Tuesday- It's show and tell time...

Here it is, Tuesday already. Time just seems to keep going by so fast, and I'm not getting nearly as much done as I'd like. The house insists that it needs attention, as does the laundry, the kids, the schoolwork.... and the list just seems to go on and on. I thank the good Lord for my hobbies, as they keep me sane. They are the only things I do that don't get undone unless I rip them out. DH thinks I'm nuts when I tell him that, but he does appreciate how much will calm me when I've had a bad day :-)

When I get time, I read the lists I'm on and visit some of my favorite blogs, and just am stunned by how much people get done! My projects take a lot longer, and I don't get many big ones done. I have them in my rotation though, but they seem to take forever - sometimes even longer.

With that being said, I'm working on a vest for CIC with some wool that someone sent me. I didn't get gauge, so I ran a strand of fingering yarn with it, and it's coming out surprisingly nice. I'm not one that can put colors together and make something look good, so I'm very pleased with the progress on this one!! I took the pic a few nights ago, so I've had some progress since then. I now have the front done, and will soon be finishing up the back. I'm using the What's in My Pocket Vest pattern that Countrywool designed specifically for CIC. The CIC Knit group is doing a challenge for vests and sweaters and are trying to reach a goal. As far as I know the goal is at 300. I think that this goal will be reached and surpassed. The group members are so generous. Their needles just keep clicking out socks and whatever else is needed for the orphans in Russia.

DD's sock is coming along nicely - and much more quickly than DS's! I'm almost down to the toe shaping and am just too tired tonight to keep knitting, or I'd probably be able to make it to the grafting. I love the color of the yarn - the pic makes it a bit too purple, but you can't see the flecks of red, blue, green and yellow that are in it. The whitish dots that look like fuzz on the socks are a couple of the yellow flecks.

DD requested that I not make the sock as tall as what the directions called for. We decided to make them about an inch above where her hunting boots come on her leg. I told her she will probably want them even taller - especially out in the cold early mornings of December, but she wouldn't hear of it. She doesn't like her socks that high. We'll see if she changes her mind after this season.

I picked up a skein of Lion Brand's Fisherman's wool at JoAnn's yesterday. I used my 40% off coupon and it made it a very reasonable purchase! I should have enough for a pair of socks and then some!!! I promised myself that whatever is left will get dyed with Kool Aid.

I'm again on a stash diet. I just dumped a nice tidy sum of money in DS's microscope and lab equipment that he needs for this year. I knew it was coming, but was a bit more than I planned on. Plus DD needed some things for her science labs. Then the swimming lessons that are usually in the spring are being held this fall instead - so that was another surprise. It's enough to force me to only buy wool that is necessary for socks when the supply runs down, or when it's at a ridiculously low price, that I'd need my head examined not to buy it. I can't complain - it's not a huge sacrifice on my part, and the kids are always such a joy to watch when they are learning something new. But at the same time, it's so hard to go by all the neat yarns on the store shelf and not take just one home to play with it. Oh the sacrifices we make for the kids! LOL

I finally got my glasses back on Friday. It's only taken 7 weeks for them to get so I could wear them. Every time I'd wash the new ones off, the lenses would fracture! The store finally sent the frames to the lens manufacture and had them put them in. The lenses aren't getting cracks now, but they are 2 different colors. One has a green tint and the other a purple. So I went back yet again and asked why they were different - was there a problem with my vision that I didn't know about? Nope - it's just that the lenses must have been done out of 2 different lots. And I'd have to deal with it. They informed me that since it was just asthetic, they wouldn't send them back. So, I've paid almost $300 for glasses that took 7 weeks to get right, and now they don't crack, but I look like a dork - but only when one looks at me in certain ways (as the lady at the counter told me). At this point I'm just tired of messing around with them and will just look like a dork. Let me tell you though - I think I can now understand how someone can get to that point to make them go "postal" :-)

So on that note - a good night from the dork with the 2 color lenses. LOL

Never Forget....

For all those that lost their lives 4 years ago today, and all those that lost someone near and dear to them...

A moment of silence

Iowa Cruise Socks are finished

And DS just loves them!!! He says they fit perfectly and is very pleased with how they turned out. Such music to a mother's ears :-) Let me tell you though, that boy has big feet so it takes some time to whip up socks for him. He's almost 6' tall with size 12 feet. The ribbing ended up being 8" and the total height of the sock measured about 13" from bottom of heel to top of ribbing.

Now it's on to a pair for DD. She's insisting I do the same type for her, but in a purple heather color. We'll be making them out of Plymouth Galway Colornep. I'm looking foward to these going much faster, since she's only 5'2".

The Sampler scarf is coming along nicely, now that I figured out what I was doing wrong on the lace pattern. I'm almost ready to move on to the next pattern. I want to do another repeat of the pattern I'm working on first.

My supply of worsted-weight wool for winter socks is getting low. I'm going to have to restock soon. I'm eyeballing the LB Fisherman's wool, as I've never tried it. Plus, I hear it's great to use for Kool-aid dying. I've never tried it with wool, but I've done some aida with it, and it came out nicely.

2 FO's and 2 WIP's

For "hump day" I have 2 small XS FO's to post pics of. First is Lizzie Kate's "September Flip-It" from her first series. I stitched it on an unknown color of 28ct. evenweave using all the recommended threads. I've decided to leave the charm off, as it's just a bit too busy for my taste. I only have 2 more to do of this series.

Next is another Lizzie Kate design called "Land That I Love" that was done on 28ct. Sandcastle Jobelan. I used the recommended threads and used a dark country green star button instead of the sterling silver charm. Sorry, but that charm is just too much $$ for a design add-on. I really thought the sheep turned out sooooo cute - all fuzzy with the Rainbow Gallery Wisper.

Sock report: I'm on to the last inch of the second foot of the Iowa Cruise Socks I'm doing for DS. Not very much to go now. Maybe I'll finish them tonight if I'm not toooo tired :-)

I've finally taken a pic of my start on the Einstein Coat. I don't have a lot done, but I won't be progressing until I have DS, DD, and DH's socks done. They are getting first priority - as hunting season is just about upon us! I like the White Buffalo - it's such a nice yarn to work with. Sure wish that it hadn't been discontinued! I like how thick the fabric is, and I'm hoping for a nice warm coat.


And for my last pic, I've started Jackie E-S's Lace Sampler Scarf using Paton's Kroy in a very light pink, that I purchased from Smiley's Yarns a while back. I'm on the 3rd pattern and after ripping it, I've finally gotten it right. I still haven't learned how to pick up YO's correctly, but should be really good at it after this Sampler lesson!!! The scarf is going to be a really pretty piece when it's finished (even with my mistakes! LOL) I wanted to start a smaller practice lace project before I start my first lace shawl. I certainly didn't want to jump in with both feet and get discouraged. I'm between one of the two that were in the fall issue of Vogue Knitting, Jackie E-S's Triangles within Triangles or Fiber Trends Pacific Northwest Shawl. I have the materials for the last two, so I'm leaning towards one of them.

I've been debating on a knitting magazine for a while now. I've been trying out different magazines - using my 40% off coupon from JoAnn's to purchase them every once in a while. Nothing has been "moving" me enough to subscribe. That is, until I got the Premier issue of INKnitter's. I really was impressed with the first issue - so impressed that I decided to purchase the back issue package that was offered online. I want to subscribe as well, but after spending a huge amount of money on the kids' microscope, biology kit, disection kit, general science kit, and other odds and ends, I figured the CC smoked enough this month. Maybe next month.... Until then, I'll have a lot of good reading.

Death & Greed

Today we saw our family friend (M.) and DS's best friend's father buried. It still is a shock and such a tragedy. I just still can't believe it has happened.

Thurs. evening my brother just arrived home from work when he received a call from M.'s neighbor that M. was having difficulty breathing. My brother rushed right over and took him to the Dr.'s office. The Dr. said M. had pneumonia and wanted to admit him to the hospital. My brother stayed and M's family arrived not long after. Just a few short hours later, M. died. The Dr. found that M. had lung cancer as well as a few other complications. Looking back, I now wonder if M. knew he had it - things just seem to fall into place now with what had gone on in the last few months.

M. was a very well known and liked farmer that raised his son alone along with his aunt. The boy's mother has not had any contact with him in 5 years. Well, the son has inherited a beautiful farm and wants to run it and keep it going just like when his father was alive. He's about old enough, and with the right help and guidance, he's going to suceed very well!!

Not 5 minutes after M. died, there became a family discussion of liquidation of the farm - who's going to get the child and what should happen to everything. The boy's mother appears after 5 years and now there's an issue of guardianship - everyone wants him because he's worth $$ and is sitting on a goldmine. I sat back in horror as we have seen how greedy that family is! The only one that doesn't care about the money is the aunt that helped raise M's son, and one of the named guardians - who according to the lawyer (also a member of the family) was never named guardian. M told this guardian not long before he died that he had named him guardian if anything were to happen. He knew that this person would never take advantage of the child or his money, because the named guardian loved the child like one of his own.

Oh what an evil web that has been spun - and all over money. My heart breaks watching this going on in front of the boy. Yes, he's almost a man - 16 - but there's no reason why anyone should be doing this.

Lesson of the day - NEVER take legal matters to a lawyer that is related to you. NEVER!!!!

Has It Really Been A Week?

This past week has been a busy one - between DD's birthday and putting up veggies, I haven't had time to blog. I tried catching up on email yesterday and today it is time to report the news and all my fo's this week :-)

DD's birthday went well! I finished her Lion's Brand Hooded Sweater Friday night after she went to bed, and got things wrapped up and ready for a very early birthday party. She loved the sweater - which was good since she said she wasn't into pink any more. After she opened her presents, we got ready and left for Knoebels. My brother's girlfriend went with us - and boy was she a blessing to have along! When we were too pooped to ride with the kids - she did.

DS (our big time history buff) begged to go to the Coal Museum, so we went and had a nice look around at all the displays. They even had lamenated pages from a record book telling of accidents and deaths in the mines. What an interesting read! From there, we bought a bag of gem laden dirt so DS could try his hand at prospecting. LOL!! He had a blast and spent a good hour digging through all the pebbles. He came home with a nice assortment of gems and minerals. He's now after us to take him to do some real panning!! uh-oh We brought a souvieneer from the museum home with us - a coal train on a railroad spike. I photographed it on Melissa's Norwegian Heritage Knitted Dishcloth that I finished up on Sunday. I love Melissa's patterns - she has so many fun ones on her website!

I had almost a skein of pink and about half on a skein of purple Homespun left from DD's sweater, so I dug through my patterns to see if I could find something to to make to try to use it up. DD zeroed in on the Crochet Bucket Hat pattern, and asked that I make it to match her sweater. So, I sat down and did some on Sunday night, but ended up with a hat that I thought was shorter than it should be. I waited to try it on DD on Monday, and we decided to add 3 more rows on the sides to make it long enough for her liking. This turned out to be a really cute hat and so quick to crochet.

Finally with all that out of the way, came some time to start another new project. To celebrate the new Harry Potter book (yes, I know I'm a bit late in reading it - but needed to wait my turn here! LOL), I got out the DMC Perle cotton and made Laura's Harry Potter Bookscarf. It was a nice fun and quick knit. Since it was small, I decided to fool around with it and try Meg Swansen's joggless color change to see how it would turn out. I think I did pretty well with it, and I can't wait to try it on a bigger item now!

I've been slowly plugging away at the Iowa Cruise Socks from Cottage Creations. I really love the pattern, and love Carole's chattiness thoughout the instructions. It's like having an old friend over for coffee. I'm considering getting more of her patterns just because of the style - and the instructions are just about fool-proof. Even for me!!!!

I've really slowed down on the socks because of the needles. I purchased some Swallow brand needles and don't like how blunt they are. I've been wrestling with them to give them a fair chance, but so far, I'm not thrilled. My ribbing on the socks is not even - but after trying to fix it a few times, I said the heck with it - they'll still wear the same, and kept pluggin' on. I only have to Kitchener the toe now, and the first sock is done. If I still don't like the needles by the second sock - I'm not using them on the next pair, but will buy another brand to try. I did like how warm the needles were when using them, but they have a terrible smell, and don't you dare put one in your mouth for any reason because they are "bloody wicked!" tasting. ick! Ewwwwwh! yuck! Pooey! BLAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!

And for the last piece of interesting news.... one of the 2 boxes of White Buffalo yarn arrived yesterday!!! Ohhhhhh! Such neat stuff! I wound the first wheel into a ball and swatched for the Einstien Coat. The six strands were just too heavy and stiff, so I removed one, and am now on gauge but am not sure if it will still be too stiff or not. I've decided to knit a bit to see how it comes out. I just can't tell much with a 4" swatch. Oh to be like those knitters that can just whip it up and visualize......

Mrs. Depp Hat is DEAD

It was doomed from the start - and with sadness I must report that the Mrs. Depp hat has gone to a better place. Remind me next time to make sure I only use a pattern with a gauge - and when it doesn't look like it makes sense - it probably doesn't! With all that being said - I'll now tell you the "rest of the story".

It all started with a cute hat pattern I found in an old issue of Workbasket magazine. No gauge was listed, but I knit pretty tight, so it should be ok... I should have been committed with that thought! The k2p2 ribbing was way too long and it seemed odd - but hey - I was knitting on circulars, and it was hard to judge at that point. Then the body of the hat and wording - looked need but the hat really seemed to mushroom and got huge looking. I checked the directions numerous times and it was right on the money - must be that because of the needle it looked weird. (does the word idiot describe me yet? LOL) then the rest of the hat and decreasing.... OMG! It was horrible, and when I got to the final decreases, I was supposed to then work the center for a few more rows - which would have made a hot dog looking protrusion on the top. NOT! Something was waaaaay off - not at all looking like the picture. I read and reread those directions over and over and I didn't do a thing wrong, but I had a huge yellow hat that looked like I stole it from Strawberry Shortcake. Then I put it on - heck it could even fit DH's huge head with room to spare! And with a bubble on top - and the ribbing was awful. So I ripped some out and tried finishing it shorter - hoping that would help. Nope - just looked stupid any way I tried.

DD got to see it - had her little belly laugh (ok - big belly laugh!) and tried it on. They had a great time with my disaster. I will rip it out and try over with a TNT method of a plain ol' hat, and just put the wording on. What was I thinking when I tried this one?!

Tomorrow is DD's birthday and also the company picnic or gathering or whatever you call it where we all go to Knobels Amusement Park for the day. They give the family $30 in tickets and have a drawing for a couple of prizes. With gas prices the way they are, we'll put that much in the tank driving to the park and back - but she's been talking about this for months - that the picnic falls on her birthday. She thinks it's the coolest thing.

So maybe I'll get some time on Sunday to start the hat over again. The sweater still isn't totally sewn up yet. I love how LB's Homespun feels - so nice and soft, but it's a bear trying to find the ridges and valleys to sew seams on. I got the one sleeve in, and found I left a ridge on the right side, so had to take that apart and put it back together. I still have to sew the side seams and bottom of the sleeves yet, then I'm done. I like the pink/purple combination, but not sure if I like the pink edging on the purple hood. Their hoods are kinda weird to begin with, so this seems to emphasize it.

Mail Bag.....

Yipee! My order from Dawn Brocco came today. Some drop dead gorgeous Cyclamin Pink Targhee wool and a pattern for Simply Lovely Beaded Hat and Scarf. I'm so anxious to play with this yarn. I've heard so much about how soft it is and am hoping it holds true to its reputation. It's going to be hard to concentrate on my other projects with this sitting around here tempting me to come and play.

More good news! I receive an email from both Yarn Forward and the Canadian post letting me know my White Buffalo has been shipped!! YIPEE!!!! I'm going to be swimming in wool :-)

I got my glasses back today. Still weird looking through them, but I think it's the shape of the lens and how small they are next to my other ones. I still don't like them, but at least I don't have the strange distortion that I had before from whatever was on the lens. They said it was something inside the lens. At least I wasn't nuts. (well......) On that note - have a great weekend!

Knitting Away.....

Oh goodness - that Sally Melville book has me entranced. Yes, I know it's a beginners book, but it is so nicely done. How I wish it would have been around when I was learning! I'm reading through to see if there's anything I might learn - a new twist or just something I plain don't know. I love all the pictures - they're so clear and easy to understand. This series is a winner in my book!

While going through it, I decided that I really want to make the Einstein coat NOW. I need a good winter coat for doing my errands in, and it looks like something I could wear out in public. Styles and prices of coats don't turn me on, so I figured if I could make something out of real wool for the price of a synthetic piece of ugly, I'd settle on the real wool. Now, mind you, I grew up with Red Heart or store brand synthetics. That's all Mom knitted and crocheted with because the price was right. I have no idea what to expect from what wool for an outside garment, so I posed a question to the KnitList. What a great group of people! I received so many answers and opinions, that I decided to look for a nice hairy type yarn for warmth. I found some White Buffalo unspun in a burgundy on clearance at Elann and was going to buy it, but almost $25 to ship 15 wheels was a bit steep in my opinion. I continued my search and found some in steel grey - and for 20 wheels I paid under $50 including shipping! Elann is great, but shipping really put me off. Now I'm glad shipping was so high - I saved another $1 a wheel this way :-)

Now, I just need to patiently wait to get my grubbly little hands on this new yarn. Until then, I'll just have to concentrate on DD's sweater and "Mrs. Depp" hat. A what hat you say? Well, there's a story behind it. DD has a monster crush on Johnny Depp - or maybe it's Captain Jack Sparrow, or another character he plays, but either way, she loves him to death. We did some surfing to find some JD items and found some Mrs. Depp articles of clothing - like t-shirts with Mrs. Depp printed across the front. Man - the prices on them were outrageous - so I got to brainstorming, and decided that I would make her a winter name hat with Mrs. Depp across the front. Not any old hat though - it HAS to stick out, so I making it a BRIGHT yellow with Mrs. Depp in black across the front of it. Will she wear it? Heck, I dunno, but it is fun knitting and it will get a reaction. :-) I'm hoping to get the lettering done tonight.

As for the sweater, I'm working on the hood edging, and should finish that tonight. I'm planning on sewing it up tomorrow night and hopefully will have the hat finished then as well. That will leave Friday night open for me to bake a cake and work on DS sock.

OHH!! I got mail today! :-)

YES!! My Amazon.com order arrived today, and just in time to make DD's birthday on Saturday. I bought her the most wanted Teen Knitting Club book she's been asking for since we got it out at the library. I've never seen her so interested in a knitting book before. She's looked at the patterns and stated: that's ok - it's nice... but not any real interest in knitting. This book has spurred her to actually pick up needles and try all by herself! She was disappointed when I took the book back to the library.

Since it wasn't enough for free shipping, I HAD to buy a book for me. It's been so long since I purchased a knitting book that I had to really comb through my wish list to see what I'd really like. I decided on Sally Melville's "The Knit Stitch" figuring it would be well used by both DD as well as myself. I took her "The Purl Stitch" out of the library, and was very pleased with it. This was the sell on the first book - plus I really wanted to try the Einstein Coat I've heard so much about. I think her patterns are wonderful - making the basic garter stitch look very classy and certainly not a beginner's stitch. I think the book is very well written - and and she holds the attention of the reader with her love for knitting. To me, she is as interesting as Elizabeth Zimmermann with just as informative and useful projects. Although the pattern writing style is different, it is just as captivating to me.

I will be collecting all of Sally's books and look forward to all of the books in The Knitting Experience set.

Multidirectional Scarf is finished!


The multidirectional scarf is finished and I'm very pleased with the outcome. I'm posting multiple pictures because DD loves to wear her scarves different ways. Wished I knew the different ways when I was young. I think I would have worn the scarves I had a lot more. But then again, they weren't as neat as the ones that we are able to make now! All the unusual yarns and all the cool patterns that I never ever seen younger. Oh to be youn again! LOL!!

We went to JoAnn's yesterday to see if we could find different yarns to make the ZigZag scarf that I got from Iris's group, but sadly, there really wasn't anything there that interested either DD or me. There were lots of flashy and frilly things, but nothing wool or nothing that really spoke to us. DD insisted on getting the same color Wool-Ease again, for her other scarf. She says she really likes the color, it's soft and doesn't itch.

I also bought one of JoAnn's exclusive Rainbow Boucle Sensations in the dark blue. I had a 40% off coupon, and wanted to try it to see if it might just work for the 3-2 blouse pattern I got from Jackie E-S. It is interesting and soft - and I'm going to try a swatch of it today. If it doesn't work for that, I'm sure I can find some other use for it.

I really need to find a LYS - hopefully there is something close. Sad that the one that I frequented is now gone. If I can't find anything, I'll just have to try ordering all my yarns online again. I had some great successes and some great disappointments when buying without seeing in person or being able to touch.

Speaking of buying without touching, I placed an order through Dawn Brocco for her Garden Yarns. I've heard a lot about how nice the Targhee wool is and her colors are drop dead gorgeous - so I broke down and ordered 2 yanks of Cyclamen Pink. I also bought the pattern for the Simply Lovely Beaded Hat and Scarf that is also on the same page as the Garden Yarns. The hat is just gorgeous in the Pink! Dawn is also supplies such good support for her patterns and answers questions quickly and very detailed. I have ordered a few patterns, wool and the Heels & Toes Gazette. I really miss not getting those issues. I have the whole set and treasure each issue! They are full of information, and have such lovely patterns in them.

We have finally gotten a break from the heat!! YEAH! Today we are getting a nice slow and steady rain. Our garden needed it so badly. And I needed the break from the heat as well. With no air conditioning, it was greatly felt this year. Usually our summers are not as hot as this - we are tied with the all-time record of days at or above 90 degrees. It appears that not only I am enjoying the nice weather change - so is our oldest cat. You can see she is sitting and waiting for dinner to show up. Being old, fat and very lazy, dinner could show up, but she wouldn't take the energy to move to get it. That bird would have to hop into her mouth for her to move!! LOL

In her day she was the best hunter one could ever imagine. She came to us as a kitten when her owners moved, and left her behind. She wandered over here and was quite the wild beast. She was never really tamed down - always had a wild streak in her and never liked being in the house much. We tried, but she much rather stay out unless it was cold. Then she'd want in almost all the time - but only as she got older.

Now as an old gal, she has mellowed a LOT in her old age. She actually loves people to pay attention to her and will even initiate contact. She's turned into quite a loving cat.

We've ended up with yet another stray kitten. This one was a real farrel kitten - and I've got the toothmarks to show for it! That little bugger sunk his teeth right into my index finger and ran like a bat. That was over a week ago, and now he's calmed down some and we can actually pet him - but only on his own terms. We are trying to get him calm enough to get him to a vet and have him checked over. He seems to have a cold - and something is wrong with his back, but can't check him yet - not that friendly. We've been trying to find the owner, but so far, no luck.

I picked up my new glasses yesterday. I was less than thrilled with the choices of frames and they weren't categorized in male/female - but you had to try them on to see if they fit. Some were huge, but certainly didn't look male to me. It was a real pain, and I finally had DH and the kids help me choose - as I went through the whole store and couldn't find anything that I really liked. After being about $300 lighter, I put the glasses on and told them there was definately something wrong with them. Things looked - weird and wavy. This of course after I had ended up not being able to wear contacts because of an allergy. While DH was talking to me about it, the girls were just off to the side discussing what a PIA I was and complained about everything. The girl came back and said it was normal and I needed to get used to them. Hey - my eyes aren't that bad - and I've never had a problem before. They wouldn't look at them but told me it wasll basically all in my head. Well, ok, I'll try them for the couple of days they say I needed to.

So I left the store and had absolutely no depth perception - things were really weird and I got so sick to my stomach. I finally took the glasses off and found that when they cleaned them they were so smeary, and I had to wear them that way till I got home - as I had no way to clean them. So I get here and clean them, but that really didn't help. I only take a drop of dish soap and hot water and don't even use a cloth to dry them, so I know they are clean and clear. I went to bed early last night with a nice amount of eyestrain and a headache. This morning I put them on, and found the same problem again, so I washed them and really looked at them in the daylight. That's when I found the interesting pattern on the lens. It lookes like someone took an extremely fine sandpaper and rubbed at an angle and circular motion all over the middle of the lens. It is horrible, and no wonder things were distorted. Called them this morning, and they are ordering another pair of lenses for me. (all in my head, eh?!)

Multidirectional Scarf Started!!!!

And boy am I in love! I've stayed away from this technique way too long. It intimidated me, as I thought it would be too hard and too complicated for my little brain to comprehend in the late evening hours after the children went to bed. Sigh.... Silly me!!!

I'm doing the scarf in a Wool-Ease in the color Wood. I only had 2 triangles done, and DD insisted that she was getting this scarf. And while I was at it, I really should make socks to match it. It would look so "cool" she exclaimed. :-) I haven't decide what is better - learning a new technique or having my work claimed before I even really started!!

One thing for sure, my next book order is going to contain Iris's Modular Knits. I can't wait to start trying my hand at other things now. Ohhhh, I can see this becoming a sickness.......

Moebius Neck Ring is finished!!

A huge thank you to Kat for allowing me to test her pattern for her Moebius Neck Ring!! It came out lovely! I have never done a moebius before, but it has been on my to-do list, and when she posted for test knitters, I jumped at the chance. I'm so very, very glad I did!!

I didn't have the Wool-ease that she used in her pattern, so I substituted Plymouth Galway in a beautiful soft yellow Color #88 (the picture shows it darker than it really is) and a size 9 needle. It was an easy and quick knit once I figured out the beginning, and it seemed that the lace edging took about as long as the rest of the ring! Maybe it was because I was so anxious to get it done and off the needles to try it on. LOL

One thing I really liked about this neck ring was the fact that it wasn't so very loose. I've seen so many that hang like cowls, and when they're not up over your head, they don't look like they'd serve the purpose of keeing one's neck warm. With that all said - this one is MINE! No one gets it or even touches it!! LOL

I had some help on the Mohair, so I'm now just trying to decide on a pattern than will show it off in all it's glory. I knitted a little bit with it, and it feels really scratchy. Certainly not something I'd like for a sweater or anything like that. Maybe it will soften up after being washed? Right now it feels like someone took a boar's hair and spun it!!

Next on the needles is a Multidirectional Triangle Scarf by Iris Schreider. I joined her Multidirectional Knitting group and this was sent out to try when you posted your intro. I'm going to be knitting it in a brown/grey varigated Wool-Ease that I bought just for this project. DD eyeballed the yarn and tried to talk me into knitting her a pair of socks out of it - says she LOVES this color. Sorry sweetie - this is for the scarf. Maybe on the next run we'll get more :-)

I'm also ready to start Laura's Harry Potter Bookscarf. I have all the materials, and will have to get it started - since I've just started the book. The HP books have to go through the children before I can get to read it, but I have been known to sneak in their room after they go to sleep to get it. It hasn't happened this year though, because they have been going to sleep after I do! Man, I must be getting old!

Feeling silly today...

So I decided to take a little quiz to see which Harry Potter alter ego I was...........


You scored as Severus Snape. Well you're a tricky one aren't you? Nobody quite has you figured out and you'd probably prefer it stayed that way. That said you are a formidable force by anyone's reckoning, but there is certainly more to you than a frosty exterior and a bitter temper.


Your Harry Potter Alter Ego Is...?
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***Please note - this was modified to fit my blog.

This really hit us all funny, as I'm always teasing DD that I'm madly in love with Snape - since she dislikes his character so. :-)

Model is finished - back to normal life....

The model for Sue is finished and I took it down to our LNS yesterday to have it framed. It took me exactly 2 weeks to stitch.



This lovely piece is called "Santa's Wardrobe" and should the leaflet should be available in your LNS right now or you can order it straight from Sue's website.

It was a real treat to go to the LNS yesterday. Our shop owner is none other than Maeann Bush of BushMountain Designs and she is so much fun to talk with. I also took in my brother's Camaro that I did a while ago, to get a quote on how much it would be to frame it. Let me tell you - I was very pleased on not only the quote, but the quality of framing that they do there. This is a place that I really won't mind handing over my hard earned $ to get something special framed at!!

Ohhhh! And all the lovely leaflets that Maeann carries. She even handles Heritage Stitchcraft and Chatelaine Designs! Something I haven't seen anyone around here handle. What a treat it was to see these leaflets. :-)

She also has Teresa Wentzler's models - owned by TW herself. Just gorgeous!!! Which leads me to the nicest treat of all.... Teresa showed up at the shop while Maeann and I were chatting. You know, I don't think she has changed one bit since I first met her like 20 years ago. She is always so nice and not the "professional nice", but a truely genuine nice. Fame has not gone to her head!

So, with all my obligation stitching behind me, I took the evening to sit with the kids, eat ice cream and watch a movie. Then, when they went to bed, I got the Moebius Neck Ring out and worked on that more. I finished the neck ring and am now ready to move onto the eyelet edging. Can't wait to start that! It's such a soft yellow color, and I'm anxious to see what it's going to look like done and on. :-)

Speaking of yarn, I wanted to trip to the LYS and take up a yarn my dear friend sent me that she got from her late grandmother's stash. It's a lovely Mohair and I wanted to see what suggestions and patterns were available for it. I wanted to make something special to send back to her made out of it. So, after I left Maeann's shop, I took a trip up the road to what used to be my LYS. Notice I said USED to be. It's GONE! The shop hours are still posted but no note saying "we've moved to...." WAAAAAHHH!!! No more fondling the yarns, smelling the wonderful wools, looking at new patterns.... no more touching and dreaming of what that yarn would feel like. I'm so disappointed. Looks like I'll be back to ordering on the net for things again. It's so hard for me to do that, as I need to feel the yarn. Ah well.

Now I still have this yarn with no real idea of what to do with it. I've never used mohair before so I don't know if I should be using another yarn with it - or use it alone. The worst part is, there is no real information on the labels like yardage, needles, gauge, etc., so I'm really at a loss (more than usual!!)

What I do know is, it's Italian Mohair made in Italy, and each ball contains 40 grams. It has the Sears Roebuck and Co. logo on it, a color and dyelot # plus washing instructions. I have a total of 4 full skeins and one partial. Any help, suggestions, or comments would be grately appreciated!! I would love to send my dear friend this back made into something she would be able to use and remember her grandmother by. She is just the type of person to love a gift like that.

Well off to do some of the little things I've put off for the last two weeks.

Taking A Small Breather Before Bed

I put in another full day of stitching while the kids went with DH to my brother's house. It is amazing how much more gets done when they're not at home! Now that I'm getting close to getting finished, I'm very anxious to get it done and out of here. I'm longing to get back to my knitting. The moebius is calling to me from it's basket - whispering sweet seductive nothings and making me want to reach out and put a few stitches in. I can't do that though, as I know I won't be able to stop! LOL

My goal is to have the model done and down to the framer's on Tuesday. I still have to wash and press it first, then off it goes. The design isn't terribly huge - about 7" x 9", but has a lot of solid stitching on it - a good 3/4ths of it (at least). I'm working on the backstitching now, and it's coming alive. Such a neat design! I can't wait to share it.

The cool part for me is, when I take it to the framer's, I'll also be able to see the other pieces Sue sent to have done (at least I hope Maeann will let me!!). I also figured while I'm there, I'd take one of my pieces down to get an estimate on how much it'll run me to get done. I did a Camaro for my brother a couple of years ago, but never got it framed. I want to get it done this year so I can give it to him for Christmas. This was one piece that was a labor of love - since cars aren't my thing, but I was very, very pleased with the results when it was finished! I am anxious to have it framed. This will be the first piece I've ever had done professionally - so maybe you can understand the excitement :-)

Well, the clock continues to tick, and I've finally wound down and relaxed. It's off to bed for me, to be back up in a few hours and start stitching again. I'm so looking forward to getting the model off the bars and on to another project.

Model Stitching Again

Last week Sue Hillis contacted me to stitch up one of her designs. It is rather a large one and quite solidly stitched, and needs to be finished by the end of next week. So, for the past week, I have been stitching my little heart out, and am confident I will be able to meet her deadline. I really enjoy stitching for Sue. She responds quickly to emails, and is a genuinely nice person. I love her designs, and really enjoy the challenge of a tight stitching schedule. Mind you, I wouldn't want to do it all the time, but a few times a year is fun. It gives me a couple of weeks to me - able to stitch a lot and enjoy movies, and not be interrupted. Life can't get much better than this, and imagine - I'm being paid to stitch and watch tv! LOL

With this tight schedule, I won't be able to be online much, so things will sit quiet here until I get the model done.

Great Mail Day - Moebius Neck Ring Success


A huge THANK YOU!!! to Lynne for sending me the much wanted Christmas Stitchin' leaflet from Leisure Arts. I have wanted that leaflet for such a long time. I had it years ago, and made a few things for my Mom out of it, and it went missing when I moved to get married. I went out to the mailbox this morning, and there it was - all the way from Australia!!! Also inside the package was a lovely postcard. Lynne had read my "wish" on one of the BB's and she RAOK'd me and sent it to me! What a total SWEETHEART! Thank you!!

Yes!! Two successes in one day - can it get any better than this?!! First, I finally got a picture of the white goldfinch near a yellow one, but that yellow one wanted to leave before I snapped his picture. He almost made it! :-) Ahhhh, but I got that little bugger.

We have been enjoying the birds so much this year. They've been so plentiful and just such a joy to watch. We keep learning and seeing new things all the time. Since the kids did their unit study on birds this past school year, we've become so much more aware of them and their habits. They are quite interesting little creatures!

My next success was finally getting the Moebius neck ring cast on. I was making it so much harder than it was. Kat clarified what I needed to know, and now I'm off and running. It's a pretty pattern, and I'm making it in a pale yellow using Plymouth Galway. Kat's directions called for Brown Sheep, but I couldn't find any colors that I liked or were neutral, so I came home and dug through my stash to find something that would work with my wardrobe. This is going to be for me - you hear that DD? You're not getting this one! :-)

Yesterday was a busy crafting day for all of us. DS picked out a fleece Star Wars panel last week and he made a blanket (actually more like a throw) out of it. He also got a couple of Star Wars pillow panels and made a pillow for his bed. He's talking about getting more fleece to make more blankets and all kinds of cool things for his room. I think I turned him into a monster when I taught him how to sew! DD started her jeans quilt. We spent a few hours cutting out squares of fleece and from the jeans. Then she sewed some together. She has a nice start - with it about the size of a baby blanket right now. I'll have to put her off working on it a couple of days, as it's supposed to get unbearably hot again the next few days. Oh, to have central air.....

Sunday.... A day of rest and play.




You are Mohair.
You are a warm and fuzzy type who works well with
others, doing your share without being too
weighty. You can be stubborn and absolutely
refuse to change your position once it is set,
but that's okay since you are good at covering
up your mistakes.


What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Our trip to the eye doctors succeeded in all three of us with vision changes, and new prescriptions. DS picked out his first pair of glasses which was no easy feat! We spent a looooong time going through glasses. He seemed to enjoy picking them out, and is happy with his choice. DH has to stay with contacts because his vision is so bad, and I decided to go back to them after a long time without them. It has been over 16 years since I had a pair, and had to stop wearing them because of all the computer paper dust where I worked. Well, I haven't had success so far, and have a feeling that when I go back for my check, it's going to be a no go. I really liked the price of the contacts -vs- the glasses. They run less than half the price. Ah well, we shall see what happens.

I "borrowed" the HP book from DD after she fell asleep the other night and got about half way through chapter 1. I couldn't read it because my eye hurt from wearing those contacts. That's really weird - wonder if there was something on the one I missed and scratched my eye. Still bugging me today. Guess no reading again.

We had a great night Friday night shopping. I picked up some yarn at Walmart to add to my Rainbow Afghan. It is obnoxiously bright and certainly something I'd never normally do, but wanted to get rid of some yarn I had in my stash, so figured I'd do it and if I didn't like it, I'd donate it. As you can see, I've just started the blue...

We stopped at JoAnn's Fabric so that I could get some size 5 DMC perle cotton to make the Harry Potter Bookscarf that I found on Laura's blog. However, when I got home, there were only 2 of the 3 skeins in the bag. Yup - there were 3 on the receipt, but only 2 in the bag. Of course, when I called, they didn't find any that had dropped or anything, so I ended up losing $1.36 and still can't knit the bookmark until I go back to get the other skein - an 80 mile round trip. By that time, DD will have finished the book.

We were out a lot longer than planned, so we went to Ruby Tuesday's for a fantastic meal. DH and DS had a Colossal burger and DD & I had a Bacon Cheddar burger. YUMMM! The Colossal burgers are HUGE with a pound of meat on them, but DS and DH put them down with no problem. DD & I had a hard time finishing ours.

We've had an interesting visitor to our birdfeeder. He's an almost white goldfinch. I have tried to photograph him many times, but for some reason, our camera doesn't want to focus on him, but the scenery behind him. I hate autofocus - but keep forgetting to take the time to read the book on how to override it until I need it again. One of these days.... :-) Anyhow, here's a pic of him, but sadly no other goldfinches to compare his color to. The peg he's on is a real faded yellow - the feeder has been in the sun for a couple of years, so that's the only point of reference I have to his color.


Ohhhh! And the butterflies!! They have been all over the milkweed and some of the herbs I've planted! These dark brown and orange beauties are regulars now. It's nothing to see 15-20 in one spot. They are one of a bunch of different species that are visiting this year. I've never seen so many kinds here, and will have to consider purchasing a book on butterflies to identify them.

Friday Musings

DD is reading the 5th Harry Potter book, again. She's getting ready for the next book, which was shipped on Tuesday (according to Amazon), so it should be here pretty soon. I guess I'm not as much of a HP fan as those that stood in line at midnight, since I bought it from the cheapest place I could find it, meaning that I'd probably have it a week later. Eight bucks for gas, sales tax and the price of the book (even with the discount) put it at almost $30 - vs the $18 I paid for it at Amazon. To get free shipping I had to order another book, but that wasn't hard, as I needed a book for the kids' lessons, so it all worked in very well. It's just waiting now.... DD haunts the mailbox and terrorizes the mailman :-)

With her up all hours of the night reading her HP book, I haven't been able to work on her sweater. She's one of those silent "cat" types that can sneak up on you without you even knowing it. I have just under a month to finish it in time for her birthday, so I'm not too concerned at this point.

I started a test pattern tonight for Kat's Moebius Neck Ring. I just fell in love with it, and volunteered to test her pattern. I've never did a moebius before, so between that and her new-to-me technique, I'm enjoying learning, but am also bugging Kat for help. I hope she's not sorry for allowing me to test it!

An email from Berroco arrived this morning, and ohhhhh! I'm in love with their new yarn!

They also have a new book out Book #237 Cold Comfort that has a sweater that I just love - actually quite a few of them, but this one drew me like a magnet... Batwing style with the stripes running verticle - love it!

Then there's a new free pattern that is really interesting, but not sure it's for me yet. The longer I look at it, the more it grows on me.... It is a lot like the 3-2 Sweater I got from Jackie E-S, so it may end up in my wardrobe yet. It uses the new Foliage yarn.

Movies, and more.....

Tuesday night wasn't a good night to knit. Actually, it was the day that I started the hood that wasn't a great night to knit. I did the base row correctly, but the next row I was to increase, and didn't. Ten inches later I discovered the mistake and had to it all the way back to the beginning. How on earth could I have missed it?! Well, after reading it all over again, the directions say to st st for X(X,X,X), X(X,X,X)" and then says" increase X(X,X,X), X(X,X,X) on the first row...." well, I missed this part entirely. Seems it is out of order, but if I had been a good girl and reread the instructions, I wouldn't be in this mess, now would I?! So, I'm now up to 4" again.

I had to make a trip to the nursing home to see Dad yesterday and find out what was going on there. They've decided to discontinue his therapy because he can't put any weight on his leg, but just a couple of days before they called and wanted his artificial leg brought down. When I got there, he said they were sending him home. HUH? He can't walk or anything and with a broken hip, I couldn't believe they would consider us able to take care of him. Well, we found out - and again, it was a breakdown of communication. The nurses were told he was being discharged, but that was from therapy, and not the home. They couldn't do anything more with him because he wasn't healing fast enough. Of course, this was after a good 20 minutes of the nurse calling around and trying to find info out. However, that was yesterday, and it can still change - happens a lot there...

Yesterday afternoon, I got the impulse to go see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, so I got hold of Dh and asked if he'd want to take the kids. We had just enough time to get ready, pick him up from work and make the last matinee showing. The kids loved it and so did I! Dh on the other hand is an ol' poop, so his opinion doesn't count :-) I was a little bit skeptical about a remake - I mean, who could do Willie Wonka better than Gene Wilder? Silly me... Johnny Depp brought so much more to the character than I could have ever wanted. He's just fantastic! He gave Willie the eccentric personality that I had imagined when I read the book (over and over and over again as a child). And the set... it was awesome! Leave it to Tim Burton to do wonderful things to bring my childhood favorite to life. This is a must see to anyone who loves Ronald Dahl, Tim Barton, Johnny Depp, or just wants to smile.

You Are 87% American

You're as American as red meat and shooting ranges. Tough and independent, you think big. You love everything about the US, wrong or right. And anyone who criticizes your home better not do it in front of you!

How American Are You?

Wahoo! The Fridge Works!

Life is good! We now have a working fridge :-)

and even more excitement.....


I went out to the mailbox to find this package of goodies! I was the lucky winner of 3 towels from Mary "elfinthemist". Thank you so very, very much, Mary!!! I've got a few ideas of what I want to do with these, and am so anxious to get my obligation knitting done so I can start.

Towels are always so neat - they look so nice in the house, and don't require any extra finishing - plus they always seem to be a welcomed gift from everyone who gets them. I like to tuck one in a basket of goodies every now and then.

Next is my update on the Iowa Cruise Socks that I'm making for DS. The are progressing but not nearly as fast as I'd like. They are in a turquoise color, although you really can't see it in this picture. I've got 6 1/2" of the 8 inches of the ribbing done. I seem to go so slowly on it.

I'm using Plymouth Galway on casine needles. They are ok, but I'm wanting a longer and more pointy tip. For straight knitting they are OK, but switching back and forth from k to p, I'm finding it more difficult to pull my yarn in. I knit the contential way - can't throw the yarn if my life depended on it! LOL


Finally a progress report and picture of the Lion Brand Hooded Sweater. I'm using the recommend Homespun. I laid it all out to see what it's going to look like, and I really like the colors. DD on the other hand has gotten out of her pink phase, so I don't know how this will be received. Not only that, but I bought more pink in a chunky to make a warm sweater/jacket for her. There's not enough to make a bigger one for me, so I guess she'll just have to deal :-)

Anyhow, the picture show's a difference between the sleeves and the hood, but it's just the light from the flash. There's not really any color difference there.

I'm half way on the hood, then all that's left to do is the edging and a pocket. I haven't decided if I want to put a pocket on yet. Her last one didn't have one, and I'm not sure she'd really use it. Or if she does, with this yarn, I'm wondering how much it will stretch. And will it go back to it's original shape or look awful?

Who Turned the Heat On?!

Oh man! I swear it feels like someone turned the heat on. It's 97 degrees and so humid that it's actually hard to breathe today. I don't know what happened to the 85 we were supposed to get - but I sure hope it hurries up and finds it's way back here. Now I wish I'd have put an air conditioner in. This summer has been unusually hot.

I did get to do 4 more inches on the hood last night, but didn't want to touch the sweater today. Actually, with this heat, I didn't want to touch anything. DH called and offered to bring supper home tonight, so he should be here any time with a pizza. The kids are going to love that, as they are pizzia fiends.

My brother called sick this morning, and said he wouldn't be able to make Dad's doctor appt. I figured he wouldn't, as he wasn't doing well yesterday, so I was prepared and ready to go. I called the nursing home to let them know that I'd meet them at the Dr's office, and the woman I spoke to was confused. She said Dad didn't have an appt. today. I said that was funny because I received a postcard that said he was going this morning. Well, she didn't know what happened and would call me back. Fifteen minutes later, she called and said they put the wrong date on the card - it was August 18th and not July! Imagine if we hadn't called and just went down. We'd have traveled 45 miles one way for nothing. No harm done tho, because I called first. Phew....

The part for the fridge arrived today!! YIPEE!!! Now we should be able to go back to normal and have our food chilled the way it should be. Life is good! :-)

A Little Knitting This Morning

I had a little time to get some knitting done this morning. I have succeeded in putting 2" on the Lion Brand Hooded Knit Sweater that I'm doing for DD. I would have gotten more done, but I thought I heard her up early, only to find out after packing it all up, that it was DH instead. So, I decided to be safe and work on the "Iowa Cruise Socks" for DS instead. I succeeded in getting a few rows in before having to tuck them away and get busy with life.

I have been reading some blogs, and I'm drooling over everyone's great purchases and yarn stashes. How on earth does one afford all those lovely yarns? They are so pretty, and I've fingered them at the LYS, but don't normally get to purchase any unless they are on sale - and when I say sale, I mean a steep discount type.

I'm going to have to start scouring places like eBay for the yarn for my sweater. Red Heart just doesn't appeal to me for that. If I remember correctly, there was a group that stitched the 3-2 Sweater, and they used coned chenille - oooooh! That sounds heavenly! I'll be putting it off until I find a good bargain, but the hunt will prove to be both challenging and fun :-)

Time For A Change

Yes, it's time for a new look around here as well as other places in my life. DH has been passively looking for another job - but not very seriously until this past month or so. His place of employment isn't very stable, and he wants be be out of there before the company goes under. There has been so many cut backs, and no raises in the past 3 years - plus the upper management has changed about as many times as one changes a baby's diaper during the day. And probably stinks as much, too.

So, with the prospect of a new job, comes the thought of where we'd like to live in the US. There's not a lot of opportunity for him to find work in his field of speciaity in our area, so no matter what, it will require a relocation. Since we'll be moving - it won't matter if we go 50 miles or 500 as the packing is the same. He has been looking at a lot of different places to see what's available, the cost of living, and what is available for the type of housing we want. It's quite exciting with the prospect of moving on somewhere else!!

We have had an interesting time here since Thursday evening. When we came back from the program DD was in, DS had a glass of milk and stated that it seems to be getting warmer. Hmmmmm - not sure what that meant, so I tasted it to find pretty warm milk. Checked the fridge, and sure enough, it wasn't cooling. We did a lot of shuffling of food, and then DH went and tried fixing it. He found a huge chunk of ice frozen to the bottom of the freezer - not good as it's supposed to be frost-free. He got everything cleaned up and defrosted, and then checked things out, cleaned out places that might have been clogged, and worked until late into the night. Friday morning didn't show an improvement - and Friday was a scortcher on top of it all (so was Thursday!). When DH called Maytag, they wanted to send a repair man out right away. Nope - he wanted to know about a couple of parts, like the timer. Lucky us, there is no timer any more in their fridges, so it is now a replaceable circut board. He did a few tests, and found it wasn't working, so called back for parts. None in stock, and they are waiting on them, because they are a VERY common fix. A $1300 fridge doesn't have a circuit board that lasts very long at all - and the repairman didn't have any. Would be at least Thursday before he could get one. The other place DH called said it would be 10-14 days to get it in, so DH went to the Maytag parts place online and it should be here Monday - and was cheaper than getting it from the dealer (even with shipping). Can't even imagine what it would cost to get a repair person out (over 40 miles one way from here) and then have him come back and install the part! Nice being married to a handyman!! :-)

On to the crafting realm.....

I have been surfing the net for patterns for a sweater for me. I have made so many things for everyone else, that I decided it's time for me. Usually I keep away from making myself something because I'm on the "fluffy" side, so it's more expensive and takes longer. Yah, yah, and the truth is it aways looks crappy on. I have been wanting Jackie E-S's "3-to-2 Any Gauge Sweater" but DH doesn't like it at all. Well, today I went to her site again, and came across that pattern and again showed it to DH who said it was ugly. Hey - you know what? I like it, so I decided to buy it. I got an instand download (just love those things!) from The Knitting Vault and while I was there, I decided to try one of Jackie's "Peppermint Stick socks" as well. They are tube socks in a spiral pattern and DD thinks they're cool, so I thought I'd try them as well. Now, just to find the right yarns.......

VBS Play and Townsfolk

I was so proud of DD last night. She did a wonderful job, and had the lead part in her class skit. She spoke clearly and with feeling and after the play, many came up to her and complimented her on her effort and care she took in preparing. Mom was as pleased as a peacock (and still am!). DD was also awarded a beautiful stuffed lion (since their theme was Africa) for being the most well behaved. She was also awarded a set of resin tigers that she's proudly displaying in her room. And they say homeschooled children are backwards and unsocialized! (grin)

Now - as for the townsfolk, I must say to those considering small, close-knit communities - DON'T think they are great and you really want to live there, because close knit places are very hard to get into, and really easy to fall out of. (Warning - this is a rant, so if you don't want to read negative thoughts - better to stop here....)

I grew up in this town - and in the same house we own now. Our children are 5th generation in this town. My grandmother delivered most of the parents of the kids I grew up with. We are relatives to more than one would think here, yet we are shunned. People I played with, spent my whole life with, and helped more times than one could count, don't speak to us. Why? Because we dared to homeschool and not go to the local church here. I grew up Catholic in a Methodist community, so that put a wedge between some folks and our family. Dad DARED to marry a Catholic and someone from another town, to boot! Well, that wasn't so bad, as most were tolerant of the fact that we didn't go to the church here. Then I left Catholicism, moved away, came back, got married, and the town people got air that I was non-denominational. I was asked to come to the church and become a member. I won't go into the belief issues, but I declined stating I was attending DH's group, but was grateful for the offer.

Ahhhh - in good standing again. We got gifts for the kids when they were born, and the kids had friends. They played with lots of kids their own age. Then came the day that I didn't send our first child on the bus. "What do you mean you're homeschooling?!!" "Why would you even consider doing that?!" "What's wrong with the school here?! It was good enough for you!" It didn't matter to them that I had a boy who was so hyperactive that he'd never survived in school without breaking his spirit or putting him on some kind of meds to calm him down. No one wanted to hear a logical reasoning at all. They wanted me to conform and not do something different. I was already different, and this really just sealed our fate.

I watched our son blossom, and then our daughter with our decision to homeschool. DD learned to read while watching and listening to me teach DS. At 4 she was picking up a book and having a go. Both are bookworms and they love studying and learning. Yes, for us, it was a good decision in that respect.

Sadly, it wasn't in the eyes of our whole town. I never, ever said a thing to hurt anyone, and never put anyone down for sending their children to school. Each family has their own reasons and needs, and who am I to inflict my beliefs on someone else? When someone needs anything, we make sure we are there to help - fires, floods, broken down cars - we've been there any time we knew about it, and always helping. They accept our held-out hands when there's a need, but won't speak to us after. It is something I've become used to, and didn't really pay attention to how bad it was, until the play last night.

We sat in a church pew waiting for the program - there was 3 of us together, so that left more than half the pew. The place was packed, yet our pew where we were sitting stayed open. Then I turned around, to find that people were standing, yet no one would sit with us. Finally a woman and her friend sat down making it known she really didn't want to sit near us, but didn't have a choice. How hurtful can people be? Not a soul, except for the pastor's husband, spoke to us. After we left - I asked DH if we may have come down with a disease of some sort that I didn't know about (chuckle). He just shook his head and said he really couldn't comprehend what went on. He grew up in a very large town - and folks were a lot different there. I know when I lived in a college town, people were so friendly next to here. There was much more tolerance to being an individual.

This attitude hurts - it really does. I haven't had a friend over for coffee since we made our decision to school the children ourselves. OOPS - that's not true, there was our neighbor that wanted me to watch her children all the time and get them off to school - which I did for many months. She kept saying she appreciated my time, but couldn't afford to pay anything because they were broke. Someone forgot to tell them they were next door and we could see all the new things they were buying :-) That was ok, because I was home and it wasn't much of a bother. Then I came down with pneumonia, and she still kept bringing the kids - not even worried that they might get sick. Finally, I said I really needed to stay in bed and couldn't take care of them for a bit, so would she mind finding someone while I recuperated. Once I felt better, I'd be happy to watch them again. Being right before Christmas, I really wanted to get better so I could enjoy our family gatherings - and it would only be about a week she'd need to find care. Maybe it was an unreasonable request - because she never spoke to me again. Merry Christmas to you!

As adults we suffer with this shunning, but I think the kids hurt more. They have no close friends here. They have lots of friends in other towns, but not here. It makes it difficult for them to just hang because of the distance, but they never complain.

I'm just so tired of it all. :-( And I'm sure you're tired of the rant. Thanks for listening - it's something that's been built up for a while, and last night just made it all come to a head.

A Small Finish

I wanted to get August's Teapot by Susan Gastler finished before August, instead of waiting until the month has started, like normal. So here's my small finish. I know it's not much, but there's just something about this series, that made me want to do them all. I only have 2 more to go to finish the set.

These are hung over my sink - the current month on the left, and the coming month on the right. In the middle, I have the current month framed pic of Lizzie Kate's Flip-It from the first series. I have a couple more of them to finish as well.

I guess you could say I'm a nut for seasons and monthly themes. I like changing the look of the house every month. Keeps it a bit more interesting, and the kids seem to enjoy it as well.

Tonight is DD's play. She's so excited and has been buzzing around here the last few days like a bee that's found a new flower patch.

I picked up the "Iowa Cruise Socks" I've been working on and off on this morning and have a couple more inches on the cuffs to do, then I can start on the ankle. Those cuffs are sooooo long on this pattern, but the guys really like them for boot socks. I need to get 3 pairs done by hunting season. Don't know if I'll make it or not, but hey - I'll put an effort in.

Well, my bee is up and buzzing around here, so I guess I better be going and get breakfast made and get started on school work.

Another Year Started

We've been getting back on track since the kids and DH got back. We've started our new year of homeschooling - making this the 10th year we've been doing it. Can't believe it's been that long.

DD has been attending VBS this week. She's been having so much fun. DS usually goes, but this year he wasn't interested. I won't make him do something he doesn't want to do, so I'm not pushing. Guess he's just being a teen and learning he has options :-) Of course, DD thinks her brother is nuts for not wanting to go, but as she says "He's a teenager!" and leaves it at that.

Tomorrow night is their closing program. Each class puts on a skit and then there's a time to show off all their crafts after the program. Everyone will go back to the church annex and have refreshments and pick up their child's work.

I'm looking forward to this year of school. DS, who is in 9th grade this year, will be taking Biology, Early World History, and Algebra 2, Latin, and Critical Thinking, Art History, plus the other normal classes. DD who is in 7th grade, will also be doing Early World History, Pre-Algebra, General Science, Latin, Critical Thinking, a Thomas Kincade Drawing course, and other normal classes. So for those that think homeschooling is a bunch of sit around an goof off all day - let me tell you - it's a lot of work! The state here requires the children to be tested in grades 3, 5 and 8 to make sure they are on target. DS tested off the charts on many of the things. He was at college level on most, and a few things a little lower. His average ended up being 12th grade 5th month. Not bad for an 8th grade student. It pleased me to see those grades, because it lets me know we are giving them a decent education.

I've had a little time to work on :Covered Bridge Spring". Here's my progress:

Life is Good!

Another year of homeschool is finished and I can once again relax. The kids went on a camping trip with DH for their end of year reward - and mine :-) With them gone, I had a chance to start a new project. This one is something I've been wanting to do for a while, but with all the end of year school stuff to do, I didn't have a chance. Finally! I have started!

This is called "Covered Bridge Spring" by Stefani Martin of Design Stash. I picked up the pattern from Patterns Online a while ago, but didn't have the chance to do anything with it. Here's my progress as of this morning:



It's an interesting piece and I love watching it come alive. I'm doing it on 14 ct. off white aida (since it'll be completely covered anyhow). I've found these past few days to be so very relaxing. I've mostly sat and stitched while watching movies, did the normal everyday chores, took care of the kid's animals, and spent the last couple of days with the family at the campsite.

Back to reality now, as I need to get ready for them to come home. They will be due back sometime late morning to early afternoon. It will be nice having them back, but at the same time, I'm going to miss the "me" time I've been having. Terrible, aren't I?! (Grin)

Finally - A Finish to Post!

Finally after a long dry spell from stitching, I've finally had a finish.



This is Lizzie Kate's May Flip-It from the first series. It was stitched on a piece of 14 ct. aida in an unknown color. I changed the accent colors on the watering can to match mine, and decided to change the color of the one panel on the kite to hibiscus since I didn't care for the color that was called for. I also liked the snail charm better than the one supplied with the pattern, so I put that one on instead.

It felt really good getting a piece of cross stitch finished for a change. I really do miss sitting at night and stitching, but the way things are going, I haven't been able to stay awake past 10. I'm usually up between 4:30 and 5 with DH to get him off to work, then out to the garden to get things in. It's that time of the year when stitching and needlework is put on the back burner.

I did get a few pints of jam put up this week, but was cut short because my father had a fall and broke his hip. He had an operation on Friday and they put a "nail" in to fix it. He's been in a tremendous amount of pain ever since. It was a year ago that he was in the hospital recovering from a bypass on his leg that didn't work, then double amputation on the same leg because of a staff infection, a bypass on the other leg, then 2 bouts of pneumonia. Now, a broken hip on his good leg from falling when he lost his balance using his prostesis. I honestly wonder how much more this man can go through. And the hospital care - oh man! It's worse than it was last year. The nurse fell against his leg while she was caring for him doing something with his chest. And this isn't the first time he says. My father has never complained about hospital care, as he has always felt that he got fantastic treatment until now. I have no clue what is happening to our health care system here, but since the hospital has combined with other local ones and become one huge health care organization, the quality of care has gone downhill - and I'm not the only one that has expressed these feelings. Sadly, our insurance forces us to use this organization, and not one of our choice. UGH! What happened to having a good doctor and hospital who seemed to care? There was one once, or was that just a figment of my imagination?

Again - another long absence, but this time I have a good reason - honest! You see, I had my daily hs log on the pc, and was logging in the day's work like normal. DH was down in the basement doing "stuff" and the next thing I know is the electricity was going off and on. Ahhh - nice guy that he is, forgot to mention he'd be playing around with the electricity. Well, my log was destroyed beyond repair, and guess who didn't do a back up?! UGH!

So for the past month, I've been digging through all our work, papers, notes, and everything else I can find and trying to piece an accurate log back together. And being the smart and advanced person that I am, I saw in a homeschool magazine that there was a wonderful record keeper called Homeschool Pro. I went and downloaded a trial copy and used that instead of my old one, as there were things it didn't do that this new one was supposed to do. Mistake #2!! I've been fighting and pulling my hair out with this one. I think it's a POS - and as soon as I finished using it, it was deinstalled. And they want $40 for it! HA!!! Whoever said it was the best one out there had better look at a few others - because even the one I used was better than HSP!

Rule #1 - Back up, back up, back up!!!
Rule #2 - Never believe the reviews without first trying.
Rule #3 - NEVER work on important things with DH in the house :-)

So with this stress going on, I haven't done much for stitching. I am working on LK's May Flip-It from her first series. That was my reward after finishing up on the schedule. I haven't had much time to work on it, but it's so nice to have a needle back in hand again!

I received my DMC Mentor package, and we've already used it. I have taught both children how to XS. They both worked diligently on the kits and had them done in 2 days. Way cool! I tried teaching DS a few years ago, but he didn't want to sit and work on it. Now, he is scouring my stash and has decided he wants to work on a kit of the Titanic. I'm hoping it's not too hard or discouraging for him, but he is set on it. We shall see....

DD is already doing a second beginner pattern from the Mentor package. This one is larger and of a blue flower. She's doing very well on it, and has not had to frog any of it yet. I must say I'm very proud of them both for being so diligent and working so hard on their first pieces. DS had the hardest time and wanted to quit right after starting, because he had to keep ripping out stitches, but after he got going, he wouldn't stop. The first day he sat more than 3 hours working on it. :-) I have been trying for the last 2 days to print their certificates, but haven't been successful. So far, all I get is a message that the site can't be reached.

Well, I probably should get back to work around here - )and hopefully will get back on a blogging schedule as well)

April Fool's :-)

And the fool has decided to post! Thank you all for asking about my whereabouts - it was so very kind of you all, and felt good to be missed :-) It has been a long road to get back here. First, I had a few very tight modle deadlines to get done for Nashville, and then BAM! Everyone came down with the flu. It was a nice flu - the kind that hits the upper respiratory system - and none of that stomach stuff. For me, it turned into pneumonia and that was a long road back. As I get older, it seems to take more time to recover from this stuff. Man - what's it gonna be like when I'm "really old"! LOL

I've hung up the XS'ing for now. I was having the hardest time getting my last model done right. Seemed like every time I looked, I had missed one of the linen threads and went over one too far. Well, I came to a sad realization - the eyes are getting older, too, and I can't see so good up close any more. So a trip to the eye doctor is in order. First though, spring cleaning has to be done, and then at the end of the month, we are scheduled to have the final part of our home study done - the home visit. UGH! I look around the house and wonder if I'll ever be done in time. I keep finding more and more things that need/should be done. This is the final step of our process to be approved to adopt. Unfortunately, we haven't found a bigger house to move to - so the sibling group of 4 that we were originally looking at won't be a possibility at this point. However, our adoption specialist said let him have a look, and see what we can come up with for here. I can't say I'm hopeful, but if it's the Lord's will, we will find a way.

Since XS hasn't been much of a possiblity these days, when I'm really needing to wind down, I've been picking up the knitting needles and crochet hook. Who needs to see to knit or crochet? LOL Elizabeth Zimmermann says one can read a book or knit in the dark with no problem, so I'm going to believe her and practice :-) I finished DS's Weekend Sweater finally! All I had to do is the Kitchener Stitch under the arms, but I've been so intimidated by it, that I let the sweater sit for a LONG time. This morning, I dug out my tutorial, and went to town. The sweater is now out of my room and in the hands of it's rightful owner. YIPEE!!!

DD's sweater is close to being finished as well. I have the body and sleeves done, and still need to put it together and make the hood. It is turning out quite cute. The main body is pink with a purple/pink/white blend sleeves and pink cuffs, and the hood will be the same color as the sleeves.



The sleeves are made from the same dyelot, but for some reason, they look like they are different colors - maybe it's the lighting when I took the pic.

I found a bunch of acrylic yarn that really needed used up. I decided to crochet a rainbow afghan in one continous granny square. Well, I went to the attic to find the colors to make it, and OMG! that stuff up there was left alone in the dark and it multiplied much more than my wire hangers used to in the closet! Oh WOW! Where did it all come from?! Hmmmmmm..... And wouldn't you know it, I was still missing colors! LOL For me, this is not the typical afghan. It's BRIGHT and quite loud. Obnoxious almost, but still has been a really fun blanket to make.

Well - must get out to the garden and get the ground worked some. I have onions and peas to go in. Have a beautiful day!