Knitting and Spinning With Ewe

What's Up????

2011-07-25T07:41:00.000-05:00

What's up? It has been a busy time in my household. Unfortunately, not much knitting, spinning or general creativeness happening here. As many of you know my handicapped sister came to live with us about a year and a half ago. I think it is always a challenge when anyone comes to live in your home long term but, if there are other factors involved it is much more difficult. I won't go into details, it is what it is.

On a lighter note, I'm hoping to get back to "normal" or a new normal soon. It has been a crazy last four years. I gotta get back to my knitting and spinning, for years that has brought me great joy and I have more yarn and fiber than I know what to do with. I think I may just jump in and start My Wicked Emerald City Coat.

In Search of the Mojo!!!!

2011-01-14T16:33:00.000-06:00

Several months ago I wrote about losing my knitting mojo. I believe I'm on the track of locating it. Sometime last year I decided to become a selfish knitter. You know how it is. You knit and knit and knit for everyone else in the universe yet when you open your drawers or closet there is nothing to be found of your own handmade goodness. You've given it all away. Now, don't get me wrong, we do need to reward ourselves for all our hard work and creativity, but for me, this may not be for you, for me I'm beginning to believe THAT is when my mojo began seeping ever so slowly away. I began losing my knitting mojo when i decided to become a selfish knitter. I've found my greatest joy in knitting for others or giving the things I knitted for myself to others. That being said, I will no longer be a selfish knitter. I think I can find a happy medium somewhere.

Presently I'm working on a couple surprises for Valentine's Day. I can't tell you what it is because the recipients read this blog. Then it wouldn't be a surprise. If you really need to know you can either message me. It's a fun, quick, easy, beautiful and useful knit. That's all I'm gonna say.

On the search for the mojo I've come up with an idea. Since I live in downtown Bowling Green the main roads I travel are also traversed by those on foot or by bicycle. Many times the pedestrians I've seen this winter or traveling without proper head/neck wear. I'm thinking about knitting up a bunch of simple hats and scarfs and when I see this cold souls giving them the goodies. Just think how much mojo could be stirred up!!!!! One problem that needs to be overcome is how to give the items to them. I don't want to hold up traffic or have to park and run after these people. My daughter suggested I wrap the items around an apple and throw them at 'em. This would add the necessary weight to propel the item. Not only would they get a warm hat or scarf, they'd get a little snack as well. Gotta check with my auto insurance though........there could be some injuries incurred if they aren't very good catchers or to be more truthful I really suck at throwing. Sometimes this searching for the mojo can be quite difficult.

I'm not sure......

2010-12-01T09:53:00.000-06:00

Today is the first day of December........I'm not sure......but I think it is time to start that Christmas knitting!!!!! My problem is this. I can't just knit gifts for knitting gifts sake. I have to have inspiration. I have to have a dream. Maybe I'm a dreamer, I don't like to go looking for patterns I like for patterns to find me. Understand????? You know, you see something you know you just have to make. That special gift for that special someone. Such as.....Lyra's Hat from The Golden Compass or all those ear flap hats you see in the mall stores. I've decided I wanna make those. That would knock out several gifts. As is typical, I have lots of yarn but not that special yarn that speaks to me for these hats. Guess that means I'll have to "make" myself run off to my LYS (Enchanted Yarn & Fiber) to find that speaking yarn. Or I could dive into my stash......not near as much fun!!

I need inspiration!!!!! Or possibly I'm a sadist that only produces under extreme time pressure??

What motivates your holiday knitting?

Let it be known throughout the land!!!!!

2010-11-12T09:43:00.000-06:00

Let it be known throughout the land, Friday has been officially designated as Spinning Day. For far too long I've neglected my beloved wheel. She has sat there in the corner of my bedroom very patiently waiting for my life to settle down long enough to give her the deserved attention. From here on out she and I will spend Friday's together.

So, now that that has been established the question came to "What to spin?" People, it is redic!!! I have 4-5 of Abby's Luxury Batts, 3-4 of Abby's Silk, Cotton, boxes of Romney, Jacob and Alpaca, Superwash roving, Llama, Angora, Silk roving, Cormo, Gotland, Raw fleece by the bags full.......

I've settled on starting the first weekly Spinning Friday with the spinning of this gorgeous black Alpaca roving loving given by Amarosa the Alpaca. Several years ago my husband's cousin graciously sent me fiber from 4 or 5 of the Alpaca from their farm. I sent it off to a fiber mill and had it turned into roving. Really gorgeous, soft fiber.

I have 3 lbs 12 oz of this wonderful stuff. I decided to measure it out in 4 oz section so I can hopefully get the same amount of singles on each bobbin before plying.

Why don't you join me on Spinning Fridays? It is be a "virtual spinning guild."

What's on your Holiday needles?

2010-11-11T06:48:00.000-06:00

What's on your Holiday needles? What projects/patterns do you turn to when you need a quick gift? I have several standards I fall back on and this year thanks to Enchanted's Christmas Club I have a couple more. Typically I fall back to knitting dishcloths. They are a quick knit and oh so useful. Plus, there are plenty of free on-line patterns and so many gorgeous cotton yarns. Or I knit up a bunch of fingerless mitts. I love the Fetching pattern. It's quick when using a worsted or DK weight and inexpensive.

This year I'm adding the Biscuit Blanket from February's club project and the Just Enough Ruffles scarf from January's club project. Both are fast knits and again an inexpensive gift. What you got going?

Hum, HUm, HUM!!!!!!

2010-11-09T08:28:00.003-06:00

"CHIPPIE THE PARAKEET NEVER saw it coming. One second he was peacefully perched in his cage. The next he was sucked in, washed up, and blown over.

The problems began when Chippie's owner decided to clean Chippie's cage with a vacuum cleaner. She removed the attachment from the end of the hose and stuck it in the cage. The phone rang, and she turned to pick it up. She'd barely said 'hello' when 'sssopp!' Chippie got sucked in.

"The bird owner gasped, put down the phone, turned off the vacuum, and opened the bag. There was Chippie-- still alive, but stunned. Since the bird was covered with dust and soot, she grabbed him and raced to the bathroom, turned on the faucet, and held Chippie under the running water. Then, realizing that Chippie was soaked and shivering, she did what any compassionate bird owner would do . . she reached for the hair dryer and blasted the pet with hot air.

"Poor Chippie never knew what hit him.

"A few days after the trauma, the reporter who'd initially written about the event contacted Chippie's owner to see how the bird was recovering. 'Well,' she replied, 'Chippie doesn't sing much anymorc he just sits and stares.' An excerpt from Max Lucado "In the eye of the storm."

These last two years have probably been the hardest of my life. Accusations, slander & lies, rejections, loss of income, change of lifestyle, added responsibility of the full-time care of my sister, having to put my aunt that raised me in a nursing home and dealing with her degenerated mental state, my own physical issues......many, many changes.

Remember this, "I'm A Hummer", entry I posted in March '08. Definitely a simplier time!!!! Like Chippie I've found myself not humming much, if at all, over the last couple years. I didn't really think about it until a couple months ago when David brought it to my attention that he had'nt heard me humming for quite some time.

I'm happy to say though in the last month I've caught myself humming every once in a while. It is a good sign that my heart and mind are loosening up. I don't want to give the impression that there hasn't been great joy during the last two years. It definitely hasn't all been bad, much of the changes have brought great freedom. However, I have found myself thinking "I want my life back." The life where I wasn't so mentally strained with the daily decisions and such that any creativity was squelched. The life where I had the time, strength, joy and creativity to blog, knit, spin, cook, garden, sew..........

Even though we may feel like Chippie. We need to give ourselves time. The song may not be the same as it was before but still a song it will be. I'm a Hummer!!!!!!!

A Post With No Name

2010-05-01T13:04:00.001-05:00

You remember the song the band America recorded, "A Horse With No Name?" Welp, this is the post with no name. It isn't like I couldn't come up with a name.....the trouble is I came up with to many. You see, I have a problem......a big problem.

This is the problem. I joined Enchanted's Christmas Club thinking that I'd get a jump on Christmas gifts this year. I don't know why I fool myself, I suppose I'm rather convincing. My husband tells me I could sell jalapenos in hell. Maybe I'm an over optimistic optimist. Maybe I'm just plain stupid. Maybe I'm insane. The meaning of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Every year I think "I'm not going to wait until October (sometimes November, sometimes December) before I start my Christmas knitting." Yet, year after year after year that is what I do. Insanity thou art my middle name!!!!!

However, I think I'm going to put the blame on RoLynn and Ashley. After all it IS their fault. If they wouldn't pick such scrumptious projects each month I wouldn't be writing a post with no name. It isn't that I don't love the patterns they choose AND the perfect yarn for the monthly projects. The trouble is I love them too much. This is April, I've knitted every months project, fixen to start on this month's, yet I have nothing, N-O-T-H-I-N-G, in my Christmas gift box, NOTHING!!!!!!

Actually, I haven't even designated a box for Christmas gifts. Maybe my psyche knows me better than I know myself????

Last year I decided I was going to become a selfish knitter. Up to that point I had given just about all my wonderful projects away or I was constantly knitting for someone else. Maybe that is the problem........hmmmmmm.

Anyways, so far all the "Christmas Projects" have ended up in my closet. Thus, the problem with naming this post. I was thinking maybe it should be "Houston We Have a Problem" or possibly "Merry Christmas to Me!!!!" or even better "Hello, My Name is Peggy and I'm a Selfish Knitter."

2010-04-01T09:49:00.003-05:00

Just look at that face, just look at it!!!!! Isn't that the cutest little feller you ever saw? I gotta have one, I'm gonna have one, I'm gonna have three!!!! One for my Emma Belle, one for her little sister, Ava Simone, and one to be my special little friend and he shall be called Herman!!!! And he shall go with me everywhere. He will ride in my truck on the dashboard, at other times he will travel safely in my knitting bag and at night he will be the last little face I look at before I go to sleep and the first thing I see when I awake. He is my soulmate.

Kits are available at Enchanted Yarn & Fiber for your very own little friend.

What you gonna name him?

Take a ride on the Crazy Train!!!!

2010-03-01T09:42:00.015-06:00

I've jumped on the Crazy Train!!!!! Not the one you are thinking of, I've been on that one for years. The one I've jumped on is the Flower Crazy Train. I've even gone so flower crazy that I've been found crocheting the little buggers!!!! (Please keep that whole "Peggy is crocheting" thing a secret). Here's a pic of some finished ones and some partly finished ones.

I didn't realize it had been so long since I posted. Been busy, busy I suppose. I've had to look back at my pics to see what I haven't shown you. One thing that isn't knitting but came as a gift from an awesome knitting friend is this little chicken. I collect chickens and French things. Isn't she beautiful????? And so proud!!!!!

Okay, let's see what have I been knitting.......I finished the February Project from Enchanted's Christmas Club. It is a lovely Biscuit Blanket. It is a quick knit and such a lovely stitch pattern. I plan on making several of these for gifting this year. There was also a bonus pattern for a dish cloth, quite loverly as well.

I finally finished Mystic Light and have it blocking. Sorry about the background, I already had it all pinned out and I ain't gonna do that again!!!! I'll post a better pic once it is dry.

My Name is Peggy, and I'm a Fiber Snob

2010-02-09T14:15:00.006-06:00

I've decided, I'm not only a knitting vs crocheting snob and a yarn snob......I'm a fiber snob. Now I know you may be saying what is the difference between a yarn snob and a fiber snob? Aren't they one in the same? Au contraire mon fraire!!!!!!

A yarn snob is someone who turns their nose up at acrylic yarns, particularly the kind purchased at the big "super department stores." Now, there is something to be said for acrylic. When man no longer inhabits the earth and all the buildings have crumbled and the only living thing left are cock roaches......anything ever made from acrylic yarn will look like it did the first day it was made. Kinda like hell.....never ending. A yarn snob will only use "quality" yarns usually purchased at their favorite LYS, Local Yarn Store.

A fiber snob is someone who prefers certain fibers over others. I can't help it, I love wool and wool blends. I'm not sure...but I think I may hate cotton. Or maybe cotton hates me. I recently knitted Rosa's Sleeveless Cardi. I really like the design and I like the garment....I'm just not fond of cotton. Now, I've not given totally up on cotton so no hate mail please. If you've found a cotton you love let me know, maybe I'll have a change of heart.

I finished the Shalom Vest and wore it to a Super Bowl party. Jamie and I staged a throw down, she was for the Colts and I for the Saints. I even won $13 for drawing the winning quarter-backs name out of the pack. I see yarn in my future.

And last, but certainly not least, I have a new friend. I picked her up in Tennessee. A Harrisville 36", 4 harness, 6 treadle floor loom. I think we are going to be great friends and with her I believe I will find a new love and respect for cotton.

OCD Much??????

2010-01-25T19:19:00.002-06:00

I've always thought it was a possibility, it's never been diagnosed, but I think I'm kinda OCD. Here are my symptoms, check it out and see what you think:

1. Well, when I get into something, I really get into it. I want it all. Like, I could never understand collecting thimbles from each state one thimble at a time. I would want them all, like now so my set would be complete.

2. When I started knitting socks, that is all I wanted to knit.

3. When I started knitting lace, how many KALs was I a member of at the same time????? It wasn't pretty I know that.

4. When I started spinning, I got ALL the gadgets

5. Now I'm getting into weaving and I WANT IT ALL!!!! NOW!!!!

But, here is the thing that really got me to thinking we may have a problem. You know I've been happily getting back into knitting, spinning, blogging and Ravelry. Well that is all fine and good. This is the thing:

6. You know on Ravelry where you can join groups and then take part in many different interesting conversations about the particular specialty of the group? I can't stand to go to the group home page and see any number in the posts column signifying I haven't read the post. I find myself going to the page and pretending that I'm reading the post just to get the little number to go away. Sick right??????

Thankfully I deleted a bunch of groups before I realized this tendency. I presently only have about 6-7 to keep clean.

On another note, I've been asked to blog for Enchanted Yarn & Fiber. I'll be sharing different things over there if you wanna have a look see. You can also sign up for their newsletter over there and keep up with all the fun.

Here we go AGAIN!!!!

2010-01-19T15:36:00.008-06:00

I've been feeling pretty good. Been knitting like a fiend, began thinking about my blog again, hooked back up with several on-line knitting groups, heck, I even got one of my spinning wheels out again. I was feeling pretty much in control, till it happened. Don't ask me how it happened.....it just happened. One moment I was living in semi-sane knitterland and the next I had re-entered bonkersville knitterland.

First I'll try to explain how I think it happened and then I'll tell you the result. I had happily made it through the Christmas knitting madness actually quite happy with myself. I had even finished the Angelica's Coat and the Shawl Collared Vest. I began knitting the Falling Water Vest and a La La Simple Shawl but feeling somewhat underwhelmed I decided I wanted to knit the Every Way Wrap. Trouble is with all the changes that have occurred my funding has dried up so forget purchasing new yarn and I couldn't find enough in my stash to complete it. So, being the optimistic idiot I am I decided I should spin the yarn, after all, I have loads of wonderful fiber crammed into two closets. I've already started spinning the fiber, white Romney, I plan on dying it before I knit it up.. It is okay, no biggee. But then I added a pair of Fetchings for a friend to the queue, actually I've already cast them on. Still not biggee right? This is where I began sliding down the slippery slope into bonkersville knitterland.

A couple months ago we purchased a Stacht Rigid Heddle Loom hoping it would be something my sister, Sheila, could be taught to do. She did make Sara a beautiful scarf, only trouble is I have to sit right there to make sure she is following the steps properly. Anyways, I began looking into weaving. A dangerous thing to do. Now, I want a floor loom. And by golly I'm going to finger out a way to get one. If nothing else, surely there is someone out there with one stuck away somewhere and I can at least borrow it. They are rather pricey. Heck, I've even been looking at plans for building one. Until I can steal, uh procure one I'm going to work on the rigid heddle one. So with my other projects, now I'm wanting to make the Space Out Felted Scarf. Then today on one of my on-line groups someone talked about the Heart on a String hat and after seeing it I've decided I want to knit for a couple special little girls.

See what I mean????? Here we go AGAIN!!!!!

Hey you!!!! Wanna know a secret????

2010-01-14T07:16:00.002-06:00

Wanna know a secret? I love knitting. I mean, I don't just like knitting, I don't just enjoy knitting, I don't just knit for fun........I love, love, love, Love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE knitting!!!! I knit everyday of my life.....do you? I can't imagine life without knitting. I can't understand how people make it through life without knitting.

It is almost like magic (hehehe), you take string and sticks and create unbelievable wonders, works of art. And if it doesn't turn out like you thought it becomes insulation between the bottom of your stash and the stash itself. Or it gets frogged and the possibilities begin again.

I'm not a great knitter, however, I've taught countless women to knit. It is so thrilling to see a new knitter born. One lady I taught several years ago told me every time she sat down to knit she felt like she was wasting time. WASTING TIME!!!!!! Can you imagine????? How could knitting be considered wasting time? Pretty much every Christmas, birthday or "just cause" gift I give is something I've knitted. How is that wasting time? Each gift is an heirloom.

Well, IF knitting is wasting time......I sho have been wasting da time.....a lot!!!! Here is the low down on my wasting time the last month or so:

9 pairs of fingerless gloves
2 Gators
9 hats
2 pair of mittens
1 Angelica's Coat
1 Shawl Collared Vest
2 scarves

What have you been wasting time on?

Presently I'm wasting time on the Falling Water Ruffle Vest by Jamie Thomas of Imagine Knit Designs and the La La Simple Shawl. I'm feeling kinda agitated.....like I'm not wasting my time on enough projects. I know many of you waste time on one project at a time. To me you aren't getting the most benefit of your wasting of time. I need several, oh, okay...many projects going at the same time or I feel kinda empty. With that said, I believe it is time to go digging into the ole UFO bags.

People Are Strange

2009-11-04T08:11:00.011-06:00

I have begun this post over and over again. I'll type a bit and then re-read it, delete it and start again. Over the past nine months or so my life has taken many twists and turns. Most for the GOOD. Actually, if I told you of all the events you wouldn't believe it. At times I've wondered if I was living in the Twilight Zone or The Salem Witch Hunt. Strange, strange occurrences, accusations and events. The trouble is, or at least this is how it seems to me, that people do not want the truth. They prefer to listen to gossip and slander and count it as truth. For a series of months my life joy was stolen from me and it feels so good to be free of that now. Although, the rumor mill is still going strong.

Peggy!!!! What the heck are you talking about. I'm so glad you asked. :)

I am going to talk about the HAPPY changes in my life and get back to talking about knitting, spinning and good friends.

After a long wait we purchased a new home and moved into it in July. It is a wonderful, lovely home built in 1929. We so love old homes and their character. It is located in downtown Bowling Green set amidst many other old homes. With all the varied people living in the vicinity it has a Bohemian feel. Fits me to a tea!!!!! This is a picture of our backyard.

After many months of tears and prays we resigned our position as Senior Pastor at the church we've been at for the last five years and have launched out to start a new church, The Open, here in Bowling Green. We semi-jokingly say it is a church for people who hate church. You can check out our web site and even listen to my husband's messages at the link above.

AND I've gotten back to knitting!!!!! I'll post a few pictures at a time. I finally finished My Little Green Hoodie. The pattern is from Chic Knits, Basic Hoodie and is made from Frog Tree Alpaca. This picture doesn't capture the true color, it is a vibrant green.

These are a couple hats I've made this week. The pattern is found in Kristen Knits. I love them and have several more people wanting one so I'm sure you will see some more variations.

I'll leave you with a funny little story. My step-father, Luther, has an eye that twitches. It is funny cuz when we were kids we could always tell when he was angry because that eye would twitch faster. But, the funny thing is when he first came into my mother's family all of my Uncles began getting rather perturbed at him because they thought his eye twitch was actually him winking, flirting, with my aunts. We laughed at that for years. It is a good example though, that things are not always as they appear. We often jump to judgement because it is something new to us or we are looking at the situation through our old lenses. Let us seek truth!!!!!

Forever Changed - 16 Years

2009-09-13T08:42:00.001-05:00

We all have circumstances or events that constitute the sum of who we are. Some are happy and some are not so happy. Still, I choose to accept the view that had I not experienced these circumstances or events I would not be the person I am today. And having these experiences will, hopefully, allow me to help someone along in their journey of this thing we call life.

I could tell you all sorts of stories about my childhood and on that have had tremendous impact to me being, well, me. But, the one I'm talking about today visits my mind and emotions probably the most often, particularly during the month of September and particularly today, September 13th.

My life was forever changed September 13, 1995. It doesn't seem possible it could have been twelve years ago, yet it seems like a life time. At that time I was deep into getting a Bachelors in Mathematics. Exactly one week before I had spoke before a special committee of the Kentucky State Legislature as a representative of the Community and Junior Colleges throughout the state. My mornings consisted of getting my children, Aaron-17, Sara-14 and Jordan-9 off to school before I headed out for my day of classes. On this particular morning Sara's friend Jenny had called to say she had missed her bus and could they give her a ride to school. You know as a mom you get tired of being the jerk so I told them sure. I didn't want her to get in trouble with her mom for missing school. As I was getting ready to go out the door they pulled up, Aaron had forgotten his backpack. Backpack in hand off they went. Just as I was walking down the front steps the fire alarm in town went off and as I got to the end of our road a State Trooper went flying pass me with light and siren on full tilt.

I almost turned to go the same way, but decided I was being ridiculous so I turned right and went on my way. The kids didn't have cell phones at the time. Aaron had a pager and I called it thinking that when he got to school he would call. And then I called Nanny's house. She lived about a block from the high school so I made them park there instead of the school because I was afraid they would have a wreck with all the craziness of kids trying to get out of the parking lot at final bell. She hadn't seen them, but I told her it was foggy and it was probably just taking them a little longer than normal. I ended up calling Aaron's pager and Nanny a couple more times. Then I called the church to speak to my husband, David. Our Church Administrator said that he had received a call stating that the kids had been in an accident and he and our Associate Pastor had gone to check it out. David wouldn't have anything to do with a cell phone but I knew Marion had one so I called it. Marion answered and as soon as he knew it was me he gave it to David. As he said hello I could hear the helicopter blades in the background as two choppers lifted off to head for Louisville. David stated that the kids had been injured in a one vehicle accident and were being stat flighted to Louisville but not to worry, he was sure it was just a standard thing and for me to go on to classes. I knew better, I knew if they were stat flighting them it had to be serious. We discussed a good place for me to meet him so we could go to the hospital together.

As I drove to our meeting place my phone rang. It was the police, they had found Aaron's pager going off and called the number. As soon as he knew it was me he asked if I knew where my children were. I told him it was my understanding they were being flown to a hospital in Louisville. He said yes, my two were being taken to Kosair Children's Hospital and that Jenny was being taken to University. I told him how to get in contact with her mother and hung up. I didn't know the extent of any of their injuries but I knew enough to know that if Jenny was being taken to University she was the most seriously injured.

Once we arrived we were ushered into an emergency room where Aaron lay on one side and Sara on the other. They had both been thrown out the sun roof of Aaron's little Ranger and both had sustained broken backs plus many lacerations and contusions. Sara's back was broken in the thoracic area and her spleen had been badly damaged. Aaron's back was broken in the lumbar region and he had two plastic surgeons working on his face and head for a number of hours. Sara was in the hospital for about a week and a half and then sent home for a month or so to see if her spleen would heal before they did her back surgery. She had to wear one of those hard tortoise shells in order to be able to move around. They performed Aaron's surgery within the first couple days. And he remained in Kosairs for about a week and a half before he was transferred to Frazier Rehab. Basically he had to learn to walk all over again. He remained at Frazier for about 5 -6 weeks. By the time we were able to take him home he literally looked like someone from a concentration camp. It took him many months before he could walk without a cane and he had to wear a brace for some time. David stayed home with Sara and I stayed with Aaron.

Two days after the accident they removed little Jenny off of life support. If you have children, particularly older children, you know there are friends that your kids have that you like but when they are around it is like having a guest and then there are friends that just fit in, they seem like part of the family. Jenny was one of those. When she was around she just felt like one of mine.

I cannot begin to tell you the grief I felt at that time. The Bible says that when Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was in so much grief and pressure that He actually sweat drops of blood. I cannot imagine that kind of grief, I felt at any moment large droplets of blood would begin to pour from my forehead. I experienced immense grief but also anger and even guilt. Why did I get my babies back, injured and maimed yes, but I got em back and why didn't Jenny's parents get her?

It took me several years to work through that. Am I actually through it now? When something so traumatic happens to you I don't know that you ever actually get over it. Here twelve years later I could cry as if it were yesterday. Is it easier? Definitely. Sometimes I feel like Scarlett O'Hara, "I'll think about that tomorra, if I think about it today I'll go crazy." But when it is this time of year or I look at my children, particularly Aaron, and see how their lives could have been different it is a challenge.

Sara is doing great, she has rods on both sides of her spine. Which, to her joy, will require her to have c-sections when she has children. That makes her happy, I don't know why. Do you want pain before or pain after?

Aaron is doing quite well. He is slightly crooked and lives with pain everyday of his life. But he still gets to do what he loves to do, play and teach private music lessons.

They are alive and living a happy and productive life. I gave up multiple scholarships. I attempted to get back into the flow and complete that degree several times over the years. But, I was just never able to get back into it. And that is okay.

I don't know all the reasons for things, and I don't always understand but truly one thing I do know is Romans 8:28 says "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. "

Does that make my pain go away. Not really, but it does bring comfort. And I know that I am better prepared to understand the grief and pain of others than I would have before.

I have been forever changed.

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-01T11:46:00.002-06:00

Here we are, another new year. I love this time of year. I guess I'm just naive enough to feel like I have a fresh start. Whoever came up with the idea to have Thanksgiving in November, quickly followed by Christmas in December and the New Year starting shortly thereafter was a genius. You get all wore out and burned out from all the holiday gatherings and festivities and then you quickly get to start another fresh year. I've been thinking about my New Year's Resolutions. I figure if I take them a day, week or month at a time I might be okay. Here are mine:

1. Start each day with a positive attitude. For me one way to accomplish this is to have my "quiet time" in the morning first thing. Get my coffee, my bible and devotional book and spend some quiet time reading, praying and meditating on what I've read.

2. Eat better, become more health conscious. I don't include exercise here, I know I should but, I really hate exercise and I know I will be pressured and yucky. Eating better is a good start. Dirty Harry said "A man has got to know his limitations." That goes for woman too.

3. Get more Christmas 09 knitting done. That means sticking with the A Loose Knit Group plan and not getting distracted.

4. Knitting more socks for ME!!!! I'm ashamed when I get around all my knitting friends and they are sporting their hand knit socks.

5. Read a new book every month. This means less Facebook and less playing the silly Yahtzee/solitaire games I play on my palm every night in bed. One book I am determined I am going to finish first is Out of Eden by Steinbeck. I started this book about 10 years ago. You see, there is this one character, Kathy, that I hate so much every time over the last 10 years I have picked the book back up to finish I can't stand it and I put it back down. I keep thinking if I knew for sure she comes to a bad end I might be able to finish it. I was the same way with Hugo's, Les Miserables. I loved Jean Valjean so much the thought of him coming to a bad end almost kept me from finishing it. If you haven't read it, oh my, it is such an awesome book. The movie with Liam Neeson is awesome as well.

6. Getting my house organized and keeping it organized.

Well, I'm sure there are more, but that is a pretty good start. How about you? You got any resolutions you want to share?

Thanksgiving Memories

2008-11-26T10:59:00.003-06:00

I am so excited about Thanksgiving this year. It will be the first that my family and I have stayed at home and celebrated together. I've been cleaning for two days now, yep two days and there is so much more to do. Thankfully the children are excited about coming to Momma and Daddy's and they won't be critical of the house. Not unless the food sucks. :)

We have a pretty traditional meal planned. I love to cook so that part is going to be fun for me.

I have many Thanksgiving memories but the one that stands out most in my mind is one from my childhood. It must have been around 1963 or so, I was around six. By that time my parents were divorced and myself and my sister, Sheila, were living with my aunt and uncle. Aunt Beo (Nanny) and Uncle Melvin had purchased a bigger house in order to raise two little girls. My Daddy was single at the time so Aunt Beo had invited him to spend the day with us.

I can remember being so excited that my Daddy was going to be there. Aunt Beo prepared a wonderful traditional meal, turkey, green beans, corn, regular dressing and dressing with oysters special for my uncle, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, coconut cream and chocolate pies with wonderful fluffy meringue.

Now, I was a rather mischievous child. A good little girl, but my mind was always thinking of ways to surprise or trick people. I have all kinds of tales about my activities. My step-father, Luther, could tell you all kinds of nasty deeds done to him. He has a difficult time receiving a cup of coffee from me to this day. None were ever meant to cause harm though. I don't know, maybe I had too much time on my hands? But, my little mind was always working. It is kinda funny because now I hate practical jokes.

Anyways, while everyone was busy preparing food and such I had a brainstorm. I was admiring the pies Aunt Beo had made that morning when inspiration hit me. I found some unpopped popcorn in the cupboard, grabbed a handful and headed to the dining room where the pies were waiting to be devoured. I dropped about five or so kernels on top of each pie that had meringue and somehow, I don't remember now what I used, I pushed the kernels deep within the pies as an added little treat.

After we had finished our meal my heart began to race. I was so excited to see their faces when they bit into a nice soft piece of pie and found my "surprise. " As the pies were cut and handed out I couldn't stop giggling. My poor Daddy was the first and just about broke a tooth chomping into a big bite of pie. I can't remember getting into trouble. I'm sure Aunt Beo said something like "Peggy Lynn!!!!" It seems I can remember Daddy laughing along with me.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving full of wonderful memories. But, you might want to hide the popcorn. :)

On Monsters

2008-11-20T13:15:00.004-06:00

Hey all!!!! Many of you have been contacting me wondering what in the world is going on that I haven't been showing up here much lately. It has been crazy. Or I think it has been. I've been making quite a few trips to take care of Nanny and many to Louisville for my Emma Belle. I've been working some for my Sara and this week I'm working a couple days for my favorite defense attorney. And yes, I have been knitting with a tad spinning thrown in for good measure. Probably the biggest thing that has been taking (stealing) my time is Facebook. I have fallen into the Facebook hole and can't, or don't want to, find my way out. Come over and befriend me.

Okay, about knitting. Hmmm, well since I'm at The Attorney's office I don't have any pictures to show you just now. But...........remember that horror story of a knitting project "Edward Longshanks?" That knee length tomten my oldest, Aaron, wanted? Well, thank the Lord Most High, or the knitting gods, or my ignorance, I made a mistake and the sleeves weren't matching up so that ugly baby is frogged!!!! Instead I'm knitting him a sweater from knitty.com called Avast. Very lovely and doable.

I also have a really cute little green hoodie OTN right now. This one is from ChicKnits, Basic Chic Hoodie, and it is for me. YAY. I have way too many other things OTN or about to jump OTN right now to even mention. I am going to do better in the area of communication though.

The other day I was thinking about what a mess everything is. I have knitting on the kitchen table and the bar in the kitchen. Knitting in the living room, in a couple places, knitting in my bedroom on the floor and the night stand. The wicker love seat is totally unsittable since it is piled high with knitting, yarn, needles, a yarn swift and ball winder and....oh yes fiber, oh and knitting books. Upstairs the wool room is total uninhabitable. All things knitting and spinning strewn throughout the room. A total mess. We won't even talk about the basement.

Thinking about it all I remembered a situation we encountered while living in a little two bedroom apartment in Tulsa, OK.....Graduate Housing while David attended Oral Roberts University and I worked for the Chaplain. We already had our three children. Aaron was 7, Sara 5, and Jordan 3. My kids were like most children they did not go lacking for toys and in a tiny apartment we didn't have much space. David came up with a plan. The "Toy Monster." Now, this is how the Toy Monster operated. David would tell the kids to pick up their toys because at a certain time on a certain day the Toy Monster was going to come through. Any toy not picked up and put in its proper place the Toy Monster picked up, put it in a box not to be seen again for a full month. It actually worked pretty well. When the old toys were set free by the Toy Monster you would think it was a family reunion or Christmas all over again. The children were once again united with their long lost toys.

Well, I was thinking.....what if there was "Yarn, or Knitting or Fiber Monster" that would come through and anything, no matter what, not found in its proper place would get taken away for a month. Would that cause me to keep things in better order? I guess if there was a project I started that I really loathed that would be a good excuse to never touch it again. Once it was released from Project Prison I could break parole by leaving it out and..........oh well.

Overall though, I don't think that would work. It would probably just give me a better excuse to cast on a bunch of new things or go out and buy more yarn. Or this would cause me to truly go stark raving mad and the "Monster" would bring it all back. Obsession know no limits. I'd do whatever it took.

What about you? Do you have knitting or whatnot all over your house? If you are one of those people who has everything in its place and seldom have more than one thing OTN ......I don't like you!!!!!!

Do you think a "Knitting, Yarn, Spinning Monster" would work in your house?

World Peace?

2008-10-09T08:47:00.006-05:00

Do you think about world peace very often? Or what your part in it is? You know, while drinking your morning coffee you contemplate what the world would be like "if I were Queen (King) of the forest?"

I used to semi-jokingly state that we were going to obtain world peace one knitter at a time. I thought if we could get more and more people knitting we would come into a place of knitting zen where all boundaries would be broken. A place where all things knitterly would be shared in common. I imagined the United Nations filled with knitters from all around the world. Each country bringing it's own special, unique fiber to be added to the UN stash. And each time a new texture, fiber or color was added all would join in together with oooooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhhhhhh's. Instead of the clicking of angry tongues one would hear the clicking of happy knitting needles. I imagined the halls being filled with little free rolling yarn balls. And via the wonderful gift of knitting each country would learn to share of their resources and come up with constructive, creative ways to solve all OUR major issues. We would act as one.

Overall, most fiber enthusiasts I've met world wide are very giving people. I've had people from all over the world send me yarn, cd's, fiber, chocolate, patterns and knitted items just because they wanted to gift me with things. Wonderful people from Norway, England, Belgium, Canada, and here in the States. I began believing my surmise........Knitting is the way to world peace. Yes and amen.

But then something happened to burst my bubble. I started hanging around knitters. People!!!!! If it weren't for people we could achieve world peace. I wish I could blame it on all the other knitters, but alas, I can't. I have no one but myself to blame. You see, I've known this for some time now, but it is something I've managed to keep hidden deep within myself. A secret I find it difficult to reveal. Actually, a secret I have relished with pride.

"Hello, my name is Peggy and I am a......................yarn snob." The only way I can allow myself to be so vulnerable as to reveal this is I hope to give you the courage to admit who/what you really are. That you too will come out of the closet. That through my groveling you may have your own personal epiphany.

I am a yarn snob. I've been one for a number of years. At least five years. I think it happened about the time I became a serious knitter. What I mean by that is when all other hobbies were forsaken for only knitting. If the word hobby is disconcerting to you we will deal with that later. It was around that time that I quit going into the craft section of Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby to look for yarn. The word "acrylic" seldom passed over my tongue except in phrases of disgust. In fact, that is a word I would only say in a whisper. I thought "Never has a more disgusting, vile word been created" except for one other word I won't venture to mention just yet. I don't recall being rude to anyone over my snobbery. Many times our prejudices thrive within the darkness of our superior thoughts or are veiled in our communications. Such as, "Oh, yeah, if you want QUALITY yarn you need to go to the "yarn store."" Or, "All the acrylic yarn I have in my stash was given to me, I only use it when teaching new knitters."

How can I hope to be any part of any kind of answer to any kind of world peace of any kind when I harbor any kind superiority? I wish I could say my being a yarn snob was the worst of my deepest darkest secrets. Many times when the cosmic light of self-awareness shines into the dark, dank crevices of our souls other, more serious character flaws are revealed.

To Be Continued......................

Honey, I'm Home

2008-09-23T20:04:00.007-05:00

Let me see, let me see........what have I been adoin........welp, for one I've been playing a game of sorts with myself. You may remember the Tomten I started last year. Yeah, the one that mocked me every time I went into the wool room. It called me every name and then some. Stinkin thing. If you remember I finally named it Edward Longshanks out of pure hatred. Well, I finally decided I was either going to have to finished the blanking thing or silence it once and for all. And since Aaron has always been so excited about it my motherly love got the best of me and I came up with a plan.

I have various kinds of knitting. I have my "mindless" knitting. This is the kind of knitting I can work on in the car (while riding, never say I condone knitting while driving, however, you should ALWAYS has at least one project with you at all times, remember the dude in the elevator). Or mindless knitting is handy while waiting in the doctor's office or during meetings or church services, etc., etc. (keep your self-righteous thoughts to yourself please)

So I always have some form of mindless knitting going. Simple socks work well for this but, presently I have the faux moebius going for this. Why faux you ask? Okay, a moebius is actually knit in the round but the knitting is twisted. Mine is a faux moebius because I am knitting it as a rectangular scarf and then I'm twisting it when I seam it together. (please keep your self-righteous thoughts to yourself).

The game of sorts is this, I'm not allowed to work on anything else at home until the tomten is finished. I really don't have that much to do. Just the sleeves and the trim. Of course the trim is like knitting 6-8 rows around a football field. (I did cheat a tad by doing some spinning. Self-righteous thoughts should be kept to yourself, please.)

The real fun to this here game is that I go to Enchanted Yarn and Fiber once a week and while there and only there I get to work on the cutest little hoodie you ever saw. I love this little baby and she is for me, me, ME!!!! (You know what to do, please.)

Progress Is Good

2008-08-26T10:11:00.011-05:00

I've been making progress on some of my knitting. My sampler for the Sweater Sampler class at Enchanted Yarn & Fiber is moving right along. I cannot recommend this class/project enough. I'm not Sweater Woman by any means, but the whole process of putting a sweater pattern together from scratch doesn't seem quite so daunting. I love how the simple changes of color/stitches adds such a decorative pattern.

I finished the Feathers & Fan, or whatever, it is so beautiful. I love it. It may end up under some one's Christmas tree, I'm not sure yet.

I'm working on a faux moebius (mo-bee-us). Faux because it is actually being knit flat and then I will do the twisty thing and seam it up. I love this yarn, Peace Fleece in Grassroots colorway. It should go with lots of things. I got the stitch pattern out of a stitch dictionary(?).

I went to the Yarn Tasting Party at Enchanted this past Sunday. I got there late but it was such fun. We got 13 little balls of 13 different yarns to try out. What fun!!!! While there I bought some yarn for some special projects I have coming up. One being a baby sweater set for an upcoming baby (not mine). I so love this yarn. It is Jojoland Rhythm. It gets softer as you work with it and the changes in color are so subtle and beautiful. I got the pattern here.

I'm heading to the Enchanted land for another class. Updates to follow.

Getting The Story Straight

2008-08-20T12:36:00.005-05:00

Okay, this is the deal. You know.............the rest of the story, the whole enchilada, the truf.

I've been in a knitting funk. Oh, I've continued knitting. I've lost count of new projects OTN. But, I've been feeling kinda lousy about my knitting. As you know, I am a loose knitter. And besides that, I am a impatient loose knitter, which is worse.

It is bad enough to be a loose knitter but, when you add in the impatience you are heading for failure. Why? Well, I really hate gauge swatches...............HATE 'EM!!!!!! For one thing, I hate taking the time to mess with them and secondly, I don't trust 'em. They are filthy little liars. But you know, I think it is time to wake up and smell the wool. I gotta realize these little gauge swatches are really my friends and if I will take the time to converse with them my life will be much, much simpler and happier to boot. Right?

Anyways, yesterday at the Sweater Sampler Class I was whining about my knitting and how I felt that I was a lousy knitter when sweet, dear RoLynn chimed in and said "You are not a lousy knitter. You are just small minded right now." Of course, I can't miss an opportunity for silliness so I pretty much milked that statement for all it was worth. I even told 'em that they had better be glad that that flight attendant hadn't won that case against that pastor's wife or I'd be suing for emotional damages. I did have some issues, I won't go into, in the bathroom last night...................but I think it was the Hardees.

RoLynn explained that what she meant by me being "small minded" was that I've been attacking large items for a long time. Things like shawls, that freakin tomten, etc. And right now I'm in a making small things frame of mind. Sounds logical. Right?

As for the grumpy part ................well............... it wasn't real grumpiness, it was acting silly grumpiness. So, yeah, I was grumpy too. Soooooooooooooooooo bite me!!!! :)

She Shall Be Called ------- Cosette

2008-08-19T07:39:00.015-05:00

I've been wanting a new baby, the four legged, furry, barking kind. Sad to say, but once I start talking about getting a new baby my family knows it is just a matter of time before Sara and I hop in the car on a mission. Well, yesterday we went out "just to look" at puppies and came home with this:

Isn't that the sweetest little face you ever saw? She is a Shih Tzu, born June 27th and weight a whopping 3 lbs. She is perfect. I took her to see our favorite vet, Dr. Wisdom, this morning for her puppy check. He is the greatest!!!!! (Emma Belle thinks so too!!!)

I went to the second Sweater Sampler class at Enchanted today and took Cosey with me. She was so good and primarily sat on my lap all during the class. She did take a liking to my yarn and Knit Picks Harmony Needles. The girls got class!!!!!

The class is great. Such a fun, fun group. Except for the fact I was told I am "small minded" and "grumpy." Hmmmmmmmmmmmmph!!!! Well, to be quite honest, that isn't the full story, but it is part of it. :)

Just remember, don't make any judgements until you've heard the ENTIRE story!!!! :)

Lettuce Sea

2008-08-16T08:26:00.010-05:00

Well, let's see, let's see..................................I've been so busy the only way I can keep up with what to post is looking at the pictures I've been taking. I really gotta start posting more often again, I know there are things slipping through the cracks over here.

So, hmmmmmmmmm, where to start. Welp, I got a Woolee Winder for my Sonata. This little baby is worth every penny believe me. There is a slight learning curve in using it. This past Tuesday I went out to Enchanted for a spinner's meeting. It was soooooooo cool. There were about six or so of us all sitting under the gazebo by the butterfly garden spinning our little hearts out. More like spinning our little toes off. Practically all of us, if not all, spin barefoot. Oh, gosh, that gives me an idea for our guild name.............The Barefoot Spinners. Anyways, before I left for the group I posted a question on the Kromski Owners group on Ravelry stating I was having a bit of an issue and someone asked if I had put a little drop of oil on the little spring thingy. I did this and low and behold it was much easier. Then once I got to the spinning group I was talking to the co-owner of Enchanted, RoLynn, and she agreed that for some reason my bobbin sometimes slips back and becomes disengaged from the flyer part of the Woolee Winder. RoLynn is so helpful, before I knew it she was off in her workshop finding two little washers that were just the right size. I turned around and she had already placed them on the flyer thingy...........problem solved. She is like that. I think she may be a genius!!!!!!! And a pretty one at that. So, here is my new Woolee Winder toy. I'm spinning some gorgeous alpaca/merino roving I received in a swap last year.

I also started a class out there that meets after the spinning group. It is a class based on The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee. We are knitting the Sweater Sampler. In knitting this funny little item you end up taking in every concept used in knitting a sweater. Once I've completed this class I'll be known as Sweater Woman. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, to stop speeding bullets, nothing will be able to stop me for I will be Sweater Woman. And if it don't work out.....................I'll just stuff the mangled results in the wool room with that stupid tomten!!!!!! I am enjoying the class so far. Here is my completed homework:

Remember the yarn I dyed a month or so ago? Wow, it turned out so pretty. I'm making a scarf using the Fan & Feathers pattern (Feathers & Fan?). I am so pleased with it.

And then finally. A precious friend of mine, Sandy, and her husband, The Attorney, gave me a delightful gift in lieu of sending flowers when my father recently passed away. Sandy knowing my obsession with knitting went to one of our LYS's, Crafty Hands, and purchased the pictured items for me. Isn't that sweet????? It is some of that Flat Feet yarn, some itty bitty circular needles and a precious little Lantern Moon sticky pad holder.

I'm going to try to post more often, I know I'm leaving out lots of stuff.

Dreamy

2008-08-06T16:29:00.006-05:00

Heidi from Norway and I met sometime last year on a spinning list. We developed a friendship and over the last year or so and have shipped various knitting related items to one another that either could not find in our native country. We used to chat quite a bit on Messenger Live but for the last six months or so I haven't been on that much.

Heidi recently contacted me requesting my mailing address stating that she had made something for Emma Belle. A couple of weeks ago I received a package from Norway that contained a nicely wrapped present for Emma. I waited for her to come back for a visit to have her open it. Here is a picture of my Emma Belle with an adorable hat that Heidi made for her. People are so nice to me, I find it astounding. I believe that she spun this yarn as well. All of Heidi's work is gorgeous and she now has her own web store. I love this picture, I entitled it dreamy. :)

I am so tired and everywhere I look all I see are messes. Allergy season for me is in high gear. It isn't that I have bad allergies but I do find the need to take some over the counter meds that make me even tireder. Now, if you wanted me to go to a yarn store or knit or spin I would probably perk right up so it isn't all that bad. I have soooooooo much stuff all over my house. Some of it is my knitting/spinning stuff and some of it is stuff I've brought home from daddy's and some of it is just stuff. Eventually, I hope, I'll get the "getting stuff put away and in order" bug. But in the mean time it seems I'm kinda keeping my head above water. I haven't seen the health department house condemning van in my drive so I suppose I'm good to go for a bit.

Butterflys, Cows & Babies

2008-08-02T10:41:00.012-05:00

I don't know what is wrong with me...............too much on my mind I suppose. Another happy thing we did a couple weeks ago was we went to Lost River Cave's Civil War Days here in Bowling Green. There are some walking trails that are quite beautiful and a butterfly house that is pretty cool. We didn't get to go on a cave tour because they were all sold out. I tell ya, that cool cave would have been a huge relief as it was extremely hot, hot, hot. Here are some pictures from that trip. The one of the cow was taken by Emma Belle, that is a Civil War cow. :)

On another happy note, I got a new baby this week. A Kromski Sonata. He is such a joy to spin on, I'm loving it. Now that I have a portable/traveling wheel I can take part in the spinning group just starting up at Enchanted Yarn & Fiber next week. I can hardly wait. I've also ordered a WooleeWinder and some extra bobbins. That will make spinning even easier since I won't have to be stopping to change hooks ever so often. Presently I'm spinning some alpaca/merino blend roving I received in a swap last year. It is turning out quite nice. I cannot wait to get it all spun up so I can ply it.

Hugs & Kisses For YOU!!!!!!!

2008-07-31T08:56:00.009-05:00

A huge hug and kiss to all of you for your well wishes, thoughts and prayers. Things are going fairly well. I'm getting ready to head back to Paducah to begin the settling of daddy's estate process. One of these days I may write about my childhood and all. It was neat talking to all these people whose lives had been greatly impacted, for good, by my daddy. Why is it many times we wait until the person is deceased before we pay tribute to their kindnesses? I so want to live my life in a manner that shows love and appreciation while the person is still here to enjoy it.

Okay, so on to the week prior to daddy's death. Emma Belle's mother and sister, Tabitha and Ava, came down for a girls day of spinning at Enchanted Yarn & Fiber and some swimming. We had such a good time. Tabitha and I are so much alike. Well, I think we are. We seem to think the same things are funny. I didn't get any pictures of she or myself (I wonder why), but I did get a picture of the girls playing on the playground at Enchanted. Ava is sooooooooooo funny!!!! She found this wonderfully soft pink alpaca yarn and said, "Oh, I have to take this home so me and mommy can have some knitting problems." HA!!!!!! I told her she could do that at my house. And then she said, "Oh, I must have two so I don't waste!!!!" She is learning young folks.

After we left the shop we went back to my house for the girls to swim. They had a ball with Gampy while I taught Tabby how to knit socks on two circulars using a Turkish cast on for a toe up design. It was fun? Yes, it was, we had a wonderful time. I purchased this gorgeous yarn for a cardigan, not sure the pattern yet.

I also purchase some yarn to make a shrug. I would have finished it in time for the Idina Menzel concert but stupid mapquest didn't give very good directions so I had to put it away while I used my Blackberry to lead us to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The concert of great. Emma Belle and I had a very good time and we both got the t-shirts to show for it.

While I was at Daddy's viewing I received the sweetest email from Emma Belle. It truly warmed my heart:

i am sorry your daddy went to heaven but he is special because he gets to see jesus. if you are sad gammy think of how much i love you. infinity.

love emma

Happier Times

2008-07-26T11:44:00.003-05:00

I've been getting many messages wondering what is up with me and people making sure everything is fine. I so appreciate every one's concern. I do have a lot of happy things to blog about from last week when we had a girl's day out of spinning/knitting and many happy things with Emma Belle including knitting to show for it.

I will be posting on that at a later date. For the time being I am occupied with the death of my birth father. My life is a strange story!!!! But, I guess whose isn't? Once I have everything taken care of with this I'll post and answer emails/messages. I so appreciate all your love and prayers, it truly does mean a lot to me.

Here is a picture from a couple years ago. Daddy and my precious Emma Belle.

Do You Hear Voices?

2008-07-15T10:31:00.005-05:00

Do you hear voices inside your head? I do. And they are getting louder and multiplying. We moved to Bowling Green, about 4.5 years ago, that is when I really started noticing the voices. Well, actually they didn't start until I found the local yarn store (LYS), Crafty Hands. At that point there were the voices of various yarns, knitting paraphernalia and patterns that started to work their way into my mind. At times it was almost like they were in control and I'd find myself almost by magic transported to the yarn store, but I wouldn't come to my senses until I was out of the store typically found holding not one bag but several.

I realized what was happening and began using mental warfare to ward off these yearnings. However, recently I have discovered a deluge of new voices and I think I know where they are coming from. Well, I don't think I know, I KNOW where their origin lies. It is Russellville, KY. You see, I built up a pretty good defense against the one yarn store, but now there are two. With the opening of Enchanted Yarns & Fiber a whole new portal has been opened. This new portal is multi-faceted. For there is to be found new yarns not offered at the other store AND spinning wheels AND fiber.

Tomorrow, my precious Emma Belle, her mommy, Tabitha and her little sister are coming down for a "girls" day out. We are going for to visit the enchanted land. Knowing that I am soon to visit again, the spinning wheels and a particularly lovely shade of coral yarn from Frog Tree, or is it Tree Frog, have been whispering sweet everythings in my ears. I am extremely vulnerable at this time and they know it. But, I figure this.........what if I come home with a bunch of new yarn and other goodies as long as I don't succumb to the cries of the wheel? I'll still be victor over that one voice, right? Pray people, PRAY!!!!!! (but not too hard, I really want that yarn)

I've finished one item. A laptop case. I got this pattern from Interweave Knits Fall 2005. And I've made some progress on Chantal, a lovely cardigan from the Norah Gaughan Collection Vol. 1 put out by Berroco.

Where Have YOU Been??????

2008-07-09T17:10:00.009-05:00

I don't know about you guys, but I been one busy little girl. It has been first one thing and then another. Busy entertaining, busy with church stuff, busy with family, busy picking blackberries and make jam.....busy, busy, busy.

And I've been busy with some knitting. I know many of you will doubt this to be true, or even possible. The proof is truly to be found in the pudding. I have successfully de-addicted myself from KALs. It is true!!!!! It wasn't a pretty sight but I am living proof it can be done. Too many KALs can be very difficult mistresses, taking all your time away from your other loves. So to show you how free I am, the other day Enchanted Yarn & Fiber had a July 4th celebration on the 5th. We had such a lovely time dyeing yarn with kool aid, talking of knitting and spinning and of course eating. You can see the festivities here. I even conned, ummmmm, got David to go. Anyways, while looking at all the new goodies in the shop Ashley said, "Oh, did you see this new yarn we just got in?" I picked it up and told her very nicely, "Yes, it is very lovely, however, it is lace weight and I have been delivered from lace KALs." I think she was quite impressed with my handling of the situation, I didn't even break out in a sweat or miss a step.

So, since I've had all this knitting time here are some of the fruits of my labors. 1) The first of the McGregor's Garden socks by The Woolen Rabbit. These are toe up and another shocker, I enjoyed it immensely AND Ms. Ashley taught me a Turkish Cast On using two circulars. I love using two circulars. Now, this may not be a big deal to you, but, I'm kinda old school in some areas and was pretty determined I was going to stick with my dpns, thank you very much. Who says you can't teach an old dog? I kinda screwed up the pattern by not reading through it, but it turned out nice. 2) The first of a pair of socks for a surprise person who cannot be named as they may read this. 3) My very first Baby Surprise Jacket. I love this pattern, but, who doesn't?

The month of July is "Anything Lace" and "Turning UFOs Into FOs" month for A Loose Knit Group. I'm trying to be good. I'll leave you with this question though. We all know what UFOs are (unfinished objects)but, when does an object become a UFO? Is it when and only when the item has been cast on or does it become an UFO from the very moment the item is envisioned in your mind?

Fickle Me, Fickle You?

2008-06-21T10:02:00.011-05:00

If you are a "normal" knitter I know you will understand. By "normal" I mean you have more than one project going at the same time. If you are like me you have so many projects OTN (for you muggles that means On The Needles) that you really don't know how many projects you do have going. Now, it isn't as bad as it was many, many moons ago when I was a young little smoking lass working Civil Service at Fort Knox as a Colonel's secretary . This story has nothing to do with knitting per se. Anyways, back in those days (1975 or so) smoking was allowed everywhere......EVERYWHERE!!!!! So as I sat at my little desk answering the phone and typing away on a electric typewriter (no computers or even word processors folks) using correction tape or correction fluid (google it kiddies) I'd always have a cigarette going. I'd type a bit and take a puff, take another puff and type a bit. I can hear you now. "And you are telling us this story because?" Cool your jets sista, or possibly bro. We were talking about having so many things OTN you don't even know what you got going. Well...................on to the story..................there were times when I'd light up a cig only to find I already had one going. Sometimes I'd light up another while I still had one going in my other hand!!!!! Is it any wonder I have the issues I have with a kazllion WIPs? (Work In Progresseseses or Works In Progress, I don't know. And quite honestly, I don't care, this is my world)

Now, see if you are "normal" you know how fickle us knitters can be. The latest pattern or yarn is our favorite until we turn around and see the next pattern or yarn. I have heard so much about the Feather & Fan pattern and hadn't paid much attention to it until I found a Feather & Fan Dishcloth pattern. Oh my goodness, I love this pattern. Not only is it exquisitely beautiful, it is extremely easy and versatile. I LOVE YOU FEATHER AND FAN!!!!!!! I love you.

Okay, so I've been somewhat busy. On our tour today I will be showing you the following projects: 1) Gammy's Hope Booties aka Saartje's Booties (I haven't added the buttons yet), 2) Gammy's Hope Baby Surprise Jacket, 3) The lovely Feather & Fan Dishcloth, 4) Little Bunny Foo Foo aka McGregor's Garden Socks and 5) Part of my lavendar harvest.

But before we begin our tour let me tell you what I did yesterday. My good friend, RoLynn, of Enchanted Yarn & Fiber emailed me telling me they had received the Kromski wheels and to come out and play when I could. It just so happened I could so I made the little trek out into the "Enchanted" land, it truly is, and got to spin on the Kromski Minstrel and the Kromski Sonata. I own a Kromski Polonaise but one wheel is not enough folks. Plus I'm wanting a more portable wheel. I really can't say I liked one more than the other. They were both a dream to spin on, just like my Polonaise. Each has some advantages over the other. However, the Sonata is really portable as it folds up and has a handy dandy carrying case not to mention it is 1.5 lbs lighter than the Minstrel. But, the Minstrel's orifice is higher, which I like, and the footmen are a little closer together. I told RoLynn and Ashley I would just have to come back another day and spin some more to make up my mind.

My New Love

2008-06-13T11:35:00.005-05:00

I have found a new love. This love is so very easy to get along with and extremely diverse. My new love is knitting dishcloths.

Why do I love knitting these little babies so much? Let me count the ways:

They love to travel, thus they travel well.

They love to hang around the pool.

Since they are cotton they don't mind getting wet while hanging around the pool.

They are fast moving.

They smile at you every time you look their way, but they don't demand your attention.

Here are some of my new friends:

What Have You Been Up To?

2008-06-09T20:09:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad you asked. I haven't been up to much knitting, which is slowly (or rather quickly), becoming a way of life it seems. I HAVE completed several, 4 to be exact, dish cloths. They travel well, can easily be worked on around the pool and "Kitchen & Bath Items" are the projects for A Loose Knit Group for June.

One thing I've been extremely busy with is our church's version of Extreme Makeover. Saturday from 5-8 pm we offered free manicures, pedicures, hair cuts and facials to anyone interested. We also had some wonderful finger foods and many, many awesome door prizes that were drawn for every 15 minutes.

It was awesome!!!! I mean really wonderful. We had 120-125 attendees, the majority of which we had never met before. It was so rewarding hearing people say they had never had a pedicure or manicure before. One lady said it had been 4 years since she had had a hair cut. We so look forward to doing it again. Here is a photo of the majority of out volunteers. They were the greatest. Our group took it's name from the song "Crazy Beautiful" by Chasen.

We Are Getting Somewhere Here

2008-06-03T19:15:00.005-05:00

I finally have some knitting to show you. I am only about 4 weeks late in getting clue 1 of the Slow Bee Kal complete. But, better late than never right? As with all of Moni's designs this one is absolutely gorgeous. I'm knitting it in Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Smoke on US size 2's. The beads are from the Beadwrangler, they are size 8/0 clear with silver lining. You can just barely see the glisten of the beads. This baby calls for over 2900 beads!!!!!!

It is a faroese style shawl. The photos show the center panel and then one of the side panels. There are three side panels, a center panel and then a repeat of the three side panels. The center panel photo is on the left and the side panel photo on the right.

Jesus Just Left Chicago..............

2008-05-28T09:23:00.005-05:00

ZZ Top has a song in which they state, "Jesus just left Chicago and He's bound for New Orleans." Welp, I don't know about that, but if that is true He made a stop off in Louisville, KY!!!!!

Last night my husband, David, our daughter, Sara, and I trekked up to Louisville to see Jesus Christ Superstar with the original Jesus (Ted Neeley). As we headed out of Bowling Green for the two hour trip I realized I had forgotten three very important things. 1) Typically when Sara and I go to see a musical we listen to the soundtrack on the way up just to get into the "spirit" of things. I had forgotten the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack. 2) I had forgotten the camera, thus the only photos I have are those taken from my or Sara's phone. 3) Most importantly of all, I had forgotten my knitting!!!!! I mean, what was I thinking?

I did survive believe it or not. Here a a couple pictures. Not much to show really but, if you ever get the chance to see the Louisville Palace Theater, go, it is gorgeous. You can see its beauty at that link, plus a little history.

The musical was awesome, we thoroughly enjoyed it. However, it don't hold a candle to Wicked!!!!!!!

One More Time.......................Sam!!!!!

2008-05-26T16:59:00.008-05:00

The swatch for the Casablanca KAL was released a couple of days ago and believe it or not I have some knitting to show!!!! I chose Alpaca With A Twist's Fino as the yarn for this one. The color is called Yellow Ribbon, #5010, however, I have a prejudice toward yellow so I choose to call it "Honey Butter." The beads shown in the swatch are NOT the ones I'm using for the stole. The beads I'm using are called Coffee Caffeine that I got from Beadwrangler.

My swatch was knitted using US Size 2 needles and the beads are size 6/0 seed beads. And it measures 7.5" x 8".

Enchantingly Enchanted

2008-05-22T16:38:00.004-05:00

As stated in the previous post I recently went to Enchanted Yarn & Fiber, a new yarn/fiber/knitting goodies/spinning wheel shop opened by a wonderful mother-daughter team, RoLynn & Ashley.

The shop is truly enchanting with a beautiful gazebo area surrounded by a wonderful wooded flower garden made just for enjoying nature while knitting. The shop itself is so very invitingly warm and friendly. If I had a shop this is what I would want it to look like. I'm sure this is where my next spinning wheel will come from. If I'm not getting to spin much on my present wheel don't you think it makes sense I'll really get to spinning with two? Yeah, I know......the lunacy of the yarn/fiber addict.

I did purchase several cool things and some gorgeous yarn. In the photo below are the following: a cute little "Enchanted Yarn & Fiber" button, a couple little plastic thingys that hold your circular needles in place without letting stitches fall off, a wee tiny sock blocker keyring, a really cute, one of a kind scissor protector thingy and some gorgeous JoJoland sock yarn, Melody in color #MS11.

I look forward to going back.

Friends

2008-05-20T18:37:00.008-05:00

I haven't gotten a whole lot of knitting done here lately but I've spent lots of time with friends. Which is the next best thing? Last Friday I drove to Emma Belle's school to volunteer for her school field day. I tried to look so cute in my little outfit and silver flip flops - I just about froze to death!!!!! I mean, it was cold folks!!!!! Cooo ooo old!!!!!

When I walked into her classroom the teacher said, "You must be Gammy." And then all the kids said, "Gammy, Gammy, Gammy, Emma S. talks about you all the time!!!!" I laughed and told them I talk about her all the time. Here is a sweet little picture with a couple of Emma Belle's school friends.

Saturday my mother and step-father, Luther, came to visit. We all went out to eat and had such a lovely time. I would have a picture of that except I'm an idiot and instead of taking a picture I made a video. However, I do have an adorable picture of Emma Belle and Sydney.
And then today, Tuesday, I had a wonderful, wonderful visitor. About a month or so ago a lady I met on-line contacted me and said she and her man were coming to the United States and their trip was going to take them right through Bowling Green, KY. The world wide knitting community is just too awesome. I have "met" so many wonderful, helpful people through the various on-line knitting/spinning groups. I have been so excited awaiting today, the day that my Belgian friend Catherine was coming to visit. She and Guy (pronounced like key but with a g), were wonderful guests. I gifted her with the "Spring Socks" I finished not long ago. How cool to know that something I made will be walking around Belgium on a special lady's feet. I had received the yarn from a friend in Norway, knitted up the socks and now they are on their way to Belgium. How cool!!!!!

Catherine knew of my love of all things French. She gifted me with a knitted flag of Belgium and of France held on some really cool old straight knitting needles, some soap made in France, enough lace weight burgundy wool yarn made in France to make a stole, some lovely novelty yarn for a scarf and two Belgian newspapers written in French. (These are supposed to be for David, but, I think they will look really cool in my "wool room" displayed in some manner.) Once it is cleaned, it is a mess!!!!!! Ask Catherine, I have no shame and let her go in to see my yarn and stuff. We had a lovely day. We ate at Jimmy John's and then headed up to Russellville to Enchanted Yarn & Fiber. Rolynn and Ashley have the most enchanted shop. Lots of yarn wonderfulness, knitting/spinning toys, spinning wheels & fiber. You gotta check them out. After that we stopped by David's office. He speaks French fairly well and he really enjoyed this opportunity to use it. And I found out that idiot, stupid and imbecile all translate the same. I have a pretty good "French" vocabulary going then!!!!!!

Guy, Myself & Catherine

"Friends"

Filthy Little Liars!!!!!

2008-05-12T09:21:00.004-05:00

You know what? I really hate checking gauge. Do you hate it? I have a new knitting class that started last week. I was explaining what gauge means in knitting patterns and how I hate it. It just slows things down. One of my students, Michelle, said, "It is kinda like when you color your hair and they tell you to do a test patch. Who wants to do that?" Amen, sister, preach it!!!!!!

I mean, even the Yarn Harlot hates gauge swatches. She says they can't be trusted. In fact, she calls them filthy little liars. Why do you want to "check" on something that can't even be trusted, right? I HATE GAUGE SWATCHES!!!!! HATE 'EM!!!!!

Now before you get your panties in a knot, or should I say your yarn in a knot, I do check gauge for most projects. Not because I want to but I can't stand the ridicule your receive when you don't and something doesn't turn out right. We've all been there right? You put all this time and money into making a gorgeous pair of socks but when half way through you realize these babies are going to be decking your fireplace this Christmas looking to be filled with train sets or a whole set of golf clubs. Or, if you are like me you just keep on knitting thinking that you are sure that somehow the largeness works itself out somehow or another. After all, this is the needle size recommended by the designer. How is it that we all knit the same stupid stitches so differently?
I don't get it.

Anyways, everyone at your knitting group can't wait to see that gorgeous yarn knitted up in that stupendous sock pattern. You pull this lovely creation out of your bulging knitting bag to reveal the monstrosity you still think is somehow magically going to turn into those lovely little women's size 7 socks. As you pull, and pull, and pull the project out of the bag, placing it on the table for all to see and all your knitting buddies straighten and flatten it out as it covers everything in sight, you look around the table at your many mentors faces expecting to see smiles of joy and pride at what you've accomplished. But, all you see are looks of fear that can only be found on the faces of the actors in a Japanese movie rendition of "Godzilla Eats Tokyo." When one of these "friends" asks, "Did you check your gauge?" When you say no, you really think gauge swatches are over rated, the silence is only broken by the many clicking of tongues around the table as the traitors who have embraced this whole swatch gauge heresy thing respond with "tisk, tisk." I really hate gauge.

All that being said. I recently began knitting the cutest little scarf for a friend's birthday. It is the Little Leaf Scarf found in the book "Make it Modern." Cute, cute, cute. Y'all know I'm a loose knitter, right? Well I jumped right in and got this baby knitted up so I could go ahead and gift it. Did I check gauge? NO!!!!! I hate gauge AND it is not to be trusted!!!!! Inside this stupid little book when giving the gauge on every pattern it says "Take time to save time, check your gauge." Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever!!!!

It is supposed to be a small little neck hugging scarf 27" long. Mine turned out beautiful, it is really quite lovely. I knitted it out of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk DK and I used the "suggested" needles, US size 6. My lovely rendition of this scarf is more like a scarf necklace measuring 36" long.

It is lovely knitting, don't you think? And you know, really, who wants to wear a scarf right around your neck.

i really hate gauge.

Slow Bee Me

2008-05-02T16:38:00.006-05:00

Not a whole lot of knitting has been going on around here. I really don't know where all the time goes. I've had a lot of church activities and meetings to attend, I'm trying to get some of the 10 acres mowed, still working on getting the pool ready, blah, blah, blah. Been busy. :)

I finished up the swatch for the upcoming Slow Bee Mystery KAL. I'm using Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Smoke Heather and I purchased size 8mm beads from the Beadwrangler that are silver lined clear beads. My swatch came out to be 9 cm x 10.5 cm. And I'm using US Size 2's (remember................I'm a loose knitter.....but, I ain't a fast loose knitter).

The Life of David and Peggy

2008-05-02T09:11:00.001-05:00

This is a video our youngest, Jordan, put together for a surprise presentation to David and myself from our church.

I DO NOT WANT to hear anything about the glasses. What did you look like in the 80's? :)

Feeling A Little Freaked!!!!!

2008-04-22T08:49:00.002-05:00

Okay, I'm feeling kinda freaky. I mean, I think I may have some sort of fit or seizure. Have you seen the story about the dude that got stuck in an elevator for over 41 hours? I mean, how horrible would that be? Gosh, I don't know about you guys but I think I would be pretty freaked.

So, I've been mulling over some ideas to consider before you get on an elevator.

Make sure you have knitting, more than one project would be best, with you at all times.
You may want to make use of the restroom before you hop in that little box, particularly IF every move you make inside that little box is being filmed.
Make sure you have knitting with you at all times, more than one project would be best.
You might want to consider WHO you are getting onto the elevator with. Do these people look like someone you want to share a 6x6 foot cube with for Lord only knows how long? Think about it friend.
You should carrying at least one knitting project with you AT ALL TIMES. More than one project would be best.
Keep your cell phone on you at all times.
ALWAYS, have knitting on your person. More then one project to choose from would be best.
Carry peanut butter & crackers and a bottle of water with you at all times. However, IF you didn't pay attention to who you are getting on the elevator with you may not want to bring this out unless you can perform a miracle by multiplying the goods enough to provide for everyone.
It is always good to have knitting in your bag. Carrying more than one project at a time is to be considered.
You may want to carry knock-out drops or tranquilizer darts in your bag to be used IF you are one that just jumps onto elevators without checking out who else is riding.
More important than anything, carrying knitting with you at all time is extremely important to your sanity. Having more than one project to choose from is advisable.

Gammy's Hope

2008-04-21T17:02:00.005-05:00

Last night I finished Gammy's Hope aka Christine's Rose Garden. It is so very beautiful. However, apparently I made a mistake in the very center section that I didn't notice until I pinned it out for blocking. Oh, well.............it is still beautiful. I have enough yarn to make a Baby Surprise Jacket and some matching little Saartje Booties.

The finished size is 37" x 45". For those inquiring minds out that. :)

Warning!!!!!!!

2008-04-16T09:31:00.006-05:00

Sunday we had a guest speaker at our church, Tina Richardson. We had dinner with her Saturday evening and she was extremely interested and inquisitive about my knitting/spinning. Well, you know how that is. If someone is truly interested it just makes your day. So Sunday morning I took several of my shawls/stoles, a felted bag and a pair of socks to show her. She and her assistant, Marilyn, oooooooooooooed and ahhhhhhhhhhhhhed at all the right times. How could I resist? I gifted my Mystic Waters shawl to her. She was so pleased and stated that she wears shawls all the time. Before I could even get the words out of my mouth she began telling me how she blocks a table cloth she purchased in Peru. I know it has gone to a good home. :)

On another note. It isn't really a good idea to continue knitting late into the night when you are tired in order to finish an intricate project. I was knitting like a crazed fool yesterday trying to get Mystic Light up to date with the completion of clue 3 before clue 4 was released today. I was at the very last row. Now, don't get too shook up here, it turns out happy.

As I began the last row my stitches seemed to be off. I looked at them, took out the partial row I was working on, recounted my stitches, compared the chart with the last row completed. It was messed up somewhere but I couldn't figure out where. I thought that the previous rows had matched up. I've gotten pretty good at "reading" my knitting since I first embarked on lace knitting last Summer. By "reading" my knitting I mean looking at where the pattern/stitches are lining up with the previous rows. After about 20 frustrating minutes I decided I would just put it down for the evening and finish it in the morning. This morning after a good strong cup of coffee I climbed the stairs to "the wool room," picked it back up and began looking over the stitches once again. Low and behold, I couldn't find any problems or issues. I knitted the last row of clue 3 and it all lined up. DO NOT MAKE ANY BIG DECISIONS OR CONTINUE KNITTING WHEN YOU ARE POOPED!!!!! You have been warned, the ramifications could be very disheartening.

That Gammy's A Fast One!!!!!

2008-04-14T19:11:00.009-05:00

The last week or so has been crazy. Monday and Tuesday I worked for The Attorney. Emma Belle was on Spring break so Wednesday I headed to Louisville to get her. This trip takes around 2 hours, interstate practically the whole way. I think the trek takes me through 7 counties.

You know, I just turned 51 on April 3rd. 51, that means I've been driving for 35 years. That is 35 years WITHOUT a traffic ticket. Not one. 35 years with a clean record. 35!!!!!!! I'm sure you can figure where I'm going with this.

I was bebopping up I65 happy as a little lark. Singing like one as well. I don't know why or how but somehow or another the cruise control got turned off and I was sailing on my own. Low and behold as I trudged along I noticed a policeman standing with the driver door open pointing a little thingy in my direction. You should have seen the little feller's face. You would have thought it was Christmas. He hopped in his car so fast and shot out after me so fast. His little lights a flashing. So I pulled over, the little guy came to the passenger side door looking as if he expected to see an uzzi stuck in his face and asked for my license and auto insurance. He took it and headed backk to his little mobile office. Now, did I mention I have never had a traffic ticket? I kinda figured that would mean something. Apparently not, sweetie pie came back with my license, proof of insurance and a nice little Uniform Citation with my name on it. Yep, "You have a nice day m'am." Muttering "Yeah, whatever."

After picking up my girl and heading back down I65 the little blessed son of Kentucky had someone else pulled over. Must've been HIS birthday!!!!!!

I finished the Winterberry Socks. These are made from Tofutsie in their limited edition color Winterberry and Crystal Palace Yarns Panda Silk. They are to be the birthday gift of a friend.

I also finished Clue 4 of Christine's Rose Garden aka Gammy's Hope. The 5th and final clue came out last Friday so as soon as I've finished Clue 3 of Mystic Light I'm going to finish it off.

Light My Fire-2

2008-04-09T07:14:00.004-05:00

Hey all, I finished clue 2 of Light My Fire aka Mystic Light while working for The Attorney yesterday. It is definitely fiery!!!!!

I also completed, well almost, completed a pair of socks as well. All but the kitchenering of the toe. I misplaced my little tin holding all my tapestry needles so I'll have to finish that up and get a picture later.

A funny thing I forgot to mention. The other day when I met The Harlot I told her how it was her fault that I was in all these KALs. When I said "KALs" she looked at me kinda questioning and said "Cows? Oh, K - A - Ls" I can't help it y'all I'm from the South. :)

If you are in a KAL and haven't read my previous post "Can We Communicate, Can We?" please do. Let's make a world a better place. :)

Where To Begin.......

2008-04-07T20:42:00.016-05:00

Gosh, where do I begin. I have so much to report on and show. I guess I'll start off with. I thought I would have Mystic Light clue 2 completed to show tonight but, I worked for The Attorney today and well......if people would quit breaking the law I probably would have gotten it finished. So, hopefully tomorrow.

Saturday morning I headed up to Louisville and met Tabitha, Emma Belle, Sony a and Olivia for our trek to Lexington, KY to see The Harlot. We had such a wonderful time. Visited a couple yarn stores, Re-Belle (Emma Belle really liked that one) and Magpie. Would you believe I didn't buy a thing? Strange huh? I am really spoiled by my LYS, Crafty Hands. It has so much to choose from. After a little shopping we ate and then headed off to Joseph Beth bookstore. Tabby bought The Harlots new book for me for my b-day, how cool is that? Here we are, all quite happy. Me, Emma Belle to enthralled in coloring to look up, Tabitha (Emma Belle's lovely mother), Sonya and her adorable daughter, Olivia. Those two little girls were awesome. So very well behaved.

I had mentioned on one of the KALs that I was headed up to see The Harlot and two women contacted me saying they too were going to be there. How cool!!!!! I was actually going to get to meet someone I heretofore had only an on-line relationship with. I got to meet the lovely Betty and her friend. And I got to meet Edna. It was rather humorous, I texted Edna to say I was there and she texted back she was too. Then I said, "Where are you?" Her statement was "With the knitters." Duh!!!!!!! So I got up and started walking around the room when I spyed a lady on the front row with her cell phone in hand. It was Edna. Just about the same thing happened with Betty as well. Here is a picture of me and Edna.

I'm still being blamed for people getting into KALs. Can you believe it? I mean, really, where do they get off blaming me? :) In all actuality it is The Harlot's fault. Early last Summer I was minding my own business. I had plenty of time to keep up with everyone's blogs. Plenty of time to knit this and that. No pressure whatsoever. Then around the end of June or first of July I read on The Harlot's blog that she had joined something called a KAL. I followed the link and thought, "Hey, that sounds like fun." That was the start of all of this......Mystery Stole 3 by Melanie over at Pink Lemon Twist. Here is a photo of myself and the Harlot with her holding my MS3 stole and I holding her sock. :)

My oldest, Aaron, and his lovely wife, Becca and my new granddaughter, Sydney gave me this lovely orchid. Isn't it gorgeous? Sunday, after the morning service we had a meeting at our house. The sweet people in this group got me a cake, a balloon and some of that green stuff that fits every occasion perfectly. Here are two pictures. One shows my sweet, precious friends making faces behind my back.

And finally, I received my sweet little sockie from France today. It is so adorable and Yvette even sent some stitch markers. Way too cute. Ciao baby, see you at the next KAL. :)

Here We Go Again!!!!!

2008-04-07T12:16:00.002-05:00

I had a wonderful weekend, but a crazy wild weekend. Therefore, I haven't gotten to update with pictures and all from seeing the Harlot on Saturday. AND, today I'm working for The Attorney again. Sheesh!!!!! :)

I found another KAL. Yep, another one. It sounds pretty cool. It is based on the movie Casablanca. You can sign up here. Oh, come on, you know you really want to!!!!! Everybody is doing it!!!!!!

Someone in one of the other KALs asked how I find these things. You know, somehow or another they find me. Guess they know I'm a sucker, there is one born every minute. You might what to check and see where you stand. More than likely you are one to!!!! :)

Hopefully I'll get to post about the weekend tonight.

I Couldn't Wait!!!!

2008-04-06T08:18:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Saturday, April 5th, I went to Lexington to see the Yarn Harlot. I have a lot to say about that but I don't have the time this morning. I'm getting ready for church. :) However, while getting ready and perusing my emails I saw there is ANOTHER KAL. This one is the sister to Slow Bee Mystery that starts in May. Slow Bee Mystery 2 and it starts in June. Come on in!!!! The water is fine!!!!!!!!!

I'll post about yesterday later today, I hope. Maybe tonight. :)

The Attorney & The Harlot

2008-04-04T18:58:00.010-05:00

For the last three days I've been working for the attorney. It is a pretty sweet set-up. I only work when his Admin Asst has to be off. I make coffee, drink coffee, eat the snacks he keeps the office kitchen stocked with, although this time they didn't have any diet cola, gonna have to bring that up. Lets see, oh yeah, I answer my email, update my blog, check out Ravelry and knit, knit, knit. I do answer the phone, make appointments and greet clients. But my day is primarily taken up doing all the other stuff. AND I get paid for doing it.

Whilst "working" at said location I completed Clue 3 of Gammy's Hope (Christine's Rose Garden). This baby afghan is so pretty, I really love it and this is one pattern I am sure I will knit again.To the left is a picture showing clue 3 and to the right is a picture of the edge.

I am so excited, tomorrow morning I am getting up early and heading up to Louisville to meet Tabitha, Emma Belle's mommy, and her friend, Sonya. From there we are heading to Lexington for a day of yarn store shopping, eating and then we are will be attending the book debut of the Yarn Harlot's newest book at Joseph Beth. It is going to be such fun. But one of the things that I am most excited about is......there are going to be several ladies there I have met on-line via the various KALs I have or am taking part in and we have made plans to meet!!!!!!! I may be more excited about that than everything else. I'm taking the camera so I can share it all with you.

The Bestest Birf-day Ever!!!!!

2008-04-03T09:39:00.003-05:00

I've been knitting away but haven't completed another clue or project yet, so I don't have any pictures. Today is my birthday and it is crazy how many birthday wishes I have received from the various KAL members. I don't know how they found out, but I have been inundated with group emails, personal emails, Ravelry messages and e-cards.

It has made me feel so special. Knitting/spinning people are the nicest in the world I do believe. So to all who have sent me birthday greetings I want to say:

From The Bottom Of My Heart

THANK YOU !!!!!!!

It Truly Has Warmed My Heart And Made My Day Cheerier.

Moi Peu D'ami de Chaussette

2008-03-31T12:18:00.007-05:00

I've completed clue one of Mystic Light. This one is proving to be just as gorgeous of its sister, Mystic Waters.

I also completed my "Spring Socks" and their teeny weeny sister. Last week I signed up for this Wee Sock Swap thingy where you are given a swap pal on Friday and over the weekend you knit a teeny tiny sockie and Monday you stick it in the mail to your swap pal. So, my little fellar is head off to Canada to live with Rochelle. You will never guess where my little sockie friend is coming from!!!!! France!!!!! Now if you know anything about me whatsoever, you will know that I love France and all things French. You can imagine how excited I was to receive an email from Yvette stating that she would be sending me moi peu d'ami de chaussette (my little sock friend).

Now I'm off to work on Clue 3 of Gammy's Hope.

There's Another One!!!!!

2008-03-29T17:58:00.002-05:00

Yep, there is another lace KAL to report. I can't remember who first told me about this one, I've had several people message me about it. But, I do know they are all very wicked and evil women. Mystery Lace KAL starts April 18th, after that date new members will not be accepted. Come on over!!!!!!

Can We Communicate? Can We?

2008-03-25T10:27:00.005-05:00

As many of you know, I am involved in a lot of KALs (knit alongs). I mean A LOT!!!!! Some of these KALs are based here in the United States and several are based overseas in Europe. The talent of the designers both here and abroad is amazing. I so love these things and I've made some great "on-line friends." People I would never have met had it not been for these KALS.

Since my first KAL, Mystery Stole 3-July 07, I have been somewhat amazed at the comments some people, both American and those from other countries, have made. If I can't make a positive comment I don't make one. I realize that we all come from different cultures, different schools of thought, etc. therefore, I attempt to think the best. Do I grow weary of seeing people ask the same questions over and over? You bet your sweet bippy!!!!!

Some even go as far as to make very mean spirited comments directly to other group members. This doesn't only happen in on-line groups, it happens everyday in our churches, work places and sad to say, our homes. Stephen Covey has written many wonderful books on communication. In his book "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," he brings up several great thoughts.

1) Seek first to understand and then to be understood. How many of our arguments could be averted if we would stop long enough to cool our jets and try to see things from the other point of view? To try first to figure out exactly what is being said.

A funny story:

When our Sara was little she always got words mixed up. She still does. When she was 5 we lived in Tulsa, OK. My husband, David, was attending Oral Roberts University. Being a poor student family of 5 we were always looking for fun, FREE things to do. The University had a gym, the Aerobics Center. One Friday night we headed over. David and our oldest, Aaron-7, stayed downstairs to shoot some hoops while Sara-5, Jordan-3 and I headed upstairs to the running track/gymnastics center that over looked the basketball area. Sara was practising her ballet in the mirrors. Jordan had fallen asleep on one of the mats when Sara informed me she needed to go to the bathroom. I told her to go right down the stairs and Daddy would show her where the bathroom was. She wasn't gone hardly any time when she reappeared at the top of the steps.

I asked her "Sissy, did you go to the bathroom?" Now, you have to realize the kids were attending a private Christian school and we didn't use foul language around the house in order for you to understand my horror at her response. She said, "Yeah, I went to the bathroom and took a couple shits." I sat on the floor next to Jordy with my mouth drooping wide open. Surely I had misheard her. "You what?" "I went to the bathroom and took a couple shits." Now, my mind is racing. Where has she heard this term? Is that what she really said? "You did what?" This sweet little thing was so patient with her poor stunned mommy. "I went to the bathroom and a took a couple shits." This time when she got to the "shits" portion of her statement she acted like she was shooting a basketball. "Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, shots, you took a couple shots!!!!!!" "Yeah."

Sometimes we have to put things in context and sometimes we have to remember we are having a language breakdown or hitting a barrier. :)

2) We don't see things as they are, we see things as we are. This one is a little more difficult to understand I think. It took me a while to grasp it anyways. We all have an invisible filter around us. Everything we hear, or experience, has to come through that filter before it can be assimilated. Depending on what our experiences have been depends on how we view situations or others. Again, we need to not just react, we need to seek out the truth of what is really being said or done.

Another funny story:

When Sara was around 10 she and her Daddy had been out for a walk. When they returned David said, "Sissy, tell Momma what we saw in that yard." She proudly and boldly said, "Oh yeah, we saw a Version Mary." After much laughter I told her it was a "Virgin Mary not a Version Mary." She said, "Oooooooooh, I thought I was a Version Mary because that was their version." Well, makes some sense huh?

A final funny story:

When Jordan was little the church we pastored was Glad Tidings Christian Center. He was probably around 6 or so when he said "Mommy, why is our church called Glad Tidings Christian Sinner?"

Can we communicate?

I finished clue 2 of Gammy's Hope (Christine's Rose Garden). This baby afghan is so very pretty. I'm going to have to make another one in white as a baby dedication afghan in a lace weight.

Gammy's Hope Part One

2008-03-23T16:54:00.004-05:00

I finished the first clue of Gammy's Hope (Christine's Rose Garden). It is turning out very pretty. I love this yarn and the design.

I haven't said anything about it because I guess I felt so bad about it, I felt so guilty, that I hadn't been a good owner.......a couple of month's ago my little Katie Scarlet, my Yorkie, went missing. I wouldn't let her out during the day or she would high tail it down the hill to the neighbors but I found if I let her outside when it was dark she would go out, do her business and come back in. This particular night after I let her out I heard a bunch of barking, when I went to the door only Jordan's dog, Roegun, came in. I went out and called and called but no Katie Scarlet. The next morning I walked all around the property along the fence rows, by the ponds, the woods and in the barn but couldn't even find any sign of her. I made a sign and put it up and went to the neighbors down the hill knocking on doors but no one had seen her. Either someone or something got her.

This week I went to the Bowling Green Humane Society and found the most precious little baby anyone could ever find. She is a mix but they called her an Australian Shepherd and she is approximately 6-7 months old. They had found her as a stray out in the county somewhere. She is so sweet, docile and obedient. She and Roegun get along beautifully. I named her Sadie. And I always have to give a middle name, I don't know why, I guess it is another one of those Southern thangs. Meet Miss Sadie Mae.

Gammy's Hope

2008-03-20T07:29:00.004-05:00

I have been going non-stop since..............................well, seems like for a long time. But, I took time to swatch up for Christine's Rose Garden which I have named - Gammy's Hope. About a year ago the owner of my LYS, Starla, contacted me telling me that a couple ladies had been in the shop asking about local knitting/spinning groups and she had told them she would give me their email, that I could probably steer them in the right direction. I contacted them and thus began a wonderful friendship.

They are a mother daughter team and two of the coolest people you will ever meet. Rolynn is the mother and Ashley is the daughter. They are the kinds of friends that I haven't really talked to them since last Fall until just recently and we just picked back up as if we never missed a step. I was so excited to hear they are opening up another LYS, Enchanted Yarns & Fibers. They also have an Etsy store by the same name.

Tuesday night I went to the Barnes & Noble Knit Group and we got into a discussion about the proper pronunciation of Etsy. Is it "ITsy?" Is it "EEtsy?" Is it "E" like egg? No wonder the world is in such a mess!!!!!!!!!

Anyways, as you know I joined another KAL, Christine's Rose Garden. I blame my good French Canadian friend, Sylvie. I asked Ashley to custom dye me some yarn for this KAL. Instead of laceweight I decided to go with a fingeringweight superwash. I don't know about you guys, I want a baby afghan that can be used and used and used without messing it up. OMG, this yarn that she dyed up for me is gorgeous. It is a superwash merino/bamboo blend that is simply unbelievable. I love the soft, spongy characteristics of it and the colors are so perfect.

Here is my swatch for this project, it measures 5" x 6". It is 30 stitches across so by using the fingeringweight and US Size 4's my finished baby afghan should measure approximately 32 inches.

I'm A Wild & Crazy Knitter

2008-03-17T18:43:00.003-05:00

Okay, I don't know, I think I'm just a wild and crazy knitter. I re-swatched for Mystic Light using US Size 4s. I like it so much better and will be using these. The wild and crazy thing is my blocked measurements are the same as when I swatched in US Size 5s, 14cm x 8 cm. I probably blocked this one a little harder and still not as hard as I will the finished shawl so it should work just fine. Take a look at the previous post and this one and let me know what you think.

Oh,yeah, some people are blaming me for getting them into various KALs. It ain't my problem if you have an addiction problem!!!!! :)

Mystic Light

2008-03-17T09:20:00.003-05:00

Sometimes it's kinda rough being a loose woman, a loose knitting woman. The Mystic Light KAL is set to begin this week. I've had my swatch done since last week but have had too much going on to take any photos. The designer calls for using US Size 7's, since I am a loose knitting woman I went down to a US Size 5 thinking that would be the ticket. However, I'm not too sure, I think I'm going to have to use a US Size 4. The measurements of mine just lightly blocked is 14 cm x 8 cm, just a little shy of the designers 16cm x 11 cm. The yarn is Schaefer Yarn - Anne, 60% Merino wool superwash, 25% Mohair and 15% Nylon. I'm signed up for a couple other KALs that start this week as well, but I've decided I'm going to focus on this one and just save the clues to the others. One I am excited about is a Baby Afghan KAL - Christines Rose Garden. I do not have any grandbaby's in the works but a Gammy has to be prepared!!!!!

I'm A Hummer

2008-03-09T15:15:00.002-05:00

Hey all, I've gotten some knitting done this week but haven't taken any pictures to show. Hopefully I'll get that done this week. The other day I was reminded of a little story.

I'm a hummer, over the years I've come to accept it. I hum. I hum alot........I hum all the time......practically nonstop. My family hates it. I don't even know I'm doing it and usually it isn't even a real song, just something I'm making up as I go. My baby girl, Sara, left this comment on my post entitled "Its Kinda Interesting - Living In The South."

"I love my Momma. I am so proud of her... she is so hilarious, talented (cooking, singing and as you all know knitting and anything involving yarn) and a wonderful Gammy as well as a great Momma. Despite her lolligagging, shenaniganning and constant humming. I love you!!!"

Isn't that sweet? Anyways, back to the humming thing. Years ago I was helping my mother and step-father with some painting, my step-father, Luther, laughed and said "well, I know you are your mother's daughter, she whistles all the time." Isn't that funny? I wasn't raised by my Mother, yet here I am humming, probably cuz I can't whistle worth a toot. :)

Sometime ago while substitute teaching a second grade class there was this one little boy that was so cute AND so very active. He just couldn't sit still or quit talking so I asked him to come sit next to me at my desk and do his work. He was quite happy to do that. After several minutes of him being quiet and working he place both hands flat on my desk and said, "If I'm going to work that humming has to stop." HA!!!!!!!!

I'm A Hummer!!!!!! Knitting news soon, I promise.

Enchanted

2008-03-05T14:26:00.003-06:00

I received the sweetest award. It is the "You're Enchanting" award. What a wonderful title. A mother and daughter team I met last year is giving out this award and I am to choose 5 people to bestow it on as well. I will do this at a later time. I couldn't wait to tell you about them. They have a wonderful Etsy shop AND they are opening a spinning/yarn store in Russelville, KY. This is very excited news to all those in our local as we have a wonderful yarn store close by but two is even better than one and we have no spinning shops at all. You just have to see their gorgeous stuff. Both RoLynn and Ashley spin like you wouldn't believe. Their shop is called "Enchanted Yarn & Fiber." Check out their blog where they are documenting each stage of getting their store ready to open.

Can We Negotiate?

2008-03-01T08:39:00.009-06:00

What a week, what a week. I have had something going every day and every night. I am wore out - pooped. Thursday and Friday I worked for our attorney friend. Now typically when I work for him I answer the phones, greet clients, make coffee, drink his diet cokes, eat his snacks, update my email, talk on IM and knit, knit, knit. This time the office administrator actually left some filing for me to do AND I had to water the plants. I told the attorney friend we are going to have to renegotiate my pay........if he was willing to pay me $$$ for the original list how much was he willing to pay me for adding the other tasks that are cutting into my knitting time? I don't think he took me serious. :)

So, I got some knitting done. Here is the beginning of some socks I've dubbed - Winterberry Delight. The solid yarn is Panda Silk by Crystal Palace Yarns. It is so yummy, I love the way it feels. The other yarn is a Limited Edition Tofutsie by SWTC in Winterberry. This is a horrible picture in regards to showing correct color. But..........I'm lazy. :)

I've also finished one of the mitts I'm making. I love these little babies. They are so huggy and affectionate and you know how I feel about that. I hate unaffectionate socks and gloves. Now sweaters, eh, they gotta be affectionate in the right places otherwise you can begin to feel controlled or smothered.

And finally, the swatch for Secret of Bad Nauheim KAL came out yesterday. Since I'm behind in all my other KALs what do I do? I cast on and knit the swatch for the new KAL, are you crazy? I'm not sure how I feel about this one. I will probably go down in needle size. The pattern calls for size US 4 for this one I used US 3 but will probably go down to a US size 2, but I may not. I'm also not to sure about the yarn. I love the feel of it but I'm not sure about the colors. But this is what I have in my stash and I really don't want to purchase any more laceweight for now. I might leave it as is or once the shawl is complete I'll overdye, we shall see. This is Knit Picks Shimmer, 70% Baby Alpaca & 30% Silk in Turquoise Splendor.

Tootle Lou!!!!

Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Three Bags Full

2008-02-26T18:21:00.004-06:00

Now, you know how I feel about coffee. There is now life without it. When Starbucks is running low they call me in to donate some of my blood which is actually espresso. Truly!!!!!

Anyways, a couple of years ago Sara gave us one of those semi-fancy dancy coffee makers that doesn't have a carafe. You just push your cup against it and voila - coffee. Last night I made some coffee, I got my cup, no problemo. I mosey on upstairs to "my room aka the wool room" to settle down to some knitting, tv and a good ole cup of the elixir of life and I hear "Peg, Peg, it won't stop coming out. Peg.....what do I do?" I yelled down some niceties. Shortly there after David comes up with a cup and informs me he couldn't save the rest. Bummer man!!!!!

So, this morning, I went to make some coffee and remembered the sitiation (sit-ee-a-tion) so I applied my McGyver skills. I kinda propped up and wedged the French Press against the little button thingy so the coffee would go into the French Press container. I skip off happily admiring my great intellect and ingenuity with David's applause. He says go on up to my room and he will bring me my medication. When he comes up he hands me about three fourths of a cup and informs me the French Press slipped and fell into the sink breaking into a million pieces and the coffee in my cup was all he was able to salvage. I didn't ask how much coffee he had in his little cup or exactly what he did to salvage it. I don't know if he put the stopper in the sink really fast and then ran it through a tea strainer to get the glass out. The fact was, I didn't care!!!! Give me coffee!!!!! I wasn't really thinking very clearly without my morning stimulant. But, get this.....he asked if I wanted him to run up to Hardees and get me another cup. Isn't that sweet? I couldn't ask that of the dear though. I do have a conscience. sometimes

So, I set out to get a new coffee maker. However, my first stop was my LYS to find some yarn for the upcoming KAL - Mystic Light. Of course, I knew it was a dangerous detour. As soon as I walk in Starla, the owner, asks me if my ears were burning, that she a another lady were just talking about me. Someone interested in spinning. There hanging on one of her hanging thingys is the cutest little sweater you ever did see. Adorable!!!!! So, I look at it and do some fondling then set out to get what I came for. After much looking I found some beautiful fingeringweight that will work perfect. I wanted something in the colors of fire. It is Schaefer Yarn - Anne - 60% merino, 25% mohair and 15% nylon.

Then I remembered I needed to get the yarn to make a baby blanket for Sara's sister-in-law. I chose some gorgeous Plymouth Yarn, 75% acrylic, 25% wool. Then I noticed the clearance section. I was able to get multiple skeins of Silky Wool and Silky Tweed by Elsebeth Lavold, many wonderful colors to make many wonderful hats and scarves. The amount is being withheld to protect the guilty. :) At that time I felt I'd done pretty well, I didn't flirt with that sweet little sweater anymore, made my purchases and walked out.

After a couple stops I went to Wal-Mart and picked out a dandy coffee maker. Got the sweet little feller home, took him out of his box, smiled down out him, plugged him in and nothing. I moved to another outlet across the kitchen testing it with my electric can opener first to make sure all was okay.........nothing. Unplugged him, spanked his little bottom, plugged him back in.......nothing. Gave him a good shaking and a nice little talking to....yeah, you got it -- NOTHING!!!!

So, I boxed the little devil back up and headed back out the door. The whole drive back to Wal-Mart my split personality was kicking in. "This was meant to be, go get the yarn for that little sweetie of a sweater." "No, you really should wait, you already have so much OTN (on the needles)." "Oh, good grief, what is the deal? Do like everyone else, go ahead and get the goods but don't allow yourself to cast on until you finish something else." "You know that ain't gonna work, you are an undisciplined oaf." Yeah, well................whatever. I made the turn and the next thing I knew I was sitting in front of Crafty Hands.

First thing I hear is, "we were just talking about you!!!!" The lady interested in spinning had just left so they called her and told her to turn around. See there, it wasn't for selfish reasons, I was supposed to go back it was for the good of spinningdom. The lady and I had a nice little talk, I was able to give her some handy info. As soon as she walked out I headed over to the cutie and even tried her on. Oh my, even better. They handed me the pattern book - Norah Gaughan Collection Vol 1. There are so many wonderful things in this book. And then I was off choosing yarn. A luscious rusty burgundy, Ultra Alpaca Redwood Mix-6281 and Ultra Alpaca Light Redwood Mix-4281. I was so intoxicated by that time I somehow walked out with some Lopi to make a felted laptop bag.

So, Yes Sir, Yes Sir, THREE Bags FULL!!!!!

Oh, yeah, I went back and got another trouble maker and he seems to be working fine. So, bartender, a round for the house!!!!!

One Knitter At A Time

2008-02-23T17:40:00.008-06:00

I am finally feeling better. And I have this quote from a doctor friend of mine to validate all my whining. "Whatever this thing is, it's awful - in short, you're not being a baby. :)" So, there.

Friday I went up home to visit Nanny and take my sister to the grocery again. While sitting in the Kroger parking lot my youngest, Jordan, called to see how things were going. I told him I was about to lose my ever loving mind and didn't have a means of removing myself from the misery except for my knitting I had with me. Then I got to thinking, I wonder if one could take oneself out of one's misery with a size 0 bamboo dpn. I figured maybe one could ram the thing in one's temple and waller it around a bit. I'm warped.

After I left Nan's I went down to visit my mother and step-father. An ice storm came through on Thursday by Friday the roads were fine but being further north than Bowling Green the ice was still on the trees. It was quite beautiful. Here is a picture of some large cedars in their side lot. I love the country.

I have no knitting to show you, NONE, NADA, ZILCH, A BIG FAT ZERO. I'm going to go on a diet I think. Not a food diet, but a time diet. I'm going to have to cut some things out in order to get more knitting/spinning done. I'm going to get serious this time. I mean it. I am behind in every dang KAL I'm in, next week a new one starts, Secret of Bad Nauheim, and then Mystic Light starts in March. Not to mention I have a bazillion things I'm wanting to get knitted for A Loose Knit Group and Easter (which falls in March!!!!!!What's up with that? What kind of freakin crazy world are we living in?). We won't even discuss Edward Longshanks aka Aaron's Tomten. So a time diet it is. I haven't got it all figured out yet but.....................its gonna work by golly. Come hell or high water, I am going to kick some major knitting butt!!!!! I'll keep you posted.

However, in the knitting area. I am a Great Grand Knitter!!!!!!! I am so proud I can hardly stand it. Once Emma Belle asked me "Gammy, how much do you love me?" I told her, "Oh, Emma Belle, Gammy loves you so much I can't hardly stand it!!!!!! How much do you love me?" She replied, "Oh Gammy, I love you so much I can hardly sit it!!!!!" So cute and so sweet. Get it? Stand it - Sit it. And she is a girl after her Gammy's own heart. Last night right before we went to sleep she said "Gammy, for my birthday this year will you get me the new Idina Menzel cd?" How special is that?

Anyways, I digress, the Great Grand Knitter thing. I taught my Sara, how to knit several years ago and the just recently she taught a friend of her's, Heather, how to knit. Heather just finished her first scarf!!!!!! Isn't that exciting? A Great Grand Knitter!!!!! (Actually, I think that makes me a Grand Knitter, but Emma's mother, Tabby, agreed, it sounds a lot more exciting to add the great, so Great Grand Knitter it is!!!!! Truly though, think about it, I learned to knit from a Czech woman when I was in 4th grade, I taught Sara, she taught her friend.......think of the generations to come that will be impacted!!!!!!!

Heather and Sara (my Sara).

SOTSii - Clue 4

2008-02-18T22:55:00.004-06:00

I finally finished clue 4 of Secret of the Stole II. About halfway through the 4th row from the completion of this clue I laid the stole down while I went downstairs to grab a snack. Today I've been watching the CSI Marathon on Spike while I convalesce. As a rule, I never stop mid-row, I always complete it before laying it down. Call it sickness, fever..........I'll call it getting cocky. When I picked it up I forgot I hadn't finished the row and began trying to get the needles in line for the next row. To my gasping dismay I realized I had pulled about half the stitches off the needles.

Being the calm, cool, debonair individual that I am. Actually, I am only calm and cool when the situation is very, very bad. Cool as a cucumber. But, that don't last long. Anyways, I calmly and slowly picked up the dropped stitches and low and behold, it all turned out okay. Whew!!!!!!!

Traitor

2008-02-18T12:08:00.004-06:00

I’m sick. Have I already said that? I think I may have the flu. So, what do I do? I cast on a new project, a hat. My silly husband, several years ago I made him a cabled beanie type hat out of Lamb’s Pride worsted but since he doesn’t have a whole lot of hair up there he whined that it was itchy. Big baby!!!!!! Now, of course, he can’t find it, he probably gave it to someone on the street. He wears a stupid toboggan(?) from Wal-mart or somewhere. He doesn’t understand that is a slap in my face. Everyone who knows us knows I'm this huge knitter. It is like Ronald McDonald's children eating at Burger King. A GM worker driving a Toyota. How would he feel if I went to another church? (Those of you who don't know, my husband is a pastor.)

He doesn't like any frills so I'm just making him a simple ribbed beanie. Did I mention I'm sick? I thought about making it in an acrylic, but, I just can't bring myself to do it. Although, have you seen/touched some of the new acrylics the yarn stores are carrying? Quite impressive actually. I may use a double strand of some fingering weight I have. I'll keep you posted. I'm sick.

Mr. Sensitive Head is stopping by the store on the way home from working out to get me some chicken noodle soup and cheese. On the list I said the following:

Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
1/2 lb cheese from the deli (to go with my whine)
a Diet-Pepsi Max - If you really love me
a Diet-Pepsi - If you just love me

I'll let you know which it is. :) Mr. Itchy Scalp just called from the grocery, his first words were, "I really love you, but I can't find a Diet-Pepsi Max in the cold section. I didn't want to just get you a Diet-Pepsi and that be considered a reflection on my love for you." I told him I'd accept a plain ole Diet-Pepsi. I guess I'll forgive his prickly issues. He's a keeper.

I Just Don't Know Anymore1!!1

2008-02-17T15:25:00.005-06:00

Y'all..........I just don't know anymore. I'm sick. Sick in two ways. One is,yes, I trully am sick. Call it a cold, the flu, a flu cold. I don't know but I feel like crap, crude, and any other four letter word that fits the bill. I'm taking a day time med during the day and a night time med at night - profound huh? Plus, I take over the counter sleep aids. I might sleep all night long IF I didn't have a 54 year old husband. Those of you with middle age husbands will understand. I don't know how many times I was awakened by him climbing back into bed after a potty break last night. If you aren't in my age bracket just make a note, one day you will understand.

Anyways, I know you didn't tune in to find out about my husband's issues or my sickieness. Very little knitting to report. Hopefully that is going to change.

The other way in which I am sick is.......well, I'm not really sure how to put it........I joined another KAL. Yep, sure did. This one doesn't start until Summer. It is by Moni, the same designer of Secret of Chrysopolis and Dem Fischer sin Fru. As its names implies it is going to be a slow moving one taking into consideration that during the summer people have outdoor stuff to do and therefore not as much time to spend knitting. Come on over, it will be fun. Slow Bee Mystery

Pretties

2008-02-15T16:22:00.008-06:00

Friday evening, February 8th, our oldest son, Aaron, got married. His wife is a young lady from our church, Becca. We are very happy for both of them. So now I have a new granddaughter, Sydney - 9. She and Emma Belle are C R A Z Y about one another. I mean crazy!!!! A couple weeks ago I was talking to Sydney and Emma Belle, telling them that "Now, I have to have my Gammy time, you guys will have to stay with Gammy some." Emma said "Well, you know Sara (she got married in Oct) and now Daddy and then Donna (Jordan's nickname, he has a steady girlfriend, Jacque), if Gampy marries someone else.........what will you do?" I thought to myself, "Kill. And then you can visit me." I think she thinks everyone is up for grabs!!!!!!

As you know I am involved in a kazillion KAL's. Of which I am making very little, if any, progress. We went out of town last Saturday for David to minister at a church outside Lexington. Monday we headed to Florence, KY for him to attend a conference. I thought I'd get a lot of knitting done, but it didn't happen. Tuesday we stopped off in Louisville to spend the night with Emma Belle. Her step-father was out of town on business so her mother, Tabitha, and I had planned on going to her knitting group that meets on Tuesday evenings but some snow and ice came in Monday evening/Tuesday morning messing that plan up. Instead Tabby and I spent the evening talking and laughing while Emma Belle and her little sister, Ava, kept Gampy busy. :) It was a good time. We headed back home on Wednesday. Thursday I went back up to Brandenburg to fix Nanny's medicine and take my sister to the store. Today I worked for my Sara for a couple hours. Will I ever knit again?

One of the KALs I'm taking part in is Secret of the Stole II. I try to look at everyone's pictures and either send in a comment to the group or leave one on their blog. The world we live in is so fractured and dysfunctional, many times who we are or what we do goes unnoticed. Particularly knitters. It always makes me feel good when someone takes the time to notice and comment on my knitting/spinning. Well, this group gave me a huge honor. Many wrote in making statements about what an encouragement my comments on their knitting had been to them. To tell you the truth it got kinda embarrasing. I don't leave comments for me to get attention, I leave comments to let them know that I noticed their lovely handiwork. Anyways, the designer of this stole, DK, gave me a special award and sent me this gorgeous abacus bracelet w/stitch markers. It is so very beautiful and makes me feel so appreciated.

Just Add Water

2008-02-14T07:34:00.003-06:00

I've had a lot going on over the last week, which I'll blog about maybe tonight or tomorrow, therefore, I haven't gotten hardly any knitting accomplished. And then today - Happy Valentine's Day - I have a morning coffee engagement (all hail and praise thy name o'coffee, live forever) and then I will be going up home to check on Nanny. Which equals - no knitting!!!!! I gotta get my act together.

However, I wanted to leave you with a story. My daughter, Sara, and I have decided to get back into the gym and whip ourselves into shape. Part of my regimen will be drinking more water. I "think" I read somewhere that you should drink half your body weight in water in ounces. Example - if you weight 140 you should drink 70 oz of water a day. Once you get used to drinking it, you crave it.

Several years ago while substitute teaching I had a huge water bottle I had with me at all times. When it was empty I'd fill it back up in between classes. I was in the middle school so often you would have thought I was a full-time teacher. The kids were always asking me, "Mrs. Sturgeon, how can you drink so much water?" "Mrs. Sturgeon, why do you drink so much water?" "Mrs. Sturgeon you still drinking water?" I began telling them, "How do you think I got so beautiful? It is from drinking so much water?" During the summer I saw one of my students and I asked her about her friends. Had she seen them over the summer? Blah, blah, blah, blea, blea, blea. She informed me she had seen this one boy that I had had in class whose name was David. I asked how he was doing. She said, "Oh Mrs. Sturgeon, he looks like he has been drinking A LOT of water." :)

Huge news and knitting to come, I promise.

Brave

2008-02-10T19:39:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite singers, Idina Menzel, has just released a new cd. She played the original Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway. I bought the album so now I have another choice to scream my lungs out with while on the road. Check it out!!!!

Yes, I Am!!!!!!

2008-02-07T09:40:00.000-06:00

A very sweet on-line friend of mine, Arianwen, from Yorkshire, England sent me a goodie package. Included in this wonderful package were several vintage knitting patterns that she inherited from her grandmother who taught her to knit. There are socks, gloves, sweaters and some hats. Really cool stuff. And just the fact that it orginated from her grandmother makes it even more special. I love old stuff. She also sent me some really yummy chocolate from Belgium and the coolest yarn. It is hand spun and dyed by Araucania in Chile and is 100% alpaca. The coolest thing is it is dyed with the national flower of Chile, the Copihue. "The flowers are red, with six petals; the fruit is an edible berry with numerous small seeds. In the wild the plant is pollinated by hummingbirds."
I finally finished clue 3 of SOTSii. It looks like I made a mistake back in clue 2. I'll work some magic once she is done and fix it, cuz I ain't tinkin or froggin.

Clue 4 for SOTSii comes out tomorrow as does Clue 3 for Dem Fischer sin Fru. I haven't even begun clue 2 for Dem Fischer yet and I'm so far behind in SSS it ain't even funny. But, you know what? It is okay...............................................cuz........................................I AM THE LACE KNITTER. Right?

Huh? Right?

Right? Oh, Yeah!!!!!!!

Its Kinda Interesting - Living In The South

2008-02-05T20:13:00.000-06:00

Its kinda interesting living in the South. I don't drink it, gotta watch my girlish figure, but who has never heard of sweet tea? I mean, our Southern babies are raised on the stuff. I don't know that this is a southern thang or not, but it ain't chili if it ain't got no sghetti in it. You ain't had no molasses? How about dried beans and cornbread? Fried okra? Roastnears? Mushmelon? Poke greens? Hmmmmmm, you gotta start livin people.

Do you ever lollygag? Try any shinanigans? Do you know anybody that ain't no count? Ever give somebody down the road? Gone off half cocked? Ever been a knot on a log?

Two interesting things came across my path today. I love country music. I don't actually listen to it that often. Usually on my trip up home to take Nanny to the doctor or grocery I'll get tired of screaming my lungs out to the soundtrack of Wicked and I'll take to scanning the old radio. Who doesn't love a good ole country song like, "There's somethin women like about a pick up man." Well, nobody can say it like a country singer. I heard a new one for me today. These people are geniuses, or I'm just plain dumb. :) Chris Gagle is the artist and the name of the song is "What Kind of Gone." Sit back, read and enjoy:

I heard the door slam and I couldn't tell was it just the wind or was she mad again - ah hell she's gettin in her car I hollered baby is there something wrong thought I heard her say something sounding like I'm gone but these days gone can mean so many things.

chorus:

theres gone for good and theres good and gone and theres gone with the long before it i wish she'd been just a little more clear well theres gone for the day and gone for the night and gone for the rest of your dogone life is it whiskey night or just a couple beers i mean what kind of gone are we talkin bout here

well its gettin dark out, she ain't back yet ain't called home, turned off the phone ah man hah this might not be good i would have stopped her, when she went to leave but i didn't 'cause i didn't really think what i'm thinkin now i'm still not sure what gone is all about

chorus:

is it the kind of gone where she's at her mom's cooling down she'll come around or the kind that says you had your chance and she ain't comin back

chorus:

theres gone for good and theres good and gone and theres gone with the long before it i wish she'd been just a little more clearwell theres gone for the day and gone for the night and gone for the restof your dogone lifeis it whiskey night or just a couple beersi mean what kind of gone are we talkin bout what kinda gone are we talkin bout what kinda gone are we talkin bout herewhat kinda gone

Another interesting thing I saw today was a marquee for a church of sorts in the area. It isn't your "typical" denomination. The marquee read: "Killer Cats, Knitting & Original Sin." I called my husband and told him I think I'm going to have to check that one out. Strange huh?

And the final interesting thing that happened today. I stopped by Starbucks to pick up a vente cappucino with an extra shot and caramel flavoring. I told the little feller I didn't want a lot of froth, you know the foamy stuff. This is how I order it all the time. When I got to the drive through he asked me was I really sure what I wanted was a cappucino because that is what a cappucino was, half expresso half frothy, foamy milk, maybe what I really wanted was a latte. Now, I know enough to know I don't want a latte, I want it to be so dang full of caffeine it strips my innards. They made me something, I don't know what it is, it was good, but needed more humph. Have you tried the Diet Pepsi Max? Twice the caffeine with a dab of ginseng baby. Oh, yeah. I stay so caffeinated none of it phases me. Not a bit, I'm naturally spastic. Have you seen my Tylenol PM?

Clue 2 - SOTSII

2008-02-02T18:40:00.000-06:00

Secret of the Stole II is moving right along. Clue 3 just came out yesterday and I just finished Clue 2. I'm very happy with it.

Knit Picks Shadow - Vineyard, US Size 3s.

Happy B-Day!!!!!!

2008-02-01T07:52:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday!!!! Well, not my "real" birthday, that isn't until April, it is my blogging birthday. I began blogging one year ago today. I've enjoyed this year so very much and I am so looking forward to the upcoming year. As I look back I wish I could say I accomplished magnificent amounts and performed stupdendous feats. But, alas I can't. However, I can say I had loads of fun and I want to thank you all for making it a "fun-tastical year."

I thought I would highlight some of my personal favorite posts I made over the course of the year. Do you have a favorite?

The Queue

Four Letter Words

Happy Tots

She Did What?

Monogamous? Never!!!!

Extroverted Flatulecer

One Eyed Man

Friendly Fibers

After looking through my blog I realized that I did get quite a bit accomplished over the year. And it made me long for summer and to hold my precious Emma Belle. All those precious pictures of that sweet little face is just about more than a Gammy that lives 2 hours from her can bear. And finally, a picture of my wonderful family taken at Sara's wedding. From left to right: Aaron, Me, Matthew, Sara, David, Jacque (Jordan's girl), Jordan and of course, thePrincess Emma Belle. Look at her little feetsies!!!!!! Aren't they just the cutest?

Pass the Soap

2008-01-30T21:44:00.000-06:00

%&^@(# = spinning silk = pass the soap. This is some gorgeous Tussah Silk in Raspberry Swirl I purchased from Franquemont Fibers last year some time. In real life I think it has a little more coral to it, but it could be wishful thinking on my part.

What's the best soap for a good mouth washing? No lava please.

Go Ahead - Make My Day

2008-01-30T17:00:00.000-06:00

I have been so bad here lately about blogging. Tabitha wrote to make sure I wasn't caught in the web of all the lace KALs I'm taking part in. I think I have been. I have totally ignored reading my "Daily Haunts." I gotta get a grip. And I've been getting the urge to do some spinning. But I keep telling myself I don't have time for anything, I gotta get these KALs caught up. But then you know I got to thinking......why? Yeah, I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow feeling differently, particularly since the next clue is due out on Friday for SOTSii and Dem Fischer Sin Fru. But, you know, for right now, just this moment I'm taking a breather.

Over the last week or so I've received two awards. They are the same award but I received it from two different people. I should have already acknowledged it, but......well you know. First the "You Make My Day Award" was bestowed upon me by Cat. We met each other through our mutual addiction - lace KALs. Secondly, Loribird gave me the same award. It truly warms my heart that these two thought of me. Someone in one of the KALs I'm a member of made a comment of how I am always making positive comments about the groups completed clues. You know, as knitters in a mainly non-knitter world we are sometimes thought to be rather odd. And if you spin - well, you are just flat out weird. We work so hard on our projects and if we blog on blogging about said projects, it is just nice when others take the time to acknowledge the efforts. I truly want to thank Cat & Lori for making my day!!!! And for all who read my blog. When I get a comment or when I look at the site map and see where everyone is from it makes me smile. Okay, enuf mush!!!! I now have the joy of bestowing the "You Make My Day Award" to others. This is so difficult. I want to give it to anyone who has ever read my blog - YOU MAKE MY DAY!!!! But, here goes.

Tabby, along with my oldest, Aaron, gave me one of the beings that makes my day every day, my little Emma Belle. She is an unbelievably wonderful mom, I am so thankful for her. And, I consider her a good friend.

Peggy - Peggy is one of the most gifted knitters I know. She is amazing.

Maple - Maple and I met through a spinning group last Spring. Any time she leaves a comment on my blog it brings me joy. And, you should see the roving she dyes up. Beautiful!!!!!! Look at what she did for me. :)

June - June befriended me last Spring when I first started spinning. She is a local girl via the Coast Guard. Her spinning makes me sick. :) I love you June!!!!

Opal - Well, just go look at her knitting and you will understand. One odd thing about Opal though. She lives in Hawaii but knits mittens like they are going out of style. :)

Roseanne - What can I say? She kicks out finished objects like nobody's business. Her spinning makes me as sick as June's.

Sonya - I met Sonya through Tabby. She is one wild and crazy knittin momma. Here in a couple weeks I spending the night with Tabby (really Emma Belle) and going to their knitters night. I can't wait.

Tracy - I can't forget my friend Tracy. She always says the sweetest things and she has two daughters, an Emma and a Bella!!!!! How wild is that!!!!!!

Oh, good grief!!!! I can't stand it. If you are reading this consider yourself awarded!!!!!! You have made my day.

I think Ima gonna do some spinnin!!!!!!! Addendum: I found some other gorgeous tussah silk in my stash I thought I'd spin up. this is the first I've spun pure silk. I think I'm gonna cry. I need help or someone to come wash my mouth out with soap.

My Special Recipe

2008-01-29T11:11:00.000-06:00

Funny thing is, you don't answer any questions but it does fit. :)

The Recipe For peggy

3 parts Aspiration
2 parts Uniqueness
1 part Devilry

Splash of Silliness

Sip slowly on the beach

What's the Recipe for Your Personality?

F-R-E-E-D-O-M

2008-01-28T21:07:00.000-06:00

A knitting friend of mine, Opal, shared her completion of a pair of gorgeous gloves with our A Loose Knit Group. She was elated to finish them as their completion was something constantly looming over her head. A monkey on her back. While commenting on her wonderful gloves, you gotta go look at 'em, I was shaken out of the lovely, lace fairy tale land I have been happily living in the last week.

My sweet little, warm, happy world quickly came to an abrupt halt. Now, I know she had no intention of this happening, so don't go blaming my little Hawaiian friend. Maybe it is guilt? Possibly self-condemnation. Could it be conviction? I don't know. However, I do know of one other time I felt the same deep hatred well up within. It was a time, not unlike the present, except for the fact I weighed a little more, had less gray and was almost 12 years younger.

Back in '96 my oldest two children, Aaron and Sara, and myself went to France and England with their High School French Club. It was a glorious time. We took the ferry from Cherbourg, France across the English Channel to Portsmouth, England. Although I had seen it before, I was pleased to find a viewing of Brave Heart being shown in the ferry theater. I'm sure some Englishmen/women would say it was French propaganda.

One of the locations we visited was Westminster Abbey. It is such a lovely place. As we walked around the site the tour guide gave us a history of the cathedral and its contents. My mind was somewhat wondering when I realized I was standing right next the the entombed remains of Edward "Longshanks." Yeah, THAT Edward "Longshanks." The one who sought William Wallace with a vengeance. As I stood there looking at the tomb with utter disgust I thought to myself, "Man, how I would like to spit on you." (I did bite my thumb at him)

That same feeling of total disgust came over me while looking at Opal's lovely gloves. I didn't want to spit on her gloves or her but, that #@%$@&*&# tomten. Who can deliver me from this body of death? Is there any worse plight known to knittingdom? Why, why, WHY did I ever start that stupid thing. I hate 'im. Henceforth he shall be known as Edward Longshanks, the oppressor of all that is beautiful and free. And he shall be relegated to living under the spinning wheel. LET FREEDOM RING!!!!!

I've completed Clue One of Dem Fischer Sin Fru - The Fisherman's Wife. I've dubbed this one "The Fisherman's Plaque." My dear friend, Peggy, brought it to my attention this should read "The Fisherman's Plague." I'm so glad I have friends. :) Read the story and you will understand why. It is a real joy to knit, however, as the pattern keeps increasing I have a feeling the wrong side purl rows are going to be monstrous by the time this baby is finished.

My Little Friends

2008-01-21T20:39:00.000-06:00

I think, if you read my blog with any regularity, that you know I am kind of strange. Weird is a better word. If you have money you are eccentric, but, if you are like me, not much money you are just flat weird. Another embracing going on here. :)

When I was attending college, in the 90's, I had a little friend. Actually, I had several little friends. One of my little friends was an eraser. This wasn't just any ole eraser. It was one of those pink quadrilateral erasers. And not only was it one of those pink quadrilateral erasers, my oldest, Aaron, who was 15 at the time, had drawn on it and written his name. I do have quite a sentimental side. I kept this little friend with me for many of my higher education years. Finally, he went missing. It was a very sad day.

Another group of little friends I had was mechanical pencils. Has there been any greater a creation made by man? I think not. Now, we aren't talking about just any ole mechanical pencils. We are talking about refillable 0.9 lead mechanical pencils. I love these little babies. I wish I could say I still have the same ones I started off with, but alas, they too have gone the way of my little pink quadrilateral friend. Yet, you can always find me with one of these little fellers. When I substitute taught I had a mechanical pencil friend club with a group of sixth grade girls. It all started when one of them wanted to borrow my little friend. I told them of my deep emotional attachment to my friends and how devastated I would be should ill befall him. The next time I was in their school, they introduced me to their own little mechanical pencil friends. It was a great day in pencildom.

I said all that to say this. I have some little buddies I want to show to you. Way back when Sara was in Middle School the big thing was to own some boots called Ropers. At that time I couldn't really see paying $100 for a pair of shoes. That was '93 I think. So, I bought her some boots that looked something like Ropers without the little tassel thingys and were only around $50. Just as was expected that "country" phase was long gone once she had a different boyfriend and had started High School. As with any good mom, her rejects became my dailies. These little boots have become my best friends. It became evident a couple months ago that they were dying a slow death. I looked and looked to find a suitable replacement but could find none. Then I remembered we have a fella at church that used to be a cobbler. I had on my little friends last Wednesday and Mr. Cobbler was at church. He told me if I didn't get my little buddies to him pretty quick there would be nothing left to revive. I took them off right then and there, patted their little bottoms and told him to do what he could. This past Sunday I saw Mr. Cobbler, he boldly walked down the center aisle and handed me a bag. Inside were my little reborn bootsies. He put on a new sole, a new heel, dyed them, polished them and put in new shoestrings. (The strings that were in them were the originals, it kinda makes me sad to have lost them but they were tied in a couple knots and frayed.) I'd like to introduce you to my friends.

Aren't they just the most special little things you ever did see? I hope you have some friends like mine in your life. Are you still my friend?

I finished Jordan's gloves:

And I went ahead and finished Clue 1 of SOTSII. I should have finished Clue 3 of SSS, particularly since Clue 4 comes out tomorrow. But I couldn't stand it. SOTSI was such a joy to knit I couldn't wait to get started.

Dem-Fischer-Sin-Fru, The Fisherman's Wife, KAL starts Friday I think. I gotta get that baby swatched.

I've Been Tagged

2008-01-21T18:53:00.000-06:00

As a child I never liked playing tag, I can't stand to be chased. However, a friend, Gail in Chattanooga, just tagged me so I thought I'd play along.

4 Jobs I've Had:

Data Transcriber for CID (Criminal Investigative Division), Fort Knox, KY
Missions Department Secretary for Chaplain at Oral Roberts University
Subsitute Teacher - probably my favorite job
Store Manager for a Cellular Company

4 Movies I Watch Over and Over

All Harry Potter
Hamlet w/Mel Gibson
Crimes of the Heart
Gone With The Wind

4 Places I Have Been

Port O'Prince, Haiti
Paris, France
Uppsala, Sweden
London, England

4 Places I Have Lived

Miami, FL
Tulsa, OK
Ekron, KY
Bowling Green, KY

4 TV Shows I Watch

I don't watch a lot of "shows", so I'm listing my favorites when I did/do get to see 'em.

Fox News
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Highlander
Angel

4 People Who E-mail Me Regularly

Hmmmmmmmm, mainly my on-line knitting buddies

4 Favorite Foods

Lobster, but I think I could dip bologna in clarified butter and love it. :)
Crab legs
Oatmeal
Breads

4 Places I Would Rather Be

France
Praque
Ireland
Scotland

4 Things I'm Looking Forward To

More grandbabies
Getting caught up on KALs
Going to see Wicked, AGAIN
A warm house. :)

4 People to tag

I don't know, wanna play?

Embracing Me

2008-01-17T21:21:00.000-06:00

I'm a little behind in the Spring Shawl Surprice KAL. Clue 3 came out this past Tuesday, I finally finished Clue 2 tonight. That is okay. I'm learning to embrace who I am. I, my friends, am a lace knitter. Not only that, but I am an addicted to KALs lace knitter. And you know what, that is okay. I've come face to face with the monster and I can deal with it. I don't care how old you are, you can always learn new things about yourself. Clint Eastwood said, "A man's gotta know his limitations." Well, I don't know all my limitations, hopefully I never will. Hopefully I'll continue learning the rest of my life. But, there comes a time where we have to recognize our strengths. As stated before, I am not a great lace knitter, (you can tell that if you look closely) but apparently it is a passion.

Embracing who I am is helping me to cope with the fact that I have between now, Thursday evening, and next Tuesday to complete Clue 3 before Clue 4 comes out. AND Secret of the Stole II, "The Secret Is In the Mist", begins tomorrow. But, that is okay. I am "THE LACE KNITTER."

Somebody Stop Me!!!!!

2008-01-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

I said I wasn't going to do it. I even put my foot down hard and bit my lip. I think I need a serious intervention. (But don't call Dr. Phil, please).

It isn't my fault. This time it is Anna's fault, the old Knit & Knag!!! I got an email from her stating she was going to be hosting another KAL starting in March. She is the designer of the gorgeous Mystic Waters Shawl. The new one, Mystic Light, will take in various elements of light. It is sure to turn out just as gorgeous as Mystic Waters. With Mystic Waters turning out so beautiful, how could I resist? Maybe knitting lace is my calling, my purpose in life.

Oh, come on, you know you want to do it!!!!! Everybody is doing it!!!!!!

It Was A Wicked Time

2008-01-14T11:12:00.000-06:00

A "Wicked" time was had by all. As most of you know, if you read my blog regularly, Saturday we headed up to Cincinnati to see the touring Wicked. It was as awesome as ever. The girl that played Elphaba was the same one we saw in Chicago. It was amazing. Ya gotta go see it!!!!! Here are a couple pictures. My little Elphaba's (Emma Belle) fingers got smashed in the window on the way up. Her makeup isn't waterproof so there was some green lost in the tears. :( This picture is from left to right: Sara, Tabitha (Emma Belle's Mommy) and Emma Belle.

And my Elphie outside the theater.

Now the question is.....Where am I going to go to see it next?

I've been working on the projects for A Loose Knit Group. I've finished one of Jordan's gloves and one of the mitts using the Fetching pattern. I'm behind in my Spring Shawl Surprice KAL because I just want to do gloves/mittens. I'm spending today only knitting on the KAL though.

As many of you know, I'm big into lace shawl/stole KALs. I am no professional by any means. However, I have gained some experience and I thought I'd share with you how I approach lace knitting and charts. It takes a little more time, but I color code the chart with colored pencils. Typically what I do is color each set of ten squares on the chart in vertical columns. I also use a metal sheet, mine originated from my old cross stitch days, and magnetic strips. With these I mark the row I am presently on with a piece of the strip and I mark the column I'm on with another piece. With this particular chart shown in the photo below I color coded the 7 stitches on the right and left hand border, the next 14 stitches are coded to mark an inside border and from there it has been marked to signify the pattern repeats. As the pattern changes these have to be adjusted but it is a good way to keep track of the pattern and the number of stitches which helps me know if I've missed a yo or whatever immediately instead of getting all the way to the end and having to tink back.

Once I have successfully completed a row I use a highlighter to mark the completed row. As you see in the photo I place markers along the knitting to mark the columns as well. Another tool, pain in the butt, but important is lifelines. You can put a lifeline in at any point but I usually just put one in at the end of each clue. A lifeline is waste yarn that I pull through the row with a darning needle. These have truly saved the life of my shawl/stole many times. If you just really flub up you can frog back to the lifeline, which holds the stitches and start over at that point instead of having to start all over. Hmmmmmmm, I hope this helps. It is probably as clear as mud.

Are You Going To Go My Way?

2008-01-10T18:09:00.000-06:00

I've been a bad, bad girl. Yesterday I went to my local cellular store and upgraded my phone. I got a Blackberry. I am a tech/gadget junkie. I love all that stuff. However, I spent the majority of yesterday afternoon and today playing (fighting) with the thing. Getting it to sync with my laptop, adding all my contacts, appointments, etc. I downloaded an e-reader for it so I can read books on it, particularly handy with a Bible on it. Then I don't have to lug one to church or just sit there not reading along with the stud muffin of a Pastor we have. (my husband) :)

Anyways, I can't do any more with it until I get a microsd memory chip. That way I can put more stuff on it. A huge biggee is music. And a gargantuan thing is to be able to use some of the Wicked songs as my ringtones. Yeah, I know, I bet you are sick, sick, sick of hearing about Wicked. Well..............hmmm.................tuff. This Saturday myself, Sara, Emma Belle and her mother, Tabitha are all trekking off to Cincinnati to see the touring Wicked. Can't wait!!!! Emma Belle will be wearing her Elphaba dress I made her for when we saw Wicked in Chicago. And yes, she will be wearing her green makeup. I know, I'm a Wicked freak!!!!!

Since I've been playing around with my new gadget I haven't gotten very much knitting done. For shame, for shame!!!! Monday evening I did get quite a bit done on the first glove for LBD (Little Baby Donna aka Jordan). Don't you think the glove is quoting Lenny Kravitz saying "Are You Going To Go My Way?" Maybe I'll finish it tonight and get the second cast on. I'm planning on getting a good deal done on Clue 2 of Spring Shawl Surpice tomorrow.

Sha LingALing (my new way of saying goodbye)

Yippy Pippy!!!!!

2008-01-07T19:51:00.001-06:00

I believe I have the ole knitting mojo back, I think. I've had a couple of false starts. I began a set of Mermaid Gloves out of some of my hand spun but after working them for about four inches they just weren't happening. You know how I feel about unaffectionate items, they weren't very unaffectionate at all. I will eventually make them but out of different yarn and probably size 0's. I wanna be hugged when I put these babies on.

I also started Jordan's gloves out of the yarn our friends sent me. Noppie, not gonna work. The yarn is worsted but still just a tad too bulky for what I want. Then, low and behold, I was looking through various pictures on Ravelry for Fetching gloves and came across some made of Noro Silk Garden and remember I had some in the basement. When I went down to fetch the Fetching yarn I found other worsted weight yarns I had forgotten about. Some of which is a lovely grey tweed leftover from a scarf I had made Jorge aka Jordan a couple of years ago. I think it will be perfect. And there is a bunch of other wonderful yarns as well. How cool!!!!!!

#1, best thing, I finished Clue One of Spring Shawl Surprice. It is so lovely and since I am not a "pink" person, this is not pink it is Cassis. :) Clue Two comes out tomorrow. :)

I forgot to show you the scarf I started on New Year's Eve. We were going to some friends house and I wanted some "mindless" knitting to take with me so I started this scarf out of some handspun. The pattern is Enjoyable-Rib Scarf. It is indeed an enjoyable knit. Presently this is my in the car and Sunday School knitting.

What Are Friends For?

2008-01-05T11:38:00.000-06:00

For a few days I kinda hit a snag in the area of knitting interest. I was really getting quite concerned about myself. Everything I picked up to knit got on my nerves, I just wasn't a happy knitter. I thought that maybe I had KAL'd myself to an early knitting death. And, for real, who do you call? Where do you go for help? I've yet to see a shrink or counselor advertise services geared toward the depressed knitter. Depression yes, but not specializing in knitting depression. You know, you can purchase various drugs that increase the serotonin in your brain, creating a happier feeling. Or you can get help in the area of sexual energy. But, what do you take to increase your knitting enjoyment if or when it becomes lack luster? I even went to my LYS with my daughter, Sara, to help her pick out some scarf yarn. I walked out with nothing!!!!! The owner asked if I was still into the lace KALs. When I told her I thought maybe I was KAL'd out, she just tssked and shook her head. If ANYONE could offer help you would think it would be her.

Thursday I headed up home to take my sister to the grocery. The 2 hour trip up there and back was spent screaming at the top of my lungs. Well, I call it singing. I tried to escape my knitting frustration by throwing myself into the songs of Wicked. But, there is no escape. As soon as I got back home and walked in the door I felt the same dark blanket of fiber disillusion fall upon me. I got to thinking, "Is this how non-knitters feel all the time?" "How do they stand it?" "What is to become of me? I have my own wool room, what is wrong with me???????"

I got me a cup of coffee and trudged up the stairs to "the room." There lay that stupid tomten, the beginnings of the Spring Shawl Surprice KAL, along with various other UFOs. I sat down in my little chair and punched the button to check my Ravelry messages. Low a behold, an angel appeared right there in the inbox. This angel's name is Arlene in Northern NJ. I read her message and thought about how sweet it was for her to say such nice things and to take the time to encourage me. As the evening progressed her message continued to ring in my ears and before long I found myself picking the SSS KAL up and I was knitting away. Some times we just need a little angel shove to get us up and running. Arlene's message was that little shove I needed. Here is her message:

"Peggy, I see your shawl has become an UGH. Is it just your yarn or something else? I know you are in a bunch of other KALs and were becoming overwhelmed, but I wanted to give you some encouragement with this shawl. So far, its actually not hard at all, and the reverse row work is all purls except for the faggoting in the 6 end sts at either side. You are always on the group giving everyone else a positive word, so I thought you might need the same! I know you have the skills to do this shawl!"

Here is the picture of one half of the first clue finished. Personally I think you can see the various moon stages along the border. It looks to become a very beautiful stole.

We have some good friends that are missionaries to Ecuador. They know of my love of yarn/fiber. This week they sent me four skeins of yarn made there. This was an great encouragement as well. With the cold snap we had this past week my baby, Jordan-23, said he didn't have any gloves. I said, "Well, if I was any kind of knitting mom I would take care of that." I mean, it isn't like I don't have enough yarn, but all the worsted I have is already spoken for by various patterns. And I am really going to try not to purchase anymore yarn for a long time. I had thought about spinning the yarn myself, however, I am wanting to get them done this month, not next year. :) After all, January is glove/mitten month for A Loose Knit Group.

So, thanks to Arlene and the McDonald's I am back on my game. What friends are for!!!!

Nanny, nanny, boo, boo

2007-12-31T11:23:00.000-06:00

Although I think I am old enough to be their mother, when I grow up I want to be a skilled knitter like Peggy over at Chasing Bunny, to be able to spit out FOs and spin like Roseanne over at Possesed to Knit and to be able to do it all like Lori over at From the Wool Room.

So, I've started by making my own Wool Room. I've moved all my fiber, yarn, knitting/spinning books, spinning wheels and such to "my room." Which is good, because I've been on the war path, which is common for this time of year, to get the house in order and to keep it that way. Typically I am not upstairs, but now that I am Jordan is going to be forced to keep his room straight since it is the first thing I see when I come up the stairs. The stairs, Emma Belle's room and the upstairs bathroom will also follow suit. They will be cleaned and stay that way!!!!! Aaron's room is in the basement. Verily rarely do I have need to go down there, Thank God!!!! Everytime I do I alert my other family members to come searching for me if I do not return shortly. And if I don't to call the search and rescue team and alert Hazmat. The only reason I ever go into his area of the basement is to reset the wireless router when we lose the internet upstairs. This too WILL BE CLEAN. AND WILL STAY THAT WAY. If not then I'm going to clean their rooms and charge 'em $20 an hour. One way to make yarn/fiber money, huh?

Anyways, back to the subject, my Wool Room. I love it. My own little place of solitude, my haven, my respite. However, now everyone wants to come to my room to watch movies, take naps or, Good Lord, of all things ---- Communicate!!!!!

Aaron came up the other day, laid on the bed and starting to take a nap. I asked him why in the world did he do that, he could nap in his bed (germ city) or even in mine and his Daddy's bed downstairs, that I had made this room for me. He said, "But momma, it isn't that we want to do things in other rooms, we want to be near you." Even though he is 29, how does I momma refute that?

Here are various pictures of MY Wool Room including a picture of my wool closet and of my view looking out the door of the overlook into the living room. I really gotta paint the room though. Not in my color scheme.

I'm still in Tomten Hell although, I have finished the body, the hood is complete and kitchenerd together and I'm partly though the should of one of the arms. I gotta get this thing finished!!!! Tomorrow is the first and the Spring Shawl Surprice KAL begins. It is also the beginning of A Loose Knit Group's getting a jump on Christmas/gift knitting. Although there is no deadline with that group, I am so anxious to get started I'm almost afraid that the theme for January, mittens/gloves, will take all my time. Gosh, I gotta learn to manage my time better.

Yesterday Emma Belle and I went to see Enchanted. We enjoyed it so much we want to go back. Of course, much to my surpise the orignial Elphaba - Idina Menzel, is in the movie and they showed the Wicked billboard a couple times when Gizelle and the Prince first enter Time Square. So besides really enjoying the movie I got a little "Wicked" thrill. Which, by the way, January 12th myself, Emma Belle, Sara and Emma's mother Tabitha and I are heading to Cincinnatti to see the touring group of Wicked. Yeah, when I get into something I really get into it.

On the way home Emma Belle asked me to pray with her over an issue. Then she said, "Gammy, can I pray for you?" When I said, "Sure, what are you going to pray about for me?" She stated, "That you won't be mean to Gampy and about your attitude." Ouch!!!!!! I guess my cleaning war path had spilled over. Later that night I corrected her about something and she said, "If you are going to act like that I'm not going to pray for you any more. AND when you act like that you are lying to Jesus because we prayed that you wouldn't act like that anymore." I think she may need a little instruction as to the purpose of prayer. And before you begin thinking I'm some kind of witch. I am not mean, I'm just surrounded by stupid people!!!! (Just Kidding, please keep your cards & letters to yourself.)

I'll leave you with some Emma Belle pictures. Her trying out her new Heeleys, her new guitar and with a friend, Chloe, from church.

It Sure Is A Good Thing!!!!

2007-12-27T15:04:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve Emma Belle informed me that even if you aren't good, Santa will still bring you toys. You just have to believe. It sure is a good thing or I may not have gotten anything. :)

My Sara and myself with our matching skirts. :)

We had a wonderful holiday. Hope you did as well. We always go up home, 2 hours away, every Christmas Eve and stay until Christmas evening. Christmas Eve evening is usually spent at my Mother's house. Lot's of good food and company with my half-sisters and step-sister and their spouses and children. After leaving there we always go to my aunt that raised me house, Nanny. We have done this since the children were little. She couldn't have children so myself and my sister, whom she also raised, and my children all like hers. And when the children were small we didn't have a lot of money so she was the main Santa. Which she loved. We owe her a lot.

It is always crazy at Nanny's. But particularly when you have all mine there. Since they have all gotten to be adults the last gift the boys and David get to open is a Nerf gun of some sort. It is at this point that all sane people run for cover. They have more fun with this than I think they would have as children.

My husband's mother usual comes over to Nans for a bit on Christmas Day. We had such a lovely time, as we always do, visiting with her. I'll have to post a picture sometime, she is going to be 80 this coming year and is one of the most gorgeous women. And it is all natural, no plastic surgery or face lifts for her.

I received some awesome gifts. Money - that is always a good thing. Jammies and stuff like that. I think the most exciting thing I received other than my laptop is a flatbed scanner. Sara read on my post wishing her a happy birthday that the scanner I had was all messed up and I couldn't scan any of my non-digital pictures so she and her husband, Matthew got one for me. Isn't that wonderful?

It was so nice to get home after all the hoopla. I have taken the middle upstairs bedroom and made it into my knitting/spinning/computing room. It is so awesome!!!!! My own little haven. IGood grief, I didn't realize I had so much yarn until I started trying to get it all in the same room in a tasteful manner. The same goes for fiber. Why would I ever need to purchase more of either? I'm sure I can find a reason don't you?

I finished Sara's Canterbury Memories Scarf. It turned out beautifully. Presently, before alltheKALs start up, I am trying to get this Tomten of Aaron's finished. B - O - R - I - N - G!!!!!!

I am so looking forward starting the knitting with A Loose Knit Group. January is mittens/gloves month. I believe I'm going to make some fingerless gloves with my handspun yarn.

Fasten Your Seat Belts

2007-12-23T15:07:00.000-06:00

Fasten your seat belts puppies, we may be in for a bumpy ride. We are just leaving the Land of Denial and are fast approaching the Land of Hyper-Denial. While in the Land of Hyper-Denial you will enjoy a wondrous, life of knitting fantasy. Need another pair of socks by night-fall, no problem. Two more scarfs by Christmas morning? You got it.

Why, my lads and lassies, while skipping merrily through the pool of knits & purls there is no need for anti-anxiety drugs. All is always well. You have plenty of time, you can do it. Sleep? Who needs it? Life if grand!!!!!

I'm not quite sure. I'm not really sure what has happened. I know I was in the Land of Denial and I remember entering into the Land of Hyper-Denial. I think I've entered into the Land of Who Gives A Flip. Not sure though, it could just be a deeper level of hyper-denial. My knitting progress over the last week or so has been horrible. Almost non-existent.

I think there are possibly two (count 'em), two reasons:

1) I got a laptop for Christmas so I've been either getting it set up or playing with it. Oh my, it is wonderful. I can sit anywhere in the house and still be connected to you. :)

2) I know that January is coming and with the help of A Loose Knit Group I will never, NEVER, N E V E R, find myself in this place again. EVER!!!!! (Come on over and join us!!!!)

I suppose a third reason is that I could have had a crash landing into the Land of Reality. And I've finally realized, it ain't gonna happen so heck, just chalk this one up for experience and enjoy life.

Emma Belle re-wrote some of the words to Frosty the Snowman. She didn't realize she was changing the words, I suppose this is what she heard while listening to the song. She has since changed the words back to normal.

But her 5 year old ears initially heard:

Frosty the Snowman was a jolly happy snow, with a porno pipe and a button nose and his pants made out of cold.

We all about passed a kidney stone on that one!!!!!

Here is hoping you all a Very Merry Christmas!!!!!

Wanna Be My Buddy?

2007-12-19T12:38:00.000-06:00

I've been very, very lax in my knitting here lately. Ridiculous when you think of what all I have on the needles. Although most of my Christmas knitting is finished. THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN TO ME AGAIN!!!! You either? Got a plan? I do!!!!! Read through the bottom and see what you think of my plan of action.

Mystic Waters is finished and blocking. I really am looking forward to wearing this one, it is so beautiful and I love the fact that it is triangular. :) Mine measures 86" across the top and 46" from point to base.

I received the neatest Christmas Around the World swap package today all the way from England. Ronnie included some beautiful antique trinket boxes, some lovely yarn she dyed herself, and two sets of antique knitting needles, one set of straights from the 1950's and one set of dpns from the 1940's. A pattern book, some ornaments and a really, really cute Gnome she knitted. I love it. If you have the chance check out her blog, she has some absolutely beautiful things she has made.

Now for the big plan. Loribird said something that got me to thinking. Why not start a Knit Along, of sorts, that starts in January and goes throughout the year. Every month the focus will be on something different, i.e. January - mittens/gloves, February - scarves, March - hats, etc. Anyways, if you think you would be interested check out "A Loose Knit Group". You can be my knitting buddy and I can be yours!!!! :)

It's A Mom Thing

2007-12-13T13:05:00.000-06:00

My baby, Jordan-23, had his four wisdom teeth cut out this morning. Sara calls him LBD, Little Baby Donna. When he was little bitty, around 2, David was watching him while I was at work. When I got home he asked, "Who in the world is Donna?" I told him I didn't know, we didn't know any Donna's. Why? He said that every time he asked Jordan who something belonged to he would say "Donna." I laughed and told him that was how he said Jordan. So ever since that is one of several nick names we have for him. Emma Belle even calls him Uncle Donna. This is a picture of a picture, my scanner is still wacked out so it is kinda crappy. LBD at 23 on the left and 2 on the right. The one on the right was taken in the mountains of Haiti while we were on a missions trip there. Jordan has a tiny cup of the coffee syrup they served us. It wasn't actually syrup, but it was sure sweet enough to be.
The doctor said he would have quite a bit of swelling due to the depth of where the teeth were and something about the bone. Bless his little heart. I drove him there and back. I'm kinda out of sorts. I guess it is a "Mom Thing." I feel kinda nauseated and hurt all over every time I look at him.

Not much to report on the knitting side. I haven't started the last clue of Mystic Waters, maybe today sometime. I thought I was almost finished with Sara's Canterbury Memories Scarf but one skein isn't going to make it long enough. Thankfully I bought two at the time.

The preliminary instructions and swatch pattern were released for Secret of the Stole II yesterday. Here is my swatch. It is knitted on US Size 3s with Knit Picks Shadow in Vineyard. I cannot praise Knit Picks Shadow enough, I just love it. My swatch size is 5.5" x 8". It might be on the big size, but I really like the way it looks.

Tootles!!!!

"Someone Saved A Life Tonight......"

2007-12-11T07:40:00.000-06:00

Actually, something saved a life yesterday. You know as we go through life there are things we begin to take for granted. The little things that make our life easier. You walk into a room and flip a switch with total faith that the lights are going to come on. That is unless you forgot to pay the light bill after the umpteenth disconnect letter was received, or you got just a little too happy with the debit card at White Castle and the check bounced or possibly that ugly thing that used to be the sweetest little thing before it grew into a teenager slithered in during the middle of the night and stole every dang light bulb in the house for a their friend's house. There are those little things that totally change our life every day we have just grown accustomed to, never giving it another thought.

A life was saved yesterday by a little blue piece of rubber. Yeah!!!!! A little blue piece of rubber!!!! I can't give you a picture of the exact little blue rubbery thing, it is busy doing its job. But here is a picture of one of its relatives.

When duty called, and it was quite a dangerous situation, this little feller didn't hesitate. He stood up to the challenge and came out with shining colors. You see, yesterday morning I completed a few more rows of Mystic Waters, wrapped it up and placed it on the kitchen table lovingly patting it as I walked away. Little did I know what was to occur next. I went into the bedroom to get ready for the 2 hour trip to take Nanny to the doctor. Singing my little carefree heart out, I changed my clothes, put on my makeup, laced up my boots and out the door I went, joyfully skipping through the living room. What should catch my eye? My Mystic Waters spread eagle on the kitchen floor with a trail of yarn leading into the living room, under the couch and around behind the love seat. I immediately knew the culprit, Roegun, Jordan's dog. Screaming, I dropped to my knees and scooped up my little shawl, carefully examining each stitch and inch for injury. Thank God, she was fine. All stitches intact and all because of those little neglected, rarely praised blue thingys. Roegun has no idea had it not been for these little brave guys his life would be greatly diminished.

Although the shawl survived unscathed the ball of alpaca cloud suffered a great deal. Again, thankfully I had one more ball.

Can I get a hooyah for all the brave little blue fellers out there? H O O Y A H!!!!!!

The Vineyard Socks are finished. They just about came out perfect.

And I completed Clue 7 of Mystic Waters!!!! Only one more to go to be released Wednesday and this baby will be ready for blocking. I can't wait, this design is so beautiful.

Got Any Nitroglycerin To Spare?

2007-12-08T14:31:00.000-06:00

I just counted and we have 16 days before Christmas. Ya know, I'm a much happier person if allowed to dwell in the land of denial. Actually, of all the places I've lived it is my favorite. My daughter called me this morning asking if I was getting the "Christmas spirit." I told her I tried not to think about it because when I did I went into an anxiety attack thinking of how little time I have to get everything finished. Ya know what she said? "You better get to knittin!!!!!"

Maybe I won't give any gifts this year, I'll just get all these finished in time for next Christmas. What is wrong with me? Why is it I can't seem to get into the mood for scarves, mittens and the like until the weather is suitable. It would be like knitting a bikini for next summer right now. Totally absurd!!!!!

So puppies, we are back to"The Schedule." Although, I am not going to venture to say what I expect to get done by when since this is Saturday, my Sundays are crazy and Monday I have to go back up home. But this is where we stand as of now:

Tomten - I'm not sure but I think I hate the Tomten. I'm working on the hood part. To me it is just one big ugly brown glob. I HATE HIM!!!!!! But, I will finish, I will conquer!!!!!

Vineyard Socks - Turning the heel of second sock.

Spring Socks - Working on cuff of second sock.

Mystic Waters - More than halfway through latest clue, #7, it will be caught up and ready when the final clue, #8, is released on Wednesday.

Sara's Canterbury Memories Scarf - Moving right along.

La Dentelle Belle Scarf - 3 repeats, a ways to go.

MT's Christmas Socks - These are the Gentleman's Sock in Railway Stitch from Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I'm knitting the cuff, heel and toe in the tweed and the rest in the solid.

Okay, enough of reality, I'm going back to the happy knitting land of denial. Maybe the next time I emerge I'll have something to update.

This will not happen to me again!!!!! If I make it through this gift season I'm going to get a jump on next year. I swear it!!!!

Honestly folks!!!!!

2007-12-05T08:26:00.000-06:00

Honestly, how much garter stitch can one person endure for one day? I have a new mode of torture to offer here. As you well know, I finished clue 6 of Mystic Waters, thank the Good Lord, clue 7 just came out, and thought I'd get some of my other knitting, I can't say caught up, but further along.

Since the tomten (Aaron) has been making the most commotion around here I thought I'd try to get that thing on its way to being finished. I am seeing daylight at the end of the tunnel, but people, I think the light at the end isn't heaven, I think it is hell!!!!!! I mean really, look......it goes on forever!!!!!
I'm just a few inches short of putting all the stitches back on the same needles to begin the hood. In order to stave off complete lunacy every couple rows or so I diverted myself with some nice, fun ball winding. I've had some lace weight for quite some time. Ladies, you know the trick, you put a new dress in the back of the closet and about a week later when you pull it out to wear and the hubby says, "Is that new?", you say, "This? No I've had it stuck back in the closet for some time now." (Now, now, Sara, this is just a joke, you know your mommy would never do that to your naive, I mean sweet, caring father, this is just an example of things I've heard other women talking about. For shame, for shame!!!!!)

Anyways, back to the lace weight. You know I have several KALs starting in Jan '08. For most the yarn requirements have not been released but I went by their names and what most of the KALs have called for and went ahead and ordered my yarn from Knit Picks. So I had a ball winding party. Here it is, a Basket O'Fun.

Oh, yeah, another KAL addict, Sylvie, turned me on to a new group, I Love K And C Alongs. (knit alongs and crochet alongs). You ought to come join. We are starting a new KAL beginning this Friday for a gorgeous scarf done up in fingering weight. It is called: La Dentelle Belle Scarf. Gosh, I need some suitable fingering weight. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm............

Sylvie's blog's name is: Sylvie the Procrasknitter. Isn't that cute!!!!! Aaron and I came up with a new name for mine: The Dominknittrix. Oh, yeah!!!!!!

UPDATE:

After reading Loribird's comment I thought I'd add more info regarding the lace weights shown above. Following the order in the picture below from left to right: All are Knit Picks lace weights.

Shimmer in Morning Mist, Shadow in Vineyard, Shadow in Jewels and Shimmer in Turquoise Slendor.

Peacocks, Waters & Taffy

2007-12-03T19:44:00.000-06:00

Not much new around here. The weekend was busy and crazy so Emma and I didn't get to make the gingerbread house. Maybe this coming weekend.

I received the gorgeous pattern for the Pretty As A Peacock shawl and knitted up the swatch. It calls for US size 4s, 24 sts and 36 rows in stockinette creating a 4 x 4 inch swatch. I went down to a US size 3 and came up with a 4 x 4.5 inch swatch. I think I'm going to go with it. The yarn I chose is Knit Picks' Gloss in Woodland Sage.

I also just finished clue 6 of the Mystic Waters KAL. Just two more left I think. I can't wait to get it finished and wet blocked. This yarn should really "bloom." (David was my model.)

I've picked up some more yarn and goodies to ship to my friend in Norway, Heidi. She ordered some candy from a shop in San Diego, CA, had it sent here so I could send it with the stuff I got for her. She is such a sweet heart!!!!! She had them include a pound of salt water taffy for me!!!!! Isn't that sweet? Seriously, I have the best on-line friends. The candy store is Cousin's Candy Shops. As you can see, I've been putting quite a whuppin on that pound!!!!

Who You Callin Chicken Lips?

2007-11-29T19:17:00.000-06:00

Today didn't turn out anything like I had planned. Not that it was bad, but I figured I'd get lots and lots of knitting accomplished. But, alas, that was not to be. Jordan's girlfriend Jacque came in last night to visit until Sunday. Jordy has his 23rd b-day coming up on the 5th so she came to celebrate with us. We are getting some good visiting in. We all just love her!!!! Today was also Aaron's day off as it was Sara's. Sara came by and I told her about some beautiful superwash wool at our LYS that would be perfect for some scarves she is wanting to make.

I have always done some sort of needle/craft work as far back as my children can remember. Throughout Sara's childhood and young adulthood I tried to get her to let me teach her how to knit. She would have nothing to do with it. Several years ago while working as a flight attendant she struck up a conversation with one of the passengers who just happened to be knitting. Sara told her how I knitted and how I had always wanted to teach her. The lady told her that her mother had knitted as well and had always wanted to teach her. But that she didn't learn until after her mother's death and how she wished so much she had learned from her mother. The very next weekend Sara had off she headed for Bowling Green and asked if I would teach her. What a joy that was for me. And you know, she took right to it. I did have trouble the next week trying to instruct her how to cast off over the phone. Thanksfully she had another passenger that took care of that. :)

Anyways, so off we went to the yarn store. She chose some gorgeous stuff and I got some more of the yummy Kettle Dyed Malabrigo. I love this stuff, I think I want to sleep with it!!!!! And make babies with it!!!!!

After we left there we stopped by Wal-Mart to return a couple of things. I don't know if you saw this post, but, Sissy and I decided to have our own rendition. I think we can still safely call it Chicken and Duck Lips.

Today's Plan Was:

Complete 8 rows (RS & WS) on Mystic Waters. How about 2?
Get 5 more repeats on Sara's scarf done. More like 3.

Get 2nd sock done down ready to start the heel flap. Does the cuff count?
Finish first sock of the Spring Socks. Got it!!!!!

Torch and burn the Tomten (with Aaron in it) Opted against this one. Gonna recoup.

I probably won't get a lot done over the next several days. Tomorrow I have to go up home to take Nanny to the store and fix her medicine and then pick up my baby girl, Emma Belle. Then the weekend will be busy with visiting, b-day cooking & celebration, church and such. I got the cutest gingerbread house kit I'm planning on doing with Emma. Hopefully I will have a picture or two of that fiasco/event.

The Spring Sock:

I Think I'm Stupid......

2007-11-28T20:03:00.000-06:00

I can't say I feel I accomplished a lot today but, take a look-see:

Today's Plan:

Finish Vineyard Sock and cast on the other. Got it!!!
Get the armholes going on the Tomten. Story to follow.
Cast on the scarf. Check it out!!!
Begin Clue 6 of Mystic Waters. Yes sireee
Grocery shopping, UGH!!!!! Bluck........... yes.
Clean??????? Enough to look like I did something.

Not bad huh? I gotta couple of stories to tell ya. First, when I started Aaron's Tomten, way back sometime ago. I had someone else's copy of Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmerman that I have subsequently returned. Now, I can't say for sure but I don't think what I'm about to tell ya was mentioned in that book. So back in the beginning, I checked in with Brooklyntweed and found out what his measurements, gauge and such were and I set out like a bat out of ______. I think you get the picture. Now, I know I try to act like everything is cool, that I don't really sweat details and such. The truf of da matta is......it is a huge deal to me....HUGE. I like things done right. I was telling my friend, Peggy in Oregon , that I think a reason that I act so layed back is, well...... they put you in prison for things like that so I chose to take a chill pill. I find it difficult to be so forgiving for myself when I make mistakes or do something stupid.

Okay, so, I went off half-cocked. I cast on and knitted, knitted and knitted. I mean really, how hard can garter stitch be? Well.......I sent off an order to Knit Picks and one of the things I ordered was The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmerman. I received my order last night so I thought when I went to bed I'd read up on the Tomten so I'd be ready to start the armholes today. Well, frickin, fraggin, funnel cakes!!!! In this book she talks about working "short ridges" "to give a good shape to the back." So, am I going to just forget about it and act like I never saw that. Utilize the knitters "change of design" excuse, I mean improvement method? I mean, will it really make a difference? Or do I frog the stupid thing and start over? I don't know. But, that is why I haven't gotten more done on the Tomten. I'm in a fix of a fit.

The other story is, I think I'm stupid. When the children were little Nanny would get their Christmas presents and from Thanksgiving on, just about every time the kids were visiting they would find a toy she had "hidden." Hidden to her was stuck under the coach in the tv room where they were playing on the floor. Or on the bed in the extra bedroom, right off of the kitchen. I know she did it on purpose, but she swears she didn't. She was stupid. I wasn't going to mention or show pictures of the scarf that I'm making for Sara because I know she reads my blog from time to time. That really makes me happy by the way. Thanks Sissy!!!!! So, no biggee. However, I did put a picture and info on my Ravelry site entitled "Sara's Canterbury Memories Scarf." Who knew she would pop in this evening? I was busy making vegetable soup and noticed she was very interested in the monitor. It still didn't register until she said, "So, you're making me a scarf?" I even had the scarf in progress sitting here on the bar but I didn't worry about that because, I have lots of knitting laying here and there, she would never know what it was or who it was for. And that plan would have worked.......if I weren't stupid.

Progress in Pictures:

Printed Clue 6, colored the little squares and put in a lifeline.

Finished one sock and cast on the second.

Cast on and made some progress on SARA'S "Canterbury Memories Scarf." I love this yarn!!!!! I want more!!!!! I want a lot more!!!!! I want to marry it!!!!!!

Tomorrows Plan:

Complete 8 rows (RS & WS) on Mystic Waters.
Get 5 more repeats on Sara's scarf done.
Get 2nd sock done down ready to start the heel flap
Finish first sock of the Spring Socks
Torch and burn the Tomten (with Aaron in it)

A picture of two of our babies. They look kinda demonic, but so does everyone else in this house. Particularly me when I look at the ____________ you know what!!!! Katie Scarlet & Roegun.

Status Report

2007-11-27T22:13:00.000-06:00

Well, I fell short of my ambitious agenda for today. There were some things that kinda got in the way. My boys were both off today and they like to pop into the kitchen for a wee bit of chat, this greatly slows down the lace knitting, if not bringing it to a screeching halt. I had to go to my LYS to pick up some yarn to ship to my friend in Norway, Heidi. Ya can't just go in and get what you came for ya know. It isn't like picking up a gallon of milk. The whole dang staff leap for joy when they see me coming. "Peggy, did you see this? Look what so-and-so is knitting with this. Isn't this heavenly?" It isn't that I'm so popular. I think you know the reason they love me so. :) My hairdresser has been on maternity leave and today was the day she could give me some color, actually cover up the silver that is besetting me. I did get quite a bit done on the sock there though. So, the goal wasn't completely met but that is okay, there is always tomorrow. Think happy thoughts.

Today's Schedule Was:

Get the remaining 16 (counting RS & WS) rows of Mystic Waters completed, ready for Clue 6 on Wednesday. Completaruno

Finish the one sock and cast on the other. Need about 1/2" before I start the toe.

Knit the additional two inches of the Tomten, separate the sections and get started on the fronts and back. Nada!!! But I did get The Opinionated Knitter today.

Get all the house work done that I didn't do today. Dream on!!!!!

AND cast on a scarf. Noppie, but I did get the yarn.

Tomorrow's Plan of Action:

Finish sock and cast on the other.

Get the armholes going on the Tomten.

Cast on the scarf.

Begin Clue 6 of Mystic Waters.

Grocery shopping, UGH!!!!!

Clean???????

Mystic Waters Clue 5:

The gorgeous Malabrigo worsted weight in Pagoda I picked up for said scarf and enough for a hat as well.

I'll check in tomorrow. :)

Doable? You Darn Tootin!!!!!!

2007-11-26T19:22:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to ignore the fact that Christmas is quickly coming closer. I was being somewhat successful but then everyone on my "Daily Haunts" blog reading list has been talking about their Christmas knitting queue. Well, not everyone, but enough of them have. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas. I was just trying to thwart off the pressure and anxiety procrastination brings. But alas, the time has come to face the drum.

I read on the Yarn Harlot's blog that she has a friend who organizes all the Christmas knitting she, the Harlot, needs to accomplish with the amount of time left between now and Christmas into a knitting plan. I thought hey, that's what I need, except for the fact I don't even know what all I want to knit or for who. I give my sisters socks and I think I only have one pair to go on those. I dream of matching scarves, hats and mittens, fingerless gloves, throws and satchels. Why in the name of all goodness, honesty and world peace did I fiddle fart around?

Anyways, I decided that it is ALL doable. I just need a little direction. So, today my schedule called for:

Sara wants to give her Mother-In-Law, Ann, a pair of socks for Christmas. Sara doesn't know how to knit socks. Enters SUPERMOM. I was to get the first sock done to the turning of the heel. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!
I lack five inches from being at the under-arm of Aaron's Tomten. Goal - get five inches finished today so I'll be ready to split it up and continue with the front and back. I have three inches completed. I might finish tonight.
Get 10 rows completed on the Mystic Waters Shawl KAL. Zilch.
Get the living room all cleaned, swept and mopped. Still filthy.
Get Emma's room organized and straightened, along with the guest bedroom. Do I really need to say anything?

Okay, I didn't reach each goal, but I did make progress. Plus, I have been freezing all day. The wind has been whipping, the sky totally covered, rain falling and we keep our thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing!!!! The temperature slows the knitting down as does having to keep hot beverages going. Another issue, it gets dark, not dusk, we are talking dark by 5-5:30 here. It will be 6:00 pm and ya think it is surely 11:00 pm. It works on the ole psyche. And Monday is David's day off. How am I supposed to work when he is laying around goofing off? Really!!!!

Tomorrow's schedule is (schedule is pronounced shedual in this instance):

Get the remaining 16 (counting RS & WS) rows of Mystic Waters completed, ready for Clue 6 on Wednesday.
Finish the one sock and cast on the other.
Knit the additional two inches of the Tomten, separate the sections and get started on the fronts and back. If I don't get them finished tonight.
Get all the house work done that I didn't do today.
AND, cast on a scarf.

This is the beginning of the socks. I'm calling them the Vineyard Socks because the yarn makes me think of the various color stages of grapes. I'm so creative!!!!!

Think only happy thoughts my way. Happy thoughts only please. We can do it. Last week when we went up to see Emma's Thanksgiving Program at her school, afterward we went to her house. While Sara and I were showing Tabby Sara's wedding pictures David was chasing Emma and her little sister, Ava, acting like a monster. Ava, 3, came over and said "We have to save Emma from de monsta, de monsta gonna get Emma, come on we can do it if we wurk togeder." We can do it IF we work together. Happy thoughts.

One Down, ??? To Go

2007-11-24T10:28:00.000-06:00

Last night I finished and blocked Secret of the Stole. It turned out really beautiful. I'm looking forward to wearing it tomorrow to church and the Secret of the Stole II set to begin in January. Such fun!!!! I figured out where that Tomten voice was coming from. Last night I told Aaron I was just finishing this KAL and he said, "Well, you aren't signing up for anymore are you? You need to be working on my Tomten." I didn't say a word. Little jerk!!!

I've written a new lyrics to a Beach Boys song - I Wish They All Could Be KAL-Knittin Girls. Here are the finished pictures. It is difficult to get the full image, maybe I'll get a picture tomorrow of me sporting it.

Now I'm off to finish the latest clue of Mystic Waters.

Decrees - Life or Death?

2007-11-22T19:02:00.000-06:00

In the musical Wicked, once Elphaba, commonly but wrongly called the Wicked Witch of the West, realizes that everything she has ever attempted to do for good has seemingly turned to bad she sings a song, "No Good Deed." She states,

No good deed goes unpunished
No act of charity goes unresented
No good deed goes unpunished
That's my new creed
My road of good intentions
Led where such roads always lead
No good deed
Goes unpunished!

Later in the same song she makes a decree.

No good deed goes unpunished
All helpful urges should be circumvented
No good deed goes unpunished
Sure, I meant well -
Well, look at what well-meant did:
All right, enough - so be it
So be it, then:
Let all Oz be agreed
I'm wicked through and through
Since I can not succeed
Fiyero, saving you
I promise no good deed
Will I attempt to do again
Ever again
No good deed
Will I do again!

I'm thinking about changing some of those words so that they fit me. I'm thinking about it, but you know ya gotta be careful when you start making those decrees. They can alter the paths your life takes. These are the words I'm thinking of changing them to with the final decree. Now, I'm not stating these words nor the decree. These are just thoughts.....just......thoughts.

No good KAL will be noticed
No Lace knitting takes up all your time
No good KAL will be noticed
That's my new creed
My road of shawls & stoles
Led where such roads always lead
No good KAL will be noticed!!

No good KAL will be noticed
All lace knitting urges should be circumvented
No good KAL will be noticed
Sure, I meant well -
Well, look at what well-meant did
All right, enough, so be it
So be it, then:
Let all the world be agreed
I'm wicked through and through
Since I can not succeed
UFOs, knitting you
I promise no good KAL
Will I ever join again
Every again
No good KAL
will I join again!!!

On the road up home to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family I cast on another sock. While knitting this sock Aaron's Tomten began talking to me from my knitting bag. He stated that if I weren't involved in so many KALs I would be able to finish him in time for Christmas. He went on to say that if I would quit adulterating with all the frilly, little lace thingys I would have plenty of time to knit all the socks, sweaters, scarves, gloves, mittens and this unbelievable dressing gown. He said, heck, then you'd actually be able to get some use out of that spinning wheel you had such a fit about getting. By the time I got to my mother's I was pretty well whupped. This stupid Tomten even had the nerve to stick his head out of the knitting bag when my family was going on about my socks and the felted bag. Nodding his silly little head and saying, See? These are the things that really get attention out here in the REAL world and not in your little KAL internet world.

So I got to thinking, maybe that is what I should do. I mean I should complete these KALs I'm working on right now and those I've already signed up for that start at the first of the year. But after that I should stop. I should wash my hands of all KALs. How many shawls/stoles can one person use anyways? I thought, I should make a decree - I will NOT join anymore KALs. Then I really started having totally crazy thoughts. My thoughts began to race toward the other end of the spectrum. I began thinking I should just frog everything but the KALs. That Tomten had just about put me over the edge folks. I thought to myself, "Peggy Lynn, girl, you gotta getta hold of yo'self. You gonna start letting some stupid boring brown Tomten boss you around? Girl, since when did you take to take'n bossin from anybody, especially from that ole thing?"

So, ya know what I did? ........I came home and joined a new KAL on Ravelry. It is Plumes of the Peacock KAL and this is the pattern. There is also another group separate from the Ravelry group doing the same thing

I have also reswatched for the Spring Shawl Surprice. I will show the two together.

The one on the left was knitted using US size 2's. The blocked dimensions are 5.5" x 4.25". The one on the right was knitted using US size 3's. The blocked dimensions are 6" x 5". Even with the size 2's my swatch is bigger than the designer's swatcher's swatch which is 4.7" x 3.9" I think I am going to size with the size 2's.

It's all good. And no decrees slippin passed these lips!!!

Maybe I should be singin that song, "Oopps, I did it again."