Knitting, Dogs and More

Holiday Greetings

2010-12-06T21:36:00.001-08:00

Coronet Cheer Christmas

Make a statement with Shutterfly Christmas photo cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Saturday Sky

2008-03-08T20:53:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Day today! We've had such nice weather! Look at all the trees in bloom! Makes for a beautiful site but also a lot of sneezing ;-).
Seems a good year for Crows too.

Face mask and tamiflu required to read this entry!

2008-02-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

When you can't visit Brisbane. Do all you can to not have this "Brisbane" visit you....that advice would probably include avoiding our household for the next few days while we disinfect. Anyway, I spent part of Friday, all Saturday and part of Sunday in bed with a high fever. Unavoidable for a number of reasons. I volunteer at school and have a 5 year old so I have constantly been coughed and sneezed on for the past 2-3 weeks. UGH. Plus this year the flu vaccine may not have made much of a difference, so the fact that I've gotten pretty darn sick from those in the past doesn't matter.

Unfortunately that means not much knitting was done in the recent past and since my major project is still the push to finish the afghan, progress isn't always that noticeable in pictures. I hope to be back at it soon though and do have a project I'll share when I'm feeling better. Take care all!

Saturday Sky

2008-02-17T00:40:00.001-08:00

Yes We Can!

2008-02-14T08:55:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to say what my choice is but I will say, It really seems we have much better choices in leaders than we've had in a long time. Maybe it's just my weariness of things that makes me want to believe this, but I'm hoping our country and world has a brighter future to look forward too. We have many challenges to face and need great leaders.

In a bit I'm off to Michaels to replace circular needles I think fell out of the car on a recent trip :-(. I want them TODAY to finish a project so have few choices where to get them. I'm REALLY hoping Michaels has them in stock!

Saturday Sky (I wish!)

2008-02-02T18:56:00.000-08:00

This is actually from last night. Much nicer than today as it has been pretty windy and raining for most of the day. I also have the flu so didn't really feel like venturing or even looking out at the dark sky for a picture. Take care all!

Keep on knitting, knitting, knitting....

2008-01-31T13:47:00.000-08:00

In Finding Nemo, Dori sings "Keep on swimming, swimming, swimming" Anyway, I'm a little over half way through the afghan now. You can see the color differences I talked about. At first I thought it was my mistake but it's not. I'm hoping it will even out when I wash it and it isn't this noticeable in person. I may add some Rit color remover a second wash if it ends up worse.

It is raining here in California and I have the flu bug that is going around our community. Because of that and the fact that the LOST premiere is on tonight I started a Tomten jacket for Esther (Garter stitch) from the leftover wool used for various fuzzy feet and hats. That way if it's to hard to pay attention to the plot and remember what happened last season (ages ago) I'll have something simple to work on.

Saturday Sky....posted a bit late

2008-01-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

The weather was cloudy but much better than predicted this weekend (we thought there would be a lot of rain). I am at the 1/2 way point on the afghan I'm knitting. I'm still irked by the color difference but hopeful it will go away with a soak and washing when I'm done. I'll post pictures soon, maybe with Esther in it too, so you can see how big it is so far.

Do You remember this?

2008-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

Guansey Sweater I was knitting for my husband. I tried it on him yesterday by putting it on two really long circular needles. I had thought it wasn't going to fit so had stopped working on it because I was discouraged. It fits great so far! It's a little further along than this photo but I just need about 2-3" more of this pattern before starting on the arm and yoke shaping. It's been so long I don't even remember what that's all about! When I'm done with the afghan I'll have to jump on that. Ugh, I'm trying to finish the projects I've already started and use yarn I already have.

About Yarn I already have.....I've learned a couple of lessons. I thought I had mixed up some dye lots with the afghan I'm working on. I haven't. The yarn is not consistant in color from skein to skein. This is Brunswick Germantown that I purchased off of EBay. I bought it because I had heard so many great things about Germantown and I love it too (except for the color thing). I don't know if it's the yarn or how it was stored before I purchased it. The color difference can only be seen in certain light so I decided to finish it, try soaking it when I wash before blocking. I MAY try to add some peroxide to the soak then a vinegar rinse. Anyway, it may not end up at the fair but at least it will be done.

The lessons I've learned?
1. Not buying yarn off of EBay anymore.
2. If the project allows (this would be hard to do) I'll alternate rows of old and new yarn at skein changes to avoid any unwanted lines in the finished garment.

Take care all!

Saturday Sky

2008-01-19T11:06:00.001-08:00

It's a beautiful day!

More Distractions

2008-01-18T10:28:00.000-08:00

I have the book "Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys and Arans" by Gladys Thompson. I've admired the pattern "Seahouse Patter I Mrs. Laidlaw's Pattern" which is on page 68 and 69 of the book. This would be a bear to try and follow knitting wise so I charted it using AranPaint Plus:

AranPaint Plus is pretty cool, I've had it for a few years now and it's great because you see this on the screen, and it will print out charts and written directions. This was helpful so I could check with the written instructions in the book. Also figured out right away that the pattern in the book is written for working in the round. I'm SO glad I did this because it doesn't seem her written directions end up at a repeat. It's almost as if "You get the idea" was left out at the end of her written instructions/notes. Anyway, it's a large pattern, 49 stitches wide and the rows of written instructions were 49. It's also slightly different than the picture in the book so I may have made a mistake or its actually for one of the variations on the following pages? Fun to experiment with and hope to knit this up in a sweater one day.

If anyone has used this pattern, let me know, I'd love to hear how it turned out. Well, I'm off to visit play, rest with Esther. She's had a nasty virus this week. She seemed on the mend Tuesday and Wednesday and got a fever again yesterday afternoon. Take care all! Tori

Small Changes, Cleaning....

2008-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

I tidied up the top part of the left sidebar a bit. It more realisitically shows what I'm actually working on but still has a list of things that are wonderful distractions. I'm also playing with colors and toying with the idea of changing the look of the blog.

I'd show you progress of the Aran Afghan but I actually took a few steps back. I started this a few years ago, my tension is a little different. I also made a mistake and started using yarn that is the same brand but a slightly different color. So slight that I didn't notice until the sun came out a few days ago, ARGH. I thought the yarn might be dirty so I tried rinsing it. Then I remembered the other yarn and after drying I realized the gauge grew. So, I took the opportunity to restart and make sure I had the correct yarn all in one spot! I also made the sides a little narrower and switched the rope directions. The original pattern has them all turning to the right. I decided to make them turn so they kind of match the middle pattern. I'm already pretty far on it, so it was a good restart, even if I never really like to do that!

Anyway, Hope everyone is having a Happy New Year! Glad to be back in the swing of things and I plan to post atleast twice a week!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-08T12:46:00.000-08:00

One of my resolutions is to blog more! :-). I realized many of the things I knitted as gifts for Christmas got out the door without a picture for documentation. Anyway, many were fuzzy feet (a standby gift for me) a few toasty toppers (also from knitty) and various other assorted crafts.

I LOVE felting (or fulling which I think is the more correct term) These mittens are nice and toasty for Esther. I enjoyed them before they hit the wash!

They sure are a lot of fun!

Another New Years Resolution is to enter something in the local fair. I've decided it should be this:

I've had this pattern for quite awhile. I had started it in an acrylic yarn and hated it. The pattern is from an old Bernat yarn label. I seem to like the vintage and hard to find patterns!

Anyway, It's good to be back. I'm looking forward to this New Year and want to do a lot to improve my health and life. I'll bore you with the gory details as time goes on..... ;-)

Finished!

2007-10-16T17:54:00.001-07:00

I finished this sweater for Esther, we picked out buttons today and I will put them on tonight. Its done just in time for the cooler weather. I like the lacey pattern and it blocked well with the moss stitch (or is it seed stitch....) Anyway, I had stopped working on it during the summer but finished it up recently. I'm now working on a coat with some yarn I got free from Red Heart after a no dyelot but not matching yarn incident. I had returned the yarn and wrote to them, they were very nice and sent 6 skeins even though I had already taken the yarn back for a refund. See This entry 2 plus years ago for the story. Well, I'm hoping to get back into blogging, we shall see! Take care all!

Paul sings Nessun Dorma high quality video/sound

2007-06-29T23:52:00.001-07:00

A friend sent this to me. It's a wonderful story!

Favorite Princess

2007-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Esther's favorite princess is Belle. This happened after we saw Belle at Disneyland last Fall at a little bookstore where she told her story with the help of Brandon a woodsman. It was SO cute and Belle was so sweet to Esther and all the children there! I imagine she became the favorite of most of the people there that day.

I've been working on projects and play clothes for Esther's preschool and I think she felt a little neglected so I made this for her last weekend. Fortunately I got a hoop skirt at Walmart on clearance after Halloween for 50 cents which really makes the skirt stand out. Sure beats trying to make one for that amount of money let alone time.

I've been hanging in there as my thyroid medicine had to be increased but then seemed to high. From tired to wired and now hopefully a happy medium! Take care all!

2007-03-28T22:21:00.000-07:00

The question today (sorry no contest unless you want a random pile of papers on my desk :-). How Many Yahoo Groups do you belong too? Yahoo groups is having problems with duplication of messages. I belong to about 30. The ones that I do receive direct mail from are set up with filters to go to specific folders in my mailbox. Glad I did this as today would have been insane!

The latest group I joined is for Denim Quilts (jeans-qulits). I posted pictures of a quilt I'm working on to get advice from the group but I haven't posted the question yet. I'll wait 'til Yahoo Groups settle down so they don't think I'm a really pest new person asking the same question 10 times! I'll post the pics here too so you can see what I'm up to. The sample block is out of all denim but I'm thinking of making one side flannel. It's a rag quilt so the edges show. The pieces are triangles so the edges are turned to different sides. One side will look like blocks and the other diamonds.

Take care all!

Finally! Pictures of Knitting

2007-03-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

What seems like decades ago I promised pictures of Esther's sweater I'm working on. The Body is done and now I'm working on the sleeves. I'm knitting both sleeves at the same time. This is so they will be exactly the same since my increasing doesn't always follow the pattern and I don't expect to remember what I did on the previous sleeve unless it is simple. I'm using Plymouth Encore and a free pattern from Berroco called Bethany

So some lovely Spring knitting and Spring cleaning. Hope this is a good season for all!

Update

2007-03-11T16:09:00.000-07:00

AND THE WINNER IS....

Michele at Knitting and Losing gets the 365 stitches a year book! Fortunately for Michele this is a perpetual calendar as the rate I'm going, you never know when I'll mail it out.

Sew, What's up with the Sewing Machines?

Why, Thank you for asking! The Kennie shown in the entry below is gone through freecycle. The Singer at the bottom is going to a friend in Texas who can do better by it than I've done. I'm working on the little Singer in the middle now. I also have another Kenmore I may keep as a backup machine or give back through Freecycle.

Little Esther was very sick this past week. She had the stomach flu and basicly didn't eat from Sunday night through most of Tuesday. She's still recovering and getting her strength back. Seems so hard on a little body!

I subscribed to You Tube because I wanted to share a commercial I think is so funny. Unfortunately when I post the video to my blog it covers all three columns so I'll just provide you with the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9XKoapOH5Y

I'm going to try and post again today to show you pictures of our flowering plums and the promised pics of Esther's sweater in progress.

There's a Group for That.....

2007-02-16T00:08:00.000-08:00

A Yahoo Group That is!
After this post it will be apparent that I need a self help group!
It all started out so innocently. I wanted an older sewing machine that I could fix up, keep maintained that would be reliable. My newer machine had problems and most I've been able to fix but meanwhile.....You Remember Farrah Marigold?

Well, I hate to tell you this but she's gone, sniff! A nice young man from Berkeley came and got her so he and his girlfriend can use her. He makes wall hangings and she designs clothes. I found a Kenmore late 70's era in wonderful condition with 32 different ways to make buttonholes a bunch of cams.....That is going to be a machine I keep. Notice I said...Machine. Well... in the meantime I had placed ads on Freecycle for a sewing machine from the 70s or older. Yahoo was having trouble delivering messages in the groups so I got offers After my problems had been solved. But could I say No? I did say No probably 3 times but Here are examples of when I said Yes.

Here we have Kennie (Knemore) 148.1240 from the mid 70s. He's almost ready to go. I had to fix the handwheel as it wasn't together right and the bobbin winding wasn't working. I also had to tighten the Tension assembly and adjust the tension. He's almost ready to go! (I'm going to sell one to recoup costs of supplies and the rest I'll offer back on Freecycle) This is not the one I'm keeping, I didn't take a pic of that one yet.

Here's a fun Singer (237) So far it looks like I'll just need to clean her up and she's good to go, haven't done much to her yet.

Now, the last one which is (I think) the best looking. My parents had a '56 Desoto when we were growing up and this reminds me of it for some reason. She is the most challenging. It's not completely running yet and I've cleaned it with all kinds of scary things including kerosene. Now it's getting oil treatments every morning afternoon and night. It still is stiff to crank as the take up lever reaches the top of the rotation but it's getting better. How did I learn to do all this? Know what to do? Or even get the courage to do it? Why, a Yahoo Group Full of nice helpful people of course! (Wefixit). This project has not been without frustration. Between my husband and I we: 1. stripped a screwhole in a gear. Steven got the screw back in by putting it inside and screwing it out, Smart and hard to do. 2. chipped a part, still operational, but still, YIKES! 3. A Part fell off while I was able to figure out the part number from a list and diagram, I have no idea where it goes! Hee Hee.

CONTEST TIME! Tell me the most interesting Yahoo or email group you've belonged too! Leave your answers here in the comments and I'll draw a lucky winner who will receive "365 Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar" (this is gently used, I've had it on my desk for 1.5 years and am finding I'm not looking at it anymore) End Date: Tuesday 2/20, right before Ash Wednesday!

Note: Kristen and Cindy, It took me awhile (sorry) but I mailed your stitch markers yesterday.

Promise: Knitting photos soon of a cardigan I'm making for Esther.

And The Winners and Prizes!

2007-02-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

The contest is over and the little Singer has 2 names! One from Kristen at Audioknits - "Marigold" and the other from Cindy at 2pAW - "I have no name for you, but very golden haired TV star of the 70s!!!" I think the last one translates into Farrah :-).

So Don, Tell us what they've won!

Lovely Golden Stitch Markers! One has green accents to honor Cindy's love of the color (green).

Well Ladies, I (me, Tori, not Don Pardo) will send you an email but if you get a chance before I do, send me your mailing addresses and these well be on there way to you!

Today is the Superbowl and I'm one of those people who doesn't even know what teams are playing. It's a wonderful excuse to sit, eat munchies and knit. Others are amazed at how I can knit and pay attention to the game at the same time, Hee Hee, I let them think I have wonderful powers of concentration, not that I'm not really interested in the game! A well timed "Oh Wow!" and "Did you see that?" seem to keep my cover.

Knitting! Your Kidding!

2007-01-30T22:57:00.000-08:00

These were for a shower over the past weekend for a friend who is expecting twins. I used to dislike garter stitch but thought it looks good in this sweater pattern. The pattern is from LionBrand and calls for organic cotton. Unfortunately it wasn't released in time but I was able to find a lovely (HA) acrylic blend. I know the Mom and other daughter are allergic to dogs so I thought it best to avoid wool.

I'm also knitting patches for our fuzzy feet. I'm basically going to felt large swatches of leftover yarn and then cut new soles and attach them to our existing fuzzy feet. Not as exciting as the sweaters but sorry no pictures.

I've only had one entry in my contest THANKS Kristen. I have a feeling she's going to be the lucky winner for naming the little Singer Golden Touch. I've decided what the prize will be but it's going to be a Surprise so I won't reveal it until the winner receives it. This little machine made me realize how many sewing machines I've worked on in my life. We had similar singers in Home Ec class and I remembered the sound they made, it really took me back to Mrs. Osbornes class in the mid 70s!

"It's all just A Little Bit of History Repeating"

2007-01-24T19:19:00.000-08:00

I like the song History Repeating as it's done by the Propellerheads and Shirley Bassey. Isn't she also the singer who sang "Goldfinger"? (my lame attempt at foreshadowing)

Very appropriate for today's post. Yesterday I started out the day by traveling about an hour, thinking I would get a sewing machine that looked like this:

Ah Yes, those Germans. Doesn't it just scream practicality, with a little bit of strictness thrown in? I have a feeling it would sew over your fingers if you forgot to press open a seam or didn't follow the manual to the letter.

Well, a bit of a sad story, the machine was in very good working order and I wanted it but the lady who owned it didn't want to sell it even after agreeing too. She has MS and can't do a lot of the things she used to. She's emotionally attached to this machine, how hard it must be to let go of something that reminds you of what you used to love doing but can't. Her husband was very apologetic that I had traveled some distance to see it. I just felt bad for both of them. Not the place you want two such seemingly nice people.

So meanwhile back at the ranch, not only did my serger need to be replaced but my sewing machine now needs repair. The part (plastic I'm sure) that holds the feed dogs in place is broken. I know it will be at least $80 to start this repair. ARGH! Meanwhile I need a machine that sews to complete some obligations. I called the local Thrift Shops and Struck GOLD. You think I'm joking, just LOOK:

LOL, the lady at the Thrift shop said it was new and when she told me it was a Singer Golden Touch, I had a feeling it wasn't New but maybe more what I'm looking for. I looked at Patternreview.com and there is a funny review of the machine. People really seem to like it, so at $35 I figured the least it would do is get me by. It has even been checked over by the local sewing shop. Not sure if this is something that is always done, or if it was a donated trade in, but it will get me by for awhile. It also cracks me up the difference in these two machines that are both from the early 70s. TOO funny!

Sew (hee hee) I think A contest is in order to name my new machine. It's Gold, from the early 70s. And bellow is the Instruction book cover. Should be a lot of inspiration. I'll think of a prize but leave your suggestions in the comments. I'll do two prizes. One for the person who suggests the name I chose and one drawn at random. Let's give it a week and make the entries due Feb 1st!

Forget a New Serger I want this!

2007-01-21T20:33:00.000-08:00

I saw an ad on Craigslist for a sewing machine like the one shown HERE. Make sure to scroll to the very end. Is that COOL or what! Okay, I may have lost it but you can't be the judge 'til you go to the link.

I know I keep promising but soon I'll have pics of the baby jackets I'm working on. I've been too busy looking at sewing machines online ;-).

Take care all!

BRRR!

2007-01-15T01:11:00.000-08:00

Just in case you can't make it out, it is 28 deg here this evening. It's VERY late, I can't sleep so I'm surfing the Internet and working on my lesson plan for next week. I'm also looking for a new serger so the search web box says Juki Janome. I like the Juki's and Janome's. Models 644D and 634D respectively. They both cost about the same as the estimated repair on the old Elna. The Elna is on craigslist in case someone wants it for parts or to try and trade in on a higher end model..

More weather photos and a story:

This is our little barrel pond where two fishes live. They were here at the house when I moved here in 2002. They were living in a different pond on the side of the house, the previous owners left them but took the pump from the pond. They weren't even an inch long. I rescued them and kept them inside in a bowl for a few years. Then our good friends took them, spoiled them and gave them an aquarium. When they moved to Ohio they gave the fishes back and had named them Finnegan and Beau. We kept them inside for awhile but they kept growing and growing. We had the aquarium right by the TV and it was just too noisy and apparent they were outgrowing their home. I found this pond at Home Depot on clearance and thought they might like to move back outdoors. I'd guess they're now between 4 and 5 inches long. They've enjoyed their new home since late summer. Well, I moved all our citrus trees in pots to the garage where our non existant Winter Car should be. I thought our fishes would be okay because I read they can survive freezing weather. The last few mornings the pond has looked like these photos. There's a piece of screen over it and when I pulled it back Saturday morning I thought a leaf in the top part of the pond was a fishy :-(.
Today we realized it was a leaf! The fish were taking it easy hanging out at the bottom, just as I had read they would do in cold (even freezing) weather. Still, we propped plastic over it and have a few incandescent spotlights near it to keep it a bit warmer (the lights can't fall in the water). They've made it half way through the predicted freakishly cold (For California) so I hope they can last a few more days. I debated on taking them out at night and putting them in a bucket. My hubby thinks that might be harder on them.

I am actually knitting in case anyone is wondering if I ever do that anymore. A friend is having twins (one boy, one girl) so I'm making two little jackets. I'll show you my progress soon! I've also knitted Barbie a pair of pants and a skirt. Before the serger died I was sewing for Esther's preschool and made Barbie a Cinderella dress. .

Yikes! Now Weather.com says it's 27 degrees but feels like 21 degrees! What does that mean anyway! Quite a few of our neighbors are using their fireplaces, so it kind of smells like camping around here. Just as our hot spell last summer this is a minor inconvenience for us, it means a conversation starter amoung friends, pushing potted trees back and forth, covering a fishpond, an uncomfortably high but manageable heating bill due next month. I know there are citrus growers in the Central Valley that are really losing a lot! Fortunatley our bird freinds seem to be weathering the cold. The hummingbirds that visit our feeder and the finches that visit the bird bag I recently hung from our cherry tree have been out every day this week.

Take care all!

I'll Trade ya!

2007-01-12T09:22:00.000-08:00

I really want this! http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?categorycode=3358&mfrcode=HOP&mfrpartnumber=13013 You would think I could go to Walmart or Target to get such an item. Right? Guess not in California! Crazy! Our temperatures were well below freezing last night and are predicted to be the same through the weekend. Our garage is full of an unfinished woodworking project (my husbands). The plants have their lights and covering but on the advice of local nurseries I think they will be wheeled into the garage in the evenings. BRRRR. So what am I trading you for? Hmm, what do I have worthy of such a trade....I KNOW how about this! Yes it will be this (Elna 644) Well, one like it...sorta

For This

Before you get too excited, you should wait for the picture of my actual machine. The needle assembly broke off the needle rod. Repair requires a trip to Elna and with measly $350 Estimate, my response was PHPPPH! Much better response than the hopefully unintelligible cuss words I yelled when it happened. So I'm sorta in the market for a new or used serger. I've toyed with the idea of getting an inexpensive one and save my money for one with more options. Any ideas on what I should do? Anybody have a machine they love that I should look for new or used. There are SO many options! I figure I'll just wait and see what looks best. Truth be told I could do most of the sewing I do on my regular sewing machine. The speed and secured seams on the serger is fun along with some of the other features you get.

Later I may post a picture of the broken parts of my machine and I will definitely post a picture of the "gown" I made before it died. I don't need it for more of these but I'll still show you what I've been up to.

Lastly, I have to tell you how nice my husband is. We really shouldn't buy a serger right now. Even waiting a few months would be better. He said, "But you use it quite a bit don't you?" Also, he never complains about the things I buy or crafts I get into. One day he jokingly told me I couldn't get another Hobby because I only have 24 hours in a day. And you know, his attitude is so nice it makes it easy to wait for things.

Postage Due!

2006-12-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

I just finished addressing our Christmas and Holiday Newsletter cards. I had gone to the post office yesterday at 4:30 p.m. (what was I thinking!) to mail some packages but forgot to buy stamps. I couldn't imagine going BACK! Then I remembered my Dad's stamp collection. He collected stamps like crazy but kept them in manila folders. After he passed away and we took them to a stamp collector he said they were pretty much worthless in the condition they were in and we should just use them. I usually use them on things like bill payments and such but thought the Christmas ones would be kind of fun. I also put LOVE stamps on some of them since there weren't quite enough. Now I'm wondering what will happen at the P.O. Will the sorting and postage canceling machine grind to a halt? Will the glue from the old fashioned lick'em gum up the works. Will postal workers have to dig out a calculator to add up the postage? Worse yet will the puzzle over the ones that aren't marked with the value, just the year? (I had to look them up on the Internet) Even Esther took notice when I had to lick the stamps. She asked several times, "What are you doing?" Here's a close-up. Of course I forgot to tack a picture of an earlier batch already picked up by the Letter carrier that had some fun Santa and Retro Trees on them. DARN!

Okay, now to prove that my life is so exciting these days and deserving of photo preservation....Here's a picture of one of my favorite decorations, a Santa night light. My challenge to anyone who's read this far without nodding off is too post a picture of your own favorite Holiday Decoration.

Note: Uh oh! I just got an email from my sister in-law. They got their letter but it only had 2 of the 5 stamps on it. Since they received it another fell off. Hmm, hope no one really gets stuck with "pstage due". I thought it was just a catchy title!

Oh My Aching Back!

2006-12-15T00:32:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and could feel the muscles on my lower right side of my back are NOT happy. At least it's not in the spine area where the discs are (degenerated disc). My husband is a Chiropractor so I've asked a gazillion times to check that I'm in adjustment. Fortunately I am. He asked, "What did you do to hurt yourself?" All day I've been thinking and saying, "Nothing!". But then I remembered Buddy and Bob. I met Buddy and Bob yesterday as they meandered through the park next door. I was alerted to their presence by my dogs and by the racket they were making I could tell someone was close to the fence in the park next door.

I'm a bit sensitive about this and even have a post sitting in draft that complains about other dog owners who not only let their dogs run up and down the park fence but into our yard to fence fight with the dogs. I'll post that tirade someday when it happens again ;-)

Anyway, back to Buddy and Bob who happen to be two nice older boys and rather large black labs. They were without their human so I called them over and they happily came. With the help of a nice man who was painting the neighbors house I was able to somewhat control them and leave a message for their owner and then get them in my garage and mine outside so the two families of dogs were separate. I ended up having to call Animal control because it was too crazy with all the dogs here. It was noisy and juggling everyone around for outside time was nuts. I helped the officer out with the dogs and know they got to their home safely. My back did not like the experience of being dragged around by a 90 lb black lab no matter how nice he was or how many kisses he managed to jump up and plant on my chin without laying a paw on me. Makes me laugh when a dog figures out the paws are the main objection and they still want to show affection. Glad Bob and Buddy are safe and sound at their home. They reminded me of my dog fostering days (the joy of a new doggy friend) and also why I had to stop. I LOVE Big dogs, especially retrievers but not the toll it can take on the body if they jerk you around when you're trying to walk or control them. Makes me appreciate the time I've spent training mine so that I can walk them. When my back is better I'm going to be much more consistant about those walks. (I'm bad about it in the Winter months)

Exciting knitting and Oh so Festive Christmas Tree lights

2006-11-29T16:13:00.000-08:00

Wow, don't anyone faint, I actually have a picture of knitting. It is very lame, but it is knitting! It is cold here in Sunny CA (below freezing last night) so I decided I needed a cowl. Translation - 8 inches of knitting in the round with a bit of ribbing on the ends. Hey did I hear a Yawn! Hmmph! You'll all be jealous when my neck is nice and warm in this simple but oh so stylish accessory :-) Seriously I want to get back in the swing of things knitting wise. At least enough to post some progress once in awhile.

Oh Christmas Tree?

Esther was VERY excited to see this in the morning. These are actually pastel lights I picked up on clearance at Target once for a baby shower. Now they serve as protection, to keep the potted trees warm on the rare occasion it freezes here. I put them on after Esther went to bed and she was delighted to see them in the morning. I did have a minor mishap. One of the pots had a crack in it. Well, when I tried to move it closer to the house and outlet a large hunk of cement like material landed on my toe! OOOOOUCH! The wierd thing is it still hurts but it doesn't LOOK hurt at All! Fortunately the soil stayed molded the way it was in the pot. This afternoon I decided to take the tacky route and duct tape it back together. I'm not searching High and Lo to pay a premium price for a pot this size! I'm hoping I can find one on sale at a garage sale or on Craigslist. I think I'll try to get one of the fake stone ones though....That is my Toe's vote anyway.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

Nothing says Happy Thanksgiving more to me than a handprint Turkey. Thanks Esther for this one! It reminds me of you, probably the person I'm most Thankful for.

Our New Kitty

2006-10-30T13:39:00.000-08:00

This is what I've been up too lately. Halloween Costume for Miss Esther. We've had a lot of fun this fall iwht pumpkin patches, pony rides, apple dunkings, etc... There seem to be many more activities for kids (and big kids) this year. I'm working on our Disneyland Scrapbook and slowly knitting up the front of my Cabled Hooded sweater. My next project will also be bulky yarn. Chosen mainly because when finished it will leave the most space in the yarn shelf of the closet. Take care all!

Saturday (oops forgot so....) Sunday Sky

2006-10-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday Sky

Well, at least I'm getting better. This time I remembered on Sunday instead of the middle of the following week. I thought it would be great to chronicle the weather this way. We've heard of extreme's in weather and we've been very lucky with our usual last bit of warm weather before colder weather hits.

Signs of Fall Norhtern California Style

A neighbor around the corner from us has grapes planted in their front yard. Their house looks like a mini vinyard and it's kind of neat. Very striking this last week as one leaf has turned but the rest are still lively green. I'll have to give them a copy of a picture, just 'cause it is so cool! Maybe they can use it on cards or something.

Things I haven't figured out yet! (Part I)

1. How to do everything you want and need to do. Playing with Esther, Knitting, Scrapbooking, various assorted crafts, digital photography as well as work and taking care of the house all compete for time. How do you do all or most of it? I need better organization and my friends tell me I'm better at this than most. UGH!

2. How do you get rid of excess toys? I read you should do this with your child. This just turned into a big conflict that lasted the whole afternoon for us. I tried many different tactics which unfortuantely also included childish behavour that my child is copying today. After trying calm reasoning I resorted to the following: (begging, whining, threatening, guilt, sneaking a few things in the trash and donate pile).

I take these things harder than I should. Today I feel irritable and lacking as a Mom. Oh well, we are off to a local Nursery that has lots of kid activities for Halloween and fall with Grandma this afternoon so that should brighten our day.

Dishcloths!

2006-10-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

Michelle at Knitty-Bitty sent me these lovely dishcloths with a nice note and postcards from Western Australia where she lives. Stunningly beautiful! When I opened the package I imagined putting them together in a blanket, not washing dishes with them (even though I theoritically could this VERY moment as there are some dishes in the sink).

These are the dishcloths I made for Cindy at 2paw. I did have pictures myself but lost them so had to nab this photo Cindy took at the Swap Website. Very exciting that both my gifter and giftee are from Australia! I would like to visit there sometday.

Well, I'm cleaning the house for a potluck this coming weekend and trying to thoroughly clean my office/sewing room/any kind of craft you can think of room. It is just too crazy in here! I feel so overwhelmed and can't get anything done! I also have WAY too much yarn and fabric. So, I must must MUST work on projects I have materials for. The bulkier the better to make room ;-).

I'm going to Disneyland! (Actually just got back)

2006-10-03T20:52:00.000-07:00

We went to Disneyland over the weekend (stretched into 4 days). This is my 5th visit. I was there when I was 8, and then 3 other times as an adult. It's a much different experience with a 4 year old. Just as fun and you have an excuse to see things you might not get to as an adult. The best surprise was princess storytelling. Disney Pprincesses tell and act out their story with the help of an assistant (a woodsman, or blacksmith) Anyway, it's very funny and cute.

What Have I been up too?

2006-09-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, This weekend Esther and I washed the car. I finished moving stuff back onto the patio and sidewalk after power washing and sealing the patio and now I'm going through stuff to donate, give away or put on Craigslist and EBay. One item of interest to you ;-) may be a yarn auction (sniff, I have way too much stuff!) The auction is (Click) Here It's for 12 skeins of Endless Summer Collection-Lara in a lovely lavendar.

I was struck by something on Friday. I was "Snack Mom" for Esther's class. Usually I'm not excited about doing this because it's usually after I've worked in the morning and I'm pretty worn out afterwards. Not this time! The Isagneix has helped so much! I was even running around the playground path, stopping and going while one of Esther's classmates held up a stop/go sign. There is NO WAY I would have had the energy to do that last year! This is good for me to realize because I've slacked a bit on the program. Gotta get those nutrients into my body!

Well, I took a break to let you know what I was up to, now it's back to work!

Hopefully these test results are correct, then surely I'll be finished soon ;-)

You Are 4% Slacker

You are anything but a slacker. You're truly a go getter.
You never let laziness get in the way of living your life - and you can't stand to see it in others.

Are You a Slacker?

And I'll leave you with this since I thought the above quiz results might have been funnier since I'm letting you all know how hard I'm working!

You Are Bold And Brave

But daring? Not usually?
You tend to like to make calculated risks.
So while you may not be base jumping any time soon...
You are up for whatever's new and (a little) exciting!

How Daring Are You?

And The Winner Is........

2006-09-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

NorCalLover! This is a bit funny in away and could 'cause some speculation the drawing was rigged. NorCalLover is a good friend and Mom to Ethan, Esther's best friend she "grew" up with from birth to almost 3 years old when their family moved :-(.

I learned a little bit holding this contest! As a few people pointed out, some areas in the country with snow in the winter are subjected to wet, salty roads. That causes rust! So hence the need for a winter car you don't worry about and a nicer car or motorcycle for the warm weather! Take care all!

Oh, You're probably wondering what NorCalLover won....A set of two dishcloths! I'll make them with her blog in mind so it's a bit of a surprise.

I did finish the other two dishcloths for the exchange but don't want to show them incase the person receiving them sees them here and guesses who they are for.

Preaching to the Choir.....(WARNING RANT AHEAD)

2006-09-05T19:08:00.000-07:00

I debated on whether or not to post this. I think the people that read my blog probably would feel the same way. So sorry to add to the sadness and emphasizes the negativity that surounds a tragedy.

I don't understand why some people chose such inappropriate times to display their lack of concern and (IMO) stupidity, arrogance, etc... I had heard there was some criticism of Steve Irwin (The Crocodile Hunter) and some I can understand but to express it now as THIS PERSON DID is beyond my comprehension. I had no clue who Germaine Greer was before, maybe this is what prompted her uncouth, rude and obnoxious behaviour. She's getting attention riding on the tails of a tragedy. To her I'd say, "Did you ASK him about his methods when he was alive!?! You seem so concerned about his actions now that he's gone and can do nothing about it"! If she's so concerned about change why isn't she more proactive?

I'm always amazed how critical some people are of others choices in how they give to the world. I've been involved in many charitable organizations donating mainly time and some money. There is ALWAYS "somebody" right there to criticize, saying I or someone I know should be involved in something else. I've heard this when in programs helping adults learn to read, fostering homeless dogs or walking in the Avon 3 day Breast Cancer Walk. I'll also add that the "somebody’s" are usually not involved in anything that I'm aware of and don't realize most of the volunteers I know are involved in many charitable organizations.

So anyway, Thanks to the Steve Irwin's out there who are passionate about their lives, you give and teach us so much. To Steve himself, I wasn't your biggest fan, but did enjoy your teaching and humor. Thanks for being human and making mistakes, if you were perfect other people wouldn't think they could attain what you did. To his family, so sorry for your loss, I wish for you the time and privacy to heal.

I promise my next post will be soon and more positive!

And More!

2006-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

Orange Blossoms
I wish you could smell the lovely scent of orange blossoms are little dwarf tree is giving off. There are only a few blooms 'cause it's such a small tree but it is heavenly!

A New Sheriff Rides In!

Look who rode into town (the dining/family room) this morning. The Pink Cowgirl! The horse and boots are getting small but that didn't stop her from riding around and getting Mom and Dad to wear hats and ride stick horses around after her.

A Meeting of the Minds!

I think Bentley called this meeting to point out to Maddy and Sparky that the Blue Fire Hydrant is HIS.

One Down Two to go (another town and one more show.....)

My First Dishcloth for the exchange. I started this after seeing it on Michele - Knitting and Knitting. She also is hosting a fun trvia game that you can play daily.

Buy your Summer Vehicle and Finance with ##### Bank

2006-09-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

That is the subject of an email I received today. What a great opportunity to share with all of you my Winter Car:

and of course my Summer Car:

I'll save you the redundancy of showing you my Spring and Fall car. I'm wondering if this seems as funny to me as it does to other people. This must have been an email blast to all their customers without any consideration of the audience other than an email address. This made me think of questions to ask all of you.

Do you have a summer car? Do you have other seasonal cars? What would be your dream Summer car? Winter? Fall? Spring? Would they be different cars or the same one?

I guess it's not all that strange. If you had a little convertable (oh lets just say a 60s Alfa Romeo Spider that needs a little work) THAT might be your summer car as it is for my husband.

Anyway, lets make this an end of summer contest. Answer my questions in the comments and I'll choose a lucky winner randomly and think of a small fun gifty as the prize. Take care and have a great weekend riding around in your Summer Cars!

Pluggin' away!

2006-09-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

I'm still plugging away at a lot of things: Cabled Hooded Sweater, Sewing class, Getting ready for school, etc... Unfortunately this means I have nothing to show yet. I will leave you with a picture of the long shadows in our yard (They seemed long for the time of day I took the picture anyway) and a quiz.

You Are A Rowan Tree

You are full of charm and cheer. You light up a room.
And while you crave attention, you do it without ego.
You are an interesting mix of contradictions - and very unpredictable.
You are both dependent and independent, calm and restless.
You are passionate, emotional, gregarious, and (at times) unforgiving.

What's Your Celtic Horoscope?

Sew Mini, Ultra Mini and Hello Kitty?

2006-08-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hancock Fabrics is having a sale on the Janome Sew Mini's $39.98 regularly $59.98. I've carted my regular sewing machine around enough to justify getting one of these little portables. I also need to have it serviced and am putting that off for a class and sewing. So I read reviews on the Sew Mini and they sounded good but a few people recommended the Ultra sew by Kenmore which is also made by Janome and has a few more features. I found a deal on a blue one on EBay. THEN I SAW THESE. If you haven't followed the above links YOU HAVE TO GO HERE. Make sure to scroll down to see both machines. They are the same machines as the Sew Mini and the Ultra Sew, By Janome, with HELLO KITTY! TOO CUTE! Now if there was only a way to justify getting these.......

I see Peanut Butter Sandwiches in our Future!

2006-08-16T01:01:00.000-07:00

YUM

Plum and Peach jam
We are very lucky to have 4 fruit trees and I'm lucky that my hubby likes and knows how to can. I like to help but don't like doing it alone. Anyway, I did get kind of an ultimatum like attitude about the fruit in bags on the kitchen counters and in the refrigerator. So we buckled down, I picked the rest of the peaches off the tree, filled our personal compost and the garbage service compost with the fruit that hit the ground so our goats (I mean dogs) could go back to their regular diet. Kristen commented about the dogs eating fruit. It is kind of funny. Plus they will eat until they get tummy aches. Steven lead the actually canning process as I helped pit, cut and stir. With this and watching the OK GO Treadmill video a gazillion times at Esther's request while she asked why they didn't just use the treadmills to exercise with, I had a pretty busy weekend. I barely had time to balance months (if not quarters worth) of our checking and any other accounts. The weekend and first few days of the week have just flown by. Esther started swimming lessons on Monday and the little kids are just so cute!

Clutter, Organization and Where the BLEEP did I put that TAPE?!?!?

I've lost some important things in my life. Nothing so important that I can remember right now and tell you about in this blog. Nothing that matters as much as oh...say...Part of our AMERICAN HISTORY! This (Click Here!) just bothers me.

A Changed Man!

2006-08-13T15:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, A changed Pup!

Sparky got his haircut and a bath on Friday. We have some trimmers but really don't know how to use them. Our previous attempts have taken hours and either yielded not very noticeable results or a choppy haircut for our pup. I found a groomer that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, they just needed a little convincing to do it for me. They asked, "Have you done it before? The hair might grow out differently" and "What if you don't like it?" Now he looks like a giant lab puppy. His feet are trimmed but not really close so they look bigger for his body like a puppies. Sure I miss the looks of his long hair but he's so cute and I'm sure it must feel better. The amazing thing is we've still had to vacuum every day, doesn't stop the constant shedding but at least it's clean and not quite as long. We are supposed to get another heat wave and keeping up with the mats behind his ears won't be an issue. I bet his skin is a lot less irritated. It will probably be a good comfy length when the cold part of our winter hits.

Cheater Post!

2006-08-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

That's what I call these in jest, not criticism. Just had to answer a few questions and have something fun for the blog today! :-)

You Belong in Dublin

Friendly and down to earth, you want to enjoy Europe without snobbery or pretensions.
You're the perfect person to go wild on a pub crawl... or enjoy a quiet bike ride through the old part of town.

What European City Do You Belong In?

I joined a Dishcloth Exchange hosted by Procrastiknitter (LOVE the name!)

Note: I live just 2 miles south of a town called Dublin. That's more in my budget these days, LOL

An Obsession with Lycra!

2006-08-08T22:09:00.000-07:00

A New Suit For Esther!

I had made a swimsuit for Esther when she was about 1.5. She can actually still wear it even though it's a bit tight and it's getting pilled on the back of the pants. I thought it time to make a new suit. I've seen these called UV suits or rash suits. I'm glad she likes them since she has such fair skin. So she has two tops and one bottom. The all matching suit is from a Kwik Sew pattern. The extra raglan sleevelss top is a Jalie pattern. I made them is size 6 and am hoping they last as long as the one before.

The great thing about swimwear fabric is the width. When you make a suit for a little kid you have a ton left over. I did find the green and black as remnants so was able to also make a suit for
ME

And a little friend Esther's age

Hands!

Jerry and Maxy at Antics With The Menagerie are having a contest regarding hands. It's a study or sorts. Seems Jerry or Maxy has an idea of what successful continental knitters hands look like. Not sure how "successful" I am, but I am a continental knitter. I have such a hard time the other way but tension is an ongoing battle for me. I continue to experiment with how I hold the yarn, how many times I have it wrapped around my finger, etc.... So Here are my pics:
Knitting

Purling

Doing Something Else

I've made it up to the armhole shaping on the back of my sweater. I really like it and expect to get more done now that the wave of swimwear is done, actually I have one more swimsuit that Esther wants me to make.

With all this swimwear production I've fallen behind reading and commenting at others blogs. Sorry! I plan to catch up tomorrow a.m.
Next it will be a T Shirt obsession. I've signed up for "How to build a better T Shirt" at Sewing Pattern Review.com.

What's Going On?

2006-08-04T18:52:00.000-07:00

Progress!

I'm trying to encourage our Yahoo Group for the Family Circle Cable Knitted Pullover to take our group from a fan club of this sweater to actually knitting it. The original magazine issue it appeared in was August of 1977. I thought we could start as a sort of tribute to the title "Knit them now, wear them later". Unfortunately the heatwave that hit CA a week or so ago has made its way accross the U.S. My thoughts are with all of you affected by it! Meanwhile it cooled down here, I recived the yarn I ordered for this project and started! I like how the grey looks and think this will be a comfy sweater. If anyone else would like to join. click the button on the left or click here. There's only a few copies of the pattern I can give out left but there are other resources (EBay)

Keepin' an eye on things!

This hawk and a few others of his kind have been hanging out in our neighbors tree. She or he is pretty cool looking and I appreciate his presence as we've heard/seen a few unwanted rodents around (BLEAH!)

Dogs and More!

Here are the pups playing around. Notice the tomato plants in tubs. The second from the left didn't make the heat wave. I thought it might come back but I think it needs to go to the compost pile. The fruit is still dropping in the dog run faster than I can clean it up. The pups aren't as bad as they've been in the past years but they sure get their share of plums apples and peaches.

Don't Faint!

2006-07-26T14:58:00.000-07:00

Knitting!

I know I'll hear the thuds of people passing out and falling to the floor now that I actually have knitting content on my blog! AND It's not a swatch! HAA HAA HAA. This is a sleeve for Elann.com's Eyelet Ribbed Top. I had to practice knitting with yarn this small of a gauge. I think it will be a nice top.

The Long Arm of the Law

Too my surprise the Law DID visit me on Monday. This arm of the law was Animal Control. Here's what happened: My sister-in-laws family doggy Sassy is visiting us while they are in Disneyland. Sassy is an escape artist and will chew fences to get out. I'm always worried she'll try to get out and look for her family while visiting us. When I leave the house I either put her in a portable kennel in the yard (shaded with water) or in a crate in the house. Esther and I ran a few errands on Monday morning. Sassy or our neighbors dog was crying (they are away and have a house sitter, doggy okay, just crying to get in the house). With the heat what it is, someone called Pleasanton Police Department to check on our dogs. When the officer came by I was home, had already let Sassy out so she could play (lounge in the heat). I was able to explain to the officer and show her where the dogs are. I think she was impressed that we had a fan in the garage for them and two big buckets of water as well as a little waterer they can activate from the faucet. All four of them were very well mannered for her and friendly, I was so proud of them. I didn't point out the clothes hanging on the line to her though. The dogs also come in and out of the house but at that time Esther was playing with her Lite Brite. Little plastic pegs and Maddy are not a good combo!

Last, Thanks to everyone who left comments on Sunday. Our High was recorded at 117 deg. and many of you who left comments were also feeling the heat too! Thanks to Kristen who left a note of concern after reading about California and the heat and power outages. We were lucky, our power stayed on but a few people I know weren't so lucky. I'll leave you with a photo of how we spent most of Sunday.

How Hot is it?

2006-07-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

Too Darn Hot!

My challenge to you is to leave a comment telling me the date, time, temperature my blog says it is here and also what the temperature is where you are. It's hot here and from what we've heard, pretty much all over! Hope Everyone's Electricity keeps cranking!

Ugh, just realize I have to do wash today, don't think I can wait as I've been waiting for cooler days for about a week now? Better sooner than later and we have a clothesline which I'll use. Rumor has it it is against the law in Pleasanton to use a clothesline. I never wanted to really know that for sure because I'd have to move out of principal and we can't afford too. Maybe I'll get one of those umbrella ones that move up and down and make sure it's high enough for everyone in the public park next door can see. My own little protest! :-)

Take care and stay cool!

Maybe I should just knit swatches!

2006-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Some people hate swatches. I don't, I can handle knitting a swatch. I can do a swatch. Keeping my attention and finishing a whole sweater is another thing. This swatch is made from Red Heart (GASP!) Shetland Chunky. It has the same specs/description as Patons Shetland Chunky but there are differences (of course). It's not as soft but I still like it. Its really cheap at Smiley's Yarns. I get a smaller gauge so am going to add stitches and play with the pattern a bit. The other swatch material is heavier softer and seems like it will be warmer, so that will be my cold weather version. So I'm off to abuse and wash my swatch to see what the shrinkage pill factor is.

Take care all!

On another note! I got on the scale today and have lost between 25 and 30 lbs. Woo Hoo! Best thing is I'm still feeling great! Thank you ISAGENIX! I am a little tired because I just can't sleep in the heat and we don't want to have to mortgage the house for the energy bill, so no AC at night.

Swatch! Swatch! Swatch!

2006-07-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to find the perfect yarn for my Hooded Cabled Pullover. I think I may have found it! I'm using Patons Shetland Chunky doubled with WoolEase to get the gauge I need. I got gauge with just the Shetland Chunky on larger needles but didn't like how it turned out. I'm going to wash block and abuse this swatch to see how it holds up. I'm hoping for minimul pilling. Just incase I forget: I used size 10 needles and the yarn above to acheive gauge on both cables (woohoo)

Party Pics

2006-07-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

We were so busy we didn't get as near as many pictures as we thought. Here are a few of the fun we do have. I've been busy all week trying to clean up and put stuff away. Now it's plum season ;-). That means jam, picking, clearing the ground.

Pinatas and Quick crete don't mix.....

2006-07-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Pictures in the future. We are a tired bunch here at the Forest residence!

The Birthday party was great fun! The Pinata lasted much longer than expected. I now know 3 layers of paper mache (like the instructions say) is probably sufficient, not the concrete hardness that occurs after oh, 5, 6, 7+ layers? We had adults and little league star cousins beating on that Cloud before it gave way!

Happy Monday Everyone!

Hey You get off of my ________!

2006-07-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Summer Fun!

Movies in the backyard! Aristocats of course! Esther wants a kitty so bad and talks about it all the time. Eventually, I just need a big block of time to referree the introduction to the dogs. Sparky LOVES cats, almost to the exclusion of his doggy family members from past experience. Bentley and Maddy, I just don't know.....

So Esther and I worked a bit on our project today. When we work on it we sing "Hey you get off of my......

CLOUD!" over and over and over again. It needs about a gazillion more CareBears because apparently thats how many there are. I'm glad it will be done well before Sunday. I almost made the mistake of trying to make a CareBear Cake, the ones that are shaped like a CareBear. Ugh. Frosting Star kill my wrist! I do them so rarely that it also takes forever, all night te be exact! Fortunately I was able to talk Esther into a Sky blue cake with white clouds and gazillion 1.5" plastic CareBears all over it.

Some Knitting.......And a whole lot more :-)

2006-07-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have done some knitting, unfortunately not really new and exciting as they were 3 of these for Birthday gifts.

I do have some pictures and a quiz.....What do you think Esther and I are making? I missed some steps and we definitely aren't done yet.

EEERIEE

Another view

Well, I'm hoping this is the end of my blogging slump. I know my interest in knitting will pick up when I have a break in August. I'm going to officially start the Hooded Cabled Pullover KAL in August. All but one of the pattern copies is gone. It's still avalable on EBay from time to time, so if you're interested let me know and I can tell you how to get it. If there's enough interest I'll contact Family Circle again, maybe they'll let us make more or republish the pattern.

Dogs and More

2006-06-04T21:52:00.000-07:00

My sincerest apologies as lately the Blog has been about Dogs and More with little knitting content. I did try to start CeCe from ChicKnits but had such a hard time with cotton and sleeves on long dp needles. Plus I was knitting while watching TV in low light and while I was coming down with a nasty flu bug. Hoping to get back into it and may just finish Ribby then do a summery project.

Something Accomplished:

This is a chair that Esther and I painted over the long weekend. Before it was stained brown and was fading. It had been left here by the previous owners and is SO comfortable. Now it looks GREAT! Painting with a four year old is quite the experience. You have to let go of ANY picky anal thoughts and just go with the flow.

Funny Animals:
Every morning for the last week I've had to bring the dogs in because this squirrel (maybe it's more than one?" gets treed in the plum or apple tree on the side of the house where the dogs are. I think they know they can't really get him and they are using their "Play with Me" barks but I wouldn't trust 'em either.

Flowers:

Mums

More Flowers. I have forgotten the name of these and am too lazy to go look. They're used for cut flowers quite often so it's nice to have them in the garden.

I'll leave you with one last picture of Sparky and Esther.

I'm trying to clear out some stuff. So if anyone's interested: EBAY! See my Auctions Here. I'll be adding things throughout the week.

Esther's New Hat.

2006-05-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

I almost forgot to show you the hat I crocheted for Esther and now Blogger is NOT cooperating. I'm trying Hello. Anyway, she gets many compliments wearing this hat. Notice the long sleeve shirt. Can't believe how cold it is here! It is very windy too. I imagine this is not good for the various crops around the state.

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-13T23:18:00.000-07:00

This is what Esther's Preschool Teacher helped her make for me. Isn't it cute! I'm not sure how much you can see. It has her handprint and the questions they asked her were: How old is your Mommy? Esther answered 20. What is your favorite food that Mommy fixes for you? Lasagna. Why do you love your Mommy? Because she takes me to the park. She's funny because she told Steven (in front of me) that it was a secret and about taking her to the park. She only recently decided she would eat lasagna. I wonder if the park answer is a hint for me ;-). How fun to have this!

Too all the Mom's (including Mom's of fuzzy children!) Grandma's, Aunts, etc... Happy Mother's Day!

Mutterings, Musings and such

2006-05-13T15:15:00.000-07:00

To the What Not Too Wear Girls:

After careful consideration I've decided to buy a couple pairs of Capri pants. I know this is against your advice as I'm not tall and leggy. But they are the rage and I think would actually look much better than shorts on me. Yes, they will make me look short and overweight. My argument: I AM short and overweight and doubt the shorts I currently wear could look better than Capri shorts. Any illusion of tallness and slimness is negated by the vast blinding whitness of any part of my thighs that are showing. Plus in California long pants in the summer is just asking for heat exhaustion.

To the customer service between my optometrist and the optical department which are right next door:

Optical Department: I am sorry you are busy, that is not an excuse to be rude and condescending, especially after I've waited on hold for 10 minutes.

Optometrist's staff: I understand it is a common mistake at the beginning of the year to accidentally write the wrong year on important papers like checks and contact lens prescriptions. In this case you've made my prescription invalid since it appears to be over a year old. Here are the steps you need to take: you have my file and see the error so pull out the prescription pad write a new prescription with the proper date. Make the long trek to the optical department (under ten steps for you). Hand it to the person working in the optical department. If you can't do this I want my money back as the exam is worthless to me. No I will not get in my car spend 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on traffic to pick up the prescription and give it to the optical department which is 5 feet from your desk! If it had been my mistake I would. My beleif has been that the true virute of a person is shown by how they handle their mistakes. We all make them, how you correct them is what really matters.

Feeling Better! (More on the More)

2006-05-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

One might think that with the lack of knitting I was feeling worse than I was earlier in the year. Fortunately the opposite is true, I feel GREAT.

A friend of mine introduced me to Isagenix. One of the doctors affiliated with the company says, "It is a nutritional program with the fortunate side affect of weight loss". When I started my main concern was to FEEL BETTER! I had a laundry list of issues from exhaustion to perpetually clogged sinuses to sleeplessness. I started the program and it seemed I felt better almost immediately. All natural, no drugs, just nutrition my poor body needed. The icing on the cake is I've lost 15 lbs in the few months I've used the products. I could ramble on about it but thought I'd provide a link (click on the logo below) for people interested. If it helps someone else, YEAH! Take care all!

Pictures! None of knitting.....

2006-04-26T21:40:00.000-07:00

This is a Dogs and More post.

This ground cover is one of my favorites. The only thing I don't like about it is when it first spreads it looks very different, very shaggy, taller and weedy. Once it's established it looks like this. It's a wonder it doesn't get pulled up before then.

Great day for picture taking! Esther loves this little Fisher Price Camera. The pictures she takes are fun. The perspective of a 3+ year old. Some of them aren't so flattering, like the ones of me from the midsection down. (shudder)

Smile for the Camera!

A trike ride!

I have been thinking knitting pictures are out because the progress I've made isn't that exciting. I have finished most of the body of the Ribby. I'll post when it's done and I'm starting the sleeves. Knitting is slow, not 100% sure why, just a slump and a lot of other things needing attention.

Rainbow

2006-04-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears. ~ John Vance Cheney

My heart leaps up when I behold A rainbow in the sky! ~ William Wordsworth

Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high There's a land that I heard of Once in a lullaby.~ lyrics by Yip Harburg, music by Harold Arlen, from The Wizard of Oz

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow. ~ Jerry Chin

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow you gotta be willing to put up with the rain. ~ Dolly Parton

We saw this rainbow returning home on Easter, so I thought I'd share. I'm hoping the next few sunny days will spark some life in me! It really seems the rain has had a dampening affect on my psyche. Wimpy Californian that I am.

WIP

2006-04-09T14:57:00.000-07:00

I'm using the free pattern found Here. Instead of a garter stitch bottom I single crocheted a base. It seems more sturdy that way. I'm thinking I want to make a guitar strap for my guitar. That may be a fun interesting project. Macrame? Crocheted? Sewn?

Looks like our rainy weather will be back soon, bleah!

Photos of Sunny Days (Well, half a day)

2006-04-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

Esther and I got to spend some time outside yesterday. There was a break in the rain. Here's some pics from the sunny day!

Goodbye Cascade Lana D Oro in that medium blue I love.....

2006-04-04T16:43:00.000-07:00

I posted some yarn on EBay. SNIFF! I hated to do it! How many projects in almost the same color can I complete? It's beautiful yarn if you want to take a look Here.

It's Raining? It's RAINING!?!

2006-04-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

I've heard this query several times spoken with a hint of genuine wonderment, with a hint of indignation (we Californians are a spoiled lot weatherwise) and lately with a hint of rage. Weather rage?

So, no pics today (too dark and gloomy) which goes along with the little progress I've made on projects lately. I did restart a nylon purse I had crocheted. It would have looked great but then I realized it was going to be VERY Heavy. So now I crocheted the bottom and am doing a light holey body and will figure out the top when I get there. I still plan to line it with this wonderful black material that has dragonflies on it. Note, the pattern I'm kind of following can be found Here.

I also made a TeePee for Esther this past week. Her response,"Can we paint Dora on it?" I'm trying to discourage that because she has a Dora Starhouse out of cardboard and we are remaking a Discovery Toys House and are planning to put Dora on it.

Take care all!

What's Up? Well........

2006-03-27T19:01:00.000-08:00

teepee

I made a TeePee. This one is for one of Esther's friends and I'll make one for her too. Just poles and a few sheets from Walmart. I'm going to make some stencils and include some fabric paint so the recipient can decorate it herself (with Mom probably)

swatch

On the knitting front I completed a swatch for the Cabled Pullover using two strands of Pattons Classic Merino. I really like the results but need to block it before any final decisions.

I've made some progress on Ribby, but nothing picture worthy yet. So, What have you all been up too? I'll make a trip to bloglines later when things are a little calmer here. Hope everyone is well! Take care all!

Fuzzy Feet Done, should have worked covertly......

2006-03-15T17:42:00.000-08:00

I Should have worn a disguise, hid in the closet, sat in the park next door....'cause if you make Fuzzy Feet your family will point out that theirs have giant holes in them, don't fit anymore and that it IS REALLY cold for CA. They will remind you that it sbowed mid day last Friday and it NEVER snows here. So now I'm working on a pair for my Hubby, and Esther's green yarn is already picked out for her next pair. Hope to be back to Flak, Ribby and the cabled pullover soon!

The picture is for Sonya who commented the yarn was pretty funky for Fuzzy Feet.
Note (3/16/06): The last comment may sound a little snotty without explanation. Sonya meant Funky Cool. I think the result is cool. When you first knit them up it looked funky odd to me having the little balls hanging out. Felting is so much fun that way!

HOLD EVERYTHING!

2006-03-12T19:01:00.000-08:00

HOLD on the Ribby, HOLD on the Flak, HOLD on the Guansey, HOLD on the afghan, Hold on any swatching.....

IT IS WAY TOO COLD TO NOT HAVE FUZZY FEET!

So off to the local Yarn shop. I was looking for Yarn for the FC Cabled Hooded Pullover but found some fun yarn (Crystal Palace Iceland and Popcorn) to make myself some Fuzzy Feet. IT IS SO COLD HERE!

Then as I'm at the register I see a sign on the bookcase behind the register that reads, "Books signed by Nicky Epstein". Apparently her Aunt lives in Pleasanton and she stopped in the shop after Stitches West. Well, that was just the excuse to get this:

Thanks everyone for your wonderful comments on my last entry!

Progress!

2006-03-08T12:22:00.000-08:00

Flak Progress

I'm still on the front. I'm behind many of the people in the KAL but still active and really enjoy working on this sweater. It's also fun to see everyone's progress!

Guansey Progress

I'm at the armhole gusset shaping. Soon to split the front and back and continue working up.

Ribby ReStart

I'm 8 inches up working the fronts and back together. I decided to do the all over ribbing as I think it suits this yarn. (Lion Brand WoolEase variagated color Pines)

As Promised!

Picture of me modeling the Sweater I completed for the Olympics challenge.

A Home for the Hooded Cabled Pullover KAL

2006-03-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

I just set up a Yahoo group for the Hooded Cabled Pullover Knit A Long. I also ordered a few skeins of Sierra from Knitpicks in Tide and Mist to swatch for my second sweater. I like the Kool Wool and how the sweater turned out, but I'm worried about pilling. It is already a little fuzzy from just knitting it. I have one of those little sweater shavers that I think will come in very handy for this sweater. I think you run into this issue anytime you use an acrilyc/wool blend.

If you're interested in the KAL please click the link below.

Click to join FCCabledPullover

What an Honor!

2006-02-28T21:41:00.000-08:00

Thanks go to everyone who supported me, both family and friends here and those who left comments on my blog. Thank you for Stephanie for thinking of and putting into place such a fun event. Thank you to those who helped her with what must have been a (cyber)paperwork nightmare. There were wonderful creative buttons made, yahoo groups formed, flicker maps created and probably things I was unaware of. Thanks to these people who used their creativity to support the event. I'd also like to thank all the other participants, and those who watched and cheered us on! I'll miss seeing updates on blogs regarding the olympics and marveling at the various wonderful projects.

Photo Finish!

2006-02-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

Here it is on the drying rack. Later this week I'll model it, update the Finished Gallery and UFO site as well as the percentage complete side bar. Right now I'm going back to bed, Yeah, it's 11:15 a.m., I went to bed at about 10:30 p.m. and got up not even an hour ago. Just when I thought I 'd gotten off with eating lightly and dodging the worst parts of the Stomach Flu it hit me with a vengence last night! So glad I got this done and on the rack last night.

I'll get some rest, answer some nice comments and other replies in my court little later today (hopefully). Take care all!

I'm Done!

2006-02-25T22:36:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Woo Hoo the sweater is done! It is blocking now and I should have pictures tomorrow. Thursday night things looked pretty grim as Esther and I both had stomach flu (Bleah!) At that point I had resigned myself to missing the deadline. I was able to catch up tonight and finish today as Esther has been getting extra sleep. Great for her recovery and helped me get done.

You Guessed it! Olympic Progress!

2006-02-20T14:18:00.000-08:00

Here's my progress so far. Things are slowing down a bit. I continued the sleeves in the round and am wondering if it would have actually been faster to do them flat. There is a lot of purling going on (not curling-sorry for the Olympic Pun) I tried it on and it is a little tighter than I'd like but I'm also a little bigger than I'd like. I'm hopping I can drop a few pounds before the next cold season when it will get more wear. I decided to do the Hood from the collar up instead of seperately and attaching it. I'm hoping my grafting skills will make it appear seamless. I do want to make a few more of these, maybe changing out the patterns a bit as they make great alternatives to sweatshirts. This way I can make my winter wardrobe a bit less "Gym casual". Geez am I obsessed with this pattern or what!

Olympic Progress

2006-02-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

I heard from Family Circle about the Cover sweater on their August 23, 1977 issue. This is the sweater I'm knitting for the Knitting Olympics. I have permission to make 10-20 copies and distribute them. I'll figure out how to do this both financially and the best way to make the copies as readable as possible.

I also want to lead a KAL. If you're interested let me know in the comments section. If I get more requests for copies than I have permission to distribute we will have to figure out a selection process. Also let me know when you'd realistically be able to start. The original issue came out in late Summer. I thought in keeping with the theme and title "Anti-freeze sweaters: Make them now, wear them later" we could start in August. I would have my experience behind me, could clarify some of the tricky parts and share info on swatching by then. The tricky parts come from how the pattern is written and the print is so small. I remember my Mom having some problem with the hood, but I'll let you know how that goes when I get there. So far it has been fairly smooth. My gauge on the Honeycomb is smaller than it should be, so I probably should have added a repeat. I'm thinking outloud so I'll go and get to work so I can spend some time on my Olympic knitting.

Olympic progress!

2006-02-13T19:48:00.000-08:00

This picture cracks me up because it without a reference you can't tell the measurements. It's about 12" long and 19" wide. It folds a bit so you can't see the whole width but it kind of looks like a sock. I made a few changes to the pattern. I may not put in the pockets but if I decide I want them will do it when the sweater is done. I think the pockets would add unnecessary padding to my hips but would be kind of fun. There is also a strip of garter stitches near the pocket. I didn't want to put those in because of how different and stretchy garter stitch can be. Anyway, it looks like a have a good start but for the next few days I won't be able to work on it. That's why I came out charging when the flame was lit.

I also want to dedicate my efforts and medal (if I complete this) to Michelle Kwan. She showed such grace and true sportsmanship these past few days. It's a small gesture but heartfelt appreciation of her wonderful character.

FLAK and Olympics

2006-02-11T16:36:00.000-08:00

The Opening Ceremonies where fun to see. Great show with 80's rock music topped off with Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. Perfect for the project I'm knitting for the event. The ribbing went quickly and I'm a little ways into the pattern. I'll work more on it tonight. Right now I'm supposed to be cleaning the office/sewing room/yarn storage room. Yikes! I want it organized so I can come in here and easily work on whatever I want to work on and then put away so I can work on the next thing.

Here's my progress on the FLAK. I worked on it as much as I could knowing it will be set aside until I'm sure I can finish the Olympic project in time.

Pre-Game Jitters!

2006-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

I just looked a few blogs in which Olympic Knitters had chosen fingerless gloves, scarves, and other various SMALL projects. WHAT AM I THINKING! If I didn't have to work and take care of a 3 year old I'm 110% sure I could complete this sweater. Now I'm thinking I'm in over my head. Oh Well! At least it will give me a good start. I'll see how the first few days go. Just hope my luggage isn't lost with my yarn knitting needles etc...

I updated my WIPS page to show the two projects I frogged. After I'm through with the Olympics and FLAK I'll think about starting them again. I may swap the yarns though.

In honor of U2 winning 5 Grammys last night I changed the video. Also, any feedback on the video? Does it show up okay? I wonder if it makes the page slow to load, is annoying to some, etc.....

Needles?. Check! Yarn? Check! Gauge? Check! Performance Enhancing Substances? NEED MORE CHOCOLATE!

2006-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

Today I'm getting psyched up for the Olympics. I don't know about you but I want that darn ol' Michelle Kwan to just win a Gold Medal! She's the most medaled skater in the sport, just DO IT! I want her to win fairly though, I love when EVERYONE skates well and the person that wins skates even better!

As far as the knitting Olympics, I'm going to be playing sick....I've yet to truly shake this cold/sinus infection/flu/virus thing I've had. It's not gonna stop me! I'm Ready! I'm taking it easy these few days before the event. Frogged Town Square and will do the same for Ribbby. I'll work a little bit on FLAK and Hubby's Guansey as well as the Afghan.

Kristen asked about the Afghan. It's a pattern from a Bernat Yarn label. I got the skein on clearance in the early nineties just for the pattern.

More Birds! and a new WIP!

2006-02-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

This is an afghan I had started and ripped out along time ago because I didn't like the yarn I was using at the time. I'm using Brunswick Germantown so of course it is lovely. My justification for starting this project is I'm going to need to rip out my Town Square Jacket and Ribby and restart them. I don't know what I did to Town Square but I cast on and knit the wrong number of stitches. My gauge is also smaller than my swatch. The Ribby was started before I worked on improving my knitting (tnesion difference between purl and knits) so I'll need to restart that too.

This afternoon I noticed about a dozen Robins in our trees and our neighbors trees. I haven't seen them for awhile. I'm really going to have to learn more about our feathered neighbors but I think they migrate south in the coldest part of winter. The picture in a previous post of what I think is a woodpecker maybe a female Nutall's Woodpecker.

FLAK Back Done!

2006-02-04T15:43:00.000-08:00

Yeah! This is a lot of fun to knit. It's making me look forward to the Cozy Shawl Collared Aran, The Spring Forward Cardigan or Pullover, and a redo of the Cables 101 Vest!.

EBAY!

I'm selling some Karen M Guernsey Double Knit in Dark Teal on EBAY. I have 6 skeins. I love this yarn but have this color in other yarns (similar to my Town Square Jacket) so I'm selling this batch. If you're interested the auction url is Here.

February Olympics and Iditarod/Iditawalk!

2006-01-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

First, Thanks to Jessica at Naturally Knitty for the wonderful notecards and stitch markers. I LOVE nice stitch markers and have been known to keep them in the knitting long after they are needed just to see them when I come back or around.

February is going to be an active month. The Iditawalk starts tomorrow! The Olympics and Knitting Olympics start mid month.

Take care all! I'm off to stretch and train my hands fingers and legs!

There's that CRAZY LADY with the camera again! Heard in my neighborhood

2006-01-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

You know how they like the box the toy came in as much as the toy?

This is a box that Esther plays with quite a bit. I originally was going to paint it like a little house or "do" something with it. She enjoys it as is. I'd moved it onto the table to vacuum and forgot to put it back on the floor. This didn't stop her!

Knitting Progress One Fuzzy Foot down, One to go!

Flak Back! I've made a few mistakes but have been able to correct them right away.

The Great Outdoors

The long shadows of winter give our world a definite feel and look.

This might be a woodpecker. I had to blow the picture up quite a bit. He was definitely looking for bugs but I was never sure he actually "pecked".

Hi Maddy!

Uh, Sparky. Sparky!?! SPARKY! That orange is not for you! Unfortunately if he did bite into it he would find it VERY sour. I think it's because we need to fertilize it more and we're not sure of the variety.

Yikes! I hope I don't blow the medal count for my team!

2006-01-22T18:54:00.000-08:00

These are just two of the many wonderful team buttons Jenla has provided for the Olympic knitters. I'm deciding which one I should use. I'm starting to feel the pressure. I'm worried about injuries, trying to back off on the training a bit, eat well, stay away from sick people, etc.....Who gets to carry the flags during the Opening Ceremony? I vote for Laura of CrazyAuntPurl but I don't think she's officially entered the Olympics.

Guess what I'm knitting today?

FUZZY FEET. One of the original recipients of Fuzzy Feet had his confiscated after he threw them in the wash shrinking them further. That pair went to a younger cousin. Now I'm knitting him a new pair. I didn't know at the time how much they can be stretched out if felted to far.

Here's my progress on the Town Square Jacket.

The 4th part of the FLAK was out today and I'm working on the math. I'll start knitting down the back in the next few days.

In Training

2006-01-18T20:53:00.000-08:00

I could make lame jokes about triple lutzes or salchows but I see it is time for the West Coast airing of Skating with the Stars. UGH! I hate watching people fall so I'll skip that, thank you! Anyway, I've joined the Yarn Harlots Knitting Olympics and I am in training. Below is my swatch/training for the Aran hooded pullover I plan to knit in February. I'm using Lion Brand Kool Wool I got for a steal at Smileysyarn.com. My knitting has changed so that I actually had to use a needle larger than called for. I may swatch again, just to be safe. Don't want to overtrain, but want to be sure. I do like how the Lion Brand Kool Wool feels. The color will show the detail and look like the cover. I'm afraid it may make me look even bigger than I am though. Oh well, it will look nice.

A Meme or Fours

2006-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

Sonya at Cottage46 Knitter tagged me with the following meme. Thanks Sonya, this is my first too!

4 jobs you have had in your life
Worked in a lumber mill
Worked in a Movie Theater and Drive-in.
Resident Advisor in a College Dorm
Tutor in College

4 movies you could watch over and over
Sound of Music

4 places you have lived
Small lumber town in Northern CA
Small but a bit bigger College town in CA
Bay Area
In a really cool apartment built in the hay loft of an old barn

4 TV shows you love to watch
HGTV
Monk
My husband likes 24 and Lost, so I'm knitting his sweater during those shows.

4 places you have been on vacation
Canada
Mexico
New Orleans and Florida
Europe – Italy, France, Belgium

4 websites you visit daily
Bloglines
Knittingpark
Yahoo groups Aranknitlist, FiberRaok and FLAK

4 of your favorite foods
Chocolate
Sweet Potatoes
Vegetables and salad
Chocolate :-)

4 places you would rather be right now
At the beach knitting and/or hiking
In a mountain Cabin knitting and/or hiking

4 bloggers you are tagging
Anyone who reads this and wants to put it on their blog.

I'm Selfish, I'm Selfish I'm really really Selfish!

2006-01-16T16:08:00.000-08:00

I started the Town Square Jacket from the Aug-Oct 2005 issue of Cast on. I'm using Lion Brand Wool-ease in the color pines. I keep teasing Cindy at Knitting Park that flattery is the highest form of compliment. I swear everything I'm making she has made ;-). I put a blog up of my WIPs. Click on Wips to see it. I have some work to do on it as I didn't mean to wipe out the comments. Oh Well,

Saddles

2006-01-14T18:51:00.000-08:00

FLAK Saddles

The 3rd installment was out today for the Follow The Leader Aran Knit Sweater (FLAK). It didn't take me long to get almost through one of the saddles. This reminded me I had ripped back to the saddles on my Shawl Collared Aran. I was worried about enough yarn and sizing. Thanks to Cindy and Knitting Park, I have enough yarn. Now thanks to Janet Szabo who's leading the FLAK I'll be able to figure out the sizing of this aran also designed by her. I plan on knitting both sweaters as I go through the FLAK. I have decided the FLAK will be a cardigan since the SCA is a pullover.

The FLAK is such a wonderful knit a long. There are so many people in this group and people have been sharing what they have learned, and are helping each other. I'm really enjoying it!

Shawl Collared Aran Saddles

She's Gone Swatch Crazy!

2006-01-09T15:12:00.000-08:00

Maybe, Maybe Not!

This is actually a toque I'm making to match my FLAK. That sounds funny. Toque, FLAK. If you're wondering what the FLAK is, click on the wonderful FLAK button to the left. The button was made by Cindy of Knitting Park. I'm glad we have some time in between installments of the FLAK. I've decided when we watch Lost and 24 I'll work on my Husband's sweater. Except for those times I'll be knitting for myself. Except, I resolve to complete a gift a month.

Now to the dreaded Poncho as the drama unfolds: This morning a friend came over and she asked to see the poncho before she left. I put it on and every so often she would say, "Yes, You have to do something about it." Or, "It is comfortable isn't it?". So even as I type it is in the washer with royal blue and black Rit Dye which is supposed to be charcoal grey. I've used as little agitation as I think possible. I used way more dye than called for. I've added several pots of boiling water to keep the dye bath above 140 deg. Before I started the process I turned the water heater up to the highest setting and waited 'til it turned off. It's been over an hour. I'm going to go run the rinse (drain and fill with warm, then drain and fill with cold several times. I've read to bring the temperature down slowly. UGH! I feel like I'm going to be sick. I'll save this as draft 'til I get back.
I'm Back! The funny thing is the lines are not as noticeable to me in person as it is on this picture, but I can see faint lines outside, not in direct sun but in bright light. I'll report back when it is completely dry. I think it won't be perfect but it will be wearable and I like the color. I'll see if anyone else notices the lines. If it is dry, I'll wear it tomorrow. I'm SO glad this isn't a garment that would be washed a lot! I think that is the only thing that made dyeing an option. Thanks to everyone who made it this far with me through this crazy project! And thanks for the kind words! Yeah, I think I can put it on my finished projects page. I keep wondering if I should bring it inside. There are birds out there! I'd hate for you to see a picture of it with a big splat in the middle of it! ;-).

Picture I Promised!

2006-01-07T13:02:00.000-08:00

This looks like a rookie move right? You're thinking, "Oh poor thing, no one explained the importance of dye lots to her. Maybe she's just used to many Red Heart No Dye Lot yarns to know about this. And Oh MY she must have used yarn from not 2, not 3 but 4 different dye lots." That's what one would think, right? RIGHT? RIGHT? I guess I COULD take a picture of the four ball bands as proof they are all from the same dye lot, but I'm just too tired.

Okay, I know it is selfish to feel SO BAD about this but I'm so mad I could Spit! (My mom used to say that) I was going to wear this on Tuesday to a workshop with my peers and Oh wouldn't I look so hip? I bet it woulda made me look 20lbs lighter too ;-). I'm glad you can't hear the cuss words flying around in my head now. I'm going to alert the company I got it from, they have such wonderful customer service so I won't mention the name here with such a negative situation. I just want them to know so this doesn't happen to more of their customers and THEM!

SO, The Poncho is soaking in the washer with Dawn dishwashing liquid. You don't know how tempted I was to throw a 1/2 gallon of bleach in with it, run the wash cycle, let it disinegrate into the water and wash away so I could pretend it never happened. I wonder if I can dye it or put a rinse in it, you know, like the blue little old ladies use? Maybe soaking before I block it will even out the colors more.

The yarn I'm using for the FLAK is from the same company. Fortunately I have enough yarn (in the same dye-lot HA HA HA) to alternate rows of the skeins at the point I need to start a new skein. I'm also thinking of having an ongoing swatch with yarn from each of the skeins to check if there are differences in color.

UPDATE:

First, thanks for all the nice comments and "shoulders to cry on". I think I emailed everyone back, if I missed you, thanks so much for the encouragement! The Poncho is drying and it doesn't seem to have corrected the problem. The blocking, however seems to be going really well ;-). I contacted the shop I got the yarn from. She was apalled and fortunately hasn't had any other issues like this with the yarn. She is also going to contact the company. Also, most of you hit on what I think I need to do and that is dye it. My Hubby said, "I don't think they make that color Kool Aid. You'll have to mix all the colors." LOL I am going to have to do a bit of research. It will be fun to learn about how I should do this. Take care all!

Now what do I do?

2006-01-07T00:46:00.000-08:00

I finished knitting the Mystic Poncho. I ran out of yarn and had to use a different yarn in a very similar color on the last two rows. It actually looks kind of cool like I meant to do it and I can edge the neckline to make it look even more deliberate. TWO ROWS Can you beleive that. I used at least 1/3 more yarn than the pattern called for. Well, that is NOT the worst of it. Even though the yarn is all from the same dye lot, There are differences in the colors. I bought 4 skeins and think there are 3 different shades . Since I've been working on this in not so great light I didn't notice it 'til tonight right before I knit the last two rows. I'm SURE it's going to look even more noticeable in better light. What do I do now? Should I wash it and hope it evens out? Can I dye it? Do I have to reknit it? Help! I'm so discouraged. I really wanted something I could actually WEAR BESIDES FUZZY FEET! I'll post pictures tomorrow if I can bear to look at it.

Walk With Me! Talk With Me!

2006-01-06T01:07:00.000-08:00

Year before last I entered the Iditawalk. Simple enough, just walk 30 minutes a day for 35 days between February 1, 2006 to March 18, 2006 for a total of 1049 minutes. The 1049 minutes represent the 1049 miles of the Iditarod sled race. I signed up last year too but didn't walk enough to get the T-shirt and leash. I decided this year I would try to get as many of my friends as possible to join me. You do pay a donation which goes to a fundraiser for a Boy Scout Troup in Nome AK. Pretty smart idea for a fund raiser! There was a time, many moons ago, when I trained and successfully walked the Avon 3 Day (2000). I LOVED being in such good shape. It takes a LOT of time to walk THAT much though. Thirty minutes sounds more my speed now.

Beautiful Day

2006-01-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

It is a bit early for our Magnolia tree to bloom. I appreciated it though. Esther and I were out planting Calla Lily bulbs. This is the first year that I've remembered they need to be planted in January. I hope they grow! Even though it may mean the weather has been off as far as agriculture is concerned, I enjoyed seeing the blooms. This Holiday has been hard to get over for me and a lot of others I know. I think it is because a lot of us have been sick for a long time. I'm plugging away on my Mystic Poncho, notice I'm at 70%. Geek that I am I have updated the template about 4 times as I've progressed over the last 1.5 days. I'm hoping to have it complete by the end of the weekend. The next installment for FLAK should be coming soon so I'll work on that when it does. Meanwhile it would be nice to have a finished object that isn't Fuzzy Feet or a Frontier hat. ;-)

P.S. I looked back in my blog, I figured I probably posted pics when this tree bloomed last year. It's about 20 days earlier this year Click to see my 1/24/05 entry.

Esther humor regarding Fuzzy Feet.

2006-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

I guess all those Fuzzy Feet left an impression!

Speaking of the dogs, I forgot to give you a Sparky update. I've been doing as the vet said, acknowledging Sparky as top dog (feeding him first, giving him attention first, walking him first). So far it is working and he hasn't had any issues with Maddy. They all play and get along fine. I've also stepped up the training for all 3 of them a bit too.

New Year Part 2

2006-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here is my second swatch for the FLAK KAL. I made a few mistakes but the swatch will still work for measuring. Hoping I got all the mistakes outta my system. About the only "creative" changes I made was to the wave cable. It is the one that waves back and forth. Instead of the background being in stockinette I'm going to do seed. It looks slightly different. I've accidentally done the wave when trying to do a rope cable so this won't remind me of that.

I'm also working on my Mystic Poncho. I think I can have it done in a week or so. Then I'll work on the Cabled Hooded Pullover. Erin at Yes I knit and I are having a mini KAL. I sent a letter to Family Circle (hard copy and email) and have received a "yes we got your message and are forwarding it to someone who is VERY busy" email back. I don't know the status of the copyright so can't share the pattern with anyone yet. Hopefully it will be republished or the copyright wasn't renewed and it's OURS to share! Erin if you're reading this I'm sending you and email shortly.

New Years Resolutions!

(drum roll please.......)
1. Live a Healthier Life! I will attend the Gym 3 times a week and walk the dogs at least 4 times a week. No specific diet planned at first. I know that chocolate is NOT the food group at the widest part of the pyramid. Stop treating it that way! If no specific diet works, choose a plan and start mid-Feb.

2. Organize Space, and Schedule! Follow FlyLady.net 4 days a week (Zones and sink) Can't do it all right now. Concentrate on Office on days where Zone is something I don't have or already done. I need to schedule WHEN I will work on MT, Knitting, etc... I want to get more done and think this is the only way.

3. Remember, not everything is about me! I tend to get upset by others actions. Most of the time this is very unproductive. A lot of the things are out of my control and even if I think it's stupid or dangerous it is not directed at me personally. I decided this should be on of my resolutions because I take bad driving personally and I was starting to take Esther's resistance to potty training personally. Once I stopped she has been doing SO MUCH better. Imagine that! :-)

4. Knitting Resolution! If I want more yarn I either have to finish something or sell some of the yarn I already have. Also, make 1 Holiday Gift a month. (not necessarily all knitted)

Happy New Year Everyone!

Happy New Year!

2006-01-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

I somewhat planned a meaningful blog entry for the first of 2006. I got distracted of course! I had to create an avatar for myself. Now, this is a very nice Avatar, she just needs about 20 years and 40 lbs on her and she'd look more like me. Later I'll give you a list of resolutions (short) progress on projects I'm working (complete with pics). Going to go eat lunch, take care of a few chores, knit and be back a little more organized.

Crossed In Translation - KAL

2005-12-31T11:19:00.000-08:00

So far I've decided not to join in the Crossed in Translation KAL. I just have way to much knitting projects started. I keep trying to justify it though :-). I've subbed the KAL on my bloglines to see the wonderful work everyone does.

Last but not least! Check out Cara at January One and wish her a Happy Birthday as well as Happy New Year! She's hosting the Lost in Translation KAL, the website is beautiful. She has knitted some wonderful things including numerous Jaywalker socks.

That's MY Brother!

2005-12-29T00:32:00.000-08:00

That is what I always say when my brother does something cool.

Anyway, I need to say that about him for this Christmas. Christmas gifts are always a stressful situation in our family. He and I have talked about how we really don't need anything and how shopping for gifts can be difficult. Well, this year he nailed it. He gave the perfect gifts this year. He made donations to Charities for us that matched us. For our family he made a donation to the Oakland Zoo because he knew we had visited the zoo recently and really enjoyed it. To my sisters family he made a donation to Habitat for Humanity which she volunteers for. Sooooo

That's My Brother!

I'll leave you with a funny Santa story. We (Steven Esther and I) stayed in a Hotel Christmas Eve. Of course Santa knew we were there and we expected a visit from him. Esther would NOT fall asleep. Steven told her a few times Santa wouldn't come if she didn't fall asleep. Understandably this did not work. It was almost 11 p.m. and she was flipping around like a fish caught on a line in the King size bed the three of us were sharing. She gets very active when trying to stay awake. I gasped and then said to her, "Did you here that?" She whispered, "Yes". Then I said, "Oh! we better pretend we're asleep!". She put her little fists up to her eyes and snuggled next to me. She was asleep in less than a minute.

The Wild Frontier

2005-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:00

Well, the Fuzzy Feet gifts were hits but so were the Frontier Hats. I'm now making a few for Esther's Preschool for dress up play. They will be in traditional colors and I've found doubling the yarn with Bernat Boa and Lion Brand fur makes the fabric seem a little more durable. I did have to adjust the pattern a bit to then get the right size. Somewhere someone has a picture of Esther's cousins with there hats stuck in the back of their pants so the tail is sticking out. Very Funny!

The next few days I'm going to work on my husbands sweater. I'm hoping to get a big chunk of it done before starting the Selfish KAL or Follow the Leader KAL or the Hooded Cabled Sweater....or finishing projects already started for that matter. I may be an inch or two further than this.

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed the Holiday and wish you a Happy New Year! I've met some wonderful people through this blog! I think my husband is a bit confused that I talk about all of you like I do the friends I actually get to see in person. But the line isn't that defined for me. You are friends and an amazing bunch of people!

Okay, Just one more pair!

2005-12-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

Not for you little guy! I don't care how much you're chattering at me. Yes I see you there all plump and getting ready to hibernate or hide from the rain and weather (do squirrels hibernate? In California?). I'm through with Fuzzy Feet for a bit.

Okay just one more pair! Patons Classic Merino and a free ball of Bernat Disco later....Hmmm Look how much these are supposed to shrink. At this point I'm getting a little nervous. I sure don't want to disappoint my kiddo after she's seen me plow through a dozen pair and asked for some of her own. YIKES!

Man these are big! This is MY Foot

Later that same morning...

I found a pattern for the fuzzy slippers very similar to fuzzy feet but in 3 sizes at Knitting at Knoon Designs. I REALLY like how the Patons felted, very fast! I had planned to make a pair for me but I might take a break and make a rolled brim hat. I like this felting stuff. It's just plain fun!