonderful prizes to celebrate her 300th post. I haven't even made it to 100 yet! Be sure to stop by and check out all the fun stuff she shares on her blog!!

Winter Wonderland Topic of the Week #3

2007-11-20T20:32:00.000-06:00

This coming Thursday is Thanksgiving in the U.S., so let's all - American or not- share what it is we're thankful for. A wonderful thing to do any time of year, I thought it'd be a nice thing to share for this week with the group!Family: Mine is fairly small, so each member is a treasure. The love and support of family is a wonderful blessing in my life.

Friends: I have some of the most wonderful friends in the whole wide world! I don't know what I did to deserve them, but I sure am thankful that I have them!!

Home: It's warm and comfortable, and I love "coming home" here each day.

Music: Music is a huge part of my life, and it provides me with countless hours of enjoyment. I love to listen to music, but I play the piano, so I participate actively as well. I'm a member of the band that plays for two contemporary services at my church every Sunday, and it's something I just love to do. Great fun rockin' and rollin' with the others!!

My Woofers: I didn't even like dogs until my oldest son bribed me into letting him get one about 6-1/2 years ago. He promised not to get a crotch rocket cycle if I'd let him get a dog. For this mom, that was a no-brainer! Now we have two beasts, the boy child has moved out (and has another HUGE dog of his own), and the "original two" are mine. I adore them and spoil them rotten. And yes, he did keep his promise about the crotch rocket!!

Job: I'm fortunate to be able to teach in a small private school with a group of fantastic people. It's very different from what I'd been doing previously, and it's great!

My Hands: This may sound strange, but I'm thankful for all the things that I am able to do with my hands, and the amount of enjoyment I get from doing those things. My whole life I've been artsy in a number of different ways, and I can't imagine not being busy with my hands. From lettering to coloring, needlepoint to cross stitch, stamping to beading, crocheting to knitting, and playing the piano, my hands love doing all that and much more.

Faith: I'm blessed with a faith that I can count on no matter what life sends my way. I always have somewhere to go, and someone to turn to through all the ups and downs of life.

Little Things: Every day there are the "little things" that bring joy and make life interesting: Coffee with a friend, an unexpected conversation with a stranger, or a colorful tree on the way home from work. Or, an hour to sit and knit with a cup of strong coffee and a candle burning on a nearby table.

Have a Wonderful

Thanksgiving!!

A "Thankful" Contest....

2007-11-16T16:57:00.000-06:00

I just entered a fun contest that GNAT is having to celebrate her 100th post! Go check it out, enter, and be sure to tell her I sent you! She reminds us to stop and think about all that we have to be thankful for.

Winter Wonderland Topic of the Week #2

2007-11-16T16:14:00.000-06:00

As the cold of winter approaches, do you change the projects you work on? Not intentionally, but warm, cozy things are more inviting to make when the weather is colder. There's something about having a wooly afghan resting in my lap that just doesn't work so well when the weather is hot. I'm just finishing a pair of felted slippers that I can hardly wait to wear, but I didn't think too much about having them a few weeks ago!! I'm also thinking of starting a wrap, and yes, maybe even a afghan, who knowsl!

Do you work on gifts for others or do you continue working on projects for yourself? Either, I guess. I usually plan ahead to make things for others, and not necessarily more at Christmas than other times of the year because of the time crunch during the holidays. This past year I've made quite a few birthday gifts for friends and family, which was fun. If my slippers turn out the way I'm hoping, I just might whip up a few more pairs for Christmas gifts because they're quick and easy, and IF they turn out like the picture, they'll be very cute, too!

My Secret Pal Had A "Novel" Idea!!!

2007-11-11T17:00:00.000-06:00

I received a package from my SP 11 spoiler this week, and what a fun package it was! I opened it to find great colors of yarn and yummy treats! (Missing from the pictures is the bag of tasty goodies she sent--they didn't make it till picture day!!!) Just look at all the loot!
I love felting with the Patons SWS, and she sent three skeins in the nice denimy blue, which I haven't tried yet so it was the perfect color choice! Then, four skeins of cotton, all in colors I'll enjoy. She must have been snooping around my blog, cause I know I've mentioned wanting to try the Sugar & Cream Stripes, but not being able to find it around here. Now I have a skein of that, too, and can't wait to try it. And look at the box of Oregon Chai. That is good stuff, and I'll enjoy every sip. Who knows, maybe I'll even share!Her note was on a postcard that gives me a "hint" as to where she lives, and if you look closely you can see a CD case peeking out from behind the postcard. It was cleverly hidden at the bottom of the package--- and what I fun idea! It's the first CD of three; a novel set in the "world of knitting"! Last night I had a friend over and we sat and sipped tea and knit as we listened to the story. We had such fun!! We didn't stop until we'd listened to the whole thing, and now I'm anxiously waiting for the second installment. And the third!!

Thank you SO much, Secret Pal!

I really appreciate all

the thoughtful gifts!!!!

Time to Enter Another Contest!!

2007-11-05T20:33:00.000-06:00

I was catching up with some blog news after being out of town for a few days, and found out that Cass is having a contest!! She's giving away some fun stuff to celebrate her 333rd post, so hop on over there, congratulate her, and check it out! And tell her I sent you so I get "extra credit"!!

Winter Wonderland Topic of the Week #1

2007-11-05T19:21:00.000-06:00

When did you first start drinking coffee? What age were you? Was it about the caffeine, or do you love the taste and smell? Tell us how your passion began!
I didn't start drinking coffee until I was an adult. When my youngest son started kindergarten, I started substitute teaching. Others I worked with were always dragging around a mug and drinking coffee. I felt like I was missing out on something. There was a certain "romance", or "charm" to this coffee drinking thing. So, what choice did I have but to start carrying a mug in my briefcase so I could join in the fun! I really didn't like the taste of the coffee; it was more the "idea" of drinking it that appealed to me!

The next step was to go to a coffee shop, and there I discovered the mixed espresso drinks!! Oh ya... liked those!!! We have a shop in town that roasts its own beans, so the smell in there is beyond description. You don't even need to buy coffee... all you have to do is inhale! Pure Coffee Bliss!!

My coffee "habit" grew slowly over a number of years, going from something I enjoyed occasionally to the beverage I can't leave home without every morning when I head off to school.

I've Got Some Catchin' Up To Do...

2007-10-28T22:11:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? I've managed to keep up with the weekly topics, but other than that I haven't done much posting. I was out of town for several days a couple weeks ago, as I attended teachers convention. I would have rather stayed home and worked in my classroom, but we all went, and had a fun time. Look at the snazzy dessert they served at the keynote luncheon. The desserts were at our places when we got there, and the tables looked just beautiful!! I was surprised at the delicious meal they served us. Very nice!

I finished my bag for my Fall Felted Bag Exchange Pal and put it in the mail today. The picture isn't very flattering.... it actually looks quite cute in "real life"!! I ended up making my own buttons out of polymer clay, which was fun. I took a close-up pic of them, but it turned out blurry. My pal said she likes bags that are embellished, so I took her at her word and went for it. Sure hope she likes it!
And, I found out about a CONTEST!! Pop on over to the Knittin Coop and wish her a happy 2nd blogiversary! She wants to meet more bloggers, so leave a comment, and be sure to tell her I sent you!

I seem to have lost my knitting mojo, with the exception of dishcloths. I've got so many projects I want to start, but I can't seem to get any of them rolling. I just keep saying to myself, "Well, maybe I'll make another dishcloth". I do believe I'm stuck in a rut. I'm headed to Minneapolis later this week, so I really want something fun to work on during the trip, as that's about 5-1/2 hours of knitting time each way.

My dad, who lives in Arizona, lost his wife on Friday. She's from the twin cities, so the funeral will be there. She's lingered for quite some time, suffering with Alzheimers. My dad told me that watching her deteriorate like that is the hardest thing he's ever been through in his life, including his experiences in Germany during WWII.

I know I talked about my mom's problems with her mobility in an earlier post, and now it's been decided that she'll have a total knee replacement on November 12. I really dread that, as she's had a knee and a hip done before, and she doesn't do well with those surgerys. With the hip she was in the hospital for 21 days, and we thought we were going to lose her.

So, I'm in a whirlwind trying to get ahead of the game and be ready to be gone from school both during this week, and then again the week of Nov. 12. I must say I'm feeling overwhelmed.

On a lighter note, I do have a picture of one of my finished dishrags! It's the first time I've used this pattern, and I really like it. Have already made another one, in fact. I recently ordered a few more patterns from Harvest Moon Designs, and this is one of them. Their patterns are so well written and easy to follow. If you've never checked out their site, you should. Lots of great dishrag eye candy!! Isn't the yarn gorgeous? It looks good enough to eat! It's a hand dyed that I bought on ebay some time ago, and now I wish I'd gotten more.

Guess I better get to bed. Morning comes so early, and I am NOT a morning person....

Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap Questionnaire

2007-10-27T18:35:00.000-05:00

COFFEE~~
What are your favorite kinds of coffee? I enjoy Starbucks, Caribou, or any other brand of good quality coffee. I enjoy Breakfast blends, as well as rich, full-bodied roasts.
Do you prefer whole bean or ground coffee? Whole bean.
This time of year, there are often Holiday Blends available, and many flavored coffees - do you drink flavored coffee? Do you enjoy special blends? Yes to both!!
How do you take your coffee? Cream and Sugar? Straight up? Decaf? No decaf. I often drink it black, but must confess to really enjoying a splash of International Delight in my coffee. My newest fave flavor is Bavarian White Chocolate. Yum!!
Do you prefer drinking from a nice thick mug, or a matched cup and saucer? Mugs... but not necessarily big and thick. I have some tall, slim English Bone China mugs that I Iove to use. I also like fun, pretty mugs, though I prefer it if they're not too big and clunky.

WINTER HOLIDAYS~~
What is your favorite part of Winter? Oh, that's a good one!! It has to be rushing to my frozen car after work in a 40 below wind chill only to go head over teakettle on the ice and twist the living daylights out of my knee! Not really... I don't mean that... there are other things about winter that are EVEN BETTER!! Seriously, I do love it when we get that rare snowfall with flakes so huge you can hear them hit the ground. When that happens, there's no wind, and the big clumps fall straight down and sparkle like diamonds. Those "big flake" snowfalls are always very short lived, and to me there's just something very cozy and comforting about that "type" of snow.
Do you celebrate a holiday in December, and if so, which holiday? We celebrate Christmas, and we do put up a tree.
Would you enjoy items related to the holiday, or would you prefer a Winter themed package? Either one would be wonderful. However, I do like decorations that are more artsy, as I'm not a big fan of "cute".
Do you collect anything? There are many things that I enjoy and have a few of, but not really anything that I collect.
Are there any holiday or winter-themed items (Snowmen, Angels, Snoflakes, Santas, etc) that you collect? I do have a few snowmen, and really like them. I have a couple made by Lang, and they're SO fun. My son gave me a Willow Tree angel last year, and I love it! I would like to add a couple more of them to my shelf sometime.
Do you wear scarves? Mittens? Hats? I'm bad about just throwing on my coat and heading out the door, but I do like to wear scarves sometimes. I wear gloves rather than mittens, and seldom wear a hat--only when it's storming and I have to clean off my car after work!!
What is your favorite holiday or winter treat? Something hot and yummy to drink.... a nice mocha or latte hits the spot, or sometimes a flavored hot chocolate is fun. And popcorn. I love sitting down with a bowl of nice, hot kettle corn!
Please share a favorite Winter or Holiday memory. We have three couples who we've been friends with for over 30 years, and our kids have grown up together. Each year we get together for a Christmas celebration sometime during the holiday season. We do "family" gifts, and in the past our kids would also exchange presents among themselves. It got more and more difficult to find things to buy for the kids, so one year we decided to ask them if they'd like to give gifts to a needy family instead of getting gifts themselves. They all liked the idea right away, which kind of surprised us, so we pooled all the money we would have spent on each others children and bought clothes, toys, and groceries for a needy family we knew that went to our church. Once everything was wrapped and ready, we dropped it off at their door, rang the doorbell, and took off. Doing that allowed us to feel the true spirit of what Christmas is all about, and seeing our children participating and getting so much joy out of giving was a special blessing for us as parents.

YARN AND CRAFTING~~
Do you Knit or Crochet? For how long? I learned both from my grandma when I was very young. However, it was crochet I took to, and did lots of it over the years. About three years ago I decided to expand my knitting horizons, and found that I love it!! It started with scarves and progressed to felted bags. Now I want to try anything and everything!!
Do you like wooden, metal, or plastic needles? Circular or straight? I use both wood and metal needles. I have wood straights and circs, and I recently bought a few addi turbo circs, and find I like them very much, as well.
What sort of projects do you enjoy making? I love making felted bags... they really got me hooked on knitting. Lately I've been just nuts about knitting dishcloths, making one after the other. Some things I'm planning to start are a couple of shawls, some felted slippers, a non-felted handbag, fingerless gloves, and some mobius projects such as a scarf and some bowls.
What are your favorite types of yarn to work with? I love wool, and also cotton. I have to like the way yarn looks and feels, and then if I think it will wear well and hopefully not pill, I'll give it a try.
Do you spin or dye? No, but it sure looks like fun!
Do you do other crafts? I've done a lot of beading, though not recently, and a really miss it.

GENERAL~~
When is your birthday? April 25.
Do you have any children? (Furry kind count!) My husband and I have three sons ages 25, 21, and 21. We also have two dogs, one of which is snoring very loudly right now! Flex and Jayda are 6-1/2 year old Boxers.
What are your favorite colors? I like rich colors: teals, berry shades, navy... jewel tones. I'm not a fan of brights and pastels.
Do you have any allergies? No.

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Weekly Topic # 4

2007-10-21T21:36:00.000-05:00

What was your favorite Halloween costume ever - for you? I had a great time dressing up one year as a very "unusual" woman. Just a bunch of little things that added up to one hilarious looking old bag, I guess. I put stuff in my hair to make it look greasy, grimy and gross, and then pulled a silly looking knit hat with a brim down over it. No make-up, of course, and I blackened out one of my front teeth. At the thrift store I found a "lovely" dress about 8 sizes too big for me, and a bra of the same magnitude. I filled plastic bags with oatmeal and used them to fill up the bra cups. Then cinched in the waist of the dress over my padded figure. Old snow boots over mismatched socks and rolled down knee-high nylons completed the ensemble. What a babe I was!! I guess what made it so memorable, was that several of my friends did similar things, and we went shopping and out to eat in our lovely get-ups! Since this little outing wasn't actually on October 31, we were treated to some very inquisitive looks. More than worth the price of admission. for your kids, if you have them? The very first costume both of my boys wore was a little pumpkin outfit I made them. It was just a printed cape with a "stem" for a hat, but they were just little, and looked so adorable in it. Another time when my oldest was about 4 or so, I made him up to look like a little old man. Baggy pants... suspenders... flannel shirt... slouch hat. He had pillows both in front and back, belted into place, so he was just round. Then I used Vaseline and coffee grounds to give him some whiskers. His sweet little face peering out from that get-up was just too cute. Why did you enjoy it so much? Because it was funny and made me laugh. The funnier and goofier the costumes were, the better I liked them. Do you still dress up now? Nope. Don't do Halloween at all any more, except to hand out candy to my little visitors. Met a woman who'd at one time been involved with the "darker" side of Halloween, and through her I learned what it is really about, and some of the things that go on that we don't realize. Very scary stuff--I could no longer look at Halloween as being fun and innocent.

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week #6

2007-10-15T19:32:00.000-05:00

Now that it is getting cooler here, it makes me think of apple picking and hay rides. Are you the type that likes to go to participate in all the fall festivities like apple picking, pumpkins, decorating for the fall, hay rides, baking fall goodies, etc. or do you just sit and count the days till Thanksgiving/Christmas/Hanukkah?

No day counting here--- I only wish things would slow down and give me some extra time before the holidays. Where on earth does the time go??
I enjoy decorating, and have fall things that I love to put out every year. I have a basket of gourds on my coffee table, and a fun welcoming scarecrow that hangs outside my front door. I put out table squares and placemats with fall colored leaves and pumpkins on them, and I have a Longaberger basket that's shaped kind of "pumpkinish" and has a stem for the handle.
I've never been apple picking - except in my front yard - nor have I harvested pumpkins. Does sound like fun, though. I can't remember the last time I went on a hayride, but I sure would if I had the chance!
And as a side note... I had a THICK layer of frost on my car this morning when I left for work! Guess it's time to start parking in the garage.

My Tea Pal Has Spoiled Me!!!

2007-10-13T13:50:00.001-05:00

When I arrived home from work on Thursday, I found a UPS box on the corner of my step, "cleverly disguised" by having been covered with my door mat! Oh Happy Day... it was my Knit One Tea Too package from Cassie, of time warp fiber.

She put together the most thoughtful grouping of fun stuff for me. This is what I found when I opened the box:

Look at the adorable card! And that blue "square-topped shape" sticking out of the teapot is an actual teabag--Harney & Sons Orange Pekoe! How cute is that?!? The KnitPicks Memories yarn is GORGEOUS!! The color is Redwood Forest, and Cassie described it as being "lots of the colors of tea", which it is. Rich reds, browns, and greens. I tried to get a close up of the colors, but they washed out so much with the flash that there's no point in even showing them. I can hardly wait to knit something up with it. Then the Sugar & Cream is also a color I love. It's called Jute, but I like Cassies description of "tea and milk" much better! I promptly went to Harvest Moon Designs and ordered a new dishcloth pattern (or two, or more!!) to use with my new cotton! Check out the fun tea themed napkins.... and the wonderfully scented Jasmine candles... and the cute knit "sweater" for my tea mug. And since I wear sandals every day of my life that it isn't so cold that my toes turn blue and threaten to fall off, I got a little "whale" to help keep my feel smooth and comfy! (I just typed "mapkins" instead of "napkins"--- Made me smile, cause that's what my oldest son always called them when he was little!) And of course, the tea and goodies. Two kinds of tea with vanilla, which are perfect for me. I haven't tried either one of them before, and I know I'll love them. And a yummy muffin mix. Cassie wants me to eat one with a cup of rum vanilla tea, which I promise to do!Finally, I got a fun little "tour" of her own tea collection. These arrived with the little "mug sweater" wrapped around them! I look forward to trying each and every one of them!

Thank you SO MUCH, Cassie!!!

You have been a thoughtful and fun pal!

I have really enjoyed getting to

know you a little!

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week # 5

2007-10-13T13:17:00.000-05:00

So for the Topic of the week: Flash your needles and other items you use to make your wares: Dpns, circs, straights, hooks, tape measures, darning needles, favorite stitch markers, needle holders, cases, the works!
Well I certainly don't have the stash that many of you do, as I haven't been knitting all that long, but things do tend to collect, don't they? Knitting wares also have the ability to wander off, I believe, because this "stash flashing" project got me hunting for some things, which I never did find!! I take good care of my things, put them away for safe keeping, but still they disappear. I've looked where they should be, where they could be, where they might be, and where they must be because they're not any of the other places. All to no avail. You know how it is... they'll turn up unexpected one day in the most unlikely spot, and I still won't know how they got there. I think I'll blame the dog; she does seem to have in interest in all things knitting!!!

My needles have a tendency to be here and there--some in a drawer, some in a vase, some in my needlework basket, but I'm going to change that. I think the wooden box will make a great home for them, so all the straights, and probably the dpn's as well, are moving in there.

This little assignment forced me to do some cleaning, winding, and organizing, and that's a good thing!! Plus, I've really enjoyed checking out other peoples wares on their blogs. I've seen some great storage ideas that I'd love to have some day!!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Weekly Topic # 3

2007-10-10T17:54:00.000-05:00

How often do you change the purse or bag you're carrying? With all the fun bags there are, and I certainly have my share, you'd think I'd change more often than I do, but when I get real comfy with a purse it's hard for me to move on!!

Do you change based on seasons? I probably tend to change with seasons more than anything. I like to carry something "summery" and "fun" when it's hot, and in the winter I tend to use a "reliable workhorse"!!

Outfits? Sometimes, especially if it's a special occasion. Or even if I'm just in the "mood".

Something else? Well, if I'm attending a craft show or similar event where I don't want to lug my loaded bag, I have a small Coach purse that holds some cash, check blanks, and a credit card. Then I throw in some lip balm, Advil (sore feet, you know!!), a pen, and maybe some tissue. It's small, light, and holds only the "musts". Works great!

What's your favorite bag in the world (and it doesn't have to be a knit/felted one!)? Hmmm..... that's a tough one, but I think I would have to go with my Black and Brass Coach Willis Bag. Everything fits just right, it's got just enough pockets, black goes with everything, and it's an all around comfortable bag to carry. It's a great basic bag, and I love it. Hubby has my camera today, so I can't take a picture of it, but I do have a picture of the felted bag I'm carrying right now. I knit it with one strand of Patons SWS and one of Lamb's Pride, which gave it the nubby look. I do get quite a few comments on this purse.

I made a lot of felted bags before I actually started carrying one myself, but this one has worked out well for me. Just today during my break at school I was going through a pattern book trying to decide which bag to make for myself next. I've kinda got a hankering for a new one!!

Mmmm... Is That Fresh Coffee I Smell??

2007-10-10T17:46:00.000-05:00

Or maybe it's just the excitement about the Winter Wonderland Coffee Swap that's coming up soon! Anne and Holly will be hosting this swap, and it's sure to be a fun one. I'm just finishing up the Knit One Tea Too Swap, which was GREAT, so next.... it's gotta be coffee! Sign ups start on October 24, so don't miss out!

And They Call it "The Golden Years"....

2007-10-07T20:20:00.000-05:00

I know there are others of you who are faced with the struggle of watching your parent(s) grow old. It's so hard; such a heartache. My mom is a treasure, and always has been. She's almost 86 years old, and is blessed with a sharp mind, excellent general health, and a sense of humor that ROCKS! What she doesn't have is good joints. Both her knee and hip were replaced on one side, and now the other knee is so bad that her leg is useless.

Sometimes she can't get up out of her chair. Sometimes she can get up, but then can't move for 20 minutes because her knee won't support any weight. She has a scooter, but has so much trouble getting on and off of it that it's dangerous. She's fallen five times within the last few weeks because her knee gives out, and down she goes. Thankfully, she's not been seriously hurt because of the falls.

Yesterday morning she called me at 7:30, needing my help because she'd been on her scooter since 2:00 the previous afternoon and couldn't get off by herself to go to the bathroom. That's 17-1/2 hours.

My brother came home yesterday, and tomorrow he and I are taking Mom to an orthopedic doctor. She more than likely needs a new knee, but at her age they may not want to do it, especially given her history of having a very difficult time recovering from surgery. She was in the hospital for 21 days when she had her hip replaced, and we thought we were going to lose her. Unless there's something they can do for her, she won't be able to live alone any more. My little bro and I are heartsick at the thought of Mom having to live in a home, especially since her only problem is mobility.

And of course my mom is only one of the millions of elderly who struggle and agonize to get through each and every day. I know it's part of life, and we all have to do it, but getting old stinks. The "GOLDEN" years.... uh uh.... doesn't seem very "golden" to me.

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Weekly Topic # 2

2007-10-02T20:49:00.000-05:00

The colors of fall tend to be oranges, yellows, crimsons, and other 'leafy' colors - what is your favorite "Color of Autumn" and where do you see it?

Hmmm.... that's a tough question. I'm not a fan of yellows and oranges, however in nature, they're absolutely glorious. I think I'll have to go with the crimsons, though, because I just love wine and burgundy shades, and deep plums and fuschias. I see them every day, because I've decorated with them in my home. The 'bottom half' of the walls in my office are a winey shade, and I also have two chairs that color in my living room. There are touches of it in the sofa and loveseat, as well.

I didn't gravitate toward these colors when I was younger, but I've grown to like them more as I've matured. Just like a fine wine, better with age, right?? :o)

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week # 4~~

2007-10-02T20:27:00.000-05:00

Are there any recipes you especially enjoy having in the Fall? Any foods that are seasonal that you especially enjoy? Some of the fall recipes I enjoy tend to be things we serve on Thanksgiving. LIke pumpkin pie, and steamed cranberry pudding. I got the pudding recipe from my great aunt many years ago, when I was a kid, really, after having it at her home and thinking it was just the most wonderful thing ever! In case you're curious, here's how it's made:

Steamed Cranberry Pudding

1-1/2 cups flour
1-1/2 cups cranberries, cut in halves
Pinch of salt
1-2 cup light molasses
1/2 cup hot water
2 scant tsp. soda

Mix flour, berries, and salt. Combine molasses, soda and hot water and mix into flour and cranberries.

Butter the top of a double boiler, add the pudding, and steam over boiling water for 2-1/2 hours.

Sauce:

1 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup cream 1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, butter, & cream and heat together. Mix in vanilla. Serve hot over puddding. May add pecans to the butter sauce.

Obviously, the pudding is pretty undramatic... it's the buttery sauce that makes it good. My boys even like this, and they tend to be uninterested in most desserts.

I also think that hot, steamy drinks take on a whole new appeal in the fall. I'm not sure why it is, but things like coffee and tea have a different "personality" in the fall and winter than they have in the summer. And hot chocolate, of course!

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Weekly Topic # 1

2007-09-28T16:44:00.000-05:00

As of this weekend, the season has officially changed on the calendar - but what makes Autumn feel like Autumn to you, and why? Well, I'm a teacher, so getting back to school seems to set the stage for autumn, even though school starts about four weeks before autumn arrives around here. Students, lesson plans, and decorating my "back to school" classroom with apples gives me my first nudge, even if I'm not ready for summer to end yet!!

Next, of course, is the weather! Living in North Dakota, we experience four very distinct seasons. In the fall, the air has a different feel to it--less humidity, maybe. It's clear and crisp, and scented with the smells of falling leaves and smoke. When I pull up to the curb and school, I can hear the crunch of leaves beneath the tires of my car; and of course beneath my feel when I walk!

There's a "cozy" feeling about autumn.... probably knowing that winter is coming, along with warmer clothes and knitted afghans! Oh, and knitted, felted slippers!!

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week # 3~~

2007-09-27T18:11:00.000-05:00

Autumn has now officially begun here in the States!! What is your favorite thing about Autumn/Fall? One of the things I just love is the bright blue sky contrasted by the colors of the changing leaves. I also love he smells, especially the waft of smoke on the breeze from someone's fire pit. Then there's the gourds and the pumpkins and the fun decorations. Why? There just seems to be an air of coziness about the whole season. Bundling up and enjoying warm things. Maybe it's a sort of "nesting" feeling because of the upcoming wiinter.

BAD DOG.... BAD, EVIL DOG!!!!

2007-09-26T22:03:00.000-05:00

This was the scene in the middle of my living room floor today. Looks innocent enough... like I might have laid it down after carefully sticking the needle through the yarn for safe keeping, right? WRONG!!!

Look Closer. Do you see the the chewed off chunks on the pretty end of my lovely needle. Do ya? Ha? And how about the pointed end. Do ya like the nice little angle that it takes, with tooth marks and slivers of wood sticking out here and there?
How about this? Don'tcha wish you had one of these? A pair, maybe? Well, I do.... Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah!Yup, doggie knitter strikes again. We have a "half door" that keeps the beasts in "their" part of the house when we're not home. Guess someone didn't get it completely latched. (Thank you ever so much, sweet son of mine!) Had to be him, as hubby is out of town till tomorrow, and the kid and I are the only ones around, and I had them all tucked in when I left for work. Grrrrrrrrrr...........

Anyway, that was what greeted me when I got home from a long day of taking my fifth graders on a field trip. We walked a lot, and my feet hurt (a lot!), but it was a good time. The Department of Engineering and Mines at the University had an open house, so we went to see all the cool science things they were showing.

I think everyone's favorite, hands down, was the oobleck. Know what that is? The name comes from a Dr. Seuss book, Bartholemew and the Oobleck. I think that's the name of it. Anyway, it was a mixture of 160 pounds of cornstarch and 25 gallons of water in a very large trough-like container, which had been dug into the ground. If you stuck your hand into it, you pulled out with big globs of slimy looking stuff plopping off your dangling fingers. It would all slide off, back into the "trough" and only a thin film would remain on your hand.

However, AND THIS IS WAY COOL; as long as you kept moving, you could WALK on it. It was set up so the kids could start at one end of the trough and walk, run, hop, or whatever to the other end. It was maybe five feet from end to end. Their feet didn't even get wet. If you stopped, you would start to sink (they said it was about 18 inches deep), but if you kept going, you were fine. I've never seen anything like it, and it really was fun!

There's a Starbuck's in the University Bookstore, and the kidlets had talked me into taking them there on the way back to school. I am blessed with a bunch of fifth graders that like coffee; how cool is that? We sipped mochas and frappuccinos while browsing through books (also a Barne's and Noble in the store) before we went back to school. Twas a good time indeed. Now tomorrow it's back to language and math...

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Contest...

2007-09-22T20:12:00.000-05:00

This is the yarn I am planning to use for my bag. I've been debating long and hard, but I'm pretty sure this is what it will be. The pattern I want to use seems to have fallen off the earth, so I'm not able to tease you with the little corner of it that I was willing to show! It's one I purchased online, so I'll just have to print out another copy. I've made this bag once before, and it turned out really cute.

The blog friend that I have probably been doing the most "back and forth" commenting with is Dorothy. I enjoy reading about her knitting escapades, but also like hearing about her kidlets as well as the rest of her family. We seem to share some common values.

Well, I'm off to print my pattern and get to work on my bag. I have a fun downstream pal that I'm looking forward to sending it to....

Delivered To My Doorstep....

2007-09-21T23:55:00.000-05:00

Please don't hate me for winning this beautiful shawl in the blogiversary contest that Grace held recently. After all, I did work hard to be the winner... commenting, posting, linking, and even hunting feverishly for answers to her trivia questions. Yaha. And even after all that work, and mopping the sweat from my brow, I still didn't think I had a chance. Too many entries... that one question I couldn't find the answer to... no way would I win. But I did, and no one was more surprised than me!!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH GRACE!

THE SHAWL IS LOVELY AND

I WILL TREASURE IT!!

Look at the stitch detail...

Isn't it just grand???...

When I opened it, I just had to "try it out", so I threw it on over my jeans and t-shirt and went out to my patio for a cup of coffee. Sat there feelin' special, admiring Grace's talent. It was good.

I'm so glad the weekend is here. Today was just way too long, and my sixth period class was just... just... something!! I had the distinct privilege of teaching about "the excretory system" to a class of 7th and 8th graders. A treat that was, let me tell you.

I knew it could get dicey, but I was prepared: Sober face... serious tone of voice... matter-of-fact attitude. But come on people-- how do you talk to kids that age about poop, pee and farts in a dignified manner?? (Of course the book uses words like "feces", "urine", and "flatulence", which is even more uproariously hilarious to the kids!!)

I have to give them credit. They tried; they really did. Volunteered to read aloud and the whole nine yards. But tell me, how does a cute 8th grade boy read aloud to his classmates about constipation without cracking up?? It simply CANNOT be done. No way. No how.

One boy propped his book up on his desk to spare me seeing the tears rolling down his cheeks. However, the book was not large enough to hide his shaking shoulders. It was the kids, not the subject matter, that had me in stitches. I knew I should set the example, but there I was with my bird's-eye view of all of them. Each one would start to read with such confidence, and within a sentence or two I'd hear their voice start to quaver.

At first, I was able to hide my laughter from the kids (ya, right!), but after a while it just got to be too much. I finally just gave up and became part of the meyhem. What kind of teacher am I? Should I be fired? Locked up somewhere, perhaps?

I'll never be the same. Permanently scarred I am. And heaven help me, the reproductive system is only a few pages away....

Anne's Dishcloth & Other Finished Objects~~

2007-09-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed Anne's first dishcloth pattern so much that I just had to make the second one, too. Besides, I want more entries in her contest!! And I love it... fun and easy to knit, and it's a great design. While I know the stitches would have better definition in a solid color, I was happy with the way they showed up in this particular variegated yarn. You're not able to tell from the picture, though, which is too bad. So, here are the stats on this one:

Knit on size 7 Lantern Moon straights

Yarn: Sugar 'n Cream, Country Sage Ombre

English method

What name would I give this pattern?

"TRAIN TRACKS"

Then, I also finished another one that's been laying in my basket waiting around for me to sew the sides together. This petal dishcloth is another one I enjoy to knit.

I've also finished the felted bowl. I started it during a "girl's night out" with three friends, and I did take some grief about "knitting a bowl". I think I can safely say, however, that when "she who made fun of me" sees it, she will want one of her very own. She won't get one, though. The other two might, but she will not. That's just the way it has to be!

Anyway, the bowl: It was a quick knit, and felted up perfectly. I used the pattern in One Skein. The bottom tapered in so that it's nice and flat and sits just right. After I'd knit it I put it on my head... twas a roomy hat indeed! It covered my ears, and didn't squish my hair. I just might make one to keep in my car for when I'm caught having to shovel and scrape snow in -60 degree wind chill blizzard winds. Maybe it would stop those little snowflakes that get driven into my ears like little pins.

After felting: A stout 5-3/4 inches in diameter, by 3-3/8 inches tall. I WILL be making more of these! If you're wondering about the yarn, I used Classic Elite Paintbox.

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week #2~~

2007-09-17T18:18:00.000-05:00

When you knit or crochet dishclothes, washclothes or face clothes, what do you use? I've been using size 7 rosewood and ebony straight needles from Lantern Moon. I ordered them so I'd have "cool" needles to knit dishcloths with, and indeed I do! After using them a few times, they have come to be my "dishcloth knitting needles", so, in my mind, they now go hand in hand with knitting cloths.

Why do you love that needle or hook so much? Since I ordered them with making dishcloths in mind, they have just become part of the "discloth knitting process" for me.

Is there one you are dying to try? Oh my goodness... that would have to be the gorgeous new Harmony needles from KnitPicks! Not specifically for dishcloths, but just for knitting in general. I want them all.... DPN's, circs, whatever there is!!

Is there a particular yarn you love and use all the time for clothes? I've tried some others that are more "high end", but I tend to gravitate back to Peaches & Creme or Sugar & Cream.

What is so special about it? They're a good weight--have a little heft to em, are nice to knit with, come in unlimited colors, and most certainly the price is right. I'd like to try some of the Lion Brand Organic Cotton, but haven't been able to find it here yet.

Look What I Won!!!!

2007-09-13T21:54:00.000-05:00

I couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I stopped by Grace's blog this to see who'd won her fabulous contest. I'd convinced myself that there was no way I'd win. You know: Low expectations equal less disappointment. (Mm Hmm!) So, when I saw my name listed as the winner of the silk drop garn shawl... WOW!

Being I was in school, I had to maintain a modecum of decorum, and I can assure you that no screams were heard throughout the building. However, I'm glad my students were at the library and no one could see me, because I shot back from my computer, and sat there in my chair stamping my feet up and down like a tantrumming (yes, that's a word--it's a technical term!) toddler. "I won!, I won!, I can't believe I won!".

I think I heard a little voice say: "Ya, you won alright, but you're also psycho nuts, lady". Here's a picture of the shawl. Isn't it just lovely? I lifted this picture right off Grace's blog. (I hope that's okay, Grace!?!)
When my kiddos returned, I showed the girls my new shawl, and they're anxious for me to bring it to school so they can see it. The guys... well, they weren't quite as interested. No extra credit for them, I tell ya!

The shawl will be treasured, and I can hardly wait to receive it.

Fall Into Autumn Topic of the Week!!

2007-09-10T21:01:00.000-05:00

This week, I'm asked whether or not I change the type of yarn I knit with depending on the season. I really don't. What I do change, especially when it comes to warm cozy yarn, is the SIZE of the project. I don't want a big wooly lump in my lap during the summer, even if I am sitting in air-conditioned comfort. I just get too warm. No afghans in August for this cookie!!

Other than something large, I pretty much make what I want, when I want. However, I really have the itch to make a couple of shawls.... could that have something to do with the season???

Fall Is In The Air~~

2007-09-09T22:29:00.000-05:00

I was at my mom's this evening, and at one point I stepped out on her deck to enjoy the cool evening. It was then I smelled it... Fall! Yuppers. The smell of fall was heavy in the evening air. It was getting dark, but you could still see that the sky had been a bright, clear blue, and the air was still and clear. And it smelled of fall....

Very nice, but also I forshadowing of things to come. I do live in North Dakota, you know, and we be tough folk that know what winter is all about!! Real Winter. Not that sissy kind of winter that some people whine and complain about. No siree. But I don't want to think about that now, so I won't. There's a lot of beautiful fall weather to enjoy first!!

I cast on another sock today. The first one (about 3/4 done) just wasn't cutting it for me, so it's in my "articles to be frogged" pile. Now I'm using a yarn with a little more 'tooth' to it, and hope my sock will have a little more gumption, as well. Donna gave me some much appreciated tips on our Let's Learn Socks KAL, so now I'm gonna give it another whirl!!

There are lots of projects I'm itching to cast on right now. What's that about?? There are a number of things I NEED to put the finishing touches on, but I'm not getting all excited about that. I know.... I won't allow myself to cast on a new project until I finish up another. That'll work, right? Ya, right!

Besides the sock, I also started a shawl. And, I'm making a felted bowl. "FELTED BOWL" That even LOOKS stupid in print, but nonetheless, I am knitting one. Hopefully it will turn into an item that will be the envy of everyone who sees the forthcoming picture of it on this very blog. Or, it could be fodder for numbers of comments laced with hilarity and ridicule. Either way, it's all good.

One thing I do need to start is the bag for my FFBE pal. I'm still debating about what to make for her. I think I've decided on the pattern, but not sure of the yarn yet. And, I need to finish up what I'm putting together for my K1T2 Pal. I've got yarn and patterns for two other wraps as well, that I'd love to get started on. *sigh* So many projects.... So little time....

Another Fun Contest~~

2007-09-06T17:35:00.000-05:00

TeaMouse is also hosting a contest on her blog, Tea Time Ramblings. She is giving away five different hand-knit dishcloths to the lucky winner! What fun!! Go on over and check it out!!!

One Amazing Contest!!!

2007-09-05T22:06:00.000-05:00

Check out the contest on Grace's blog!! She is giving away the most glorious shawls to celebrate her anniversary. The intricacy of the things she knits, and the speed with what she gets them done, just amazes me!! When you enter, please be sure to tell her I sent you... then I get an extra entry!

Happy Anniversary to a Great Blogger!!

Anne's Dishcloth Contest~~

2007-09-05T21:31:00.001-05:00

When I saw this pattern on Anne's blog, I knew right away that I wanted to knit one up! And best of all, she's turned it into a contest. You can find the pattern on this page of her blog by scrolling down to August 29.

Needles: Lantern Moon straights (rosewood) size 7

Knitting Method: English

Yarn: Peaches & Creme - Desert Sunset

Name: "Hopscotch"

In the interest of science-- one more in a plain color.

How will that effect stitch definition??

Same needles. Same method.

Yarn: Sugar & Cream, Sage Green

Name: "Isoceles Tiles"

And for comparison purposes,

here they are,

side by side,

up close and personal.

These dishcloths knit up quick and were fun to make. Thanks, Anne, for sharing your design!!!

Wanna Go For A CAR RIDE???....

2007-09-03T09:40:00.000-05:00

CAR RIDE: Two words you never say at our house unless you plan to follow through. And that means taking the two hounds with you on your journey, wherever that may be. The other side of that coin is that it's fun to take them along, and the riotous meyhem that occurs after saying those two magic words is entertainment. Pure and simple.

Rule #1: Don't say it until you're actually ready to leave. Then, just make an offhand comment to hubby, such as, "I think I'm going to go for a car ride." Here they come, somehow roused from their nap by those two words as if they were prodding irons. They stand at attention, looking straight at me, heads cocked, ears perked.

Then I say it: "Do you guys wanna go for a car ride?" (Answer is ALWAYS "yes") They beeline to the front door, and there they carry on the likes of which anyone who's seen it cannot believe. Jumping... Growling... Rolling... Friendly biting. You can't talk to anyone above the sound of the "rumble". If we recorded their noise and played it when people come to the door, no one would ever come into this house. Never. Ever.

I tried to get a picture of the rumble, I really did. But with

my camera skills it just can't be done. All I got that

was'nt just a blur was this butt shot, with too many

shoes, a foot, and a dangling leash in the background.

Anyway, once this little scnerio has played itself out (and it can go on for a long time if we keep repeating "those words"), we leash 'em up and head out.

"Okay Mom, I'm ready. It's time to get this show on the road."

"Me, too. Start them engines."

Away we go. First stop: The bank. "That's always fun, cause usually somebody at the drive through window says something friendly-like, and somtimes they even give out doggie treats." Next stop: The Post Office. "No big deal, but it's fun to see people look at us and smile when Mom's running in to mail her bills."

"Aw shucks, Mom just drove right by Petco. She doesn't like to take us there anymore, because we get so excited (SHE says "out of control", but that's not true) that she can't hang onto us. For some reason she doesn't like being pulled down the aisle of a pet store on her face behind two exhuberant dogs. Where IS her sense of adventure??"

"Oh, sure. We should've seen this coming. She's stopping at Michael's. It's not Petco, but we do get to sit and watch all kinds of corny people going here and there while she's inside. We usually get at least five minutes, maybe ten."

"Hey, Jaydie! Is that a McDonalds I see?"
"I think so, Flex. Can we go, Mom? Please. Can we??"

Next stop: McDonalds. Yup. I haven't eaten all day, and I love their Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad. I get a salad and a Coke, and the beasts get (I can't believe I'm admitting this!!) a hamburger. Plain. Just one. To share. Eight bites. Four each.

Contrary to what my dogs believe, I DO have a sense of adventure, so we stop at Caribou on the way home for an iced white chocolate mocha. And doggie treats. That nice girl at the window gave the beasts a treat! All is now well in dog world, and we can go home. It takes so little to entertain the dogs. And ya, it takes even less to entertain me........

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange Questionnaire~~

2007-09-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? I know how to do both. For many years all I did was crochet, but now I'm more into knitting. How long have you been doing it? Crocheting since I was just a kid, and knitting for about the past three years.

2. Have you made dischloths before? Yes. Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? Both.

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? I've tried several, but I keep coming back to Peaches & Creme or Sugar & Cream. What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? I'm open to trying anything new.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? I use both - it depends on the project. For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I like wood, but I've started using some addi turbos, and I really like them as well. I have a pair of size 7 Lantern Moon needles that I enjoy using for dishcloths.

5. What are your favorite colors? I like rich, saturated colors: Deep wines and blues, teals. I lean more toward "mixed" colors rather than pure. Any colors you don't like much? Brights, neons, and pastels.

6. What do you like best about Autumn? The colors and the clear, crisp air.

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! Pumpkin first, followed by pecan.

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? Couldn't wait!

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap) Nope, don't like it at all anymore. Though I do pass out treats to the kidlets!

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Milk Duds, Pear & Pink Grapefruit Jelly Belly's, and white chocolate.

11. Do you have any pets? Kids? Husbands who seem like kids? ;) All of the above!! I have one husband, three sons, and two Boxers named Flex and Jayda.

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? Hmmm.... Maybe a 100% cotton worsted weight. It can be very soft and gentle, yet it's sturdy enough to get through messy times. And it cleans up well with hot water!! (Does that make me a dishrag???)

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? Dishcloths.

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) Most definately Thanksgiving. I have a small extended family, and that's one of the two times each year when my brother and his family are here with us. That's always fun!

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? None.

Fall Into Autumn Dishcloth Exchange~~

2007-08-30T20:59:00.000-05:00

Goody Goody Gumdrops!! There's going to be another dishcloth exchange. I recently participated in the Dog Days of Summer, and it was great fun. Now, signups are about to open for the fall exchange, so if you like to knit dishclolths, make new friends, and get fun things in the mail, you can sign up here!! Hope to see ya there!

A Dishcloth, A Storm, and A Sock...

2007-08-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Dishrags seem to be my knitting project of choice these days. The Petal Dishcloth knit up quick and easy. After only one "petal" I had the pattern memorized. I've already given it away to a friend who had me to dinner last evening.

Earlier I entered a couple on contests that folks are having on their blogs. Schrodinger is giving away a VERY VERY cool sock knitting bag, and I really want to win one to encourage me in my sock making endeavors. (Read about my sock issues later in this post.) And, This Kitten Knits is also having a fun contest. So, head on over and enter, and if you tell them I sent you I get an extra entry, so don't forget----tell 'em I sent ya! Both of them have really fun blogs, too, so you'll get a great read out of the deal, too!!
Back to my friend, who lives about 75 miles from here. It was a gathering of a few of us who are part of an artsy craftsy group that used to be very active, and is somewhat less active now. However, we still love getting together to visit and share what we've been doing. Hubby called me while I was there to warn me that the weather was looking kind of bleak. Long story short, we watched the weather radar for a while, and I waited until it looked like I could leave ahead of the storm that was heading toward where I was, and end up behind the one that was where I live.

All went well until I got about 25 miles from home. Then the rain hit so hard and fast that I feared I might careen into the ditch before I could turn on the windshield wipers. Finally had to pull over and wait, along with a lot of other travellers, because the rain was so heavy I couldn't see, and the car wanted to hydroplane. When at last I gingerly pulled out onto the interstate, along with my parade of fellow travellers, we managed a whopping 50 mph for a while before we were hit with phase II. This one was worse. EVERYTHING stopped--even the semis. There I sat, all alone in the middle of nowhere, rain and now hail, too, beating down on my car. The noise was incredible. Oh, and did I mention, lightening like I've never seen before in my life!! From the time I walked out my friend's door until I arrived home I know there wasn't a 5 second break in the lightening. Most of it was the large stuff that lights up the whole sky, but there were a few bolts that were absolutely blinding. They were so bright that I would keep "seeing" them over and over, just like when you look into the flash of a camera. By the time I got home my eyes were so tired that they actually hurt!

The hail and rain torrents slowed, and off I went again. This time I made it the rest of the way home, but I did have an exciting trip, if being in bad weather is exciting. However, it was a serious storm which produced some tornadoes. One small town, maybe 30 miles from where I live, suffered much damage and even the loss of a life. At an area where there were seven mobile homes, only one is left. Medical facilities and such had to be evacuated. Very tough for that little community.

Okay, it's time to talk about my very first, one and only sock. I do believe I may be headed toward the frog pond with it. To me it just looks floppy and sloppy, like something that's been worn hard and needs to be laundered. What do you all think??
See how loose the the heel is.... and how the ribbing wants to drop down over the rest of the sock?
I must confess, I'm not all that happy with it. I think this is why I've been knitting so many dishrags lately. It's sock avoidance. That's what it is. Oh, and check out the lovely hole by the gusset... I'm really likin' that. But the good news it, there's a matching one on the other side of the sock. WOO HOO!!! I've really had fun knitting this creature, but with the way it's coming together, I fear my sock knitting career may be in doubt.

*Note* I'm using size 1 needles, and my gauge is right at where it should be. Bah Humbug!

Are there yarns that work better than others? I'm using Regia Bamboo, and I love how it looks and it knits up nicely, but I'm certainly no yarn expert when it comes to socks. Actually, I'm no yarn expert, period. Any thoughts or recommendations????

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Contest...

2007-08-27T20:24:00.000-05:00

1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why? I have several I really like, so I'll just choose one--Cascade 220 (double stranded). Why? Because it felts to a nice, sturdy fabric, isn't all fuzzy and hairy when it's done, and comes in so many great colors.

2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog. Cathy F. is from N. Vancouver, BC. , and you can find her blog, Drowning in a Sea of Yarn, here.

3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog. Heather has two labs named Sophie and Pierce. Here is where you can find her blog.

4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog. Over at Suzanne G.'s blog you will find pics of her darling granddaughter, Alia.

5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why! (Yea, I know part of September and November are technically fall, but for this question, only October and November matter!) I'm going to have to go with October because around here, sometimes it can get pretty wintery in November. I love the bright blue sky, the clear, crisp air, and the smell of fire pits and fire places.

Dishrag Patterns~~

2007-08-22T21:32:00.000-05:00

Several of you asked about the patterns I used for the dishcloths in my previous post, so here's the scoop. The blue, green, and white one is a pattern called 'Simplicity' from Harvest Moon Designs. The other three all came from this book:

I picked it up just a couple weeks ago at Michael's. They still had one more copy, so if anyone just has to have it, and can't find it where you are, I'm sure we could work something out, if ya know what I mean!! :o)

Lesson Plans, Dishrags & Yarn... (Oh, My!)

2007-08-20T22:41:00.000-05:00

I've been going over new curriculum and teacher's manuals all evening, and I don't have so much as one lesson plan actually down on paper yet. I somehow need to find that "back to school" mentality, cause classes start next Wednesday. Usually it comes, but this year, so far, it hasn't. Maybe tomorrow--I have about four hours of meetings, so maybe that will put me into that back to school frame of mind. I can only hope, but am NOT holding my breath!

Meanwhile, I have some dishrags and yarny goodness for show and tell. For some reason, all I wanted to do this weekend was make dishrags, so I did. I'd been wanting to try a round one, and this pattern was fun and easy. I like the way it turned out. I will definitely make more of these.

This one is pretty basic, but it has a nice texture and it made up nice and quick!!

I'm not quite sure what I think of this one.

It's kind of an oddball if you ask me.....

This one I LOVE!!

Geat pattern..... Lucious color!

This pretty stuff is the new Jitterbug sock yarn from Collinette. It's soft and feels like it will be great to work with. Now if I can just get this sock thing down. Right now I'm avoiding working on mine, and I don't know why. I think it's because I have this fear that they're going to be too big when I get done and I'll end up having to frog the whole sock. Other than that, I've been enjoying my little venture into sockdom.

Wow~~ I'd totally forgotten I had yarn on backorder from WEBS. I got an unexpected package (ALWAYS a fun surprise!!!) and opened it to find this:

I have no clue what I thought I'd make with it, and I don't do bright and neon colors, so why in the world did I order this??? Anyone??? Oh, well. Matters not. It's beauteous, and if I can't come up with an idea of how to use it, maybe you can. I'd love to hear your suggestions! It's SOO soft---after fondling it a bit, I buried my nose in it and inhaled deeply. Ahhh, good stuff!!!

Summer Sunday in the Backyard~~

2007-08-20T10:08:00.001-05:00

It was a nice weekend, and we were able to enjoy eating on the patio yesterday without being broiled by the sun or blown away by the wind. An overcast day, but so pleasant. . . one of those days when I wish I could just sit outside all day and knit! Speaking of which, I did get some time to knit over the weekend. I've got several small FO's and some yarny goodness to photo, and then I'll post some actual knitting pics. In the meantime......

And check out our litttle apple tree!! It's overloaded with apples, and we've already picked a bunch! I suppose if I was a good little 'happy homemaker' I'd be starting my 1000 quarts of applesause this morning, but I don't see that happening any time soon. Not in this lifetime, anyway. The guys will be lucky to get a couple of apple pies and cakes out of this gal!! (I know, I know, what kind of attitude is that?) So maybe I'll make an apple crisp,too.

Aren't they pretty?

Oooh, here's a pic that'll make your hair stand on end if you're one of those bee-phobic types! You'll have to indulge me though, cause I know there's a science lesson in here somewhere! Those garbage bees are all over (and SOOO annoying) this time of year, but my uncle and I, apparently dealing with some temporary insanity, decided to watch them as they "did their thing"! Well, they found the bits of leftover grilled chicken to be quite delightful, and would work and work until they could get their disgusting little hairy legs wrapped around them, and then they would take the chicken and buzz off. Not only are they annoying, but they're thieves as well!! After this had gone on for quite a while, I decided to get my camera out because I knew someone out there would just be dying to see a close-up pic of a bee!!!

BUZZZZZZ . . . . . . GOTCHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And what afternoon is complete withoug a rousing game of "pole"? According to my dogs, not a single one! Here they're having a blast playing with their daddy.

"What's taking so long, Dad?? Let's

keep that pole moving!!!"

A great time was had by all!!!

In the knitting department, for some reason I was totally in a dishrag kind of mood. I put aside the sock I'd been toiling over and made dishrags. Guess I needed some instant gratification. I churned out several, and had great fun doing it! I'll get them blocked and take pics for later....

Fall Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire~~

2007-08-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

How long have you been knitting or crocheting? I learned both when I was quite young, probably about five. I took to crochet and did a lot of that. Then several years ago I wanted to knit a scarf, so I bought some needles and took off! Next I fell in love with knitting felted bags, and now I'm just plain hooked!!

How did you learn? or from whom? My grandma taught me.
What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting? The tab top tote from the book Felted Knits by Beverly Galeskas. It just looked like fun to me!
What are your favorite colors? Any you hate? I love rich, saturated colors; especially in shades that tend to be a little "off" from the true color. I love shades of teal, navy, and wine. Also neutrals such as mocha, gray, cream and black. I'm not fond of primary brights, neons, or pastels.
What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!) I tend to like bags that are more structured rather than loose and floppy. I like to be able to organize my things and find them! I guess I tend to lean toward short handles, but also like long straps. My handbags tend to be meduim in size. As far as a tote goes, any size will do! I'm okay with tasteful, artsy embellishments. I don't do "Cute".
What handbag or bag are you carrying today? You're lookin' at it!!

Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting? Yes, I do. I have this "thing" about designating a specific bag for my projects!

What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? I'm just now making my first pair of socks, and am having a great time with that. I also have several shawls/wraps that I'm anxious to get started on, two of which are lace, which will be new for me. And dishcloths, of course! They're always fun and provide quick results!
What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum) I'm still trying different needles as I add to my supply. I use both straights and circs. I like bamboo, and recently tried addi turbos and lenjoyed them very much.
What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make? I guess that would be the lace shawls that I mentioned earlier. The one I'm looking to do first is the Forest Canopy Shawl, which is written specifically for knitters just starting out in lace. Oh, I also want to learn to knit a mobius, and want to make a couple of mobius bowls.
What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with? Hand Maiden Sea Silk.
What other hobbies do you have? I bead--both stringing and beadweaving. Do you spin? No. Sew? I can, but rarely do. Just the occasional lining for one of my bags!! :o) Garden? Do planters on my patio count? I love having containers full of many types of foliage along with some flowers. As far as "in the ground", I don't do much of that anymore.
Besides yarn, do you collect anything? What makes you think I collect yarn?? Teehee! And beads!
What kind of goodies do you enjoy? When it comes to goodies, I'm easy to please! Sweets? Oh, yes! I like most sweets. Just not fond of really sour and/or fruity things. I like chocolate (milk and white), gummies, Jelly Bellys, etc. Salty? Salty is great, too! Love almonds and cashews. Anything you hate or are allergic to? No. Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!) My husband and I have three grown sons, ages 25, 21, and 20. (The two youngest are exactly 2 weeks apart in age. One just turned 21 and the other one will in 9 days! Can you figure that one out?!?) We're fortunate to have one of the boys still living at home! What kind of project best personifies you and why? Hmmm. . . I guess I'm going to go with a felted handbag. (Imagine that!!) One that's unique and has artsy details. Why? Because I like unique things, and I tend to be artsy and pay attention to detail. I have no problem with fussing over something to get it to turn out the way I want it to. That being said, I'm also practical (like a handbag needs to be!) and I like to be organized (like a handbag needs to be!!) What is your favorite part of autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer! I like the crispness in the air and the vivid colors. My grandma used the phrase "October's Bright Blue Weather" to refer to the intense blue of the sky that we sometimes see in the fall. Each year when I see that bright blue sky, it reminds me of grandma!!
Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery.
1. I'd pay off the house, the boys' educations, and the rest of our bills.
2. I'd get new vehicles for hubby and myself. (Though he'd probably opt to keep the one he has.)
3. I'd share with my church, several charities, and also individuals who have needs.

Sock Progress and Another Contest~~

2007-08-14T10:51:00.001-05:00

SQUEAL . . . . . JUMP FOR JOY . . . . . . .and all that good stuff!! I've turned the heel on my very first sock! All the "sock experienced" knitters out there will just have to indulge me; and think back . . . . there was that day when you turned your very first heel. And I dare say you were excited, too!!

Anyhoo . . . HERE IT IS:

Loverly, don't you think??

However, amid all the excitement, there is that moment of disbelieving hilarity when I realize just how foolish my sock-to-be actually LOOKS!!

Yes?!? Ya know what I mean?!?

(I know you do, Cass!)

Today I will add the gussets, and that will surely help! Turning the heel went well; fun actually! If making the gussets goes equally well, I'll feel just grand about my little sock-making venture. I keep telling myself I need to finish at least one sock before I cast on a new project, but I've got several things I'm itching to start, and I don't want to wait.

Found a fun contest this morning on Jean's blog. You should check it out--she's giving away some absolutely wonderful swag! And if you do, PLEEZE tell her I sent you so I get another entry!! I'm lovin' all the contests--I think I'm going to have one soon. All I have to do is come up with a "reason", and that shouldn't be so hard.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood here today. While I was out in the yard snapping pics of my sock, my son was out there playing "Pole" with the dogs. They get the biggest kick out of chasing and jumping after that goofy pole. Flex actually picks it up and drags it to you (it's about 8 feet long!) as an invitation to play!

I'm enjoying my planters so much this year. Hardly planted any flowers, but went with a variety of foliage plants instead, and I really like all the leaf colors and shapes. Beauteous . . . .

Mandy's Candy Bag~~Finished!

2007-08-12T22:43:00.000-05:00

Today I put the finishing touches on my Mandy's Candy Bag. It was quick and fun to knit up, and I'm already thinking about what yarn I want to use to make my next one. NH knitting mama designed the pattern and it's available on her blog, so if you'd like to make one, go and check it out. She's also having a contest, and has a gallery of Candy Bags contestants have made. It's fun looking at the new ones that are added each day.

Ahhh, Look at that Sweet Face!!!

Does it get any cuter that that??

And to top it all off, he really is a good dog. I don't think he'd get into much trouble at all if it wasn't for his evil sister. She's always up to no good, and likes to drag him along. (Or, maybe HE'S the naughty one. Maybe he knows that sister gets blamed for everything because she's so ADHD and in your face, so he does all kind of horrid acts, knowing that she'll be held responsible and he'll get off scott free!!) Hmmmm. . . .

Speaking of Naughty,

Here she is.........

. . . . . . . . . looking all peaceful and innocent sprawled across a newly felted bag made by one of my friends. She got up several times to check out something of doggie importance (got to keep the family safe, you know!!), and each time she came back and plunked back down on the bag. We've already determined that Jayda likes to knit (which she did again today, btw, the little turd!), but apparently she also enjoys the finished product.

Well, at least Jayda has good taste--handmade items are some of the best. And I have a good friend--letting my hound lay all over her bag when she brought it over so I could help her work on it!!

Secret Pal 11 Questionnaire~~

2007-08-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I enjoy knitting with natural fibers: Wool, cotton, linen, silk. I don't care for most acrylics and I'm not a fan of novelty yarns.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Hmmn.... guess I don't have a great needle storage system. I have one drawer that I keep them in, but somehow they manage to find their way into all sorts of other places!

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? My grandma taught me to knit when I was little--probably about 5 or 6, but I began knitting "for real" about 2-1/2 years ago. For some reason I never forgot how to cast on, knit, purl, and bind off, so that was enough to get me started. First it was a novelty yarn scarf (oh, no!!), then Iprogressed to felted bags, and now I'm a fanatic!! I would consider myself an intermediate level knitter.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No.

5. What's your favorite scent? I like clean, fresh scents such as rain, cotton, linen, and sea scents. I also enjoy some 'food' scents such as vanilla, hazelnut, and coffee/latte.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Oh, ya!! Real bad sweet tooth! I like both white and milk chocolate. Even "regular" candies like Snickers, Milk Duds and Almond M&M's. When it comes to treats, I'm easy to please.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I also like to bead. No, I don't spin.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like gospel music, and things like piano or instrumental that are nice in the background.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I like rich colors such as shades of teal, hunter, wine, and navy. Also, neutrals. I don't like bright primary or neon colors, particularily not orange or pure yellow. I like most colors if it's an "off shade" of that color!!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married and have three grown sons, with only one left living at home. (He turns 21 today!!) We have two dogs (Boxers) named Flex and Jayda.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Scarves; sometimes with my winter coat. Hats; only when it's colder than a bugger and I have to clean off my car. (I think I have a big head, so it's hard to find a hat that looks decent on me!) Mittens; no, usually gloves, as they're easier to drive with. Ponchos; no, I fear I'm not built to be seen in public in a poncho! Small children would be frightened!!!! I do want to knit a shawl/wrap (or two, or three!!) one day soon, though.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Handbags and totes. Dishcloths and fun little accessory items.

13. What are you knitting right now? I'm almost done with Mandy's Candy Bag, and am working on my first ever pair of socks. Also the Knitting Tote (in Suede) from the Berroco website, and of course a dishcloth.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes, they're wonderful!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? I use both straight and circular needles. I do like bamboo, and also have a pair of rosewoods I make dishcloths on that are very nice to use. I only recently got my first pairs of addi circs, and I fear I am going to be wanting more of those!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes, both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? All the projects on my needles are quite current. However, I do have several bags that have been waiting around for several months to have their linings and handles installed!

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas.

19. Is there anything that you collect? Not really.

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I've heard that The Knit Stitch, The Purl Stitch, and her most recent book on color are all very good. Of course I'd love some more addi turbos, and I love "different" needles such as Lantern Moon and others that have a unique look. No subscriptions.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I want to knit lace, and plan to start with the Forest Canopy Shawl.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? I'm right now working on my first pair of socks. I started a KAL for new sock knitters, so I'm learning along with some friends. Foot measurements: Well, I wear a size 8-1/2 - 9 shoe; my foot is 9-3/4 inches long, and the circumference is 9 inches. From what I've seen, that sounds like a large circumference, but my foot is really quite average.

23. When is your birthday? April 25.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? No, but there are only 8082 people ahead of me in line!! :o)

Sent a Package - Entered a Contest!!

2007-08-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

Today I got the package for my Dog Days of Summer pal all packed up and sent. I get just as big a kick out of sending a package to someone as I do out of receiving mine! One of the things I sent was this little accessory bag filled with fun stuff!! Not sayin' what!

The pattern is from the One Skein book, and I made it with natural colored silk yarn. I made a couple of slight alterations to the pattern: My drawstring is a twisted cord instead of a crocheted chain; and, I added a little scalloped edge to the top. Just for fun!

Now for the contest!! Cass is having one over at her blog to celebrate her 222nd post. Go on over and enter, and if you do, tell her I sent you, cause then I get a bonus entry! PLEEEEEZE!! She's giving away some REALLY COOL swag!!

I got several dishcloths blocked today while I was packing my Dog Days package. These patterns turned out kinda nice! (I know, I know. The picture is sideways---don't ask!)

Below is a close-up of the stitches on that one - it has a very nice texture, but is oh-so-easy to do! I got the pattern out of one of the Leisure Arts discloth books.

I thought this one turned out nice, too. And, it doesn't have a wrong side, which is fun sometimes.

It's a hot one here today, but nevertheless I must venture out into it. (Air conditioning is my friend!!) I've got a few errands that simply must be run, or my life will be even more hectic tomorrow. This evening I'm going to spend time working on my socks no matter what -- I'm falling behind everyone else in my sock KAL!! Not Good---Angst Inducing!

Knit 1 Tea 2 Color Swap Questionnaire~~

2007-08-05T13:59:00.000-05:00

Do you like loose tea or bags, or both – something you want to try? I believe I've fallen victim to the ease and convenience of using teabags.

What is your favorite kind of tea (Brand, flavor, variety, etc)? I really don't have much background in the tea deparrtment. I enjoy Earl Grey, English Breakfast, and Constant Comment. I like a good quality, flavorful tea and am open to trying new things. I saw mentioned a vanilla tea in someone's questionnaire, and that is something I would love to try!!

Favorite color in regards to tea or one you would like to try? (black, green, red, and white) (keeping in mind that this is how this swap is set up). I know I like black, so that's probably a safe choice for me. (Though I'd be open to trying green or white!)

Would you say you were a tea pot kind of person or just a hot water heater kind? Sad to say, but I usually just heat my water in the microwave. Sometimes I do, however, pour it from another container into the cup containing my teabag!

What tea accessories would you like but have never purchases for yourself? I must not be very "in the know" here, as I'm not even sure what fun tea accessories I should be coveting! I do have a cute ceramic teapot that used to be my grandma's, and a tea cozy that she crocheted, but other than that, I'm here to learn!

How do you prefer to be pampered? (examples: mani/pedi, bubble bath, yummy treat, etc). There's nothing like a yummy treat in my book! However, I do like to keep my toes looking good (no chipped or worn polish), because I wear sandals every day of the year that there's less than a foot of snow on the ground. I have a thing about keeping my toes polished when I've got them out there for the world to see! Silly, I know!! :o)

If you were a kind of yarn what would you be and why? I'm probably supposed to choose a type of fiber here, but I fear I must deviate from that path. I would want to be a a yarn that was handpainted or dyed. It could be sock yarn, wool (for a felted bag, perhaps!), or a cotton/cotton blend. Why? Because I love color and the various ways it is used. I tend to be a bit artsy, and whenever I make something, I put a lot of time and thought into my choice of colors. My friends tease me about my color "issues", and have a couple of goofy but appropriate names they call me.

If you had to knit/crochet baby booties, a fun fur scarf, or a fair isle sweater, which would you choose and why? Baby booties. Don't care for fun fur, and fair isle is not the real me. That leaves booties, which resemble socks, which I'm in the process of learning (working on my first pair) right now. Besides, I might be a grandma someday, right??

What other event would make you skip a tea party? (A garden party? A book club meeting? A yoga class? Opening night for a new action thriller? etc?) "Girls Night Out" with three of the greatest friends anyone ever had. We don't get to go out as often as we'd like, but when we do, Look Out!! And all we ever drink is coffee, tea, and Coke!

What treat would you consider essential at your tea party? (Sweet? Salty? Scones? Those petite pastry trays with a couple of all sorts of things? Little crust less sandwiches?) Oh, my..... of course there must be sweets. I'm seeing a pretty tiered tray with a number of delights on it! Traditional crustless sandwiches should be on the bottom tier. In the middle, perhaps some small scones. And the top would be piled with tiny, sinfully sweet treats!

When buying yarn for a project how do you choose - do you buy the one called for or do you substitute? I do both, but more often than not I tend to substitute. Unless I start a project right away, I often change my mind about what I want to do or how I want to do it anyway. Could this possibly be part of the reason for my mounting stash??

What do you carry your knitting/crocheting in when on the go? I've got several felted bags that I love to schlep things around in. For me, half the fun is having my stuff in a cool bag, so if not a bag I've made, then some other nice tote. I just got the cutest little "pouch" to use for small projects. It has one short handle that fits over the wrist and just hangs there while I knit. Sweet!

Favorite movie to watch while knitting/crocheting? I'm not a huge TV/movie person, but just recently a friend and I got together and knit while we watched Miss Potter, and that was really fun. Another time we watched old episodes of I Love Lucy, and that was a good time, too. Probably something not too intense, or then I'll get too involved in the story and forget to knit!!

Are you a traditional tea cup kind of person or a mug type of person? Do you care if they match? I like mugs, but my favorite ones are the tall, slim, bone china ones made in England. For me, that's the best of both worlds!! No, they don't have to match, but it is fun to have some that "sort of go together".

Favorite childhood birthday party? I remember one when there was an early spring (my birthday is in April) so we were able to be outside. All the little girls (this was probably about third grade) wore cute dresses, and we played jumprope and hopscotch. And of course, my mom had put together all sorts of wonderful birthday eats.

Favorite type of scone and jam? We have a locally owned coffee shop here that roasts its own beans (heavenly smells!!) and also has someone who comes in early in the morning to bake special treats. She makes an orange scone that is simply wonderful, which they serve with an orange butter that is just delish!!

If you use candles, what is your favorite scent? I love candles. I enjoy clean, fresh scents such as "weather" and "nature" fragrances, or linen and cotton. I also like some of the warmer fragrances like vanilla and hazlenut. Oh, and the coffee, latte, and cappuccino scents are great, too.
If you could choose 3 people to have 'tea' with, who would they be and why? (famous or not, living or dead). My three girlfriends that I do "Girl's Night Out" with, because I never have more fun or laugh harder than when I'm with them. We can be serious or silly; we can laugh or cry. We've been friends for many years, and they prove the old adage: "Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, but the other gold".

You've been invited to a tea party, what 'props' will you wear (formal or casual)? If this truly is a "Tea Party", then I feel I must dress up!! I'll wear a dress, nice sandals (sorry, no pantyhose, but my toes will look good!!), and yes, I'll wear a hat. (Though I'll have to shop for that last item!!) I might even spring for gloves and don them as well! And, the work-horse felted bag that I carry around with me every day is going to have to sit this one out!! I think if I dig deep enough I can come up with a cute beaded "pocketbook" of some sort! Oh, and pearls! I must wear pearls!! Around my neck, wrists, and on my ears!

Any allergies/preferences you have or are willing to admit to? None

Anything we missed that you want your pal to know? This isn't info, just a fun little story. I actually did go to a tea party once. It was a women's event at our church, and it was done "by the book". Someone had done their research, and we had all the proper sandwiches and sweet treats you can imagine. Even the decorating was perfect: doilies, old vases and beautiful flowers. We did dress up, and were asked to wear a hat. For those who didn't have one and didn't want to invest, there was a box of hats at the door from which to choose. Being there just made me feel like I had stepped back in time. It was SO fun!

A Contest And A Contest!

2007-08-04T21:39:00.000-05:00

Dog Days of Summer is having a contest which asks what I like to do to cheer up when those dog days get me down. Well, I start by fixing myself a tall glass of something cold--iced tea, an iced coffee drink, or sometimes even a big glass of ice water. I put on something sleeveless so the air conditioning makes my shoulders feel cool, and I plop down in my favorite chair and put my feet up. Finally, I have to keep my hands busy--it's just the way I am. So, I either knit, bead, or pour over pattern books, drooling over things I'd love to make sometime. Ahhh, hot summertime bliss!

Another contest asks me to mention the Fall Felted Bag Exchange. Sign-ups begin on August 15, so if you think you might be interested, pop on over and check it out. It looks like great fun, and I'm looking forward to it!!

I Have Been SO Spoiled!!

2007-08-02T22:39:00.000-05:00

When I pulled into my driveway late this afternoon there was a box on my front steps. Of course my first thought was, "Could that be my package from the Dog Days of Summer Exchange?" Well, it was, and did I ever have fun opening, admiring, and smelling everything! It felt like Christmas as I went through all the items in the box! It was packed beautifully, with everything sealed in plastic bags so other items wouldn't be contaminated if something broke. (It didn't)

Check out all the goodies~~~

First of all, I received not one, but TWO hand made dishcloths. Totally different, and both lots of fun. I especially love that checkerboard pattern on the cream one with colored flecks.

Then, there were so many other goodies that I couldn't believe my eyes! Delicious candy in both milk and white chocolate, three flavors of coffee, a lavender candle in a tin, a HUGE bottle of vanilla hand soap as well as three shower gels from Bath and Body Works, sock shaped point protectors for my knitting needles, a summery skein of Peaches and Cream yarn, and a dishcloth pattern.

It's very obvious that Debbie, my spoiler, hand picked these items just for me. They fit so well with what I like and what I am working on. All I can say is, "WOW"!!!

Debbie from Kansas City, I can't THANK YOU enough!!

You have made my first dishcloth exchange a very special one!

Went to Fargo with hubby today, and while he was taking care of business, I went to my LYS for the afternoon. Didn't buy much yarn. Just two skeins of sock yarn that I plan to add to another one I already have and make a shawl. I want to try the Forest Canopy pattern, but I want mine bigger so I can really wrap up in it. I saw some Colinette sock yarn online that I really wanted, but the amount of yarn I need would have cost me a fortune. I decided that on-sale-sock-yarn would work almost as well, and for less than half the cost.

Also got some size 6 dpn's so I can make Mandy's Candy Bag. It's so cute, and looks like such fun to make -- I can't wait to try it.

Speaking of making things, tomorrow is the day I said I'd cast on my socks for the Let's Learn Socks KAL. If you'd like to join us, it's not too late! The more, the merrier!!

Oh, No.... Jayda's Been Knitting Again....

2007-07-30T10:35:00.000-05:00

Oh, yes... the little skunk somehow manages to find things that she shouldn't, and always when I'm not around! Got home yesterday to find she'd started her latest project with a ball of Rowan Felted Tweed. No cheap acrylic stuff for her... oh,no... uh uh! Not to worry, however---it only took me an hour and twelve minutes to untangle and roll it into a nice ball. We won't even think about how much knitting I could have gotten done in that amount of time!

When I packed that yarn safely into a box I "had the feeling" that I was missing a ball, but I looked and didn't see it. Obviously I didn't look well enough!! Must have rolled under something, and of course Jayda, the astute little knitter that she is, found it with no problem!

I cast on a new project over the weekend. I'm making the Knitting Tote in the teal colorway. I was even able to find the same handles in the correct size, so I'm excited to see it take shape! To top it off, I'm using addi turbos for the first time, and am finding that I like them---a lot! The cord is so fluid, and the needles are nice to work with. I bought five addi circs at the LYS going-out-of-business sale, and I'm already wishing I'd gotten more! Hmmm... you don't suppose I'll have to take a little "trip" later this week, do you??

It "looks" very nice outside today, but as you know, looks can be deceiving. The last I heard was that we're going to have a couple more days of unbearably hot weather. I did sit on the patio and have coffee and knit a few stitches this morning before the mugginess sent me scurrying for air-conditioned comfort.

Today I promised myself that I will be very disciplined and do some laundry and work at organizing my office before I do any knitting and reading of blogs. So, I best be off.... I've got laundry to do.... right after I check JUST ONE (or maybe two) of my favorite blogs.......

Color Naming Contest~~

2007-07-29T13:33:00.000-05:00

I just entered a contest on Anna's blog. She's looking for a color name for a beautiful skein of yarn she just dyed, and decided to make it a contest. It reminided me of flowers, freesia in particular for some reason, so the name I suggested was "Freesia Fields". Thought it would be fun to throw my hat in the ring. I was asked to post the rules on my blog, so here they are:

"NAME THAT COLORWAY" RULES:

1. First, come up with the perfect colorway name. Jokesters might gain extra merit, as long as it's to good humor. Post on THIS post's comment page ONLY!!

2. Post these rules on your blog & your colorway idea. That way, no one will use something like it, by mere freak accident. Who ever finds out about this contest on your blog must refer you on this comment page below, before participating in the contest. (This is kind of like Lotus' Knits contest idea. But we will use a poll too...)-->If you see your name (or blog address) on my comment page below, you can add another colorway name idea! The more referals for you, the better! Good luck to you all!

3. The top 3 best names will be put on a poll, so you all can vote!

4. Contest ends: Sunday, July 29th @ midnight!So, the sooner you comment, the better chance you have of getting another go. lol

~~So many people are dying their own yarn. I'm starting to get itchy fingers, thinking I'd like to give it a try sometime. Wouldn't it be fun?!?

LOST: One Lantern Moon Needle~~

2007-07-27T14:43:00.000-05:00

Yup, it happened yesterday. I lost one of my beautiful rosewood and ebony size 7 needles from Lantern Moon. I have many plain old needles that could have been easily replaced with a 40% off coupon at Michael's, but did I lose one of those??? Most certainly not! Nooo, not me! I lost 1/2 of the only pair of special needles that I own.

"How could you be so careless", you might ask? Well, I was being a good daughter, and had gone to Target to get some things for my mom. Going to get the shopping cart in the garage of her apartment complex seemed like too much work, so I hung about ten Target bags (as well as my own purse and "knitting") over my arms and forged ahead. They got heavy real soon--after about the first twenty or so feet--so it was a bit of a task. I even took the elevator, and actually bent over so the bags would rest on the ground and take the weight off my arms while I was waiting for it. (That had to be a pretty sight, I'm sure!!)

Well, at some point during my struggles I must have bumped one of my knitting needles out of my knitting bag. By the time I noticed it was gone, several hours had elapsed. I retraced my steps, but to no avail. There's a "Lost" sign posted at the mailboxes in mom's apartment, but so far she's had no phone call. And ya, in case you're wondering, we DID offer a reward!!!

Dog Days of Summer Contest

2007-07-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

This contest asks us to share handmade items that we enjoy using. First, this bag is one I knit without much planning, just to see what the yarns would do. It turned out sturdy and practical, and I enjoy using it as my purse every day. It was knit with one strand of Patons SWS and one strand of Lamb's Pride Worsted held together, and then felted.

This tablecloth was crocheted by my grandmother many, many years ago. I wish I knew how many; I'll have to ask my mom and see if she knows. It is made with very fine crochet cotton and has a beautiful feel and drape. It measures 55 x 86 inches, and is made up of 330 medallions. Can you imagine making all those out of that fine thread? I don't use it too often, but it is such a joy when I do! I also have a good sized runner (I believe they called them "dresser scarves" back then!) out of the same pattern.

Here's a close-up of the stitch detail.

Finally, I am supposed to show something I've seen on someone else's blog that I would like to make. Well, I have kind of a "thing" for making bags, and this is one from ITE IV that I found myself drooling over. I just think the yarn is so pretty--gorgeous colors. I've done a lot of felting, so something like this would be fun and different for me to try. Cass made it, and she has lots of fun stuff on her blog, so pop on over and check it out. Scroll down to June 16 to see more about the bag.

(I hope it's okay to use your picture, Cass!?!)