Pick Up Sticks

2008-12-30T16:01:00.001-06:00

Ahhh....good times

2008-12-18T11:50:00.003-06:00

Our SnB group last night had our Secret Santa exchange. Have I mentioned how I love these ladies!?!

Amidst a story of an young women who want to be tan, an old creepy man in a jumpsuit with a spray gun and hairdryer....I finished the bottom of Stargazer and modeled....

Snow removal for hire!

2008-12-09T18:47:00.001-06:00

2008-11-10T20:13:00.001-06:00

2008-06-17T08:08:00.005-06:00

2008-04-21T12:15:00.001-06:00

2008-04-21T11:45:00.002-06:00

2008-04-01T08:42:00.001-06:00

It's March for Babies time! (formerly called WalkAmerica)

As you all know, I am very involved with our local March of Dimes. Our NICU support group has gotten a grant to give resources to parents of children in the NICU, including support group information, helpful items like gift cards to the coffee shop, water bottles, information on RSV, keychains and photo/nicu baby books. This organization is close to my heart. I would like to ask you to think about donating to our March for Babies team this year.

To donate, please click this link to be taken to our team page.http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=71001048&u=grantsgang

As an added incentive, anyone who donates will have their name put into a drawing for a custom child (or adult) hat/mittens OR handmade socks of your choice. All you have to do is donate to Grant's Gang's fundraising effort!

Grant Spencer Smithson was born 9 weeks too early on September 12, 2004. He was 4lbs, 2oz. When Grant was 24 hours old, he was airlifted to the NICU in Iowa City. There he received blood transfusions, surfactant for his lungs, antibiotics and specialized care. Despite having received steriods in utero to strengthen his lungs, he suffered from RDS (respiratory distress syndrome). Grant (and mom and dad) rode the rollercoaster that is NICU for 42 days until he was able to come home.

Although he was behind in his milestones for the first two years, Grant is now a precocious preschooler who is caught up to his peers. He enjoys reading, playing with Lightning McQueen and riding his BMX bike.He is the joy of our lives. He amazes us everyday with something new.

We have come to know several other families of preemies. Until Grant was born, we never knew how common premature births were. We also didn't know how serious it can be. Not all families are as lucky as we are to have their precious children today.The March of Dimes has been a leader in research including research on the condition I had, Vasa Previa. This organization SAVES babies!

Today in the U.S., 1 in every 8 babies will be born prematurely. Some of them won't survive, and others will have health problems that could last a lifetime. The funds we raise in WalkAmerica support research that saves babies' lives.

The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Let me tell you about my friends....

2008-03-22T09:15:00.004-06:00

I arrived home last night to a box for me. It was filled with amazing gifts.

There is a 100.00 gift certificate from John Taylor Day Spa, gift cards to Starbucks and Aeropostale, Chocolate (the new Bliss...amazing!), two skeins of beautiful yarn, two pattern books and a set of Knitpicks Options Harmony Wood Interchangable needles all in an adorable spring basket.

In addition, there was a donation made in our name to the March of Dimes, something very important to us.

Who is this amazing gift from? It's from "my ladies"...a message board I've been a part of for several years now. This is the same board where Carrie found her egg angel. I've met some of them in person, but others I haven't. They are incredible women.

I am overwhelmed by their generosity. They have been an incredible support for me, they listen to me fret, whine and cry...but this overwhelmed me.

The world is a good place!

2008-01-13T22:31:00.000-06:00

pics

2007-10-23T12:32:00.000-06:00

Miss me?

2007-07-25T13:36:00.000-06:00

I'll just say that I've been doing other things and knitting has not been one of them lately. Not sure why.

But last friday I decided to get going on the baby sweater that I promised a friend. She's 38 weeks now, so I had to get my behind in gear.

Currently it looks like this

AHHH...I love FO's on babies!!

2007-04-27T17:38:00.000-06:00

I have to say that seeing them in the things I've made them is the best and only payment I need.

Keifer Lynn wearing her wrap sweater. SIGH...perfection

Want a little watermelon?

2007-04-20T21:10:00.000-06:00

I made this last summer and Serena is finally able to wear it. I absolutely love to see pictures of the things I've made on those I've made them for!

Serena is 7 months and beyond adorable!!

The hat? OH...yeah...the hat

From Yarn Harlot's generic pattern

Knitpicks yarn

Made last August.

Welcome to Miss Delana

2007-04-15T19:56:00.000-06:00

Wearing her Shamrock's Hat and Sweater

Pattern from Mason Dixon Knitting

Cascade 220

I adore her!

Donate to Walk America and Win YARN!

2007-04-10T11:49:00.000-06:00

Many of you know that Grant was born at 31 weeks gestation. He was 4lbs 2oz. He was air lifted to University of Iowa Hospitals at 24 hours old where he recieved blood tranfusions, surfactant for his lungs and was monitored for RDS (respiriatory distress syndrome.)
After 4 weeks, Grant was brought back to the Genesis Hospitals here. He spent a total of 42 days in the hospital.

He is now a happy, healthy, precious little man who knows too much and keeps us both running, laughing and counting our blessings.

This is our third year participating in Walk America. The first year, we raised almost $500. Last year we raised $600. This year we are shooting for $1000!

I firmly believe that the March of Dimes is an amazing organization. They funded two major advancements in the care of preemies the Grant directly benefitted from, steriod injections in utero to help strengthen his lungs and surfactant given after birth to help him breathe. Without the March of Dimes and the work they do, this incredible little boy may not be here to make us laugh.

Please help us in our quest to raise money for this worthy cause. You may donate at our WalkAmerica Page . Then shoot me an email or leave me a comment. Your name will be entered into a drawing for some luscious yarns!

Thank you for your support!

Drumroll please.....

2007-04-08T17:15:00.000-06:00

I have finished objects!

First up (sorry for the wonky pics)

Delana's Sweater, made to order (well, her mother asked for a hat. I did a hat as well, but don't have any photos of it) to match the school colors of Delana's Aunt Jenny's high school. Delana will be attending Jenny's senior year sporting events after her arrival. Delana will be her tomorrow or the next day as her mommy is being induced tomorrow!!

Next up is Miss Keifer Lynn's Sweater. (Keifer was due April 3rd. As of 6:16 pm, she is not yet here) Keifer's parents are avid dog lovers. They are also amazing people and Keifer has a wonderful story. If you'd like to know more, look here....

Finally

2007-02-14T11:01:00.000-06:00

Pictures....

The Boo, in his hat! The mittens were finished late last night and inserted via Icord into his coat!

Baby it's cold outside

2007-02-04T22:39:00.000-06:00

BRRRR....current temp is -8 and windchill makes it -25 or so~

BRRR...

The Boo now has the cutest warm flap hat handkit by Momma!

I've also finished Peapod Sweater for new baby Noah!

Caroline should recieve her preppy stripe hat by the middle of the week, it's being shipped out tomorrow.

Soon to be Baby Eric's wrap sweater is going in the mail tomorrow!

WHEW....that's THREE finished objects (and one that needed to be sewn and sent)

ALL IN FEBRUARY!

YES, you read that right!

PICTURES tomorrow!!

New Year, New Goals

2007-01-03T15:24:00.000-06:00

Welcome 2007!

This year, I plan to get my knitting back on track. I let myself putz and lay around this fall rather than knit. Knitting keeps me feeling productive.

In order to entice myself to knit, I have decided that I need some goals and some ways to reward myself, don't you agree?

For every goal I reach, I'll be able to buy something yummy for myself. It might be yarn, needles, stitch markers or something like that or it might be a treat (although I don't really need treats)

My goals for this glorious 2007...

Knit a pair of socks every two months. Yes, I know, that's only 6 pair the entire year, but really, it's a huge goal as I only completed 3 pair all of 2006.
Make a sweater for Boo. This should be easy, he's fairly small!
Knit a sweater for myself. I've started this several times and ended up frogging. It's time to get to work!
Learn to knit a lace pattern of some sort. This can be a scarf, wrap or other, but it's something I need to do!
Make a wrap. This can be combined with #4 if needed.
Make Mr. something. He really ought to have something his wife made, no?
Make at least 3 things to donate to a charity of some kind.
Teach Kol'Lonte and Darel to make socks. This involves teaching them to purl, knit with DPN's and then teaching the sock techniques. I'm going to do it though!

WHEW

2006-12-29T23:43:00.001-06:00

I got all the gifts done, barely....

Here's to 2007 knitting! I have GOT to get going on things for ME....LOLOL!

Four Down, Two to go

2006-12-20T13:37:00.000-06:00

Well, actually 1 and 3/4 to go!

WOOOOO I *may* finish! I'm darn well taking pics when they are finished too!

UMMM...I take it back.....

2006-12-13T22:18:00.000-06:00

I am doing some gift knitting....simple, easy and a nice thought, I'll put them on cups filled with pepermints and a gift card to a coffee shop....let's hope I don't pull my hair out finishing them, I have 3 1/2 to go. They are pretty quick and I"ll felt them all at once. I'm having fun playing with the colors of yarn that I got and making up new designs.

MUST

GO

KNIT

2007 Meme

2006-12-06T20:47:00.000-06:00

Things I learned this year

Gummi candy melts when slept on.

Not talking to someone can be a good thing and relieve stress all at the same time.

People I met

Susan and the SnB ladies.

Many of my Momstyle ladies, including Carrie

The German Mafia (aka the Mr.'s Awesome Aunts)

Things you don't want to take with you into 2007

Anxiety over Frenemy. It's rarely there anymore and I want to leave it all behind.

The 10 pounds I gained.

Things you want to hold close as you pass into 2007

The Mr. and The Boo

The precious little "me" time I have.....

Things you're looking forward to in 2007

Maybe having another Biscuit

Only taking ONE master's class at a time!

Things that were life changing in 2006

Meeting The Mr's family in Baltimore

Starting my master's program.
Things I hope to accomplish by the end of 2007

Have Biscuit 2.0

Paint the interior of our house!

(see--those are the seven categories. Now you can either give two answers for each category OR you can choose two from that list and give seven answers)

In the words of The Boo

2006-12-06T12:49:00.000-06:00

See Sanna Claus

Sit on lap

Ho Ho

Toys cars please

Merry Trismas!

FROG

2006-12-03T21:00:00.000-06:00

I must slowly be becoming a "real" knitter. I have ripped out my Manos mitter THREE times now! I *think* it might actually work this time!

Is it bad that I"m boycotting holiday knitting this year?

Updated project list....

2006-11-29T12:00:00.000-06:00

Mittens to match my scarf in Manos Wildflowers
Watermelon Hat (must finish soon)
two socks on two circs

Future Projects

Quicko-Cheapo in Blues/Cream for the boy

More socks

Peapod Set for Sara

Refined Raglan in chocolate brown

Did anyone see Gilmore Girls last night? A Knitathon! What a great idea! It *almost* makes me want to live in Stars Hollow. I say almost because I know that REAL knitters wouldn't just pack up and leave if the goal money was suddenly raised! We'd STAY! REAL KNITTERS WOULD STAY! (I do have to say though, I covet the shirt Loreliae was wearing KNIT OR GO HOME!)

It's been a while...

2006-11-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

I know, I know...I haven't blogged in a while...bad girl...

BUT, here's a picture to hold you over...

This is Marissa...in a sweater made of Cascade 220. It's the first sweater I ever made and I was looking for the perfect home for it. I think Marissa is perfect, don't you think?

On the needles

2006-10-16T21:43:00.000-06:00

I'm knitting again. Finally.

I am 3/4 of the way done with Little Slip in soft blue/chocolate brown.

I started a scarf tonight, several times actually, with beautiful Manos Wildflowers. I've never used Manos before and I'm liking it a LOT!

Pics later

Thank God for cold weather huh?

2006-10-12T15:25:00.000-06:00

I volunteered at our local March of Dimes Chef's Auction last night.

I realized that despite what we went through when Grant was born, we are blessed....SO blessed.....to have a healthy son.

The ambassador family there tonight. I talked to the mom for a while. They have a daughter, Annie who is 22 months, only 3 months younger than Grant. She was born less than a week earlier than Grant (he was 9 week early, she was 10). She had a brain bleed common in preemies. She too was flown to Iowa City. She was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. (Grant was though to have it but did not) She has developmental delays including Cerebal Palsy and physical issues. She is learing to walk with a walker.

I was completely blown away by the similarities in stories but the dramatically different outcomes. I just can't even describe how that hit me, I teared up thinking about it.

Our Grant truly is a MIRACLE

Tainted Love

2006-10-07T07:20:00.000-06:00

It's 8:15 am Saturday morning. I've been sitting at Panera for about an hour. I'm supposed to be taking noted over the chapers assigned to me for this week's class. I tried. No really, I did. I opened the book, I opened a word document. I even typed some things. But then I realized that I just can't do it this morning. I. Just. Can't.

What I really want to do today is ditch the class and take the boy to the pumpkin patch. Wouldn't a pumpkin patch on a crisp fall day be much better than trying to follow along with a scatterbrained professor? I think so. I am looking out the window at the brilliant sunlight and thinking "yes, yes it would."

He was babbling when I left this morning. I got up early, as usual on class saturdays. I tried to be quiet. As I was getting ready, I heard him.

Mommy? Daddy? Campbell? (umm....he's not here honey) Mu gic....Beatles.....Dust Dust Dust

I wanted to go in and get him. He's so happy in the mornings. He hugs me and asks for music, if I put Tainted Love on, he sings along

taint love
bomp bomp bomp
woah woah
love
taint love
bomp bomp bomp

But I know that Daddy will take care of him. He adores his father. The feeling is mutual.

And I know that tomorrow will be fine for finding a pumpkin patch. Or even next week.
I know that I need to go to class. I need to learn so that I can be a better teacher, so I can help other kids who need help. I want to advance and have secure future. I want to get my master's so I can earn more to be able to give him more. Funny how that works huh?

Whew

2006-10-05T20:32:00.000-06:00

I have survived this last big push. I mailed off the work for my class today at 4pm for delivery by noon tomorrow. WHEW

I missed SnB tonight b/c Jeff was sick and I had to work on schoolwork. Next week I am volunteering at the March of Dimes Chef's Auction. I'm looking forward to it, but it means no knitting that night...BOOO

and a little pic for ya from almost a year ago....

Would you like to see what makes me smile?

2006-10-03T21:15:00.000-06:00

Yes, I know I should be working on my school work. I'm getting to it though, I promise.

I came home from school with a horrible headache and very tired. I lay on the couch and Grant even tried to bring me a "banky" to "laydown Mommy." SIGH...I love this boy!

Ps. I think he would have done the schoolwork for me if he could, don't you?

Blech

2006-10-03T13:30:00.000-06:00

Do you ever have one of those days~ no make that one of those weeks~ where you just want to crawl back in bed? It's shaping up to be one of those weeks.

It's hot, too hot for October. We are supposed to be loving the change in weather now, embracing the cool crisp air. Instead, we are sweating in 85+ heat! UGH! It makes me tired, it makes my students cranky. It's not good.

In addition to the lovely weather, I continue to be completely overwhelmed with work for my classes. I received a phone call friday to tell me that I needed to complete and submit work for my ESL practicum by FRIDAY! Am I working on it? No, I'm so overwhelmed that I feel like I have no idea where to start. So tonight will be spent making the best of it. I have decided that I am not going to kill myself trying to get a great grade. I'm going for a C. YES...a C. No one looks at the actual grade when deciding if I am certified, it's only if I PASSED that counts.

off to the land of mediocre for me...right? BLECH

I don't FEEL Thirty five!

2006-09-18T21:48:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is my birthday. I'll be 35. I don't feel 35, I just don't. I remember turning 25 and being so sad that my life was not going where I wanted it to go.

I can honestly say that it's so much more on track than ever before. I may be a late bloomer, but I seem to be catching up.

I'm getting my master's. I am married with a gorgeous 2 year old son. I'm so much happier than I was at 25.

Still, I don't think of my self as "mid thirties," I don't even consider it most of the time.

Isn't that the key anyway? *wink wink*

a bonus of the boy on HIS birthday (someday I'll post the pics of me with this SAME expression)

It makes you think.....

2006-09-13T21:34:00.000-06:00

I was reading Knit and Tonic today Wendy was talking (venting) about KIAKs. You know, those knitters who know it all and show off at any moment. I can say I've not had to deal with them often.

But regular KIA's, yep....been there, done that.

I was reading the comments to the blog today and found Mary-Kay. I think I'd like her if I ever met her. I've been there, done that. I've gone along and then felt guilty later. I've been the target. It's something I have learned from, but those lessons are not free.

Why do people think they have any right to be better/bigger/more than others? Why can't we just BE who we ARE and be happy with that? Is it too much to ask?

Bad knitter, bad bad knitter....

2006-09-06T20:40:00.000-06:00

Until tonight, I hadn't even picked up my knitting since *gasp, choke* LAST MONDAY!

What can I say, it's been a rough few weeks. I'm adjusting to school and grad classes......

It was nice to go tonight and finally get a start on the front of Sizzle though. I hope to finish it before it's too cold to wear it.

More later.....I'm going to go KNIT!

First Day and Last Monday

2006-08-28T21:23:00.000-06:00

Today was the first day of school. I cannot remember ever feeling chilly during the first week of school, let alone the first day. Today was rainy and cold!

I think I'll enjoy the year, but it's too early to tell. My students were pretty quiet until my third hour class. They had some "issues" coming up from lunch. Well have to work on that.

I got a beautiful surprise though. My dear husband sent me flowers! They are a beautiful bouquet of pink roses, tiger lillies and baby glads. He rarely does things like this, so I was in shock! It's so nice to be reminded that you are special!

Today was also "Last Monday" at the Yarn Shoppe. Our Stitch and Bitch meets in the shop the last monday of each month. I enjoy last monday because I get to play with yarn, eat goodies and see my ladies. I have to say that Susan and Brenda crack me the hell up. "I am Susan" "Do the Math" *sigh*

I have my eye on some Manos for a fall bag. I adore the baby Alpaca. I bought the Knitting Stitches Calendar to look for a pattern to use my Wool in the Woods Helix for a shawl. Last Mondays can be dangerous!

Sigh....a long day

2006-08-24T20:15:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again. The week before classes begin. The week in which teachers come in to discover what messes they need to clean.

By messes you may think I am referring to the piles of things that the custodians moved to "clean" your room. In our school, those messes are common. You leave your room in some sort of order. You take down the bulletin boards, box up the contents of your desk (because you were warned that it may be upended in order to be moved), you label all moveable objects so that with prayers and a little luck you may actually get them back. Yes, we deal with these messes. We even expect them.

The OTHER messes we deal with are the ones that plague us every year, yet we never really anticipate them. These are the messes which involve having 33 students in one section and 8 in another, no books for the course you are teaching, too many books for other courses delivered to your room, computers....but no where to put them. These messes are the more frantic ones. Yet somehow, even though we never truly feel ready, we are.

Tonight was unpack your backpack night. This is our second year doing this before school officially begins. It's a little uncommon for a middle school to do this but it's a good thing. I met many students are parents tonight. I didn't feel like I needed to be able to answer quizes about their child as I usually do when Open House is after the beginning of the year. It was nice.

Hot but nice.

No knitting tonight....it's been a long day!

2006-08-22T20:20:00.000-06:00

Okay, I have not got a clue as the to the funky stairstep of the pictures. I believe that Blogger likes to watch me beat my head against the wall of my dining room as I type.....who knows. I shall not complain too much as I am able to post the pictures and for that I am grateful.

From the left....my second Sizzle , socks, and my first Sizzle. As you can see from the photo, the first version of Sizzle is a bit big on me. Yes, I got gauge, I have no idea what's going on. I am making the second in the XS size. I do like the loose version though. It's very comfy!

Finally, we have handpainted sock yarn in yummy browns and reds. I'm so looking forward to making fall socks from this!

Today was our first day at school. I love and hate the first inservice day. It's nice to see everyone again. It also is a quick reminder that I'm not ready. (Well really, who is?) I have a lot to do in my room to get ready for students.

It's also warm today. Take a warm day, add an unairconditioned brick building and east facing windows. It was HOT at school today! Thank goodness we have meetings in air conditioning tomorrow!

Last Day of Freedom

2006-08-21T21:18:00.000-06:00

Hand Dyed Sock Yarn and a shot of my stash!

School starts for teachers tomorrow. BLECH How could summer have come and gone already? Time passes much too quickly!

I went into my classroom today and unpacked boxes. It's nice to have that mostly done. The weather even cooperated and it wasn't unbearable as it usually is.

We had a wonderful evening. Dinner on the deck and then a great walk in the beautiful weather. I even got some knitting done! The back of my second Sizzle is to the armholes. I plan to work on it an hour each night or so and I should have it completed by the end of the weekend.

What do you think, bring knitting to Master's class on Saturday (9-4...blech) or not??

Just for fun, let's try a pic...
OMG It worked!! Should I try another? WOW! The curse is lifted...more tomorrow!

Let's see if it works.....

2006-08-20T20:42:00.000-06:00

Nope, it's a good thing I am not holding my breath for pictures!

So instead...a WEEKEND WRAP UP

It turned out to be a nice end to the weekend although it was a rough start.
Friday was just icky, weather wise. I felt sick all day, headache and very tired. I even had DH go get me dinner b/c I didn't want to cook OR go anywhere. This is very unlike me. I tried to nap, but of course, I do have an almost two year old at home. Most of saturday was the same, both health and weather wise.
By saturday evening, I was feeling a bit better and we already had a sitter set up. We went to dinner and to see Talledega Nights. I haven't laughed that hard in a while. It was nice to get out and have a date!
Today was beautiful. We got a lot done in the yard and the house. Then we had Bob and Amy over for dinner. Rosemary NY Strip, tomato basil fresh mozz salad, grilled corn on the cob, garlic bread and Pesto Genovese. Then we all went out for ice cream. It's a perfect night and it was a great time!
I can't believe that school starts for me this week. I'm not ready! Oh well, I'll get it all done.
Not much knitting this weekend though either sick or busy. Isn't that the way it is?

Sorry, no pics yet! Eventually the God who controlls Blogger will look upon my face and smile......someday.......

The weary traveler returns

2006-08-15T21:39:00.000-06:00

I've been mostly gone since the end of July. Florida, Baltimore, Minneapolis....come and gone. I'm happy to be home.

While in Baltimore, I visited Cloverhill Yarn a delightful shop in Catonsville about 4 miles from DH's Aunt's where we were staying. I didn't expect to find such wonderful yarns or ladies there! They even had a stash of toys for the boy! DH accompanied me. He was great with Grant and even walked away instead of asking how much I spent! *sigh* I do love this man!

Cherry Tree Hill in Life's a Beach pictured above.

Mama-E's Cy*ber Fiber Socks in Clover Hill Signature (no pics, I'm having it out with Blogger and pics tonight and I give up!)
Wool in the Woods Helix in Lottery
and Claudia Handpainted in Black Walnut

Most are sock yarns with the exception of the Wool in the Woods. I'm looking into patterns for a wrap from this. I want something with a bit of texture in it, but not too difficult.

As for summer knitting....I've finished one Sizzle from Wendy in royal blue and am making another in a green Cascade Sierra.

I'm also working on another pair of socks in Knitpicks Parade

Whew...enough fighting with the computer for tonight!

(Susan, I expect a good comment....LOL)

Isn't summer supposed to mean vacation??

2006-06-27T09:28:00.000-06:00

I have had exactly 3 days off since school was out for the summer...so don't give me any crap about "teachers have it SOOO easy!"

I'm getting my knitting groove back! I've finished a watermelon hat, a few of washclothes and the baby kimono from Mason Dixon. I love that pattern by the way! SO easy and quick! I think it will be my new standard baby gift!

I'm plugging away on my boxer shorts. Whatever was I thinking when I decided to knit them? Ummm yeah, that's a LOT of stockinette on size 3 needles! Good lord! I have one leg almost done. When I finish that leg, it will feel like I've made progress, right??

I am currently planning my next big undertaking. Deep breath here.....I'm going to go for the Mommy Shrug from Interweave. I'm making it from Tiki, a bamboo yarn.

There are times when I do hate being such a loose knitter. I had to go down TWO needle sizes to get guage on it. YES...I did a swatch! I am not going to put that kind of effort into a sweater and then have it make me look like Quasimodo!

Sigh....it's time to go clean the house. I have made a deal with myself. I can order the Tiki (on sale at that) IF I get the kitchen and living room clean. I must even vaccum (if you only knew how I loathe that machine)

I

Can

Do

It!

The Boo and Daddy work together

2006-05-18T18:55:00.000-06:00

Pimpin out the boy...for knitting sake!

2006-05-17T20:51:00.000-06:00

My latest project....a hat from Dale of Norway's Designs for Baby

My loves, My boys!

My loves, my boys!

FINISHED! The striped socks! WOO HOO

The Boo, modeling the latest in prefelted knitwear. He's a hunk huh?

MOM! Please, I'm tired and I don't WANT to model your Lucy Bag. Felt it already!

It's about time I posted some new pictures huh? Especially since these are from a LONG time ago! This is the large Lucy~pre felting! Poor baby huh? The things his mom makes him do!

Sock time!

2006-05-12T14:07:00.000-06:00

I'm very proud of myself! Using Harlot's book Knitting Rules, both the sock pattern and the general recipe...I was able to turn turn the heels of both socks at the same time! WOOO HOO! Have you ever done something that you didn't imagine you could? It felt like I had accomplished something! I'm loving these socks now! I can't WAIT to finish them!!

Karen was kind enough to pick me up some Opal sock yarn, tiger and owl. I can't wait to start them also!

I'll be sending the blue cardigan off to Marissa as soon as I sew on the buttons and block it! I'll take pictures this weekend!

Sweaters, roofs, crazy times!

2006-05-05T14:03:00.000-06:00

You'll have to forgive me if I don't make a lot of sense today, I spent the night on the roof of our school last night. For more details see the Quad City times article here.....
It was a cold night, but a lot of fun! Tonight, I'll be comatose on the way to my niece's college graduation rather than knitting as I should be!

I did teach two people to knit last night up on the roof though....it even made the news clips!

Finally I have pictures of Mae's sweater ON Mae of all things!! Isn't she cute!!

I'm working on socks at the moment. Nothing else on the needles...but lots of things planned.

ACK...time flies!

2006-04-14T20:36:00.000-06:00

It's been a MONTH since I last posted....how can that be?

We've been frantically trying to get ready for Easter. It's been a crazy month in general, does your life ever get like that?

Why is it that you spend the majority of your youth wishing to be a grown up? Now that I am one, and an official one at that, it seems like I'd give my right arm to have the freedom that I used to have when I wasn't a real grown up! I was just a few weekends when it doesn't really matter if I don't do anything but lay on the couch!

I promise to spend some time going on and on and on about what I've been up to on Monday!

Progress

2006-03-13T22:11:00.000-06:00

Well, the Lucy Bag #1 is finished and gifted.

I began a fair isle cardigan for Grant, but it's been relegated to the corner until said project decides to behave itself. Note to self, don't take fair isle projects to Stitch n Bitch, you get distracted.

I'm almost done with Lucy Bag #2 :)

In a moment of guilt for considering attending a baby shower without something I'd made, I cast on a roll brim baby hat this evening. Now I'll need to make two of them! One for the shower, one for another teacher who's last day is friday.

I cannot WAIT until the yarn from Knitpicks is here! I'm very very excited about the Shine and the Main Line that I ordered for Marissa and Mae's sweaters! I'm looking forward to working with cotton.

I also ordered myself sock yarn and enough wool for several Easter baskets!

Knitting Karma

2006-03-02T13:56:00.000-06:00

I've come to realize, as time passes, that there is a certain method to the universe. A certain ebb and flow. Though my life has been of the flow direction in the last few months, the pain and loss have begun to ebb. Things seem to be getting back to normal. I hope the trend continues.

I am almost finished with my Lucy Bag. I've been so excited to finish and have been chatting people up about it. I planned out my stripe pattern so as to be "random" yet still work in a repeating fashion. (yes, I hear you, if I plan it out, it's not random...and NO that doesn't make me a freak, remember, you said SAVANT) I my happiness, I guess that I forgot to actually READ the directions. Don't you just HATE it when that happens! I realized as I was 10 rows from beginning the handles, that I had used the larger needles intended for making a big bag, not the adorable handbag I wanted!

CRAP! Yes, I said CRAP! I have no one to blame for this but myself, I realize that, but I tried hard to blame it on my husband. In the end though, I had to admit it was my own mistake.

I consulted my knitting mentor (yeah, I'm kissing up Susan) and after some thought decided that in a way, this is knitting karma. I have a friend at school who is having a tough time. She's frustrated with some of her students. I've been there, believe me, I've been there! Her husband is travelling for work. That just stinks. So I decided to finish this bag the way it is and give it to her. She needs a pick me up and I hope this does the trick. I'll make another one for myself using the size 8's I should have!

Along those lines, in another form, the homespun that I pulled off needles in a fit of anger and disgust is finding a new life with a new knitter. One of the women in my Stitch and Bitch group is ill. Jean is making her a prayer shawl out of the remaining yarn. I'm happy that this yarn that became a symbol of snotiness and shunning is going to do someone good. I hope that Liz enjoys it and it keeps her warm and comfortable when she needs it.

Enough of the philisophical, I must tend to 7th graders who are trying to get away with pretending to read!

Up and coming...

2006-02-27T12:32:00.000-06:00

I have turned the corner (okay, heels) on my socks! Now all I have to do is finish the foot and toes! WOO HOO! The short row heel isn't hard, just takes a bit of patience.

I started my Lucy bag during our Wine and Knit (although there was no wine) on Saturday night. It's 50% completed now. I can't wait to complete and felt it!

My next projects will be Easter baskets for Grant, Abby and Sam. AND...(cue dramatic music) I have been commisioned to knit a sweater for the darling Marissa! I'll be shopping for yarn this week. Wow! I must be a "real" knitter now!

Updated Photos

2006-02-26T20:52:00.000-06:00

Finished products of the Knitting Olympics! (although I am considering taking out the A and making it smaller on the purple one!)

Olympic Glory

2006-02-24T20:52:00.000-06:00

I have finished my Olympic Knitting. At 11pm last night, the sweaters were gently eased into shape on the bed in the extra room. All ends woven in, neck ribbing sewn, embroidery finished!

As with all athletes, this accomplishement does not come without price. My wrist and arm are very sore today. I am not sure why, although DH looked at me, shaking his head as I described it. "Carpal tunnel," Mr. Hypochondria diagnoses, yet I refuse to believe it. No, not me, *I* am NOT giving up knitting! I may cut back, but refuse to quit!

To that end, I ended up at The Yarn Shoppe this afternoon, exchanging yarn for my Lucy Bag that will be cast on tomorrow. I took Grant with me, he was on his good behavior. I must profess my love for Ms. Laurel. She is the kindest woman I know. She adores Grant and doesn't mind when I go in and talk her ear off. She even let Grant pull out most of the tubes of buttons, even showing him ones that she thought he would like!

I came home with two skeins of Cascade in gorgeous shades of lime and turquoise to add to the pink I have. It will be my "spring" purse. I get happy thinking of it :)

I have so many projects to start, and one to finish. I'll be learning the heels of my two socks on two circs tomorrow. I am looking at this as a challenge. I WILL learn this! I WILL end up with two sock that are alike! I WILL!

I'll include pictures of the Olympic sweaters, alas, these were taken before finishing. When DH decides to find the cord to download from OUR camera, I'll post the final results...

In unexpected times..

2006-02-23T18:31:00.000-06:00

I was sitting at our Spring conferences last night, finished with my work and awaiting parents (somewhat hard to come by from middle school) when a tiny girl came to talk to me. She said "my sister knits" so I struck up a conversation and then she went to get her sister.

Her sister came to talk to me. She is the sister of one of my students and in 6th grade. I would venture to say she is one of the smallest 6th graders I've seen. She held in her hands size 7 needles and maroon yarn. She was so cute! She is a member of the knitting club at our school and was just learning. You know, I forget sometimes that knitting unites people! She was cute.

I left conferences and arrived at our Stitch and Bitch stash swap. I was reminded again how knitting unites....these women have become friends to me (gosh, if they are reading this, I hope they are friends!) I enjoy their company more than they know. They encourage me to try things I wouldn't have thought of attempting before. They celebrate the progress and finished projects too!

As I think of cleaning my house for this weekend's wine and knit (note, that said THINK not do!) I realize that I'm looking forward to having these FRIENDS over!

2006-02-20T15:32:00.000-06:00

Here's a picture so you know who I am!

Ahhhh...finally!

2006-02-20T11:20:00.000-06:00

The boy is asleep, there is no school today. Thank you presidents for giving me some extra time! I've been threatening to create a blog for a while now. I have some crazy idea that there might be someone out there interested in my knitting and my crazy life. I guess that time will tell......

My current knitting projects you ask?

Well, I have some finishing to do on the first top-down sweater for Miss Grace's first birthday. I am in the middle of Miss Addie's Birthday sweater also. Addie and Grace have first birthdays coming up one week apart in March.

I am also waiting until my class on Saturday to learn to turn the heel on my two socks on two circs! I'm very excited about this, but God knows if I'll ever be able to do it on my own!

In the works you ask?
Lucy Bag
Felted clogs
several Felted Easter baskets (yep, I volunteered to make these for Sam and Abby!)