Nanny, nanny, boo, boo

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!!!!

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

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?

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

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......"

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?

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!!!!!

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

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?

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......

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

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!!!!!!

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

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?

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."

Happy Turkey Day!!!!

I just finished clue 7 of the Secret of the Stole KAL. The final clue comes out Friday. We also get to find out the theme at that time, I think. I don't have a clue except it has something to do with royalty and all that. Notice the swords?

Tuesday we went up to see Emma Belle's kindergarten Thanksgiving program, "No Turkey for Perky." Perky is a dog, it is a long story, suffice it to say that Perky no longer gets turkey on Thanksgiving. Emma, in her own words was "just a singer." But, and this isn't biased in the least, she was the best performing singer there was up there. The girl can swing those hips let me tell ya.

Over a year ago, maybe even two, she came walking up to me swinging her hips from side to side and said, "Gammy, why do you walk like this?" Then about a month later I picked her up and she said, "Gammy, when I get big and I have a big butt like yours I'll walk just like you."

Here is a picture of my little hip swinger and her Aunt Sara. Sara brought her flowers for her debut.

Heading Down Stream

Welp, I have completed clue 4 of the Mystic Waters KAL. That means I am half way through. Therefore, I am a headin down stream. This shawl is going to be gorgeous. This particular picture was taken just kinda stretched out, I didn't take the time to pin it. I'm now trying to get caught up on SOTS.