Rabies On My Shoe

For Tina

2011-05-06T08:37:00.003-05:00

This is how he likes to carry the ball! Not by the handle, but from the bottom. And he only gets the ball while we are outside playing with him. Now it looks like the old one from last August.

Meanwhile, I'm still knitting (lots), spinning (some) and tweeting every day. Chat with me on Twitter or find me on Facebook

Fun!

2010-11-01T10:36:00.001-05:00

A kindergarten pupil told his teacher he’d found a cat, but it was dead.

How do you know that the cat was dead? she asked him.

Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move. answered the child innocently.

You did WHAT?! the teacher exclaimed in surprise.

You know, explained the boy, I leaned over and went Pssst! And it didn’t move.

Sharing the love

2010-09-23T12:43:00.004-05:00

I have a problem. I'm addicted to lotions. Seriously. At any point you can go in my purse and there will be at least 3 lotions. I like choices.
I don't remember how I found Margaret, but when I saw her Etsy shop and all the packages of samples she sells, I almost swooned. (hehe, picture me swooning and laugh your ass off)

Look:

These are just 2 of the many I purchased. They have 8 samples in a set, EIGHT samples in a sweet little bag. Heaven! These make great treats to put in a card or just have a few in your purse.

She also sells full size lotions, but I fell hard for the "Tottle"
Its a 1 oz refillable lotion bottle. Perfect for the project bag, purse or car!

The lotion itself is perfect. Not too heavy, absorbs quickly and non-staining. Perfect for your knit kit. I actually feel like the "cracks" in my hands have been filled in. The scents are nice, there are plenty of choices and none that I tried was overwhelming in any way. (I don't like per-fumy scents). I applied the lotion about 10 AM and at 2 PM my hands still feel nice and soft.

OH and most importantly, the service is 5 Star. You should know I'm big on customer service. If I'm giving you my money I at least want a "thank-you". Margaret is quick to convo and super pleasant.

Go. Buy. You won't be sorry.

Friday Funny

2010-08-20T08:25:00.001-05:00

Jen's kitty needs glasses....

Wordless Wednesday- Family Talents

2010-08-18T19:24:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-11T16:59:00.002-05:00

Friday Funny

2010-08-06T14:47:00.005-05:00

The Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

The Cat's Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...

"I am your Evil Overlord. Fear Me"

Wordless Wednesday- Old and New

2010-08-04T07:03:00.003-05:00

Birthday Yarn

2010-08-02T08:23:00.002-05:00

Noolie sent me a skein of Great Northern Yarns 70% Mink 30% cashmere yarn for my birthday in June and I immediately began scouring Ravelry for the perfect pattern to use up every last yummy morsel.
I finally decided on Lacy Baktus.

This is the softest most delicious yarn evah'!
The pattern is quick and easy and now I have an awesome scarf to wear as soon as the weather turns back to coolness (0h Please God, let it cool down soon!)

The girls (2 cuties that I've been babysitting this summer) had a good time modeling and there was a slight struggle for scarf ownership, but I traded some cookies to get it back safe and sound ;)

I need to get some more of this yarn!

Some Spinning

2010-07-30T08:41:00.004-05:00

Actual spinning content!
Look at this, 190 yards worsted weight and spindle spun
The fiber is Country Redwood Roving center pull bump, 70% alpaca "Baja", 30% merino and was a bday gift last year ? or maybe the year before that? from Noolie. I finally finished it up on the spindle then plied it on the wheel. The best fiber I have is gifted from other spinners, thanks Noolie!

Becky (beangirl on Ravelry) gifted me with this Spunky Eclectic fiber in June and I became obsessed- its Merino/silk 80/20, "Goblin Eyes"

I LOVE the colors and the name and it spun up like a dream

98 yards of worsted in a squishy delicious yarn. I loves it!

In other news its hot. Really, really hot. I'm tired of face sweat and humidity and am longing for sweater weather. How about you?

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-28T15:39:00.001-05:00

June Post way late.

2010-07-11T09:55:00.002-05:00

I've had these pictures ready to go for weeks now, but have no motivation to do the words or any linking. But really, can I just post the pics? mmmnn, think not. So, I'll do some words and trust that if anyone is really interested they can look the projects up on my Ravelry page, k?

First, 2nd and 3rd pics are crochet or knit baby cocoons for a photographer friend of mine. No pattern, I was just making it up as I went along

2 washcloths from the Monthly Dishcloth KAL on yahoo groups

This was a great easy no brainer project- a stockingnet stitch blanket out of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. It was made to replace a little boy's lovie blanket that was loved to shreds. I really hope this one gets the same treatment. There is nothing better than a well loved knit
Finally I did Mom-mom a pair of anklets for her birthday in the beginning of June

Now I need to tell you about the Awesome Sweater I knit for Nelkin Designs- but I'll do that later ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-07-07T15:52:00.002-05:00

So True

2010-06-30T06:03:00.000-05:00

Truths For Grown Ups

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this - ever.

15. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

16. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

17. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

18. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

19. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

20. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

21. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

22. I would rather try to carry 10 over-loaded plastic bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

23. The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

24. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

25. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

26. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

27. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

28. Is it just me or do high school kids get dumber & dumber every year?

29. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

30. As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate bicyclists.

31. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

32. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my *** everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

Seriously....

2010-06-23T07:12:00.000-05:00

Play time

2010-06-18T08:36:00.002-05:00

its bad when they try to do this inside :)

Feeling vindicated

2010-06-17T09:40:00.001-05:00

I'm a grump and I'm proud!

Procrastination

2010-06-17T07:43:00.008-05:00

I really don't want to do anything that I'm supposed to be doing today. Instead I'll post some pictures ;)

The gang + Bogey waiting for the magic word that lets them go out
Gunnar, Bogey and Paladin

We went to Hershey, PA Monday night and saw the Hershey Bears win the Calder cup!!!! (yes we were in the next-to-the-last-row from the top. if we were in the last row, we would have had more room!) Great game, nice arena, nice crowd (this coming from someone who regularly goes into Philly for sporting events)

A fun little video of the championship excitement....

Something I love

2010-06-16T10:49:00.001-05:00

I LOVE this song. Really, truly and excessively.

a whole new level of crazy

2010-06-12T06:42:00.004-05:00

Bogey is here. He grew lots since I saw him in December, yikes!
Meanwhile, Max is staying cool
But Maeve is NOT AMUSED.
(Not pictured here are my 3 plus Rocky the bulldog)

"Seriously?? 6 dogs? What are you trying to do to me?"

Monthly post....

2010-05-05T07:46:00.007-05:00

Jeez, if I ever get my act together, I'd be dangerous.... seems I'm on a monthly posting schedule no matter what my intentions are, bah. So here is a pic of Gunnar for no other reason than its cute
And then there was the Monthly dishcloth KAL for April 1:
A pair of Monster socks for the boy done in the Regia Sock Monster color 1805.
He is not amused....
A sample knit for Nelkin Designs, the Winterlude Shawl
The Monthly Dishcloth Mid month KAL

and that's it for now

Packages from afar

2010-04-06T06:07:00.006-05:00

Back in February I received the best package from Canada. Specifically from Charity ! She sent a fun Pokemon game for the boy, fiber, candy, yarn, a lamb (Meekins she is living with my ladybug wheel right now) and some totally nifty sew items like a tissue pack holder and key fob.Can you see the yarn? Kidsilk haze! yummie! And the fiber? You can't see the color of the ball, but its just beautiful PLUS the white package is SILK- squeeeee. Dye or spin as is? gonna be a tough call. There was 2 small boxes of candy too, a HUGE chocolate covered cherry in each. I shared one with The Mayor and hid the other (so well that I can't find it now). So good. I googled , but it looks like they are only made in Canada. There are a few on line retailers though, so I may have to get more.

I forgot to put these socks in last weeks post. A pair of "Purse Socks". You know, the socks you carry around with you and work on while waiting? They are Austermann Step in color 0027

My basic sock recipe on us 1's. Fun color and I made no effort to match. I think they are more fun this way.

I'm working on a sample knit for Nelkin Designs Its a great knit and I'm sure it will be very popular. The new purse socks are for The Mayor. They take no time at all! I'm already done the first and of course its the beginning of the month so there is a new dishcloth design to knit as well.

The new laptops are working out OK. Windows 7 is very different and I'm trying figure out how to do stuff without locking it up every day, but no go so far. Not sure if its the OS or the user ;) But I did get all my iTunes music and podcasts onto the new so that's the most important thing.

I think I'm going to look for that other chocolate covered cherry now....

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T05:49:00.008-05:00

OK puppies! Look Here! Say Happy Easter!
look here, look, look......

OK guys, try again! Here, look here! No, HERE.......

Once more for the blog.... come on! Look Here...

OK that's about as good as its gonna get . One out of 3 with no helper to wrangle the dogs while I snap pics. (there are LOTS more, but theses are the only ones in focus)

I've had lots of guest doggies recently so they all got to participate in the Easter shenangins ;)

Here is Max, he will do anything for the boy, including leaving on silly bunny ears so I can get a picture.
Shane will do anything for a cookie. He's a cookie 'ho. This is why one if his knicknames is "Fattycakes". Oh wait, its one of mine too...
Here is Raschal. Raschal says, "I'm sooooo excited to see the Easter Bunny, I think I'm gonna pee. Oh wait, I did. Pee that is. Sorry."
Its ok Rascal. Its not you, its your breed. Cockerpoo's are not known for their strong bladders ;)

(see Noolie, ANYTHING to avoid housework!)

Happy Easter everybody!

In Reverse Order

2010-04-02T07:39:00.007-05:00

Because this is how blogger loaded them and I have not figured out how to move them on the new laptop.... (new OS, and the the touchpad are giving me fits)

I've been doing a ton of knitting this year, really look:
A mini reversible duck to bunny
'I used some Cotton Fleece and Patons (gold for the ducks bill and feet) and us 5 needles.
It was totally rockin cute. I say was because yesterday Paladin grabbed it off the breakfast bar and "loved it up". One ear is mangled on the bunny and the bunny face is messed up. Plus its covered in dog spit now. gggrrrr, not like the floor does not have 10 bones and dog toys littered around, Pal has a thing for handknits and handspun.

I wrote a crochet cowl and fingerless mitts pattern for Schaefer yarn Miss Priss.
Its a fun project and you can get both out of one skein! The pattern will come out sometime in the fall.

I knit the Snuggler Model for Nelkin Designs

What a great hoodie! I really had a hard time giving it back. I used Schaefer Heather in Indigo. The fabric has such a delicious feel, totally yummy. My only problem was that I knit it in a medium and have not been a "medium" since before the boy was born ;) I had a friend model it and was was in love with the lace on the sleeves and the pocket!
The pattern is great, the lace makes it fun and I'd love to do another in my size. Seriously, I'm gonna knit a sweater for ME this year.

I did a soaker too for the friend of a friend-
Patons classic wool in bright red and I added some crocheted butt ruffles! too cute!

I've been knitting the dishcloths from the Monthly dishcloth KAL group too- I'm going to try to do them all this year (and get the stash down) (all Ravelry links) So, that's 6 already! go me.

All in addition to being sicksicksick, working, babysitting and dogsitting! But at least I have a good (?) working laptop now so I'm hoping this will let me blog more often..... maybe:) we will see...

Not dead yet...

2010-03-28T06:20:00.002-05:00

Seriously. I'll put up a real blog soon!
Its been a crazy sicky winter with TONS of knitting and dogs. I've spent most of the time reading and tweeting but the NEW LAPTOP has finally arrived so once all the files and programs are transferred I'm hoping to be much more productive (aka not waiting for things to load/startup and walking away in frustration)
There. I've said it so now I have to do it.

Dat's a lotta snow

2010-02-06T14:37:00.004-05:00

The dogs are leaping through the snow like dolphins

and too busy playing to listen or even potty! I wish we had a dog sled to hook them up and pull.

Merry Christmas, Hunney!

2010-01-29T07:25:00.004-05:00

While I can knit a pair of socks in 4 days, these took me 5 months. whoops.In my defense, they were travel socks so I mostly knit them while waiting for the boy at karate (45 mins 2-3x a week ) and even then other projects trumped the Trekking socks. Oh well, they are done at last and only a little late to be a stocking stuffer.

pattern:Charade
yarn: Trekking xxl, color 70
size: US men's 9

fun pattern and easy to memorize (only 2 rows!) I'll prolly knit them again.

(yes I made him stand on the bench for the pics. He did not complain- much)

Word Verification Fun

2010-01-19T18:25:00.001-05:00

Distrap: not dat trap.

Handknit socks in 4 days

2010-01-17T10:29:00.004-05:00

I almost boogered it up this year. Oma's birthday comes the same time every year so you would think I'd have it down by now but no. Wednesday I realized her day was Sunday- 4 days away, crap. I'd already purchased the yarn specifically for her it was just a matter of getting it done. I knit her socks for Christmas and her birthday because 1. she loves them so much and tells me. 2. she had chemo a few years ago and hand knit socks are good for the problem feet.

My gauge changed a little as I knit last night at the Wings game (indoor lacrosse), but I steam blocked them and it was good.

Gifted this morning and modeled for pics as long as I didn't get her whole self in pj's ;)

Whew.

Now to get my plan together for the Jr. Great Books group starting this week and I'll feel like I'm finally digging out of the hole.

Good Morning Saturday, anybody want a dog?

2010-01-16T09:33:00.003-05:00

There was an attempt at sleeping in this morning. Paladin had other ideas. He busted out of his crate, scattered shoes and gloves and then DUG TO THE BOTTOM OF MY YARN BASKET for the darning egg. The very bottom. This is the second time he has dug the darning egg out.
The boy put bad puppy back in his crate where he (the dog, not boy) proceeded to cry and be crazy. Fed up and now wide awake, I stomped out to the dining room and yelled, whereupon puppy boy promptly released his entire bladder. Shoot me.

I took the darning egg and asked him if "he did this?"

He went right for it. There must be something really attractive about the darning egg.
He does not look sorry, does he?

Word Verification Fun

2010-01-09T17:50:00.001-05:00

migica: n. 1. a tiny bit of magic. 2. a small fairy type of creature.

I haz a talented family.

2010-01-08T16:35:00.005-05:00

Christmas party at Mom-mom's, 3 of 5 showing off some mad skilz

I ask you, does it get any better? ;)

Well then of course there is knitting!

Ivy Vines knit for my BFFSorry about the goofy eyes M! This shows the colorway the best
I used Schaefer Yarns Martha in Pomegranate. The yarn is divine! My only mod was to make it 1 pattern repeat longer . It was still drying when she arrived with the girls for a nice 3 day visit.

There has been some spinning as well, but I still need to get pix.

Oh and Happy New Year! Hopefully this will bring a year of "Better Blogging" but I'm not promising anything.

ttfn

Snow Daze

2009-12-21T11:24:00.002-05:00

24 " of snow makes it a bit uncomfortable to do doggie "business" outside ;)

But they had fun anyway.

Actual knitting content

2009-12-20T17:51:00.008-05:00

In between the Nano movies, I AM knitting, see:Bines in Schaefer Heather, Sage colorway. Good pattern, great socks! I wish these were for me but alas, they were a project for Schaefer yarn. I managed to knit Oma Blu's Christmas socks in plenty of time! I used the Easy Worsted Weight Sock pattern and Encore Worsted for a pair of comfy house socks. I only used ONE skein! there was about 1 yard to spare. She has a women's size 9 or 10 foot in case you were wondering. (that's my size 6 foot modeling) I also got the chance to knit the Anne Slanting Lace Scarf as a sample knit for Schaefer. Knit on us7's (bamboo this time) it was an easy knit until.... I blocked and found a dropped stitch!! NooooooThe drop was close enough to the end of the scarf that I could rip and fix in an afternoon. I took pictures after I ripped and got it back on the needles to take advantage of the good light
The colorway is Sophia Smith, lots of pinks and blues. It will make an awesome spring scarf
I took these pictures on Friday before it snowed. There is NO WAY I could take any outdoor pics now! We got about 24" of snow. The boy and the dogs are loving it. I would enjoy it but have a stupid stinkin' cold most likely from pre-school. The kids like to give the gift that keeps on giving ;)

Hoping to post again soon but if not have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Now with Sound

2009-12-19T08:46:00.002-05:00

We had another belt graduation last night. This quarter was bow staff. He has the same size bow as the other kids even though he is the smallest and manages to do pretty well. The boy is now a Red II belt. Just a few more till Black Belt.

I wanted to post a cute thing he said a while ago and it goes like this:
Boy and Daddy were watching a show on Animal Planet about bears (I was at the laptop and not paying too much attention). There was a mommy bear with 2 cubs and the narrator was explaining that a male bear will kill the cubs and mate with the female.

The boy says " If he kills her babies, she will NEVER want to be with him!"

I almost fell off my chair laughing and told him he was TOTALLY right.

A little holiday music to brighten your day

2009-12-15T12:44:00.003-05:00

wonder if I should help him with the words?

Na, its the cute abbreviated version

Ding Dong

2009-12-14T07:38:00.001-05:00

For SIL #1 who LOVES the muppets. I will be singing this all day

Hat in Action

2009-12-12T11:59:00.005-05:00

Here he is, wearing the Elf hat and showing Santa what he wants out of the Lego catalog (just like everything). Note the card he made for Santa on the arm of the couch....

Ho, Ho, Ho!

2009-12-11T09:06:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas!!!
Elf Hat, kit by Material Whirled

Originally the plan was to knit the hat for ME and wear it to preschool. Almost as soon as it was finished the boy asked "Mom! is that for me?!" And that is all it takes for me to give up a handknit.....maybe he will let me borrow it next week for our Christmas party.

Do you have little ones in your house? Then go here http://portablenorthpole.tv
Its the cutest thing evah'! You personalize Santa's message to your child including your location and even upload a picture of him/her that shows in Santa's book. The boy almost pee'd himself this morning when he watched it.

I need to block and photograph Oma Blu's house socks and another pair that I knit for Schaefer yarn then I'll post again!

Saturday Sewing

2009-11-21T16:25:00.002-05:00

In 6 hours of sewing today I:
1 fixed a pair of pants (got the thigh wear from "chub rub")
2. finished a Tuck Away Tote
Please don't ask about the fabric, I have no idea. But I did get the pattern from YouCanMakeThis.com.

Sorry about the sideways pic...

3. 2 count 'em 2 doggies!!!

One is going to Canada for Gwen and the other is one of my PIF's - I'll tell which went where after my PIF gets hers.

Whew! not bad methinks.

Now to knit a pair of socks that need to go out 1 week from Monday.

Word Verification Fun

2009-11-21T09:35:00.005-05:00

Shamelessly stolen from Sara and also from commenting on her blog...

bedsmor: n. when you get stuck between the mattress and the box spring

Getting ready for winter

2009-11-20T16:52:00.006-05:00

I love cowls for the winter. I call them mufflers since they "muffle" the boy's voice . Cowls don't drag on the ground or get all mucky. There is no end to grab and choke. They are the perfect winter accessory. I really needed to do a new cowl for Poquito this winter and found Windschief- perfect!
I did the smallest size and used yarn I reclaimed from KnitBoss's ex-boyfriend sweater. (it was not just the sweater curse. The guy was a jerk) Anyway, the yarn is great, Karabella Luna, a discontinued superwash in the perfect little boy blue.I didn't do the Windschief hat yet since Poquito wears baseball hats all year round, but really wanted some nice mittens to match. Something with a flip top that he can use at the bus stop or recess and Laura Nelkin's Flip Top mittens were the ticket !Actually the pattern calls for a fingering weight yarn and I was using a worsted but a quick swatch on 5's gave me 6spi which worked perfect for knitting the smallest size mittens. I needed no other mods. I love her patterns. Seriously well written.
Here he is modeling both, just waiting for the colder weather.

I'll do some regular mittens next and use the same yarn & numbers. Now fingers crossed we actually get some snow this year and it does not all go north again!

Cub Scout Salute- Heros who keep us safe

2009-11-18T20:42:00.005-05:00

This is what Poquito drew at the cub scout meeting tonight:

"Jall U.S.A.S"
(jail USA's)
I love his little boy art style!

Sew buttons on your underwear

2009-11-10T07:47:00.008-05:00

Why is blogger underlining everything? (oh, ok seems to be fixed now...)
So.
Sew buttons on your underwear.
Did anyone else say this as a kid/pre-teen?

I've been taking some classes at Hayes Sewing- the BEST place for classes evah'. I have NO sewing background and have always just sewn by the seat of my pants (and not well). So to have something like this:

just thrills me to no end. Plus it fits (bonus). Its the KWIK START Learn to sew pattern 3302 and I used a cotton fabric. I only had to stay after once to rip and re-sew (RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, duh)

Next I took the Carol's Zoo class and made this poka-dot puppy:
The boy picked the pattern AND fabric. Dottie came out pretty well, I must say. He is very soft and cuddly and has spent every night in bed with the boy. I think he is a success. In fact I was asked if I was "working on the next project for him". huh?

I did some crochet recently too... this is a Snuggle Bug. Mom needed a gift for a co-worker and I did NOT feel like another pair of booties.

Its really different- I wish I had one when the boy was a baby.

Can you guess what this is?

more evidence in my defense when I murderlize puppy boy.... it WAS a 3 ply handspun light fingering weight yarn for socks. I cannot turn my back for a SECOND. You can imagine what it looked like before I untangled..... sigh. He is going to be the death of me. Anyone want a dog?

P.I.F.'ers

2009-11-10T07:43:00.003-05:00

Ok looks like I have:
Nichole
Becky
Amanda
Rosie (your addy is the one on your site, correct?)
and Anonymous (please contact me with your real name and snail mail addy- cbast25 at yahoo dot com)

gonna be fun!!!

I promise that in the next 6 months you will receive something handmade by me. Then its your turn to gift 5 more people.

Now, what to make? hhmmm

P.I.F.

2009-11-02T19:20:00.002-05:00

Look at what came in the mail! My Pay It Foward giftie from Beth Casey at Lorna's Laces!I was shocked that I was actually one of the first 5 to respond to her offer of Pay It Foward and now its my turn to PIF

I think I've tried this before, but never followed through. This time its for real. If I have 5 readers -I used to have 5 but Mom got blog blocked at work so I'm down to 4. Anyway, the first 5 to respond to this post (and send me your mailing addy if I don't have) will get a hand made gift from ME some time within um, 6 months of this post.

Rule: you gotta promise to pay it forward as well.

Warning: I'm taking sewing classes, I'm not very good but I am enthusiastic. Something may get sewn.

Any takers?

one month later....

2009-10-31T08:58:00.007-05:00

in no particular order

a test knit Hot Chilly Hat in Plymouth Encore (left over from the boring blanket). Fun pattern, quick hat. Great for gifts.
a Devious Bunny. He was supposed to be an Angry Bunny as all my embroidered faces look angry, but this guy just looks devious. I guess my skills are improving
an Amigurumi Candy Corn because I had leftovers from the hat below and thought it would be fun to wear 'inside" the hat and pull it out as a suprise. I know I'm weird, but the preschoolers LOVED it
a Candy Corn Hat because it was sold as a kit by Material Whirled and I thought it was way funny. Again with the weird...

a crocheted Ninja. Unfortunately, ninja guy is deceased after a run in with the bad puppy boy. Luckily for puppy boy, the ninja stars came out the next day. So I guess you could say it was *all right in the end* (the sense of humor of a 10 yr old, that's me)a *real* Ninja

and various test knits that I cannot blog yet.

Happy Halloween!

Muh-haha

2009-09-27T09:28:00.004-05:00

I'm finally donedonedone the boring blanket. Only 1 week past due! shoot me if I ever agree to this color scheme again. It didn't help that I'm having all kinds of problems with my right heel and its very uncomfortable to stand for periods of time (oh yeah, spent lots of time at the foot dr. this summer getting multiple shots IN MY HEEL then going to physical therapy. fun times)Here it is still on the loom, but I had just spent 5+ hours just tying on the FRINGE.....ggaahhhh.and here it is off the loom... all 54" square of double weaving. Phew, done. Now to get it to Mom-mom to wrap and gift.

Meanwhile, I had the dogs chase the Frisbee for 20 minutes so they would sit for a photo:

They look innocent enough, especially the white one in the back... but if you follow my tweets, you know how much trouble he gets into!

Speaking of trouble...... check out these 22 seconds of cuteness:

The Mayor had belt graduation and everyone did a quick nun chuck demo to music.... sorry no sound, but you can see he is enjoying himself.

"The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

2009-09-08T14:52:00.002-05:00

let's all sing along.....
2nd grade, oh wow.
Fingers crossed I can get back on schedule and do more bloging, less Tweeting

Where every day is Fursday

2009-08-03T21:02:00.006-05:00

Wow, finally a bit of time to blog instead of tweet...

A few weekends ago we took Gunnar (and the boy) to a herding clinic. Very much fun all around.

When you first get into herding and livestock, you need to learn how the animals will respond to different pressures so YOU go out first and "herd"DH herding sheep. Harder than it looksFinally Gunnar got a turn! OH BOY, He loved it! He was doing his puppy bark and trying hard to get those sheep

The corgi's are back for their holiday. They came for a weekend (last) and now are back for the week. They make themselves right at home

Of couse Peppy was here too. Hanging on the couch (doh) with his buddy
I call this shot "Little Evils"

Chestnut belongs to another friend of ours and she was here for the week too. (the got her a few Christmases ago and her boy would sing "Chestnuts roasting over an open fire" to her)Such a happy well behaved puppy! I miss her wiggle butt

Shea is Peppy's best-ist buddy and they wrestle all the time. She is very gentle and will lay down so he can nibble her ears.

7 dogs at one time, mostly over weekends and this is why I had to dump the bagless vacumn 3 times on Sunday. Only 3? well, I've been sweeping a bit each day to keep the fur down. Right now we have just the 5 puppers and the house seems quiet.

In knitting news.... I finished and shipped another set of projects for Schaefer yarn, this one not to be blogged. Now I can get back to work on my rainbow socks and maybe even some weaving.

Can you believe its August already? WTF happened to June? The summer is just flying by

Fursday on Saturday

2009-07-11T19:52:00.003-05:00

Mishap says "Just.Leave.Me.Alone"

Busy busy summer! Can you believe its July already? I'm still wondering where June went.

I finished up another sock for Schaefer yarn, but the color is red and I CANNOT get a decent picture to save my life. Its a beautiful color, the pattern is lots of fun and I'm sure everyone will LOVE it. Here is a peek:
and that's all I can say.

Fursday

2009-07-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

Best Buddies

"No She Did-dnt"

2009-06-26T06:49:00.004-05:00

knit me socks for my birthday!Trish knit these totally awesome socks for MEMEMEME! Its my birthday soon and she sent them as an early gift.

Can you believe it? Look at how great they fit! Look at the awesomeness of the pattern! Look at the beautiful color!I've had them on the table where I can show everyone who comes into the house- "Look! Look at the socks my friend knit for me!" Lots of ooohhhss and ahhhhsss from all.

The pattern is Gracious (Ravelry link)and the yarn is Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock & Baby Yarn - 2 ply in Suede Roses. Its crazy how much I love this color, its just perfect.

These are my most treasured socks and I cannot wait till cool weather comes back so I can wear them. Meanwhile they are on the table where I can see them every day and remember how lucky I am to have Trish as a friend.

Trish, you rock! Thank you for making my month!

Fursday

2009-06-25T08:44:00.004-05:00

Everyone finally got a bath this week and another big brush out today. These puppies are so clean they sparkle!

Wednesday catch up

2009-06-24T09:43:00.004-05:00

I need to catch up on some FO's !
First up my Mara Shawl- done in Cascade 220 superwash. It blocked out to 68" x 28" which turns out to be a great cuddle size for meUnfortunately, while blocking I found a thread that had been split and was hanging by a hair. I fixed it but it seemed that no matter what I did, it looked botched in that spot. Oh well, I love it anyway and its for me so its ok.

Next I finally finished his Steelers Socks. These were a carry around project for a while that just kept getting set aside. I finished the up just in time for Father's Day.This is the Slipped Rib pattern that I've used before. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Sport I did another weaving project too! I went the next size up on the loom and used some Schaefer Miss Priss in Greenjeans colorway

The finished and lightly fulled shawl is 50" by 22". More like shawlette size. It will be good for under a coat in the winter. After I show it off, it will go in the gift tote.This took about a week to do, and that was with me only weaving a row or 2 here and there.Next time I'll leave extra yarn to finish off the edges more- maybe a crocheted border or fringe.

I started another pair of socks with my Impulse of Delight yarn (socks of fraternal happiness, rainbow!!!) and have already upsized the loom again and started weaving some Lamb's Pride worsted in the "aqua waves" color. Depending on how it looks, I make make another small blanket. hhm, maybe.

Has anyone started their Christmas knitting?

Fursday (on Friday)

2009-06-19T05:26:00.003-05:00

"I can smell YOUUUUUUU!"
or
"Never mind that I chewed a hole in the other crate, I'm just cute"

meanwhile, she has trashed this crate so with 2 coupons in hand we purchased a metal one for puppy girl. She likes sleeping in her own room.

Weaving Wednesday

2009-06-17T18:45:00.000-05:00

A while ago, Sandra (blogless) showed me some squares she did on a weave-it. They were beautiful, took very little yarn and had a wonderful drape. That is all it took, the seed was planted and slowly I became obsessed with weaving and especially triangle looms.

Well, I ordered a 7 foot adjustable loom and it came last week. Knit Boss came over for the set up and first weave. We did a tandem weave thing and this is what we did in just 2 hrs...This is Knit Boss doing a crochet edge before we took it off the loom.

Next try is more of the same yarn, but with 2 colors of blue. Check out how it automatically makes a plaid !This time I did 2 tri's, one on top of the other, sewed them along the hypotenuse and made a small plaid blanket. Its 45 inches along the straight corners, made out of Plymouth Encore. The weave is pretty open and since the yarn is not all wool, it won't full/felt so it will snag pretty easily.I'm still trying different yarns and want to explore different weaving methods. I'm doing a continuous weave right now. That means I can weave from a center pull ball, no pre-warping the loom

Here is the seam along the center of the blanket.

Next I'm trying some Schaefer "Miss Priss" worsted in Greenjeans. You can see the weave is still pretty open, but since it's 100% wool, I plan on fulling to get a more cohesive fabric.

I'm looking for a worsted that is thicker, but don't want a bulky yarn. um, at least I don't think so. I'll try some Lamb's Pride worsted next. And then doubling the yarn for a basket weave. And then maybe pre-warping + continuous weave. And then making some smaller tri's and putting together for a quilt..

And then...

And then....

And then.... :)

Entomology

2009-06-17T09:08:00.002-05:00

Laura Nelkin is having a contest! A kit to knit her shawl, Entomology. So much fun! Go here and leave her a comment to enter

Fursday

2009-06-11T09:18:00.003-05:00

Ever play lacrosse with a German Shepherd?
A photo essay

you learn to move fast!

Puppies are recovering from spay/neuter surgery on Monday. Of course they are acting like nothing ever happened and I fear every day they will pull out stitches.

In fiber news..... I'm weaving on a tri loom! wheeeee!

To Pool or Not to Pool. That is the question

2009-06-08T14:19:00.004-05:00

When you knit with a hand painted type of yarn do you worry about pooling? I knit this for Schaefer yarn in their new "Nichole" yarn "Aung San Suu Kyi" colorway. The pattern is Marinero Hat (Ravelry link)- a slouchy style newsboy hat.Fun pattern, great yarn cute model (that's NBB, M4's little one). But as you can see, it pooled. I usually don't worry about pooling, I like the effect. BUT it was a no-go for the yarn company. Whoops, my bad.

So. I ripped and re-knit from 2 balls changing yarn every row.The 2nd set of pics are a little blurry- rainy day and wiggly model, but you can see the difference

I can tell you the yarn handled the re-knit well and looked as good as when it was first knit without even blocking.

But what about you? Do you care if a yarn pools? or are you like me and enjoy the designs in the colors as its knit up?

Anyway, the hat looks great and the yarn is delicious. I highly recommend the pattern if you like this style hat.

In other news, took the puppies to get "fixed" today. "Fixed", hehe. as if they are broken. The house is strangely quiet and poor Gunnar does not know what is going on ;(

Well, they come home tomorrow, I'm sure they will make up for all the quiet and then some.

Fursday

2009-06-04T17:39:00.002-05:00

What is going on out there?

Actually I think NBB (Not Bad Baby- here for a week of preschool camp) called them up for some kind of lesson. She's been putting the dogs in line and playing school all week!

Fursday

2009-05-28T08:52:00.002-05:00

How do you say "Help!" in spanish?

Peppy says " Holy Frijoles! did you see the size of those amigos?"

Wednesday catch up

2009-05-27T07:44:00.010-05:00

Finally a post without puppy pictures!

I really wanted to show you this: I got 1/2 lb of raw alpaca from Granny Maple at North Star Alpacas and O.M.G. is it nice. I just reached into the bag of "Silver Samurai" and grabed a hunk and it spun like 'buttah. Not washed or carded or nothin. The finished yarn is so nice that Knit Boss kept petting it and rubbing it on her cheek!

Alpaca Granny sent a card with Silver Samauri's picture too. How great is that?

I've been spinning and finshed up this yarn a while ago. 2 skeins are one strand of Belly Dancer (Bamboo / Merino / Firestar / Angelina) and one strand of a dark blue merino.

The other skein is 2 strands of belly dancer. Its all about 16 wip- sport, 2 ply and the skeins are 200, 223 and 150 yards. I think thats pretty good yardage for a project. I like the idea of having the blue and maybe striping with the lighter color.
I'll be listing this on Etsy later today.

I finished up a crochet project a while ago too and don't think I blogged itA Queen Anne's Lace scarf crocheted out of Tess' Sock and Baby yarn. Its 5" x 75" and the colors are really really great.

I'm putting this on Etsy too. I'll never use it myself and someone else may love the FO as much as I loved the crocheting.

Last week I got some yarn from Schaefer and knit up this cute little baby sweater-

Its Elaine Child's Cardigan and knit up with just one skein of Schaefer Yarn Company Elaine. This is the Emily Post colorway. I totally forgot to take pics after blocking, but you get the idea.A sweet little baby hoodie and it only took me maybe 4 days. Definately a keeper pattern. The reverse stockinette really looks neat with the thick/thin of the yarn.

As for WIPS, I'm still working on my Mara shawl, the swirl shawl, the Steelers socks and I've some Liberty Fibers "Tartan" on the wheel (hoping for a 3 ply sock yarn)

I may also have purchased a small triangle loom to try weaving. whoops. Didn't see that rabbit hole coming ;) It should be here soon. Will keep you posted.

Fursday

2009-05-21T17:13:00.002-05:00

Hey Rocky, wanna play?

Come-on, let's play!Pluuzzzzee, I'll give you noogies!Yup, fun times.

TGIF

2009-05-15T07:46:00.007-05:00

I've been spindle spinning a lit of samples lately. Its a quick fix for than "I need a FO" feeling. The spindle on the right has some Red Stone fiber- I 2 plied it and am pretty happy with my spinning. The one on the right is a tumbleweed from Desert Garden Farms (same place that has the super yummy hand balm that smells like tomato plant). Anyway, I loved the fiber so soft and fluffy and the colors spun up awesome. But I made ass out of the yarn. Totally over spun, then I Navajo plied and it still feels like a coarse thread. bleh. Back to the drawing board.

This is one of th reasons I love the sample spinning.... you get a good idea what works and what dosen't. Of course I could just do the same thing with the fiber I have, but its a mind game with me. I don't want to have less of regular the batches and small sample = less commitment.

Look at this one:

from Greenwood Fiberworks. It was a "piglet tail" of merino in "Calypso" colorway from my Phat fiber box. I had a blast with this and left it as a single. Very nice wool and nice rich colors.

Another sample from Liberty Fibers-

Superwash merino in the "Forest Walk" colorway. Oh.So.Nice. the spinning was great and the colors are totally me. I have some of her "Tartan" fiber on the wheel now and hope to get a 3 ply sock yarn (fingers crossed)

Since I'm talking about Etsy, check this out: Slipped Stitch Studios

Laura has these nifty little tins filled with stuff a knitter needs. Suff like stitch markers, tape measures, a magnet to hold darning needles, pattern tamers and some totally clever "care instructions" cards.

I caught her tweet (slippedstitchCA) about an upcoming sale #400 and jumped on Etsy to be the one! Lookit she sent me:
An "I sniff yarn" magnet (so much fun) some pattern tamers, a lovley card with a stitch marker, a sheepie stamp and a tin of knitter mints! Laura, you so rock!

Fursday

2009-05-14T14:30:00.002-05:00

Saturday The Mayor and I visited White Horse Farm to see the alpacas getting sheared.

I don't know who was more excited, me or him. All the alpacas are beautiful and you just want to cuddle up with themThe boy was over the moon when the shearer invited him to pet one of the alpacas right before shearing time
"Mommy, can we get an alpaca?"

She's Back!

2009-05-08T11:37:00.003-05:00

Remember Technicolor Sheep? My LYS that closed? Well, Laura has been busy working on other endevors and has just recently formatted her patterns for sale! Tehnicolor Sheep Designs on Etsy. She has lots of well written, fun patterns in a bunch of yarn weights. I just finished her Lacy Shoulder Shawl in some handspun and its sooo purty. I'll blog it when she gets that pattern posted.

Plus she has a jewlery shop too- Laura's Jewlery Box. I love her stuff and have quite a few pieces. She will be doing some knitting jewlery too, so keep an eye out.

To top it all off, Laura started a blog- Technicolor Sheep Designs. She will have tips & tricks, free patterns and tons of good info. Go on over and say HI

Meanwhile, I finished the Queen Anne's Lace scarf and started Mara. I'm blocking the scarf as soon as I'm done here, but there are pics over on my ravelry page. More FO's later!

Fursday

2009-05-07T11:21:00.002-05:00

Halt!Who Goes There?

lemmie tell you..... NO.Body is gettin' into this house without an announcement

Fursday on Friday

2009-05-01T06:36:00.003-05:00

Ok puppies, time for a group shot.
Sit. Sit. Sit.
Stay, Shea! Stay

ok, try again.

Sit.

Everybody look at Mommy! Look! Look!

Damn.

Ok try again.
Sit
Watch me!
the neighbor is mowing, NO don't......

Forget it.

Squeeeeeee

2009-05-01T06:16:00.003-05:00

I have the best Wee Tiny Sock swap package EVAH'! Dawn (2mayboys on Ravelry) She sent me this awesome project bag

and inside was a wee tiny sock AND a WEE TINY GNOME

Can you stand the cuteness? She had seen that I marked the gnome pattern as a favorite on Ravelry and sent me one- so cute AND thoughtful. Thanks so much Dawn, you Rock!

And because I'm feeling sorry that I can't go to Maryland Sheep and Wool this year, I bought myself this:

Sparkle the peacock. Isn't she a riot? What a better way to display some wee tiny socks!

Random Wednesday

2009-04-29T06:10:00.002-05:00

Remember how the cherry tree looked last week? Well here it is as of Sunday: Petals have already started to fall..... sigh. All that work for a few days of beauty.

I've been knitting more wee tiny socks and spinning samples but no pics. Maybe Friday?
After days and days of 90 degree weather, today its cool and Rainy. at last some seasonal weather!

Fursday

2009-04-23T12:44:00.005-05:00

Wow, its Fursday already!
Gunnar had surgery on Monday to remove the undecended testicle aka The Lost Boy. Mission accomplished, but he needs to take it easy for the next 10 days. That means no wrestling with the puppers. Everyone is taking turns being out and about, but its killing Shea that she cannot give him kisses. Here she is keeping her buddy company.

I was watching Rocky's (the bulldog) kids yesterday. G-man is almost 2 and LOVES the doggies. They love him back- here is Pal giving G-man sloppy kissesYou know how hard it is to get a NON blurry picture of these dogs? This is 2 puppies and G-man's older sister, can you see everybody? They had her pinned on the couch and were kissing the giggles outa her!
Much fun! I'm hoping to get an outside team shot this weekend. What are the odds everyone is still?

I'm knitting wee tiny socks and spindling samples- maybe pics later

Random Wednesday

2009-04-22T12:22:00.008-05:00

Today for your pleasure, a bunch of pictures and unrelated things:

1. I kinneared Santa at the Phantoms hockey game last week. Who knew he was a fan? The boy was too freaked out to go say hi and ask for a photo, hence the kinnearing. 2. craft mo-jo is coming back. I've spindle spun a bunch of samples from the Phat Fiber March box. Can I tell you how much fun the Phat fiber box is? Seriously, I love samples. So.Much.Fun3. I'm crocheting using the Queen Anne's lace (named after the flower, not the person). This yarn is Tess' sock and baby that I got at MDS&W in 07. Sorry for the blurry, but take my word for it, coming out way cool. 4. Speaking of the Phat Fiber box, I got April's box today. I could spend hours jsut fiddling with the samples.

5. I got a spindle in the April Phat Fiber box from Zebis Designs (awesome!) and immediately spun up one of the samples:

6. also in the mail I received the awesomest Earth Day card evah' - from Noolie's grandaughter Clover. Much cuteness on the inside too! Thanks Clover! 7. ooh lucky 7! I didn't even plan this. Anyway, Charity was asking for some green in her post today so here ya go kiddo! The acre of green green grass out the front door, plus the cherry tree. 4.5 hrs on Saturday just cleaning it all up. I was a hurting pup.

Happy Random Wednesday and Earth Day!

Wee Tiny Sock Swap

2009-04-19T18:12:00.003-05:00

Knit a little sock, get a little sock, make new friends.

I'm in. How about you?

Fursday

2009-04-16T21:15:00.007-05:00

I'm hoping to do a weekly thing to get me back into blogging regularly, so here ya go: Fursday.

This is a shot of our favorite bulldog chasing the puppies who were chasing Gunnar who was chasing the frisbee. Notice that he is not actually Behind the puppies? Yeah, well after 1 or 2 throws, he decided to hang back a bit and cherry pick the frisbee. (which didn't work too well since Gunnar and the toy are already back at Daddy for the next throw)

One of the fun things watching the dogs run around the yard is comparing the breeds- the GSD's can turn on a dime, 180, jump and stop. The Bulldog? He can run. He cannot turn, 180 or God forbid even stop. Don't get in the way. It hurts like a 70 lb boulder smashing into you. Ask me how I know.

Don't let that mug fool you. He's a spoiled attention hog with bad manners. But we loves him :)

Gratuitous craft content: the mojo is slowly coming back. I've been spindling wool samples from my Phat Fiber March box. I have some done and about 4 other spindles going. PLUS I'm crocheting a Queen Anne's Lace something (prolly end up a scarf) with some Tess' yarn purchased at MDS&W on 07. pics maybe soon, but don't hold me to it!

What mood is this?

2009-04-05T18:20:00.003-05:00

I've been in a strange mood lately... I feel like making something, but I don't know what. No project OTN or even in my Ravelry que interests me. I go toss stuff around the craft room hoping something will catch my eye...nothing yet.

Its technicaly spring, shouldn't I be casting on new projects like bunnies? What is up with this mood and when will it go away?

I leave you with a picture of one spoiled puppy girl: Shea says "I'm so comfy on the couch, come give me cuddles"

My night off

2009-03-21T16:34:00.001-05:00

and I'm catching up on email and YouTube.

Have you seen this?

Not dead yet

2009-03-21T07:15:00.006-05:00

Seriously, I cannot believe its been so long since I posted. But I have been "Twittering" (much fun) so anyone who was checking would not be worried with my blog silence.

Things are crazy as usual. DH working from home a lot (and hogging the pc, really does he need his pc AND mine when he's working?), preschool, personal assisting, babysitting and contract knitting. Plus the twins- Here is a pic of Paladin hanging out on the toy bench. Not even 5 months old yet and he's 50 lbs. Shea is not far behind at about 46 lbs now. (her pics are too blury, she will not stay still) He still gets up at 5am EVERY DAY. This puppy will be the end of me.
Noolie, my totally awesome friend up in Maine sent me this:

a cup holder for my Ladybug spinning wheel!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so totally thrilled, I've spent a bunch of extra time at the wheel JUST SO I CAN USE THE HOLDER. Yes, I'm easliy amused and completely geeking out. She is a totally rockin friend, what else can I say?

I finished another neck cozy with leftover Fleece Artist yarn from my Monkey socks. I'll just link to my Ravelry deets.

Hedwig socks with my Opal Harry Potter yarn-

5 lucky penny holders from Mom-mom. She likes to give them to the ladies at work for birdal showers and stuff.... I didn't even put these in Ravelry-

And the Thrummed Mittens for Little Cat D

Add to that eleventy million dental visits that started with me JUST getting the old fillings replaced and ended with 2 crowns and root canal and there you have it. Do you know how much it costs to get a root canal? In DE it costs $1195. That's JUST the endodontics (root canal guy). And my dental is already maxed out for the year with the crowns and replacement fillings.
sigh.

I may be destashing sooner rather than later.

I think all this is a pretty good excuse for not posting in over a month? right?

So, so, so behind

2009-01-27T11:45:00.003-05:00

on everything. I have taken on too many jobs and the puppies have pushed me right over the edge... See??

Yes that's a big honkin HOLE in their crate that, by the way, is already clamped shut at the seam.Shea says "I was sleepin"Paladin says" um, Hi Mommy!"The terrible 2. That's what I'm calling them. Destroyed yarn, roving, and played in the plants so they were MUDDY! ack!

We now have a titanium metal crate for daytime use when I'm working out of the house. But aren't they cute? 12 weeks old and almost 30 pounds!

Mean while, I have completed a swing top, a pair of Silk Garden Wristers, a pair of Andean Silk wristers, the Forest Canopy Cowel and a half-pipe hat. I've updated my Ravelry with everything if you want to see. If not, lookit this:

much cuteness!!!! Noolie SPUN and KNIT this for The Mayor. He likes it very much and it will be super warm to wear in the snow that we finally got (today), which btw is The Mayor's birthday. 7 years old. yikes! I told him to stop now, he's reached maximum cuteness. He can stay 7 forever....... (if only he could)

Santa Baaas is coming to town!

2008-12-24T09:54:00.005-05:00

I must have been a good knitter this year 'cause look at what I got!!!!!!!!!
Santa Baaas has arrived courtesy of Deb at Live and Let Learn. She wanted to know our family Christmas traditions and was collecting comments.Lucky me, I am a winner!
Her husband makes lampwork beads and sells them in his Esty shop, Glastonbury Glassworks.
She sent along this awesome glass ornament bead marker too! I'm going to put it on my Chamila bracelet. Can you stand the Cuteness?

Scott (Deb's husband) made some helpers for Santa and has them in his shop, as well as more crazy cute sheep and beautiful glass beads AND buttons. I have the shop in my favorites and can't wait to see what else he makes.

** note: puppies like to chew my leather cord holding Santa. Hide under shirt while cuddling. (puppies, not Santa)

knitting updates soon... legwarmers, fingerless glover and Christmas socks for ME!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Puppiespuppiespuppies!

2008-12-20T20:27:00.005-05:00

DH found out about a litter of white German Shepherd puppies last week- about 1 week after we found out Mishap was coming to live with us.... oh well. The more, the merrier.

He loves white GSD's and the fact that they were 5 minutes away, well we had to check them out.
I said this time I want a girl.
I got my wish! (and some)DH and The Mayor wanted the boy (a big lug) and I wanted the sweet cuddly girl. So we compromised and got both.

Here is my Shea, sleeping on my lap and getting a belly rub... and here is Paladin (Pal for short). Happy smiles on his face, all cuddled up with daddy

count so far:

3 dogs

2 cats

I'm expecting a couple of frogs too, in the next couple of days. Fun times!

The Mayor is over the moon. Gunnar is getting used to having the young'uns around. Its gonna be hard to top this Christmas!

So,

whatcha planning for Christmas?

Merry Merry!

Out in the hall

2008-12-19T18:00:00.005-05:00

So.

We stop at WaWa (convience store) tonight after The Mayor's karate belt test. (green belt now, yippie).

He gets a hot dog and some cookie milk. I'm preparing a salted carmel hot chocolate al-la Tola.

The boy looks at my drink and asks "Is that out in the hall?"

me: "eh?"

him: "Out in the hall, you know, out in the hall"

me: "Huh?"

him: "Because I want a taste and I don't want to be knocked out"

me: "ohhhhhhhh. you mean Alcohol. Oh. No, there is no out in the hall in here"

Really, its not like we're big drinkers. less than one a month. I have no idea where he got the bit about being knocked out- 'prolly the bus.

Mishap says: "Time to eat?"

At least someone is using the kitty pi.

oh, did I tell you her story?
Her previous owner came into the vet's office, handed her to a guy in the waiting area. Said "hold my cat, I left my wallet in the car, be right back".
Never came back.
Poor kitty.

So along comes me and there ya go. a 2nd cat. vet gives her a makeover and a clean bill of health and here she is.

She is very sweet and lovey. So far is ignoring Maeve (who stil have not forgiven us for Gunnar, almost 3 yrs later and has crazy kitty potty mouth everytime she sees Mishap- I have not idea where she learned such language)
Missy does not like Gunnar either, but we're working on it. She gave hime a nice roundhouse punch in the nose today. sigh.

Oh and we pick up the puppies tonight.
Story later.
I really should update about my knitting but that would require more brain cells than I have left at this point ;)

Shoot, I wish I knew this last week...

2008-12-12T08:51:00.002-05:00

http://aestheticentanglementz.blogspot.com/2008/05/circulationits-good-thing.html

Why didn't I think of this??

Spinning

2008-11-28T10:07:00.004-05:00

Hello! Hope everyone had a good Turkey Day! Me? I survived. 'nuf said.

Anyway I thought I'd share some spinning I've been doing before I 1. forget. 2. gift the yarn.
Whoops, too late. I gifted this yarn: Its Rose Garden by Butterfly Girl Designs. 3oz of superwash/bamboo. It has gone to a new forever home , but I do remember it came out DK weight and over 200 yards

Next up is a bulky alpaca from Spunky Eclectic, called The New Black.

Also gone to a new forever home- it was a bulky yarn with about 160 yards, 4 oz.

This is a batt I got from Amanda ages ago and spindle spun- took forever mostly because I just didn't give it attention! Anyway its black with dark purple and bright pink lincoln locks. I plyed on the wheel (I love my wheel) and got 220 yards worsted weight. Fun with the locks and colors. Its gone to hang in the basked of handspun.

This was an awesome roving braid from Moonlight Baker on Etsy4 3/8 oz of BFL in "Black Cherries" colorway. Great spinning- that's all I remember. It has gone to a new forever home (see a pattern here?) and I never wrote down the weight or yardageFinally. this was a batt from EwenMe on Etsy. 3oz of wool/silk/angelina. 9wpi, worsted weight 108 yards. Totally crappy picture.

One of my most even yarns and it just feel great in your hand. Now living in the basket of handspun.

Next post will be knitting- I finished up a kitchen set and Oma Blu's Christmas socks! yippie!

7:30 this morning....

2008-11-21T08:37:00.001-05:00

Before breakfast and anything else....The first real snow of the season.

Weekend company and a FO

2008-11-05T12:06:00.004-05:00

We had a guest last weekend-
"Mom? Who is this?"Its our favorite Bulldog, Rocky! (lookit that face, seriously how can you resist?)The Boulder, um I mean Rocky is a pretty low key doggie and tired out easily. He did lots of this:One of the easiest guests we have had in a while!

I also finished up The Mayor's Muffler Its a muffler, get it?
He requested one on blue but faced with the blue choices decided he wanted 1/2 light, 1/2 dark blue. It is a great item for those cold mornings when breathing hurts- expecially if you have asthma. Just keep your mouth covered and it diffuses the cold air.

I used Plymouth Encore, 16" us 7 circs. Fisherman's Rib- Cast on 80. Row 1: K1, P1. Row 2: K in stitch below, P1.

I made it 10" long. Plenty long enough to cover mouth AND ears.

Been doing some spinning and trying to pick one project and finish it. Wish me luck as its not going well.....

Boo!

2008-10-31T11:55:00.007-05:00

Warning- picture heavy post ahead. Mostly due to my inablity to post as I go . Sorry

I was reading email with The Mayor nearby and he saw the pattern for Boo!
Of course he had to have one and what kind of knitter would I be to deny a hand knit request? Knit in Lamb's Pride on US 7's. Safety eyes and poly stuffing. Batty (so named and not by me) has been having a good time I did a hat for myself recently- Alpaca yarn purchases at AC Moore with a coupon. I did a longer top with a tassle and its the warmest hat (next to my Noro hat) that I own. The only problem is that I forgot how much the alpaca will stretch and drape. But still, I think it looks cute.
Deets on my Ravelry page (hopefully)

I finally finsihed the headscarf project I've been toting around for the last few months- the leftover Forest Floor yarn from my Rivendell socks. The scarf is great and worked perfectly for "green day" at preschool! lol The pattern is the Bad Hair Day scarf and I used US 4's. Sorry, it was tough enough getting a pic of me modeling the hat- the ones of the scarf did not work out

I never even posted about my lastest (and prolly last EVER) acquisition.... a Ladybug spinning wheel. I have been kicking myself ever since Maryland Sheep & Wool for not picking one up. Finally I caved and ordered it from The Woolery. I loves it with the heat of a thousand suns. Its just such an awesome wheel, what else can I say?

So far I've spun: 3.4 oz 50% superwash merino, 50% bamboo "Rose Garden" from Butterfly Girl Designs on Etsy (her fibers rock) The yarn came out to be a DK weight and 193 yards.

4oz 100% Alpaca "The New Black" from Spunky Eclectic. I was purposefully going to somehthing thicker and got a heavy worsted yarn, 66 yards. So soft and yummy.

Oh and I finished up the Hemlock Ring blanket expansion- 5 feet was just not enough to wrap around my shoulders. Now its about 6 feet and perfect! Looks the same, just bigger.

OTN, a new muffler for the Mayor, Oma Blu's Christmas socks, a swirl shawl, and about eleventy million other little things- HELP I have startisitus bad!

Go Fish

2008-10-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

Pretty Please, does anybody have a skein or 2 of Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino in Cherry Blossom? My friend Sandra (blogless) needs it for a project she is conceiving. Willing to pay &/or trade!

finished the Hemlock Ring blanket expansion, a head scarf and a knit bat.
updates soon, really really.

You remember that Hemlock Ring blanket

2008-10-06T19:07:00.003-05:00

I just finished? well.... I decided I wanted it bigger. Saturday night I picked out the crocheted chain edge and did another increase row. Just in case I wanna go crazy I got another skein of Eco Wool too.
So I'm not gonna bore you with pictures, but will give the finished measurements when (ever) its finished.

AND Bean Girl & I went on a field trip to visit Tola at her LYS Woolbearers. While there we may have fallen in love with the Swirl Shawl. How cool is that?? Pattern and yarn have been ordered and we will be KALing shortley. Anyone else interested? lol

Portrate of a Bulldog

2008-10-03T13:46:00.001-05:00

This is Rocky the Bulldog in his yard complete with a bone in his mouth, swing set and pool...
I love art!

FO's & more

2008-10-01T09:10:00.010-05:00

I did a dog sweater. Seriously. Well, its not really a dog, its a chihuahua . Here is Peppy. He belongs to Cookie and her mom (I babysat Cookie lots in the spring)

Peppy is only a few months old and he needed a sweater that would fit. I used Howie's Knit to Fit Dog Sweater (Rav) (non rav) and some Encore Worsted with size 7 needles. Basically its OK.. the math formulas were off so I fudged it. I will do it again and will change it to knit in the round and fix the sleeves so they don't pull. But hey, its cute no matter!

I finished AND blocked my Hemlock Ring Blanket(Rav) (non Rav).62 inches across and 2 skeins of Cascade Eco Wool. Still a big hunk left too
This was such an awesome easy knit... and it would have been done is less than a week if I tried. As it was, it only took 2 weeks of very leisurely knitting.

My dishrag tag team came in 3rd place!

Actually it was a tie, but placement depends on what order the mailman puts the packages in the mailbox. I had such a great team. Everyone was on board and posted lots of encouragement on the DRT forum. Lots of fun and I'll prolly do it again next year.

Last up today is Flat Stanley.Currently he has reservations to go to Long Island NY and see M4 & the cats. Is anyone else interested in hosting Flat Stanley? Basically I ship him off to you, you take some photos of Stanley doing activities in your area (museums, historical landmarks, anything interesting) and you ship him back. As an added incentive (and good manners) he comes with a hostess gift!! lol The Mayor and his first grade class will be thrilled. Any takers?

You have to see this....

2008-09-26T12:17:00.001-05:00

go look here

is that not one of the awesom-est and heartwarming pictures you have ever seen? Makes me proud to be a knitter...

The Winners Are......

2008-09-23T13:27:00.004-05:00

77= Susan (Imagine Creative Name Here)
78= Nicole (Creative Journeys)
69= Naughty Noolie (picked her own number, how much fun is that??)
22= Amy R, NY
41= Sara B , NH
55= Sara B, NH (oohh 2 prizes or an upsized prize??)
90= Sara I, NY

Not everyone has a blog (or I didn't note it, sorry) but I do have everyone's mailing addy so expect a prezzie in the mail um, eventually. Sooner rather than later. Still trying to catch up and clean up around here ;)

and just a note: My dishrag tag team - Dishrag Taggers- is doing so totally awesome! The box has made the rounds and is on its way back to Emily in AL. Fingers crossed, we are in the top 3. Wh00t!

Oh, Hai! HowRUdoin?

2008-09-20T10:20:00.005-05:00

Well. Life gets busy and the first thing to get cut from the list is the blog. Bad me. I need someone to take over when things get crazy- volunteers anyone?

Maybe I should do like Noolie, the Wednesday Night Bullet Post? But I can't commit to a day..

Or what do you thing of Twitter? I could add a thingy to the side bar and just send a one liner out daily.

So what's up with me? I did 3 knit contracts for a large knitting company and am not allowed to share any info, but I can tell you 2 sweaters and 1 tunic took a lot of time and made certain friends crazy with my chatter and upallnight knitting ;) (thanks to the peeps for the support)

School has started for The Mayor and myself. He has first grade and I teacher assist at preschool (2.5 yr olds this year. much boogies. already been puked on) . Plus there has been a TON of babysitting gigs- day and night. Whew!

Next in the news is the 300 hat project - wanna make that 903 hats? Seriously. I just checked the Ravelry group, Kristy updated before she left. 903 hats. can you freakin believe it??
Check out her blog for some cool hat pics. I'm just stunned, to go from 300 to 903? Knitters rock so hard! I cannot wait till we take over the world.

I promised prizes for hat donations and blog mentions, so I want you to pick a number from 1 to 98. I need 3 or 4 numbers - I'll post the names and prizes that go with those numbers. It will be fun! (I kept an excel spreadsheet with everyone's info. I'm geeky like that)

What's OTN now? um, the bad hair day scarf, a Hemlock ring blanket and a dog sweater for a Chihuahua. Links will be in Ravelry. Eventually.

Time's up. TTYL

More Hats!

2008-08-30T14:42:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone who sent well wishes last week, the love was needed and appreciated. It was a bad bad week. In fact pretty much the entire month of August has sucked loud and hard. I'll be glad when the new month starts with school and associated crazyness.

Meanwhile, more hats have arrived:
5 from Meg in NY 3 from Trish at Knittin' and Lovin' It 4 from Susan at Imagine Creative Name Here (plus a mini knit meetup at Wegman's that was so much fun)
2 cupcake hats from Marianne on OK
and 12 from Sarah in NY!

Its so much fun opening hat packages and seeing all the work and love. I was on the phone with Kristy last night as we spoke about how amazing this entire project has been... it started with a measly 300 hats. Kristy thinks we may total 800 (yes, eight hundered) by the time she leaves.

Knitters are so awesome. I just can't wait till we take over the world!

Yodie Cat

2008-08-21T11:08:00.002-05:00

June 1995-August 2008 Bye buddie. I hope you're eating lots of tuna fish and napping in the sunbeam. I miss you.

Passing the box along....

2008-08-18T13:03:00.006-05:00

The Dishrag Tag box came this morning.I quickly dumped the box of contents, reloaded it with yarn and goodies, ignored everything for the next 2 hours as I knit my dishcloth....
and just got back from the post office where its on its way to the Libby in VA. whew, my hands are tired!

My team is the Dishrag Taggers- wish us luck!

Here are the standings:

Dishrag Tag update

2008-08-16T11:22:00.003-05:00

Emily shipped out the boxes! I should have mine by Monday.

BUT I still need to get in touch with Monica in TX- Monica!!! please email me or go to the DRT forum and post your zip code

I have Mr. working on the time-in-transit tables and should have the mailing list soon.... I'm so excited!

A Day at the Beach

2008-08-14T07:57:00.001-05:00

Much fun was had by all!

Oops, I did it again...

2008-08-12T07:50:00.002-05:00

Going off to Locks of Love today... 16 inches (straightened) and a little over 3 oz. I feel like I have a balloon head.

** fwiw, the last time I got my hair cut- 2 yrs ago- I donated too!