fiberfrk is crafty!

so sad to say goodbye....

2009-01-20T11:01:00.002-05:00

this isn't working out....it's not you, it's me....

I guess what really has happened is I've found another....

I'm sorry.....

but....

I'm a facebook girl now....

we can still be "friends"..... (no really, get yourself a profile and "friend" me and we'll still keep in touch!)

Hope to see you there!

Fall Soccer 2008 - Brynn Rocks!

2008-11-24T09:46:00.001-05:00

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

PICTURES TAKE A BIT TO LOAD - CLICK PAUSE AND MANUALLY SCROLL THROUGH PAGES FOR BEST VIEWING!

falling for it

2008-10-18T20:07:00.002-04:00

Today was a lovely day to take pictures of mother nature's wonderful 'changing of the seasons'. These are just a few of whats happening around Malden, MA. These glimpses will aid me during those "winter blues" come February when my nose and toes are fed up with being cold. I know if I were to extend my area, more species of trees would be aplenty, but I was sticking close to home on today's journey. Oh, how I love fall. The crunch underfoot, the sweet musky smell in the air and all those beautiful colors! What's not to love?

Enjoy!

that really pissed me off!

2008-10-13T10:19:00.003-04:00

I watched a new documentary on PBS recently "In the Family" made by Chicago filmmaker, Joanna Rudnick, who, at 27, has tested positive for the BRCA gene. The appx. hour and a half is about her personal struggle with the knowledge that she has the mutation for breast/ovarian cancer and trying to come to terms with what that means for her future. She also reaches out to other woman who are survivors as well as others getting their own test results.

This documentary pissed me off! Rudnick has the mutation - OKAY - you're alive and DO NOT HAVE CANCER - but she goes through this entire documentary as if she is going to die at any moment. Doesn't this girl realize that simply testing positive doesn't guarantee that she's going to develop the cancer? PLUS - by having the knowledge that she DOES have the mutation - she's fortunate enough to be able to take PREVENTATIVE steps to decrease her chances of getting cancer? Maybe Rudnick needs to take a look at Kris Carr's "Crazy Sexy Cancer" and see what a young woman who ACTUALLY HAS CANCER does to improve her life and her situation. Now there was a documentary that made an impression - a good one, to boot - I was in amazement over what someone could do with their lives despite being given a diagnoses of an incurable cancer. Kris Carr is an inspiration - she rose to the challenge of her life and didn't let go!

One of my sisters tested positive for the BRCA gene - I don't want her to see Rudnick's doc. I think it portrays a grim existence and is very negative. I'm sure glad I didn't see it a week or so earlier while I was awaiting my very own BRCA results. I could've been suicidal with Rudnick's negativity. Don't let the fact that you have the BRCA mutation end your life! Take control of your health and your future and take the necessary steps to live a long and fruitful life!

Don't forget that OCTOBER is BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH! Be sure to visit The Breast Cancer Site and click to give FREE MAMOGRAMS!

rainbow of colors

2008-10-02T10:19:00.004-04:00

I've been bitten by the color bug AND beautiful hand painted yarns! My recent additions have been 2 skein of Dream in Color Classy - Gothic Rose & Chinatown Apple. Uhhh - to see them in person....wow! The colors are so rich and deep and meld into one another like perfection. Gothic Rose is deep burgundy/purple/red & Chinatown Apple deep rust/brown/red/orange. These are going to knit up into beautiful pieces. And then there is the Malabrigo worsted I got in Verde Esperanza - true deep luscious teal green...gorgeous! I've got projects in mind...but not ready to share just yet....

A sigh of relief....

2008-09-29T16:54:00.003-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I went to see an oncologist to have genetic screening, known as BRCA Analysis, done for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. This is done by simple blood draw and sent off to a company named Myriad Genetic Laboratories in Utah. They run a screen and test you for mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Be sure to check out Myriad for more info on the BRCA Analysis.

I have strong family history with both types of cancer and more importantly, one of my sisters tested positive on her BRCA1 test done last year. Having a parent or sibling carry a mutation on one of these genes gives you up to a 50% chance of carrying the same mutation. This test is by no means full proof, and simply testing positive is not an indication that you will have either of these cancers in your lifetime. But having the information can aid you in your surveillance of the diseases.

Because my sister tested positive, my insurance covered the FULL cost of a Comprehensive Analysis (that's testing on both BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes) which can cost up to $3,000. I had a full consultation and blood draw with Dr. Rebecca Eisenberg on September 10th. My blood was then sent off to Myriad, tested and returned to MA. Today was the day I went in for my results. Dr. Eisenberg kindly asked if she could sit down and then told me "NO MUTATION DETECTED". We both smiled widely and I said "YEESSSS!" This is good news for me and my children (because they need not worry about carrying the mutation). A sigh of relief, for sure. I will continue to be on top of my health and yearly examinations as well as continue to be aware of the various symptoms of both breast and ovarian cancers.

Be sure to click on The Brest Cancer Site each day to donate a FREE mammograms!

Reeling in the last bits of summer....

2008-09-05T16:41:00.003-04:00

MA Green clock in downtown Waterbury, CT/NH gals weekend/Spanky the rascal/CT gals weekend

I've had some serious fun this summer. August was just a busy as July and I put plenty o' miles on my V'dub this summer. The poor thing started sputtering and basically freaking out on me and I had to get er' fixed at good ole Montesi Volkswagen while in North Haven. I sat and knit the 4 1/2 hours I waited. One of the women who work there asked me about my knitting. It happened to be my orange Everlasting Bagstopper from Knitty.com. She had never heard of Knitty before and by the time I left the shop, she had already gone online and printed off 4 patterns for various stuff! She was so thankful and excited. She said she hadn't knit in a while and this got her juices flowin'! Gotta love unexpected knitting encounters!

So - back to my great summer. I'm a lucky gal - I had not ONE, but TWO 'girls weekends' in August. The first weekend of the month, I headed North to New Hampshire with my local crew, Kristen D, Maria C & Stacey O. We stayed at the condo of Stacey's father, Charlie. Nice spread - great views, beautiful pool and the air there....oh, so fresh and clean smelling. This was our first trip to NH together, but our 4th year getting away for a kid/spouse free weekend. This trip proved to be a great time. We left there with some hysterical phrases (for example: My biscuits are burnin') and a good time under our belts. These girls are good people.

The last week of the month, I headed down to Stamford, CT with my longtime gal pals, Gretchen M, Tara W and Laurie S. We had one missing due to sinus and back issues...yeah, YOU Jennifer C.! Tara booted her hubby and two tikes so we could take over her place with no distractions! You know, only getting together with these ladies a couple times a year, we wind up having a lot of catching up to do! We hoity toitied it up and had dinner at a very nice restaurant on the water, The Saltwater Grill. It was a very nice meal, but the best was eyein' all the flamboyant richies sitting out on the patio. I guess it's not a requirement to have good taste when you've got a lot of money! Some of the get ups were quite interesting. Tara had wanted to show us beauties off at her local tavern too, but we had enough libations flowing at her place, we never made it over there! "No, really - Tara does have friends!" Ah, she's got a picture to prove it!. We had a great time and are already thinking about where to get together next! They may be Boston bound for the next one!

Now it's September, school has started and life is falling back into the usual routines. We all were in need of our routines again. I'm back to working my two little jobs: laboratory technician in the Artavanis-Tsakonss Lab (check me out on the Lab Members tab) and retail diva at Raspberry Beret. Keepin' myself busy and helpin' the family pocketbook out at the same time! I've gotta get back to my knitting group this month too. I just gotta! I'm knitting things on my commutes and in the evenings again...so hangin' with my knitting pals would be a great addition to my "routine".

Enjoy!

July in a blur

2008-07-24T16:48:00.007-04:00

July has brought plenty of road travel our way. We took respite on the shores of Lewes, Delaware, sojourned in exotic gardens and chilly shelter in North Haven, Connecticut, trekked to the Big Apple where heights and crowds were navigated and explored the exhilarating, though wet, amusements in Salem, NH.

Basically, we went to visit my parent's place in DE, where the kid's played in the sun and water every day. They hang out with cousins they haven't seen in years and were in bliss. We've also visited my in-laws in CT where my MIL takes great pride in her beautiful garden and my FIL likes a cool house. An added bonus there was seeing my husband's brother, his wife and their gorgeous 11mo old daughter. NYC was hit up for the Empire State Building (compliments of my BIL, Chris, who took my kids solo on that one) but more importantly, for a Yankee's game. (12-4 Yankees vs Twins - great game!) Plus we hit up Canobie Lake in NH with some friends in the rain. All this and July isn't even over yet!

I have been trying to get back into some kind of creative outlet - KNITTING, of course. I've started an Everlasting Bagstopper in orange after reading a couple of my friends from my knitting group have been blasting them out recently. I gotta say, I didn't pick it up and bust it out in a weekend like some of them. I'm slowly re-introducing myself to positive, enjoyable, self gratifying forms of enjoyment. I would say I'm not fully out of my recent stupor and it's having it's affect on my personal enjoyment. I have found a bunch of great knitting patterns on Ravelry and it's getting my juices flowing. Too bad I'm poor, I'd love to indulge in some luscious fibers and beautiful patterns. What I have in my stash will have to suffice for now.

I've still got fun to enjoy for the remaining summer. 2 separate "Girls Weekends" - one in NH with my local BFFs and another in CT with my childhood BFFs. There's also potential to see our B&SIL and baby again too. Plus, each of my babes have their own week in CT with my ILs while they attend a 7 day day camp. My daughter has already done her week, and it appears she greatly enjoyed being the "only child" so much that she's having a hard time dealing with a sibling again. But my son goes off for his week this coming weekend, so it'll be just her and I and she can soak up all the attention once again. It has been a strange experience only having one child at a time like that. I've never left just one at a time like this before. It's a nice break from the daily headache of having 2 kids going at each other all day long.

Enjoy!

suddenly summer

2008-06-29T18:42:00.004-04:00

I haven't posted since March? What the heck have I been doing all this time? Well, I generally don't like to spread my misery - so I took a hiatus while I pissed an' moaned privately for a couple of months. Good enough, right? But, gee, considering I last posted about an amazing trip to Paris with my husband, it seems absurd to think I could be sulking about anything. But unfortunately, life deals shitty cards sometimes and I couldn't help myself from getting swallowed up. I'm not saying all is peachy and great, cuz' it's not - but I've accepted my situation and am trying my best to "deal with it". My only venting at the present time will be that the world of the sciences SUCKS! Doesn't matter if you've busted your ass for a decade bettering yourself and obtaining degree after degree - you simply don't get anywhere or anything for all the effort. It just isn't fair. There...I should feel better....nope, not yet:(

This is a beautiful CT native flower, Pink Lady's Slipper, we saw at Miller's Pond State Park in Durham, CT in May. The park ranger's there told us it's endangered. Isn't that just awful? If you see such a beauty, just take a picture, don't pick it - okay?

This Father's Day was lovely. We attended a brunch at Water's Edge in Westbrook, CT with some extended family. Notice the attempts at a "normal" smile as we face into the brightness? Not bad Mom & Dad, kids need some work. I must have eaten 2 pineapples and a cantalope that day! Thank goodness for elastic waists!

My kids are out of school and I've been suddenly thrust into summer. Funny though, it doesn't quite feel summery yet up here in Boston...I guess it'll come like a hammer one of these days. At least I'm saving on my electric bill and helping Mother Earth with the lack of air conditioning use...yay for me! Oh yeah, I'm quite the "earth friendly" natzi these days. Please help by doing a part in maintaining this planet we share. Here are 10 little things that you can do to help. I know I'd sure appreciate it!

This nice little shard of rock almost destroyed my teeth when I came within millimeters of chomping it along with the stewed tomatoes it was canned up with. Good thing I LOOK before I put things into my mouth! Don't worry - the company sent me LOTS of vouchers for FREE goods after showing them this one.

ohh...the jetlag...so worth it!

2008-04-03T18:02:00.003-04:00

Paris was wonderful! It is such a beautiful city. No matter where you looked, there was something amazing to see. I could see, though, that the locals don't notice or appreciate it...our friends live in a flat directly across from St. Paul - St. Louis Cathedral in the Marais - what a view - but they aren't impressed. They've become so used to the beauty that they can't see it anymore. Too bad for them - I thought it was spectacular. My absolutely favorite moment was a dinner out at a fabulous restaurant named L'ecurie in the Latin Quarter by the Pantheon. 16th century stables below ground - dark rustic setting - served Sangria as you sat down - which was DELICIOUS! I enjoyed a Tomato Salad, Bavette Naturale (grilled beef) and Chocolate Mousse. Oh, good stuff - you're then served cognac to round out your meal. It was overall a very enjoyable meal. Good food, great decor and good company. It was a highlight for me, for sure. Of course, we went to the typical tourist destinations: Notre Dame, The Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musee D'Orsay, Sacre Coeur Bascilica, Pompidou Centre, Pablo Picasso Museum, Musee d'Cluny and the Seine - all wonderful. Each night my feet ached and I slept very soundly but was ready to hit the pavement the next day. 7 full days was great - but you could use more time to see areas outside the city. I guess that'll have to be for next time. And by the way, if you're going to Paris and need a place to say - check out the hotel chain IBIS. We stayed at two different locations within the city and they were perfect. Clean, not too small and nicely priced (best deals are found when booked 30+ days in advance online).

My hubby did a wonderful job on his talk at College de France. He's a geneticist who does research on the fruit fly - his talk was part of a day long symposium regarding specific methods of genetic manipulation used in researching development. I actually learned quite a bit and can use some of my new knowledge when I go to work at the lab maintaining the labs stocks of fruit flys. (Yes - I have been swallowed into science despite my lack of qualifications - and we're now even training the kids too! Can we say lab techs for dad's lab someday?) Anyway - he did very well and came off so relaxed to the attendees.

I'm trying to get back into the swing of things, but the return to the US was hard on my body. I caught some kind of cold virus plus I've been sooo tired. It's been a week today that we've been back and I can finally say I feel "back to normal". YEAH!
Knitting and crocheting are back on my agenda. I'm going to get back on track and make some stuff! Happy crafting!

Off and away!

2008-03-19T13:36:00.003-04:00

My hubbz and I are heading to Paris today. I'd been reserved about this trip, pretty much, up until today. Now I feel the excitement and anticipation. Grandma came from CT to watch my rugrats, which is tremendously generous of her to do. The kids adore her and they're going to have a grand time this week. I've tucked a little stuffed animal of theirs and a picture of them to help me stay connected. We'll have no phone contact - but hope to email each other as much as we can. I'm going to miss my babes...maybe more than I thought!

Bon jour!

I'm DONE!!!

2008-03-07T10:56:00.002-05:00

I can't believe it - I'm sewing up the final seam of my Minimalist Cardigan and it'll be ready for wearing later today! YEAH! I'm glad to be finished. I got a little off track on this one. Everyone at knitting group finished theirs at least a week ago and I wanted to be just like them! Plus, I didn't want it to go into my UFO basket (UnFinished Objects) because then it would NEVER get finished.... Well, maybe not NEVER, but it wouldn't be any time soon. But, I gotta tell you - I went out and got those 50 pc Foam Alphabet Play Mats that you would buy for your kids - but instead of for my kids - they're AWESOME for blocking! I assembled a few and pinned out and blocked each piece of the sweater and was able to move them around until they were completely dry. Usually, I would use my bed for this and well, you gotta go to sleep at some point, right? These interlocking pieces are great. I highly recommend them for blocking.

Now what? I've begun a few rounds of the crocheted pincushion from Lacy Crochet...man is it tough. It's lace weight thread, which means super thin, and the hook is like a minuscule steel talon that'll take a sliver of flesh out of your finger if you're not careful. But it's so delicate and beautiful. The patterns in this book remind me of vintage pieces, which I am very drawn to. Never thought I'd be this into crochet! Hope the girls at knitting don't kick me out!

Galaxy socks, Central Park Hoodie/Cabled Hoodie, Babette, vintage inspired tiny crochet...these are all in the forefront of my crafting thoughts. And which'll be the lucky project to join me in Paris? Maybe socks and tiny crochet? Could be...

updated, finally!

2008-02-29T09:31:00.006-05:00

I'm a slacker - I know! But I'm back!

Had a great President's Day weekend with my longtime girlfriends from CT - Jen C, Tara W & Laurie S. We hit up Mohegan Sun, mommy style! What that means is, we were all so excited to be away from our kids - we DRANK like fish and were too occupied to even gamble! YES - that's right - we were at a casino for hours on end and we didn't gamble. We had dinner and then found ourselves a "quiet" lounge that sat up above the casino with a beautiful changing sky above us. It would change from morning to night, the stars would twinkle and there would even be a random shooting star. We were in a little alcove with a view and 4 red big chairs - PLUS a great waitress who just kept em' coming. It was a delight. Before we knew it - we had to find our way back to the bus depot and get our shuttle back to our hotel. Mind you - we all had a lot of catching up to do - that had everything to do with keeping up busy. Next time - we'll have to make it a long weekend if we want to try to lose our money! Anyway - thanks girls - I had a blast!

I'm torn at the moment....I've got to finish my Minimalist Cardigan - and we're talking about 8 inches of a sleeve and seaming - yeah - that's it!

But I want ever so badly to make more squares on my Babette,
plus start a Central Park Hoodie (with heavy Cabled Hoodie influences) and make a few crocheted pincushions from Kyuuto! Japanese Crafts: Lacy Crochet, now in my library of books. UGGHH - I'm basically paralyzed from all that's swirling in my head. I've had some time to knit/crochet - but nothing...I might be in a bit of a funk here...

PLUS - I've got traveling on my mind...what to pack, how to pack it, what project(s) to bring along, etc. My daughter just got a retainer (and anyone who knows her knows that means drama. My hubby is in NYC on a job interview (and anyone who knows him knows that means STRESS, IRRITABILITY, MORE STRESS, SOME PESSIMISM and a dash more irritability - on his part, of course). I'm just waiting for the week to be over, I guess. Maybe next week I'll be in a better state of mind to knit/crochet.

Uh-Oh.....how to you say that in French?

2008-01-30T12:46:00.001-05:00

Uhhhh...I was working on the Minimalist Cardigan, wasn't I? But my brain is constantly thinking "squares, squares, squares". Ever since the yarn came in for the Babette Blanket - it's all I want to work on. I'm not the fastest crocheter - but I'm making some progress. I'm working all the 4 row squares first (that's 49 of them!), then maybe I'll do some of the big ones.

I just found out I'm going to Paris with my hubby in March! How freakin' exciting is that? Hubby is teaching a 1 day course at the University of Paris and we've decided to take advantage of this opportunity and make it a trip for just the two of us. I am sooo excited. I've got to figure out what project(s) to bring with me! I could bring the squares - but I have 17 colors of yarn...that would be space consuming...maybe I could do socks...I do LOVE the Regia Galaxy yarn in Jupiter Anthrazit. I could do those - but something else too, I think...I'll have to check my queue and patterns on Ravelry!

Babette under construction

2008-01-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

my Elann Sonata solid yarn has arrived! I took out all the beautiful colors and took quick pics of them. I'm liking what I chose and am now mapping out how I want to match them up. No worries about my Minimalist Cardigan...it's coming along. As of right now, I have completed the back and right front and am currently working on the left front. I've been amazed at how much slower it seems the front pieces are to knit compared to the larger back piece. I want to finish that by the end of February and think I'm definitely on track for that.

So it's Babette Away! Wish me luck! As I've confessed, I'm not a skilled crocheter - but I bet I will be after this!

ssk, k2tog :)

Minimalist Away!!!!!!

2008-01-17T10:25:00.000-05:00

I'm slowly, but surely chugging away at my Minimalist Cardigan. (I've done more than pictured - but nothing photographed yet) I thought I was going to HATE moss stitch, but it's really not so bad. My mind has completely wrapped itself around the k1,p1 repeat and, as suggested by a fellow knitting friend, my mind might have a difficult time NOT doing it when I'm done! I really think this cardigan is going to be a beautiful addition to my wardrobe when it's done. I can't wait!

In the meantime - I've gotten a crush on another pattern. This time it's a crocheted blanket. You all know I'm not really a crocheter. I've tried my hand at it and it hurts! But beauty sometimes requires pain to achieve it! Have you seen the Babette Blanket by Kathy Merrick? Ohh - it's just gorgeous and I MUST MAKE ONE! I'd been keeping an eye out for the Interweave Crochet Spring 2006 issue it was published in - but it's nowhere to be found. Fortunatley - just this week - it was put up on Knitting Daily's website for purchase as a PDF! I just happened to email them the very day they put it up! If that's not fate, I don't know what it is! AHHHEHAHH! I went ahead today and purchased 22 balls of Elann Sonata in 17 colors and a nice Addi crochet hook and I'm going crochet! I'll post my progress - although this one is going to take some serious time. There are 50/2 squares, 49/4 squares, 16/6 squares, 7/8 squares, 2/10 squares and 2/12 squares! Thats 126 squares to be crocheted! It seems intimidating - but done in pieces it's totally doable. I'm excited - can't you tell?

Happy Knitting (& crocheting!)
ssk,k2tog ;)

2008 is off & running!

2008-01-02T09:51:00.000-05:00

Am I the only one who thinks that 2008 came up awfully sudden? Man, I barely had time to enjoy myself on holiday in CT! I'd say as soon as Christmas day came, it was all over. Despite the fact that the fam and I didn't return to MA until yesterday - our visit in CT is a blur already.

I did get some very good knitting done, however. One bummer was that I ran out of yarn about 12 rows short on my Gretel hat. Yeah - I'll admit it...I knew I was short on yardage before I even started - but - I thought maybe I could squeak it out. I should'a known! Anyway - I tried finding the yarn in CT - but no one carried the color I had. Thankfully, my LYS in MA agreed to hold one ball for me so I can finish up once I got back.

I charged forward with Fanning the Flames Mittens - am I in love or what?! I have to admit it took me 3-4 tries to get the 1st one going - I kept ripping out the 1st 2 fan - but once I got it took off. I love these mittens and am so close to being finished with BOTH that I could scream. I thought "Second Mitten Syndrome", aka SMS, might come into play. You know, where you finish the 1st one then the second seems like too much so you put it off for a while and move on to newer things - next thing you know you only have 1 mitten and still 2 hands! Not this time - the second is almost done! Yes! I'll only show you the measly beginnings...

Next Monday is the start of the Minimalist Cardigan knit a long I've committed to. I'm a little nervous about it. I've read maybe too much of what others who have already knit it have said and I just hope I don't run into problems. Plus - it's primarily SEED STITCH! Another knitter will understand that is basically insanity in knitting. K1,P1 across the row then alternate on the next. We'll see how it goes!

I'm rearing to go with 2008 knitting. Oh the projects I have in store! I'm going to be majorly stylin' this year!

and to all a good night!

2007-12-21T13:47:00.000-05:00

The family and I are headed to CT tomorrow. I love getting out of my house for the week. I barely have any responsibilities when visiting others - I just love that! Again, we will be at my in-laws and, as I've mentioned before, they've got the two great knitting chairs! I've got 3 projects bagged up with the yarn, pattern, needles and various notions raring to go once we get there. Can't wait to share what I've been able to do once I get back.

Enjoy your time with friends and family (if that's what you've chosen to do). Hope your holidays are happy and delicious! See most of you in 08'! (don't forget that the Minimalist Cardigan KAL is starting up then!)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

now what?

2007-12-12T19:43:00.001-05:00

Le Slouch is done! I'm feeling very productive. I finished 2 items this week. I think I've realized that it's good to throw small projects in here and there to perk up the knitting morale. I feel like I could conquer a sweater right now...but I'm not! I'm saving sweater knitting until the Minimalist Cardigan KAL coming up in January. Over the holiday break, I hope to be knitting my very own Fanning the Flame mittens in Cascade Alpaca Sox I just picked up - aren't the colors beautiful? Can't wait!

In the mean time - I've got more yarn and more hats!

Calorimetry down - Le Slouch to go!

2007-12-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Finished my Calorimetry. Great quick project on chunky yarn - you have to give it a try. As it's advertised, it's great for those who wear ponytails!

Le Slouch has been cast on and I'm chuggin' away. The yarn is scrumptious! It's Queensland Collection Kathmandu Aran - 85% merino, 10% silk & 5% cashmere - YUM!

The Holiday Rush

2007-12-10T15:57:00.000-05:00

Wow - have I been busy with the upcoming holiday! I took inventory of what I've got and I can honestly say - I"M DONE! Oh yeah, baby! I kept things in reason and didn't get every single person I say hello to something (like others I know, but won't mention) for the simple fact that I can't afford it. I'm not ashamed to say that I re-gift when necessary and keep a bag of things I receive that are not really me just for that very purpose. It's not to say I don't want to purchase a new gift for those I do give to - it's just sometimes I can imagine something I already received in the hands of someone more complimentary. Okay - it sounds shallow...but when you aren't rollin' in it - you have to make alternate arrangements work. You know?

Plus, let's not get into the sheer fact that I don't think you need to get every little person you know a gift for Christmas. Let's talk about your children's teachers for example... come on - maybe if they are really great or something or at least super nice, but frankly, I don't really think mine are going out of their way to educate my children to really deserve a GIFT. Oh no, there I went...I blurted it out...oh my. Too bad - that's what reality is.

RELAX, RELAX, RELAX......Okay - I'm calm again!

I have to admit that I'm really feeling the crafting guilt now that it's 2 weeks until the big exchange day and I haven't made any handmade gifts for the ones I love (with the exception of Sheldon the Turtle for my new niece - isn't he cute?).

I'm not having any problems with finding projects to knit for myself though! I keep casting on something new every few days. I'm into hats at the moment (maybe because they are small projects) like Le Slouch, Trinity Stitch Hat, Foliage and Just Like a Peasant Cap are just some of the patterns I'm buying yarn for as we speak. Then there's these awesome mittens a friend of mine is working on now that are a MUST KNIT - so I ordered the pattern, Fanning the Flames. I just fell in love with the site of them! Thanks Mary!

Okay - well - if I'm not blogging by the big day - have a merry one. Hope you eat some good food - cause if you're like me - you'll be starving yourself come 2008!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-20T09:27:00.000-05:00

Despite being sick with a stomach bug, I am getting my family packed to head down to CT for Thanksgiving. We stay at my in-laws and always have a great time. And let me tell you about these chairs they've got in their living room! I've bragged to my knitting group that they are the perfectly designed chair for knitting in! They are U shaped with the perfect arm height to allow my arms to settle into a very comfortable knitch (nice huh?) were I can knit for hours! They swivel too, which allows me to always be a part of whats going on. I can whip out sweaters or more while in those chairs in no time at all. Maybe it helps too that my children are playfully entertained by their grandparents...but I'm sticking with my belief in those chairs. They're wonderful!

I'm bringing 3 projects along with me: crochet eco-friendly carryall, Sheldon the Turtle & Rusted Root. They're all on some needles and partially done - Maybe I can finish them all by Sunday! Anythings possible in those chairs!

Hope you all enjoy your Thanksgiving with whomever you may be spending it with this year. If it's a quiet one, good for you! If it's family/friend filled, good for you too! All's good one way or another. Either way - have a good one.

crochet hurts!

2007-11-16T14:34:00.000-05:00

I have been crocheting my first ALL crochet project the last few days and I have to tell you - crochet hurts! I know it's all in the way I'm holding the yarn. I can't seem to help it. I hold the yarn the same way when I knit - but with my right hand - and it has gotten so used to it that it doesn't even phase me anymore. My left hand...no make that left pointer finger is killing me! I've been trying other methods of holding the yarn with good tension - but without me even realizing it - I go back to using my pointer as a vice and WHAALAA - sore finger.

I do like the bag I'm kni....I mean, crocheting. It's the Crocheted Eco-Friendly Carryall. I'm huge into using my own bags when I shop and love this one because I can scrunch it up into another bag until I need it.

Hugs & Kisses

2007-11-12T17:22:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make a friend something she could use and remember that she is missed and thought of. Here is my Hugs & Kisses Mug Cozy. It's a wrap around with snap closure, so you can insert it in the mug's handle as shown.

Hugs & Kisses Mug Cozy

YARN: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes - Chocolate - less than 1 skein, Cascade 220 - Rose - small amount for edging

NEEDLE(s): sz US 7 knitting needles & US G-6 crochet hook

NOTIONS: 2-3 snaps OR hook & loop tape (like Velcro)

finished measurements: 12 inches long & 2.5 inches wide

OXOX cable - (panel of 12 sts)

RIGHT CABLE - sl 2 sts to cn and hold to BACK of work, k2, k2 from cn.

LEFT CABLE - sl 2 sts to cn and hold to FRONT of work, k2, k2 from cn.

Row 1 (RS): P2, k8, p2
Row 2 and all WS rows: K the knit sts & P the purl sts
Row 3: P2, RIGHT CABLE, LEFT CABLE, P2
Row 5: Rep row 1
Row 7: P2, LEFT CABLE, RIGHT CABLE, P2
Row 9: Rep row 1
Row 11: Rep row 7
Row 13: Rep row 1
Row 15: Rep row 3
Row 16: Rep row 2
REP ROWS 1-16

Slip Stitch Picot edging:

work one slip stitch, *chain three, insert hook into the same stitch and pull the yarn through both the stitch and the loop on the hook, slip stitch the next stitch; repeat from the * to end.

BEGIN
cast on 18 sts -
row 1: k3, work row 1 of cable pattern, k3.
row 2: p3, work row 2 of cable pattern, p 3.
Repeat Rows 1&2 until you have worked 5 cable repeats (measure your mug and add or subtract cable repeats as needed to snuggly fit YOUR mug)
Continue as for row 2 in cable pattern for 3 rows. BO in pattern.

With crochet hook and Rose color work slip stitch picot edge on both sides of cozy.

FINISHING:
weave in all loose ends. Sew 2-3 snaps or hook and loop tape on each end. Wrap around your favorite mug and enjoy!

rough & tough

2007-11-04T16:53:00.000-05:00

I guess I'm a rough and tough knitter. I've gone and broken one of my new Knit Picks Options interchangeable needle cords! I was working on a hat in the round - yes, it was a tight start - when the unthinkable happens - SNAP!! The cord simply popped out of the metal join that screws into the different needle sizes. I didn't realize that it was just squeezed in there without some kind of glue or somethin. So - in my hands came the unraveling Andean Silk - yarn overs a plenty popped out and it was beyond my repair. Ugghh. Good thing it was just a hat! I frogged the project, called Knit Picks (no questions asked - they're send me a new cord!) and on to something else!

What is that something else, you say? Well, if it wasn't my luck that the
Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece I ordered happened to come to my door! I choose the Cavern (black) and have begun Rusted Root. So far, so good. It's knit in the round - so I'm making sure I don't tug too hard on the joins of the cord!

Tomorrow is Monday! That means knitting group! Get me out of the house and knit, knit, knit!

rusty & green

2007-11-01T10:42:00.000-04:00

Bison scarf down....now in the mean time....I'm awaiting the arrival of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece to knit 2 Zephyr Designs patterns: Rusted Root & Green Gable. I got the yarn in Grey Dawn & Cavern (both are mid to dark grays to black) and will choose which one for which sweater when they arrive. Oh, I cant' wait til' the yarn comes!

In the mean, mean, time, I think maybe another hat or two from yarn in my stash. I have pretty much determined I am not knitting gifts this year, too. It's already November and I haven't started a thing for anyone...plus, I like too many patterns for myself. Who said that a knitter has to generously make things for OTHER people? Why am I feeling slight pangs of selfishness? This is my time and effort here, right? Why am I still feeling greedy? I'm going to stop now...well...in another minute...okay...nope! I need to get to knitting group for some therapy! Monday can't come soon enough girls!

oh - just go knit something and RELAX!

Wisp Away and Old Spice

2007-10-28T14:43:00.000-04:00

I'm chugging along on my Wisp scarf and am really liking the results. This buffalo fiber is deliciously soft and cozy. I'm about 75% through my 125 yds of yarn and will yield about a 28 inch scarf before blocking. Since it's so lacy - it's going to stretch quite a bit. This will be a neck wrap in the end - nothing that's going to go around a few times. I'll have to email a photo to Dream Come True Farm in Oxford, CT to show them what I did with the beautiful buffalo yarn they spun.

Minimalist Cardigan has been shifted to a post holiday KAL (knit-along). Most of us who wanted to do this all have too much going on through December, so we opted to commit to casting on in January. Gives more people an opportunity to join in too. I've created a Ravelry group for this KAL - so if your a member of the community - join up for the post holiday fun!

I'm taking my kids to a school Halloween party today. I've got an American Indian and a Knight. Remember the days of the plastic hospital gown style costume with the mask that would cut your lip on the mouth opening? You could go to Caldor or Bradlee's and choose any one from the bunch. I was Wonder Woman a couple times for sure! Happy Halloween!

PLEASE, PLEASE - you've got to agree with me....this is the funniest ad on TV right now, right? Click here to watch Pay close attention to that bar of soap! FYI - I use shower gel!

A package at the door!

2007-10-25T19:45:00.001-04:00

Oh yeah! I came home today to find a package at my front door! Andean Silk from Knit Picks has arrived and I am ready to start my Minimalist Cardigan in the knit-a-long! Ohhh yeaaah!

In the meantime, I'm going to get my thrills knitting Wisp in my bison yarn. I only have 125 yards or so - but I'm going to go with US8's and hopefully will get enough length to wrap this baby around my neck.

Off I go! Knit today and enjoy!

Topi down

2007-10-24T15:26:00.000-04:00

oh yeah - finished my Topi hat late last night. I couldn't go to bed without finishing the brim. It was knit as a pocket and then you inserted plastic canvas into it for stiffness. I think it came out cute. My kids really like it! They're so proud of me after having watched me knit this for way too many days!

I was hoping my Andean Silk would arrive while I was at work today so that I can get my Minimalist Cardigan cast on and started - but much to my dismay - no packages at my door. Bummer!

I've got the knitting bug - so I've got to start a project NOW! I just don't know what....with the knit-a-long starting soon I don't want to get into anything too big....I wonder.

knit today and enjoy!

one last time...

2007-10-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

I'm passing my time knitting Topi - a Knitty pattern - inspired by cadet style hats that are all over the place now. I am using left over Elann Sonata yarn in a steel gray from Reid's skull sweater. I thought this would be a day and a half project - but here it is the 3rd day I'm working on it. First it was getting it started. No lie - it took no less than 12 times to get it going. Then I didn't increase enough and it was too small for my head. Then I didn't make the edge long enough and it wouldn't stay on my head and then finally I forgot to switch to smaller needles for the border and had to redo that. I am just about done now - but I swear, if I find one more "mistake" I might freak!

On another note, I've heard lots and lots about Rhinebeck. I am green with envy about all the yarns I missed seeing and touching. There were so many vendors it made people's heads spin! Since I tend to be more of an impulse shopper - it was good I didn't attend because I would have spent all my money in the first hour! I heard it would have been very hard to be strategic and hit those vendors you were most interested in just because of the sheer numbers in attendance, some said it was hard just to remember where you saw what yarns. I recommended that next year they utilize technology and bring a phone with GPS on it so they can mark where they saw good yarn and be able to get back to it!

Some of my Monday knitting group and I are starting a Minimalist Cardigan knit-a-long. I'm waiting for my Barn Red Andean Silk to arrive. This came up at the suggestion of a one of the groups members last week...I hadn't planned on knitting this cardigan quite yet...but a knit-a-long...I'm in! Thanks Margaret!

ssk, k2tog....enjoy!

Bison on the brain and endless ideas

2007-10-18T15:58:00.000-04:00

I've got so many projects on my brain I don't know what to do first.

I won an Ebay auction for a hank of lace weight bison yarn a couple weeks ago. I can't seem to stop thinking about it! It's appx 125 yards of the softest, luscious brown yarn I've touched, EVER. I'm thinking about Branching Out from Knitty. This pattern calls for 190 yards - but I think I can swing it with my 125.

But, my brain is running through other projects that seem just as worthy
1) finish my Seda Vest (so close - but just not thrilling me)
2) frog my Seamless Chunky Raglan Sweater because I knit it too large (and now I've misplaced the dang pattern!)
3) frog my recycled Unbiased Bag I started 2 years ago in the recycled sari silk yarn (because it's too shallow a bag to actually put things into.
4) OR start any one of the new patterns I recently purchased that I can't wait to make! (like Rusted Root by Zephyr Style, or Deep V Argyle Vest by Eunny Jang, or Trapeze Jacket by Stitch Diva Studios)

I don't know what to do! So many choices - all so tempting...I need to quit living and just knit all day, I think!

ssk and enjoy!

drats!

2007-10-16T15:35:00.000-04:00

My children struck again! I missed out on another Monday night of knitting group because of my family! Don't they know that if they keep me from knitting, I'm going to be grouchy? I guess they haven't figured that out yet. Both kids are in the early stages of a cold - weepy, clingy and low fevers. They couldn't wait until Tuesday....oh no. Monday's are jinxed! Maybe I should tell them I've changed knitting to Wednesday nights and then they'll start getting sick or make plans for Wednesday's instead! Maybe I'm on to something here....

I telling you now....nothing stands between me and NEXT Monday....only blood or something messy will stand in my way.....well, maybe!

ssk and enjoy!

take the plunge

2007-10-15T10:37:00.000-04:00

so - I'd been working diligently at my Seda Vest and even got to cutting the steeks...but then I noticed that there was some unraveling occurring at the top edge where I obviously didn't crochet correctly to anchor the bound off stitches. I balled it up and shoved it into a bag and refused to deal with it. Until now...

I'm going to take the plunge and stitch down those unraveling ends and finish the damn vest already. I was so freaked by the unraveling I haven't knit in 2 weeks people! This was trauma. I researched steeking and took step by step actions to prevent just this from happening and when it did anyway I think I took it too personally.

"to err is human, to forgive devine" Alexander Pope

enough said

A long pause.......

2007-10-14T15:40:00.000-04:00

I don't know how it happened....one day I was posting and the next...

I must have hit my pause button somewhere. But I think I'm back in the game again. Think...now is that a word you would use if you were going to commit to something? I probably should keep it in there just to use as an 'out' should someone say "why haven't you updated your blog lately?".

Anyway - I'm up on Ravelry and I couldn't be more excited. I'm so anxious to knit and knit some more that I can't get a hold of myself. Some friends and I decided that the initial week or two you are on are going to be the most time consuming - you're loading pics, patterns, books, projects, etc. I was on for 2 hours the first day and didn't even realize it. I am going to have to pace myself. Easy does it!

ssk & enjoy!

one down, one to go

2005-10-26T12:03:00.000-04:00

My daughter Brynn is delighted with the sweater I made her. She picked out the boucle and "Fun Fur Stripes", which I added to the collar and cuffs. I would have loved more to have a picture of her in it, but our timing was off today! There's always tomorrow!

Anyway, with one of the kid's sweaters down, I've got one to go. Reid choose a skull and crossbones theme for his red sweater. Right now I'm working out my chart so that it will actually LOOK like a skull and crossbones when knit. One might not realize that there is a proportion to keep when charting for stockinette stitch - which is 5 sts to 7 rows. Sounds easy enough - and it might be - but not for a first timer like me. But here I go again working a sweater without an already existing pattern and it doesn't go without it's problems. But soon enough I should have it worked out and Reid will be sporting is new sweater.

While waiting for the yarn for Reid's sweater to arrive (we ordered online, of course!) I have been working on the "Unbiased Bag" from Knitty. It's made up in recycled sari silk yarn, which is all the rage right now. This is yarn made up from the mill ends of sari silk in India. They are spun together to create a thick/thin multi color yarn. The yarn is a bit challenging to work with as it likes to twist up on itself or come unraveled. But despite it's issues, it's got an amazing range of colors that are fabulous. I'm finishing up the 4th piece and will then go on to the strap. Then once pieced, I'll toss it in the washer, air dry and then toss in the dryer to help remove some of the "strings" it likes to shed. I can't wait for this one to be done! One of my LYS's has a completed bag hanging in the shop and once cleaned and dried it feels like....well, silk!!

I've corralled some girlfriends for a night of craftiness - we're going to go to a "paint it yourself" pottery shop and try to be creative! I'm pretty sure the margharita's afterward aren't what got them all to go!

Do something fun today and enjoy!

gotta make my own

2005-10-07T16:20:00.000-04:00

I'm continuing to work on the recycled plastic bag tote, but it's low on the list cause it hurts my fingers! In the mean time I am awaiting the arrival of some yarn to knit my son sweater with a skull and crossbones motif I designed. He's all boy and wants something tough looking. The adorable duck motif sweater my mother-in-law knit him last year might not be doable this year. (It's a BHG pattern with the duck head peaking out from the back around the front. It actually looks alot like the "AFFLAC" duck - so it's not so cutesy, but funny!)

Additionally, I've got some boucle that my daughter picked out that I'm trying to make a shrug style tie front sweater out of. The pattern market is majorly lacking in any kind of pattern for such a thing for young girls (not cutesy toddler). I'm knitting up swatches this way and that and hopefully will come out with something she likes in the end - but it's something I've gotta make on my own.

I knit up very quickly the "Nantucket Basket", which looks good. I haven't felted it yet, but am confident it will be a winnner for gifting this holiday season. And since my original gifts will most likely not be completely done, this could be a fill in for some this year!

Any of you have that one friend within your group that everyone seems to tollerate, but truthfully doesn't particularly like? How's that working for you? Me? I feel badly for the person, but admit to contributing to the talking behind her back in a not always possitive light. It's yanking at me because I could be seen as being two faced in dealing with this person. Some might say I "use" her to get some things, but I would say that I have reasons for maintaining a friendship with her. She, overall is a nice person, a bit negative, authoratative and overbearing, but dealt with in smaller doses, for me anyway, tollerable. My decision on the matter is to no longer contribute to the chatter...is this enough? That's the question.

Anyway, I'm going to go knit!

sore fingers

2005-09-22T13:09:00.000-04:00

You are Shetland Wool. You are a traditional sort who can sometimes be a little on the harsh side. Though you look delicate you are tough as nails and prone to intricacies. Despite your acerbic ways you are widely respected and even revered.

A fellow knitaholic sent me a link to a Quizilla quiz to determine what type of yarn you are. Above was my result! Cute.

I have finished knitting my hubby's slippers and will probably felt them over the weekend when he's home for fitting. I'm glad he asked me to make him a pair - that way I'm pretty sure he'll actually use them.

Now I've moved on to the Erika Knight's "Recycled Plastic Carryall" from Knit with a Twist. So far, I've cut about 12 variously colored shopping backs into strips starting from the top and cutting in a spiral for one long continuous piece. That took awhile to do, and my sissor hand was aching, so I stopped, wound the strips into 2 balls and started knitting the front. Knitting with plastic is tough. You have to work hard to pull the stitches through but also making sure you don't stretch the lower stitch out of shape. After the first few rows it gets a bit easier, but still hard on the hands. In addition, I've already stopped 4 people asking me what I'm doing!

Ahh, another fine day to knit! Enjoy!

what's next?

2005-09-15T19:02:00.000-04:00

So I have finished the 'Accidentally on Purpose' vest as seen. But with 10-20° above normal temps lately, I haven't worn it yet. Ahh, soon enough though.

Mark will soon have his felted slippers - just in time for the cool weather too. His mother should be happy too, since I think she thought I wasn't making him his pair on purpose or something. But as most of my knitting friends would agree with is it's not so fun to knit with 100% wool when it's hot and humid. But anyway - I've got one finished and am working on the mate. These are great because they take about 8 hours to knit the pair and they make great gifts.

I have been feeling like if I don't get working on holiday gifts I'm going to put myself into a tight spot come December. So I really think I have to put my personal projects on the side until I get more gifts done. No biggie - I'll have plenty of cold weather months to knit all for myself!

enjoy!

so many patterns - so little time!

2005-09-05T16:29:00.000-04:00

oh - I've been knitting the Accidentally on Purpose vest from the Stitch n' Bitch Nation book. I'm working it in Paton's Grace in Ruby (which really is a dark pink, not red). It's pretty simple - 78 sts x 20 in in stockinette stitch - then you drop sts in the bo and it created "runs" or "ladders" down the entire length. I've got the front finished and am 1/2 way through with the back. It'll be great to wear over long or short sleeve t shirts.

I've just ordered some patterns from Suss Designs that are pretty cool. One is a circle shrug and the other is a wrap cardigan in a short length like a bolero. Both are very cute. Just going to wait for the patterns to decipher what yarn I will use for them.

Additionally, I was on the desperate search for a man's sweater I remembered seeing - and finally remembered where I saw it. This the "Laddered Sweater" from 'simple knits with a twist'. My hubby told me that he would have been into this maybe 10 years ago - but not so much now. He's such a wimp! I absolutely love it and may incorporate these "runs" into a womans sweater for me at some point. I'm just going to make a roll neck sweater with a cable up the center for my man. He's so much more conservative than when I met him - but I'll keep him off the straight and narrow as much as I can!

I'm also just about ready to work the "Recycled Bag Carryall" also from 'simple knits with a twist'. My dear knitting friends and mother-in-law have been generous enough to help me collect plastic shopping bags of all colors to go into this really great tote. I can't wait to get it going. I'm going to start the strip cutting this week while my 2 babes enter their first week back at school.

I've still got lots of socks to work on - but I'm getting into so many other things I just can't seem to get into those just yet. I'm still working on the Paton's Cabled Hoodie - I've side tracked the Drop Stitch Shrug (I don't like it!). I've got felted slippers still to make for my hubby too for the chilly weather soon to approach!

SO MANY PATTERNS - SO LITTLE TIME!!!!

enjoy - and why not create something yourself this month?

silk garden is OUT

2005-08-23T13:55:00.000-04:00

well - I went chuggin' away at starting the drop stitch shrug using my stash of Noro Silk Garden - but after about 5 inches, I frogged it. I didn't like the way it held the pattern (or didn't, that is) and then realized I don't really want the whole "striped" affect that this yarn produces. So I went through my stash again and am now restarting the shrug in Cascade Indulgence in basic black. This is not quite a worsted weight, but I'll see how it goes on US8 throughout.

keep ploughing through

Pink's In

2005-08-22T17:30:00.000-04:00

So I've been slowly working on the Eyelet Halter and have finally finished it. I knit the size medium, but should have done it in a small. I'm going to wash it a bit and see if I can get the size to come down a little. I adore it anyway and will get some fun use out of it.

I'm now in the process of finding a nice sweater to knit for my hubby. I was going to go with the Irregular Rib Raglan from Loop-d-Loop - but he saw it and isn't terribly fond of it...so I'm searching for something new. I remember seeing something recently in a long sleeved sweater that had a long run of dropped stitches down the front or side that was pretty cool, but I can't remember where! Of course! But you know, he probably wouldn't like that either...he's a bit more conservative than I am. I did show him the Big Sack Sweater from the Stitch 'N Bitch book, which he seemed to like - so if I can't find anything else ASAP then I'll go with that.

Just got the Sept 05 Knit Picks catalog and got the knitting bug for the winter! I think if I do go ahead and do the Sack sweater that I'll do it in their Andean Silk - maybe in Olive or Pitch.

I am about to start another new shrug for myself. I'm going with something fuller in the sleeve and might just use a free pattern I found online called Drop Stitch Shrug. I'm contemplating using my Noro Silk Garden which I have in #47, which is charcoal, olive, cocoa & hyacinth - might look nice. I'll start it and if I don't like it - frog it!

Off to yell at my babes! Can't wait for school to start in 2 weeks. My patience was stubbed out after the first month of summer vacation and I've just ran out of fumes! Ohh, someone save me!!! I'm trying to keep us busy with friends and activites to buffer the madness, but they're out of control and need that structure that the school year enflicts. ONE MOMENT AT A TIME!!

Home Sweet Home

2005-08-03T16:47:00.000-04:00

The family and I are finally home. We had a great trip, but we're ready to settle back into our normal groove. While away, I had some time to knit on the eyelet halter - but not as much as I would have liked to. I'm almost done with the front and will piece it soon. I love the color and feel of this yarn. This'll be a nice addition to my wardrobe.

I'm going to have to get an impromptu meeting together with my knitting group friends. I know we've all been busy or away lately, so I think some of us will be up to it. I'd just like to get back into my daily knitting and finding new projects to work on.

Christmas still seems a ways away, doesn't it? Well, when you're knitting your gifts it comes quicker than you think. I've got to get going on my projects so I won't have to hustle come Dec 1st. So I guess getting myself excited about too many new projects will have to wait - at least until I have more gifts completed, that is.

So much to do here at home....unpacking, laundry, putting away all those toys lying around.....ugghhh. The last 2 days now I've been out of sorts - headache, dizzy and feeling like I'm in slow motion....hope it clears soon so I can get my house back in order.

Enjoy and be good to yourself...

off and away

2005-07-23T22:54:00.000-04:00

So I'm off and away on my vacation - but at a pit stop in CT at my inlaws. Yesterday I hit a LYS, Yarn Barn in Woodbridge CT. Great little shop, filled to the brim with lots of yarns and goodies.

I happened to make a purchase (how surprising!) and am going to work on a new project while on this trip. I got 6 balls of Rowan Cotton Rope in a hot pink. I went ahead an got the book that goes with this yarn and am knitting the
Eyelet Band Halter.

Socks are on hold again, cause the yarn I brought with me I'd rather do a more interesting pattern on. That'll have to wait til I'm back home.

My sister Kristin - call me soon lovey!

LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH

Tanks away!

2005-07-20T18:19:00.000-04:00

I've completed the tank and think its lovely! Brynn, was kind enough to take a picture of me in the completed version in the yard today - looks like I need to shed a pound or two in the belly though, huh? Ahh, whatever, middle age has arrived and I'm gonna take the ride!

I just had a birthday yesterday, on July 19th. It was hot and humid as hell - just like it was the day I was born, says my mother. I spent this years day at Breakheart Reservation beach with a friend and our kids. My DFam took me out for barbeque at Big Lou's followed up with a delicious cake at home. My DH went shopping this year and did a good job with a couple of CD's I wanted. He had to store jump to find just the right ones! hatta guy! I wrapped the night up by going out with 5 good friends for snacks and drinks til 1am! I got free food cause it was the actual day of my birthday. And best of all - I GOT CARDED when I ordered a margarita! Oh yeah - life is good!

Well - I'm a little bit sun burned today after spending the entire day in a beautiful pool with friends and my kids. It was an absolutely perfect day for swimming. I felt like a kid again cause I didn't want to leave at the end of the day! Anyway - enjoy the hot weather and be good to each other.

tank almost done

2005-07-18T12:11:00.000-04:00

I've been chuggin' away at the cross-over tank and have most of it done now. It's going to be so cute, I just can't wait to wear it.

Brynn's been slowly working on her swatch. She's easily frustrated and wants me to finish the rows for her. For a 6 year old I'm pretty impressed though. She still seems interested, but I think now understands that it isn't as easy as it looks at first. We'll keep with it and see where we go with it. She wants to take her "knitting" with her on our upcoming vacation - so that we'll do!

For me, I think socks will be my traveling project. Easy enough to take with you and not terribly complicated in terms of pattern (since I still have plenty of mates to make in various self patterning yarn).

You won't see much new stuff on here til' the beggining of August since the family and I are heading on a road trip for 10-11 days.

Be well and have fun knitting!

the next generation

2005-07-16T20:16:00.000-04:00

Oh the joy a mother feels when her children want to learn to knit!

I taught my 6 yr old daughter, Brynn, how to knit today. She's working back and forth on 15 stitches and now considers herself "a knitter". To appease my 4 yr old son, Reid, I also set him up on needles and he claims to be knitting his grandmother a sweater.

I want both my children to enjoy and appreciate the peacefulness that hand knitting can provide. I hope the interest continues and grows.

keep those needles clickin'

the tank

2005-07-15T12:12:00.000-04:00

So I am feverishly working away on the tank yet I don't seem to be getting far! You work the front and back lower panels sideways, and on the size I'm doing, until it's 16" - then you pick up stitches and work the cups and straps. It's very cute, if I don't say so myself.

We're home today waiting on our car at the shop...hopefully my little rats will let me knit a bit.

enjoy and behave

finding the time

2005-07-13T17:57:00.000-04:00

Between summer, my kids and trying to keep them busy, I can't find the time to do the things I love lately - mainly knitting!
But today, I made a visit to one of my LYS, Butterfly Yarns, and I've caught the knitting bug! I picked up a pattern and yarn to make a really cute cross over tank top in Sirdar DUET yarn and I've been going at it all afternoon (with many interuptions, I might add!) in hopes of finishing it so I can bring it on vacation next week.

I've been slowly working on the cable jacket and am really liking the results. I was utterly PO'd at my Monday night knitting group cause I forgot to throw my pattern into my bag before I left. So there I am with nothing to knit! But fortunately, a member of our group who had a baby 12 days ago brought her precious little man by for a visit. It was a great distraction and temporarily made me forget about it. Thankfully too, were the knitting magazines brought by others to keep me occupied too.

Shifting into dinner mode....enjoy!

Back at last!

2005-06-29T16:47:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well...where have you been? Me?? I've been either busy or too lazy to update my blog, didn't you know? The kid's are finally done with school for the summer and now I should have time here or there to post - so keep me on your minds!

Got a new project on my needles (besides the endless array of socks I continue to work on). I'm in love with Paton's "Cabled Hoodie" from their Street Smart booklet (PICTURED) - so I'm giving it a try. But what I'm not doing is what the pattern calls for at all! I'm attempting to alter the pattern by knitting this is the "round" instead of the back, left front and right fronts separately. So I've adjusted the stitches taking out seam allowances and am knitting this bad boy back and forth on circular needles all in one piece up to the armholes - then I'll work each section individually and seam those when done. Additionally, I'm using my Jamieson's Chunky Shetland in Wildflower (PICTURED) instead of the worsted weight yarn the pattern calls for. So I'm experiementing with the ribbing gauge at the moment on size 8 and 9 needles right now and will see how to proceed.

Recently took a gander at a new local yarn shop in Wakefileld, MA called Butterfly Yarns. Very nice little shop on it's way to being a mainstay in the area for knitters. Glad to see that there is now someone to give Sit & Knit a run for her money anyway! Of course, I couldn't leave the shop without making a purchase - got MORE sock yarn - which I was delighted to see they carry all sorts of. Can't have too many socks on the needles, now can we!

I feel the need to comment on my newest addiction related to knitting - ADDI TURBO NEEDLES! I have to confess that I am now an Addi snob! I was working just fine with my Denise Interchangeable circular kit - but then I got "stuck" on socks knit the 2 circular needle way and used Addi's - that's all it took. I've used them before, but something just clicked when I used them this time around. Ohh...man! My goal now is to get 2 pair 28" long in each size! Already got US0 - 4 down! Ohh yeah!

Remember - keep me in your thoughts!

lackluster

2005-06-07T10:40:00.000-04:00

Just to let you all know, my house looked great for my Friday night dinner guests! And I had time to knit! Made chicken cordon bleu, pilaf and brocolli. Got lots of compliments and my kids ate 2 servings of chicken! We played probably the best ever game of Monopoly ever (and that's not just because I won!). It was just a great distribution of properties and unique bargining, plus the personalities at the table that made it so fun. So overall, the night was a success.

My kids have a birthday party for a 6 year old girlfriend - so I've got a gift to make. I think I'm going with a bathing suit cover/poncho to match this cute little suit I found. Just need to find the right yarn....

My little guy is home today - so off we go to enjoy the beautiful day (with sunblock of course). He's all geared up in one of his "basketball uniforms" and he's ready to play.

jinx

2005-06-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

I fear mentioning the sun for it will shy away behind dark grey clouds, but it is out again today! That's all I'm saying about that.

It's always nice to throw in a little jpeg of the work in progress, isn't it? Lovely little sock.

Next on the list of sock yarns is more Lana Grossa "Fun & Stripes", but in dark blue, light blue, red and orange or #626. The appeal to this yarn is that it makes predictable stripes, which makes it easier to make the mate. But I guess it depends on what you're looking for out of a self patterning yarn, right?

Dinner guests are on the agenda for this evening. Of course, I am feeling the pull to clean house! Nothing too big, just EVERYTHING! Yeah, I'm a freak when it comes to this. Oh, well. Honestly, though, I'm getting better at this since instead of the urge to clean, I'm trying to figure out when I can knit today! Nothing like a fiber addiction to let your home go to the pigs.

could it be?

2005-06-02T10:20:00.000-04:00

Dare I say the sun has come out today? But it is true...amazingly. Let the outdoor playdates begin! I am off shortly to let the boys run and play. Thursday is the day of the boys, you know. My son, who is usually surrounded by girls, gets his day of rough play, climbing, yelling and tumbling with a few other boys his same age. He loves it! He lives for Thursdays! Yeah for Reid!

Since I've finished my shrug, I'm off working on more socks. I'm currently using Lana Grossa Meilenweit "Fun & Stripes" in blue, green, orange and grey stripes. They are a funky arrangement of colors one might not put together - therefore, I love them!

This morning, over a bowl of Corn Pops with my son, I was reading the back of the Addi Turbo needle packet and got a little chuckle out of the "warning label": "This needle or item should be used only for the purpose it was designed for: NEEDLE WORK. If used improperly and or by untrained persons this tool may cause bodily harm." Untrained??? Bodily Harm??? Watch out there fellow knitters, I don't think you realized how dangerous using those circular needles really was! No, really, it just cracks me up now a days to see these kind of warning labes on just about everything....damn idiots and their lawsuits.

Anyway, let the sun shine down on me and raise me from the funk I have called life in recent weeks! Off to play.

downer day

2005-06-01T10:27:00.000-04:00

Boston is crappy! Why any of us pay as much as we do to live here is not registering in my head. Not being native to this place, I am not enjoying my time spent here due to the ugly weather this area has been burdoned with this year. A killer winter with loads of snow have now passaged on to endless cold, grey, wet days. We're but mere weeks from summer and we've yet to have any real sense of spring. The few flowers that bloomed with the hopes of sun and warmth, were wilted over with clouds and cold. I've been forced to hold off on planting my crop of green beans and now it's making me grouchy!
I can only hope that this blanket of cold and wet will soon burn away and allow the golden rays to shine upon us. My mind, body and soul are in dire need (as is my orchid, which drops a flower every other day now!). For the knitter, our colder weather items have gotten an extension. Usually at this time of year, a knitter is searching for lighter summer weight goodies to occupy her hands and soul. This is not the case now. We all seem to be slowly wrapping up wool sweaters and the likes instead of light and airy ponchos or bathing suit coverups. This will catch up though - as I'm sure summer with hit with a vengence and we'll go from a cool 53 degrees to 98 in a days time! What will one do then with a newly finished wool roll neck sweater?

I'll end this somber entry with my personal life mantras:
LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH -&- You can only control your own actions

Shimmer is done!

2005-05-27T17:32:00.000-04:00

here I am modeling my new Shimmer shrug - I love it and it's been keeping me toasty all afternoon!

Shimmer shrug

2005-05-27T03:14:00.000-04:00

I am on the final stages of the Shimmer shrug - I deviated from the pattern a bit by shortening the sleeves to 3/4 length - so it changed the top edge's shape a bit - but it looks pretty good. Have all the loose ends to weave in now - not my fav.

I love M, W & F for my 2.5 hour break from the kids. Reid is happily in preschool across the street and Brynn, as usual, is busy in her full day of kindergarten. You would think now is the perfect time to clean or do laundry - but OH NO - I can't imagine doing HOUSE WORK on my time off! Instead, I'm going to knit and finish my shrug!

New to this!

2005-05-26T19:50:00.000-04:00

So I've been thinking for a while that a knitting blog would be fun. I am an addicted knitter and thought I'd post to see if anyone shares my particular likes in this area.

I am currently working on 2 projects....well make that 3 or 4....but avidly on 2.

I really liked the "I Do" shrug on Knitty.com, but after working some of a sleeve, decided I didn't like the way it looked - so I've since changed to the "Shimmer" shrug also from Knitty.com. I definately like this one and am almost done now. I'm using KnitPicks yarn, Andean Silk in Grass - it's luscious! And since the weather here in new england has been so cold - I'll probably be wearing it a'plenty!

Sock addiction

2005-05-26T17:29:00.000-04:00

I'm also knitting away on various pairs of socks. I'm doing so on 2 double needles vs. the dpn method. I like it so much more. My tactic at not getting bored with any one yarn or pattern is to knit just one sock at a time then switch to another yarn/pattern...I then knit the match after I've knit a couple in different yarns and I don't get so bored!