My FFBE pal is great - I got the cutest e-card with animated sheep you've ever seen!
Last night, I finished knitting my knit the classics project. Now I have some embellishments to add. I'm not thrilled with it, but I learned a few things while working on it, and that's always good. I also have little boy's wallaby going - the bottom ribbing is going, and working on the body is on tonight's schedule. I've cast on for my Pay it forward project (two spots left - anyone want in?). I'm thrilled with the color of the yarn. I also have big boy's scarf started - although, barely since I frogged it and started over. It's just garter stitch, so it gets kind of boring.
Other things I want to knit that aren't technically on the to-do list: Mittens, dishcloths, hats for various-sized children. I just put the little ones down for a nap, and am hoping to knit for a little while this afternoon.
Happy knitting!
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Pink Aluminum Needles
You are pink aluminum.
Retro, straightforward and fun, you love classic things. If they're 99 cents at Goodwill all the better! You are moved by striking colors and tasty morsels, and you like a stitch-n-bitch session in the sun. Just remember, while you're being kitschy cool, don't get too cold. Ice cubes are best kept in your cocktails, baby!
Retro, straightforward and fun, you love classic things. If they're 99 cents at Goodwill all the better! You are moved by striking colors and tasty morsels, and you like a stitch-n-bitch session in the sun. Just remember, while you're being kitschy cool, don't get too cold. Ice cubes are best kept in your cocktails, baby!
What kind of needles are you? Take this quiz to find out!
P.S. Thank you, FFBE Pal, for my e-card. I love it!
Family and Friends
My cousin Jenn came to visit me yesterday! We drove to Rockport, and had so much fun walking around, checking out all the little shops. Our favorite was Nordic Impressions - I resisted the beautiful table runner, but did buy Jenn her birthday gift:
Although we're excited about several different pancake recipes, we find the blodpolse a little disturbing (primary ingredient - 3 quarts of blood.) I don't think we'll be making lutefisk anytime soon. I also have to say, little girl and boy were incredibly well behaved during our trip. They walked a lot, went into a lot of stores, and weren't allowed to touch very much. But, they were their charming, beautiful selves all day!
After a pizza dinner at home, Jenn and I visited the Fabric Place for yarn (Jen knits!) I bought some Cascade 220 for my knit the classics project. Jenn bought some super-soft yarn for a scarf.
This morning we had breakfast (Norwegian pancakes, of course!) and then hit the local pond here for a couple of hours before Jen drove home. Kids were very sad to see Aunt Jenn leave, and they dealt with their sorrow by taking extra long afternoon naps. Hooray! Mommy got a nap too. I woke up to discover that DH had stopped home, brought in the mail, and I had a package! In the package was this:
My Pay It Forward Swap package from Moriah. Two beautiful wash cloths in the loveliest shade of pink, and handcrafted soap that smells wonderfully. I don't know how well it shows up in the picture, but those are CABLES in the top washcloth. Thank you, Moriah! This is my first swap package EVER, and I love it! Thank you doubly, because I know how busy you must be with classes.
That reminds me, I still have some open spots for Pay It Forward, and I need to get to work on Jen's package. I know what I'm knitting, I just have to knit it! If you're interested in participating in the Pay It Forward swap, leave me a comment!
Although we're excited about several different pancake recipes, we find the blodpolse a little disturbing (primary ingredient - 3 quarts of blood.) I don't think we'll be making lutefisk anytime soon. I also have to say, little girl and boy were incredibly well behaved during our trip. They walked a lot, went into a lot of stores, and weren't allowed to touch very much. But, they were their charming, beautiful selves all day!
After a pizza dinner at home, Jenn and I visited the Fabric Place for yarn (Jen knits!) I bought some Cascade 220 for my knit the classics project. Jenn bought some super-soft yarn for a scarf.
This morning we had breakfast (Norwegian pancakes, of course!) and then hit the local pond here for a couple of hours before Jen drove home. Kids were very sad to see Aunt Jenn leave, and they dealt with their sorrow by taking extra long afternoon naps. Hooray! Mommy got a nap too. I woke up to discover that DH had stopped home, brought in the mail, and I had a package! In the package was this:
My Pay It Forward Swap package from Moriah. Two beautiful wash cloths in the loveliest shade of pink, and handcrafted soap that smells wonderfully. I don't know how well it shows up in the picture, but those are CABLES in the top washcloth. Thank you, Moriah! This is my first swap package EVER, and I love it! Thank you doubly, because I know how busy you must be with classes.
That reminds me, I still have some open spots for Pay It Forward, and I need to get to work on Jen's package. I know what I'm knitting, I just have to knit it! If you're interested in participating in the Pay It Forward swap, leave me a comment!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Tea for 4
Saturday afternoon, little girl and I took my mother- and sister-in-law to tea at the Concord Colonial Inn. Tea is something my MIL always wanted to do with my SIL when she was little, but never got the chance.
Little girl was in her dressiest dress, and wore her little white hat (and just now I'm remembering that she has white gloves she could have worn too!) The tea room is BEAUTIFUL! There were flowers on the table, and beautiful, mix-and-match place settings. While examining all the different tea cups in the room, little girl decided she wanted a cup with little rosebuds all over it. I love that she knows what she wants! I'm not much of a tea drinker, but I enjoyed the vanilla tea that I ordered for little girl, and the crimson berry that I had. The tea was the perfect temperature, and I think that's key.
Here is the food plate (with my SIL in the background):
The top plate is currant and tea-infused scones served with strawberry preserves, butter, and Devonshire cream. I don't know what Devonshire cream is, but it's really good! There were three kinds of tea sandwiches - chicken salad in filo cups, port-soaked pears with cream cheese, and cucumber, roasted red pepper, dill, and cream cheese. I particularly liked the cucumber sandwich. I wish we served more than one sandwich of each kind, though. Little girl was served pb&j finger sandwiches. Dessert was a variety of fruity and nut things, and English toffee (toffee = heavenly good!). Little girl got an ice cream sundae, but it had so much whipped cream on it, she wasn't very interested.
Overall, though, it was a great experience, and I'm glad it's something my in-laws got to do. I also have to give a shout out to Norm, the tea guy. He was so great with little girl, and really made sure she felt involved. We sniffed all the different teas, and Norm always let her sniff first. Thanks, Norm!
In knitting news - I've completed the ribbing for the bottom of little boy's wallaby, and started, frogged, and started again big boy's scarf. I'm also having a ton of fun reading people's responses to the 3-2-1 Contact Contest for the FFBE.
Happy Knitting!
Little girl was in her dressiest dress, and wore her little white hat (and just now I'm remembering that she has white gloves she could have worn too!) The tea room is BEAUTIFUL! There were flowers on the table, and beautiful, mix-and-match place settings. While examining all the different tea cups in the room, little girl decided she wanted a cup with little rosebuds all over it. I love that she knows what she wants! I'm not much of a tea drinker, but I enjoyed the vanilla tea that I ordered for little girl, and the crimson berry that I had. The tea was the perfect temperature, and I think that's key.
Here is the food plate (with my SIL in the background):
The top plate is currant and tea-infused scones served with strawberry preserves, butter, and Devonshire cream. I don't know what Devonshire cream is, but it's really good! There were three kinds of tea sandwiches - chicken salad in filo cups, port-soaked pears with cream cheese, and cucumber, roasted red pepper, dill, and cream cheese. I particularly liked the cucumber sandwich. I wish we served more than one sandwich of each kind, though. Little girl was served pb&j finger sandwiches. Dessert was a variety of fruity and nut things, and English toffee (toffee = heavenly good!). Little girl got an ice cream sundae, but it had so much whipped cream on it, she wasn't very interested.
Overall, though, it was a great experience, and I'm glad it's something my in-laws got to do. I also have to give a shout out to Norm, the tea guy. He was so great with little girl, and really made sure she felt involved. We sniffed all the different teas, and Norm always let her sniff first. Thanks, Norm!
In knitting news - I've completed the ribbing for the bottom of little boy's wallaby, and started, frogged, and started again big boy's scarf. I'm also having a ton of fun reading people's responses to the 3-2-1 Contact Contest for the FFBE.
Happy Knitting!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Quick Contest
Hey - Jacqueline is having a little contest to celebrate her blogiversary. Go leave her a comment to celebrate and tell her I sent you!
3-2-1 Contact
The first contest for the Fall Felted Bag Exchange! Here goes:
1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why?
I have to say Lamb's Pride, because thus far, it's the only kind I've used. I'm interested to see what other people are using, before I pick out the yarn for my bag for this swap.
2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog.
Nicola S. is from Cheshire, UK.
3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog.
Alana has two dogs - Jayda and Flex.
4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog.
Cheryl has two boys, and she lives in Massachusetts like me!
5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why!
This is tough for me. I love Thanksgiving and Turkey bowl football. But, I think I'm going to have to go with October. I love how the leaves are still falling, and it's usually great weather to be outside with the kids. And now that I have kids, Halloween is so much fun! Last year, my daughter was a puppy, and she got such a kick out of having a black, eyeliner nose!
1. What is your favorite yarn for felting, and why?
I have to say Lamb's Pride, because thus far, it's the only kind I've used. I'm interested to see what other people are using, before I pick out the yarn for my bag for this swap.
2. Name one person in the swap who is not from the U.S. and tell us where they are from, and link to their blog.
Nicola S. is from Cheshire, UK.
3. Find one person in the swap who has a dog, and let us know the name of their dog(s) and link to their blog.
Alana has two dogs - Jayda and Flex.
4. Find one person in the swap who has a child or grandchild and link to their blog.
Cheryl has two boys, and she lives in Massachusetts like me!
5. And finally, tell us if you like October or November more, and why!
This is tough for me. I love Thanksgiving and Turkey bowl football. But, I think I'm going to have to go with October. I love how the leaves are still falling, and it's usually great weather to be outside with the kids. And now that I have kids, Halloween is so much fun! Last year, my daughter was a puppy, and she got such a kick out of having a black, eyeliner nose!
Friday, August 24, 2007
Boys' Clothes
I've heard from my Fall Felted Bag Pal! Hello, out there, secret pal! I hope you're having as much getting to know about me as I am getting to know my swappee (or, is the person I send to my swapper? Far too confusing...)
Yesterday, I finished Big Boy's hat. I didn't use a pattern. Instead, I used the information in the Yarn Harlot's book Casts-Off to make it up as I went along. I feel so smart! The pompom isn't quite right. I haven't sewn it on yet. I've started a matching scarf, and I'm hoping to have enough yarn left over to redo it. I'm fairly certain it will fit him - we'll find out when he opens it up on Christmas morning! The Boy is here tonight though, so no working on gifts for him! Instead, DH, Big Boy and I played several games of Sorry!
And then I cast on and started the ribbing for Little Boy's Wonderful Wallaby. I ordered the pattern through Linda, and I must have reminded her the Wallaby exists. She's running a class in September. Sadly, I won't be in the Buffalo area until October. But, my mom is taking the class, so she'll be able to help me over the phone. I'm very concerned about joining the pocket.
Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed about picking up stitches. I'm ready to give it a try!
Tomorrow, Little Girl and I are taking my mother- and sister-in-law out to tea. We're all very excited!
Yesterday, I finished Big Boy's hat. I didn't use a pattern. Instead, I used the information in the Yarn Harlot's book Casts-Off to make it up as I went along. I feel so smart! The pompom isn't quite right. I haven't sewn it on yet. I've started a matching scarf, and I'm hoping to have enough yarn left over to redo it. I'm fairly certain it will fit him - we'll find out when he opens it up on Christmas morning! The Boy is here tonight though, so no working on gifts for him! Instead, DH, Big Boy and I played several games of Sorry!
And then I cast on and started the ribbing for Little Boy's Wonderful Wallaby. I ordered the pattern through Linda, and I must have reminded her the Wallaby exists. She's running a class in September. Sadly, I won't be in the Buffalo area until October. But, my mom is taking the class, so she'll be able to help me over the phone. I'm very concerned about joining the pocket.
Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed about picking up stitches. I'm ready to give it a try!
Tomorrow, Little Girl and I are taking my mother- and sister-in-law out to tea. We're all very excited!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Enough is as Good as a Feast
I read that line somewhere, long ago. It stuck with me. When I was finishing up lil' Grace's hat, it popped up again. This is the hat.
And this is how much yarn I had left when it was done.
Isn't enough as good as a feast? So often, I dream about having more. My husband and I are on a budget. We don't go on fancy vacations, we use coupons, we rarely go out to eat. But, we are genuinely happy. I'm blessed enough to stay home with my kids, and pick up consulting work here and there. I LOVE being home with my kids - they are so much fun! I LOVE consulting, and helping parents/caregivers address behavior issues so that kids can be more settled and happy.
Isn't enough as good as a feast? Sure, it would be nice not to ever worry about money. But, money has always come at just the moment we need it. Sure, I'd love to go out for a great steak dinner, complete with cheese fries, and garlic mashed potatoes, and fancy chocolate cake for dessert. But - it's not a very healthy meal! I can grill steak at home, skip the fries, make the mashed potatoes and a not so fancy cake, and enjoy the meal just as much. Sure, I'd love to own a house in a "nicer" neighborhood. But, our apartment is exactly what we were looking for. We have a big backyard to play in, our landlords are WONDERFUL people who adore our kids. The city we live in offers a TON of free stuff for families, including free playgroups.
Isn't enough as a good as a feast?
In the Bible, Jesus says: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
So, I don't have a lot of yarn left over from this hat. But I had enough to make the hat! Isn't enough as good as a feast?
And this is how much yarn I had left when it was done.
Isn't enough as good as a feast? So often, I dream about having more. My husband and I are on a budget. We don't go on fancy vacations, we use coupons, we rarely go out to eat. But, we are genuinely happy. I'm blessed enough to stay home with my kids, and pick up consulting work here and there. I LOVE being home with my kids - they are so much fun! I LOVE consulting, and helping parents/caregivers address behavior issues so that kids can be more settled and happy.
Isn't enough as good as a feast? Sure, it would be nice not to ever worry about money. But, money has always come at just the moment we need it. Sure, I'd love to go out for a great steak dinner, complete with cheese fries, and garlic mashed potatoes, and fancy chocolate cake for dessert. But - it's not a very healthy meal! I can grill steak at home, skip the fries, make the mashed potatoes and a not so fancy cake, and enjoy the meal just as much. Sure, I'd love to own a house in a "nicer" neighborhood. But, our apartment is exactly what we were looking for. We have a big backyard to play in, our landlords are WONDERFUL people who adore our kids. The city we live in offers a TON of free stuff for families, including free playgroups.
Isn't enough as a good as a feast?
In the Bible, Jesus says: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:25-27)
So, I don't have a lot of yarn left over from this hat. But I had enough to make the hat! Isn't enough as good as a feast?
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
So Much to Learn
I joined the Football-a-long because I like to watch football, and I tend to knit while I'm watching. The first project is for the charity Cubs for Kids. You're supposed to make a sweater for a bear. I can't make the sweater. Why not? I'm a knitter, I should be able to knit. Here are my list of pathetic reasons:
1. I lack the correct size dpns, and I've already spent my knitting budget for the month.
2. A sweater would require a lot of effort and help, and since I don't belong to a knitting group, I have to get my mom to help me. She lives 450 miles away.
3. I don't know how to pick up stitches.
It's #3 that's really the most problematic. I could probably move some money around and come up with $3-4 to buy some needles with a coupon at A.C. Moore. I could talk to my mom on the phone and send pictures through email. But, I'm reluctant to learn to pick up stitches on such a small sweater. At the same time, I've joined the fall felted bag exchange, and will need to learn to pick up stitches to make most of the bags that I've seen.
When I started knitting, I purposely planned every project so that I learned a new skill - knitting in the round, following a pattern, knitting cables, felting. That's been lost recently because I've just been knitting things I want to knit. But, I'm limiting myself. There are 4 full months left in the year, and I'm going to learn one new technique each week. Here's the list:
September: Picking up stitches
October: Following a lace chart
November: Fair Isle knitting
December: Socks
I would like to get to the point where I'm not afraid of a project, just excited to learn something new.
In the meantime, I'm sending my Cubs for Kids project without a sweater. Hopefully, some child will love the bear wearing the scarf and hat because it's not fancy work, and not in spite of it.
Happy Knitting!
1. I lack the correct size dpns, and I've already spent my knitting budget for the month.
2. A sweater would require a lot of effort and help, and since I don't belong to a knitting group, I have to get my mom to help me. She lives 450 miles away.
3. I don't know how to pick up stitches.
It's #3 that's really the most problematic. I could probably move some money around and come up with $3-4 to buy some needles with a coupon at A.C. Moore. I could talk to my mom on the phone and send pictures through email. But, I'm reluctant to learn to pick up stitches on such a small sweater. At the same time, I've joined the fall felted bag exchange, and will need to learn to pick up stitches to make most of the bags that I've seen.
When I started knitting, I purposely planned every project so that I learned a new skill - knitting in the round, following a pattern, knitting cables, felting. That's been lost recently because I've just been knitting things I want to knit. But, I'm limiting myself. There are 4 full months left in the year, and I'm going to learn one new technique each week. Here's the list:
September: Picking up stitches
October: Following a lace chart
November: Fair Isle knitting
December: Socks
I would like to get to the point where I'm not afraid of a project, just excited to learn something new.
In the meantime, I'm sending my Cubs for Kids project without a sweater. Hopefully, some child will love the bear wearing the scarf and hat because it's not fancy work, and not in spite of it.
Happy Knitting!
Monday, August 20, 2007
Irony
I work as a behavioral consultant. That means I work with parents & families, schools, and other child service providers around behavior issues. Last Thursday I did a staff training for early interventionists on biting and other aggressive behaviors. Ironically, yesterday in the church nursery this happened to little girl:
That, my friends, is a human bite mark. Poor little girl! She was holding a book, a little 23 month old boy tried to grab it, and when little girl didn't give it up, CHOMP! Thankfully, I was there when it happened and could comfort little girl right away. And, double thankfully, I so knew how to react! I think our tendencies when our children get hurt are to lash out and fight back on their behalf, no matter what. But, I completely understood that the poor little boy was overwhelmed and frustrated. I felt the worst for his mother because SHE felt terribly. In the end, the boy said he was sorry, and little girl said "Don't bite me!" I tried to get her to say "I forgive you", but she couldn't quite get that out. She has had all her shots, so we're just keeping antibiotic ointment on it. Little girl is enjoying pointing the bruise out to people.
In knitting news - I finished lil' Grace's hat. I'll post pictures and info. later.
Happy knitting!
That, my friends, is a human bite mark. Poor little girl! She was holding a book, a little 23 month old boy tried to grab it, and when little girl didn't give it up, CHOMP! Thankfully, I was there when it happened and could comfort little girl right away. And, double thankfully, I so knew how to react! I think our tendencies when our children get hurt are to lash out and fight back on their behalf, no matter what. But, I completely understood that the poor little boy was overwhelmed and frustrated. I felt the worst for his mother because SHE felt terribly. In the end, the boy said he was sorry, and little girl said "Don't bite me!" I tried to get her to say "I forgive you", but she couldn't quite get that out. She has had all her shots, so we're just keeping antibiotic ointment on it. Little girl is enjoying pointing the bruise out to people.
In knitting news - I finished lil' Grace's hat. I'll post pictures and info. later.
Happy knitting!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Felted Bags
I've been poking around the web looking at different felted bags, and here are some that I like:
The Noni Evening Adventure Bag. I had actually seen this as part of a trunk show at my mom's LYS, and loved it immediately. I don't know that I love the vine i-cord. I think I would love the bag just in plain black or brown.
The Balloon Bag. It's just super cute! It's listed on Knitting Pattern Central.
The Run About Bag. I feel kind of bad listing this one, because I don't think I have the skills required to knit it.
Sophie. I like that it's so classic, and could be done in ANY kind of color.
I also like market-type bags that you can just throw stuff in and go. Truly, there's just not very many bags that I look at and say "ick!" I'm pretty easy to please. I hope that's helpful to my fall felted bag exchange pal!
Happy Knitting!
The Noni Evening Adventure Bag. I had actually seen this as part of a trunk show at my mom's LYS, and loved it immediately. I don't know that I love the vine i-cord. I think I would love the bag just in plain black or brown.
The Balloon Bag. It's just super cute! It's listed on Knitting Pattern Central.
The Run About Bag. I feel kind of bad listing this one, because I don't think I have the skills required to knit it.
Sophie. I like that it's so classic, and could be done in ANY kind of color.
I also like market-type bags that you can just throw stuff in and go. Truly, there's just not very many bags that I look at and say "ick!" I'm pretty easy to please. I hope that's helpful to my fall felted bag exchange pal!
Happy Knitting!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Contest!
Hi everyone!
Check out this contest - it's fast and easy. Be sure to say that I sent you!
I knit a hat yesterday for Cubs for Kids as part of the football-a-long. Today, I'll work on the scarf. I'm not going to knit a sweater - time, stash, (and my skill level!) wouldn't let me finish on time. Hopefully, I can find a shirt for the bear at Michael's. I still have to put a pompom on the hat - I can't decide if it should be orange or black. The yarn was in my stash, but it's my high school colors. Go Amherst Tigers!
Somehow, I now have three projects going - Big Boy's hat, Lil' Grace's hat (a Christmas gift using the encore I have left from the second Ela's favorite hat), and the bear scarf. Craziness!
Also, as soon as the bear scarf is done, I need to cast on for my Tender is the Night project. It's not going to be the color I want it to be, because I'm using yarn from my stash, but I'm excited just the same.
(Across the living room, little girl is sitting next to Daddy as he naps on the chair. It's too cute for words!)
Check out this contest - it's fast and easy. Be sure to say that I sent you!
I knit a hat yesterday for Cubs for Kids as part of the football-a-long. Today, I'll work on the scarf. I'm not going to knit a sweater - time, stash, (and my skill level!) wouldn't let me finish on time. Hopefully, I can find a shirt for the bear at Michael's. I still have to put a pompom on the hat - I can't decide if it should be orange or black. The yarn was in my stash, but it's my high school colors. Go Amherst Tigers!
Somehow, I now have three projects going - Big Boy's hat, Lil' Grace's hat (a Christmas gift using the encore I have left from the second Ela's favorite hat), and the bear scarf. Craziness!
Also, as soon as the bear scarf is done, I need to cast on for my Tender is the Night project. It's not going to be the color I want it to be, because I'm using yarn from my stash, but I'm excited just the same.
(Across the living room, little girl is sitting next to Daddy as he naps on the chair. It's too cute for words!)
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Fitzgerald, WNY, and Lysol
Thankfully, all signs of sickness have left the house!
I've finished reading Tender is the Night, and am realizing there's no reason to make a flapper hat. There are no flappers in the book. I love Fitzgerald's references to places in Western New York. I have BEEN to Batavia many times (well, I've driven through it), and I have friends who live in Lockport. Hooray for WNY! I also learned that reading the classics takes away knitting time.
I have finished two dishcloths as a housewarming gift and the second version of Ela's favorite hat. This one WILL be wrapped up and given as a gift. (Is it bad that I lysoled the hat and cloths, just in case I had sick germs that will survive?)
I've cast on a hat for big boy. I wanted to make a striped stocking hat, but DH said the boy is too old for such cutsy-ness. I haven't found a pattern for a striped hat that I like, which means I'm making up my own pattern as I go along. I'm a little nervous! I'm using the Superwash Wool for Knit Picks in navy and green. I wish the green was a little more Kelly green, but the Dublin will have to do.
I finally got a sign-up for Pay It Forward. I know from my counter people are reading this - so c'mon! Sign up!
Also, if you're interested, check out the Christmas Around the World Swap. It's closing at 100 people, which I think leaves 10 spots.
Happy Knitting!
I've finished reading Tender is the Night, and am realizing there's no reason to make a flapper hat. There are no flappers in the book. I love Fitzgerald's references to places in Western New York. I have BEEN to Batavia many times (well, I've driven through it), and I have friends who live in Lockport. Hooray for WNY! I also learned that reading the classics takes away knitting time.
I have finished two dishcloths as a housewarming gift and the second version of Ela's favorite hat. This one WILL be wrapped up and given as a gift. (Is it bad that I lysoled the hat and cloths, just in case I had sick germs that will survive?)
I've cast on a hat for big boy. I wanted to make a striped stocking hat, but DH said the boy is too old for such cutsy-ness. I haven't found a pattern for a striped hat that I like, which means I'm making up my own pattern as I go along. I'm a little nervous! I'm using the Superwash Wool for Knit Picks in navy and green. I wish the green was a little more Kelly green, but the Dublin will have to do.
I finally got a sign-up for Pay It Forward. I know from my counter people are reading this - so c'mon! Sign up!
Also, if you're interested, check out the Christmas Around the World Swap. It's closing at 100 people, which I think leaves 10 spots.
Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Fall Felted Bag Exchange Questionnaire
- How long have you been knitting or crocheting? How did you learn? or from whom? I've been knitting since October, 2006. I learned to knit from Linda at Have Ewe Any Wool
- What was your first felted object, and why did you decide to try felting?
- What are your favorite colors? Any you hate?
- What are your favorite styles\types of bags? (Long straps? Short handles? Handbags? Totes? Embellished? Plain? Include links to patterns or photos if you’d like – give your pal an idea of what you enjoy!)
- What handbag or bag are you carrying today? Do you use a separate bag to carry your knitting?
- What other things do you enjoy knitting or crocheting?
- What sort of needles do you enjoy working with? (straights vs circs, bamboo vs aluminum)
- What’s one project you’ve not yet tried but are dying to make?
- What’s one yarn you’ve not yet tried but are dying to work with?
- What other hobbies do you have? Do you spin? Sew? Garden?
- Besides yarn, do you collect anything?
- What kind of goodies do you enjoy? Sweets? Salty? Anything you hate or are allergic to?
- Do you have any kiddos? (Furry kind count!)
- What kind of project best personifies you and why? I don't know! I haven't done many different kinds of projects yet. OH! I have it! I've knit 14 dishcloths this year, and none of them were for me. So, dishcloths - they're simple, they don't take a lot of concentration, and people really appreciate that you've thought of them. Plus, you can use whatever color floats your boat at that moment.
- What is your favorite part of Autumn? You can also share a special Autumn memory if you'd prefer!
- Tell us 3 things you would do if you won 10 million dollars in the lottery.
2. Buy a house
3. Have a huge party and pay for all my friends and family to travel to get there
Monday, August 13, 2007
Sick Day
Sadly, my little blog still doesn't receive a lot of traffic. But, I will keep reminding people about the Pay it Forward Swap.
This is based upon the Helen Hunt movie "Pay It Forward" and here are the details - copied from blog to blog:
"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."
So, if you're interested - leave a comment!
It turns out that I have strep throat too! DH deserves LOTS and LOTS of hugs when I'm better. He's still not feeling great, but he totally dealt with the kids almost all day yesterday so I could rest and recuperate. I went on antibiotics yesterday, and am feeling better today, but still a little feverish. The blessing of the day - so far the kids are not sick! I hate being sick in the summer! The good news is, I've read quite a bit of Tender is the Night, and am trying to think up a good knitting project that I actually possess the skills to do!
Happy knitting!
This is based upon the Helen Hunt movie "Pay It Forward" and here are the details - copied from blog to blog:
"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."
So, if you're interested - leave a comment!
It turns out that I have strep throat too! DH deserves LOTS and LOTS of hugs when I'm better. He's still not feeling great, but he totally dealt with the kids almost all day yesterday so I could rest and recuperate. I went on antibiotics yesterday, and am feeling better today, but still a little feverish. The blessing of the day - so far the kids are not sick! I hate being sick in the summer! The good news is, I've read quite a bit of Tender is the Night, and am trying to think up a good knitting project that I actually possess the skills to do!
Happy knitting!
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Perfect Day
I had a great day yesterday! If you discount the fact that my husband has strep throat and my daughter thought 3:30 a.m. was a great time to wake up. Other than that, I had a great day!
The weather was perfect - hot, but not humid. My softball team, the Park Street Pros, won their game, and as the lead-off hitter I hit a respectable 4 for 6. Both kids took a nap AT THE SAME TIME (I love when that happens), and then, I went yarn shopping. Not only did I go yarn shopping, but I went with coupons in hand. And the kids were perfectly behaved while I debated about what to buy. The blue encore is for a wonderful wallaby I'm planning for little boy for Christmas. The verigated pattons yarn is for another version of Ela's favorite hat. Why am I knitting another hat? I knit the original one (see picture above) for little girl's pal. But then little girl tried it on, and it's too cute to give away!
Following the yarn shopping, I swung by Barnes & Noble to buy Laurie Notaro's new book - and I had enough store credit to buy the book and get $0.68 back! This book is fiction, a departure from Notaro's autobiographical essays. I can't wait to read it!
However, I joined the Knit the Classics, so after the kids went to bed last night I sat in the backyard and read Tender is the Night. Sat in the backyard, by myself, in perfect weather.
It was a great day!
Happy Knitting!
The weather was perfect - hot, but not humid. My softball team, the Park Street Pros, won their game, and as the lead-off hitter I hit a respectable 4 for 6. Both kids took a nap AT THE SAME TIME (I love when that happens), and then, I went yarn shopping. Not only did I go yarn shopping, but I went with coupons in hand. And the kids were perfectly behaved while I debated about what to buy. The blue encore is for a wonderful wallaby I'm planning for little boy for Christmas. The verigated pattons yarn is for another version of Ela's favorite hat. Why am I knitting another hat? I knit the original one (see picture above) for little girl's pal. But then little girl tried it on, and it's too cute to give away!
Following the yarn shopping, I swung by Barnes & Noble to buy Laurie Notaro's new book - and I had enough store credit to buy the book and get $0.68 back! This book is fiction, a departure from Notaro's autobiographical essays. I can't wait to read it!
However, I joined the Knit the Classics, so after the kids went to bed last night I sat in the backyard and read Tender is the Night. Sat in the backyard, by myself, in perfect weather.
It was a great day!
Happy Knitting!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
K/C/C/S and PIF
As I was checking out blogs yesterday, I came upon this Pay It Forward Swap. I signed up on Knitting Med School Student's blog, and now it's your turn to sign up on mine!
This is based upon the Helen Hunt movie "Pay It Forward" and here are the details - copied from blog to blog:
"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."
So, if you're interested - leave a comment!
Last night I had a Knit/Craft/Chat and Snack event at my house. What a great time! About 12 ladies showed up, knitting, scrapbooking, cooking, and just hanging out and talking. This is the easiest get together I may have ever hosted. I vacuumed, made some brownies, and sat and knitted! I was working on a dishcloth - had to get it done, but it didn't need a lot of attention so I could chat away.
I'll try to post pictures later. I'm just too lazy to get up and get the camera right now!
Happy Knitting!
This is based upon the Helen Hunt movie "Pay It Forward" and here are the details - copied from blog to blog:
"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange! I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."
So, if you're interested - leave a comment!
Last night I had a Knit/Craft/Chat and Snack event at my house. What a great time! About 12 ladies showed up, knitting, scrapbooking, cooking, and just hanging out and talking. This is the easiest get together I may have ever hosted. I vacuumed, made some brownies, and sat and knitted! I was working on a dishcloth - had to get it done, but it didn't need a lot of attention so I could chat away.
I'll try to post pictures later. I'm just too lazy to get up and get the camera right now!
Happy Knitting!
Thursday, August 9, 2007
All About Me
My blog seems really uninteresting to me. And then I realize, if you're reading this, you probably know absolutely nothing about me, so what do you care what I'm knitting? So, I thought I'd properly introduce myself.
My name is Dorothy, and no, I don't have a dog named Toto. I'm a wife and a mom to a 7 year old boy (big boy - not mine biologically, but all mine in my heart), a 2 year old girl (little girl), and a 1 year old boy (little boy). (There's really nothing little about him - my parents have nicknamed him "Moose"; it fits.) Prior to being a mom, I taught students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Now, I do some consulting work with families, schools, and other agencies around behavior. Someday, I hope to be doing this as a "real job", instead of just a side thing. The little ones keep me far too busy to worry about any other job than raising them. Like all parents, I think my children are amazing, but I try to keep the bragging to a minimum.
I'm a Christian. That means I believe in the Bible, and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on a cross for my sins, and through His sacrifice, I am saved and am a child of God. This is an integral part of who I am, and I would love to tell you more about it - email me if you're interested.
I've been knitting since October 2006. I learned from Linda at Have Ewe Any Wool in Snyder, NY while visiting my hometown. Linda is great! She had me knitting in 10 minutes. I left the store to brush 4" of snow of my car - the Buffalo area was hit with an awful storm that left thousands of people without power for a week. It was very discouraging to not be able to knit after dark.
I have a list of things to knit, with the goal of learning something new with every project. But, of course, every project gets interrupted by other projects. My DH jokes that he eats yarn for dinner.
Besides knitting, I like to cross-stitch, but find it difficult to focus on with the kids around. I like to read. Some of my favorite authors are Jennifer Weiner, Jodi Picoult, and Laurie Notaro. I love playing softball, and am finally back into it this summer. I'm also very fortunate to have a decent size group of mom-friends with whom to have play dates and chats. I also have a great group of friends through our church, Park Street Church in Boston.
I guess that's all I can say about me right now. Hopefully, you feel like you know something about me now besides I knit with a lot of pink.
Happy knitting!
My name is Dorothy, and no, I don't have a dog named Toto. I'm a wife and a mom to a 7 year old boy (big boy - not mine biologically, but all mine in my heart), a 2 year old girl (little girl), and a 1 year old boy (little boy). (There's really nothing little about him - my parents have nicknamed him "Moose"; it fits.) Prior to being a mom, I taught students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Now, I do some consulting work with families, schools, and other agencies around behavior. Someday, I hope to be doing this as a "real job", instead of just a side thing. The little ones keep me far too busy to worry about any other job than raising them. Like all parents, I think my children are amazing, but I try to keep the bragging to a minimum.
I'm a Christian. That means I believe in the Bible, and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God and that He died on a cross for my sins, and through His sacrifice, I am saved and am a child of God. This is an integral part of who I am, and I would love to tell you more about it - email me if you're interested.
I've been knitting since October 2006. I learned from Linda at Have Ewe Any Wool in Snyder, NY while visiting my hometown. Linda is great! She had me knitting in 10 minutes. I left the store to brush 4" of snow of my car - the Buffalo area was hit with an awful storm that left thousands of people without power for a week. It was very discouraging to not be able to knit after dark.
I have a list of things to knit, with the goal of learning something new with every project. But, of course, every project gets interrupted by other projects. My DH jokes that he eats yarn for dinner.
Besides knitting, I like to cross-stitch, but find it difficult to focus on with the kids around. I like to read. Some of my favorite authors are Jennifer Weiner, Jodi Picoult, and Laurie Notaro. I love playing softball, and am finally back into it this summer. I'm also very fortunate to have a decent size group of mom-friends with whom to have play dates and chats. I also have a great group of friends through our church, Park Street Church in Boston.
I guess that's all I can say about me right now. Hopefully, you feel like you know something about me now besides I knit with a lot of pink.
Happy knitting!
Another Contest
I just found another contest on the web. This one is Mandy's Candy Bag. The bag is too cute, and if you knit it and post a picture, you can win some stuff. I think it's the perfect size to give to little girl - she can have a few treats and then a new purse!
I'm currently knitting the I-cords for the top of Ela's hat. Hopefully, I'll finish tonight. Tomorrow night is knit/chat/craft and snack night at my house (it's actually the first one ever) and I'm hoping to be starting a hat for Big Boy for Christmas. Unfortunately, I can't find a pattern I really love, so I'll be winging it.
Did I mention I love hats? They provide such a sense of accomplishment in so little time!
Happy Knitting!
I'm currently knitting the I-cords for the top of Ela's hat. Hopefully, I'll finish tonight. Tomorrow night is knit/chat/craft and snack night at my house (it's actually the first one ever) and I'm hoping to be starting a hat for Big Boy for Christmas. Unfortunately, I can't find a pattern I really love, so I'll be winging it.
Did I mention I love hats? They provide such a sense of accomplishment in so little time!
Happy Knitting!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Swaps!
As previously stated, I started this blog because I want to participate in Swaps! It all started when I went to the Mason Dixon knitting site and discovered it was actually a blog. And then, I read about dish rag tag, but I was too late to sign up! I may never recover from the disappointment.
HOWEVER, I just found this fun swap - Fall Felted Bags
Check it out - I've made a few small bags, and I think it might be fun to do something in the medium size range. As an added bonus, there's a pre-registration contest. Plus, the buttons are too cute for words!
I'm almost done with Ela's Favorite hat - I love hats! They knit up so quickly!
Happy Knitting!
HOWEVER, I just found this fun swap - Fall Felted Bags
Check it out - I've made a few small bags, and I think it might be fun to do something in the medium size range. As an added bonus, there's a pre-registration contest. Plus, the buttons are too cute for words!
I'm almost done with Ela's Favorite hat - I love hats! They knit up so quickly!
Happy Knitting!
Project Completion!
I finished the baby blanket! Hooray! I also finished the gnome hat. Since I still have quite a bit of the colorspun yarn left, I've started another hat. This one is Ela's favorite hat from One Skein Wonders. The gnome hat will be going to Brooklyn at Christmastime, and ela's hat will be staying here, so I'm not concerned about eeking two gifts out of one skein of yarn. In fact, I'm pretty proud of my thriftiness!
Happy knitting!
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Project Progress!
I finished this hat for my nephew Joey. He's 16, it's his school colors, and maybe he'll wear it during spring lacrosse practice. It's not perfect - I've never done stripes before, and there were some issues dealing with all the loose ends. Plus, I wasn't able to hide to jogs as well as I would have liked. So many things to learn.... I'm definitely going to knit another one to correct those problems. Perhaps nephew Michael needs a hat too!
I found the pattern at The Brown Sheep's blog, but when I went back to put it here, the URL couldn't be found. She called it her two movie hat.
On other projects - the gnome hat has I-cord ties and a tassle. EVEN BETTER! The never-ending baby blanket is off the needles. I just have to figure out how to do the crochet edging. Actually, I need that skill for both projects.
In other news - baby Joshua is wearing his hat! Keep praying for him!
Friday, August 3, 2007
You don't knit for crack 'hos...
Quite possibly the best quote from Yarn Harlot last night at Borders. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is FUNNY - if you know enough about knitting to get her jokes. I've read a couple of her books, and not only do they make me laugh, I learn a lot at the same time! I wish my school textbooks were as entertaining.
But, I have to say, I've been contemplating her drug-addicted, naked in gold shoes neighbor. Why don't we knit for crack 'hos? We willingly bring hats to donate to charity - many of which go to homeless individuals. It's reasonable to assume these people have drug issues. Maybe we ignore it because there's no real face to them - we're just knitting for a multitude of homeless, no back story required.
I think the naked, gold shoed neighbor needs a handknit. (At least she wouldn't be naked anymore!) Maybe she needs to know someone thinks about her, and cares, just a little bit. In my Bible study we're studying Luke. Jesus says: "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you."
Who do you know who would probably take your coat - can you knit them a tunic?
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Pictures - Gnome hat/Baby Blanket
Okay, here are the pictures - the Gnome hat and the Primrose Never-ending baby blanket. Although the blanket never ends, I LOVE the pattern! It's easy and absolutely beautiful!
The yarn for the gnome hat is Encore Colorspun. I'm tickled with the way the strips turned out!
Enjoy the sunshine!
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