A Creative Spirit (What do you do with yours?)

I moved!

2009-01-01T18:05:00.004-05:00

New year, new blog. You can find it here:
My Creative Spirit

Sweet Mary Jane Cardi and Watermelon Stripe Socks

2008-11-06T10:58:00.013-05:00

Today I shall let the knitting speak for itself.

More completed socks

2008-10-30T10:31:00.002-04:00

Finished these Sept 2. I knit them with a basic cuff down sock pattern using 2 circulars. I used Comfort Sock by Berroco in Stewart Island. Someone had recommended the yarn to me and at first I was skeptical since it is an acrylic, but it knits up beautifully and holds its shape well. I like the yarn enough that I bought 2 balls in solid colors to make more.

My only complaint is that I found a knot in the yarn while on the foot of the second sock. After undoing the knot and knitting on I discovered it had interrupted the colorway. I decided not to frog the sock but to leave it as it was.

Oh boy, here we go again!

2008-10-28T18:24:00.009-04:00

This is my Jessica, who was home on leave earlier this month. She leaves for Iraq on Sunday. Will it never end? It was hard enough having my son go 3 times, but this is my little girl...and this really sucks. Sorry, I know that sounds a bit juvenile, but it's the best I've got right now. It's going to be a long 7 months! The bright side is that shortly after she comes home she will be getting out of the Marines, she chose not to re-enlist.

I made hubby a stocking. It was a very quick knit and he really likes it. I let him chose the color and he paid very close attention to my daily progress. It's the Snowy Night Gansey Stocking by Lisa Carnahan from the book "Christmas Stockings: 18 Holiday Treasures to Knit".

Knitting socks, the Detroit Zoo, and Iraq

2008-10-15T10:09:00.005-04:00

I have been knitting socks and nothing but socks for the past few months. I did finish a top and will hopefully update with pics very soon! (the camera is charging as I type) I found some awesome hand-dyed sock yarn that knits up to look like watermelon stripes. I've got one sock almost complete and it is just too cute!

Last Friday I took the kids and 2 of the grandchildren to the Detroit Zoo. We had a blast!! Kelly was completely obsessed with finding the elephants (can you believe there aren't any there?) We took her into the reptile exhibit and at first she was fine....until one of the snakes moved. She let out such a scream and there was no way any of us could convince her that it was okay. When she was let out of her stroller we did a lot of "chasing Kelly". Here it is my turn:

And now about Iraq: Jessica is home for predeployment leave until this weekend. She ships out to Iraq in less than 2 weeks. Enough said. This is Jes at the Butterfly house at the zoo.

Pretty much a whole day spent knitting

2008-08-04T09:46:00.004-04:00

Remember this sock? This is the sock I knit while learning to knit with 2 circs. Well, yesterday I had the day off and I pretty much spent the entire day knitting. (with a few breaks to throw another load of laundry in) I did the cuff, leg, and heel flap, then called it quits for the day when I got to the heel turn. I used those gorgeous Harmony wood circs from KnitPicks.

Oh, and speaking of KnitPicks...I got an email from them (I really shouldn't read their emails, it always costs me money! lol) This email was about sock samplers, and this is the one I ordered. I had a hard time choosing, but this is a good one to start with. I already have tons of bright sock yarns, and Meadows has some really gorgeous deeper tones.

Sheesh, I'm starting to sound like an advertisement, aren't I? ;) Just wait....I'm going to the Michigan Fiber Festival in less than 2 weeks. Can't wait to show you the goodies I'll pick up there. I'm also going to sign up for a class on drop spindles ath the Fiber Expo in October. I'm really looking forward to that class! I wish I could take a class at the Fiber Festival, but since it is a weekend that hubby and I have planned together, I can't expect him to just sit it out. That's alright...there's always next year. ;)

Yet another sock pic

2008-07-29T20:56:00.002-04:00

No, not just another single sock pic....a pic of a PAIR of socks! Instead of making (or eating) dinner tonight, I knit. None of the kids were home, so not a big deal. I'm so pleased with how well they turned out. I just love that Imagination hand painted yarn from Knit Picks.

Sock on 2 circulars

2008-07-29T16:09:00.004-04:00

This is the sock that I made using 2 circs last weekend. I learned the method and completed the sock in a day. Fast yes, and I'm pleased with it. It was easy to catch on and the sock turned out very well, but it's not my method of choice. Call me crazy or just plain old-fashioned, but I really LOVE using dpns!

I knit the sock using Knit Picks Simple Stripes...I love the patterning!

One tired girl!

2008-07-28T23:18:00.007-04:00

Not much to post tonight...I'm exhausted. Today was my first day in my new supervisor role at work. The good thing is that the day just flew by!

I turned the heel and did the gusset decreases for the 2nd sock and should finish it up tomorrow.

Kelly wearing Grandma's sweater.

I had the BEST weekend!!

2008-07-27T16:23:00.010-04:00

I just got back from my trip to Cindy's. We had the best time imaginable!!!! I got two socks done ~ not a pair, though. I took time out from the socks I was knitting with Damsel (see an earlier post about Knitpicks Imagination yarn) and I learned to knit a sock using 2 circs. I finished that one in a day!!! After which, I cast on for the 2nd sock in Damsel and got the leg done and started the heel flap this morning before coming home.

I also bought more yarn....imagine that! wink wink
I got 4 skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece for a pullover that I'll be starting for the Knitting Olympics. I also got 2 hanks fo Classic Elite's Alpaca Sox in charcoal and 2 balls of some beautiful purple fingering weight yarn that is also slated for a pair of socks.

Then I came home and ordered 2 pair each of 24" circulars from Knitpicks in sizes 2 and 3.
The Alpaca Sox yarn is going to be a pair of socks for hubby's father for Christmas. Shhhhhh!

Linked Treble Dishcloth

2008-07-24T05:46:00.007-04:00

Linked Treble Dishcloth

Sugar ‘N Cream yarn--2.5 oz.

Size H hook

Skill level: Slightly challenging

Special Stitches: Beginning linked-treble (beg L-tr) Ch 3, insert hook in 2nd ch from hook, yo, draw lp through, insert hook in next ch, yo, draw lp through, insert hook in first st on row you are working on, yo, draw lp through, (yo, draw through 2 lps on hook) 3 times.

For Linked-treble (L-tr) insert hook in upper horizontal lp of last st made (see step #1 in photo), yo, draw lp through, insert hook in lower horizontal lp on same st (see step #2), yo, draw lp through, insert hook in next st on row you are working on (see step #3), yo, draw lp through, (yo, draw through 2 lps on hook), 3 times.For linked-treble illustration click here:

Note: ch 3 at beginning of each row does not count as a stitch.

Ch 31

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 3; turn. (30 sc).

Row 2: Beg L-tr in same st as beginning ch 3, L-tr in next st and in each st across, leaving beg ch unworked now and throughout. Ch 3; turn.

Row 3-11: Repeat row 2. At end of row 11 ch 1; turn.

Row 12: Sc in each st across. Fasten off and weave in ends.

Got my knitting packed

2008-07-24T05:35:00.005-04:00

In just a few short hours I will be leaving for my much-anticipated knitting weekend. I drive to Ohio each year to spend a weekend of knitting fun with my best friend, Cindy. We knit (duh), drink coffee, eat ice cream, watch movies, and of course......shop for more yarn. I've packed my Wicked sweater (with 1/2 of the first sleeve done), as well as the socks that I'm working on. How much will I get done? We'll see...........

One of my favorite blogs to visit: My Recycled Bags

On another note, I got the promotion!!! I meant to post the news a week ago when I found out, but time got away from me. I'll start my new position on Monday, with a nice raise to boot! That said, I leave you with this:

Today's pic and some news

2008-07-16T19:10:00.001-04:00

I got the promotion at work!!!! That's my news....and after I post my pic, I'm going to dinner with hubby. Just the two of us. Today's pic is of my daughter Amber and my gorgeous little granddaughter Kelly.

How'd that yarn get in my bag?

2008-07-15T19:56:00.004-04:00

I spent the day in Frankenmuth with a couple of my friends. It's a yearly thing we do, and I love it! We had lunch at Zehnder's and right next door to them is a beautiful little yarn/gift store called Rapunzel's. I swear, I didn't mean to buy yet another skein of sock yarn!!! ;) But once it was in my hands, I just couldn't let go of it. Plus, I also bought a set of size 8 dpns, which I DID need.

This is Berroco's Comfort Sock ~ which is a blend of 50% super fine nylon and 50% super fine acrylic. That equals super soft gorgeous yarn. 100 grams fo $8.95...not too shabby. They had a pair of socks knit up in this exact color and it knits up so beautifully!

I am proud to add that I cast on a pair of socks using the Imagination in Damsel. I didn't have to drive to Frankenmuth this year, so I got to spend the time knitting. I got 4 1/4" of the cuff done. It's a start, but considering how much stash I need to use up...I've got a long way to go! lol

Did I say how much I love days off from work?

2008-07-13T19:58:00.002-04:00

I spent most of today knitting and finished the body of the Wicked sweater! (Trust me, the color is prettier in person. I just couldn't get the lighting right with the camera) I was reading through the pattern for the sleeves and can see that I need to make two slight changes.

1. There are NO decreases all the way down....I'm not a big fan of shapless sleeves on a pullover of this type, so I'll be adding some decreases for shaping. I do love the cuff and will be sticking to that, of curse.

2. For a medium it says to knit in stockinette for 18" then do the cuff for 2". Think about it! I have long arms, but even if I ran the sleeve a little long, it would only be 19" for me. I measured 20" from the point where the underarm is when I have the sweater on and a 20" sleeve would fall to the middle of my hand. Just a tad too long, especially considering the fact that the yoke of this sweater sits a bit lower. Glad that I always read ahead a little bit so that I can know what to expect.

With fingers crossed.....

2008-07-11T17:35:00.008-04:00

I had the interview for the promotion today. It went really well, and while I am almost completely confident that I got the job...there is always that nagging little voice of doubt. I'll find out mid-week.

I tried to get more accomplished on Wicked last night after dinner, but I was SO tired that I managed only about an inch before I called it quits and went off to bed. No new photo today, with only an inch you won't be able to tell the difference.

I just found this photo taken right around Christmas. Jessica (the one on the right) was home on leave.

Kelly loves to play with Grandma's magnifying glass.

Some cute bears to share

2008-07-10T18:25:00.007-04:00

These little cuties were made by yours truly. My favorite would have to be Willowby, though he was definitely the most difficult one to make.

I love days off from work!!

2008-07-09T09:13:00.010-04:00

I spent most of yesterday afternoon and evening working on the Wicked sweater, made LOTS of progress:

I also got my order from Knitpicks yesterday. Two skeins each of Imagination yarn in Wicked Witch and Damsel:

Too bad I have to work today. What I'd much rather be doing is winding the yarn into balls and casting on for a new pair of socks.

Funny how all the days run together

2008-07-08T08:59:00.006-04:00

Last time I checked it was the beginning of 2008...how has the year passed by so quickly?? I hadn't realized that it's been 3 months since I last posted....that's how quickly time has flown.

I've been quite busy, to be sure. Working full time, trying to finish a stitching assignment on time (I didn't), laundry, etc, etc. I have finished the stitching assignment and have not taken on another one. I want to spend some of my free time knitting and reading some of the books on my list. I have read Voltaire's Candide and am now about 1/3 of the way through Tolstoy's Anna Karenina. At work I am waiting to see if I've gotten the promotion that I have been working on. I should find out something this week.

In knitting I have been working on the Wicked sweater. I have the yoke done and have put the arms on waste yarn. I only have a few inches left of the body of the sweater. The pattern is very well written and works up quickly and beautifully. I also ordered some of the new sock yarns from Knitpicks...I ordered Wicked Witch and Damsel. Cool names, huh?

Some new pictures of the kids.....
Top photo: Amber and her husband Alexis
Middle: Justin and and his wife Maureen
Bottom: Josh and his girlfried Katelyn.
Still looking for new photos of the other kids to post.

Living in opposite world

2008-03-11T17:59:00.004-04:00

I am seriously starting to believe that I am living in opposite world these days! Warning: the following is a rant about the huge surge in idiot drivers!! I drove over to JoAnne's this afternoon to pick up a few supplies. I had my little granddaughter with me, which may explain why I noticed this more than other days.

Okay, so I'm sitting at a red light which turns green...hey that means it our turn to go...but wait, we can't. Because we have to wait for the not 1 but 4 cars that turned left AFTER their light had turned red. I took a peek at the drivers of the last two cars...I wanted to see what Stupid looked like. I was blown away by the fact that the last car to turn had several children in it!! I can almost understand being that irresponsible if it's just you in the car, but when you put your kids in the car, aren't you supposed to be thinking about them? Don't they trust you to keep them safe? Are people really in THAT much of a hurry?

Seriously, help me out people....doesn't red mean STOP? At least it did when I took Driver's Ed. And wouldn't you know it? At least one car pulled that stunt at every light we stopped at....including one police car!

Oh and P.S., apparently in opposite world, a flashing School Zone speed limit sign of 25 mph REALLY means you can go 45. Just in case you were wondering.

It's done, it's done!!!

2008-03-10T05:51:00.003-04:00

I can't believe it's finally done! I finished the Sweet Mary Jane cardi last night!!!!! I still have to block it ~ I was much too tired last night when I cast off to do anything more than drop into bed! It was bad enough we had the time change, but I woke up way to early as it was and couldn't go back to sleep.

Finishing feels GOOD! And it's the second WIP I've finished so far this year. That's progress!! Yesterday hubby and I spent some time going through some things and either pitching them or adding them to the donations that are going out today. We took the house off the market two weeks ago, but are still looking to reduce the amount of "stuff" we have. I am somewhat relieved that we aren't moving at this time, but it feels good to get rid of all that excess we had. It's amazing how quickly your collection of "stuff" can build if you're not paying attention. Now if we could only get the kids on board with that. Our 17 year old daughter went shopping YET AGAIN yesterday! Sheesh!

A Most Enjoyable Week

2008-03-07T16:39:00.003-05:00

I had requested 4 days off from work this week ~ two of them with pay. I was also given today off to keep me under hours, so basically it's been a bit like a vacation. =) I had requested the time off so that I could keep my beautiful little granddaughter Kelly while her parents went out of town. Kelly and I had a blast together all week!! She is quite obsessed with the movie Cars, and let me say that if I never see that movie again ~ that will be fine by me!! Honestly, I think she watched it a dozen times!!! I can do the dialogue word for word, no kidding! lol Mom & Dad picked her up last night and while I do miss her, the house has been blissfully quiet and clean today.

Haven't done any knitting today....I've got a huge assignment from GhostStitchers that I have been working on all day (as well as laundry). I tried to get some stitching done on it during the week while Kelly was here, but with an active 2 year old I'm sure you can imagine how little I got done. ;)

Last week I met Sue (a friend from Ravelry) at Barnes & Noble for some knitting time. It was fun! Sue is really nice and yes, even with all talking we did, we both managed to get some knitting done. She has made the cutest doll, which you can see for yourself on her blog. I was hoping to sneak away for some knitting time this week, but it wasn't to be.

All in all, it was a great week. It's back to work tomorrow at 8:30 a.m., I'm working in the cash office until 5. Oh well, break is over. Back to the stitching! ;)

Oh my, I'm 3!!

2008-03-05T21:19:00.002-05:00

I just discovered that on March 9th my blog will be 3 years old! Happy birthday!! Hard to believe how quickly time flies by...I'm sure it has something to do with getting older and all that. Too bad that I pretty much stink at blogging regularly.
Reminder: Daylight savings starts this weekend. I hate losing that hour of sleep!!

I've been working on the Sweet Mary Jane cardi. I'm working on the collar, the FINAL PART!!! I even got brave and tried it on last Friday. You see, I've spent so much time on this sweater and it is so pretty that I was SURE there was going to be something wrong with it. I managed to convince myself that it wouldn't fit. So, I attached and extra length of cable (it's on circs) and tried it on. It fit so beautifully that I thought I might cry. ;) Next time that nay-saying voice tries to speak up, I think I'll get out the duct tape.

Justin will be on his way home from Iraq later this month. This is his third (and hopefully, final) deployment. Then there will be Jessica to worry about...she's due to be deployed this September. It was bad enough having my son sent over there...can't say how much sleep I'll get while my little girl is over there. sigh

My mom is coming to Michigan next month. She moved to Florida several years ago and things have not been going well for her. She will stay with us for a short while this summer, but I really can't see that working out on a long-term basis. I love my mom, but our personalities clash like you wouldn't believe. We are complete opposites in so many ways. The one thing we do have in common is crochet. I tried to teach her to knit, but she never could catch on. At least there's crochet...and a few yarn shops that she's never been to, and I am an incredibly patient person, seriously. It could work. But the minute the chaos starts all bets are off.

Sam's Spiderman Afghan

2008-02-27T11:32:00.003-05:00

I took the picture Christmas Eve, but gave the camera to my daughter so she could use it. I finally got my hands on it again this week.

Sam likes it, but his mom likes it even more. She says it's great to curl up under on these frigid Michigan winter days.

Note to self: The next time you think about doing one of these, remind yourself that you really don't enjoy doing afghans that much.

Update on the Sweet Mary Jane Cardi

2008-02-07T18:50:00.000-05:00

I only have 4 repeats (a total of 16 rounds) left to do on the 2nd sleeve!!! Then of course, there's the yoke and collar, but the largest chunk of knitting is done on it! I'm almost embarrassed to tell you how long ago I started knitting it! (would you believe June of '06?) I'll be getting back to my knitting in just a moment, but first I want to show you this: Ice Queen

I have a ball of Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Fondant and I think the Ice Queen would look fabulous in that color!! Actually, I think it would look great in any color, but that's what I have. The minute I get the Sweet Mary Jane cardi blocking I will be casting on for this. I love those tiny little beads! They almost looks like they are floating on the lace.

I also have Wicked on my list of projects to cast on. Guess I better get those needles busy, no?

Who's Chicken?

2008-02-06T16:58:00.000-05:00

Yes, I admit...I am a chicken!! We are having a winter storm ~ snow and sleet ~ and the water from yesterday's rain that hasn't dried up has frozen. I hate to drive on icy roads! Snow, I don't mind, but icy roads? No way, not me. So I called in and told the boss that I would not be coming in this evening. I was scheduled 5:30 - 10 tonight.

And you know what that means?? I get to stay home and knit! I have been knitting away on my Sweet Mary Jane cardi and am now about 80% done with it! I have 1/2 of the second sleeve and then the yoke and collar. I am SO pleased!! I finished the shawl that I was knitting with Crystal Palace Kid Merino. The camera is charging, pictures soon.

I just bought this cute Ladybug Measuring Tape I love ladybugs and I just couldn't resist.

It's almost here, are you ready?

2007-12-21T05:26:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that yet another year has gone by....Christmas will be here in just 4 days. I know, who needed the reminder? Anyway, Jessica (one of our Marines) is coming home today for leave!! It was supposed to have been a surprise for me, but she didn't tell everyone that it was a surprise and the news was leaked! Not that I mind, it was the greatest news I've heard in awhile.

I have another picture I want to share. Nothing knitted or crocheted, not today. But this is a really nice one I found online awhile back.

Lady Victoria

2007-12-20T12:09:00.000-05:00

A very elegant bear! ;)

Wow, look at that! Two posts in one day!! =)

More to share

2007-12-20T11:36:00.000-05:00

The purse was made for me in an exchange over at Crochetmania. I made the cardigan and the scarf. The cardigan is made from a pattern in a magazine and the scarf is just my own thing. =)

Okay, without further ado....

2007-12-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

Here he is at long last, Joey Ramone meets George Romero. This doll was made per special request, and I couldn't resist the challenge. I used the Joey Ramone pattern from the book Stitch 'N Bitch, and of course I had to alter the face ever so slightly to make him look zombie-like. He turned out "okay" but I know that my son is going to love him!!

So meet my version of a knitted zombie, and as you can see...he has just had a snack. ;)

He most definitely ain't the purtiest, but to my son in Iraq, he will be the greatest!!

Dust if you must

2007-11-28T10:41:00.000-05:00

How many countless hours have I spent cleaning? I used to spend at least 8 to 12 hours every weekend making sure things were just perfect, "in case someone came over."

Life is short - enjoy it while you can! And people don't care if your house is spotless just as long as they're welcome.

Dust if you must but wouldn't it be better,
To paint a picture or write a letter,
Bake a cake or plant a seed,
Ponder the difference between want and need?

Dust if you must but there's not much time,
With rivers to swim and mountains to climb,
Music to hear and books to read,
Friends to cherish and life to lead.

Dust if you must but the world's out there
With the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
A flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
This day will not come around again.

Dust if you must but bear in mind,
Old age will come and it's not kind.
And when you go and go you must,
You, yourself, will make more dust.

Remember, a house becomes a home when you can write "I love you" on the furniture!
~Author Unknown~

A Riddle For You

2007-10-03T19:02:00.001-04:00

What happens when Joey Ramone meets George Romero? I found out at the request of my son who is a big fan of the Ramones and Mr Romero.

Stay tuned for more.........

An Obituary

2007-09-24T08:39:00.000-04:00

My parents told me about Mr. Common Sense early in my life and told me I would do well to call on him when making decisions. It seems he was always around in my early years but less and less as time passed by. Today I read his obituary. Please join me in a moment of silence in remembrance, for Common Sense had served us all so well for so many generations.

Obituary: Common Sense
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn't always fair, and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children are in charge).His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Aspirin, sun lotion or a sticky plaster to a student, but could not inform the parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar can sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He is survived by three stepbrothers; I Know my Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I'm a Victim. Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do nothing.
Author unknown

Scattergories

2007-09-04T07:25:00.000-04:00

I snagged this off A Playful Yarn

SCATTERGORIES … and it’s harder than it looks! Here are the rules:

* Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the questions.* They MUST be real places, names, things … NOTHING made up!* If you can’t think of anything, skip it.* You CAN’T use your name for the boy/girl name question.* If your name happens to start with the same letter as mine, sorry, but you can’t use my answers!

My name: Tammy
1. Famous Singer/Band: Tony (Bennet)
2. Four letter word: Talk
3. Street:
4. Color: Tan
5. Gifts/Presents: Trinkets
6. Vehicle: Tahoe
7. Things in a Souvenir Shop: Thimbles
8. Boy Name: Tony
9. Girl Name: Theresa
10. Movie Title: Titanic
11. Drink: Tequila
12. Occupation: Telemarketer
13. Celebrity: Tom Hanks
14. Magazine: Teen Beat (they do still make that, right?)
15. U.S. City: Tulsa
16. Pro Sports Teams: Tigers
17. Fruit: Tangerine
18. Reason for Being Late for Work: Traffic jam
19. Something You Throw Away: Tissue
20. Things You Shout: Tada!
21. Cartoon Character: Tweety

Yes, Labor Day is a holiday, but.....

2007-09-04T07:04:00.000-04:00

Our store was open and I had to work. That's the trouble with retail places. No big deal, I didn't mind. Besides, I got the next holiday off. Yes, that's right ~ I got the first day of school off!! The kiddos went back to school today, and you can hear the cheering of ecstatic parents resounding throughout the entire Wayne county area!

Yes, it should be a holiday. You see, I have teenagers ~ 3 of them. And lately, I've been hearing a LOT of "I'm bored". Well gee, if I got to sleep in until 10:30 a.m. and then had nothing more to do than just sit around the house and read, play video games, and hang out with my friends, then I'd be pretty bored, too! Yeah right! Seriously though, they are good kids. They do their chores ~ IF I make a list for them. They don't get into any trouble. But still.....it's great that they are back to school. This year two of the kiddos are Juniors and the youngest is in the 8th grade.

I'm just putting the finishing touches on the "Grace Jacket" that I've been working on. All I have left is to finish up the edging and then it will be ready for Audra (my mannequin) to model for you. I also whipped up a really cute dressy scarf that matches it perfectly. Pictures coming soon! Audra is relieved to come out of semi-retirement. Poor thing has just had to stand around in the corner unused for the past few months since I haven't made anything that she can model for us. Seems like all I've worked on this summer have been my stitching assignments ~ which is fine, don't get me wrong. I DO get paid for them. And I've even had one assignment that was knitting! But it's nice to have been able to make something that I wanted to make, you know? ;)

Things You Wouldn't Know Without Television

2007-07-25T08:08:00.000-04:00

If staying in a haunted house, women should investigate any strange noises wearing their most revealing underwear.

If being chased through town, you can usually take cover in a passing St Patrick's Day parade - at any time of the year.

It's easy for anyone to land a plane, providing there is someone in the control tower to talk you down.

Once applied, lipstick will never rub off - even while scuba diving.

The ventilation system of any building is a perfect hiding place. No one will ever think of looking for you in there and you can travel to any other part of the building without difficulty.

People of TV never finish their drinks.

A man will show no pain while taking the most ferocious beating but will wince when a woman tries to clean his wounds.

If you lose a hand, it will cause the stump of your arm to grow by 15cm. Kitchens don't have light switches.

When entering a kitchen at night, you should open the fridge door and use that light instead.

During all police investigations, it will be necessary to visit a strip club at least once.

Mothers routinely cook eggs, bacon and waffles for their family every morning, even though the husband and children never have time to eat them.

If a killer is lurking in your house, it's easy to find him. Just relax and run a bath - even if it's the middle of the afternoon.

All single women have a cat.

Any person waking from a nightmare will sit bolt upright and pant.

Even when driving down a perfectly straight road, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel vigorously from left to right every few moments.

Creepy music coming from a graveyard should always be closely investigated.

If a phone line is broken, communication can be restored by frantically beating the cradle and saying, "Hello?, Hello?"

Most people keep a scrapbook of newspaper cuttings - especially if any of their family or friends has died in a strange boating accident.

It does not matter if you are heavily outnumbered in a fight involved martial arts - your enemies will wait patiently to attack you one by one by dancing around in a threatening manner until you have knocked out their predecessor.

When you turn out the light to go to bed, everything in your room will still be clearly visible, just slightly bluish.

Police departments give their officers personality tests to make sure they are deliberately assigned a partner who is their total opposite.

Action heroes never face charges for manslaughter or criminal damage despite laying entire cities to waste.

If there is a deranged killer on the loose, this will coincide with a thunderstorm that has brought down all the power and phone lines in the vicinity.

All bombs are fitted with electronic timing devices with large red readouts so you know exactly when they're going to go off.

It is always possible to park directly outside the building you are visiting.

Make-up can safely be worn to bed without smudging.

A detective can only solve a case once he has been suspended from duty.

If you decide to start dancing in the street, everyone you bump into will know all the steps.

Yes, it's me again

2007-06-26T14:16:00.000-04:00

I'm still around....and hey, it hasn't even been very long since my last post. My life lately seems to be an endless round of work, laundry, cleaning, and trying to reduce the clutter. No leads on the house selling yet, which is okay....I definitely don't need MORE work to do right now. lol

I've been working more hours lately, in addition to my needlework job. I have been trying to work a little bit each day on one of my WIPs and refuse to start any new projects for the time being. This shawl is coming along well, I've managed to add a few inches to it and have used about 1/2 of the first ball of yarn. The pattern only calls for two balls, so that gives you an idea of how far I have to go yet.

I've also made progress on the Sweet Mary Jane Cardi I am about 1/2 done with the first sleeve and will soon be putting it onto a stitch holder while I knit the second sleeve. I envision having this sweater done before summer is over.

Only 19 days left until I go to California! I thought I might get the chance to see Justin while I was there, but he'll be in the desert that week preparing for his deployment to Iraq in August. I will be able to spend some time with Jessica, though and that is awesome!!!

Kelly

2007-06-14T06:49:00.001-04:00

Going to California!!

2007-06-14T06:36:00.000-04:00

This is me, doing a happy dance! =) I'm going to CA in July for leadership training in a ministry I've been involved in. The training will take place in a city that is pretty close to where my two Marines are stationed, so you know what that means.......I will get to spend some time with them. Well, okay....Justin might actually be in the desert that week, depending on how well his hand has healed up....so I might not see him. But Jessica will be around and we have made plans to do some stuff during my free time. I'll be extending my trip just so her and I can have a whole day to do whatever. It's going to be a blast...except for the flying part. I don't care much for flying, but it's going to be worth it. =)

I just got some really adorable photos of my granddaugher Kelly that I'll be uploading to share with you. She's getting so big...walking all over the place and is keeping us entertained with her cuteness.

Finding time to knit

2007-05-25T17:40:00.001-04:00

I had some rare free time today so I cast on for a shawl using Kid Merino by Crystal Palace Yarns in Fern Mix. The picture doesn't do it justice...it's a wonderful muted shade of greens ~ which for those of you who really know me know that green is my absolute favorite. You can scroll down to see how many lucious shades they have in this yarn.

My friend Cindy bought me two balls of it while I was visiting her last summer. The woman who owns the yarn shop provided the pattern free with purchase. It only takes two balls to make a shawl.....not bad. I'd like to get it done over the next two weeks, think I can? I also want to finish up a few other projects over the summer.

We listed the house this week and officially have the sign in our yard. It's bittersweet....I am excited for the change but also a bit sad. Hubby and I built our lives together in this home. As I write this I can smell the lilacs (my favorite) growing just outside the window ~ and I know that as we look for our new home I will be looking to see if there are lilacs outside and a nice spot to plant my garden.

Hello out there.....

2007-05-11T16:42:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...I've REALLY been slacking on posting on my blog. What can I say? The job has me busy, not to mention keeping up with 2 very busy teenagers and one not-quite-as-busy 12 year old.

We've decided to down-size on the house, this one is really just too much house for us now. So we've been working our tails off (by we I mean hubby and myself) when we are home just trying to get things in order so we can start showing. Sheesh! I'm tired!!

I'm actually looking f0rward to getting a smaller house in a quieter neighborhood. Our next door neighbors are nice enough, but they are....um, how shall I say it?? Rednecks, to put it mildly. Cleanliness doesn't seem to be high on the list of priorities...they have a LOT of JUNK in their yard. Things like 5 plastic 55 gallon drums, a "play structure" made out of scrap wood, stuff like that.

I've worked a great deal in my craft room today. Weeding out what I really don't need or couldn't possibly use up in my lifetime. We're having a yard sale next month.....bye-bye clutter. On the bright side....I've lost 8 more pounds AND (drum roll please) my desk is clean!!! Hooray for me!!

My hooks and needles are a-clickin'

2007-04-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

Remember this? It's been awhile since I've pulled it out of my basket to work on. I've taken advantage of the 4 days I've had off from work and have pulled it out of my basket and worked on it.

I've finished the body of the sweater and will be starting on the sleeves this afternoon (I had to take a break and wind the two remaining hanks of Shadow before I could begin). The sleeves won't take too long ~ they're 3/4 sleeves and the lace pattern is ultra-easy once you get the hang of it. I got to use that yarn swift that was given to me by a friend....such a nice gadget!!

I've also been working on a crochet sweater from the Spring/Summer 2007 issue of Family Circle Easy Crochet. If you have the magazine it's #8 Grace Jacket. It's done with Paton's Grace....I'm making mine entirely in cream. It's got more of that Vintage look I like in a solid color.

I've got a new dishcloth to post....just have to get the picture. I hate patterns without photos, don't you? ;)

Happy Easter

2007-04-06T16:24:00.000-04:00

Meet Cupcake

2007-04-06T16:03:00.000-04:00

M&M's are one of my favorite candies ~ second only to Jelly Belly jelly beans. You can create your own M&M character at Planet M&M's It was just a fun thing to do. =)

March of Dimes Walk

2007-04-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

The hubby, kids, and I are all signed up to walk together in the March of Dimes walk on April 28, 2007. I am participating in WalkAmerica because I believe in the March of Dimes mission to save babies. I was blessed with 5 healthy babies, but others are not so lucky.

Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring me in WalkAmerica today. For my personal fundraising page click: March of Dimes

Please support my fundraising efforts by sponsoring me in WalkAmerica today.
Contributing to my walk online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it.

I’ve joined with millions of compassionate people across the country who support WalkAmerica each year. Won’t you please help me in this worthy cause? Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the walk that saves babies!

With your support, there’s hope.

I know ~ it's been awhile!

2007-03-28T14:13:00.000-04:00

I know, I know...it's been a long while (26 days to be exact) since I last posted. I've been pretty busy lately (work, family, laundry, and life) and it seems I just never have the time to do all that I want to get done.

I saw this in the headlines just a few moments ago... San Francisco passes plastic bag ban That could be a tough one for those crocheters who love to crochet using the recycled bags!! I mean, you could always order them, but then that defeats the purpose of recycling, doesn't it? There are pros and cons to that bill, to be sure. I found a neat blog that has a few patterns using recycled materials ~ My Recycled Bags.com

Justin was home for a 10 day leave earlier this month. Hard to believe it was 2 weeks ago that he went back to California! Both he and Jessica are scheduled to be deployed to Iraq in September. <>

In knitting and crochet, I'm finishing up the Spiderman-type afghan for my grandson. Only a few rounds left, then I'll post the pics. I've designed a new dishcloth and will be posting the pattern soon. I've started this Chunky Cable Handbag and will be working on that this afternoon while I enjoy a little long awaited quiet time. I'm knitting mine in black...the cables look awesome in black!!!

I don't know if any of you have seen the most recent issue of Family Cirle's Easy Crochet, but they have some of the cutest top patterns in that issue!

I'm off to work on my handbag!! Enjoy the day~~~~

Black Sheep

2007-03-02T11:25:00.000-05:00

Saw this on YouTube today...hilarious!!

Black Sheep

Updates and rambling

2007-02-26T20:34:00.000-05:00

I've managed to accomplish a lot in the past few days. I did make my list of 100 things I want to get done ~ some big jobs and some little. I've even gotten a great start on getting some done and crossed off the list! =) Between the kids and I we have crossed off {drum roll, please} 18 items in the first 4 days! Yes, 18 items done and only 72 to go. It's a great start and it's become a bit of a game for us.

For those of you familiar with the FlyLady we also did a 27 Fling Boogie. It's a great way to reduce clutter and we all get involved with it. I highly recommend her book "Sink Reflections" if you're interested in getting your home and your life in order.

In other news....Justin is back in the States and is currently in California. I'm waiting {somewhat impatiently, I must admit} for him to come home on leave. He's expected to be deployed to Iraq again in September, and we've also learned that Jessica is going to be deployed to Iraq as well!! Nope, we're not going to go there at this time. We'll talk about that later.

I'm still working on reducing the yarn stash and made quite a large dent in it last week. Of course it helps that I gave a very large bag of it away. And I still have way more than I can reasonably use in my lifetime.

That's a bit of what's been going on in my corner of the world. I'm off to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet before bed.

2007-02-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

I found this really cool card generator HERE

Time to clean up

2007-02-10T20:37:00.000-05:00

Since I've been working I have a whole lot less time to spend cleaning house. It doesn't take long for things to get out of hand, does it? Oh no....it most certainly does not.

Well, Tara has a plan and I love it! I've been busy making my list of 100 items to get done. Trust me, it's not as hard as you'd think. Once you get going that list will practically materialize before you realize it. I love Tara's new blog (and the old one too, the name of which we shall not mention) Great hair Tara!! ;)

My friend Tracey was the one who mentioned Tara's plan to me in the first place....I had missed it. She's doing this too, and I'm sure she's doing great with it! =) Go see that gorgeous afghan she's made!

I'm off to work on my list.......

Sow Kind Seeds

2007-02-06T06:44:00.000-05:00

Here is another....this one has the same frame used on the ABC piece. I had them done that way so that I could hang them together. I love the colors of the floss in this one!!! I rarely stitch anything that comes in a kit, (kits don't always use quality materials) but these last two pieces are the exception. They were both done on linen with pearl cotton and both are by Bent Creek I got two more of their kits from the needlework shop that recently closed, and what a deal I got on them!!!

Baby, it's COLD outside!!

2007-02-06T06:17:00.000-05:00

The kiddos will be home today, most schools in the state have cancelled classes because of the temperature. At the moment it's -7 but according to the weatherman (is that one word or two?) once you factor in the wind chill, it feels more like -22. It was just as bad yesterday, though our school district was one of the FEW who did not cancel school.

Yes, I was one of the parents who complained. I have two kids at the high school and if you aren't familiar with the type of school my kids go to then you wouldn't understand. Our high school is actually 3 high schools sharing a very large area and the kids have classes in any one of them, depending on their schedule. Which means that they walk back and forth between them. At most, it's a ten minute walk from one school to the other, I know because I've tried it. And yes, I know this set up sounds weird, but it works....except when the weather is -22! A ten minute walk out there is brutal. Seriously,according to the newspaper, "At least six deaths were reported as of early Tuesday morning."

The bright side is that I am going to maximize the benefits of having them home today and get some housework done. =) That way I can get back to my charity knitting earlier today and finish up another pair of mittens.

You may (or may not) have read in my post from January 7 that I was working on using up my yarn stash. I've reduced it by two skeins....one was a 6 oz and the other an 8 oz. It's a start, yes? ;)

ABC

2007-02-04T19:39:00.000-05:00

I should have included the frame in this photo, all you can se is a bit of the mat. I had it framed at the frame shop I used to work at and the frame is just beautiful. I just love the colors in this piece.

I sure do miss my framer!!! Wish I could find another place that can frame nearly as well as they did!!

Yet another

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

This project is more recent than the last several I have posted. I stitched this in one afternoon last fall. The doll came with the pattern, which I bought from my favorite needlework shop. The shop closed permanently as of 1/29/07, and they had a major sale all the month of January. I got some really great deals!

C is for Cookie

2007-02-01T19:14:00.000-05:00

Another of my favorite pieces...this one was designed by Alma Lynn. I stitched this one in '98.

Another one to share

2007-02-01T14:18:00.000-05:00

Here is another counted cross stitch piece that I've got hanging in my kitchen. If you look closely you can see that I finished it in 1999 ~ but it's one of my absolute favorites and I couldn't resist sharing it.

Ah, the joy of having a camera I can actually use!!! =)

Quaker Ribbed Bottom Hat

2007-02-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

I finished the Quaker Ribbed Bottom hat that I got from Frugal Knitting Haus a few years ago. I was trying to find the link to their free patterns but can't locate it on their new site. I know the pattern is still available, I just don't have the link at the moment. I used Candy Cane, a gorgeous worsted yarn by Plymouth Encore yarn, one of my favorites.

Time Out

2007-01-26T21:20:00.000-05:00

Time Out is one of my original designs that is based on a photo that my hubby took a few years back {he's a photographer ~ which I know I've said before}

I'm currently working on another piece {also based on one of his photos that I've named Hannah and Bunny}

And on a side note to the person who had a problem with one of my posts...the entire post (including comments) has been deleted. Not because you asked me to delete part of it, but because the entire post (including the comments) was irrelevant. Water under the bridge and all that.

My Version of the Short 'N Sweet Sweater

2007-01-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

Not the greatest of photos, is it? Just got a new camera and shall get that thing loaded on my computer so I don't have to resort to using my cell phone. =)

I took the Short 'n Sweet pattern from the S 'n B book and lengthened both the arm and the body of it. I am quite pleased with the way the sweater turned out, with the exception of one thing.....the yarn I chose.

I used Red Heart Plush and let me tell you....what a mistake! Trust me, this yarn will not do well for items that you ever want to wash. The label claims it's machine washable and dryable. I washed it in cold water on the delicate cycle of my machine and dried it on the low cycle of the dryer just ONCE and it's pilling and looking not so great. I imagine that if I had washed it on a regular cycle it would have simply fallen apart. I love the way the sweater turned out, just hate the fact that I chose an inferior yarn to make it with.

I am planning to make it again, using a better yarn and I'm going to make it in red. I'll skip the FP and BP stitches and just work into the stitch, I've seen it done by others and it turns out really pretty.

Awwwwww

2007-01-11T18:41:00.000-05:00

I just came across this photo that was taken of me and Dad on the day I came home from the hospital. Dad is a professional photographer and there aren't very many photos with him in front of the camera ~ he's usually the one taking the photo.
I guess the fact that the photo is in black and white says something about how old I am. {sigh}

No, they're not New Year resolutions

2007-01-11T16:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year (albeit belated)!! I don't particularly believe in making New Year's resolutions~if we truly want to do something, we just do it, right? Seriously, why wait for that one day to make a BUNCH of resolutions that we most likely won't keep? I'm sure that most people make resolutions with the very best of intentions ~ but, as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Okay, enough of that.....I just wanted to make it perfectly clear that this isn't about New Year resolutions. There are a few goals that I have set for the year, very realistic ones, at that.

Use up the yarn stash ~ I have WAY more than I could possibly need!
I've raise my charity goal by 50 items for 2007 ~ I'd actually like to beat that number.
Devote more time to finishing up those WIPs!! {I'll have to sit down and make a list ~ though I'm sure I won't like what I see ~ it's probably much higher than I imagine lol}

I got a new job just before Christmas and with the hours I'm working I have less time to work on much of anything, but when I do, these goals will affect what I chose to work on. Said job is also the reason I've been online less these days. I also have the needlework assignments to factor in....since that's a paying job it will take precedence over those 'for me' projects.

Seems like I've got my work cut out for me.....

Her First Christmas

2006-12-24T13:24:00.000-05:00

As you can see, she wasn't too happy! {not many her age seem to like Santa, do they?} She looks so grown up in her little red dress and black tights, doesn't she? Hard to believe she's 11 months old already!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-24T13:07:00.000-05:00

Hard to believe that it's already December 24, but it's here ~ the tree is decorated, baking is done, and there are only a few presents left to wrap. The house is quiet right now and I plan to spend the afternoon catching up on laundry and some needlepoint.

I found the coolest Spiderman-type afghan online and have started it for Sam. He's going to love it!!! It's a round ripple afghan done up in red, black, and royal blue. Sam is going to love it! It's a "member's only" pattern I got over at AngelCrafts. That's one of my favorite sites for charity patterns.

Merry Christmas to all!!

What a cutie pie!

2006-12-14T06:55:00.000-05:00

This is an older pic of Kelly - she was about 4 months old here, but isn't it just SO adorable? Hard to believe she's going to be 1 next month! She has 6 teeth and is able to stand on her own now. She's very independent....if she could talk I just know she would say "I do it" - it certainly shows in her actions most of the time.

Good morning!

2006-11-17T08:04:00.000-05:00

Knitting Humor

2006-11-12T12:50:00.000-05:00

Too cute not to share! lol

A highway patrolman pulled alongside a speeding car on the freeway.
Glancing at the car, he was astounded to see that the blonde behind the wheel was knitting!
Realizing that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the trooper cranked down his window, turned on his bullhorn and yelled, "PULL OVER!"
"NO!" the blonde yelled back, "IT'S A SCARF!"

Yarn Fairy? Are you real??

2006-11-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

I just KNEW there had to be a Yarn Fairy out there! Where else would all the beautiful yarn come from? =) So Yarn Fairy, if you are reading this......when are you going to come see me?? I've been a good little knitter and have been working on finishing up my WIPs and whittling down that stash. Don't you think it's time I get some of that luxurious and wonderful kind of yarn? Puh-lease??????

Seriously, this cute little yarn fairy clip art came from Tara over at Tara's Doodles ....go on over and visit, I'll wait. I got a few of the cute graphics on the sidebar from her site. She has another cute site that I visit all the time ~ Coffee Crochet ~ isn't that the coolest name? I'm going to make her Strawberry 'Jamma Bag real soon. I think it's adorable.

The family and I just got back from serving dinner at Guest Week. This is an annual event that our church does...we host a group of homeless people at our church for a week. They come from a shelter in Detroit. I serve several meals there throughout the week and a lot of us just go up there to visit, play games, watch movies, etc. The number of people we have varies from year to year, I think we have 52 people staying with us this year. It was a bit surreal.....we had dinner with the homeless going on in our Fellowship hall and a wedding going on in the sanctuary.

Amazing!!!

2006-11-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

This donation for Warming Families of SE MI just came in today's mail. Sue from Clarkston sent:

* 26 hats with matching scarves
* 26 pair of gloves
* 31 baby hats

Sue had recently emailed me so I knew she was sending a box of donations, but I was amazed at how LARGE the box was!! I had no idea she was sending so much! Thank you so much for your generosity Sue! Thanks to you there will be some warm heads, hands and hearts this winter.

Honest! I have been busy!

2006-10-23T14:55:00.000-04:00

After a brief hiatus I am back to work on the Sweet Mary Jane Cardi. I just finished the left front...with only 17 rows in that section it went fairly quickly. I love the way this project is turning out ~ but I really MUST get a ball winder! I hate having to wind by hand and that is one of the reasons I put this project aside, because I have to wind the last 2 hanks of yarn before I can go much further. (Did you read that Santa? I want a ball winder for Christmas, please!)

I HAVE to get some photos of the other things I have finished. I made the Short 'n Sweet from the S 'n B book The Happy Hooker. I made 2 versions ~ the one directly from the pattern for my daughter and I made a longer version with long sleeves for myself. I've also finished a very basic knit pullover in fall colors (made from yarn left over from an afghan). AND I'm working on a crochet raglan-style cardigan ~ I'm designing it as I go. I've even managed to knit 3 pair of mittens for charity along with matching hats. See??? I have been busy! =)

And I finally hung the patriotic quilt that my son got after he was injured in Iraq. It's a beautiful piece of work - and if I weren't so quilt lingo impaired I could tell you what pattern it is. But alas, I am a knitter and crocheter, not a quilter. ;)

Here is a photo of the quilt - sorry for the quality....cell phones don't take the greatest pictures. The other photo is a close up of the stitching, all done with a patriotic variegated thread, very cool!

Confessions of an addict

2006-10-06T11:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, time to come clean....I am an addict. I just can't pass by a cute pattern without wanting, no absolutely NEEDING to make it. Don't look at me like that, you know exactly what I mean. lol

Didn't I just say yesterday that I'm working on reducing my stash??!! So what did I go and do this morning while I was out running errands??? Um, {sheepishly trying to hide some new yarn behind my back} um welllllllll, see it's like this....I just HAVE to make this gorgeous Lush Lace Pullover from Lion Brand. What could I do? I need to make it, for my good health. It's the only way to keep the shortness of breath, the palpitations, and the obsessive dreams about yarn at bay! It's not my fault, really!! It's a beautiful sweater and I am going to use same color ~ it's one of my favorite colors of Wool Ease.

Sigh...maybe these companies should refrain from coming out with cute patterns until I get caught up. What a marvelous idea!!!!

Working on minimizing stash

2006-10-05T16:10:00.000-04:00

Most people who know me are aware that I do a lot of knitting and crocheting for charity. I'm always buying yarn or someone is giving me large amounts of it for the items I make for the local charity that I work with. (I'm an Area Voluteer for Warming Families and will get something installed in the sidebar as soon as I can.)

With winter coming on I've been concentrating on cold weather items to help keep those heads and hands warm. Many of the families we give to are either homeless or are below poverty level income. One of my favorite patterns for easy mittens is Bev's they work up pretty quickly and are a great way to use up some of that stash. She has a lot of really great patterns and this is one of my favorite hat patterns. Of course I use my knitting machine to make hats and I can usually get 3 done in an afternoon. That's an excellent way to get lots of nice warm hats made in a short amount of time. Hats are ALWAYS needed!

There is a local business that has been doing a knit along during their lunch hour and they called this afternoon to make arrangements to drop off the scarves they have made. They are donating 30 scarves!!! Amazing!!! I had the privilege and opportunity to speak to a sweet woman who had received an afghan that I took in and she had tears in her eyes as she told me that it makes her feel loved. It was all I could do to maintain my composure. =)

I've just worked up a new pattern for a baby blanket this weekend and will be posting it soon. I've called it Kisses and Hugs.

Fall Purse swap at Crochetville

2006-09-28T08:33:00.000-04:00

I received my purse from my partner Denny over at Crochetville. She said she wasn't happy with the handles but I just love it!! {sorry for the picture quality, I used the camera on my cell phone} =)

Denny sent a lovely purse with D-shaped handles and leaf buttons. I'm going to have to find out what pattern she used, it's wonderfully textured and there is no need for a liner. She also sent a cute Halloween bear, two traveler's tins of tea bags (the bear is holding them) and this amazing Butter Pecan scented candle that looks like a huge muffin. There was also a pattern book and a ball of cotton yarn. Thank you Denny, I love it all!!

I used the purse last night when hubby and I went out and received many compliments!!! =)

P.S. It's chilly enought today that I'm finally able to wear my Shrug-a-licous cardi!! It is soooo soft!!

Bittersweet Victory

2006-09-20T17:38:00.000-04:00

In February I started knitting a basic cardigan for myself. Nothing fancy, but one of those projects that I could knit on while watching a movie.....one of those projects where you don't have to think too much. I had some beautiful superwash wool in a steel gray and it's looking really good. I finished the body of the sweater on Monday evening and last night I started sleeve #1.

That all sounds good, no? It IS good. Here's the thing...in April I decided that I did not like how sedentary I had become. I have been a runner for most of my life....I LOVED running, but after a very serious injury to my right leg several years ago I am no longer able to run. Not running = weight gain. Ick!

So I can't run, believe me, I've tried......but I've discovered that other forms of exercise are actually almost as fun for me as running was. And what does all of that have to do with my lovely steel gray sweater? I've lost a lot of the weight and have already gone down one size in clothing. So long story short? The sweater is huge on me now! I mean HUGE!! And not in a flattering way, either. Bittersweet victory, worked hard on the sweater that is now too big on the smaller body size that I've worked so hard on. So now the dilemma....rip it out and start over again at square 1 or finish it and gift it out? Hmmmmm? Decisions, decisions.

Tea Swap at C'ville

2006-09-07T20:41:00.000-04:00

The mailman brought this lovely package to my door today. =) My partner over at Crochetville sure knows how to spoil a girl! Thanks Denise (Denny)!! Denise made me not one, but two lovely tea cozies. That cute little ladybug you see on the lower left? That's a chocolate! Denise somehow found out that I love ladybugs (gee, I wonder how that was? wink, wink)

The little crochet teapot in the front is a set of really cool coasters that she bought. But I think the MOST interesting thing is the Wild Huckleberry coffee ~ can't wait to give that a try. It smells wonderful!!! And of course there are tea bags and some chocolates. Thanks again Denise!! And to make it better ~ the mailman didn't bring any bills today! How cool is that??

Weight loss and grandbaby pic

2006-08-30T08:52:00.000-04:00

This is our beautiful little grandbaby Kelly...she is just too adorable in this photo! =) (of course, I'm incredibly partial lol) She's 7 months old now and I'm pretty sure she realizes that she has Grandma wrapped around her tiny little finger. =) She is such a good-natured baby, she smiles ALL the time!

Over the past 7 weeks I have been working hard, trying to whip this old body into shape. I've lost 12 pounds and several inches so far! =) I'm seeing more muscle definition and a noticeable increase in energy. I used to be in tremendous shape ~ I was a runner and rarely went a day without running. But with the leg injuries I've had over the years, running is no longer an option for me. My knee just couldn't take it ~ I know because I tried....I tried like you wouldn't believe. But it just isn't worth the pain or possible re-injury. The good thing is that I've found the motivation to get back in shape and have stuck with it for almost 2 months. They say that anything you do for 3 weeks becomes a habit........ =)

Got Coffee??

2006-08-23T08:56:00.000-04:00

Progress

2006-08-23T08:41:00.000-04:00

This is the lower right portion of the front. The cardigan has gotten too big for me to scan, so I guess I'll have to get myself motivated and master hubby's camera now. Also it's really hard to hold the lace pattern open on a scanner, but I think you get the idea of how it shall look. I only have 2 repeats left, then it's time to separate for the front and back.

This is one of the scallops on the bottom of the shawl. I didn't bother with a full pic since there is one just like it posted below. But I figured I'd at least scan the scallop so you can see the color I used. It's a beautiful color ~ this Homespun in Baroque. The one thing I really like about Homespun is the variations in color, I think it keeps the yarn interesting.

The good, the bad, and the knitted

2006-08-22T16:32:00.000-04:00

My trip to Cindy's was over before I knew it!! We had a great time together ~ knitting, crocheting, pouring over new pattern books, yarn shopping, going out for Thai food or lunch at Olive Garden (my two absolute favorites!!) Cindy got me this basket as a belated birthday gift. I chose the on the lower right ~ a deep eggplant color. I keep my projects in it (it's the large basket and is deep enough to hold several projects...trust me, I know lol) and I take it everywhere with me. She also got me 2 balls of Crystal Palace Kid Merino (lace weight) If you scroll down about 1/2 way you can see the color I chose ~ Fern Mix. I'm going to make a shawl with it. The store owner gives a copy of her 2 ball shawl pattern with every purchase of that yarn. It's so pretty! But I must finish a couple other projects first.

Okay, so that was the good, here's the bad: I just found out today that the store I work at will be closing at the end of the month. I should say that I've suspected this was coming....after all, I do work here and I know how slow it's been. But it's still sad. And did I mention that I have never lost a job before? I've quit, but never been "let go". My hubby says "downsizing" sounds a bit more positive. Me? Either way I look at it I am out of a job. Sheesh! How's a girl to pay for her yarn purchases and more Lantern Moon needles?? I have a set of these (in Rosewood) and I absolutely love them!

I've made quite a bit of progress on the Sweet Mary Jane cardi....I'll post a picture later. (I'm actually at work right now, shhhhhh) I have finished 16 repeats of the lace pattern ~ only 3 more to go!!!! I'll also post a pic of the poncho I made while at Cindy's. I used Homespun in the color Baroque for this one. I think that's enough ponchos for me at the moment.

Snowman from recycled bags

2006-08-13T20:40:00.000-04:00

Coming Home Poncho

2006-08-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

Shrug photos as promised =)

2006-08-10T21:11:00.000-04:00

My Knitting and Crocheting Bud and Other Stuff

2006-08-09T07:54:00.000-04:00

My friend Cindy and I love to get together to knit. Unfortunately, we live about 3 1/2 hours apart. So last year we decided that I would visit her for a few days of knitting, coffee, yarn shopping, chatting, and of course, pouring over new knitting books that we'd each gotten.

I am planning a trip down to see her next Thursday. Wahoo!! I am SO ready to spend some quality knitting (or crocheting) and just catching up. We also have picked out a project to do while I am there. This year we have chosen the crochet version of the Coming Home poncho found at Lion Brand's website. Last year we each knit a flower washcloth that we found in one of our knitting books (the name of which is escaping me right now) The washcloth was made with cotton chenille and that has got to be the yummiest yarn for a facial cloth! I made mine in a bright green ~ my favorite color. =)

I have also finished my Shrug-a-licious and a practice version of the Coming Home poncho. Pictures coming soon. As soon as I can get Audra (that's my mannequin) to get her scrawny hiney into the studio. lol I am about 95% done with my stitching assignment ~ a large needlepoint featuring many dragonflies in different colors. Not quite my style, but still very pretty.

For those of you who have been praying for Justin (my Marine son) I spoke to him last week and he is doing well. He says it's pretty hot there, around 135 degrees. He says to thank everyone for their prayers and support. So, THANK YOU!!! =)

My Marine

2006-07-26T08:44:00.000-04:00

This is my son Justin, he is a Corporal in the U.S. Marines. He was stationed in Iraq last year, at the base in Al Asad. On May 28, 2005 he was seriously wounded by a roadside bomb just outside of Baghdad. He had very extensive injuries to his legs, including a severed femoral artery and a lot of shrapnel. After a long recovery, several skin grafts and a LOT of prayer, he is as recovered as he ever will be. His legs still give him pain, particularly his left leg which received the worst of the injury. He re-enlisted in November of 2005.

On Monday July 24, 2006 Justin left for his second deployment to Iraq. Hard enough to believe that he can run 3 miles on legs that were so severly injured, but it's REALLY hard to believe that he's back there again!!!

Look what I found!!

2006-07-24T16:00:00.000-04:00

A woman I know called me up today and said that she has 3 bags full of goodies for counted cross stitch. This old Mary Maxim catalog was in one of the bags. It's in mint condition, still containing the order form and it even includes 2 yarn sample cards! This thing must have been stored well, because it is in amazing condition! =) It's catalog # 16, while the catalog I got in the mail the other day is #478B. Looking through the old one, I'm figuring it's most likely late 60's, maybe early 70's, just based on the hair styles and some of the clothes the models are wearing.

Cool, huh? =)

The Happy Hooker Chain Gang

2006-07-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

Knit Newborn Hat

2006-07-12T19:30:00.000-04:00

Knitted Newborn Hat

Materials:
Soft Worsted weight yarn -
About 2 oz main color (MC)
and 3/4 oz contrasting color (CC)
Size 8 Needles

Directions:
CO 54 in CC

Work 1” in seed stitch (row 1, k1, p1 across - remaining rows k all p sts, p all k sts)
Change to MC

Next: Beginning with knit work 3 rows in stockinette

Next: Work 2 rows in knit

Next: Beginning with p, work 6 rows in stockinette

Next: Work 2 rows in knit

Next: Beginning with p, work in stockinette until hat measures 5” from beginning, ending with a p row.

Decrease row: (K2 tog, k next 5) across.

Next row: P across.

Decrease row: (K2 tog, k next 4) across.

Last row: P across.

Cut yarn, leaving a long end for sewing. Thread tapestry needle and weave yarn through top stitches, pull tight to gather. Sew seam. Add pompom if you wish.

(c)Heartfelt Creations 2003

Happy Girl

2006-07-12T09:40:00.000-04:00

My personal WIP challenge!

2006-07-12T09:21:00.000-04:00

I sat down and made a list of WIPs that I've got laying around ~ I came up with 11 projects!!! Couldn't you just totally faint?

At any rate...I made a list (I'm a visual person and making lists helps me) of all 11 projects in my craft journal and next to each item I put a little box. As I finish each thing I get to put an X in the box ~ like I said, I'm very visual! It's also a great source of encouragement for me to finish those projects as I see another X on the list. And so far, I have 4 X's!!!!! And the list is just over a week old! Hurray for me!!

X Patriotic Doily
X "Needle & Thread" - cross stitch
X "Bee True" - cross stitch (finished 7/18/06)
"Open a New Box Daily" - cross stitch
Shrug - in Lilac Microspun
Sheep Checkerboard
X Afghan from 6" exchange squares
Grey cardigan (knit)
Sweet Mary Jane cardigan
Change purse (from my own design - knit)
X Alchemy Bear

Note: X = completed =)

Updated: 7/19/06

Update on Sweet Mary Jane Cardi

2006-06-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

Well I'm not able to work on it as much as I'd like.....seems I have to work at work now and then. lol But I have made some progress, I have now completed 7 repeats of the lace pattern. No frogging yet!

I have also been working on a shrug pattern that I bought from Diane Langan. The pattern calls for Microspun yarn and I chose to make mine in the color Lilac. It is such a soft yarn and I LOVE the way the shrug is working up!!

Hubby has taught me to use the camera....I just haven't attempted it on my own yet. Chicken!!!!!

Hearts Around Coaster

2006-06-13T15:29:00.000-04:00

Hearts Around Coaster
Worsted cotton yarn - 1 oz
Hook size H

Ch 5, join with sl st to form ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 17 dc in ring, join with sl st to top of ch 3. (18 dc)

Rnd 2: Work (beg cluster, ch 2, cluster) in same st, ch 2, sk 2 dc *(cluster, ch 2, cluster) in next dc, sk next 2 dc* Repeat around, join with sl st in top of beg cluster. ( 12 clusters)

Rnd 3: Sl st to 1st ch 2 sp, ch 1, 3 sc in same sp, sc in next cluster ( 3 sc in next ch 2 sp, sc in next cluster) around, join in top of 1st sc. (48 sc)

Rnd 4: Ch 1, sc in same sp, (ch 3, sc in 3rd ch from hook, sk next sc, sc in next) around, join in top of 1st sc. Finish off and weave in ends.

(c) Heartfelt Creations, 2001

Sweet Mary Jane Update

2006-06-13T13:06:00.000-04:00

I have finished 2 repeats of the lace pattern and am on the third ~ 2 down & 17 repeats to go. I haven't worked on it since Saturday.

I have gotten some lessons from Hubby Dearest on how to use his ultra-fine camera. Now we're working on a way to get the pics from the camera and into this computer. See, here's the problem.....his computer isn't hooked up to the internet and this computer doesn't have one of those disc reader thing-a-ma-bobs. Thought we had solved that....he has the reader from his old computer.........this computer isn't FireWire-enabled. We're going to be looking into it a little more, there may still be a solution that doesn't involve spending money we don't currently have or burning everything to a CD in order to transfer it from the camera to my blog. Sheesh!

Okay, since we haven't solved that dilemma yet I just scanned the progress, which I suppose will work at least until it's too large to get a good scan of. (which at the rate I'm knitting this thing should be sometime in the next millenium. lol)

Raglan Baby Sweater ~ Crochet

2006-06-12T16:24:00.000-04:00

Raglan Baby Sweater

Materials:
About 2 1/2 oz of baby sport yarn
Size G hook
For shell: Work (1 hdc, ch 2, 1 hdc) in stitch indicated.
Note: In this pattern the ch 2 at the beginning of the row DOES NOT count as the first hdc. You would work your first hdc in the same stitch and when coming to the end of the row you will work into that hdc, not in the ch 2 space. This gives a straighter edge and a no gaps from the turning chain.

Starting at neck edge, ch 38
Row 1: Hdc in 3rd ch from hook and in each ch across. (36 hdc)
Row 2: Ch 2 (see note above), hdc in first 4 hdc, work shell in next hdc, (8 hdc, shell, 8 hdc, shell, 8 hdc, shell, 4 hdc) across; turn. (32 hdc, 4 shells)
Row 3: Ch 2, hdc in next 5 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, (10 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, 10 hdc, shell, 10 hdc, shell, 5 hdc) across; turn. (40 hdc, 4 shells)
Row 4: Ch 2, hdc in next 6 hdc, shell in next ch 2 space, (12 hdc, shell, 12 hdc, shell, 12 hdc, shell, 6 hdc) across; turn. (48 hdc, 4 shells)
Rows 5-10: Ch 2, working in established pattern, (hdc in each hdc, shell in each ch 2 space) across.
Row 11: This row will form the armholes. Ch 2, hdc to 1st shell, work 1 hdc into that ch 2 space. Folding your work so that the 1st and 2nd shells line up work 1 DC into both ch 2 spaces, connecting them, then work 1 hdc in the 2nd ch 2 space. Hdc across to the 3rd shell and repeat this forming the 2nd armhole, hdc to end of row.
For the remainder of the sweater you could hdc across each row or switch to any stitch you prefer and work that until the sweater is the length you want it to be. I’ve found that another 11 rows of hdc gives a good length.

Sleeves:
Rnd 1: Join to underarm, ch 2 and work 28 hdc around, join to 1st hdc.
Rnds 2-5: Ch 2, hdc around, join.
Rnd 6: Ch 2, (hdc in next 2, hdc next 2 tog) around. (21 hdc)
Rnds 7-12: Ch 2, hdc around.
Rnd 13: Ch 1, (sc in next 2, sc next 2 tog) join to 1st sc.
Rnd 14: Ch 1, sc around. Fasten off and weave in ends. Repeat for other arm.

Finishing:

Using same yarn or contrasting color, join at bottom of sweater, ch 1 and sc around sweater, working 3 sc at end of each side of neck and each side of bottom. Fasten off and weave in ends. Sew ribbon to each side at neck for ties. I usually sew another set of ties about mid-way down.

(c)Heartfelt Creations, 2004

How to slow down a fast knitter ~ part 2

2006-06-12T16:22:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've made some progress on Sweet Mary Jane. And not only have I made progress, but I have gotten used to the yarn and have picked up considerable speed once again. Whew! For a moment there I was feeling like a beginning knitter all over again! =)

I will persuade Hubby Dearest to show me how to use his very fine and very expensive professional digital camera (remember, he's a photographer by trade) and I'll be able to show my progress as I make my way through this pattern.

One thing I've discovered ~ this pattern is a lot easier than I originally thought! The lace pattern is accomplished with a 4 row repeat. And the use of stitch markers (many of them, in fact) really simplifies it all! Two thumbs WAY up to Celeste Culpepper! (the designer)

How to slow down a fast knitter

2006-06-12T16:21:00.000-04:00

I am a fast knitter. No, I am not bragging…simply stating a fact. I am a Continental knitter, which is faster and less labor intensive than the English version. (If you're not sure which is which - check out the info a Fuzzy Galore ) Very useful info, as well as some awesome free patterns there! Check them out!! =)
Anyway, back to the topic at hand…….I am a fast knitter….normally! I can whip out rows and rows of stockinette in the blink of an eye. And how does one down a fast knitter? Here's how….first, you get this pattern Sweet Mary Jane then you get this yarn Oregon Coast and you cast on 252 stitches (I'm making a size Large) using your size 6 circs. The first row of knitting took seemed to take forever!!! Okay, maybe not forever, but those tiny little stitches were a bit harder to work with - on the first row anyway. I've knit socks before using sock weight, but since socks have dramatically fewer stitches than this sweater does, one round didn't seem to take so long.
I am determined to make this thing…even if it takes all summer!!! I will keep you posted on my progress. Since I do needlework during the day (my paying job) I have to be content knitting in the evening.

Thoughts for today

2006-06-03T21:32:00.000-04:00

I have just about finished up the Mini Sweater that I found at Glampyre. I've finished the body and one sleeve...have one sleeve yet to do then figure out how I want to edge it. I don't want to do the points, but I might give them a try anyone. I've also had my eye on a few of her patterns that I want to buy. She has some really cute ones....like the Easy V-neck Raglan
Once this sweater is done I will be casting on for the Sweet Mary Jane pattern I bought earlier this year from Knitpicks. Here is the link for the yarn, I'm using the color Oregon Coast It's a bit more challenging pattern, but it's oh so adorable!! And I just LOVE the yarn.
Okay, now for my decision.....I plan to shut down my free pattern website as soon as I can get all the info that I want off of it. I have been finding my original patterns (photos included) in crochet groups with someone else's name on them. These people, usually the manager of the group, posts what she calls her newest original design and several times now I have discovered that it's actually MY design, copied verbatim! I hate a thief! I offer these designs for FREE and some lowlife who couldn't design a thing has to steal it and try to claim it as her own. She didn't even have the decency to take her own photo!!! Unfortunately I have noticed a growing trend in this lately, and it's not just my stuff they are stealing. I suppose I should feel flattered....my designs - as simple as they are - are worth stealing? I'll post them here slowly but may not leave them on for too long. Maybe do a design-a-month or something? We'll see.......

Doing the Happy Dance!! =)

2006-05-11T09:18:00.000-04:00

Doing the happy dance!! Last night I finished our granddaughter Kelly's Christening gown and as soon as Grandpa takes photos of her in it I will post them. The dress turned out amazingly well! I'm quite pleased with it. =)
And I was worried that I wouldn't finish it on time...isn't that hilarious? Who me, worried? lol See? There wasn't anything to worry about....I got it done in time and still have 3 days in which to wash and block it. Now I get to start my sweater! Three cheers for me...... hip, hip, hooray! (go ahead and finish up the other two cheers for me, will ya please?) I'm too tired. =)

P.S. The angel photo of Kelly was taken last weekend by my hubby - aka Grandpa. =)

Almost there!!!

2006-05-09T20:22:00.000-04:00

Our grand-daugter Kelly Marie will be baptized this Sunday. Already 3 1/2 months old, can you believe it??!! The dress she will be wearing for the occassion has been knit by Grandma ~ ME! =) Oh and did I fail to mention that it is not finished yet?? Today is Tuesday, she's being baptized on Sunday and IT'S NOT FINISHED YET!

Have no fear....I only have about 2 inches left on the skirt to do, then it's an eyelet row followed by the bead row, then binding off. No sweat! Who me, worry? I'll post the photo ~ complete with baby in it ~ when it is complete....which it WILL be before Sunday!! You can bank on that.

The really good news is that once the dress is finished I can FINALLY start on my cardigan. =) I got the pattern from Knitpicks So adorable!! I chose the color Oregon Coast, which is the color in one of the samples.

Eyelet Charm Bookmark Pattern

2006-04-19T15:46:00.000-04:00

Eyelet Charm Bookmark
Materials:Size 10 crochet cotton
Knitting needles - size 2
Steel Crochet Hook - size 7
Optional - Charm of choice
Cast on 14 stitches.
Knit 3 rows.
Row 4 and all even rows: K3, p8, k3
Row5: K5, yo, k2tog, k1, yo, k2tog, k4
Row 7: K across
Repeat rows 5-8 until desired length (I made 17 eyelet holes), ending with row 7. Knit 3 rows, bind off leaving last loop on needle.
Transfer last loop on needle to the crochet hook.
Ch 1, sc in same space. Sc evenly around, working 3 sc in each corner. Adding charm 1/2 way across last short side.To add the charm: sc to half-way point of short side, ch 20, sl st into ring on charm, ch 20 sl st into top of last sc. Continue to work sc in remainder of short side, join to 1st sc. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Note: If you don't want the crochet edging just fasten off after bind off.

(c)Heartfelt Creations, 2005

Thank You, thank you, thank you!!!

2006-03-24T10:47:00.000-05:00

Wow, have I been getting lots of donations for Warming Families since the start of 2006!!

Just for the month of March alone I have received the following donations:

22 scarves

12 hats

2 baby blankets

1 pair of mittens

Pretty amazing, no? YES!!! I have 2 more baby sweaters that I've knit that I will be adding the the list. One I knit for our granddaughter Kelly, but she doesn't fit into it any longer....in fact, she never got to wear it. I'll have to make sure to make some larger sweaters for those newborns who are slightly bigger than average. =)
Speaking of little Miss Kelly, here's a photo of the little darling.

Merry Christmas

2005-12-22T15:40:00.000-05:00

Only 3 more days until Christmas, can you believe it??! It sure seems to sneak up on me more quickly every year.

The tree is up, the house is decorated, cookies are made, most presents are wrapped (though we're not done shopping), I'm going to start a knit dishcloth to use as a package trim for hubby's Mom. She loves those knit dishcloths, but always says "they're much too pretty to use". She's right, of course...but they are so quick and easy to make that I don't mind. =) I've made her one with 3 crosses on it and think I'll make her a "K" cloth (for the last name lol) or a flower one. I'll start it in just a little bit.

Both of my Marines ~ Justin and Jessica ~ are home for Christmas, that is fabulous!! All we are missing is Kristin. She's in Missouri with hubby Chris and the new baby Jonathon ~ he was born on December 9, 2005.

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**Cross stitch assignment update: I am about 95% done with square #2, then just have one more square to do before I mail it in. As of today I am 14 days late on completion! =(