Saturday, December 23, 2006

Parting of the Ways!!!!!

I have decided that the Pomatamus sock had to say bye bye for now. I might try them again but for now they are history. I started a new pair on two circs and I shall see how it goes. The figure 8 cast on looks a little weird but unless I screw up somewhere else really royally I am not taking it out. We will call it a design feature for now.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

What to Do During Naptime?????




Well, this is what we did during Ben's naptime today. We put up our Christmas tree!!!! I know I am little behind most people but I was concerned with Ben trying to pull it down on him and while that may still happen I couldn't let my girls down. Elisabeth informed me the other day that "We are the only ones not getting ready for Christmas". Our town really does it up for Christmas. The lights start going up right after Halloween. It is so neat to see the little town where we live lit up for the holidays. I do have to admit putting up the tree made me a little sad. I firmly believe that you need to listen to Christmas music while you are putting up your tree. We were listening to an Amy Grant Christmas album with I'll Be Home for Christmas on it and it occured to me that I won't be "home" for Christmas. This year we are staying in Minnesota and not traveling back to see our families in Kansas. I am looking forward to starting traditions with our family but will miss the extended family get togethers.

On the knitting front, I working on various projects at once and not making any outstanding progress that warrants a picture just yet. I did start a sweater for Elisabeth maybe I will finish by Christmas but probably not.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Read the Directions Dummy!!!!!

What happens when you don't read the directions????? Your sock that you were working on has to be frogged and started over. Sad to say my Pomatomas (sp) sock is just a ball of yarn at this point. I noticed that I was doing the knit two together's wrong. There were some wonky (love that word) stitches too, so I decided to frog it and start over when my size 2 KnitPicks Options DPN's get here. Hopefully tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

Looks Can Be Deceiving


I am not usually one to complain about the weather. I usually take what comes and enjoy it if I can. I do have one small complaint. I hate the fact that sunny winter or late fall (as we are now in) days are so deceiving. I look outside my breezeway door and you get this.

This sunny, breezy day. I think it should be cloudy and dreary because it is only 22 degrees here in Minnesota today. Something is wrong. Pretty days like this should be warm and I should be wearing no coat. Just my two cents.


Unfortunately, I will not finish Lacevember before the end of the month. I really have no excuse (unless of course you count, laundry, dishes, taking care of three kids, fixing Thanksgiving dinner for 13 people, having an outbreak of the stomach flu, and the love of knitting socks an excuse). It just isn't going to happen but I am proud of myself for participating and seeing all the lovely things that were made this month by the other participants. Here is my progress so far. It has grown but not enough to be considered a scarf. Maybe the scarf needs steroids so it can bulk up.

And last but not least, my sock that I am currently working on.

I am doing it in Knit Picks Memories Fly Fishing. I am finding that I like this thicker yarn but I have decided I don't like bamboo DPN's since I have used Knit Picks Options DPN's. So I had to place an order for some size 2's so I can finish. I will continue to work on them until they get here though.

Have a great day.

Friday, November 24, 2006

From the Needles to My Feet


I just (not more than fifteen minutes ago) finished my second pair of socks and here they are on my feet. I am so amazed how I love to make socks and how they make my feet feel.

This pair was made from Plymouth Sockotta. I started them in October and just finished them today. I am getting faster. My first pair took five months and my second pair has only just under two months.

I am working on several other projects and hope to post pictures of them soon. I also will be casting on yet another pair of socks shortly I am sure. I have some Knit Picks Memories in Fly Fishing that is begging to be knit up. So off I go. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and didn't shop too much today.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Sorry!!!!

I am so sorry that it has been over a week or more since I last posted an update. I have been knitting just working on the projects I have on the needles so no new photos. I hope to get some of them finished over the weekend. Have a great Friday.

Monday, November 06, 2006

Lacevember Questionaire Answers and WIP


Here are my answers for the questionaire on Lacevember and a picture of my Lacevember work in progress.


Knitting Questions

How long have you been knitting? Almost 3 years

How did you learn to knit? Taught myself with help from KH.

Favorite thing about knitting? It is relaxing and faster than cross stitch

How long have you been knitting lace? Six months. I have only finished a garter stitch cowl scarf.

Favorite thing about knitting lace. How pretty it is when you see the pattern.


The Yarn Questions, or flash your stash

Favorite lace yarn? Have only used Knit Picks Shadow and Shimmer

variegated or solids for shawls? I have never made a shawl but I like the solids.

Favorite lace color? Blues or purples


Technique, or show us your skillz

Circs or straights? Circulars

Favorite lace knitting trick? LIFELINES!!!!!!!!

Lifelines? If so with what? Yes, I have been using dental floss

Fancy blocking wires, or just sewing pins stuck in your carpet? Sewing pins


Pattern, or can you follow directions

shawls or lacey items? Lacey Items

triangle, rectangle, or circular shawls? Rectangle

Charts or printed instructions? Prefer printed but I am learning to read charts.

Favorite lace you've knit? Shadow

Favorite lace you want to knit? I have not really looked at many so I don't know.


Just Fun, yup that's right, just for fun

Favorite jelly belly flavor? Toasted Marshmallow

Tell me everything you know about Eric the Red..... Absolutely nothing

Coke, classic or with lime? Classic

Holiday carols, sing along, or wish they would be banned from all public airwaves? Sing along with them. LOVE CHRISTMAS MUSIC

What is the definition of irony? Have to blame brain not working at the moment.

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? I suck on them I don't know.

Why is my cat always puking in front of my son's bedroom door? Smelly socks maybe???

What is your superhero power? Hearing, amazing you always know when your kids are doing something they shouldn't.

If the laundry is 9 foot by 11 foot (just dreaming, that's a big laundry room), and the walls are 8 feet tall, and you are going to tile the entire room in tiles that are 3 inches by 5 inches, what color should those tiles be? My laundry room is that big. Orange.

What's for dinner tonight? Frito Chili Pie

What is clogging my children's bathtub drain? Yarn that you are stashing>

Monday, October 30, 2006

Scarves and Fighting the Second Sock





I started the Irish Hiking Scarf for my sister for Christmas. I hope she will like it. It is also the first KAL that I have joined besides the ones on Knittinghelp.com. The Cowl scarf is for a friend of mine. She really liked it. I think it will be warmer than I thought. It was made of lace weight yarn but it felt warm when I tried it on.

I had to frog my second sock but it is progressing along okay now. I had some stitches that were wonky and I didn't like it so it had to jump into the pond. I am really loving sock knitting and I can see myself never wearing commercial socks again after I have enough pairs made. I am only on my second pair. I am always looking for great sock yarn and I always find it but never bring myself to buy. I guess I am more of a looker than a buyer.

The girls were able to play in leaves yesterday. It is turning into a little tradition for us. We were really lucky to have great day to do it.

Monday, October 23, 2006

Sock Progress and Knitting Side Trip



I have been making progress on my socks. I have turned the heel and I am now working on the cuff. I am so enjoying the toe up socks they are alot of fun. I did have a little bit of a side trip this weekend though, I was looking at different blogs and found a pattern for a gartalac washcloth on Criminy Jickets blog. It was such fun to do and I thoroughly enjoyed knitting it. Thanks Dave for posting and sharing it with everyone. The socks I saw on his blog were amazing.

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

There Is NEVER enough Knitting Time!!!!


I have been doing really well on my second (third) pair of socks. I am about to turn the heel on the first one and I am really enjoying doing the toe up pattern. Did I mention that I am not fond of seaming anything together????????? Not even the Kitchener Stitch for a pair of socks am I willing to do. So I guess toe up socks are for me then.

I am also trying to motivate myself to finish this baby afghan for my little boy since it is getting colder around here. I also have so many other projects I want to work on but I don't have enough time (or energy).

I so wish I was a manogamous knitter. I, being easily swayed by a pattern and trying to send my wonderful sister in law something for her birthday, cast on a lace scarf for her. I have a little less than a month to finish it and I am so glad I put that life line in this time. Wish me luck.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

What happens when Socks eat Scones!!!!!



You are probably wondering what is she talking about? Well I made the scones and the sock ate them and it grew, but there is a down side to that also socks eating scones causes bamboo needle to split and have to stop knitting on said sock until new needles arrive in mail because LYS doesn't replace the ones that you bought from them. So I had to (tragedy that it is) cast on a different pair of socks. Oh well, I guess I will suffer through.

I am also trying to motivate myself to finish a baby afghan for my eight month old son that I started before he was born.

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Scones and Socks


Well I was so excited that I finished my first pair of socks yesterday that I cast on my second pair last night. I am trying the toe-up pattern from Wendy Johnson. I didn't get very far last night since hubby wanted to go to bed early last night. I also had a craving for scones this morning so chocolate chip scones here I come.

I am also very proud of my daughter, Elisabeth, she won a free book in her reading rewards program at school. She was so excited that she won a book and that she got to KEEP it.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

I Did It!!!! I Did It!!!!


I finished my very first pair of socks made with sock weight yarn!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited and I might even cast on my next pair this evening. I think I might be a sock addict now. OH NO!!!!!! They feel so nice on my feet. I have also finished my Fiber Trends Felted Clogs and my December cross stitch project I was working on. I have started working on a pair of Pop Top Mitts that a lady at my LYS designed. They are coming along pretty good. I am cross stitching a hymn picture for a friend for Christmas (HOPEFULLY FOR CHRISTMAS). I am still just so excited that I finished these socks though.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Busy Busy Busy




Whoever thought that the beginning of a new school year would be running a mom of three ragged. It seems like all I do is get kids up for school and make sure they are being read to and making the six year olds lunch. Cheese or peanut butter and jelly?

I have been doing some knitting and even a little stitching (Yes Stitching, it has been awhile). I am almost done with two projects, MY socks and MY slippers. I am finally making things for myself but I still find things I want to make for others. Better to give than receive. I wish sometimes people would give me sock yarn and Malabrigo. I can't believe how wonderful that feels to touch.

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Gone but Not Forgotten

I have been gone on vacation but the knitting was not forgotten. I actually finished a scarf I was working on. I just have to block and seam it together and then I will post pictures. I also worked on my second sock and I am just about done turning the heel. Yippee!!!!!!! I also read two books while I was gone which was nice since reading is something I don't get to do much of lately. I am really feeling the urge to do some cross stitching so I dug out one of my small projects to finish. Maybe if I motivate myself to finish it I will post a picture of it.

Thought for the day:Why do I always feel that I have to start a new project???? I wish I was one of those people that could stick with something and finish it but something else is always calling my name.

Friday, August 18, 2006

I AM A CONVERT!!!!



I have heard so many people on KH talk about how wonderful Malabrigo Yarn is. I am converted. I could only afford one hank so I don't quite know what I am going to do with it though. It is called Rainforest. I am so excited to knit something with it. I also go some sock yarn and a skein of Crystal Palace Bunny Hop to make little Ben some socks too.

The other picture is of my clogs in process. I have one almost done have to seam it up and knit the two soles together and I will have one done. I won't let myself use the Mmmmmalabrigo until I finish these. I am thinking a scarf or hat. I would like to try a mobieus scarf maybe.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Finally MY feet will be warm

Well it is cloudy here today and not good for taking pictures but I am FINALLY making myself a pair of FT Felted Clogs. I am making them in Wool of the Andes Cloud and Hollyberry. I started them around Christmas time but messed them up and had to frog them and they just didn't seem right to me. Now they are fine. I am almost done with the top on the first one. It is so amazing how they turn into clogs. I will try to post a picture of them soon.

Saturday, August 12, 2006

Not much knitting going on!!!

Haven't been doing much knitting but did complete a swatch for the August KAL on KH. I knit a small swatch english style. I am a continental knitter and it was really awkward but I was determined to finish it. I took the kids to the library and playground yesterday. Other than that just doing normal stay at home mom things.

Observation: It really hurts when you bump your arm on the inside of the oven door when you take out the pizza.

Monday, August 07, 2006

I Kind of Designed Something


I had a pattern for a smocked dishcloth that I found on Dishcloth Boutique, I think, but when I went to knit the washcloth I noticed that it wasn't centered. I am kind of a stickler about things being centered like some other people are so I tweaked it a little and changed a couple of things and it turned out like this. I am pretty proud of myself since I am usually a by the pattern kind of knitter.

Observation of the Day: Why is it when you are in hurry or not sure where you are going you find road construction????????

Sunday, August 06, 2006

I Didn't Knit A Stitch but I Played with Food



Well I didn't get a single stitch of knitting done yesterday. I know that is a horrible thing to realize if you are a knitter. I did get a chance to get out of the house and go grocery shopping (OH JOY). Yesterday afternoon my daughter and I went out to check the garden to see if we had any ripe tomatoes. I had 31. So I ended up spending my knitting time making salsa. I only got four measly pints out of the batch that I made but the recipe only said five and I didn't have all the peppers that it called for anyway. My husband said it was the best salsa I had made so far. I just wish I could make more at a time. It sure is a lot of work for the little return that you get especially if your husband eats salsa as fast as mine does. The other picture is of a tomato that my daughter pointed out had a smiley face so I took two ends off some of the jalapenos I used and put them on for eyes.

My Sunday observation--Why is it when you go to the bank to do a small transaction (like paying the mortgage) you get stuck behind the person that needs more help than the poor teller can give them. I think the person in front of me yesterday was trying to take over the silly thing they took so long.

Saturday, August 05, 2006

Of Scarves and Socks



My projects that I have been working on lately for the most part is a pair of pretty simple socks and a scarf cowl . I found the Michelles Basic Sock pattern on Knitting Pattern Central and the scarf I found on the Knitpicks website.


I have also decided to add an observation everyday. So Saturday's observation is this: Never take away TV privledges from your kids without thinking it through clearly. It is amazing how that little bit of time they get to watch TV sometimes can be a break for a mom.

Have a great day!!!!!!!!

Friday, August 04, 2006

A Blogging I Will Go (Maybe)

Well here I go I think. I am trying out a knitting and stitching blog with whatever else happens to me thrown in. It should be an interesting adventure.