I know that I promised to update everyone on our trip to Buffalo. But, three Halloween parties in three days has kept us pretty busy!
We had a great time! I got to eat all my favorite WNY foods - I had a great fish fry, tacos from Mighty Taco, and a Wegman's Roast Beef Sub (which is really a D'Bella's sub). If you don't know what Wegmans is - it's the best grocery store in the world! In fact, they just won a Food Network Award. I mis Wegmans.
We had really great weather for most of our trip, and the kids walked just about every day. My parents live in a suburb with sidewalks with a good 10 feet between the sidewalk and the street, and their area isn't very busy, so it's easy to let the kids walk a lot. Little Girl and I went hiking one day with my Dad on Grand Island, and little boy got his first hair cut.
The last weekend we were there, my two aunts and my cousin came to visit. We all had fun, and one aunt, my cousin, and I visited Have Ewe Any Wool to celebrate Linda's 3rd anniversary as a shopowner. I bought some yarn for socks, and I'm trying to get through my Christmas knitting so I can get to the socks!
The trip home was uneventful, especially since the kids slept through Massachusetts.
TONIGHT - the Bruins play the Sabres, and I'm going to the game! (Is it wrong to wear a Bruins jersey but cheer for Buffalo?)
OH! I got my Ravelry invite today. My username is "Dorothy" (well, it wasn't taken yet), and hopefully I'll have something up there soon!
Happy knitting!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
October Hat/Scarf Swap
I took part in Crochetoholic Debb's October Hat/Scarf Swap. Look what Debb sent me!
The picture doesn't show everything as nicely as I had hoped! (Kids grabbing at things -had to to take it quickly!) Debb sent some BEAUTIFUL pink alpaca blend yarn. It feels so warm and cozy, and it's going to look beautiful in the pattern that she sent. There's also a GORGEOUS mug, which I realize is hidden in this picture. There's an adorable Halloween cross-stitch, and a pumpkin bath sponge, as well as 2 bath "squishys". There were also buttons and decorative beads, and these beautiful stitch markers:
Thank you, Debb, for such a wonderful package, and for hosting this swap!
The picture doesn't show everything as nicely as I had hoped! (Kids grabbing at things -had to to take it quickly!) Debb sent some BEAUTIFUL pink alpaca blend yarn. It feels so warm and cozy, and it's going to look beautiful in the pattern that she sent. There's also a GORGEOUS mug, which I realize is hidden in this picture. There's an adorable Halloween cross-stitch, and a pumpkin bath sponge, as well as 2 bath "squishys". There were also buttons and decorative beads, and these beautiful stitch markers:
Thank you, Debb, for such a wonderful package, and for hosting this swap!
Monday, October 29, 2007
FFBE AMAZING Package
The kids and I got home at dinner time last night, after a really wonderful visit with my parents (more about that tomorrow). I already knew my FFBE package had arrived, and I waited until after dinner to open it, which was hard, but I thought I should give my husband a little bit of attention before attending to yarn-related activities.
Anne is a GREAT swap partner! Check out all this stuff:
And then, there's the actual bag:
It's a purple gelato bag, and it's even lined! I can't tell you how much I love the gelato bag. It's not a mommy bag, it's a cute, girly, all I need is my wallet, lipstick, and keys bag. I LOVE IT!
Anne really paid attention to what I like - the frog stitch markers are adorable, and fit right in with my other frog-type things. (They're hanging out with the baseball frog right now to celebrate the Red Sox's win!)
(Hmmm. The photo is kind of blurry - I'll try to get a better one later.)
She sent THREE types of yarn - some Sugar 'n Creme for dishcloths, in pretty purple/fall type colors, blue malabrigo for mittens - I can't wait! I'm so excited to knit myself some mittens, and some lace-weight yarn (Have you seen the new One Skein Designer Wonders book? There's a lace dresser scarf I would love to try!)
And then, there were all the other goodies - candy and candy rings (Big Boy says thanks too!), a cat candle holder, a wonderful fall scented candle, a calendar mousepad (very cool), Halloween temporary tattoos (all three kids say thanks), potpourri (which makes all the yarn smell really good!), a Halloween themed grocery list pad, a knitting pad, and a Caribou who's been out raking. The caribou was especially appropriate, because little girl spent the last hour of the car ride home twirling her hair in her hands and telling me "I'm a moose."
Anne, thank you so much! This package was such a joy to open and look through, and I'm so excited to use the bag, and start knitting mittens! I'm just learning to read a chart for color, so I'm hoping to be able to figure out lace charts soon!
And now, for the final FFBE Question:
How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the bag you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!
I had a BLAST with this exchange. It's really my first swap that's not just a "Send off a quick package" kind of thing. I've loved reading everyone's blog, and wish some of you posted more! I LOVE the bag I received, and so appreciate how much the whole package was tailored to me (in fact, I was sort of hoping Anne was my partner, after she posted the gelato bag she was making, and I saw the frog stitch markers on her blog. Not that the rest of you weren't making beautiful things, but I REALLY like purple. And frogs. And the gelato bag.) I especially enjoyed the weekly questions, and that this swap was a 2 month affair. I liked having time to get to know my downstream partner before I had to assemble a package for her.
Thank you, Anne. Not just for my package, but for all of the hard work that you've done to host this swap!
Anne is a GREAT swap partner! Check out all this stuff:
And then, there's the actual bag:
It's a purple gelato bag, and it's even lined! I can't tell you how much I love the gelato bag. It's not a mommy bag, it's a cute, girly, all I need is my wallet, lipstick, and keys bag. I LOVE IT!
Anne really paid attention to what I like - the frog stitch markers are adorable, and fit right in with my other frog-type things. (They're hanging out with the baseball frog right now to celebrate the Red Sox's win!)
(Hmmm. The photo is kind of blurry - I'll try to get a better one later.)
She sent THREE types of yarn - some Sugar 'n Creme for dishcloths, in pretty purple/fall type colors, blue malabrigo for mittens - I can't wait! I'm so excited to knit myself some mittens, and some lace-weight yarn (Have you seen the new One Skein Designer Wonders book? There's a lace dresser scarf I would love to try!)
And then, there were all the other goodies - candy and candy rings (Big Boy says thanks too!), a cat candle holder, a wonderful fall scented candle, a calendar mousepad (very cool), Halloween temporary tattoos (all three kids say thanks), potpourri (which makes all the yarn smell really good!), a Halloween themed grocery list pad, a knitting pad, and a Caribou who's been out raking. The caribou was especially appropriate, because little girl spent the last hour of the car ride home twirling her hair in her hands and telling me "I'm a moose."
Anne, thank you so much! This package was such a joy to open and look through, and I'm so excited to use the bag, and start knitting mittens! I'm just learning to read a chart for color, so I'm hoping to be able to figure out lace charts soon!
And now, for the final FFBE Question:
How was your experience in the exchange? Did you enjoy the folks you met? Did you just love the bag you received? Please share any thoughts, criticism, and things you loved!
I had a BLAST with this exchange. It's really my first swap that's not just a "Send off a quick package" kind of thing. I've loved reading everyone's blog, and wish some of you posted more! I LOVE the bag I received, and so appreciate how much the whole package was tailored to me (in fact, I was sort of hoping Anne was my partner, after she posted the gelato bag she was making, and I saw the frog stitch markers on her blog. Not that the rest of you weren't making beautiful things, but I REALLY like purple. And frogs. And the gelato bag.) I especially enjoyed the weekly questions, and that this swap was a 2 month affair. I liked having time to get to know my downstream partner before I had to assemble a package for her.
Thank you, Anne. Not just for my package, but for all of the hard work that you've done to host this swap!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Visiting Grandma and Grandpa
Hello everyone!
Yesterday, I drove with the little ones to the Buffalo area to visit my parents. We're going to be here for a little over a week. Which, I have to say, is pretty exciting for us. However, it also means that I missed the package that arrived at my house yesterday. I can see it too - just as I pull around the corner, the mail truck stops at my house. So, if, say you are my felted fall bag pal or crochetaholic Debb, please understand why you aren't hearing from me. I contemplated having my husband ship the package to me here, but I didn't think I'd be able to talk him into it.
Also, I don't know how much I'll have to post between now and next week. Although, I am going to a Norwegian Mitten class on Monday at Have Ewe Any Wool.
Have a great week!
Yesterday, I drove with the little ones to the Buffalo area to visit my parents. We're going to be here for a little over a week. Which, I have to say, is pretty exciting for us. However, it also means that I missed the package that arrived at my house yesterday. I can see it too - just as I pull around the corner, the mail truck stops at my house. So, if, say you are my felted fall bag pal or crochetaholic Debb, please understand why you aren't hearing from me. I contemplated having my husband ship the package to me here, but I didn't think I'd be able to talk him into it.
Also, I don't know how much I'll have to post between now and next week. Although, I am going to a Norwegian Mitten class on Monday at Have Ewe Any Wool.
Have a great week!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
FFBE Question 4
My favorite Halloween ever, so far, is this one! We just had a Halloween Party for the kids yesterday, and it was so much fun! Little girl dressed up as a Pumpkin, and Little boy as a puppy. ALL of the kids who came to the party looked so cute, and they had so much fun! I had a ton of fun decorating cupcakes.
My friend Kim made these great popcorn hands.
I always had fun at Halloween as a kid, but I have so much MORE fun as a parent! I think I get more excited than the kids do for their little parties and Trick or Treating.
I've been working on hats for little ones, in between the busy-ness of my life this week!
Happy Knitting!
My friend Kim made these great popcorn hands.
I always had fun at Halloween as a kid, but I have so much MORE fun as a parent! I think I get more excited than the kids do for their little parties and Trick or Treating.
I've been working on hats for little ones, in between the busy-ness of my life this week!
Happy Knitting!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
My Winnings!
Look what I got in the mail yesterday:
I wish I could show you ALL of the designs. I really had no idea that women knit themselves entire dresses in a very fine gauge. I knew they WORE knitted dresses, I just thought they bought them. Here's an example of one of the outfits:
(Sorry about the flash. I should scan the picture, but I'm in a hurry.)
The yarn is a cotton/linen blend, and it's sort of a pumpkin color. Any suggestions on what to make with it?
I finished Big Boy's scarf during football on Sunday (Dallas lost to the Patriots. DH is very happy, I was very bummed. HOWEVER, my Cleveland Indians beat the Red Sox last night! DH is walking around calling me the enemy.) I've cast on a hat for a small child. I'm making matching ones for him and his new brother. BTW - if you remember, I posted about baby Joshua, born too early. Praise the Lord, he was released from the hospital last weekend, and went home weighing over 7 lbs!
Happy knitting!
I wish I could show you ALL of the designs. I really had no idea that women knit themselves entire dresses in a very fine gauge. I knew they WORE knitted dresses, I just thought they bought them. Here's an example of one of the outfits:
(Sorry about the flash. I should scan the picture, but I'm in a hurry.)
The yarn is a cotton/linen blend, and it's sort of a pumpkin color. Any suggestions on what to make with it?
I finished Big Boy's scarf during football on Sunday (Dallas lost to the Patriots. DH is very happy, I was very bummed. HOWEVER, my Cleveland Indians beat the Red Sox last night! DH is walking around calling me the enemy.) I've cast on a hat for a small child. I'm making matching ones for him and his new brother. BTW - if you remember, I posted about baby Joshua, born too early. Praise the Lord, he was released from the hospital last weekend, and went home weighing over 7 lbs!
Happy knitting!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Diary of a Fall Felted Bag
I received a comment on my blog today that my FFBE Partner got her package! She is going to the Women of Faith Conference this weekend (so jealous!), so you probably won't see anything on her blog for a while. But, I can finally share with you the bag I made!
Days 1-9
I am assigned a pal - Shawnee! I spent a lot of time looking at patterns, and comparing them to Shawnee's bags of choice. She's a fan of the Noni bags (aren't we all?), but I just don't think I possess the necessary skills yet. She really liked the Bobble bag, and then I found this bag from Crystal Palace yarns. I thought to myself - hmmmm...if I used Crystal Palace's Popcorn yarn instead of Dragonfly, I could make something similar to the Noni bag. I also modified the pattern to work it up in the round, rather than having to seam up the sides. Gather up all the extra goodies for the package. Not particularly difficult, since Shawnee likes Mary Englebreit stuff.
Days 9-12
Call a few yarn shops who carry Crystal Palace Yarns. None of them have Popcorn. Finally, Butterfly Yarns in Wakefield mention that they have Bobble yarn by Cascade. I think to myself - that might just work!
Day 20
Go to Butterfly Yarns. I have to say, I had been there at the beginning of the summer, and I just wasn't impressed. Have I mentioned Linda at Have Ewe Any Wool? The woman understands customer service, and thus, I have pretty high standards.
This second visit was such a different experience! Donna couldn't have been more helpful (I don't know who was running the store the first time I was there). Cascade Bobble wasn't exactly what I expected, but then I discovered Little Flowers. I was psyched! But, as often happens, as I looked over other yarns, and at sample projects, I decided Little Flowers just didn't cut it. Shawnee had described herself as liking crazy bags. When I saw Squiggles, mixing up tealish colors and purple, I knew I had it! I left the store feeling so proud that I had my yarn, and that I was going to use a pattern I had modified all by myself!
Day 13
Cast on for the bag. Love the way the Squiggle looks, happy that it's knitting up fast. I work on the bag during the second monthly Knit, Craft, Snack, and Chat night at my house. Realize there's a lot of snacking and chatting, but I seem to be the only one knitting/crafting.
Day 14
Decide to add an actual bottom, rather than just sewing up a seam. Put stitches on holders, garter stitch a rectangle, three needle bind off, and figure out how to attach the side stitches. Starting to get nervous about the actual felting process. Wondering how forgiving a person Shawnee is, if she gets a bag NOTHING at all like what she had in mind.
Day 15
Knit the handle, attach, and felt the bag. I LOVE IT! It came out so much cuter than I thought it would! Even Big Boy is impressed, and that says a lot! Stuff it with towels to dry.
Open up Excel spreadsheet of projects, and wonder....what will I cast on now?
Too much effort...decide to bask in the wonder of a finished object, and go to bed.
Day 18
Realize I need a box in which to mail all the goodies!
Day 24
Find box. Put package together. Have lots of fun imagining Shawnee opening up the box, with the leaves in it, and finding all the Mary Englebreit goodness AND what I think is one beautiful fall felted bag!
Many thanks to ALL of you who participated in the swap. I had a great time reading your blogs and getting to know you. A special thanks to Anne for all of her organizational work.
Days 1-9
I am assigned a pal - Shawnee! I spent a lot of time looking at patterns, and comparing them to Shawnee's bags of choice. She's a fan of the Noni bags (aren't we all?), but I just don't think I possess the necessary skills yet. She really liked the Bobble bag, and then I found this bag from Crystal Palace yarns. I thought to myself - hmmmm...if I used Crystal Palace's Popcorn yarn instead of Dragonfly, I could make something similar to the Noni bag. I also modified the pattern to work it up in the round, rather than having to seam up the sides. Gather up all the extra goodies for the package. Not particularly difficult, since Shawnee likes Mary Englebreit stuff.
Days 9-12
Call a few yarn shops who carry Crystal Palace Yarns. None of them have Popcorn. Finally, Butterfly Yarns in Wakefield mention that they have Bobble yarn by Cascade. I think to myself - that might just work!
Day 20
Go to Butterfly Yarns. I have to say, I had been there at the beginning of the summer, and I just wasn't impressed. Have I mentioned Linda at Have Ewe Any Wool? The woman understands customer service, and thus, I have pretty high standards.
This second visit was such a different experience! Donna couldn't have been more helpful (I don't know who was running the store the first time I was there). Cascade Bobble wasn't exactly what I expected, but then I discovered Little Flowers. I was psyched! But, as often happens, as I looked over other yarns, and at sample projects, I decided Little Flowers just didn't cut it. Shawnee had described herself as liking crazy bags. When I saw Squiggles, mixing up tealish colors and purple, I knew I had it! I left the store feeling so proud that I had my yarn, and that I was going to use a pattern I had modified all by myself!
Day 13
Cast on for the bag. Love the way the Squiggle looks, happy that it's knitting up fast. I work on the bag during the second monthly Knit, Craft, Snack, and Chat night at my house. Realize there's a lot of snacking and chatting, but I seem to be the only one knitting/crafting.
Day 14
Decide to add an actual bottom, rather than just sewing up a seam. Put stitches on holders, garter stitch a rectangle, three needle bind off, and figure out how to attach the side stitches. Starting to get nervous about the actual felting process. Wondering how forgiving a person Shawnee is, if she gets a bag NOTHING at all like what she had in mind.
Day 15
Knit the handle, attach, and felt the bag. I LOVE IT! It came out so much cuter than I thought it would! Even Big Boy is impressed, and that says a lot! Stuff it with towels to dry.
Open up Excel spreadsheet of projects, and wonder....what will I cast on now?
Too much effort...decide to bask in the wonder of a finished object, and go to bed.
Day 18
Realize I need a box in which to mail all the goodies!
Day 24
Find box. Put package together. Have lots of fun imagining Shawnee opening up the box, with the leaves in it, and finding all the Mary Englebreit goodness AND what I think is one beautiful fall felted bag!
Many thanks to ALL of you who participated in the swap. I had a great time reading your blogs and getting to know you. A special thanks to Anne for all of her organizational work.
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