I apologize for being AWOL. I have a good excuse, really I do! Oh, and I've been knitting as well.
We're moving! we got the word last Friday that we will be heading to San Antonio in June. I am so excited! Much of my recent computer time has been taken up with house hunting and whatnot. I've also been doing a little networking to find some nice knitterly types and a group of some sort. Laugh if you will, but when hubby told me the news that's the first thing I thought of...'who will I knit with??' Knitting helps to keep me relaxed in times of stress and what's more stressful than packing up the kids, the cat(!), and the husband in a 2~car caravan for a 20 some odd hour trip? I need a drink just from typing that.
Anyhow I have met some nice ladies online and was welcomed into Stitching San Antonio with open arms. I'll miss the group I am a part of here dearly though :o(
Like I said I have been knitting. Clapotis is coming along nicely. I'm up to the 4th dropped stitch. I had to rip my nacho sock because it was just too loose. I cast on again with the same amount of stitches (48) but in an allover 2x2 rib. I did my first flap heel (I'm usually a short row kinda gal) with a heel stitch (sl1, k1), and I'm almost to the toe on the first one. Oh what you want to see pictures? Well I don't have any. Due to recent events (us moving) and a teething baby I do most of my knitting late at night. If I had time to photograph my knitting during the day with good lighting I'd actually be knitting my knitting during the day in that good lighting. Hell, I'm even typing this with one hand. Besides,If you've seen one half knit Clapotis and an unfinished sock you've seen them all :o)
Yesterday I did what anyone who has 2 projects already on the needles and a multitude of other things going on would have done...cast on for another preject! I started the Big Bad Baby Blanket form Stitch N Bitch out of King Tut Cotton in a steel gray. I couldn't resist. I love the yarn and the pattern practically knits itself! When I finish one of these 3 I will start on my SockapalOOOza socks.
Speaking of socks, check out Brooklyn Handspun Yarns. I ordered some of her superwash in the flickering flame colorway and it's absolutely gorgeous. I think I'm going to have her custom dye some for me for my sock pal's socks, maybe in some purples and reds?
DH has a wedding to go to in GA this weekend but I'm staying home because I didn't want my son to miss school. I should see some project progress this weekend since I plan to knit from the boy's bedtime until I pass out.
There are many changes on the horizon for us but we can't wait! I'll keep everyone posted on moving news as I get it, that is if you care...LOL! Time for me to go knit a bit while everyone is sleeping!
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Friday, February 17, 2006
It's true what they say
You know, about grocery shopping when you're hungry? Well did you also know the same holds true when you go to Knit Happens *just* to buy needles. I went with the intention of getting the Addi Naturas I needed (er...wanted) for my Ribby and started browsing. I had to take this home with me...
Why? Because it reminds me of Nachos. Nachos supreme to be exact. I'm sorry to say I haven't had really good Mexican food since we moved from Tucson and this yarn reminds me of the food at this little place called Filiberto's that we used to frequent (expecially when working the mid~shift!). It's Artyarns Ultramerino 6. The color # escapes me now but I'll be darned if it doesn't look like nacho cheese, tomatoes, green olives,and jalepeno peppers :o)
The night before the Olympics I started a sock. I couldn't resist.
It's the Lava Flow sock pattern from Sock Bug. I love how it's turning out, and the Ultramerino is simply wonderful to knit with. I wanted to knit it all the time. I wanted to knit it late into the night. However, the Olympics were starting so I set my beloved sock aside to cast on for the Ribby Cardi.
Unfortunately, the odds are against me on this one. Not only is all that ribbing and stockinette making me want to stab myself with my new size 7 Addi Naturas, but this month has been crazy busy! So far we've had a birthday sleepover and an anniversary (DH and I hit 9 years last Wednesday), with another birthday on the horizon. Every Saturday is basketball and since the boys are on different teams we spend a lot of time at the gym. The weekends have also been filled with social obligations. When I do get a second to knit the Ribby Cardi is not my knit of choice. Add to that the pressure of a deadline and I'm one unhappy camper.
I want to knit my sock. I want to knit with this...
...Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb in the Jeans colourway. Yum! So what did I do? I set this aside
and cast on for Clapotis. I'm much happier now. I think I might even finish Clapotis by the Olympic deadline! I'm already almost done with the increase rows. Today was supposed to be my 'day 'o knitting' but my girlfriend called last night and needed emergency childcare. So I have an extra little person who screams every time Phoebe the Cat crosses his path *sigh*. Oh, and I'm really grateful that it rained just enough this morning to soggy up the playground equipment.
Why? Because it reminds me of Nachos. Nachos supreme to be exact. I'm sorry to say I haven't had really good Mexican food since we moved from Tucson and this yarn reminds me of the food at this little place called Filiberto's that we used to frequent (expecially when working the mid~shift!). It's Artyarns Ultramerino 6. The color # escapes me now but I'll be darned if it doesn't look like nacho cheese, tomatoes, green olives,and jalepeno peppers :o)
The night before the Olympics I started a sock. I couldn't resist.
It's the Lava Flow sock pattern from Sock Bug. I love how it's turning out, and the Ultramerino is simply wonderful to knit with. I wanted to knit it all the time. I wanted to knit it late into the night. However, the Olympics were starting so I set my beloved sock aside to cast on for the Ribby Cardi.
Unfortunately, the odds are against me on this one. Not only is all that ribbing and stockinette making me want to stab myself with my new size 7 Addi Naturas, but this month has been crazy busy! So far we've had a birthday sleepover and an anniversary (DH and I hit 9 years last Wednesday), with another birthday on the horizon. Every Saturday is basketball and since the boys are on different teams we spend a lot of time at the gym. The weekends have also been filled with social obligations. When I do get a second to knit the Ribby Cardi is not my knit of choice. Add to that the pressure of a deadline and I'm one unhappy camper.
I want to knit my sock. I want to knit with this...
...Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb in the Jeans colourway. Yum! So what did I do? I set this aside
and cast on for Clapotis. I'm much happier now. I think I might even finish Clapotis by the Olympic deadline! I'm already almost done with the increase rows. Today was supposed to be my 'day 'o knitting' but my girlfriend called last night and needed emergency childcare. So I have an extra little person who screams every time Phoebe the Cat crosses his path *sigh*. Oh, and I'm really grateful that it rained just enough this morning to soggy up the playground equipment.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
No real updates but...
I've been playing with my camera
and I changed some things around here. Still some stuff I have to learn about HTML, but I think it looks ok. I still need to come up with a button and I want to add some stuff to my sidebar. I'd love to change the font of all of my titles to match my blog title but I feel that will take more time than I have at my disposal.
What else is new? Cozy still hates me. I am determined to make it work, just not now. Right now I'm working on a pinwheel baby blanket and the Manos shawl simultaneously.
Friday is the start of the Winter Olympics, which is also the start of my Ribby Cardi. In preparation I will be swatching again because I think I'm going to buy some Addis. I also need a zipper. Anyone know a good place to order from? I'm a little nervous since I have a lot going on this month. For example, this weekend we're having a sleepover for the boys. On second thought, maybe it's the thought of a house full of boys that's making me sweat?
I've also been putting some thought into what I want to do for Sockapaloooza. Right now there are two different directions I can go in. Once I figure that out I'll be shopping for yarn. Let me ask you guys...do you like fancy socks in solid yarn or plain(er) socks knit with something variegated?
I'll be giving regular updates on my Olympic project as well as the socks for my pal. Don't miss the excitement!
and I changed some things around here. Still some stuff I have to learn about HTML, but I think it looks ok. I still need to come up with a button and I want to add some stuff to my sidebar. I'd love to change the font of all of my titles to match my blog title but I feel that will take more time than I have at my disposal.
What else is new? Cozy still hates me. I am determined to make it work, just not now. Right now I'm working on a pinwheel baby blanket and the Manos shawl simultaneously.
Friday is the start of the Winter Olympics, which is also the start of my Ribby Cardi. In preparation I will be swatching again because I think I'm going to buy some Addis. I also need a zipper. Anyone know a good place to order from? I'm a little nervous since I have a lot going on this month. For example, this weekend we're having a sleepover for the boys. On second thought, maybe it's the thought of a house full of boys that's making me sweat?
I've also been putting some thought into what I want to do for Sockapaloooza. Right now there are two different directions I can go in. Once I figure that out I'll be shopping for yarn. Let me ask you guys...do you like fancy socks in solid yarn or plain(er) socks knit with something variegated?
I'll be giving regular updates on my Olympic project as well as the socks for my pal. Don't miss the excitement!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Wishy~washy
First off I want to thank everyone for their comments on Ella, my haircut, and my little guys. You all are so sweet. It really made me smile to log on and see such nice stuff said about something I made (kids included..LOL). Really, it means a lot just to know people read here and take time out of their busy day to leave me a note.
Thanks
Things I decided to do this past week:
make a hat for Isaiah*
make a curly q scarf with leftover Brooks Farm*
get my nails done (with a nifty little design even...a perk of no longer being in the military)
clean the bathrooms**
do laundry**
grocery shop**
* Sorry, I don't have pics. My models are still asleep and it's all rainy outside. Maybe later today?
** ok, so these aren't technically things I can choose not to do. Unless I go on some type of mom strike or something.
Things I started and decided not to finish:
Essential Stripe Sweater
Little Leaf Lace Scarf
Cozy
River from Rowan 38
The only one of these I have no excuse for is River. I just didn't feel like it. The Essential Stripe is a great pattern, but I'll be racing to finish the Ribby Cardi for the Knitting Olympics and I decided I'd rather not rush through two sweaters in a row. The scarf didn't like me. I just couldn't get it to cooperate with me which is weird because it's a 4 row repeat. Now I'm no master knitter but I can usually handle a 4 row repeat for goodness sake!
And then there is Cozy. Cozy hates me. I've started Cozy a number of times and it's always all wrong. This time was extra~special though because I was using Lavold Silky Tweed which I now realize I'm not crazy about. I'm seriously thinking of offering this stuff up for swap or something. I was hoping that once it was balled up it would fluff up or something. You know, be a little more pleasing to my senses but I'm still not feeling it. Knitting with it felt like knitting with sticky and slightly nubbly string. Has anyone used this stuff? What do you think of it?
What did I decide to do? While blog cruising I saw this and this and fell in love. Both patterns are from this one. Since I don't spin my own yarn and certainly can't afford enough handspun to make a big ol' shawl, I used some green Manos from my stash. I LOVE this stuff! It's going to be big and ridiculously warm and that's what I'm going for. So far it's a quick and easy knit.
I joined SockapalOOOza and recieved the names of the person I will knit for and my 'sock sister' this past Wednesday. The person I'm knitting for has tastes similar to mine, which is actually the opposite of the last socks I knit for me! Ha! Go figure. Anyhow, because of this deciding what to do shouldn't be too hard. I just need to make up my mind so I can get started when the Olympic torch goes out on the 26th!
Since I did my grocery shopping and my bathrooms are clean I'm off to knit and read some blogs while my 5 year old has breakfast
Thanks
Things I decided to do this past week:
make a hat for Isaiah*
make a curly q scarf with leftover Brooks Farm*
get my nails done (with a nifty little design even...a perk of no longer being in the military)
clean the bathrooms**
do laundry**
grocery shop**
* Sorry, I don't have pics. My models are still asleep and it's all rainy outside. Maybe later today?
** ok, so these aren't technically things I can choose not to do. Unless I go on some type of mom strike or something.
Things I started and decided not to finish:
Essential Stripe Sweater
Little Leaf Lace Scarf
Cozy
River from Rowan 38
The only one of these I have no excuse for is River. I just didn't feel like it. The Essential Stripe is a great pattern, but I'll be racing to finish the Ribby Cardi for the Knitting Olympics and I decided I'd rather not rush through two sweaters in a row. The scarf didn't like me. I just couldn't get it to cooperate with me which is weird because it's a 4 row repeat. Now I'm no master knitter but I can usually handle a 4 row repeat for goodness sake!
And then there is Cozy. Cozy hates me. I've started Cozy a number of times and it's always all wrong. This time was extra~special though because I was using Lavold Silky Tweed which I now realize I'm not crazy about. I'm seriously thinking of offering this stuff up for swap or something. I was hoping that once it was balled up it would fluff up or something. You know, be a little more pleasing to my senses but I'm still not feeling it. Knitting with it felt like knitting with sticky and slightly nubbly string. Has anyone used this stuff? What do you think of it?
What did I decide to do? While blog cruising I saw this and this and fell in love. Both patterns are from this one. Since I don't spin my own yarn and certainly can't afford enough handspun to make a big ol' shawl, I used some green Manos from my stash. I LOVE this stuff! It's going to be big and ridiculously warm and that's what I'm going for. So far it's a quick and easy knit.
I joined SockapalOOOza and recieved the names of the person I will knit for and my 'sock sister' this past Wednesday. The person I'm knitting for has tastes similar to mine, which is actually the opposite of the last socks I knit for me! Ha! Go figure. Anyhow, because of this deciding what to do shouldn't be too hard. I just need to make up my mind so I can get started when the Olympic torch goes out on the 26th!
Since I did my grocery shopping and my bathrooms are clean I'm off to knit and read some blogs while my 5 year old has breakfast
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
70% of a promise
I do have pictures of Ella. I don't have pictures of my hair. Well, not exactly. I had a rough day today, and while you can technically see the back of my head in the following pic...
I have a scarf tied around my head (which incidentally doesn't match my shirt but whatever) and you can't really see too much. It was done this morning, really it was! But after a windy day walk, a few rounds of Chutes and Ladders, some laundry, and your general kiddie horseplay my 'do was through (LOL). In hopes of distracting you guys from the fact I promised hair pics here's a chubby baby shot
Did it work?
Either way here are a couple more shots of Ella. Close up
and wrapped around the boys
Her stats:
The pattern is Ella from Knitty. I used Brooks Farm 4 Play in the Poppies colorway and Denise Interchangeables in US size 10. It took me 2 full skeins and (no lie) about 7 inches of the third! The pattern was knit as written except for omitting a repeat in section 2.
This was an awesome pattern! I would love to do it again with maybe a different weight and fiber content of yarn. It went by quickly and I never got bored, even towards the end. I highly recommend this shawl...can't say enough good things :o)
Late Sunday night I decided to put two very bright colors of KnitPicks Shine (purple and green) together to make the funky tank top out of Adorable Knits for Tots. But my gauge was different, and I wanted to knit it in the round, and I was only using two colors. I guess you could say it's not the funky tank from Adorable Knit after all...LOL! I've dubbed this little creation 'sweet grapes'. The colors remind me of grapes and although 'sour grapes' is a little more catchy and also the first thing that came to mind, my little man is waaay too sweet to wear something called sour grapes. A little corny I'll admit but who cares?
I'm trying to decide if I want to join Sockapaloooza this time around. Anyone else joining? I think it would be pretty cool to recieve something handknit (socks no less!!), and the time frame is right...I just need to stop being wishy~washy and do it I suppose.
I'm also warming my fingers and wrist up for the Knitting Olympics! I think I'm going to join the Plain Old Sweater team as I'm not doing anything particularly fancy(a Ribby Cardi) even though *I* see it as a challenge and isn't that what this whole thing is about? The whole Olympic thing is pretty funny because the hubby and I have this long standing joke about sports. I watch countless hours of football, ESPN, football, basketball, and football. Did I say football? I always tell him one day knitting will be a competitive sport and he'll have to watch it on TV with me. So when I told him I had joined I got a bit of an eyebrow raise. I told him not to worry and reassured him that he didn't have to actually watch me knit my sweater but cheering me on is always welcome. My girlfriend threatens her husband as well, but with scrapbooking.
Wouldn't that be something...*sigh*
I have a scarf tied around my head (which incidentally doesn't match my shirt but whatever) and you can't really see too much. It was done this morning, really it was! But after a windy day walk, a few rounds of Chutes and Ladders, some laundry, and your general kiddie horseplay my 'do was through (LOL). In hopes of distracting you guys from the fact I promised hair pics here's a chubby baby shot
Did it work?
Either way here are a couple more shots of Ella. Close up
and wrapped around the boys
Her stats:
The pattern is Ella from Knitty. I used Brooks Farm 4 Play in the Poppies colorway and Denise Interchangeables in US size 10. It took me 2 full skeins and (no lie) about 7 inches of the third! The pattern was knit as written except for omitting a repeat in section 2.
This was an awesome pattern! I would love to do it again with maybe a different weight and fiber content of yarn. It went by quickly and I never got bored, even towards the end. I highly recommend this shawl...can't say enough good things :o)
Late Sunday night I decided to put two very bright colors of KnitPicks Shine (purple and green) together to make the funky tank top out of Adorable Knits for Tots. But my gauge was different, and I wanted to knit it in the round, and I was only using two colors. I guess you could say it's not the funky tank from Adorable Knit after all...LOL! I've dubbed this little creation 'sweet grapes'. The colors remind me of grapes and although 'sour grapes' is a little more catchy and also the first thing that came to mind, my little man is waaay too sweet to wear something called sour grapes. A little corny I'll admit but who cares?
I'm trying to decide if I want to join Sockapaloooza this time around. Anyone else joining? I think it would be pretty cool to recieve something handknit (socks no less!!), and the time frame is right...I just need to stop being wishy~washy and do it I suppose.
I'm also warming my fingers and wrist up for the Knitting Olympics! I think I'm going to join the Plain Old Sweater team as I'm not doing anything particularly fancy(a Ribby Cardi) even though *I* see it as a challenge and isn't that what this whole thing is about? The whole Olympic thing is pretty funny because the hubby and I have this long standing joke about sports. I watch countless hours of football, ESPN, football, basketball, and football. Did I say football? I always tell him one day knitting will be a competitive sport and he'll have to watch it on TV with me. So when I told him I had joined I got a bit of an eyebrow raise. I told him not to worry and reassured him that he didn't have to actually watch me knit my sweater but cheering me on is always welcome. My girlfriend threatens her husband as well, but with scrapbooking.
Wouldn't that be something...*sigh*
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Would you lookie here!
Ha! I've been tagged...twice! Call me a dork if you want but I've never been tagged before so I'm excited :o) The requests came from Kim and Pam, and are slightly different so I've merged them together.
Here goes nothing...
4 jobs you've had:
Supply Technician
EMT
Surgical Technician
Unit Deployment Manager
4 movies you can (and have) watched over and over:
Goodfellas
Full Metal Jacket
Toy Story
Billy Madison
*You know, there are more in this category and I had a hard time narrowing it down to 4. Netflix is my friend!
4 TV shows you love to watch:
24
Rescue Me
Grey's Anatomy
The King of Queens
*When The Sopranos comes back it will be at the top of my list!
4 places you've lived:
Bronx, NY
Queens, NY
Tucson, AZ
Southern MD (DC suburbs if you will)
4 places you've been on vacation:
Jamaica
Mexico
Las Vegas
San Diego
4 websites you visit daily:
Bunch o' blogs...thanks Bloglines!
Yahoo...news, weather, etc.
Knitty Coffeeshop
Delphi Forums
4 of your favorite foods:
Chocolate! (anything sweet really but chocolate tops the list. It makes me particularly happy.)
Shrimp
Fresh baked bread with lots of butter(thanks for that one Kim)
Cheese, glorious cheese :o)
4 places you'd rather be right now:
Jamaica
Tucson
Getting a facial, massage, and a pedicure
Somewhere that there is someone to cook and clean for me. Oh, and do my laundry.
Ok, who to tag? I understand that some folks are kind of touchy when it comes to this sort of thing. I don't want to piss anyone off so if I tag you and you don't want to partake, don't. On the other hand if you read here and it looks like fun have at it!
Catherine
Shelagh
Amy
Nik
Today was a busy day for me. Not only did I finish Ella (yay), but I went and got all my hair chopped off this morning! When I woke up this morning I decided it had to go. I've been wanting to get it cut for a while now but to be honest I was scared. I've got very curly hair which I wear natural...no color, perms, heavy goop...and for some reason this puzzles a lot of hairdressers. Unfortunately when it comes to salons you usually have to 'pick a side' and my hair is neither 'black' or 'white' in the traditional sense. I say traditional sense because those are terms that I have heard from actual hairdressers. If you ask me, people should learn how to do *hair* period but I digress...
Anyhow, I really like how it turned out and I'll have pics of the new 'do and the wonderful Ella tomorrow!
Here goes nothing...
4 jobs you've had:
Supply Technician
EMT
Surgical Technician
Unit Deployment Manager
4 movies you can (and have) watched over and over:
Goodfellas
Full Metal Jacket
Toy Story
Billy Madison
*You know, there are more in this category and I had a hard time narrowing it down to 4. Netflix is my friend!
4 TV shows you love to watch:
24
Rescue Me
Grey's Anatomy
The King of Queens
*When The Sopranos comes back it will be at the top of my list!
4 places you've lived:
Bronx, NY
Queens, NY
Tucson, AZ
Southern MD (DC suburbs if you will)
4 places you've been on vacation:
Jamaica
Mexico
Las Vegas
San Diego
4 websites you visit daily:
Bunch o' blogs...thanks Bloglines!
Yahoo...news, weather, etc.
Knitty Coffeeshop
Delphi Forums
4 of your favorite foods:
Chocolate! (anything sweet really but chocolate tops the list. It makes me particularly happy.)
Shrimp
Fresh baked bread with lots of butter(thanks for that one Kim)
Cheese, glorious cheese :o)
4 places you'd rather be right now:
Jamaica
Tucson
Getting a facial, massage, and a pedicure
Somewhere that there is someone to cook and clean for me. Oh, and do my laundry.
Ok, who to tag? I understand that some folks are kind of touchy when it comes to this sort of thing. I don't want to piss anyone off so if I tag you and you don't want to partake, don't. On the other hand if you read here and it looks like fun have at it!
Catherine
Shelagh
Amy
Nik
Today was a busy day for me. Not only did I finish Ella (yay), but I went and got all my hair chopped off this morning! When I woke up this morning I decided it had to go. I've been wanting to get it cut for a while now but to be honest I was scared. I've got very curly hair which I wear natural...no color, perms, heavy goop...and for some reason this puzzles a lot of hairdressers. Unfortunately when it comes to salons you usually have to 'pick a side' and my hair is neither 'black' or 'white' in the traditional sense. I say traditional sense because those are terms that I have heard from actual hairdressers. If you ask me, people should learn how to do *hair* period but I digress...
Anyhow, I really like how it turned out and I'll have pics of the new 'do and the wonderful Ella tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Love is...
Staying home from your weekly knitting get together and making cream cheese brownies
to be enjoyed after a dinner of onion dijon crusted catfish, collard greens, and cornbread. Why all the fuss? Because it's my dear husband's 29th birthday!
Yeah, yeah...so I robbed the cradle.
to be enjoyed after a dinner of onion dijon crusted catfish, collard greens, and cornbread. Why all the fuss? Because it's my dear husband's 29th birthday!
Yeah, yeah...so I robbed the cradle.
Monday, January 16, 2006
The Mommy Wars
Why is it that a woman's worst critic is another woman?
I was blog surfing and came across a discussion that I can't for the life of me find again. It was about an article that was discussing women who, upon graduating from college, said that they had made the choice to become homemakers instead of entering the workforce. There were lots of comments and lots of ideas about the article. But the ones that really got me were the women that made it sound like they were throwing their educations (and lives for that matter) away to be stay at home mothers. One even went as far as to say that she would *never* depend on another human being. Wow.
Through the years, women have fought hard to be able to do what they wanted in life. There's 'take your daughter to work day'. We've drilled it into the heads of little girls everywhere that they can be whatever they want to be. Well, did whatever they want to be only apply if they aspired to carry a briefcase?
I worked for years. I was in the Air Force when my two older children were born. We utilized daycare. I had to take business trips. It worked for us for a while.
When we relocated to MD from AZ I decided I really wasn't crazy about my line of work. We decided I would stay home and go to school, which lasted until I got pregnant and now my last year is on hold. I'm ok with that. I'm also ok with depending on my husband, and the dependence is not only financial. I depend on him to be there for me, to help me with the kids, and to be my best friend. He in turn depends on me. Could you imagine all the stuff he would have to pay someone to do if I (goodness forbid) dropped dead?
I depend on my friends, I depend on my sister, hell I depend on my cat to curl up with me and make me feel better after a hard day! Anyone who says they don't depend on others is pretty lonely.
All that said, I by no means don't think a homemaker shouldn't have a plan for herself. I'm prepared in case of the unexpected. Everyone should have a plan, working women included.
It's funny, while there are definitely stay at home dads out there you don't hear the same kind of hoopla. Why? Well I think it stems from a man's ability to mind his own business. A man couldn't care less what the guy down the street is doing, even if he doesn't agree with it. Women? It's almost as though we have to belittle the choices of another in order to feel good about the choices we've made. I think that's sad. We'd be a force to reckon with if we all just stuck together.
So...hey to all the women out there! Be supportive of your sisters. Daycare is NOT evil and women who work are most certainly raising their own children. Women who stay home are not uneducated doormats. Homemaking is not something you fall into by default. A stay at home mother's job is important too.
With this being the new year, lets try to free our minds and be a little more accepting of ideas that are different from our own.
Ok, I'm done :o)
This past week we had a birthday..
We've got a five year old! Although according to him he 'still feels four'! We let him choose dinner and took him to Toys R Us and let him pick out whatever he wanted. So we would up with pizza and some dinosaur castle that took DH all Saturday afternoon to put together!
see how excited folks get when they're about to eat cake?
Even Isaiah got in on the action...
Since My oldest turns 7 in February and they hang in the same circles, we're going to throw a joint party. Of course Chuck E. Cheese was the first suggestion. I'm trying to talk them into the skating rink. The skating rink was *the place* to be when I was growing up, and to have your birthday party there was too cool. I guess I'm getting old.
Knitting news. Ella. I should be done soon...
I left out a repeat because I thought it was big enough and also because I wanted to make sure that there wasn't the slightest possibility of running out of yarn!
Next I plan to cast on for either Clapotis or the Ribby Cardi as part of the Behind the times KAL. Perhaps I'll do both? I really want to do the Ribby, since I've had the yarn forever and I need a cardigan that I wouldn't be embarrased to wear out of the house.
DHs birthday is on Wednesday. Maybe I can talk him into a skating party??
I was blog surfing and came across a discussion that I can't for the life of me find again. It was about an article that was discussing women who, upon graduating from college, said that they had made the choice to become homemakers instead of entering the workforce. There were lots of comments and lots of ideas about the article. But the ones that really got me were the women that made it sound like they were throwing their educations (and lives for that matter) away to be stay at home mothers. One even went as far as to say that she would *never* depend on another human being. Wow.
Through the years, women have fought hard to be able to do what they wanted in life. There's 'take your daughter to work day'. We've drilled it into the heads of little girls everywhere that they can be whatever they want to be. Well, did whatever they want to be only apply if they aspired to carry a briefcase?
I worked for years. I was in the Air Force when my two older children were born. We utilized daycare. I had to take business trips. It worked for us for a while.
When we relocated to MD from AZ I decided I really wasn't crazy about my line of work. We decided I would stay home and go to school, which lasted until I got pregnant and now my last year is on hold. I'm ok with that. I'm also ok with depending on my husband, and the dependence is not only financial. I depend on him to be there for me, to help me with the kids, and to be my best friend. He in turn depends on me. Could you imagine all the stuff he would have to pay someone to do if I (goodness forbid) dropped dead?
I depend on my friends, I depend on my sister, hell I depend on my cat to curl up with me and make me feel better after a hard day! Anyone who says they don't depend on others is pretty lonely.
All that said, I by no means don't think a homemaker shouldn't have a plan for herself. I'm prepared in case of the unexpected. Everyone should have a plan, working women included.
It's funny, while there are definitely stay at home dads out there you don't hear the same kind of hoopla. Why? Well I think it stems from a man's ability to mind his own business. A man couldn't care less what the guy down the street is doing, even if he doesn't agree with it. Women? It's almost as though we have to belittle the choices of another in order to feel good about the choices we've made. I think that's sad. We'd be a force to reckon with if we all just stuck together.
So...hey to all the women out there! Be supportive of your sisters. Daycare is NOT evil and women who work are most certainly raising their own children. Women who stay home are not uneducated doormats. Homemaking is not something you fall into by default. A stay at home mother's job is important too.
With this being the new year, lets try to free our minds and be a little more accepting of ideas that are different from our own.
Ok, I'm done :o)
This past week we had a birthday..
We've got a five year old! Although according to him he 'still feels four'! We let him choose dinner and took him to Toys R Us and let him pick out whatever he wanted. So we would up with pizza and some dinosaur castle that took DH all Saturday afternoon to put together!
see how excited folks get when they're about to eat cake?
Even Isaiah got in on the action...
Since My oldest turns 7 in February and they hang in the same circles, we're going to throw a joint party. Of course Chuck E. Cheese was the first suggestion. I'm trying to talk them into the skating rink. The skating rink was *the place* to be when I was growing up, and to have your birthday party there was too cool. I guess I'm getting old.
Knitting news. Ella. I should be done soon...
I left out a repeat because I thought it was big enough and also because I wanted to make sure that there wasn't the slightest possibility of running out of yarn!
Next I plan to cast on for either Clapotis or the Ribby Cardi as part of the Behind the times KAL. Perhaps I'll do both? I really want to do the Ribby, since I've had the yarn forever and I need a cardigan that I wouldn't be embarrased to wear out of the house.
DHs birthday is on Wednesday. Maybe I can talk him into a skating party??
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Shorty's got it goin' on...
The fine ladies over at JenLa sent out a casting call for the ugliest avatar. Boy are there some ugly ones! Just as I was going to go make one at Yahoo I came across this post and, well, look at it! Need I say more? I had to get over to eLouai's and make my own 'candygirl doll'
Now, it's funnier when it's animated (I think the cat is being violated by the short girl in the tiara~how I'm not sure), but it can also make your head hurt and I'm pretty sure you all can get the gist of the fug the way it is.
'Tell me I am beautiful or I will get flying Chucky to beat you with a giant lollypop and send lil' miss freaky to your house to hump your cat!'
Seriously though, there are no less than a million different avatar combos at that one site alone. Do people really put that much thought into this stuff?
Now, it's funnier when it's animated (I think the cat is being violated by the short girl in the tiara~how I'm not sure), but it can also make your head hurt and I'm pretty sure you all can get the gist of the fug the way it is.
'Tell me I am beautiful or I will get flying Chucky to beat you with a giant lollypop and send lil' miss freaky to your house to hump your cat!'
Seriously though, there are no less than a million different avatar combos at that one site alone. Do people really put that much thought into this stuff?
Monday, January 02, 2006
KAL fever!
I've got it!
With the new year comes the natural urge to rid yourself of some of your clutter. Now before anyone's panties get bunched up I am only referring to the sacred stash as clutter for lack of a better term (or because that's how DH refers to it). While I love to surround myself as much fibery goodness as possible, sometimes too much yarn makes me anxious. Projects for which there is yarn already earmaked in the stash can feel like just another obligation...like laundry or dishes. Or maybe I feel like I just can't knit fast enough to knit everything I want and still keep up with the current knitting trends. I have the yarn for a Cozy, Branching Out, a Ribby Cardi, Rogue and even a Turtleneck Shrug. Then there is the Zephyr for a FBS,the Lion and Lamb on it's way (from a swap) for a Clapotis, and the 3 balls of Cathay that are (also) on the way to keep the 5 balls I already have company until I'm ready to knit Orangina. How in the world am I going to accomplish any of this?
I guess the first step would be to not buy any more yarn. Ok, are you done laughing yet? Since that's probably not going to happen I vow to at least slow down. Step 2 would be to gather with like minded individuals, giving me a cyber kick in the pants to get knitting!
I've been knitting on Ella as part of a KAL on Yahoo. This is a great pattern! And the yarn? Oh my goodness the yarn is something else. You must check out Brooks Farm and check out their yarn. This stuff is gorgeous!! I'm enjoying every minute of this shawl.
I've joined the Behind the Times KAL which should prove to be a lot of fun and quite helpful in my quest. Branching Out, Clapotis, Rogue...heck, just about everything in my queue...fall under the heading of this KAL! A bunch of us plan to start Clapotis very soon and we've got someone starting Branching Out. If you've got a project that you *missed the bandwagon* on come join us :o)
Last but not least there is a KAL in the works for Teva Durham's Turtleneck shrug. I don't know too much about it yet but I know I've been eyeing the 'sleeves without a sweater' ever since I got the Scarf Style book and I can't wait to knit it!
Lots of stuff going on at the Busy house in the next few weeks. Three birthdays and an anniversary all coming up. For us life doesn't quite get back to normal until a couple months after the tree comes down and the decorations are put away. But more about all that later...I'm off to knit a little on Ella!
With the new year comes the natural urge to rid yourself of some of your clutter. Now before anyone's panties get bunched up I am only referring to the sacred stash as clutter for lack of a better term (or because that's how DH refers to it). While I love to surround myself as much fibery goodness as possible, sometimes too much yarn makes me anxious. Projects for which there is yarn already earmaked in the stash can feel like just another obligation...like laundry or dishes. Or maybe I feel like I just can't knit fast enough to knit everything I want and still keep up with the current knitting trends. I have the yarn for a Cozy, Branching Out, a Ribby Cardi, Rogue and even a Turtleneck Shrug. Then there is the Zephyr for a FBS,the Lion and Lamb on it's way (from a swap) for a Clapotis, and the 3 balls of Cathay that are (also) on the way to keep the 5 balls I already have company until I'm ready to knit Orangina. How in the world am I going to accomplish any of this?
I guess the first step would be to not buy any more yarn. Ok, are you done laughing yet? Since that's probably not going to happen I vow to at least slow down. Step 2 would be to gather with like minded individuals, giving me a cyber kick in the pants to get knitting!
I've been knitting on Ella as part of a KAL on Yahoo. This is a great pattern! And the yarn? Oh my goodness the yarn is something else. You must check out Brooks Farm and check out their yarn. This stuff is gorgeous!! I'm enjoying every minute of this shawl.
I've joined the Behind the Times KAL which should prove to be a lot of fun and quite helpful in my quest. Branching Out, Clapotis, Rogue...heck, just about everything in my queue...fall under the heading of this KAL! A bunch of us plan to start Clapotis very soon and we've got someone starting Branching Out. If you've got a project that you *missed the bandwagon* on come join us :o)
Last but not least there is a KAL in the works for Teva Durham's Turtleneck shrug. I don't know too much about it yet but I know I've been eyeing the 'sleeves without a sweater' ever since I got the Scarf Style book and I can't wait to knit it!
Lots of stuff going on at the Busy house in the next few weeks. Three birthdays and an anniversary all coming up. For us life doesn't quite get back to normal until a couple months after the tree comes down and the decorations are put away. But more about all that later...I'm off to knit a little on Ella!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Most wonderful time?
Many people feel that Christmas day is the best day of the year. Not me, I'm partial to the 26th. Why?
Reason #1: No pressure. There is nothing to do. None of that 'oh goodness I only have 12 hours left what did I forget to do?' madness. You don't even have to cook, which brings me to reason #2...
Reason #2: Leftovers! I ate leftovers for every meal yesterday. Yes, I even had pie for breakfast. Since ham, mac and chese, and corn are some of my kids favorite things to eat there was no effort to get them to eat.
Reason #3: Your kids disappear. Seriously. Children are so excited on Christmas their behavior is birderline psychotic. Too much to look at, too much to touch...it makes them crazy! See?
On the 26th they are still super~excited, but now they've inventoried all of their loot and are ready to get down to some serious playing! We didn't see the kids yesterday until it was time to eat (leftovers!). We even got to watch some movies in the middle of the day...in our PJs :o)
I'm sure there's more reasons, but you get the idea. My point is I spent the day yesterday on my couch, in my PJs, watching movies and eating leftovers! Does it get any better than that? Don't get me wrong though, preparation for the holiday is fun too. The kids had a ball making cookies and it only took me a couple of hours after we were done to clean the flour and icing from all the crevaces in my kitchen. And who wouldn't enjoy wrapping presents with help like this?
All in all, it's been fun but I'm ready to get back to normal. Is it January yet??
*if you work in retail (as my sister does) forget everything I said about the 26th being awesome. If you work retail my hat goes off to you.
Now on to the knitting! I promised some pics didn't I? Ok, I've got a couple of gift scarves. This one is for our little neighbor. It was for her 7th birthday and what 7 year old girl doesn't appreciate a little sparkle? I used TLC cotton plus and some eyelash...name escapes me right now but I think it starts with a T? I got it from one of the LYSs a loooong time ago!
Then we have the Chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used one skein of variegated pink and one of green Koigu. The pattern called for 4 skeins but since the recipient isn't 7 feet tall and I can't imagine that she wants to use it as a head wrap like in the picture I stopped at two. Here's a closeup of the stitch and color. She really liked it!
Last but not least I made a mulitdirectional scarf for my son's teacher out of Noro Kureyon (#148). Here he is modeling it on the morning we wrapped it up to give to her...
Yes, the pic is kind of dark but less face it...my photography is less than stellar on a good day. At 6am it's, well, even more challenged.
Almost forgot, you can see pics of what I gave Kerry at our gift exchange here on her blog. Being the genius that I am I forgot to photograph all the stuff before I wrapped it up.
In the midst of all this gift knitting I managed to knit something for me! I knit a scarf long ways out of Blue Sky organic cotton. Man is this stuff soft! I'm hoping I have enough left over to do a matching hat, or maybe one of those pantas? Isaiah likes it too
It's long and skinny and matches my coat. Perfect!
Of course Christmas did not come and go without knitting loot! I got the book Alterknits and a GC to Borders so I can shop during knit night (sock book perhaps??), enough Cascade 220 to make Rogue, and a GC to kpixie...yay!
It seems as though the natives are getting restless so I'm going to bring this to a close. Hope everyone's holiday was a merry one and that you all are enjoying the last week of 2005!
Reason #1: No pressure. There is nothing to do. None of that 'oh goodness I only have 12 hours left what did I forget to do?' madness. You don't even have to cook, which brings me to reason #2...
Reason #2: Leftovers! I ate leftovers for every meal yesterday. Yes, I even had pie for breakfast. Since ham, mac and chese, and corn are some of my kids favorite things to eat there was no effort to get them to eat.
Reason #3: Your kids disappear. Seriously. Children are so excited on Christmas their behavior is birderline psychotic. Too much to look at, too much to touch...it makes them crazy! See?
On the 26th they are still super~excited, but now they've inventoried all of their loot and are ready to get down to some serious playing! We didn't see the kids yesterday until it was time to eat (leftovers!). We even got to watch some movies in the middle of the day...in our PJs :o)
I'm sure there's more reasons, but you get the idea. My point is I spent the day yesterday on my couch, in my PJs, watching movies and eating leftovers! Does it get any better than that? Don't get me wrong though, preparation for the holiday is fun too. The kids had a ball making cookies and it only took me a couple of hours after we were done to clean the flour and icing from all the crevaces in my kitchen. And who wouldn't enjoy wrapping presents with help like this?
All in all, it's been fun but I'm ready to get back to normal. Is it January yet??
*if you work in retail (as my sister does) forget everything I said about the 26th being awesome. If you work retail my hat goes off to you.
Now on to the knitting! I promised some pics didn't I? Ok, I've got a couple of gift scarves. This one is for our little neighbor. It was for her 7th birthday and what 7 year old girl doesn't appreciate a little sparkle? I used TLC cotton plus and some eyelash...name escapes me right now but I think it starts with a T? I got it from one of the LYSs a loooong time ago!
Then we have the Chevron scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I used one skein of variegated pink and one of green Koigu. The pattern called for 4 skeins but since the recipient isn't 7 feet tall and I can't imagine that she wants to use it as a head wrap like in the picture I stopped at two. Here's a closeup of the stitch and color. She really liked it!
Last but not least I made a mulitdirectional scarf for my son's teacher out of Noro Kureyon (#148). Here he is modeling it on the morning we wrapped it up to give to her...
Yes, the pic is kind of dark but less face it...my photography is less than stellar on a good day. At 6am it's, well, even more challenged.
Almost forgot, you can see pics of what I gave Kerry at our gift exchange here on her blog. Being the genius that I am I forgot to photograph all the stuff before I wrapped it up.
In the midst of all this gift knitting I managed to knit something for me! I knit a scarf long ways out of Blue Sky organic cotton. Man is this stuff soft! I'm hoping I have enough left over to do a matching hat, or maybe one of those pantas? Isaiah likes it too
It's long and skinny and matches my coat. Perfect!
Of course Christmas did not come and go without knitting loot! I got the book Alterknits and a GC to Borders so I can shop during knit night (sock book perhaps??), enough Cascade 220 to make Rogue, and a GC to kpixie...yay!
It seems as though the natives are getting restless so I'm going to bring this to a close. Hope everyone's holiday was a merry one and that you all are enjoying the last week of 2005!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Calm before the storm
It's quiet and the baby is asleep, as he should be after fussing all night long! I'm enjoying a MUCH needed cup of coffee before I have to grocery shop, clean, and generally get ready for the holiday.
So in this calm before the storm that is to be my day I figured I'd give you a quick update to let you know that I'm still alive. I've been gift knitting, so I have some pictures to show you. I've also been involved in a couple of swaps and bought a couple of books. I'll have a better update this evening, after dinner and basketball practice.
Until then, I leave you with what Phoebe's been up to...
So in this calm before the storm that is to be my day I figured I'd give you a quick update to let you know that I'm still alive. I've been gift knitting, so I have some pictures to show you. I've also been involved in a couple of swaps and bought a couple of books. I'll have a better update this evening, after dinner and basketball practice.
Until then, I leave you with what Phoebe's been up to...
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Tis the season...
for runny noses and coughing. That's right, all three of the boys have got the funk. My six year old came home early yesterday and stayed home today. He's laying on the couch looking pitiful. The four year old doesn't seem any worse for the wear, but then again when has a little snot ever phased a four year old? The baby is his regular old happy self except for the coughing. Oh, and the wrestling with the booger bulb! Boy do kids hate that thing!
In spite of all this I have actually been knitting! Perhaps it's because when the kids are sick you are pretty much confined to the house watching Noggin or whatever. And they nap more :o)
Even though I've been knitting/crafting I can't really show you anything just yet. Why? Because it's been gift knitting/crafting and the recipient(s) may read the blog. I should have some pics tomorrow or the next day because our knit group gift exchange is tonight. Of course I'm going to be late because hubby has to work until 6. Just my luck!
I ordered some Brooks Farm Four Play to make Ella and it got here in like 2 days! This stuff is something else and even though the price has been raised a dollar I will definitely be getting more of it. It's beautiful and an awesome value! I got the poppies colorway and as soon as I'm done with the frenzy known as 'gift knitting' I'll be more than ready to cast on for Ella!
That's all I have for now. I'll be back later this week with updates and pictures!
In spite of all this I have actually been knitting! Perhaps it's because when the kids are sick you are pretty much confined to the house watching Noggin or whatever. And they nap more :o)
Even though I've been knitting/crafting I can't really show you anything just yet. Why? Because it's been gift knitting/crafting and the recipient(s) may read the blog. I should have some pics tomorrow or the next day because our knit group gift exchange is tonight. Of course I'm going to be late because hubby has to work until 6. Just my luck!
I ordered some Brooks Farm Four Play to make Ella and it got here in like 2 days! This stuff is something else and even though the price has been raised a dollar I will definitely be getting more of it. It's beautiful and an awesome value! I got the poppies colorway and as soon as I'm done with the frenzy known as 'gift knitting' I'll be more than ready to cast on for Ella!
That's all I have for now. I'll be back later this week with updates and pictures!
Monday, November 21, 2005
Pack 'em up and move 'em out
I'm supposed to be packing. Well actually I'm all packed except for my knitting. What do you take for a fun~filled holiday weekend with ALL of the in~laws? I'm thinking socks? Perhaps I'll finish the mate to this one...
Here's a close up...
I really like how it came out! I know the striping is a bit bold for the cables but that's ok. I used the magic loop method and cabled without a cable needle so I'm pretty proud of myself for using two new techniques in one project!
The other reason I'm thinking socks is because I got Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road as part of a swap and since I'll *actually* be (you guessed it)knitting on the road (LOL) I find it fitting. I've got some really pretty handpainted sock yarn that I got from one of the (not so)LYSs but it needs to be wound and I'm behind schedule as it is. Looks like the navy Kroy will get packed up! Maybe something lacy since it's a solid? I've also got some solid red on it's way to me from a friend. I think I might join that solid sock KAL (or something like that, I saw it while surfing yesterday)!
Perhaps I'll pack some yarn for hats and wristwarmers too. I'm determined to get my youngest child to wear a hat even though he takes them off and throws them. How sad is it that the child of a knitter won't wear a hat?
My hourglass will come along too just for the heck of it. I'm sure she'll enjoy the ride and maybe even get pulled out during those destracting gab fests (not that these are bad or anything)with relatives :o)
Ok, so what I'll only be gone 5 or 6 days? A knitter's got to be prepared!
Enough procrastination. I must shut this thing off, get my yarn together, and go to bed. 4am will be here before I know it. Come to think of it I'm packing a pillow in with my yarn.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend! Don't get mauled if you shop on Friday, don't eat too much, and don't get too drunk!
Here's a close up...
I really like how it came out! I know the striping is a bit bold for the cables but that's ok. I used the magic loop method and cabled without a cable needle so I'm pretty proud of myself for using two new techniques in one project!
The other reason I'm thinking socks is because I got Nancy Bush's Knitting on the Road as part of a swap and since I'll *actually* be (you guessed it)knitting on the road (LOL) I find it fitting. I've got some really pretty handpainted sock yarn that I got from one of the (not so)LYSs but it needs to be wound and I'm behind schedule as it is. Looks like the navy Kroy will get packed up! Maybe something lacy since it's a solid? I've also got some solid red on it's way to me from a friend. I think I might join that solid sock KAL (or something like that, I saw it while surfing yesterday)!
Perhaps I'll pack some yarn for hats and wristwarmers too. I'm determined to get my youngest child to wear a hat even though he takes them off and throws them. How sad is it that the child of a knitter won't wear a hat?
My hourglass will come along too just for the heck of it. I'm sure she'll enjoy the ride and maybe even get pulled out during those destracting gab fests (not that these are bad or anything)with relatives :o)
Ok, so what I'll only be gone 5 or 6 days? A knitter's got to be prepared!
Enough procrastination. I must shut this thing off, get my yarn together, and go to bed. 4am will be here before I know it. Come to think of it I'm packing a pillow in with my yarn.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday weekend! Don't get mauled if you shop on Friday, don't eat too much, and don't get too drunk!
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Still Searchin'
I'm still having the hardest time concentrating on any one knitting project. The sock did little to cure my affliction...
though it is coming along quite nicely. I even taught myself how to knit a sock on one long circ, magic loop! I can't shake the feeling that I should start something new.
Funny thing is I feel overwhelmed at the same time. Like I have too many projects going on at once. So I thought perhaps I needed a small break from knitting all together? I made this...
Cute, no? Once I got all the cutting done it sewed up in a snap! I love this fabric and want to use it to make a bigger tote bag and perhaps a needle roll. The lining is just plain black. I liked it so much I made another...
This one is (obviously) larger and made of some denim I had lying around. I lined it with other fabric I had lying around. I even made pockets for the inside...
What's that? You don't see any pockets? Well that's because I was trying to watch Desperate Housewives while I was sewing and the lining is inside out! I'm a genius. I need to take it apart but will wait until my next round of bag~making. I went to JoAnn's (hooray for JoAnn's coupons!) and got some more fabric and some zippers. I want to make some more bags as well as needle cases and notions bags and whatever else I come up with. Hopefully I can snap some pics of my loot tomorrow, it's kind of dreary 'round here today.
I've been doing more blog surfing than anything (easiest to do while holding a baby and watching ESPN) and I'm just amazed at all the craftiness in blogland. There are three things that have struck my fancy lately...bags, quilts, and baking. I'm well on my way with the bag thing. I mean at least I can actually make one, I can get fancier with it the more practice I get. I'm intrigued with Amy Butler. Are her patterns worth the price? Everyone seems to be universally ga~ga over her fabrics (which are beautiful)but I've read mixed reviews on her patterns. There's no doubt that the finished products are great and I'll pay more if they are helpful to a sewing newbie. Maybe I'll go to G Street Fabrics to try and check them out tomorrow. As far as quilting I have no idea! I really want to be able to make some of the awesome quilts I've been seeing around. I don't think I'm ging to learn from a book though.
Now that we've covered all I can't do, let's talk about baking. It's everywhere! Namely cupcakes. They're everywhere! The opportunities to drool while browsing the internet are endless...who doesn't like cupcakes? And guess who came home from school today asking if I could make some for his class? I just might have to go out and get one of these books!
Oh my goodness! See what I mean? So far I have plans to make a quilt while I bake cupcakes and knit socks after I sew up some bags. Somewhere in there I've got to get the dishes and laundry done. Help.
I promised a Halloween update didn't I? Pretty uneventful...candy was collected, candy was handed out...you know, the usual. The boys were excited though because Daddy was able to go for the first time ever.
Doesn't Daddy look thrilled? Haha!
I apologize if this entry was all over the place. We had a birthday party last night. Not only did I miss my knit night but the party was at Chuck E Cheese. I'm still recovering.
though it is coming along quite nicely. I even taught myself how to knit a sock on one long circ, magic loop! I can't shake the feeling that I should start something new.
Funny thing is I feel overwhelmed at the same time. Like I have too many projects going on at once. So I thought perhaps I needed a small break from knitting all together? I made this...
Cute, no? Once I got all the cutting done it sewed up in a snap! I love this fabric and want to use it to make a bigger tote bag and perhaps a needle roll. The lining is just plain black. I liked it so much I made another...
This one is (obviously) larger and made of some denim I had lying around. I lined it with other fabric I had lying around. I even made pockets for the inside...
What's that? You don't see any pockets? Well that's because I was trying to watch Desperate Housewives while I was sewing and the lining is inside out! I'm a genius. I need to take it apart but will wait until my next round of bag~making. I went to JoAnn's (hooray for JoAnn's coupons!) and got some more fabric and some zippers. I want to make some more bags as well as needle cases and notions bags and whatever else I come up with. Hopefully I can snap some pics of my loot tomorrow, it's kind of dreary 'round here today.
I've been doing more blog surfing than anything (easiest to do while holding a baby and watching ESPN) and I'm just amazed at all the craftiness in blogland. There are three things that have struck my fancy lately...bags, quilts, and baking. I'm well on my way with the bag thing. I mean at least I can actually make one, I can get fancier with it the more practice I get. I'm intrigued with Amy Butler. Are her patterns worth the price? Everyone seems to be universally ga~ga over her fabrics (which are beautiful)but I've read mixed reviews on her patterns. There's no doubt that the finished products are great and I'll pay more if they are helpful to a sewing newbie. Maybe I'll go to G Street Fabrics to try and check them out tomorrow. As far as quilting I have no idea! I really want to be able to make some of the awesome quilts I've been seeing around. I don't think I'm ging to learn from a book though.
Now that we've covered all I can't do, let's talk about baking. It's everywhere! Namely cupcakes. They're everywhere! The opportunities to drool while browsing the internet are endless...who doesn't like cupcakes? And guess who came home from school today asking if I could make some for his class? I just might have to go out and get one of these books!
Oh my goodness! See what I mean? So far I have plans to make a quilt while I bake cupcakes and knit socks after I sew up some bags. Somewhere in there I've got to get the dishes and laundry done. Help.
I promised a Halloween update didn't I? Pretty uneventful...candy was collected, candy was handed out...you know, the usual. The boys were excited though because Daddy was able to go for the first time ever.
Doesn't Daddy look thrilled? Haha!
I apologize if this entry was all over the place. We had a birthday party last night. Not only did I miss my knit night but the party was at Chuck E Cheese. I'm still recovering.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Gimme my little sticks!
Ok, what's the deal with this whole 'socks on circs' following? What am I not getting?
I was gifted some wonderful sock yarn from Jen of Blue Alvarez and since it was new (and I have the attention span of a flea lately) I wanted to cast on for some socks. Now to figure out what socks? Hmm...how about the Go with the Flow socks from IK Spring 05? Perfect!
As I'm digging for my trusty DPNs in my box o' tools I came across 2 pairs of size 3 circs...20". I tell myself what better time to teach myself the 2 circ method loved by many a sock knitter?
Two hours later I can safely say that socks don't soar on two circulars. They suck. For me anyway. Who wants to have all that flopping around when I can have everything nice and neat on my 5 litle sticks?
Anyhow, though my attention span has been short I was able to finish a couple of hats...a pumpkin for Isaiah and Miss Dashwood for a friend who is due in December.
There was also a blue and white one that I forgot to take a pic of before I gifted it! The pumpkin was something I made up as I went along. I like how it came out, especially the leaf! It's made out of Sugar n' Cream kitchen cotton (they were on sale for $1.12/ball)and wasn't hard on the hands at all. Now that Miss Dashwood? I made her out of TLC Cotton Plus and I thought some of those bobbles were gonna kill me! I didn't want to make it out of wool because I'm going to pair it up with crumpets for a cute springtime outfit :o) I love how it came out and see myself making this hat again in the near future!
You're probably wondering what's with the cow. Well, the only head in the house the hats would fit on was asleep at the time of my photo shoot so I told her she could model. As it turns out, her head was too small but I didn't want to upset her by telling her she couldn't be in the picture, so there she is. Don't worry, there will be pics of Isaiah is all his halloweenie goodness (and the older boys too!) soon!
Charlene (my cow) also wanted to be in the pic of my latest yarn aquisitions...
Jimmy Beans Wool is having a special sale for the month of October...40% off a different yarn every day! That's where I got the Silky Tweed. Six balls of it to make, well, I'm not sure. Either cozy, Ella, or some sort of Clapotis. The Rowanspun DK came from Jimmy Beans as well, on clearance for $4.95/hank. I got enough to make Hamish (which of course I can't find a pic of) from Rowan Junior for my two little guys. Jaylen's will be light and dark green. Isaiah's will be with the leftovers, plus a grayish color...mouse I believe? His will probably have a striped front and solid back.
I also got 15 skeins of Den-M-Nit to make Raspy from Denim People. Great price but I tell ya Elann's shipping charges are a killer! I can't wait to try out this yarn! The idea of a yarn that washes and fades and is comfortable like a pair of jeans is brilliant! This yarn my friends is my incentive to free up my needles!
Hourglass is progressing. I won't bore you with pics. Right now it's just a tube, lol! I'm smack dab in the middle of my increases. I really hope my 12" circs I ordered gets here soom so I can get to working on those sleeves! I think it might be a little more roomy than I planned but that's ok because the working girls (I'm nursing) need their breathing room!
Ok, off to make dinner and hopefully cast on for my socks...with my 5 little sticks of course.
I was gifted some wonderful sock yarn from Jen of Blue Alvarez and since it was new (and I have the attention span of a flea lately) I wanted to cast on for some socks. Now to figure out what socks? Hmm...how about the Go with the Flow socks from IK Spring 05? Perfect!
As I'm digging for my trusty DPNs in my box o' tools I came across 2 pairs of size 3 circs...20". I tell myself what better time to teach myself the 2 circ method loved by many a sock knitter?
Two hours later I can safely say that socks don't soar on two circulars. They suck. For me anyway. Who wants to have all that flopping around when I can have everything nice and neat on my 5 litle sticks?
Anyhow, though my attention span has been short I was able to finish a couple of hats...a pumpkin for Isaiah and Miss Dashwood for a friend who is due in December.
There was also a blue and white one that I forgot to take a pic of before I gifted it! The pumpkin was something I made up as I went along. I like how it came out, especially the leaf! It's made out of Sugar n' Cream kitchen cotton (they were on sale for $1.12/ball)and wasn't hard on the hands at all. Now that Miss Dashwood? I made her out of TLC Cotton Plus and I thought some of those bobbles were gonna kill me! I didn't want to make it out of wool because I'm going to pair it up with crumpets for a cute springtime outfit :o) I love how it came out and see myself making this hat again in the near future!
You're probably wondering what's with the cow. Well, the only head in the house the hats would fit on was asleep at the time of my photo shoot so I told her she could model. As it turns out, her head was too small but I didn't want to upset her by telling her she couldn't be in the picture, so there she is. Don't worry, there will be pics of Isaiah is all his halloweenie goodness (and the older boys too!) soon!
Charlene (my cow) also wanted to be in the pic of my latest yarn aquisitions...
Jimmy Beans Wool is having a special sale for the month of October...40% off a different yarn every day! That's where I got the Silky Tweed. Six balls of it to make, well, I'm not sure. Either cozy, Ella, or some sort of Clapotis. The Rowanspun DK came from Jimmy Beans as well, on clearance for $4.95/hank. I got enough to make Hamish (which of course I can't find a pic of) from Rowan Junior for my two little guys. Jaylen's will be light and dark green. Isaiah's will be with the leftovers, plus a grayish color...mouse I believe? His will probably have a striped front and solid back.
I also got 15 skeins of Den-M-Nit to make Raspy from Denim People. Great price but I tell ya Elann's shipping charges are a killer! I can't wait to try out this yarn! The idea of a yarn that washes and fades and is comfortable like a pair of jeans is brilliant! This yarn my friends is my incentive to free up my needles!
Hourglass is progressing. I won't bore you with pics. Right now it's just a tube, lol! I'm smack dab in the middle of my increases. I really hope my 12" circs I ordered gets here soom so I can get to working on those sleeves! I think it might be a little more roomy than I planned but that's ok because the working girls (I'm nursing) need their breathing room!
Ok, off to make dinner and hopefully cast on for my socks...with my 5 little sticks of course.
Friday, October 21, 2005
Two entries in one day!
Wow! LOL! I was feeling a little domestic and decided to share. Want some?
It's my variation of what I found here,which is a variation of what she found here. My version is cinnamon cake with apples and chocolate chips. It was declared the 'best cake ever' by my 4 year old so I guess it was a hit :o)
Go on, make your own! Whatever you use I don't think you can go wrong...yum!
It's my variation of what I found here,which is a variation of what she found here. My version is cinnamon cake with apples and chocolate chips. It was declared the 'best cake ever' by my 4 year old so I guess it was a hit :o)
Go on, make your own! Whatever you use I don't think you can go wrong...yum!
Knittin' Hard
That's what I've been doing. Unfortunately I don't feel like I'm really getting anywhere! Both the boys' sweaters are *so* close to being finished but for some reason I have no desire to knit on them. The Diamond Fantasy Shawl is stalled as well. It's been busy here and I'm tired of tinking back mistakes because I had to put it down in the middle of a row and got all discombobulated. It's a great pattern, but every row is different. It's gonna look great when it's done, I just need to find more time for 'concentrated knitting'.
Due to my stall out I thought I should start something new...a scarf made out of Manos. Uneven rib. Pretty but boring. *sigh*
So yesterday when I should have been doing laundry I was looking through my books and decided I wanted to use either the Luxury Cashmere Aran I got from AC Moore or the Nashua Creative Worsted I got from Knit Happens to make the Hourglass Sweater from LMKG. Only problem was I didn't have enough of either. No problem, I'll just run to AC Moore when hubby gets home and grab 8 more balls. They only had 6. It had gone on sale...and then 25% off of that sale price. This is why knitters hoard yarn if they even think they might want to use it! So I called Knit Happens this morning and they are holding 2 balls in Cayenne (color not on their website). Thank you, Knit Happens, for holding the yarn so I don't have to drag 3 kids out in the rain today. You're my heroes :o)
The 10 balls of the cashmere aran (just about the same thing as DBs Cashmerino) will become a turtleneck shrug and probably a gift scarf.
I also ordered 12" circs so as not to have to fiddle with DPNs for either project. I hope they don't take too long. I also hope at least one of these projects will cure my knitting ADD I seem to have.
Ella is still in the planning stages due to not wanting to spend a small fortune on the yarn. I could order from Knit Picks but I wanted to knit it in a heavier yarn and I don't care to double. I thought about dying but I don't really have the time to do it right now so I don't know. Any ideas?
In other news the boys are finally getting over colds. Demetrius had it the worst and the baby didn't get it at all really (thank goodness!!). Demetrius missed a couple of days of school and it kind of threw off the routine. I didn't even go to knit group on Wednesday...and I never miss knit group! Soccer is over and we're waiting for basketball sign ups.
Isaiah is getting so big. He was able to wear his new sweater to the last soccer game on Saturday...
I promise to start updating the blog more, like at *least* once a week. The baby is getting into a better routine and I'm able to get a little more done so I will add this place to my list :o)
On this blustery Friday I leave you with a little love...
I sent hubby to the store for a lunchable for a field trip and he came back with these! For no reason. Gotta love it!
To anyone going to the Knit Out this weekend say 'hi' if you see me. Not sure if I'm going to go if it's raining and not sure if I'll have a baby strapped to my chest or not yet but I love to chat with fellow knitters!
Due to my stall out I thought I should start something new...a scarf made out of Manos. Uneven rib. Pretty but boring. *sigh*
So yesterday when I should have been doing laundry I was looking through my books and decided I wanted to use either the Luxury Cashmere Aran I got from AC Moore or the Nashua Creative Worsted I got from Knit Happens to make the Hourglass Sweater from LMKG. Only problem was I didn't have enough of either. No problem, I'll just run to AC Moore when hubby gets home and grab 8 more balls. They only had 6. It had gone on sale...and then 25% off of that sale price. This is why knitters hoard yarn if they even think they might want to use it! So I called Knit Happens this morning and they are holding 2 balls in Cayenne (color not on their website). Thank you, Knit Happens, for holding the yarn so I don't have to drag 3 kids out in the rain today. You're my heroes :o)
The 10 balls of the cashmere aran (just about the same thing as DBs Cashmerino) will become a turtleneck shrug and probably a gift scarf.
I also ordered 12" circs so as not to have to fiddle with DPNs for either project. I hope they don't take too long. I also hope at least one of these projects will cure my knitting ADD I seem to have.
Ella is still in the planning stages due to not wanting to spend a small fortune on the yarn. I could order from Knit Picks but I wanted to knit it in a heavier yarn and I don't care to double. I thought about dying but I don't really have the time to do it right now so I don't know. Any ideas?
In other news the boys are finally getting over colds. Demetrius had it the worst and the baby didn't get it at all really (thank goodness!!). Demetrius missed a couple of days of school and it kind of threw off the routine. I didn't even go to knit group on Wednesday...and I never miss knit group! Soccer is over and we're waiting for basketball sign ups.
Isaiah is getting so big. He was able to wear his new sweater to the last soccer game on Saturday...
I promise to start updating the blog more, like at *least* once a week. The baby is getting into a better routine and I'm able to get a little more done so I will add this place to my list :o)
On this blustery Friday I leave you with a little love...
I sent hubby to the store for a lunchable for a field trip and he came back with these! For no reason. Gotta love it!
To anyone going to the Knit Out this weekend say 'hi' if you see me. Not sure if I'm going to go if it's raining and not sure if I'll have a baby strapped to my chest or not yet but I love to chat with fellow knitters!
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