Lavender Lamb

Spring Has Her Little Finger In My Pudding

2011-04-12T11:46:00.001-04:00

Hey! It's been awhile. After the 2KCBW blog week, it's hard to keep up again. Maybe if it went all year??? (yep dreaming) I love writing to topics and have given this some thought. I think I want to theme write all year. Knitting will always be a part of my blog, but I want to venture into other places that I have always shied away from. (sounds dark and mysterious) Knowing me, it ain't gonna happen (lol), but thinking (Ive been told) expands the mind and brings the horizons of the world closer. I want to be closer to the world. Spring has a way of rising the nature of awareness and making new ideas and curiosities grow. (why I love Spring) The draw back; Spring's not forking over any dollars, so I'll just be thinking and expanding in front of the computer. -smiles- (6 on one hand 1/2 dozen on the other)

Last entry I was the victim of rudeness at a deli store. It's been closed each time I attempted to go. I don't know if its closing early or its been closed all day ( I can only go late evening hours), but maybe I wasn't the only one who received the digital treatment and something happened. Or, could it be my torpedo blog of truth was read and lit fires around the Internet and the deed of rude was presented at the foot of the owner and appropriate action was taken?! (it could happen, right?!?! lol) I think too much time has gone by, but if necessity deems I have to enter that store once more, I will not yield to rudeness again! (stern look with shaking fist raised high) (whoa, I think I had a "Gone With The Wind" moment! heh heh)

I've decided on a yellow afterthought heel and toe. Finding the correct yellow sock yarn is a needle in the haystack. You cannot go by the pictures on the computer and after the mustard yellow skein I received, (yes the picture to your right is actually much darker, hence the search) I've decided to ask the seller first if its truly yellow or yellow gold. I was assured by the seller on etsy this time, so we shall see. The by part of my search for yellow yarn, is that I'm beginning to really like yellow/yellow gold yarn. It's amazing how one drifts to certain colors in a lifetime. Before yellow, I was obsessed with burgandyish/dark red colorways. Now I've flipped to yellow (I'm sensing that Spring might have her little finger in the tishka pudding) Could be I need tangible sunshine in my life. Mine is not to question why, mine is just to buy, buy, buy! Yellow rules! (for now) -smiles- tootles!

Where Is The Common Courtesy???

2011-04-06T16:24:00.000-04:00

I an wondering if I am wrong about my feelings or just old fashioned? What I'm about to write doesn't feel wrong to me, but maybe its generational. I live in Philadelphia and in the center city district on 13th Street between Market and Chestnut Streets, there is a small grocery store/ deli named Nelson. I rarely go to this store because I feel their prices are too high, but every now and then, I take the expense. Last night I went into this store and behind the counter no less than three people were on their cell phones, texting, gaming or whatever. This I don't have a problem with. The problem was when I tried to purchase a few items. First they kept me waiting, then without asking if I wanted anything else, started to ring up my items, but the straw people,was she never put her cell phone down. She kept texting or calling or whatever to the point of making me wait for her to finish her phone entries (yep, plural). I felt she was rude and wrong in her actions. Where was the common courtesy? And putting a smile on bad customer service, doesn't make it all better or all right. I would love to address this incident to the owner, but instincts tells me that she may be a relation to the owner, and that my complaints will get swept under the bridge. Should I let it go, chalk it up to the times and just avoid the place altogether? Or should I quietly try and find the owners and explain what's going on? Decisions, decisions...

My beloved book store, Borders (that is going out of business) slashed all magazines to 40% off. I made off with a arm full of knitting magazines!! Yea! Love those magazines and now I wait patiently for the knitting books to get to that point too. Right now they are slashed to 20%, but talking to one of the employees, they have 3 to 4 weeks left, I would prefer if they could stay, but nothing is constant anymore.

r

Summer Is Trying To Muscle Into Spring

2011-04-05T00:13:00.000-04:00

Spring needs to fight back now! Summer muscled its way into spring and produce a balmy summery day (there was actual humidity) I need more time before the craziness of summer arrives permanently, Illegal street bikes roared down the streets, while the young and tweeny broke the sound barrier with their eternal chattering about nothing. (this I know being a tweeny once)(sorry elders of that time.how I have learned!) I love the spring, and summers days mixed with terrible storms (the weather divas have intoned) are messing with my season. Ok that was the weather rant portion of this blog -smiles-

Now for something totally different. I'm making more socks, yeah! And ripping some back, boo. Doing the free Raverly pattern, Jeck, which is a super easy pattern to memorize, but I have to determine if I will do an afterthought heel or the basic sock heel for the blue and definitely have to rip the orange back to the cuff and drop needle size down to either ones or zeros. The fabric wasn't dense enough for nbr 2 (hee hee)(yeah, I'm still a kid in so many ways!) Though I hate to rip back, its a necessary part of knitting. I accept that, i just don't like it,

I found this huge pencil case that doubles for a project bag for socks. Our city's Border is closing or has closed by now and I got this on sale. I'm crossing my fingers that it hasn't closed yet and I can get the other one I left behind. It's absolutely a perfect sock project bag.

My blue socks I'm working on. Making the leg 7 1/2 inches long before I do the heel. Deborah Norville Serenity sock yarn colorway Sapphire. The yellow really stands out on these socks so I'm thinking yellow heel & toe?? Might be really pretty.

Love the stretchy cuff, but the fabric is too loose. Use Knit Picks Felici Matador. Brighter than I would have thought, but I will be happy to wear them.

2KCBWDAY7: YOUR KNITTING AND CROCHET TIME

2011-04-02T23:36:00.000-04:00

Day seven: 3rd April. Your knitting and crochet time.

Write about your typical crafting time. When it is that you are likely to craft – alone or in more social environments, when watching TV or whilst taking bus journeys. What items do you like to surround yourself with whilst you twirl your hook like a majorette’s baton or work those needles like a skilled set of samurai swords. Do you always have snacks to hand, or are you a strictly ‘no crumbs near my yarn!’ kind of knitter.

My favorite knitting time are mornings. I am fresh, awake (esp after coffee), and ready to zoom. During working days, I knit riding to and from work, but I get the most done at work. The lighting is better, I can spread out my items and things that confused me at night, seem clearer in the morning. It's also my fix that mistake and what where you thinking time. I also use the morning to pre read patterns that I might knit next just to see if there isn't a little surprise in the pattern, and to decide if I really want to make it. Lately I've been doing swatches (yes, I'm growing up, abit), but not the 4x4 size. What I'm about to say may cause severe reactions to a certain group of people, but I'm going to say it. I HATE SWATCHING. Just let patterns be the luck of the draw and be done with it. Ut-oh I think I hear screams and the rendering of garments, and the sounds of fainting bodies everywhere. Designers down! Designers down!! lol

I mostly knit alone, at night, in front of the computer with hot coffee or a hot chocolate, surf the web, listen to my favorite John Legend CD (Evolver), and knit with the clear implications that I'll have to repair it in the morning. But sometimes I knit it right and that's a bonus for me. (I'm not sure but I think Ive defined crazy) lol

All in all, it's been a pleasure writing about the topics and reading other crafter's blogs. I am amaze at the versatility and the common ground we all share. My favorite subject was the "TIDY" issue. It's was so good to know I was not alone in my wild kingdom of yarn.

Eskimimi thank you so much for making this an annual event and the interesting topics you found for us to write about. I look forward to your creativity next year and thank you again for your massive effort on our behalf.

2KCBWDAY6: SOMETHING TO ASPIRE TOO

2011-04-01T22:53:00.000-04:00

Day six: 2nd April. Something to aspire to.Is there a pattern or skill that you don’t yet feel ready to tackle but which you hope to (or think you can only dream of) tackling in the future, near or distant? Is there a skill or project that makes your mind boggle at the sheer time, dedication and mastery of the craft? Maybe the skill or pattern is one that you don’t even personally want to make but can stand back and admire those that do. Maybe it is something you think you will never be bothered to actually make bu can admire the result of those that have.

Estonian Shawls. I look at the beauty, grace and ethereal quality of those shawls and they run chills up and down the envy part my spine. My aspirations are to one day knit an Estonian Shawl with matching delicate gloves. My biggest obstacle are charts. Hieroglyphics are easier to understand, but I am trying to better myself in that area. Recently purchased a book, "How To Read Charts", by JC Brier (I think that's her name, don't really remember, book at work) and it has good tips and tricks on chart reading.

Once I conquer charts and what to do with a double yarn over when you're not dropping it completely off the needles, I would have solved part of the skills needed for that shawl. There was a lace drawstring purse, a Knit Picks pattern, that drove me up the wall because I couldn't figure out that to do with the double yarn overs on the return row. That item is currently residing in my time out endless pit for uncooperative knitted items. I believe in tough love. Maybe now that little wayward lace piece is rehabliltated enough to go into my "I hate you, I hate you" basket and from there, knitted freedom. It may be getting a reprieve since I have more wisdom and to patience. -smiles-

I will, someday, do the Estonian, and then, modern interpretive dancing!! lol

2KCBWDAY5: NOW FOR SOMETHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT

2011-03-31T23:02:00.000-04:00

Day Five: 1st April. And now for something completely differentThis is an experimental blogging day to try and push your creativity in blogging to the same level that you perhaps push your creativity in the items you create.
There are no rules of a topic to blog about (though some suggestions are given below) but this post should look at a different way to present content on your blog. .

PS: Yes, it is April Fool’s Day, so have fun with the post.

STICKS AND STRINGS AND OTHER THINGS

Mr Stick said to his String
What's with all that bling bling bling?
Sparkles running up and down
Makes you look just like a clown

Mrs String was hurt by this
What's your problem, Mr Stick?
Can't a girl just shine and primp
Without making me feel limp?

Mr Sticks just crossed his limbs
Mrs String tried to hug him
He kept pushing her away
But she had much more to say

When we are in rhythm, dear
Things get done and socks appear
Hats and gloves and scarves divine
Cowls and warmers make us shine

Now and then I bling bling bling
That's the nature of my string
Oh stop being in a snit
Come here Sticky, and let's knit!

Hope this make you smile.

Thanks to everyone who commented on my blog for day4. Your comments meant the world to me. Thank you so, so much.

2KCBWDAY4: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

2011-03-30T23:30:00.000-04:00

Whatever happened to your __________?

Write about the fate of a past knitting project. Whether it be something that you crocheted or knitted for yourself or to give to another person. An item that lives with you or something which you sent off to charity.
There are a lot of different aspects to look at when looking back at a knitting project and it can make for interesting blogging, as much of the time we blog about items recently completed, new and freshly completed. It is not so often that we look back at what has happened to these items after they have been around for a while.
How has one of your past knits lived up to wear. Maybe an item has become lost. Maybe you spent weeks knitting your giant-footed dad a pair of socks in bright pink and green stripes which the then ‘lost’. If you have knit items to donate to a good cause, you could reflect on the was in which you hope that item is still doing good for it’s owner or the cause it was made to support.

This subject bought unexpected tears to my eyes. I am reflecting on my first sweater. Even though I have said that I will be making my first sweater this year, it will be my first "correct" sweater that I am committed to doing.

This is the story of a best friend and a sweater. In my younger days I never had a clue as to what to give anyone for Christmas. I really didn't have that much money and I wanted to give something that was special. I decided to make my friend a sweater. remember it was a simple pattern with three half cables on the front in a vee formation. I had never done cables, pick up stitches, ribbing or seaming, but I was determined to produce a sweater. I remember night after night I sat in my straight back kitchen
chair and knitted for hours at a time. There was never a thought of I couldn't do it. It was knit and purl and I knew how to do both. I learned, in that sweater, how to be patient, how to read instructions, how to keep tears off the garment and to take deep breathes and calm myself when I messed up. I had awful panic attacks, but there was joy too because it was going to a best friend. I know it took me two months to make because it was late in the fall season when I got the idea for the gift. I finished it Christmas Eve, wrapped it up and presented to my friend on Christmas Day. I will never forget the look in her eyes when she saw that sweater. It was a look of sheer wonder, shock and appreciation and it made my Christmas. I was so proud of my accomplishment. A few months later I asked her why she never wore the sweater and she said she was waiting for a special occasion. She told me beauty like that needs a beautiful occasion. I bought that and never asked again. My dear friend passed away in 1999 and I have thought of her ofter over the years but until this subject came up I had forgotten about that sparkly grey sweater I had made for her. Knowing what I know now, she was being so kind to me. I never heard of a gauge swatch and I'm pretty sure it was way too small for her. Thinking back on those days, I'm pretty sure she probably couldn't get it over her head, and if she could, the seaming would have scratched her skin (I only knew running stitch at that time and I didn't have a delicate hand.)
She knew what that sweater meant to me to make for her. I never found out
what happened to that little gray sweater, but the memory of my friend and
her everlasting kindness has once again bubbled to the surface and has made
me ache at her absence. I am hoping that sweater has found her in heaven
and now fits perfectly.

2KCBWDAY3: TIDY MIND, TIDY STITCHES

2011-03-30T00:25:00.002-04:00

Day Three: 30th March. Tidy mind, tidy stitches.

How do you keep your yarn wrangling organised? It seems like an easy to answer question at first, but in fact organisation exists on many levels. Maybe you are truly not organised at all, in which case I am personally daring you to try and photograph your stash in whatever locations you can find the individual skeins. However, if you are organised, blog about an aspect of that organisation process, whether that be a particularly neat and tidy knitting bag, a decorative display of your crochet hooks, your organised stash or your project and stash pages on Ravelry

Tidy...hmmm I use to know the meaning of that word.lol One time this year I tried to organize my stash.

I gave up and let those that werent capture, run free.

2KCBWDay 2: SKILL +1UP

2011-03-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

Skill + 1UP – 2KCBWDAY2

Look back over your last year of projects and compare where you are in terms of skill and knowledge of your craft to this time last year. Have you learned any new skills or forms of knitting/crochet (can you crochet cable stitches now where you didn’t even know such things existed last year? Have you recently put a foot in the tiled world of entrelac? Had you even picked up a pair of needles or crochet hook this time last year?.

Many things have changed for me with my knitting adventures. I kick less items to the side in frustration, I have learned patience in finding and repairing simple errors, but the greatest skill I have achieved, is wisdom. Just a year ago, there were so many patterns that I couldn't figure out or that intimidated me, but just a year later, I understand the impossible and am not afraid to try. Have I knitted those patterns yet? No, but the fear of them has been removed. Now all I need is time to do them!
The one tangible skill set I have acquired is sock knitting! I finished my first pair of socks this month and have already started on a second pair.

A Tale of Two Yarms 2KCBWDAY1

2011-03-28T22:21:00.000-04:00

I love the smell of yarn in the morning! I am a yarn snob with acrylic tendencies. -smiles- In other words, I just love modern yarn. Learning to knit when I was younger any yarn I was able to purchase or plead was gold to me. However acrylic yarns at that time had the ability to squeak and even at that time, I didn't think yarn should squeak! In my later years I picked up the craft again and was amazed at the variety of yarns, the softness and skinny yarns! I found real wool, and with that discovery, the seeds of snobbery were planted. Wool escalated into alpaca, which drove me to cashmere and I ventured into unknown fibers like silk, sea cell and, I got milk! Did I leave acrylic behind??? Heck no, cause all yarns have a place. I wouldn't use cashmere for a rug or a dog bed, but I can use acrylic yarn for those items and replace the "finer" yarns with "finer" acrylic and her infinite blends. The tale of two yarns; the yarn that began the knitting journey and the stash that sprung from that love!

Crap! I've been Rip Van Winkled!!!

2011-03-27T13:57:00.001-04:00

Shaking off the "Zzz" and getting back to blogging. Haven't had that umpf lately in anything I do, but the days are getting longer and it's time to blog. I'm ashamed to admit I haven't finished anything but a pair of socks and now have that darn sock bug! Like I need other sicknesses in my life. (lately Ive been cruising fiber batts and giving spindles a come hither wink, started dreaming about weaving and wondering if I have the right weft -smiles-) It's enough just to get knitting done. I like knitting, but somehow the finishing part got lost in there somewhere. Looks like I need more discipline, or more interesting yarns to inspire, resolutions be darn!! (u knew that was coming, right?? lol)

Knit n Crochet week blogging will start this Monday, March 28th (also my youngest daughter's birthday), and I didn't have a clue until StephCuddles tweeted me. (yep I'm tweeting too....I'm up people, I'm awake!)
Seems like a grand opportunity to really get back into a daily blogging routine, to finally give the winter blahs a good shake off and to tell spring to pump up the temp abit. (here it's like winter, the sequel)

Did a few activities, like going to the flow show and really enjoying the beautiful displays but egad! the people. Trying to navigate through that crowd was like being born over and over again. It was a tight squeeze and I wanted to cry!! lol

Maryland's Sheep and Wool Festival is coming up soon and I'm trying to decide if I can go. (work has been beastly and I am its overtime b---h!) Making future plans for weekend events are pipe dreams at best for the moment. Ive never been and would really like to go. Lets hope I can get away.

Here's a picture of my first socks and I leave you with this, "Never give up and you will have socks"

Not Exactly Computer Friendly

2011-01-23T11:03:00.000-05:00

If you're wondering about the large size avatar on the previous post, it's because I was trying to enlarge my little blogger picture and somehow or another I took the animation out of the little picture and posted a large size one. I don't know how I did this and now I believe in that little saying, "If it's not broke, don't fix it" Wisdom seems to always come with giant mess up (well for me the 5th mess up usually kicks in wisdom)(I was born hard headed -smiles-)

The epic stash herding is still in effect. It's gonna take me a few days 'cause I keep stopping and saying, "Hey, I forgot I had that!" and then move to the computer to see what patterns might be nice for it. I'm looking to finish by the spring 'cause I keep getting distracted by yarn. It's a lovely vicious cycle, and I am in its vortex, baby!! (help me....lol)

Winter is in full effect here. We are in the grips of bitter cold, impending snow and more bitter cold. Folks are getting tired of the snow, ice and cold but I look at it this way; "It's winter people, get over it!!" Also dressing warmly like a sane person might make it easier to bear the cold. I look at people who think hoodies and long johns are enough to deal with the winter's chill and I think, Frostbite Victims Walkin' news at 11. My favorite thing this winter...100% wool hiking socks. No, I did not knit them and yes yes yes they are sooooo warm on the feet. Picked them up at I Goldberg's, a store that sells hiking, camping, military stuff etc... I no longer have cold feet and they keep me warm even in sneakers (my footwear of choice) I highly recommend for those folks who must endure extended time outdoors and do not want to wear boots.
Gonna get me some hot chocolate and then I'm gonna hit the road. I ain't scared of no stinkin' cold!!! (smiles)

2011-01-23T10:24:00.001-05:00

Stash from H E Double Hockey Sticks!

2011-01-19T21:51:00.001-05:00

It's time to tame my stash. One of my yarn babies was upset and tried to trip
me as I walked out the door this morning. I'm still trying to figure out how it
got there, but I was really tired last nite and when I'm that groggy, anything
can happen and apparently my yarn went rouge. I have yarn everywhere and
my latest trip -smiles- has opened my eyes and now, I'm into herding my stash
into clear plastic tubs.Well, that's the first step. After I do that, then its sorting
them into wool. wool blends, cotton, acrylic, good acrylic -grin- and mystery.
(who doesn't have mystery yarn...its a requirement of all yarn crafters!)

After the yarn organization and large quantities of wine, then I tackle the tools
of the trade. I'm afraid that if I get everything together, I'll have no reason to
buy knitting thingees ever again. Ok that statement was just to make me seem
redeemed in your eyes, we all know Imma gonna buy, but only when I
finished a project. I see mass quantities of dish cloths in my future...lol

KIP...Was I Ever That Dorky???

2011-01-05T22:08:00.001-05:00

Today, I decided to visit Joann's Craft Store and pick up some yarn. The hat I'm working on, The Rocka Beanie, ran out of the yarn, Paton's FX Kroy Sock yarn, I was using. (yes, I'm blaming it on the hat, it should have said something) Anyhoo, I was lucky enough to find the same dye lot and of course bought more yarn than I was suppose to. (It was on sale, I had forgotten about my resolution and it was on sale..Hey whatever...smiles)

Riding back to my abode, I notice a woman knitting on the bus. I knew immediately she was a newbie and I had to smile to myself and wonder if I looked that dorky in the beginning. She had the longest pair of straight needles that I've ever seen and she was knitting one of those furry multicolor boa/scarf that was the rage a few years ago. Not ragging on the scarf, its your choice. but when she was knitting, she looked like she was rowing a boat. The funny part was the way people kept looking at her. I'm guessing,
by the looks on most folks face, that knitting required awesome biceps.
If we were in a boat, we'd be in London by now.

It's funny how you grow in a craft. I started out with those knitting oars -smiles- and now I prefer circulars over straights any day. I still prefer dpns over 2 circs, but the fact that I can use 2 circs is amazing. This year I will learn toe up socks and hopefully 2 toe up on circs. I also have more gloves on my agenda this year, and color work mittens, cowls and of course that sweater. (was that a sweat bead???)

Knitting is my adventure this year. This is the year of knitting fearless for me.
I'm out of the cocoon baby, and spreading my wings!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

2011-01-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

Well, I've made it to another year in tack and I am grateful. I love that fresh, new year scent of hope in the air as I embark on my knitting adventures. I have very few resolutions this year, and I really hope to keep them all.

1. Try something different in knitting.
     Doing the same stuff over and over again may be putting me in a rut.

2. Get over purling (I hate to purl) either change the method of purling
    or just suck it up and do it!

3. Do the sweater. Been shying away from big projects but StephCuddle
    has made me soooo jealous with her beautiful sweaters that I am going
    to bite the bullet and do one this year.
    (OK for those folks that really know me, stop snickering)

4. Tackle the "I hate you, I hate you" basket; learn, repair and finish.

5. Stash control. That one gives me the woollies, ;) but I have to control my
    rampant acquirement of yarn. Finish a project, then buy yarn.
    Exceptions: All the Stitches and sheep and wool events, (yep, I'm sneaky)
    and any luxury yarn that is half off. (I'm human people!)

I am trying to push myself to improving my knitting skill set,
to conquer start-itis, to organize my equipment and to fly.
One of these things are not like the other. -smiles-

Again, Happy New Year Knitting!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A KNIT NIGHT

2010-12-24T18:34:00.002-05:00

I've been reflecting on Christmas since the summer....I say this because folks will forgive you quicker if you say you've been reflecting on Christmas instead of you were just to lazy to blog and was waiting for thought transference to become a reality.

I'm ashamed to admit I have startitis and a deep case of not finishing anythingness. Just can't seem to pull it together or block it. Simple patterns have been giving me grief, hard patterns I just glared at and shake my fist and try to intimidate them back. As you have probably concluded, it doesn't work and it makes the pattern a mite angry. Nothing like a hard pattern with attitude.

Did I mention hard patterns lazy cousin, Errata? I have nothing but love for designers. Their talents are awesome...their math sucks. I suck at math, they suck at math and the little projects suffer. By the time I have run thru my mind what disease I must have that's making me not understand the pattern, (after ripping back, stomping it into the ground, cursing and tossing my little project into my "I hate I you hate you" basket -OK maybe not stomping but creatively drop kicking it- cousin Errata arrives late as usual) I'm not saying designers are suppose to be perfect, I'm just saying I'm not the type of person who can correct on the fly. Some are bless with this talent others are born the soldier's way, following orders. I fall into the latter with a sub category,"we don't read no stinkin' patterns all the way through first". Yeah, I still have issues.

Despite not knitting for anyone this Christmas or basically this year. (read: lazy), I am most determined to knit everyone (my family & besta friend) something for next Christmas, even if I have to buy it -smiles-
Despite my rantings, (hopped up on Starbucks coffee can do that), I am happy that I have a family whom I love and who loves me, I have a best friend whom I have known since kindergarten (we love to chat on the phone and discuss which body parts are in free fall -and there are many-) I have a craft that gives me great joy and crushing grief (eh six on one hand half dozen on the other), I'm a yarn addict that refuses to get help ( and am an enabler too!), and to balance all that good stuff I am an awful, awful lazy blogger!
A new year approaches and therefore a time to change things for the better, but that's next week. Tonight is for the softer glow of the season, and tomorrow, the joy! I Hope Your Christmas Is Bright.

Feeling Moldy and Can't Get Dry

2010-10-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

Rain, rain please GO AWAY! I don't mind rain, but we had rain on steroids and I was caught in its worse moments for 30 minutes and I haven't been dry since! I'm beginning to smell a little moldy and its disturbing on so many levels. It's getting so bad, I now just harvest mushrooms from under my bed. lol

Been working on a few projects. Two more Chinook Scarf patterns; one in green super wash wool Baby Ull and the other in sky blue cotton (no picture) and a simple garter stitch shawl Prism Wrap that is soothing to knit. I dub it my "Commuter Shawl" 'cause its blissful knitting without any concentration. I'm using Crazy Zauberball and Debbie Bliss Rialto 4Ply alternating every two rows. I am knitting happy!

Good news from my hand Doc...my tendinitiss is no longer critical and my trigger finger seems to be healing. Yep I'm falling apart but apparently its normal for pieces of me to suddenly wear out. I'm thinking maybe the human body needs an updated manual or a "Parts R Us" store. I'm heading for the replacement era of my life...rats!

Laughter Is The Best Medicine

2010-09-30T01:19:00.000-04:00

Today, or should I say yesterday, I went to visit a friend who had retired earlier this year and had not heard from in awhile. She was a budding knitter after being a master crocheter for many years, and a few medical issues had side lined her new love. Well she's back on her feet and has an impressive stash of yarn, needles and knitting accessories that would tweak your envy zone. In other words she has become addicted to the fiber world. My mission is complete. I am an enabler and I have enabled mightily!! -smiles- Yes, yarn is "crack" to knitters and we are in sooooo deep, but loving it. She is a good friend and surprised me with a gift that is still making my head reel. She gifted me with "Signatures Needles" and I've been giggling every since. I've been lusting after those needles for a very long time and was trying to find a way to drop hints to my family that would be a little bit more subtle than spray paint on their mirrors, however Yvonne has surprised me with the beautiful needles, yarn, and other assorted Signature goodies. I now know where Santa lives and he's a she! -smiles-

Finally I Finished Something!!

2010-09-15T21:49:00.001-04:00

Feeling like a star 'cause I finally finished something, wohoo! Took an embarrassing few weeks (I plead injury!) but its good to go...well go and get blocked. As you can probably tell, I'm feeling good and motivated to finish other stuff. (probably after a good nights sleep, I'll think differently -smiles-)

The weather is starting to get cooler and thoughts of woolens are dancing in my head. Eying a few hat, gloves and scarf patterns. Going for the more portable items so I can knit on the trolleys to work. My problem is that I am becoming (OK I am) a yarn snob. Love those beautiful wools, silks and alpaca blends, but not the "hand wash lay flat to dry". Not all super wash wools are nice against the skin, so I'm in a bit of a quandary. I can do super wash for my hands, but don't know about the rest of me. Sock yarns are great, but it's those little, tiny needles that's giving me pause. Until I can find a reasonable solution for my hand problem (time machine maybe???) I prefer bigger needles, but don't like bigger stitches...sigh... dilemmas, dilemmas...

I Am So Trying To Keep Up

2010-09-12T17:51:00.000-04:00

I am getting out of practice keeping up with this blog. Didn't realized it's been 7 days. I kept hearing this ticking sound in the back of my mind, but it hadn't occurred to me it was for this. (what you don't have mind clocks??) My memory is not what is use to be so some things will slip by without my notice. I will try to remember next time. (re-read beginning of blog again -smiles-)

My Pink Chinook has come to a halt. Ran out of yarn. Am waiting for another skein to arrive. Let's just say when a suggestion to weigh the yarn to make sure both are of equal weight, follow the suggestion or you too could be waiting for a rescue yarn to arrive. Have I learned my lesson??? Nope! Have started another Chinook this time in gray and it will be all garter stitch with the exception of the Icord edge, but this time will leave a longer join just in case. Yep just prove the crazy theory. If you keep doing the same thing and expect different results, you may be crazy.-smiles-

For right now, I'm sticking with the easy quick patterns because my hands have been giving me a little trouble. If I keep my projects quick and light, I may be able to finish knitting all the yarn I have by at least 3010. I have reasonable goals....lol

Labor Day Cometh

2010-09-05T10:50:00.000-04:00

Its that time again. The aroma of burning coal and lighter fluid scents the air, supermarkets are packed with people buying items to set on fire (OK cooked until charred) and the package stores (beer distributors) are selling out like it's Labor Day (smiles) Salads of every kind are made, even the salad with lots of mayo that a certain old Auntie makes every year and no one eats 'cause salmonella is her best friend, but we love her anyway and have forgiven her, (but oh we have not forgotten) Little parades march through the streets in every little neighborhood, flags are waving, children run in frenzied circles and teens lounged about ('cause teens know their duty is to do nothing but disdain), because they know their summer fun has run out. Parents on the other hand are cavorting in the streets, their houses and any place else they find themselves. Happy in the knowledge that school starts the day after Labor Day, (for the northern areas-the southern parents are already joyful), and parents can enjoy some no so quiet time together without interruption. (its been a very long summer! -smiles-)
Tomorrow we celebrate the work force that can make or break a country. The day of rest for laborers that work relentlessly through the year and to remember those that lost their life on the job before regulations and laws enforced a safer work place. Have a wonderful Labor Day.

I've Returned!!! (please no applause) Hey, who booed!?!?

2010-09-01T12:50:00.001-04:00

I know, I've been gone for abit, but I have reasons only hard brown liquor and bluesy jazz singers will get out of me. Let's just say BB King and Lucille said is best, "The thrill is gone", but it's back again. I was feeling a little dishearten at the slow progress of my knitting and wasn't enjoying it any longer. I had a severe case of 'Raverly Envy" (when you see the speed at which folks can whip out everything), my ADD lace disease (why must I always lose count!), and the visit by the dreaded arthritis fairy (the hag took up resident in my thumbs and wrist) was a triple threat that just made me a little depressed. OK maybe not a little, ( hence the hard brown liquor), but I've seen the fibery light of goodness. Advil (gotta love it) is working for me so I can continue to knit and it's perked me up from the depths of despair. My mantra now is "Slow and steady finishes the project." Yeah, doesn't really fit me, but I'm trying my best to be upbeat and not sneak into knitters houses and unravel their projects...Hey work in progress here! -smiles-

I have started two new projects (I'm still mad at the old projects so they are in the time out, I hate you I hate you, bin) and have decided to keep new projects light and small. So why am I knitting a blanket? I have issues people. I always need a challenge and my time out bin still has room. You do the math. -smiles-

The pretty pink is the Chinook-Scarf a very easy pattern and it looks good. Im making progress on it and its making me happy. Must be the pink color or the fact that I cant'st screw this up but so much. Its easy on the hands too so Im happy about that. The yarn is Tahki Classic Cotton Lite in bubble gum pink. This yarn is a pleasure to work with and it has a beautiful shine. Plan on doing this scarf again in dark grey cotton but in garter stitch. Im not a fan of purling, but Im getting better at accepting the fact I will have to do it for some projects Im eyeing. Im a garter girl in a stockinette world! Found out that lingere washing bags make great project bags. Keeps the air circulating. Dont know if I would do that for wool, but the holes look small enought that a moth might pass it by. Lets hope!

The 2nd bright project The Princess Squares Blanket done in red, white and blue. Easy and one square at a time. Such a cheerful little blanket and getting heavy by the row. It's no longer a practical portable project until it gets cooler. This little blanket holds heat! The yarn is Wintok-discountinued and I picked it up for a steal. Only wish I had make the sale sooner.

I've spent most of my time reading blogs and getting entertained by the many craft bloggers out there. Everyone writes rather well and most are laugh out loud funny. Reading the blogs have helped to push me back to doing my own and trying to keep up with it all. A few have published lovely patterns while a certain blogger has started an empire on etsy. Check out Steph Cuddles etsy shop and blog. Im sure you will be as entertained.

I must be the only knitter left who does not own a copy of "Knitting Workshop" by Elizabeth Zimmerman, so I decided to go to the library and rent it. I am now in the works to own my own copy. Now I see why this should be owned by everyone who knits. She was an extraordinary woman with a lovely sense of whit and humour. A master of her craft and she makes you feel that knitting is not hard, it's just one row at a time and that you can design as you knit whatever you knit. She's a confidence builder and I will have her in my collection soon, along with the several hundred books and DVDs that now occupy any given room in my home. (can you say pack rat??-smiles-)

I'll try to keep my blogging regular, but progress will be slow (reread beginning of blog and linger around the hard liquor part) but consistent (insert smirk here)

Longwood Gardens...Beauty, Peace, Tranquility and Arch Supports!!

2010-07-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, June 30th, my best friend Dar, and I went on a little day trip to Longwood Gardens located around the Chadds Ford area, not far from Philadelphia. (abt 30 to 45 minute drive) I've never been to this place and she hadn't been since she was a young adult, but wow it was BEAUTIFUL! When you are a city dweller, you do not have the opportunity to be surrounded by hundreds of acres of flowers, trees, shrubs, and meadows, so going here was really like a breath of fresh air for the soul and striking beauty for the heart.

I enjoy walking thru the gardens, exhibits and a few tree houses. The founders house was also available to the public with films on their life and times. and Longwood gardens beginnings. I can't believe how much walking I did that day! Pretty sure we covered almost 80% of the gardens and nearly couldn't make it out. (it was a looong way back to the entrance!)

We lunched at the restaurant there on the deck and it was a perfect place to eat, talk, drink (just one Sangria!) and enjoy the day. It was sunny, cool, breezy and no humidity. A genuine perfect day!

Before we lunched, we visited the atrium. It was the garden of Eden! Almost every plant you could imagine in every color and scent. I learned so much that day about geraniums that I was floored. Who knew that plant came in so many different fragrances???

Each section of the atrium featured a different family of plants. Succulents, orchids, produce, bonsai trees, every flower that's grow able under the sun, I believe, was there.

Each section was arranged to the delight of the eyes and the seduction of the nose.

A water lily garden make you think of fairy tales,

and dragon flies.

I was in such awe of the place. (never without my red backpack!) I think the song , "Hallelujah" by k.d. Lang would have fit this moment perfectly. (OK it occurred to me when I was typing this, but can't you just hear it and doesn't it fit? -smiles-)
Wish I could put all my pics here, but check out my flickr, I'll have them up there. Well at least some of them will be there. I'm past my limit and all the pictures didn't upload. I'll have to make a decision, upgrade or wait. Waiting is free, upgrade 25 bucks. Hmmm. 25 buys more yarn...delima! -smiles-

I leave this post with the Italian water garden. Just breath taking, isn't it?
Gearing up for the 4th of July celebrations (I Love fireworks!), and cruising city events. Happy holidays to all!

Tagging is Evil!

2010-06-26T01:43:00.000-04:00

Just when I was content in my stupor, a certain Stephcuddles has tagged me. I should have known it was coming. I have been dropping meanie (but humorous) comments on her blog. I think I have accidentally indenture her to jumper making for her mum. Hey, its my job, I am an enabler. I wear the badge proudly lol.
1. Whats your staple meal (ie. what meal do you cook most often when you can't be bothered to be adventurous)?
   I'm ashamed to say it's the Bird Nest Breakfast. Wheat toast with the center torn out and replaced with an egg in a frying pan. When it's set, sprinkle with sharp cheese and add bacon on the side.  It;s quick, it's filling and sometimes I add carrots to ease the guilt -smiles-
2. What do you want to be when you grow up?
   Happy!
3. What book are you reading at the moment? (if any)
   Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. An Oprah's book choice (which drew me in) A series of short stories around a certain theme. Just finished the first short story, holding my opinion for now.
4. How do you relax?
   TV playing, stereo blasting, Internet surfing and knitting. With a cup of coffee by my side and a cookie or twenty, err I mean two, yeah that's it.
5. What color are the interior walls of your home?
   White. My place is so small, so white seems to expand it nicely. However my kitchen is baby blue. I know it's an off color for a kitchen, but I like it.
6. What is your guiltiest pleasure?
   On line yarn shopping is at the top of my list. (someone help me please!) Followed closely by Biscoff cookies (drooling) I LOVE THEM!!
7. What time is bedtime and getting up time?
   On work days I get up between 4:35 and 5 am, and go to sleep between 10 and 11pm. (I'm so trying to change my ways on the sleep time, but I have issues; the Internet) On my days off, anytime. I try to get the sleep I need.
8. How long do you spend reading blogs (per day or per week)?
   I try to keep it to a few blogs. Most are very interesting and attention grabbing and if I had my choice I would read them all day. Another reason why I go to sleep so late.

I'm finished! Whew!

Very little progress on my gray shawl. In fact it's hibernating in a secret location where I kicked it. I need a little time away from it. It kept messing up and making me rip it back numerous times. I blame the shawl, it needed discipline, Ive acted. That'll teach the other UFOs (unfinished objects) to behave or a kicking is coming. Sorry, sometimes you have to take a firm hand with knitting! -smiles-

I have started a new shawl with lace weight yarn and for the first time, beads! It's looking good and I haven't had to rip back but once (saw where I had split the yarn and had to tink back) I don't know if you can see the beads, but they're in there! Hoping this one can be finished soon.

A Little Walk About

2010-06-13T23:33:00.000-04:00

After work on Saturday, I decided to take my camera out and shoot a few pictures of my journey from work to downtown. I can't use a camera in work, so I have a few distance pictures ('cause I didn't think of this idea until I was at the trolley stop) Since I'm a snap-aholic. I've shot too many pictures to feature here but I thought I would do a few.

This is where I work (sorry it's the back end), the Postal Service. Sounds glorious until you work there, but hey it's a job and I'm glad I'm working. (at least that's what I keep telling myself 'cause crying is not an option)

The trolley stop and mini mall in the back ground. Notice the lovely array of colorful trash on the tracks? Courtesy of the Junior High Schools in the area. I don't believe I was ever as bad as these kids!

Thought I'd take an inside trolley shot. I did warn I was a snap-aholic! Not a bad shot without a flash.

The city has many little beautifying projects. The mosaic pictures to give a plain wall a little umph and to make the bikers lane a bit more pleasant.

Several of the schools paint the walls with designs and murals to combat urban graffiti.

This is the beginning of the downtown area. The train station is such a beautiful building. My camera doesn't do it justice.

Right across the street from the train station is the old post office building, where I used to work before the transfer to the newer building. I miss working downtown.

Inside of the train station.

Yep there's a pub inside the train station. Don't think it's very pub like, but I have nothing but movies to go by.

This statue is dedicated to the fallen soldiers who worked for the rail road. It's beautiful and intimidatingly large. I couldn't get a clear shot of the faces.

The dedication plaque.

But it's a haunting look. It's an angel lifting those who lost their lives to heaven.

On a lighter note, this shoe shine station has been in the train station since the beginning. Believe it or not, folks still get their shoes shine, men and women, and this shoe shine place is a family business. Amazing but I think it will not remain that way. The guy who shines is getting older and I haven't seen an apprentice yet.
Just a bit of my city and a bit of my afternoon. I have many more pictures, but that's for another day. This remains me of the movie "Baby's Day Off"?? I think that was the name. All I need now is three bumbling felons...smiles

LYS Are Evil, but JoAnns, Not So Much.

2010-06-10T21:53:00.002-04:00

I have split days off, so on Wednesday (day off), I decided to visit Jo Ann's fabric store. If you sew, then this store is for you. If you knit, not so much. Their selections are limited, (yes, I've become a yarn snob), however I still buy yarn from there because I am a yarn addict and there's no cure. ( and if there was I'd probably run the other way!) I can sew a little, but not enough to be tempted to buy a sewing machine. They have lots of quilting stuff, but not into that either. If you're a dedicated scrapbooker, (yep was into that for a bit), you are in luck there too. Jo Ann's has lots of books, videos and classes you can take to scratch that crafting itch, but, it lacks that certain atmosphere that only Ma and Pa LYS (local yarn shops) can provide. Before my down slide into yarn snobbery, JoAnns was a golden beacon in a thrifty crafter's life. Now, eh, not so much. My downward spiral started with Hand Maiden Sea Silk and I've been falling ever since.(check my pockets and all you'll find are bits of cream that was use to soothe George, Lincoln and Andrew's burns after a fast exit out of my pockets!) -smokin!-

The simple never ending shawl is beginning to tick me off. It's so simple that I keep making dumb mistakes and have to rip back. Thank The Yarns (catchy phrase??) that I use life lines. Without that spark of knowledge, inanimate objects would suffer mightily!

Shawl of Misery at Jo Ann's

Going to try beading the next one.

I love pineapples...can you tell???

I never leave home without my backpack!

A closer look at Shawlzilla

My goal for the next few Wednesdays are to visit the local yarn shops (LYS) in my area and snap a few pics to show you what I mean about atmosphere and charm. I call them evil 'cause they make money disappear from your wallet and all you are left with are armfuls of beautiful yarn and some chips ('cause you spent your lunch money....again...sigh)

My Mini Holiday Is Over and All I Got Was Too Much Rest!

2010-06-02T23:39:00.001-04:00

Hysterical but true. There can be such a thing as too much rest. My schedule is all messed up. I have always been more of a night person and my mini vacation has flipped me back to the dark side. I should be sleeping now, but instead I'm blogging. Before that I decided I needed to clean stuff. Why. because I got too much rest. Now everything is half done, half out, half clean, half piled up with no where to be. I have to be up like 5am and I am so not sleepy. I'm in deep, deep sheep chips -smiles-
The only good thing that came out of my night rummaging, is that I found more yarn for my shawl. I was so happy. It was like manna from heaven. I wanted a full shawl and now I can have that and its the same dye lot. The pain in the butt is going to be undoing the bind off, but I don't care, I have more yarn and my wrist and thumbs are doing better. Here's hoping that going back to work doesn't undo all the good that's been done!
Now for the shame on me part. I didn't do any baking like I hand intended. It was really humid this weekend, Mon&Tues and I do not have air conditioning at the moment. That may change very soon as I hate having to wring out my pillow. (now that's a visual)-smiles-
Now to make Steph Cuddles day -smiles- she has a lovely blog and really takes good and interesting pictures along with interesting tidbits of her day. One to check out.
Found my camera!!! Night rummaging sometimes pay off. Soon as that baby's charged up, I'm back with photos!

Me VS The Machines. Machines Are Winning, Film At 11

2010-05-28T22:27:00.001-04:00

Ok there really is an electronic revolt at my home. My computer keeps acting up, my camera is MIA, my new mouse tried to go on the lam (found the critter hiding under yarn on my desk) and my printer stop working. Paranoia? I think not! Then again maybe every thing stop working because of fear. I have a little mutant dust bunny problem. Why can't I get rid of the bunnies? 'Cause they ate the broom and use the dust pan as a skate board. I just have way too many problems!!! -smiles-

My wrists and thumb are feeling better but I'm not sure they're up to "Rambo" knitting. Gonna take it easy. Maybe I'll do a dishcloth or a gauge swatch (egads me swatch...I know I'm desperate!) Anyway I'll try it in between baking cookies. (that's if the stove hasn't joined the revolt!)

'Cause I Like It That Way

2010-05-23T23:12:00.000-04:00

I love getting packages in the mail. The excitement and anticipation of opening something you've waited for, the realization of your conquest, and the satisfaction of holding your yarn babies in your hand. (yeah its about yarn -smiles-)

I ordered gloss lace yarn from Knitpicks in fiesta (red) and ultramarine (deep blue), and I can't wait until I can knit again. I see shawls in my future and I'm getting my things bagged with the pattern (a major first for me) in anticipation of my release from non knitting h, e, double hockey sticks (cheesy grin) It's amazing when you are denied access to something you want. It makes you want it even more.

Still reading trashy stuff. Just how many books does the series Rouge Angel have?? Every time I look there's another one in the series. I'm thinking the author has rabbit genes!! Did come across a book, The Warded Man by Peter Brett, that was excellent at least by my standards, (Sci Fi/Fantasy addict), and would recommend it with great enthusiasm!

Didn't get a chance to try out some of the recipes from Steph Cuddles, but I will shoot for next weekend when I really have the time to bake and sneak in a little knitting to see if the thumbs and wrist will hold up, but until then, I'll just stalk lace patterns. knitting blogs, and Ravelry (legendary site for wool handlers)

Bad Luck...Takes A Lickin' But Keeps On Tickin'

2010-05-19T12:18:00.000-04:00

My iPod hates me and is in cohoots with my computer. Together they have sabotaged my DVD player just when I got it working again and my computer refuses to play my DVDs. I expect to see the Terminator any minute now.

I don't know what I did to piss of the Techno Godletts (probably that phrase among many), but without my knitting to soothe and calm me, I've got a bat and I know how to use it!!!! Argh! Can't anything go my way even once??? Actually I shouldn't complain (fat chance) 'cause my computer has been good to me for the last few years, however, just like a marriage it's beginning to get that "itch" that only veiled threats can abate, or overt threats that only a swinging bat can convey. Yep I need knitting 'cause I'm actively considering violence towards inanimate objects and I think they're thinking the same thing...hmmmm

In brighter news -smiles- I've made a few yarn purchases in anticipation of knitting again (whenever that is). Nothing earth shattering, but for some reason, I am leaning towards the color pink. I'm guessing pink is a soothing color and naturally I want my angst to be gone. Still looking for my camera and wondering if it's join the electronics revolution against me. What color soothes paranoia??? -smiles-

Another Saturday Night and I Ain't Got No Knitting...Cha Cha Cha

2010-05-15T23:09:00.002-04:00

I've injured my wrist. Too much knitting, gaming, texting and did I mention I type for a living?? My thumbs are killing me so I'm going down the icy road (ice wrist wraps) and have given up knitting, texting and gaming for awhile. Geez who knew my life was so wrapped up in those three things, and it's killing me! I can do without gaming for awhile, if I must. I can ease up on texting, (egads), but putting down knitting has forced me to do something I have given up for awhile.

I must shamefully confess I am now reading novels. Yep it's trash reading time, since I can't create lovely things from my needles, I'll just mess up my mind with trashy books ('cause I don't want to do anything that will expand my mind -lol-), and since I am a shameless Sci Fi/Fantasy addict, guess what shelves I've been cruising at Borders. Catching up on a few series like Kelly Armstrong's Men of the Other World (trust me I've read them all-not trashyat all but it popped up first in my mind); Outlander by Diana Gabaldon ( some of that should be read with feet in cold water or wrists -smiles-) and Alex Archer Rouge Angel series (yep I said series...yeah I'm ashamed but entertained!) It's not replacing knitting, but I do what I must so that I can continue to knit, swear, rip back, re-knit, lose my place, short row by accident, look blankly into space and wonder how the heck did I knit that, forget the instructions, look for the instructions, try to wipe coffee off the instructions, run off another copy of the instructions, drop a stitch, repeat...Yep I'm a knitter and not a quitter. (and just abit off balanced) -smiles-

I've Been Touch by Charlie Brown..Or Murphy's Law...

2010-05-12T21:46:00.001-04:00

My life right now is the pits. I'm computer depressed 'cause nothing is the same. My comfort level is gone, and am mourning the differences (n the fact that I have to update everything endlessly!) At this rate I might as well update to windows 7. OK I'm not that depressed! -lol- Yeah I know windows 7 is great, but so is XP 'cause I know how it works from long days and nights of fighting with it. We were friends, but that darn mouse, well, you know that story. Still waiting to hear from the taxidermist.

Knitting is getting better. Almost finished my shawlette and have started another one in the same pattern but with lace yarn this time. Yep I made a mistake already, but it was due to police activity and I was being really nosey. Do street dealers really think no one is watching? I walk around in a fog most of the time and I have notice them. Would be nice if there were no more illegal drug trafficking in this world. I tinked back to my mistake and now am back on track. Also waiting for cotton yarn to start lacy hand warmers for summer. I'll post pictures later when I find my camera.

I love lace and I am so determined to become good at it that I am always searching for simple lace patterns to try. It's an obsession and I have loads of lace yarn that must be used before they find my body (I'm sure it will be with knitting in my hands and hoards of pretty and colorful yarn at my feet), and muggles, (non-knitters), will shake their collective heads and wonder why I had so much yarn. Knitters will nod their collective heads in understanding, and keep an extra eye on ebay ( when it comes to yarn, knitters can be a bit cutthroatish) -smiles-

Mouse, 1...Me, Crying

2010-05-09T01:23:00.002-04:00

Yep the revolt was successful. That darn mouse drove me to tears. It blew out my system so I had to reformat the hard drive and lose mostly everything...including parts of my mind that make me civilized! Technology is such a two way sword, but why is it that I'm the one with the knife wounds??? Argh!
Thanks Shellie for the suggestion, but I had already taken it apart, clean out the dust and stuff, and put it back together, um, so totally wrong that the lights on my mouse didn't blink anymore. I never said I was a mechanic and you should never, ever take something apart in anger. It'll never be like it was, then again, what is these days?
I bought a wireless mouse. The old mouse is going to a taxidermist to get stuffed and hung on my wall. Yeah, I'm into tech trophies -smiles- Hopefully in a week everything will be up and running as close to normal as possible. Despite all the tech drama, I managed to keep knitting on my shawl and it's my only bright spot in a crazy week. It's growing and I realized that I don't have enough yarn to make it as big as I now want it. It was suppose to originally be a kerchief from another pattern I just couldn't get the hang of and now I'm so loving the ease of this pattern, that I want to make it gigantic but two little words are stopping me...dye lots. Whats a shawl addicted knitter to do???

We Need Computer Jail

2010-05-05T01:23:00.001-04:00

My computer has taken me hostage. Just when I needed it the most. It decided to make demands that I could not fulfill. My mouse stop working. I refuse to get another mouse and have been fighting with it for 4 days. Today I won, tomorrow, who knows??? I'm taking advantage of the lull in the battle to get stuff done before "mousy" decides to act up again. I'm of course thinking conspiracy as the world is addicted to computers and the "mice" are beginning the revolution. Well the revolution may be missing this darn mouse, 'cause I demand obedience from my rodents. -smiles-
Knitting is coming along slowly. As my shawl grows (yeah baby, it's growing!), I need longer (cable length) needles. I order them from Jimmy Bean but haven't heard anything as yet. I'm liking this pattern so much that I'm thinking of doing it again but with beads. Yep, I'm branching out.
Funny thing overheard on the bus...Elderly woman was talking (loudly) on her cell phone and was telling her friend that when she places her order she can get her free shipping for free. We are a scary nation!

knitcroblo7-WHAT A YARN-Creatively Dyed Yarns

2010-05-02T00:01:00.000-04:00

Creatively Dyed Yarns. This women has great color sense and I love, love, love her yarn. First found her when I visited Stitches East last year and nearly went crazy by all she had to offer. Just ordered a few skeins from her, (yes I am constantly stash building because I have squirrelish tendencies), and she wrapped each skein in tissue paper tied with ribbon and sent little gifts that made me feel so special! Please check out her website http://creativelydyed.com/ . Now, have I knitted anything with this beautiful yarn? No. Why? 'cause I'm looking for that special project to use this yarn. I love looking at it, touching it and petting it. It just makes me happy and fills my head with dreams of knitting greatness. I know when I finally find that special project and use my yarn, heavenly choirs will sing, monks will chant, knitters will swoon and I will be awarded the coveted "Knitter of the World" trophy. -lol- Until then, I'll just keep my yarn babies safe and let the wonderful colors inspire me!

It has been such a pleasure blogging and reading participating knitting and crocheting blogs this week. It's amazing the talent knitters and crocheters have, and the stories that were told. Some blogs were poignant, while others were very funny; but all revealed a little bit of the inner light in us all. I hope that this event happens again and that we can all get an update on life in the knitting field.

knitcroblo6-Revisit A Past F/o

2010-04-30T23:08:00.000-04:00

My favorite f/o, so far, are my several pairs of fetching hand warmers. My red ones are for special times, but my gray ones are the work horse. I nixed the wrist cable but kept the top cable in place. They go everywhere with me, (right now they sit in my work locker quitely waiting for pick up), and keep my hands warm in the office and sometimes on cold buses and trolleys. The are fuzy, pilling and a few stitches are kinda big around the thumb, but I love those gloves (make with Lion Brand Wool-ease) and will probably make another pair (love the pattern) 'cause they're quick, sorta mindless and you get beautiful results.

knitcroblo5-Location, Location, Location

2010-04-29T23:11:00.000-04:00

My usual favorite spot is in front of the computer, with a cup of coffee and the tv on. But lately, I have found I like the light better in my work place cafeteria. I like the natural light so much, that I actually get to work an hour and a half early just to knit by the big windows. On nicer days, I go out on the shaded balcony and enjoy the cool morning breezes and the view. This morning ritual of mine really relaxes me and I get a lot of knitting done. I have found I make fewer mistakes in the morning, when I'm awake and alert, than in the evening when I am tired from fighting rush hour traffic, rush hour people, rush hour street projects etc...I just enjoy quite rested moments of knitting.

knitcroblo4-A New Skill

2010-04-29T05:52:00.000-04:00

Yep it's lace again. I am obsess with it. It's a skill I want to master. I have done everything in knitting at least once, (not always successfully), except for steeks. Kind of afraid of that particular skill set. I just can't see cutting anything I have knitted no matter what. I know it's a part of the mastery of knitting, and if I am to grow I have to step out on that ledge, however, I'm toe gripping that ledge with all my might!!! -lol-

My other rising obsession is learing how to spin. I have bought a spindle, a dvd and a book. My yarn looks like an overfed twisted snake on steriods, and I have been discouraged. I have put it aside for now, (until that I can't do nothing right feeling goes away), and I will try again. I love hand spun yarns and am amazed that yarn can be spun by the average person and then knitted into a garment. My real fear is that I'll want to go even further and wrangle fleece away from sheep. Oh knitting is such a slippery stepping stone!!!

knitcroblo3-One Great Knitter

2010-04-28T01:56:00.000-04:00

I know most people will sing of the greatness of Elizabeth Zimmerman, and rightly so, but for me it was Stephanie Pearl Mc Phee, The Yarn Harlot. Her books gave me a whole new perspective on knitting. Not only was she informative, but she made it ok to laugh at yourself. She opened up a new world of knitting for me by letting me know that all the crazy things that knitting can do to you, you were not alone in its insanity. I felt an instant bond with her books and her blog. Her words always seem to say, it's ok, you can do it and keep on knitting 'cause it will get better. For me, she has made knitting the enjoyable obession.

An Inspirational Pattern -knitcroblo2

2010-04-27T20:00:00.003-04:00

Lace, lace baby. Love love love lace! But I have Lace ADD. The simplest pattern throws me for a loop. I stalk lace shawls everywhere, but have yet to make or finish one! I love the feel, the look and drool when I see other knitters lace shawls. It's what I aspire to. I dedicated this year as the year to conquer the lace shawl. I'm starting with a seemly easy one, (the key word being seemly) and I've already ripped it back several times (thank goodness I was made aware of life lines!), but I will not give up! When I think I will never complete this project, I go to Raverly and gazed upon the millions of beautiful completed lace shawls and I say to myself, "One day I will finish too". Then I wake up in the shower and I'll have dreamt it all -smiles-

HOW AND WHEN DID I BEGIN KNITTING/CROCHETING? knitcroblo1

2010-04-26T13:18:00.004-04:00

As you can see by the banner at the top of my post, ('cause I don't know how to add it to the blog template), I am joining the Knit & Crochet Blog Week. Each day a topic is given to blog about and then linked together so that the reader may enjoy each blogger's memories and comments. Genisus idea except for those of us who are tech challenged. I will blog, but I may not be joined. I just don't understand all the tech stuff. Someone forgot to send me the manuel and any other excuses I can think of. There are many excuses and I will partake of at least seven this week. -smiles-

HOW AND WHEN DID I BEGIN KNITTING/CROCHETING?

It began as all things begin, I saw someone taking brightly colored thread, two sharp alumnin sticks making loopy stuff with it. I immediatly stop running with scissors and decided to learn this dangerous craft. I needed to wheel the short pointed sticks of destiny! Ok , ok I'm dramatizing just a bit, but it did all started when my best friend, Dar, was learning how to knit and I wanted to learn because it really look interesting to me and if my best friend was knitting, then I was knitting too. I was very attracted to puzzles back then, and knitting was a puzzle to be solved.

We were in the fifth grade and she showed me all she knew and I figured out the rest. I remember making a blue and pink handbag. Now that I think back on those days, I was pretty intuitive because she never showed me how to change colors, how to bind off or how to sew up the bag, but I figured it out all by myself. At the same time my younger sister, Neice, showed me how to crochet, and I made several vest and a few half hlankets (never finished them) but she had only showed me how to do a chain and single crochet and I leaped into crochecting from there.

How I wish that fire didn't burn out when I was young, but knitting was not like it is today. I didn't resume knitting faithfully until I was 50. Here and there throughout my life I dabble; making toys for my girls, a few hats, a few scarves. a vest, a sweater for a dear friend and a rug ,but the flame didn't last long. One night I felt I needed to create something with my hands. The urge was so strong, that I was searching through my closets for something to make and I came across some old yarn, needles and hooks. It stared the flame anew and I've been at it ever since. I am not lightening fast (more like one step before the tortoise), but I get things done. My love of knitting is a comfort to me and the beautiful colors and textures of yarn seals my affection. Oh yeah, and Raverly fuels my addiction!!! But I'm loving it!

Hello, Jamica...Anyone home???

2010-04-25T18:15:00.005-04:00

I, like everyone else, ignore warning signs. I brush off occuring symptions as coincides, not realizing that my brain is trying to tell me something's up. I walk in a fog of denial and uncertainty. Yes, it was right there in front of my face, but I, like everyone else, couldn't see the forest for the trees. When I realized what was going on, it was too late. I was in the chaos of the aftermath of the Penn Relays. Yeah I know, it comes every year, just like Christmas, however I don't have to wade through hordes of similiar dress athletes and their camera toting families. And must every car in the city tie up Chestnut and Walnut streets, really??

Ok mini rant, but I waited for bus for a long time, and let's say a very steady wind made the corner rather cold and me without a COAT! I am not against the relays, I'm just mad because I didn't take note of the warning signs. The first sign came thursday when I kept seeing people jogging up and down chestnut street in matchng sweatsuits and name tags.

Second sign was the Bolt bus literally bulging with people, (with cameras and name tags), and that loud "hey we made it chatter", that can make you grind your teeth. (and must it always be the loudest when I walk by) (really??)

Third and finally sign was the cheesey and cheap white t-shirts being sold on every corner. Someday these guys will realize that if you have nice printed t-shirts with quality material that doesn't look as though a good wind will rip it to shreads, you may make some serious money and people won't want to call a cop to get you moving along 'cause you and your buddies look like robbery suspects. I'm just saying.

The country of Jamica was in attendance at the relays. How do I know this?? "Cause they all dressed up in the colors of their national flag and was wandering all over chestnut street. I am wondering if there are traffic lights in Jamica, because they just wandered in the streets moseying along like a two thousand ton car couldn't possible hurt them. Oh and I kept hearing "Yo, mon" which I believe is the offical phrase of Jamica. The reason the country was empty, their native son, Bolt (gold olympic winner), was running in the relays to try and beat his top winning time. Don't know if he did it, but I'm sure if he didn't, he probably just said," Yo, mon, maybe next time eh?" It's a Jamician thing, and I, I just don't understand.

Knitting is coming along. I knit better in the morning and with lots of coffee. I am rethinking next month's no purchased food thingy. I can't live without McDonald's coffee so I think I will make that the exception to the rule because technically it's not food, just affordable rocket fuel.....wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Damp, Cold and Smelling Like Spring

2010-04-21T14:58:00.005-04:00

For those who do not appreciate the cool, damp, rainy, green goodness of spring, look at the snowy picture and stop complaining! How soon we forget about the 100 inches of snow that crippled our little city. It's spring people, and she is showing us her greenery, her blooming flowers and that wonderfuly pleasing scent of deeply rich, freshly turned soil that can only mean a sleepy earth is stretching and unfurling her beauty. It's the season of renewal and hope, and the promise of good things to come. Yes I'm waxing poetic because seasons like this inspire one to appreciate the beauty of the world despite the woes of so much drama in the world today. I want to appreciate the semblance of innocence while I can. Because I know, just like the sweetness of innocence, one day someone or something will force us to lose it, and I know its name; life.

Lazy, Cold and Loving It!

2010-04-18T15:50:00.003-04:00

I've been trying to load pictures into my blog for several days now and I finally had to take the silk road to do it. Maybe now my blog will be more picture-esk.

The dreaded (and sometimes welcomed) lazies attacked me today. I was up early enough to go to church, but couldn't find my pantyhose and just didn't want to show up in boots again (and not the pretty kind either) My shoes are big in some places and tight in other so I must wear knee highs so that I won't rub the skin off my feet. I am determined to make it next sunday with everything ready in advance and no excuses. (let's just see how that goes, shall we? -smiles-)

Although this project is shown in my flicka feed, I wanted to show you a picture of my shawl in progress. Now is has been ripped back a few rows because of trying to juggle several things at once and an annoying co worker, (to be later named), that distracted the gangees out of me (cutting down on curse words) and I mucked up. (suitable subsitution don't you think??

My pride and joy so far are the lace gloves. I won't be abel to wear them until the fall, but who cares? I think they are so pretty. I really didn't think I could do them, and had to rip them back several times, but there they are. They were a nightmare to do, especially when I had to rip one of them down to the cuff because I was knitting two right hand gloves. Patience, determination and heavy drinking got me through.-smiles- Just kidding on the patience...lol

So Many Bills...

2010-04-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

So little money. I figure if I stop eating or needing light or gas, I might have enuff money left over for quarter candy. ('cause penny candy is so far in my past!)
Gonna try something new in May. I'm going to give up processed foods, no buying meals either I cook it or its a salad. Hopefully I'll have a new coffeemaker by the end of the month and then, no more McDonalds coffee (egads!). I want to see if I'll feel any difference in my moods, my sleep patterns and my health in general against the raging, spasmic, stay up all night crazy that has become me. ( I never promise sanity only restrained psyhcosis!) -smiles-

I Don't File No Stinkin' Taxes!

2010-04-14T11:44:00.001-04:00

Yeah I'm just doing them now. Why? Because I like pain, and tears, and angst, and gnashing of teeth and pulling out my hair. You would think by now I would have learned, but alas, each year I experience Tax ADD. Will be calling my sister for help 'cause I'm annoying that way. So sis if you're reading this don't even try to run and hide. I will find you!!!!! -smiles-
Went to a knitting social which consisted of the teacher, me and no frickin' one else. Not very social, but it was all good for me. She gave me one on one instructions and I showed her a few things she hasn't seen since the stone ages...did I mention she was as least 500 years old??? Ok, maybe not that old but oh so close! She was nice but she kept talking to me like I was drooling idiot trying to catch invisible butterflies. I held any sharp retorts (a major victory for me) and just let it be. I don't know if I will attend the next social, but I am actively looking for a younger group (by her standards)
Spring is back in force and I for one am glad it has returned. Too early for hot, sticky weather so the return of the cool is much appreciated.
What's up with all the earthquakes??? Did someone run that super collider that was suppose to be on hold until further investigation?? If so, I think I need a paddle!!

There's A Shawl in my Future

2010-04-11T12:40:00.004-04:00

I have finally found a shawl pattern that I think I can complete in a month. It's a garter stitch diamond lace shawl pattern by KnittyDebby I bought on Raverly and so far it's easy going. Yes I've already ripped back twice, but that was due to work distractions. Sitting here quietly and paying attention to what I am doing has helped in a big way. Not being bone tired at the end of the day makes a huge difference too. I sit here in front of the computer with my cup of coffee, my knitting and feeling restorative from a good nights sleep. I think I can get some serious knitting done today. Here's to a good start!
I would have published a picture but it seems the blogger site is having problems...oh well

Snagged by the movies..

2010-04-08T21:31:00.000-04:00

Ok I know I was suppose to enojoy the city, but on my day off I wanted to go see a movie because I'm use to free popcorn on wednesday. AMC can really get you addicted to popcorn fast! Went to see "Why Did I Get Married 2". Lets just say skip it and don't even buy the bootleg version. The acting was terrible (Janet Jackson), the situation ridiculos (come on once a year have a "Why did I get married" vacation to spout why did I get married on a platform on the beach? Really??), and the best non essential acting roles and situations of the film played by Lou Gosset Jr and Cicely Tyson. The best "yeah right" moments played by Jill Scott and her husband going on vacation on their last dime (neither one is working,and haven't been working for six months), but we're going to spend our last dime because we needed to relax. The movie is unnecessarily long, (someone please find Tyler Perry a good editor), and oh yeah, the threat towards the end of the film that there will probably be a 3rd movie with the surprise appearence of a certain actor. Let's just say I can smell, what he's cooking. I am so disappointed with Tyler Perry. Someone needs to really tell him he can't do it all and make him listen.

Other than my few hours of wasted time, the day was beautiful and I really enjoyed myself. Better, cooler weather tomorrow woohoo! I love the cool,

Ehem..Calling Spring. Please report!

2010-04-07T12:16:00.005-04:00

Not ready for this hot weather! I enjoy the coolness of spring and the promise of summer, not the other way around. The electric company must be doing a little jig about now. They are going to have fists full of cash. Lucky them.

Went down town yesterday and it was suprising pleasant. I really enjoyed walking around and decided I might try that again if the movies do not tempt me again. I saw a movie last night. Hey I'm off on wednesdays so I can sleep in. The movie, City Island, was totally enjoyable. The location was fabulous and of course finding out that the Bronx had beautiful beach areas and that it also has an island attached was a surprise. The movie is about a family having secrets, some totally funny and a few tragic, how these secrets are pulling them apart and how they ultimatly come together in the end. Yes it's a standard movie formula, but let's face it, we like standard movie formulas because they are comfortable, likable and warms our hearts. We want to see how the directors will stir the formula but we know deep inside how it will all end and with that comes satisfaction.

Will soon start a new project since I am finally finished with the gloves. Just have to weave in a few ends and block. Will post a picture later. My first pair of gloves, lace at that, and now to struggle with either a shawl or a hat. A hat may be quicker but I really really want to do a shawl. I'm in love with them and the need to make one with my own hands is my desire.

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T21:00:00.000-04:00

Hey a 2nd post. Trying to do this on a day to day basis until I can get back into the swing of things. Going out to enjoy the day and find unique opertunities. Don't know what I meant about that but knitting is involved somehow.
Went to the movies and saw "Clash of the Titans". It was ok. Time for the storyline to catch up with the special effects. You can only wow a person by so much before getting bored. Maybe the 3d Titans didn't have that "seen that", effect.
Still working on my lace gloves. I know I won't be wearing them till winter comes around again, but at least they will be done and the matching shawl, I hope.
Having problems with lace and the counting that's involved. I must have that special disease, Lace ADD. There's a pill for that, right?

It's been a year...

2010-04-03T18:03:00.003-04:00

Ok I know it's been awhile and I should really be ashamed of myself, but I'm back now so let there be light!! Well that sounds better in the movies. I have not been doing anything super important just a case of the severe lazies (bordering on depress) but spring is here and I feel like busting out of my inner and outter confinements. Lovely weather and I'm feeling good. I am going to try to post more but am not going to drive myself crazy doing it. No more pressure.

I'm Ba-a-a-c-k!

2009-04-10T17:55:00.009-04:00

Haven't blogged for a bit, but it can be like
that sometimes. My fingers have been busy, knitted
up a few things and am working of a few things. I'm
feeling the risings of spring and just don't want to
be house bound.

A triple cable beanie. Too small for my head so it
will probably be a gift in the near future. I like
the way the picture came out - looks kind of artsy!

The pattern is the Vermount Leaves Hat from Knitting in
the woods. I should say beanie. It's a cute one and a
future gift -smiles-

Starting a hat I know will fit me! The original pattern is
from Lionsbrand free patterns "Lace Beanie" and to knit
from the top down, but I decided to knit from the bottom
up and make it lace beret all the way to the top. Wish
me luck!

Lovely gray color and its Lion Brand cotton blend yarn.
Soft to the touch and a pleasure to work with.

I know I'm picture crazy, but I wanted you so see all
the angles!

This is a knitted sample. I want to test out
the new Ecco yarn from Bernat Cot'n Corn. It's a
little splitty, but nice to work with.
I think I'll make and adult size hat with
this!

I'm sure my neice has a doll for this hat!

Now I decide to post?

2009-03-23T00:03:00.002-04:00

I should be asleep, but here I am posting
at last. Haven't been post friendly, but
just at this time, I felt as thought I
should write down something. I'm odd that
way at times. Have done a few projects
since the last post, two more hand warmers,
a red cable hat (being blocked) and a gray
cable hat on the needles. Even though the
weather is finally trying to get warmer,
that wont stop me from knitting wintry
things. (trust me winter always returns)
Will post more if I can stop keeping
cranky baby hours!

This is another rainbow fetching revised,
I made for a certain someone of the daughters
best friend persuasion.

and a pair of light gray ones for me,
with a hat to match later.

Happy March 1st

2009-03-01T02:16:00.008-05:00

Today we "March" towards spring. Of course
a winter storm is on the horizon, but that
is the nature of March. Last month,
Fetching February, involved a lot of time
with glove knitting. Just want to say to
those folks who keep pestering me,
"Leave me alone, Sarah"! Daughters can be
so pesky! Bella it's finally done and I
hope you like it. Here's the pics!

I made myself a gray pair to match my store
bought hat. Changed the pattern abit but
I like them!

Rainbows are a-here!

2009-02-22T13:20:00.003-05:00

The bright and cheerful rainbow Fetching are done!
Got a lot of comments on the color as I was knitting
around the city. It brought smiles to everyone and it
gave me an idea. My camera is really not up to par, so
next month I'm investing in a good camera and taking
it on the road with me to take pictures of the city
along with what I'm knitting, (a la Yarn Harlot and
my niece Bella in the city), and post. There are
several really nice yarn shops around the city and
I'll start posting them here. Just something new and
interesting to do. Sarah, come and get 'em! Bella, is
you crazy, what's this two-fer stuff??? -smiles-

Pink Fetching Nightmare

2009-02-20T21:56:00.009-05:00

Looks like Bella is going to have to wait abit for
her fingerless gloves. The yarn that was picked out
is EXTREMELY unruly and way to slippery to work fast
with. So sorry Bella, but it might take another week
or two. The good news is that you will be able to
wear those gloves into the spring because they are a
bamboo acrylic blend. Warm and lightweight at the
same time. I hope you APPRECIATE the gloves Bella
'cause they're driving me quazy!

In the meantime, I have started the "Rainbow Fetching"
for a certain cousin of yours that probably wants to
"Fat Tuesday" in 'em....Check out the pics

Finished!

2009-02-17T01:08:00.005-05:00

Finished my hand warmers and they came out nice!
Thought you would like to see pics. That yarn
was a pleasure to work with!

Am starting the hand warmers for Bella. Since she
loves pink, I'm sure she'll love this!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-02-14T23:04:00.005-05:00

It was a nice day today. I went to visit my daughter
and she cooked me breakfast, and was a very proper
hostess. I had a surprise for her. I made her a
little purse and put the pink "Fetching" hand-
warmers in it for a Valentine's surprise gift. She
was surprised by the purse but she had figured out
the gloves were hers. If I post the stuff I am doing,
then nothing is quite a secret, eh? Yesterday was my
birthday and the only cloud on my day was a few of
my nieces (all but one) did not wish me a happy day.
So Bella, the next "Fetching" is for you, for a lovely,
soothing, balmy gift (smiles) and not forgetting me.

Here are a few pictures of the purse. I am starting to
get really talented! LOL

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

2009-02-13T13:13:00.015-05:00

Today is my birthday. I took the day off and now I'm going
to indulge and enjoy myself. Looking forward to being
happily surprise by all the things I find today and hoping
the pleasures of the day are good. That card was sent to
me by my best friend since kindergarten, Darlene. She never
forgets me no matter what. She's a very good friend.

I am a "Fetching" machine. Made several hand warmers, but
the ones I am working on now is for me! A lovely Chili
Pepper red with gloss and sheen and softness. An indulgence
for sure!

This yarn is beautiful!

Lovely pink, don't you think? And a bold
and beautiful red!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

2009-02-04T16:58:00.006-05:00

Globs of beautiful snow fell last night in Philly and made
the city seem pretty and serene. I love to look and smell and
experience snow when it first falls, then I want the stuff to
take a hike the next day. Sounds terrible, I know but that stuff
can be treacherous as well as fun. Folks just don't know how to
drive in it and pedestrians can't seem to figure out that it
takes times to stop in that stuff and will just walk out in
the street like it's summer. I blame cell phones and just
plain dumbness. Put the two together and you have disasters
all around here. Even though I like the stuff it is a two
edged sword.

Still working on "Fetching" and it's driving me crazy.
Can't seem to get the cables going in the opposite direction
to look good. I've now ripped that glove down 6 times and I
think I'm going to take a break away from it for awhile
before I break

It's February

2009-02-01T17:38:00.004-05:00

My birthday month is here. Send in the clowns, on second thought, don't send those creeps in. I dislike clowns. As a child I really enjoyed them, but as I became more aware of the world, clowns are on my suspect list. I just feel behind every crime on this planet, a clown is behind it. Check the facts, you'll find a clown somewhere in the mix!
Starting a new project while the other one is drying. Pink "Fetching" gloves. Just started them today, and looking good. Hope to finish in a few days.

At Last

2009-01-21T12:01:00.000-05:00

Our new president and first lady gave us a beautiful moment this past tuesday, January 20th 2009. Their first dance together was at the Neighborhood Ball, which was a great idea, to the glittering eyes of their admirers. Me included! It was one of the warmest moments of the day and that song will ring in my heart forever. In my lifetime, wonder still exists.
I am getting better. I didn't over dose on the otc drugs, but I wanted to. I haven't been sick like that in a long time and I got the flu shot! Well I said I was going to start eating healthier and that sickness has given me the boost I needed. I don't want to be sick like that ever again! I still have one ear blocked. chest cracking cough and wheezing like a gnarled old troll. At least I can get back to knitting and focusing on a certain little sweater.

I'm Sick

2009-01-14T22:54:00.000-05:00

Fighting colds, and wanting to curl up and cry. Too sick to blog but I wanted to let anyone know if they are interested in my well being, I'm on the edge of od-ing on otc drugs. Geez, I hate being sick...

Hoodies are not winter coats!

2009-01-12T20:27:00.000-05:00

Is it me, or has the world gone wild with hoodies? It's 36 degrees, it's the middle of winter and most of the Philadelphia's are wearing hoodies and I mean only hoodies.
It's crazy and no wonder everyone is sniffling, coughing, sneezing and making me
extremely paranoid. I'm a germ-a-phobic, and I want Philadelphia's to put some clothes on darn it! I now have a sore throat and barely a voice to sing. (However the sounds coming out of my mouth now seems to attrack frogs of various species)
( they keep leaving wet three toe prints on my floor which is kinda of annoying) Anyhoo if I come down with pneumonia, blame the Philadelphia's, all of them!

Making small sweaters are fun! Its still a WIP (work in progress {knit speak}), but I should be done by the weekend for sure. Check out my pics
!

One for the Road

2009-01-10T19:58:00.000-05:00

I seem to only attract one follower, my niece, Bella, and I totally appreciate not only the fact you read this, but you comment too. It makes me feel like a star-a one fan star- but at least I'm shining. -lol- I am now doing this on a semi-daily basis and hopefully I'll be just like Bella! -ok Bella you have a gigantic plug, hook an auntie up and get the rest of the family to read and comment- I also read a comment about an afghan. Didn't realize Afghans were that colorful for a war like people. lol

Severe Memory Loss

2009-01-09T21:02:00.000-05:00

I remembered writing about cutting down on my outside eating. Well that got shot to hell but I keep telling myself it's a process. (that's gonna be a major chant this year). Train station and Deliahs-need I say more. Looks like I'll need help with my
new way of life. I wonder if I can hire a good eating hit man. Just when I raise some
junk to my mouth, the hit man would jump out snatch it and run off. Of course that
describe most thieves with jewelery, but there's got to be an industry there!
Taking a small break from my regular knitting and trying my hand at baby clothes.
Don't know why I got this urge to try and knit baby clothes. Hmmmm.....lol

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-01-07T11:47:00.000-05:00

Yeah I know it's late but really really heartfelt! Hmmm....does sarcasm come over well in print?? New year, new objects.

1. Get my self together

2. Remind myself to read one

I'm going for simplicity this year. Really trying to stay well because the past year and even into this year I have been overly sick. Going to turn a new leaf and eat more of them too!! Will cut out my outside eating to once or twice a week (that will be the major challenge of my life because I really hate to cook) and drink, drink, drink. With a water chaser (smiles)
Example of the knitted dickeys I gave to most of my family before I burned out. Working on a few I missed, so don't tell them shhhhh. Because between me and you, blogs are so secrective! lol

Time Flies and Blogging Dies...

2008-12-27T23:43:00.001-05:00

Well maybe just take a refreshing dirt nap. My niece "Bella" has forced me to blog again and has tidied up my blog page abit. I am always starting something, letting it go, and finding it later, rolled up in the corner cowering from mutant dust bunnies. My problem is I start too many projects and then get interested in something new and shiny when it come along. I'm thinking maybe my family tree have a few ravens in it. I know, no excuse but it's the way of the knitter. We form our own mazes and then get lost in them. This Christmas I make my family dickeys with head bands. Sometimes you want to skip the scarf wrapped around your neck and wear a dickie that you can pull up to over the mouth and nose during those super brisk days, Here's hoping that everyone loved it. Pictures to follow soon or if my family is reading this, maybe they will post a picture with it on...HINT...

What a difference a few months make!

2007-10-07T22:14:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I've been away from this blog all this time. Did I really start in May??? Guess what, none of those projects got finished. Life interfered and now that things are kinda back on track, I have picked up the needles again. Here are a few things I have finished and some of them really look good. (smiles)

This was my first felted project. I think it turned out pretty good. It's suppose to be a cell phone holder, but it turned out a little bigger that I thought, but I like it.

This was my first attempt at lace knitting and it nearly brought me to tears. After the 5th rip down of the lace part, I almost quit, but decided to continue on circular needles and lots of little markers and it was so much better after that.

My lace hat, the pattern came from Lions brand yarn, kicked my butt the first time, but the second time (picture below) it was a breeze. That was done in superwash wool by Modea.

May 20th 2007

2007-05-20T15:12:00.000-04:00

Are these gloves just to die for??? It may be out of my league, but I figure, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I love the pattern and the yarn. I could possible get these done by Christmas ! -smiles-

This is for the little lace purse I so fell in love with! I think I might start this one while I'm doing the the broken rib hat. Love the feel of the yarn and am rocking with anticipation!

I've finally started the broken rib baby hat in my favorite color, purple or lavender, and its coming along rather well. The going is slower , but I figure with more practice, I should be getting up to speed soon. The yarn is from Lion brand baby soft lavender, and of course I pick up a few skeins in different colors and one lucky baby is going to have a bunch of cutie stuff. (lets hope!)

Now if I can only keep my hands off the knitting accessories! Knit Picks has become a favorite place for me to sink a small fortune in. I can't resist their free downloads of nice patterns and of course I have to buy the yarn to match. I've already lined up two projects to follow the baby stuff, or to do it simultaneously as sometimes my attention span can be rather short. Yeah, I have focus problems. I think my computer is one, and that annoying job thingee is the other. -smiles-

I'm getting use to blogging, so please forgive if things seem crazy. Just realized that the pictures go up instead of down and I can't seem to more them around once uploaded. I know I could move the words around, but that would be too involved!! Hope I get company soon.!

May 17th 2007

2007-05-17T20:31:00.000-04:00

Still excited about starting a blog and a new project. Decided to try baby clothes to see if I can make cute purple (my favorite color) stuff. Bought a book on baby hats and booties and doing the broken rib hat, with booties to follow. If I am successful, babies will be cheering everywhere. Now I'll have to try and learn how to work the darn camera so I can do pictures. Sometimes this upload business, is giving me the business. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Getting Started

2007-05-16T14:48:00.000-04:00

After viewing the many knitting blogs, (and feeling quite envious), I decided to try and start my own. It won't be pretty in the beginning, however, as time rushes by (I'm past 50, so time tends to zip by on high speed roller skates), I know I will improve. As for the knitting, ah well, love to stash and collect, but now that I have these things, I guess I'll have to knit too. Life just seems to keep throwing these little complications in, like turning a stash into wearable art, but I know I can do it, if only because I started this thing and have to see it through. So don't expect any miracles here, or any real progress! (smiles) I'll be plodding along at turtle speed until I get the gist of things. and then, watch for the smoke rolling off my needles. (yeah, I probably left them near the stove again)