Arleta's Motley Wool

MIA Blogger Found

2009-03-05T10:16:00.003-05:00

I'm back again. Truth is, I've been stressed, and when I'm stressed and depressed, I react by avoidance. Yep, avoiding everything. I have been knitting, and spinning, and obsessively thinking about dyeing yarn, though.

I remember promising some pictures, and I've finally decided to get off my lazy butt, and show off a bit. To the right are pictures of the awesome quilt my MIL made for my husband and me. It queen sized, and I picked the colors. Actually, they are his faves, if I chose my favorites, the quilt would have been orange (and black). Of course! I love it, though. It's huge, and warm, and she did a spectacular job!

These pictures are some of the gifts that I knit for Christmas. I made so many things this year! I was bad and forgot to take pictures of most of them, though.

I made MIL some ft clogs, but I attached real slipper bottoms (plasticy rubber ones) to the bottoms. I made her sister the blue ft clogs.

I am especially proud of the flip top mittens, though. I handdyed the fiber, spun it, plied it, and knit some fingerless mitts for Oldest Son's gf. Oldest Son said she had been shopping for just the right flip top mittens, so I finished the thumbs, then picked up stitches and made mitten tops that flip down. I found a really cute button (no pic) and voila! She was wearing them every time I saw her before they went back to college. It always feels so great when people appreciate handmade gifts.

The striped gloves were for Oldest Son. I dyed the yarn, hoping for black and white, but the black broke (I guess that's the dyeing term I mean) I love how the black/brown/whatever stripes turned out (full of win) so I like them anyway.

The last pic is of some handspun (by me) mitts I made for Lil' AR.

So, I hope to get on here alot more, and come visit all of my fave blogs. Maybe when winter gets out of here, I'll feel better. I finished a big (for me) knitting project, and as soon as I get some good photos, I'll be back to share!

Knit on!

Picture Meme

2009-01-27T11:11:00.006-05:00

I was innocently trying to catch up on some blogs, when suddenly I was tagged by Momo for this meme. Since I have been such a slacker, I decided to play along, so here goes:

Go to my 4th picture folder
Post my the fourth picture in that folder
Tell 4 things about that photo
And tag 4 other people

This is Lil' AR, also known as Little Diva, and lately Drama Queen.
Our only girl, after two boys, I dressed her all in pink, lacy, frilly things until she was old enough to talk, and said "No more pink!"
She is holding her elephant, and handspun mitts that I knit for her for Christmas, and wearing a wristband her oldest brother bought for her for Christmas.
This picture makes me realize that my kids are growing up really fast!

And just like I was tagged, by reading a post, so too are you. Consider yourself tagged (if you want to play along)

Next time on Arleta's Motley Wool: a gorgeous Christmas present Mr. Knittar and I got, and maybe some knitting pictures! Keep on Knitting!!

Yes We Can! Yes We Did!!

2009-01-20T10:25:00.005-05:00

Is today the most exciting day ever, or what? I feel like such a part of our country today. Proud and excited (and jealous of everyone who was able to go to Washington) I felt even better after seeing this video that was on ravelry. Yay, Obama!!!! I wish I had something red, white, and blue to knit.

I am seriously getting choked up watching the news people interviewing audience members. The miles people traveled, and standing in the cold for hours just shows how important this day is, and how absolutely wonderful this will be for our country. Yesterday, being Dr. King's birthday, and then today, wow! I don't even know what to say, except that today, I am proud to be an American!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-22T12:03:00.002-05:00

Hi! I have got to find some time to go lurk and maybe even comment on my favorite blogs! It's been forever! Thanks for the comments about missing me, Rhoda, Jeanne, LarjMarj, Del, Becka, and Mama Bear! Sorry I've been a bad blogger and blogfan, too!!

So, I finally got a battery for my camera, and I thought "Yay! I can take pictures of the gifts I've knitted for Christmas!" Yeah, I already wrapped them. Ummmmm ~ I will have to remember to get pics when they are opened. I do have some birthday gifts I've knitted that haven't been wrapped yet, though.

Alright train of thought.....I had to take a little break and go build a tent out of sheets and chairs all over the living room. Gotta keep that 10 yr old busy......

Pictures! I have some socks that I hand dyed and hand knit for my hubby's aunt, a pink bunny for a niece, and the tan bunny for my nephew. The inner ears on both bunnies are spun from real bunny wool. So soft! I also finished a throw for us to cuddle up with. I think I started knitting it two years ago, at least!

I want to read blogs and post and all of that, when did life get so crazy busy?? Oh, yeah, when I had kids!

Hope all of your Holiday Knits are done! Mine are, I finished yesterday, as Lil AR and I were wrapping.

Oh, the joys of holiday giving!

Still kickin

2008-11-14T21:46:00.003-05:00

I'm alive ~ I swear! Just busy, stressed, and my camera is naughty, so I haven't been able to take any pics of my knitting. I've been knitting like crazy, though, ya know, to help with the stress.

Back soon, hopefully with pictures of knitted goodness! Knit on, all!

Double Digits!

2008-09-14T20:51:00.005-04:00

The baby turned ten today! Now all of our kids are in double digits. Lil' AR and Carrie's oldest daughter have been planning an awake over (sleep over - but stay awake all night) since June, and Lil' AR and I decided a birthday party was a good time to do it. I wasn't too sure about six little girls and me, so I invited Carrie and Melanie to stay over, too. We kicked the guys upstairs, made lots of food, and had a party. I always thought having a grown up sleep over would be fun, so I was glad for an excuse to party with my friends.

Surprisingly, I was able to fit ten candles onto one ice cream cone cupcake, and we had presents for the birthday girl (lots of Webkinz). The kids watched dvds in her bedroom, and we mommys meant to watch some Johnny Depp, but we talked all night and never even watched a movie. Knitting was done, though.

The next day was a big one, too. Before everyone left we had some banana pancakes and fruit and mmmm coffee. Then, the family came over to celebrate and give more Webkinz to the decade girl. Staying up until four, up before seven, and then having another birthday party wasn't too smart, but it turned out very well. We all had a great time. I can't wait for another awake over!

Lil' AR loves to bake and cook with me, so she decorated her own cake (and cupcakes for school tomorrow) That's alotta cake!

What a great time, with great friends!

Next post I'll have to tell all about the fo's I've got. They're piling up! Knit on, y'all!

Sock yarn and stuff

2008-08-24T21:30:00.005-04:00

Pardon the terrible pictures, (Click on it to look closer) but I took the stripey ones late last night, right before I ripped the sock out, and rolled the yarn back into a ball.

The pattern is really neat, it's called the Treillage Socks, and I found it on Ravelry. I love the way the twisted knit stitches poke out in such a pretty pattern.

The first yarn I was using is Austermann Step with aloe and jojoba oil in it, and although I love the way it feels and looks, the yarn was just too slippery to do the twisted stitches. Especially on my metal needles.

So I ripped it out and started again today with some loverly yarn Rhoda sent me. It's hand dyed from See Jayne Knit. I think it might be an etsy shop. I love the colors, and the pattern is easier to do without the aloe and jojoba making it too slippery.

Well, SP starts his college classes tomorrow. I keep finding reasons to call him. I knew I'd miss him, but it's almost like I forget he's gone to school, and I keep thinking that kid should be home by now! lol I do think I'll have to dye some yarn maroon and gold. I got a bag, that I use for knitting (of course) and a tshirt with the college name on them. I am so going to be one of those parents that gets all of the stuff in her kid's school colors. At least he's only a couple of hours away, and will be visiting during the school year, and he'll be back for summer.

It's late, Lil AR should be in bed, but I told her she could play some mahJongg before bed, so I'd better get going!

Knit On All!!

The day after tomorrow .... yikes help!

2008-08-19T20:20:00.002-04:00

Here I go again, life is crazy, so I ignore my blog. I've been knitting and spinning, since my big blister healed up on my hand.

I also painted my Turkish spindle. It is orange now (of course), and has sparkles and little black and orange moons and stars.

Here is a before and after picture, and a close up so you can see the little sparklies better.

I like it! That alpaca (I think - is that what it is Carrie?) is now started on this very spindle. It's so pretty; all black with green and blue shiny stuff in it. I like it, too!

The day after tomorrow is going to be a huge day for me. I have been freaking out all week. SP is going off to college! My little artist is all grown up! High school graduation seemed big, now this!!

The longest we've ever been away from each other is one week. Two times in his life, once last year, and once the year before. I am not worried about him, though. He's always been so independent. How did this happen? No, I mean, this is what we strive for when we decide to have children, right? Oh my gosh, my baby is a grown up! It's a good thing I'm immature enough for both of us. :)

Time to go knit some more, or spin, or pace around hoping for the best!!!!

Fiber Fest Pics and stuff

2008-08-03T18:56:00.004-04:00

The fiber fest in Charlevoix was so much fun, but this year I only took two pictures there. The little cuties to the right, and another pic of them that's about the same. lol

I have fiber to show off, though. I got a spindle and superwash merino for my oldest son's girlfriend, and she loved it. I got some wool with tencel and some with bamboo, and alpaca with shiny stuff. I can't find the papers right now so I'm probably spelling things wrong, and I can't remember the shops they came from, but when I post about spinning with them, I'll let ya know where they came from. I also got a turkish spindle which is so cool.

Lil' AR got a pan flute and a llama finger puppet. We left the kids home, though. Carrie, Melanie, and I all needed a Mommy day.
**Warning**

Owie pictures ahead

Today, though, proved the fact that I am the Queen of Dumbasses.

We went out to MIL's house, and over to Crystal Mountain, our local ski resort. They have a couple of big slides set up on the mountain called the
Crystal Coaster. You ride up the chair lift, then down the slopes on carts. They have brakes to slow you down and to stop. The third time down, as I was totally beating Malcolm (No, you are not supposed to race) I had a WIPEOUT. Just before we started, I said I thought my cart felt funny. The brake didn't feel like the first two carts I had, but down I went. Fast, too! Then, at this huge curve, I slowed down before it, and flew out of my cart, slid down a ways on my bare elbow and knee, and even though I knew better, I put my hand down to stop myself. Then, as I was trying to find my shoe, and get back into my cart, I saw Mal pass me. I still got down right behind him, though. I would totally ride it again....yeah dumbass. I (of course) forgot my camera, but we tried to take some pics of it on the phone, but they weren't too great. Don't forget to click the pics and see 'em big. I don't think I'll be spinning that wool for a while. Man, I hope I can knit, though!

Knit on! (and stay safe - lol)

Who needs a title?

2008-07-14T10:10:00.007-04:00

Ravelry is the most fun time sucker ever! I am starting to ignore other things for my new love, such as laundry and dishes.

I have been knitting, though. I finished the latest baby blanket. Which is a good thing, because the shower was yesterday. They know it's a girl, so let me tell ya, it was a pink shower. My blankie will stand out in that nursery. ;)

I also started a BYOB. I like it. I think I'll have to make some more when this one is done. The downer while starting this bag was my yarn mess. While I was winding the yarn, it had tangles, then my cat decided I was flinging yarn all over the place for her benefit, and ran off with the dangling end. More tangles. Then, the dog kept walking back and forth from the kitchen to the dining room. The only counter the ball winder fits well on is between the two rooms, so she got tangled in my yarn as well.

Fun times (that's sarcasm, folks)

We have been on the go all summer. Graduation, graduation party, Fourth of July, family reunions, baby shower....it never ends! The most exciting (to me) event coming up, though is a fiber festival! I can't wait! I am taking $$ this year and spending it, too! I've been saving just for this! Carrie, and our friend Melanie, (who needs a blog) and hopefully Carrie's mom (Cuz she's awesome) are all going, too. I will have my awesome new Ravelry button on. Fun times for real!

Holy Crap! That came out huge. Oh well, I am a proud Ravel-a-holic.

Ok, I am off to knit that bag, and try to decide if it's nice enough to go to the beach this afternoon. Have a great one!

I hate thinking of titles

2008-06-24T18:48:00.002-04:00

Remember this blanket? The green and yellow one? Well it's gone. I frogged it. I could not make myself want to weave in so many ends, even though the colors looked awesome together. I restarted it, though, and now it is the blues blanket in the pictures to the left. I like it a lot more, and there won't be half as many ends to weave. Maybe that's why I like it so much more.

I'm also showing off LD's killer zap socks that I talked about in that same post. I finished them quite a while ago, but that was when I was being a lazy blogger, and I never posted the fo. MM dyed the wool for those, and I dyed the sock yarn for the other two pair that I am finally posting about.

The pink and yellow ones are for Hubby's Aunt. She asked for bright, stripy socks. They are bright alright! I want to keep them. It's just a plain stockinette sock, but oh, they are nice! If I do say so myself.

The green, purple, blackish, orange striped ones are for me, me, me! I love my handknit socks. I dyed that yarn, too. Actually, I made two skeins the same, so I could put one on my etsy shop, but my friend Melanie bought one before I could list it! I'm using the Monkey pattern. Love it! I know what people say about lace patterns and stripes, but I like how they turn out.

So, here are some super cute pictures from LD's field trip to a one-room school house. My friend Carrie sewed this awesome dress. She has a pic of her daughter wearing it for her field trip, and lucky us, LD's trip was just a bit later. There is a pic of her and her teacher (the one that knits) and her with her best friend.

I also won a bet against Hubby and got some sock yarn money the night before WWKIP day. I bought this Austermann Step that has Aloe and Jojoba Oil in it. Yes, I am a selfish knitter and will make socks for myself with it. The color is 0027 Afrika. It has orange. Orange is important when choosing sock yarn for myself. hehe

The baby blanket is for my nephew's baby that is due in August. I keep picking up the socks, though. I guess I should go work on the blanket. Deadlines and all that stuff.

I am in love with ravelry. It rocks. I keep looking for people I 'know'. If you read my blog, or if I comment on yours and I haven't found you yet, come be my friend. :D

Well, gotta go knit!

Bear with me

2008-06-20T11:12:00.003-04:00

I am finally updating my template. It may look weird around here for a bit, sorry! I know I should have done this a long time ago, but all the copying and pasting! Oy!

Back soon with a better blog!! :)

Oh darn, I need a title

2008-06-15T12:56:00.008-04:00

Yesterday, we celebrated World Wide Knit In Public Day at the park with a bunch of knitters. LD was my photographer, and even though the date on the pics say the 15th, it was actually the 14th. The same thing happened to the graduation pictures. (They all say the 9th, but it was really the 8th) I fixed it today.

Carrie was there, and Melanie, our knitting buddy, LD's third grade teacher (she also taught me and both of my boys) was there. I should do a post on her sometime; she's awesome. I have posted a little about her before.

The LYS owner brought yarn and there was a special braiding project to try. Unfortuately all of the pics of me knitting look too awful to post. I don't know why I can't just smile until the picture is over. I just have to start talking, or turn my head. Oh well.

It was a really nice, sunny day, but later after we came home there was another thunderstorm (we've had quite a few lately) and there was hail. Click the pics to see it bigger.

There was a real photographer there, too, for a little newspaper here, or something. I'm not sure, because while he or she was there, I was at the yarn shop with Melanie (red shirt in the pics). I had some sock yarn money burning a hole in my pocket. LD will be in the picture, though. That's just the way it goes. lol I did get some really cool looking Austermann Step, though. I'll snap a pic and show it off sometime.

Speaking of showing off....I have some more pics from graduation. My little SkaterPunk is an artist, and he had a showing in the front display case of his school. The art work behind these pictures is all his. Some of the pottery he had there was already removed, though. I am so proud! He asked me for some of his old work, and told me there was going to be a senior art show, he just didn't tell me it was him!! His class voted him most talented, and class rebel. Yeah!!

I stuck a couple of pics of him standing with part of his class, too, because they are just so funny to me. I always think of him as my little boy, but he is tall! As I was looking at all of the pictures from graduation, I realized that he is a head taller than everyone else. I think that's so cool. (He is easy to spot in each pic)

We went to his college orientation on Wednesday, and I would have had a really cool knitting story, if I weren't such a chicken. As Hubby and I were waiting for SP to get done with his student part of the day, I was looking around for a seat to get comfy and knit in, and there was this kid knitting. He was a cool kid, too, you could tell from the yarn he was using. hehe I tried to sneak a pic of him, but none would turn out. Hubby said I should just go tell him I'm a blogger (or crazy knit addict or something) and ask for a pic. His parents were there, and he was probably 18, since he'll be a college freshman, but I chickened out. As they were leaving, though, he saw me knitting, and smiled and gave a nod to my project. I told SP that he should make friends with this kid, since he's obviously very cool. ;)

Well, enough bragging, I am working on four projects right now (sweater, baby blanket, and 2 prs. of socks). I have a list of things my loved ones want, too. I joined ravelry today, though, so who knows when I'll have time to knit. Who'm I kidding? I'll make time!

Knit on!!

Look what I have

2008-06-08T17:07:00.002-04:00

a high school graduate!!

Now you know where I've been; busy and stressing out! Real post soon, I swear!!

"Holy Crow!!!!"

2008-04-28T09:11:00.002-04:00

"Holy Crow!" To quote a good friend. I haven't posted in almost a month! I have been seriously overwhelmed with life, and when I get like this, I avoid everything, and just do what I have to do to get through the day. I seem to avoid the things I like to do the most, too, which is just weird. I haven't even responded to the nice comments everyone left on my last (long ago) post.

I haven't been avoiding knitting, though. I finished the scarf that I knit for a thank you gift, and then sent it away without taking a picture of it. I reminded myself plenty of times to get a pic first, but I did it anyway. It turned out really nice, too. I folded it in half, and seamed it. It made a really long reversible scarf that will be warm, warm, warm. That is a good thing for Michigan because I swear it never gets warm enough here.

Then, that sweet little baby that got these handknits here, is so cute I just had to knit her one more thing, so she got some bright orange booties knit from handdyed wool. Her mommy didn't care that they'd have to be hand washed, and they are awesome. Thank goodness I remembered to take a picture this time.

During Spring Break the kids and I dyed some yarn, and I started a pair of Killer Zap socks for LD. They are bright! MM chose the colors for that yarn, and for being red/green color blind the kid did good. lol. LD didn't like the way her yarn turned out, but I showed it off at knit group, and the earthy tones were complimented by other people there. I did some sock yarn, and the acid green and hot pink look really cool with the black. I will be having some cool looking socks from that skein when I find the right pattern.

Here are some new pics of my sweater, which is coming along. Too bad I didn't finish it before this week. Michigan is cold again! Surprise! I could be wearing it now.

The green and yellow thing in the pic set is a mistake rib entrelac baby blanket called Bliss, it was on MagKnits, but luckily I found the pattern somewhere else online. I can't seem to find it to link right now, but it's out there somewhere.

Lastly, we have some felted needle holders. I made up some samples for my knitting class that starts tomorrow. The kids will get to choose the wool colors they want, knit them up, felt them, and keep the needles they made the holders with. Unfortunately the class is only for four weeks. I really think that is way too short, but this is a quick project, that uses almost no yarn. The little black and blue bits of yarn next to the orange holder are all you need. I thought I was very clever to have a sample of each stage: knit, seamed, and shrunk. Then they were so quick I just had to make an orange one for myself. ;)

Well, I have rambled enough, I guess. I have dishes (yuck!) and a Killer Zap toe to kitchener. Then, you know I have to start the second sock right away. We don't want any SSS here!

Hope every one's doing well. I need to get around to the blogs and see what every one's knitting!

Blah ~ Whiney Post Ahead

2008-03-31T13:55:00.006-04:00

Hopefully everyone has been wondering where I've been. I've been here, waiting for winter to end. It is so gray, and yucky. I haven't even been lurking on blogs. I haven't answered any comments from weeks ago, and I owe two memes. Bad blogger! I have to snap out of it and get back to being a compulsive blog reading, blog posting, comment queen!

I get so depressed this time of year. It feels like winter will never end, money's tight (as usual), and the kids and I are sick to death of being in this house! Luckily, the people at the library are very nice, and help us to find books to get through the boredom that is festering around here. We've been crafting, too, though. That seems to be the only thing that is saving my sanity. Check out the stitch markers I made. Skulls! LD got me these beads. I also made her a bracelet with a skull as the center piece. She is really into pirate stuff right now, and is compulsively watching the Pirate's of the Caribbean movies.

Here's something to cheer me up! Carrie made me this sweet little bunny, almost totally out of real bunny! My picture is yucky, so go check her post out. I saw it and left a comment, thinking "Someone must have done something nice for her", not realizing that it was me. That put a smile on my face.

This sweater here, is making me feel pretty good, too. Thankfully, the pictures are a little blurry and you can't see how blah I am. I am doing the longer sleeved version in wool, and I plan on wearing it all next winter. I will definitely have to do a real photo shoot when it's done. It is my first ever sweater. I am no longer a sweater virgin. (I'm going to be getting some weirdos here, aren't I?)

I knit another pair of fiber trend clogs, and sent them off to my SIL without taking a picture. *smacks forehead* Then I started a

scarf. I have to decide if I want to leave it 8 inches wide, or fold and seam it to 4 inches wide. If I seam it, it will be reversible. I like that, but is 4 inches to narrow for a scarf? It's going to be pretty long. Hmmmmm. Let me know what you all think. Of course, the recipient won't need it until next winter. I am knitting it as a thank you to someone. It feels good to do that, but I don't really know this person well, and (shame on me) I don't really like this person very much. Of course, if I got to know her, maybe I'd like her. Who knows?

OK, so I'm sad, and sick of winter, among other things, and I need to know if 4 inches is too narrow for a scarf. So, is it? Let me know what you think, so maybe I can finish the darn thing before June. lol

I hope all you other knitters are doing better than I am. Maybe I should go blog browsing and find out!

Wool Socks, Warm Feet!

2008-03-13T09:25:00.005-04:00

I love handknit socks. So does LD. The red/black ones on the bottom of the pic are hers. I finished them last night, and she's wearing them to school today.
I've been able to wear a brand new pair of socks to knitting every week for three weeks in a row! The stripey ones are jaywalkers, the yarn is some Opal sock yarn that I got from LarjMarj. Pretty springy colors! The greenish/blue ones are Killer Zap socks, and I used Lion Brand Fisherman's wool dyed with kool ade. These are so warm! (Amy's patterns are awesome!) The blue ones are a worsted pattern I found somewhere online. Just a little cable, but I can't remember where it came from I do know that they are Paton's worsted weight wool.
LD's socks are the Killer Zap pattern with black Paton's wool and red/purple kool ade dyed LB Fisherman's wool.
You can also see my tidal wave socks that I knit from the ToFutsies that Rhoda sent me.
I want to knit more socks, but I have to make another pair of slippers. My SIL sent me some wool, and she will get a pair of slippers soon, but first I have to go mop and vacuum again. Last time I wrote that I was going to clean the floors, it worked, I did it, so before I touch those needles and cast on I am going to clean the floors and start some laundry. Man, my life is soooooo exciting!

Knit on!!

I'm back!

2008-03-03T10:39:00.002-05:00

Actually, I haven't been anywhere. I've been doing the normal every day run, run, run. School, home, store, hubby's basketball games...throw in some knitting here and there, and that's about all.

I have two pairs of socks almost done (both for me). I think the jaywalkers are going to be really close to matching, and I didn't even try. Just luck. I knitted two more fake isle hats. LD chose the blue/tan yarn for herself, and I knitted her up a little hat. Next winter both of us are going to have some thrummed mittens. Carrie will show me how to do it. ;)

Friday, Carrie invited Melanie (our blogless knitter friend) and I over, and we knitted, and ate, and looked at patterns all day while the kids were at school. That was fun.

On the 24th of February, SP turned 18. Wow! 18 years old. I'm ready for people to say "You don't look old enough to have an 18 year old!" More people used to be surprised to see how old my kids were, but now every one's like "Yep, cool." lol So, happy birthday to him! It's a big one!!

We are having a snow day. Again.. This school never calls a snow day. I did get to go back to bed for a while until LD let me know it was time to eat, and wondered if she should wait for me to help her cook eggs and toast. Since she's only 9, yes, I got up and cooked some eggs and toast to dip in them. She does know not to touch the stove without me. She is a pretty good helper in the kitchen, though.

Now she and MM are playing marbles with a big tape circle on the living room floor. At least they are playing, and it's not too loud. Maybe today, I'll get around to checking on my fave bloggers. I haven't really felt like messing around on the computer.

Before I even touch one of those socks, I need to clean the floors in this place! I have to! There, now that I typed it, maybe I'll actually do it. Maybe I should get to it soon, of course, I can't vacuum the carpet with marbles and tape and kids sprawled all over it. Oh well, maybe cold feet matter more. ;) ;) hehe

Have a great day, hope you find tons of time to knit!

And the winner is ....

2008-02-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

mzpookie. Since I don't have an email address for you, you're going to have to get in touch with me! :) Thank you all for your guesses, everyone got one entry, except for amy and punkin. They guessed correctly, and each of them got two entries. I guess it was mzpookie's lucky day, though. She gets a sock knitting prize. Lil AR helped me choose the prize, and picked the yarn. I made the stitch markers, though. Oh, yeah, the year was 1989. Hubby was only 16 when that picture was taken. Whatta cutie. It was those dimples that got me!

Speaking of sock knitting. That's pretty much what I did yesterday. We had a snowday (again). The kids were sapping my computer time, so I got down to the toe of my new Jaywalker sock, courtesy of Marj. It is so cute and stripy. I do love the jaywalkers! Lookit that adorable stitch marker on the back of the sock! Love it!

Well, I'd better get busy doing some housework, or knitting on that sock. Guess which one is most likely to happen. hehe

Knit on!!

You love me; You really love me!

2008-02-07T19:54:00.000-05:00

Lookie what I got! Rhoda, Carrie, and Marce all gave me a 'You make my day award'! Thank you, Guys!! I was hoping somebody would ~ hehe

So, I am giving it back to all of them, and these people. I made a list, and I had way more than 10, so if you're not on here, and you're a knitblogger, you're still on the list in my heart, but man...that's a lot of linking!! (Lazy Girl!)

So in no particular order:

Boogie

Noolie

Marj

Deborah

Wool Winder

Jane

Kelli

Kristi

Linz

Go check out their blogs. Some are funny, some are moms, all are knitters, and when I read them, I feel like I'm catching up with a good friend. Check out the three that named me, too. They also make my day!

Knit picture time! I finished the bunny. It is so darn cute! I probably had enough of the bunny wool to do the inside of the ears, but I was chicken, and plied it with some sock yarn, just to make sure.

The other pic is of some goodies that came in the mail for me recently. I won a contest at Marj's blog! She sent me the cutest stitch markers, and some of my favorite candies. I don't know how she knew, but really my faves! Sock yarn! You know I love me some sock yarn. Thank you so much, Marj!! I love it all!

I also sold some sock yarn on my shop, so I ordered rovings. I got the Sunset Fire Sparkle (orange), and Desert Flower Sparkle (blueish) Superwash Merino from The Ranch. It is so soft, and sparkly, I love it! I'm going to spin them seperately then ply them together. The awesome Alien Autopsy (black, purple, green, and white) Superwash Merino came from Amy's Babies. It's really soft, too, and the colors are great!

OK, time to go get ready for tomorrow. Have a great weekend! Don't forget to enter my contest, if you haven't. It's a sock knitting surprise if you win!!

Post #200 Contest!!

2008-02-04T08:50:00.000-05:00

This is my 200th post!! I can't believe it, but that's what it says, so to celebrate, I am having a fun little contest. The prize is sock knitting related. Everyone who leaves a comment guessing when Hubby graduated from high school gets one entry into the contest, and anyone who guesses correctly, gets an extra entry! So, here is Hubby's Mom's favorite Senior Picture of Hubby. If you guess what year he graduated, you might win!!I just wish I could find a copy of his fave sr. pic, he was very cool in his leather jacket. lol. I'll pick a winner in one week, Monday February 11th, so get guessing! Oh, yeah, there may be a couple of hints in the 2006 posts, but checking out that style might help, too. ;)

p.s. Even if you know me, and know what year Hubby graduated, leave a comment for an entry!! I'm talking to you!

More Bunny!

2008-01-30T09:57:00.000-05:00

Well, yesterday it was 43 f, and rainy. Lovely weather for January in Michigan. The snow was gone, and I was happy!! This morning it is negative 1 f, lots of ice and snow, and it's a snow day. Even Hubby stayed home from work because the roads were so bad. I don't even want to know what the wind chill factor is. It's cold!!

I have been knitting, though. I finished the second pinwheel blanket, booties, and hat, I just have to finish the last icord tie for the booties, and maybe embroider some flowers on the blankie.

I also started a bunny from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. It is going to be for the baby I knitted the purple striped pinwheel blanket for. Her first birthday is coming up. The inner ears are going to be knit out of real bunny wool. I still have to spin it, though. lol. The roving is in the picture by the bunny's head. Carrie gave it to me, and ~~I will return whatever I don't use, because it is some special stuff!!~~Nope it's all gone. :)

And I made a garterlac dishcloth with the striping cotton from Lily's Sugar and Cream. I love the way the stripes went into the little squares. I got some more of the cotton just to knit some more of these.

Ok, LD has to use the computer to go here. Fun site. Time sucker, though. :) Then she also has a school project to research on the computer, so I guess I'll get out of the way!

Be back soon with my 200th post! It'll be a contest, so stay tuned!!

p.s. if you want to see some pics from the fun spinning class Carrie and I did, she has some posted here.

Just add a little bunny!

2008-01-25T12:12:00.000-05:00

(Yes, I am tired of thinking of titles ~ lol)

Well, we did it. We (Carrie and I) tried to hook another generation on spinning. I think it's working. *Mwah-ha-ha* It must be, because when I went into the school the next morning moms, and kids were coming up to tell me how cool spinning is, and asking wonderful questions.

I do have some tips, if anyone is crazy enough to show spinning to about 20 kids at once. Number one is predraft the heck out of the wool. I did a little, but next time, there will be pencil rovings, all ready to spin, because some kids (the little perfectionists) didn't like the thick yarn they were ending up with. I had a hard time 'getting' drafting when I started, too.

Another tip is having a lot of grown up helpers, even if they don't know how to spin. We had the teacher, and another mom, and LD. She was a great helper, and she loved that she was allowed to go to the other third grade classroom, while all of her friends had to do a writing assignment. Her teacher said that she's such a good student, she could catch up later. Bless her heart.

On Wednesdays, the third graders have the option to stay in for lunch recess, and knit. I go in for about 1/2 an hour and help. The other day, though, after our knitting time, Carrie and I went over to Mr. D's class, and just jumped right into the spinning thing. Carrie saved my bacon with a little speech about wool, and how old spindles are. I didn't even think about how to start, so here's a great big "Thank You!" to her!

LD's teacher is Mrs. D, and the other third grade teacher is her husband. They are both so great, but I love that Mrs. D is so crafty. She's the super nice teacher that gave me two sweater kits. See, nice lady!

After we stayed in Mr. D's class for about an hour, running around helping kids, we went next door, and did the same thing for Mrs. D's class. Carrie had to run, so I asked her to give her little intro first. Sweetie, sweetie ~ what a great friend.

This morning, I said something like "If I ever do that again...." and Carrie said "You'll be doing it next year, because my daughter will be in that class." Then, Melanie, our other knitting buddy, said the same thing. hehe

I was so tired Wednesday night, though. Whew! I don't know how teachers do it. At bedtime, I realized that I must have been tired when I got up that morning, since I had on two different socks! I've never done that before. At least they were knit out of the same yarn, just two different patterns. Trying to be a good blogger, I snapped a pic.

Carrie, Melanie, Riki, and I decided to have a quick little knit meet this morning, and I was spinning some of my Christmas wool when Carrie pulled out a baggy of bunny softness. I was petting it, when she said I could keep it! "Really?" I said "Sure, he'll make more." said Carrie. Hehe ~ so I started adding it to what I was already spinning, and wow! It is so soft, and warm, and pretty. I love it. It's the white fluff there by the spindle, and added on to the other wool. It is indescribably soft. Is that a word? It should be, if it's not.

Ok, laundry's calling. The dishes are done, though. At least I can knit or spin while the washer's going. Be back soon! Contest on the way, too ~ Don't forget. :)

edit: here's a post of Carrie's with a pic of the softest bunny in the world. (scroll down a little)

Too Busy To Think Of A Title

2008-01-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

Busy, busy, busy. That's me lately. I keep thinking things will slow down, and I'll have more time to do stuff, but when I finally get time, I'm too tired to do anything, but knit or laze around.

Tomorrow, the third graders are going to have a spinning lesson. The teacher is so excited, and so am I, but now I'm starting to get a bit nervous. They made their cd spindles yesterday, and the kids all had to show me when I went to get LD from school. On Wednesdays the kids can stay in from recess, and the teacher, her friend, and I help them knit, then after that, when the rest of the kids come in, the teacher reads out loud and they can keep knitting, if they listen to the story. Tomorrow, when we're done with the knitting, it's time to spin. They each have a baggie of wool, (from Boogie's shop) and we'll see how it goes. Luckily, I won't be the only grown up there!

I finally finished the picot bind off on the pinwheel blankie for LD's friend's new baby sister. She'll be here in a few weeks. I have one bootie done, and the hat almost done. They are so cute, and soft. I knit the hat a little bigger this time, since babies heads only seem small. Hubby saw the bootie, and said "That wouldn't have fit any of our babies" Yeah, they were big, but the bootie is stretchy, so I think it'll be ok.

Of course, I thought my mom's Christmas slippers were big enough, too, and I ended up giving them to our 4 yr. old niece. Mom's new slippers are done now. I just have to let them dry, and give them to her. I shrunk 'em yesterday, but now I'm afraid they might be a little too big. I guess we'll see about that, too!

I finished the socks for Hubby's Aunt, and gifted them to her. She loved them, and I got a big hug, but I forgot to take a picture of the finished socks, and the cute little label I printed out for them. Sheeze! Good thing I got a new camera for Christmas, huh?

I am almost on my 200th post. If I was ever on here, I'd be past already, but you know; busy! I have a little contest planned. LD and I went to the yarn shop, after her first ever basketball practice to pick out a little prize. :) LD does not like running, and I thought she'd hate b-ball for all of the running, but she loves it! She's been waiting forever to be old enough to start. Poor kid, spending years watching her brother (MM) play ball, and watching her dad on the 'old guys league'. Finally, it's her turn, and although they don't play against other schools yet, she's loving it. The only bad thing is practice is Saturday mornings at 8!

I have been awful about answering my comments. I apologize. Busy, or lazy, whatever....I promise to do better, and to find time to stop being a lurker, and become a comment leaving addict on everyone else's blogs again soon.

Gotta run. Things to do ~ Stuff to knit!

See ya soon, with a fun little contest to celebrate my 200th post.

What you been up to?

2008-01-06T14:16:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow is the day. The kids go back to school, and I am not ready. We've been staying up way too late, and sleeping in, and doing pretty much nothing for two weeks!

I've been doing a lot of kakuro, and sudoku puzzles. When I was a kid, my mom would get tired of my noise, and sit me down with a puzzle book. Kakuro and sudoku were called cross sums, and to the nines in those books, but they are the same puzzles, and I still love 'em! I was going to put some links, but if you search those names, there are a billion to choose from. I guess if I run out of books, I can do them online. Then, my Brain Age game for the DS has sudoku built in, so I guess I'm all set.

I've been knitting, too. My mom's Christmas slippers, the second pair (the ones that'll fit - oops) are almost done. I just have to do the second sole, and felt them. I'm finally binding off on the baby blanket. I think I'll redo the pink hat and booties with the border yarn. It's white with little bits of blue, green, purple, pink, green, and yellow. Then, I can gift the matching set. I also got yarn for Hubby's Aunt's birthday socks. I have to start them soon. Her birthday was December 30th. Oops. There are the nephew's clogs. Huge footed boys! I forgot to take an after-felted picture, though! Oops again! hehe

The Christmas decorations are packed away, and just need to be stuck back up into the rafters in the garage. That's Hubby's job. I just stand in the way saying "Don't fall!" and "Do you need help?".

Today is the SP's girlfriend's birthday. I just realized a bit ago, that she is older than I was when I got married. Wow! I feel old! She knitted SP the cutest blanket for Christmas. I should see if they'll mind if I post a pic.

I haven't been reading blogs. Oh man, I haven't even wanted to be on the computer, after the really smart (sarcasm) thing I did. I wanted to get all the songs on my mp3 player in the order I wanted them, so I moved them to the computer, changed names, and numbered them, and a bunch of stuff. Then, I put them back on my player, and they were still playing alphabetically, but not the way I wanted them to. So, Hubby says did you hit apply after changing the info? Ugh! 168 songs. Yep, I did it again! I made it work. Pretty much. It's good enough, anyway!!

So, that's what I've been up to. How about all of you? I'll be around to the blogs soon to see!

Knit on!!

p.s. I almost forgot it 48 degrees. In Michigan. In January!

2007-12-31T10:58:00.001-05:00

Christmas Gifties

2007-12-27T16:32:00.000-05:00

Well, this knit blog is becoming a brag blog. I was totally spoiled this Christmas!

The dark purply, black, gold; named Gothic Moon came from Terra Bella Spun. Isn't Gothic Moon an awesome name? It's merino, border leicester locks, mohair, and glitz. SOFT! I started spinning it, and have a tiny bit done.

The pinky, red came from Lone Star Arts. It's called Raspberry Sherbert, and it's merino. Soft, stuff, it's going to be so pretty.

The spindles came from Butterfly Girl Designs. I just had to have these ones, cuz they are dalmatian jasper. I had a dalmatian when I was growing up.

My MIL got me all of these. Wasn't that a wicked awesome gift? She's nice!

On the spindle is a bit of fiber that came from one of these sellers. I just stuck it on the spindle after opening gifts, and didn't even see where it came from, or what kind of fiber it was. hehe, I just needed to spin! The little keychain skein came from one of them, too, but since I just stuck it right on my keys, I don't know which seller. Patience, what's that?

Hubby got me a DS and two games, even though the new camera was supposed to be my Christmas gift. LD got me my own Webkin, so I can have my own account. His name is Wyatt. Cute little lion. hehe

I finished my socks! The day after Christmas, though. Oh well, I can wear them on New Year's Eve, at our last Christmas party. Hubby's sister and her hubby and kids, and hubby's step sister and brother and families will all be there. The kids did a name drawing, so they'll each get one more gift, and give one more gift. I have a pair of slippers to felt before then to go to the 15 yr old cousin with some sleep pants.

Unfortunately, my mom's slippers were too small. All the rest fit, and were a big hit. I just have to knit my mom a new pair. And remember to give my brother his hat.

I also have to knit Hubby's aunt a pair of socks. She hinted a while ago that she really wants some, and when she opened her gift, she was like "Where are my handknit socks?" Her birthday is the 30th, so they'll be a late bday gift.

The kids were way spoiled, too. So was Hubby. I found him a bunch of Red Sox stuff. Cups (stuffed with his fave candies), and a license plate, and a watch. He loves the Red Sox.

I hope everyone in blogland was spoiled, and happily surrounded by loving family, and knitting goodies, like I was! Hopefully, I can get to the blogs and read what everyone has to say about their holiday celebrations.

Time to go knit, and let LD check on her WebKin family. :)

Knit On!!

It's almost Christmas!

2007-12-23T09:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays! I can't believe tomorrow is Christmas Eve! I hope I'm ready, and I haven't forgotten anything. Hubby is getting one IOU for a gift, since the thing I ordered him didn't come in. I think everyone else's gifts are here and wrapped. We'll just have to see if Santa shows up, and fills the stockings and leaves a gift for each kid.

I really want to wear my new socks tomorrow. I'm knitting them with some Tofutsies that Rhoda sent to me. Right now the gusset is cruising along on the second sock. I (of course) changed the pattern a bit. It's the Tidal Wave sock pattern, but I continued the patterning down the foot, instead of just on the leg. I always make such a short leg (3 pattern repeats instead of 5) that I wanted the pretty to go on longer. The bottom of the foot is stockinette, of course, but the top keeps going lacy until I get to the toe.

I love this yarn. It is a little splitty, but not enough to bug me. It's soft, and since it has some fiber from shrimp and crab shells, I can't resist! hehe

The wind is wild and crazy right now, and the lights flickered once, so I'm afraid the power will go out. I don't want to stop posting, though, now that I finally have my hands on the computer.

We had our last little knit-in of the year at the third grade class last Wednesday. The kids are so into knitting, it's great! LD handknit three gifts this year for her teacher, and two friends. I didn't take pictures before she gifted them, though. Ugh! What kind of proud Momma am I? I didn't get any pictures of the dishcloths and soap socks I gifted, either. Jeeshe!

Every Wednesday after lunch, the kids in the third grade can stay inside for recess, and knit. The teacher, her friend, and I are reaping another generation of knit-wits. After recess, the teacher reads out loud, and the kids can keep knitting, if they listen to the story. They just love it. One girl has knit a mitten, and started the second, and one little guy made himself a scarf. We'll continue after the new year, and we're going to have a spinning lesson. They are going to make spindles out of cds, and the wool is already here, ready and waiting. Fun stuff, lucky little kids!

I still have to felt the last pair of slippers I made as a gift, but they aren't going anywhere until New Year's Eve, so I have time. Other than that, I guess I'm ready for Christmas. I'd better be, anyway!!

Well, time to go work on those socks.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas, and knit-tacular New Year!!!!

Quick Post

2007-12-17T09:26:00.000-05:00

I have some pictures to show off.

Well, here are some hats. The LD wearing her hat, pre and post shrinking, and I'm wearing my hat, pre and post. I also made my brother one, in bright colors, because that's what he wanted. I also doubled the yarn, and left the braids off. We'll see if he likes it, or if it's too girly for him. If it didn't turn out the way he'd hoped, there are a bunch of people who want it. My eyes looked really dorky so I blackened the lenses of my glasses. Gotta love photoshop. hehe

One more handmade gift. Another pair of Fiber Trend Clogs. Yes, I said I was done, I lied. :) I just have to shrink these ones, then I'm done. Everyone needs warm feet! I also have some pretty dishcloths from my friends, Carrie and Melanie. We did a dishcloth exchange, and I didn't take pictures before giving the ones I made away! There's some sock yarn I got with a gift certificate to the yarn shop. Thanks, Mel!! And a pile of yarn Rhoda sent me. Isn't she sweet? I already started a pair of socks for myself.

Like I said, quick post! Laundry, and sock knitting are calling.

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season! I can't believe Christmas is almost here!

Knit on!!!!

My ears get cold!

2007-12-07T08:45:00.000-05:00

I'm back!

For a second, anyway. It has been crazy busy around here, but I did have time to knit Little Diva a new hat. She said her ears get cold on the playground.

Her teacher and I talk about knitting, and yarn everyday, so when she heard I was looking for an earflap pattern she pointed me toward the Knit One, Felt Too book. It has a really cool Peruvian Style Hat pattern that looked just right. And I had a bunch of bits of Paton's Merino that would work, so, I started it on Wednesday, (after knitting class - more on that later) and felted it last night. I'd show a pic of it all shrunk, but LD wore it to school today.

:) No cold ears on the playground anymore! I (of course) tweaked the pattern, cuz that's the way I do. On the chart, there is a section that looks like I's, so I changed them to A's. It's hard to see them, because I did them in dark green, on a dark purple background, but they're there!

Here are some pics of the hat pre-shrinking, I'll show some of it all shrunk up, soon.

I am nervously waiting for my new camera to arrive. I need it before the 12th! LD has her Christmas Program, and I have to take pics! I'm also running around like a freak, worrying that I am not ready for the Holidays. I need to go shopping! They're speeding up, and I'm not ready!

Sorry I haven't answered any emails, or commented on many blogs. So, thank you, everyone, for all of your wonderful comments. It's a madhouse around here, I'm just lucky that I got the computer long enough to post this. lol

Now, that hat pattern was so cool, that I cast-on one for myself, I know I should be doing the housework, but that yarn is calling!!!

Knit On!!

The gift knitting is done

2007-11-25T17:07:00.000-05:00

I felted all six pairs of Fiber Trend Clogs today, and let me tell ya, Paton's Merino shrinks fast! Luckily I went up to the laundry room and checked them earlier than I had planned. They were done, and the size small I made for my mom look tiny! She does have little feet, so I hope they fit!

I also got a pile of soap socks, and a bunch of dishcloths knit, too. I'll have to show pics after I gift them, though, just in case a recipient is reading. ;)

I took pictures of the before felted, and merged them with pictures of the after felting. Fulling, shrinking, whatever! All y'all know what I mean. If you look at the little lamb on the slippers, you can see the difference in size. It would have been easier if I had taken the pics from the same distance, but in some I got closer, and with the camera problems I've been having, I say these pics are a-ok!

I need a new camera again! I am a machine-breaker! Really, I shouldn't even be touching the computer! On Friday, I killed the blow dryer, on Saturday I killed the mixers, and today, I broke the tv. Again. *sob* Thank goodness for a hubby that fixes things. I can't break the computer, though, he needs to do some more homework. It's hard getting on this machine, since he started college classes, but I know it'll be worth it when he's doing a job he loves. Especially if it involves extra money for yarn. hehe

Ok, gotta run. Hubby The Student has work to do.

Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!!!!

ps I posted the stats on the clogs here. :)

2007-11-22T08:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, all!!!!

Hope this link works, and this one, too! I just had to make one more. Bet you can't guess whose faces these are. Hint: all four of these elves live in my house. :) They are way tooooooo funny!!

Gift knitting

2007-11-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

I've been knitting. Gift knitting, and gift knitting, and I still have more gift knitting to do. :) But, I love it.

So far, for Christmas, I have knit 5 1/2 pairs of fiber trend clogs. I haven't felted any yet. Hehe. Maybe I'll get to that when I finish this last pair.

I got some yarn that's white with little splashes of purple, blue, yellow, and green to go around the pinwheel blanket. I'm giving it away to LD's friend's new baby (sister?) in the Spring. She's also getting the cute little pink hat and booties. (Pink, so yeah, hopefully it's a girl) I'd put them on a boy, but you know, some parents might not like the pink/sparkly booties for their son.

I also got dishcloth cotton in Christmasy colors to do dishcloths for teachers, friends, etc. Everybody loves dishcloths, even if you have a dishwasher. Not that I have one, but, Santa, if you're reading, I'd really, really, really like a dishwasher, and maybe a new camera that works with a darn!

Today is my first knitting class of the school year. I actually ran into a student while looking at yarn in the big city. My friend Mel and I went shopping this weekend, and you know the saying shop til ya drop? Yeah, that was me. I was worn out! I have a few boys in my class again. I love it! The kids are so excited. There was a little mix up, though. The sign up sheet went out saying grades 1-3, instead of 3-6. Ooooof! Luckily the couple of 2nd graders who are signed up already know something about knitting.

Well, if I want to get anything in the house done before class this afternoon, I'd better get myself away from this machine!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Knit on!!!!!!!!

P.S. Oh, yeah, remember the little blue hat and booties? I got to hold the baby I made them for, and he was wearing them. He's so so so so so so cute!!!

Title? What title?

2007-11-02T09:20:00.000-04:00

You wouldn't believe my darn camera. Yeah, I know where it is, it's in time out! Bad camera! I do love it, it's a good camera (most of the time), but it has one awful design feature, the batteries go in the same place as the memory card. Since I take the card out and put it back a lot, the door has worn out, and doesn't shut all of the way, so the batteries don't make a full connection, and it won't stay on. Even duct tape is ceasing to help. So, these pics might look crappy, cuz they are from my old camera. Time for another new camera? Ugh!

But, being the good blogger that I am, I promised to take some pictures of my spinning. Every one's clamoring, you know.

Actually only one person asked to see some of my spinning pictures, but a girl can dream. hehe

Let's see, I have clogs, and yarn for more clogs in a couple of those pics. These babies come out huge, I can't wait to felt them, but I have two or three, and a half more pairs to knit. I might make some for LD with the Paton's that I hand-dyed. It's in the pic with little sheepie pins on the balls. There's my hand spun, too. Seven balls of stuff, two spindles with the colorful wool in the works, and one cd spindle with some wool for a sample for my spinning class that's coming up. LD's teacher ordered wool from Amy, and sent me home with a chunk of it.

So, who thinks my sick kid will let me go check out my bloglines? Hah, I don't think so. LD is home again with a sore throat, sounding all croupy. She was home yesterday, and I'm missing knitting with the girls this morning. Hope you guys are having fun, Mel, and Carrie! She seems well enough to yell "Mom, come here!" every five minutes. I guess it's going around her school, though. At least it's not strep, or something worse. I actually had to interrupt that sentence to go turn a cd on for her. Ahhh ~ the joys of motherhood.

I guess I'll go read some more of the chapter book we're on, and knit clogs, and hopefully get Little Sickie to take a nap, so I can go read some blogs. Sure! Wish me luck and knit-on, all!!!

Happy Halloween!

2007-10-31T08:37:00.000-04:00

I'm Back!

2007-10-29T08:52:00.000-04:00

Time was against me, and then, the computer was gone for some work! Hubby (who is celebrating for the Red Sox ~ big time!) started some college classes, and the computer needed some more ram, and some new programs, but when we added all of that, the computer got wonky. I guess it had something to do with bitmaps, or some other computer stuff. I don't know what, all I do know is the computer was acting weird, it was gone, and now it's back, and working!

I have absolutely no idea what's been going on with all my fave bloggers, so I have a lot of catching up to do.

I did get some knitting done, though. I have some dishcloths to go in the gift pile, and I made myself some fiber trends clogs. I still have to felt them, though. I had such a great time knitting them, that I've decided they will make great Christmas presents. I do not want to think about that, yet, but if I'm making gifts, I'd better get started asap!

I'm making my mom a pair that are the opposite colors of mine. Her cuffs and soles are the rosewood color, and the uppers are brown. Her feet are so tiny (yay!) that the prefelted pair almost fit me now. The ones for me are huge! I also got yarn to make some for my MIL, and SP is going to buy yarn for some for his girlfriend, and his other Grandma.

Lil' Diva and I have a Halloween party at her school tonight. We're going to be Hippies. Since the clothes for it are already here, it's an easy one. I just borrowed some clothes from my boys, and LD has one of my broomstick skirts and a tie dyed shirt. I will definitely post pics. You have to see LD's afro. She wanted one so bad, and I finally figured out why. She loves SingStar, and she sings "I Will Survive" every time she plays it. Well, the singer (Gloria something with a G?) has a fro, and LD loves her! When she first put it on, she kept singing the song. Funny girl.

Thank you for the nice comments you left. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you. Yes, LarjMarj, MM was a suspect in the missing hat. All of the kids were, they really like it. lol Lucky them that I found it.

I guess I've rambled enough. Time to go catch up on some blog reading and commenting! Yay!!!

Have a great Monday and Knit-On!

My Guys

2007-10-20T16:37:00.000-04:00

Here are my guys. SP and the Hubby posing for a senior picture. I had to put a pic of my other guy, MM, on here, too. I finally found my green hat. I couldn't find it all Summer. The last time I'd seen it was in March, and when I got out a jacket, since the weather was turning cold, there it was in the sleeve! You can't see his dark brown eyes in the pic, but they look just like his daddy's. :)

I owe two people a meme, and I promise I'll do it someday! Really!!

Today, Little Diva and I went to a pumpkin carving extravaganza that Carrie and her hubby organized. What fun! The local famous pumpkin carving guy was there, and he gave a demonstration before we all got started on the pumpkins. He carves a bunch of the huge 800-1000 pound pumpkins every year. Very cool!

Then my best-best friend and her sister and I went out for lunch. (Yeah, at like 4 pm) hehe Sorry, Carrie, but I saw the baby, and she's so cute! And getting big. Penny told me not to be teasing Aunt Carrie, but I just can't help it.

See, Carrie's best-best friend is my best-best friend's sister. We are quite a lucky group. I was thinking about how special our friendships are after lunch. Penny and Lisa have lived in many places, but the relationships they made with Carrie and me are special. I really feel like they are more like sisters to me than friends. Whenever I count my blessings, they are right high up there on the list. I could get all mushy about it, but I'm just too full, and tired right now. lol

I have been knitting on the second pinwheel blanket, and some dishcloths. So exciting, right? I've been spinning that gorgeous superwash Carrie got me for my birthday, too. It looks so neat. Now, where is that darn camera? I think I'm about ready to spend my birthday $, too. I want wool!

Speaking of wool, I have some exciting news. Besides teaching the knit classes to the kids, I will be teaching all of the third graders to spin! They will be making their own cd spindles, and the teacher is ordering wool. It's going to be fun!! I can't wait to start. It's going to be pretty soon, I think.

I've got to plan out my time better, though. Hubby has gone back to school to get some art learning, so the computer is in use a lot! I don't mind, though. This is going to be great for him, and in the long run for all of us. Maybe there will be lots of $ for more wool! hehe

Well, as usual, I sat down here planning to write an entertaining, but organized post, and rambled. Oh well, when I find that extra time I'm always dreaming of, I'll do something great!

I'm off to spin!!

Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!!

Dancing, spinning, knitting....

2007-10-09T08:31:00.000-04:00

The Homecoming Dance was attended by my SP and his girlfriend! This is big news here. SP is a homebody. He usually skips all of that school stuff. I'm so glad they went. Look how cute they looked!!

Here's another picture from the Senior Pictures taken a while ago. We look so happy, awwww! I think this is one I'll have to print out and frame, along with the one of him and his dad, posing in front of the same gate. I'll have to post that one sometime, it's neat.

I've been spinning, and knitting! I have some new yarn. I think I might knit a hat out of some two plied merino I spun. It turned out pretty nice, if I do say so myself. No pics right now, though. My darn camera is having issues, and it's just such a hassle to try to mess with it.

I'm working on another pinwheel baby blanket, this time out of cotton-ease. Three of the discontinued colors, blue, light blue, and mint. I think it'll be really cute, it's so soft, too. I finished another pair of booties, and a hat for a baby. I love these patterns. The set I just did is pink. One of LD's friend's mommas is having another baby in the spring, and the news got me in the knitting mood.

I also made a soap sock on special order for another etsy seller. She has a really neat blog, too.

So, I have been so busy, I have once again turned into a lurker on all y'all's blogs. Lurking and looking at fiber to spend birthday $ on! I haven't spent any yet, but I have seen alot of stuff I like! It's so weird, when I have $, I don't spend it right away, but when I'm broke, I spend like there's no tomorrow. ??

I haven't answered any comments or emails, either! I am so naughty! I really do appreciate all of the birthday wishes, and the nice comments, I'm just a busy, naughty girl. Hehe, wonder what kind of freaks will land here from those words?

I also got the most adorable birthday card, handmade by Rhoda! I'll try to add a pic later. (Camera's a butt, remember?)

Gotta go get ready for work. Hope everyone has a great week! I'll be lurking!!

What a great weekend!

2007-10-01T11:05:00.000-04:00

First of all, thank you all so much for the birthday wishes!! I must have been very good this last year, because I got lots of great gifts. :)

I think Hubby must have taken some spoiling lessons from Becka's Hubby. He spoils her real good. My Hubby spoiled me real good this year, too. He didn't know what to get me for my birthday. He knew I wanted wool, of course, but I never sent him any links of where to get the stuff, so he struck out on his own and came up with a different idea.

I got a gift certificate for a fancy shmancy spa here, to get a hair-do, and a massage, and a manicure. Of course, I'll ruin the manicure as soon as I leave, so I'm getting a pedi instead. Mmmm, I can't wait! What a smart guy. That wasn't even it, he also got me a binder and plastic sleeves to keep patterns in, so I don't have to re-print everything over and over, and the final season of Charmed on dvd. Whatta guy!! :) See, I'm so spoiled!!

Then, my mom got me a little family prayer thing on a mirror, and a jewelry box that looks like a Faberge egg. My MIL got me tanning minutes, and $ (for wool) and Hubby's aunt got me a certificate for a class on lamp work beads (and $ for wool). I do need another craft, don't I? lol I've been wanted to learn bead making like that for a long time. Torches and glass, heck yeah!! I'm going to go to the class with Hubby's cousin. It should be so fun! And, his other cousin and his wife gave me more $ for wool!! I feel so spoiled! I hope it doesn't go to my head! I'm already starting to feel like a brat. Hehe, just kidding.

The most important thing was that we had a nice family gathering (with cake)! I love seeing everyone, and getting to share my special day with them.

Once again, thank you all for the birthday wishes. I love feeling special, and being a busy mom of three, it doesn't happen enough!

I owe so many emails, and I even owe Becka an answer to a meme that she tagged me with. I'll get to it, I promise, but Hubby took the day off and the kids get home in 3 1/2 hours! We need to squeeze as much as we can into it! We never get to see each other alone during the day!

Have a great (gasp) October!!

I love Fridays!

2007-09-28T10:37:00.000-04:00

Yay, today has already been wonderful. The two kids who can talk first thing in the morning (SP doesn't do mornings well) wished me happy birthday, and Hubby called from work with birthday wishes. I got cards from friends at school, and LD made me a picture, and a card, and a bracelet.

We had to meet for knitting, even though it isn't Wednesday, and Carrie brought homemade Salsa to go with the yummy chips (and oreos) Melanie brought. They had gifts and cards. Thank you, guys, I am so glad you're my friends!!

I got some fiber from Carrie, she knows I love this stuff! It's from Amy's shop. Check out the colors; just poifect for me!

Carrie also put up a birthday post for me! Is that not the sweetest thing? Special things that happened on September 28th. Cool!

I know another person turning a year older today! Amy Boogie's Baby! Of course, she's a big girl now, not a baby. There are other knitters out there with birthdays today, too, I know it. So, I hope you all have great one's also!!

Yay for birthdays and great friends!

p.s. that spindle is one I got from Amy's shop, but I painted it orange. Don't you think that new fiber will be gorgeous spun up on that baby?

Monday ~ Monday!

2007-09-24T08:27:00.000-04:00

Ok, Melanie! I'm posting! It's actually nice to hear that people are missing my exciting life, and want to see what's going on. lol Just kidding. There are things happening, that's why I haven't posted lately.

Here is the lovely view of what the street behind my house has been looking like. Urgh! Construction work. The really sad thing is the front street wasn't looking much better. We couldn't walk to school without tromping through deep holes dug in the street, and construction guys from who knows where.

I have a little proof that I've been knitting, too. Dishcloths. Thanks for the pattern, Carrie and Melanie. :) I'm not going to show the cute little baby hat, though, since it needs a trip to the frog pond. Somehow, I moved the cord while I was doing the magic loop, and the increase rows moved.

Here's what happened last Monday. I dropped LD off at school, and when I got home there were a bunch of construction guys at the end of my driveway. I had to drive through the yard to get into the driveway, and they were close enough to talk to me. They watched me park, and dig through the car for stuff, and walk into the house. Not one of them said a word. So, the next time I came out, the road was gone! My mini van was stuck in the driveway! Thanks for the warning, guys! When Hubby got home from work, he got the van out, but it scraped on the bottom of the van on the driveway. It's ok, though.

So, we parked it out front, then the next day, I got up, and there are no parking signs all up and down the street. Great! I parked at that darn green building behind our house, and walked. So, I go get my kids, and their cousins from school, and in my driveway, there is a huge truck. I mean, HUGE! When they moved it, they tore two branches out of the tree, which didn't make LD very happy. Then, the guys working out there knocked down a wire that is hooked to our house. They came and asked if they could fix it. Um...yeah! You'd better!

It is time for the construction to be over! I seriously needed a girls' night out. Luckily for me, a friend decided it was time for her annual b*tch fest. We had a blast, just don't listen to Carrie about me and the dance floor, I am totally G-rated. Hehe, most of the time! And, don't let her fool you, she brought some amazing home made Salsa with those chips! You can listen to what she said about how I looked. Thanks, sweetie! ;) We all looked great, especially Carrie, and what's more important is that we had a wonderful time!! I should go check out that band's site and see if they have any pics of us gorgeous women. I saw one of them snapping a camera. *blush*

Ok, enough b*tchin!

I have another senior pic to show off. I love this one in black and white. What an artsy guy! I also told him and his GF that I was posting pics of them, since I had to drive him to see her at college. No this isn't the same girl from before, they are still friends, but he has another love. What a doll she is, too! They've been friends for quite a while, but while she was in Sweden as an exchange student kind of thing, they started chatting on line, and pretty soon, I had to ask if they were more than friends.

This lovely girl knits! I gave her a spindle and some wool the night before she went to school, and on her next visit home she had a scarf with her hand spun wool in it. I need to get a picture, it's as cute as she is.

I have about 300 senior pics to go through, so I can find my faves, and his faves, and the Hubby's faves, and the grands' faves, and have some printed out. It just seems like such a ginormous job. I seriously need to get some great yarn and knit a thank you to the photographer, too!

I should get to work on this neglected house, but Crazy Aunt Flo has come for an early visit, and she's in a bad mood! I just feel like reading and knitting all day. I just might, too!

This was quite a long post. No wonder I don't have time to do the stuff I should! I'm too busy doing the fun stuff. Gotta run, I have a good book and some frogging calling my name!

Hope everyone has a great week!!

Time Flies!

2007-09-14T08:45:00.000-04:00

Nine years went by in a flash! Next year all three of my kids will be in the double digits! Lil' Diva got her Google Webkin this morning. She wanted one so bad! We searched all of the stores that sell Webkinz, and in the crazy way the world works, we finally found a Google in a hardware store! She said it was the best birthday present ever!!

Field trip, and then cupcakes at school today, then two parties tomorrow, and a sleep over! So, that means, I have to get busy and do some housework!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!! :)

p.s. this is weird, but when I put the photo in the center, you can't clicky-to-make-biggy. If anyone knows why, let me know how to fix it, please. ;)

Bad A$$ Spinner

2007-09-10T08:59:00.000-04:00

Well, we went and got the Senior pictures done for SP. It was a fun day, but it sure made me feel old!! We'll have the disc of pics later this afternoon. I can't wait to see them. Here's a fave shot of mine, off Hubby's camera phone.

We went to the old State Hospital. It's mostly beautiful old buildings, but they are restoring them, so we had to find the creepiest ones to take the pics by. There was this old fence, all curlie-ques and creepy, and I can't wait to see how those ones turned out. We didn't get any inside shots, unfortunately. We did skulk through one of the buildings, though. Very neat!

Of course I brought my spinning and made Hubby take pics of me in weird (illegal) places. What good is a blog if you don't embarrass yourself, right?

Thanks for all the wonderful comments you all leave! I swear when I get a chance, I'm going to answer them!

Also, today is Carrie's birthday! So go tell her to have a Happy one!! Plus, she's having a little contest on her blog.

Thank God It's Friday!

2007-09-07T10:17:00.000-04:00

I always fool myself every summer. I think when school starts, I'll be less busy. Hehe, yeah right. I'm more busy than ever, but the kids are back in school! Yay!

The first day pic. Aren't they cute? I'm not sure how they got to be so big. A senior, a freshman, and a third grader. When did that happen? And how? Poor SP, little (6 foot) night owl. He's not a morning person.

Knitting and spinning have been going on, but there's not much to show off. Or maybe I'm just too busy (or lazy) to take pics!

Have a great weekend, y'all!

Hand dyeing yarn

2007-08-30T12:19:00.000-04:00

Lil' AR, aka the Little Diva (LD), and I dyed some yarn last weekend. It turned out so nice! She has cast on for a little purse, and I have some plans for the two blue skeins I dyed.

What fun. I am so happy to be passing the love of fiber along to the next generation.

We went to school last night for ice cream and to meet the third grade teacher LD will have this year. Of course, we have known her forever, since she was my teacher, and the teacher for LD's two big brothers when they were smaller. She is a knitter! Yay, knitters!

She asked if I could come in and demonstrate the drop spindle for her class later in the year when they read a story about wool from sheep to sweater, or something. I said definitely!

She will also be continuing with the knitting in her classroom, since it was a big hit in past years. I'll be doing the afterschool classes again, too. As long as there is $ for supplies, I'm there!

Well, here is my two plied yarn. It really looks like yarn. Thanks so much to Carrie, for getting me hooked. I've had the stuff for a year, but I just couldn't get it. Now, I think I've got it!

I love the plying part, it's fun. Now, I have to get back to work. There really is truth in the saying a "clean house is a sign of a broken computer"! Hehe

Oh, yeah, I have to say Melanie, another knitting friend was with us when Carrie was showing me how to two-ply and she was just as confused as I was at first, but she isn't a spinner (YET) LOL

Thank you all for the nice comments!!

p.s. My camera date is all messed up, so if you click and see the pics bigger, ignore the date. 2002, Jeeshe!

Free Coffee

2007-08-28T09:01:00.000-04:00

I got this from The Scattered Gemini. Mmmmmmm.

Dye Wool, Dye! ;)

2007-08-24T21:13:00.000-04:00

I still haven't been knitting. I've been dyeing. :)
This is the white merino roving I got from Amy, and I split it into two half pound bundles, then went crazy with the acid dyes. I love the little jellyroll it made in the pan! So cute.

Then I had lots more mixed up dye left so I did a couple of skeins of white merino yarn. When I put them in the sink, after dyeing, they were both only dark bluish-purple, but when I opened the skeins up, all of the colors were there. So pretty, like tie-dye.

I also got my blue roving spun up, and today Carrie showed me how to ply it. Funny story: We're sitting in her dining room and I said "Ok, show me how to ply these, I'm ready", and she went to grab a spindle, I was like "What do you need a spindle for?" Seriously! "You're joking, right?" She said. Hehehe, really! I've heard everyone talking about plying, and I just didn't get it. Duh! It's not so magical when someone explains the simplicity of it. I didn't know you spin the two singles together. Urgh! *slaps forehead* At least I spun it the right way and didn't unspin! Then she says "You're spinning it the wrong way!" I even believed her for a second.

I'll show off some pics of the two-ply yarn sometime. I made yarn!!

Ok, lastly Hubby and I had our 15th year anniversary Wednesday. I told him I just wanted to go out on a date. Just the two of us, no kids, but he got me presents! I Tinkerbell shirt, a Dirty Dancing CD, and lots of chocolate! Does that man know me, or what? Then his mom gave us a gift certificate to a nice restaurant here, and is taking the kids! So I get the date, too.

Thanks so much for all of the nice comments on the face painting and everything! I'm so glad to have made such nice friends!

What we've been up to

2007-08-13T13:58:00.000-04:00

To see what we did Friday, go to Carrie's. Fun stuff! LOL

Saturday we went to a charity event, where I painted faces for donations. This little mime had her face done three times, but I only took pics of this. And, by the way, Carrie and her Hubby did a carwash to raise $ for the charity. They did super great, and I believe that's what pushed our team into the number one money raising spot! Very Cool!

Then we went to my brother's, and the kids played in the pool until it was dark. What fun! I got to visit with my sister and her husband from down state. Her husband's brother was there with his wife, too. We started talking about knitting. She knits sweaters for all of the kids in their school. She also knits hats with the school team name on them. So cool! She and her husband drove their motorcycles down to visit with the family.

When my brother was talking about the Tiger's, my Hubby asked if they were scrolling scores on the bottom of the screen. He needed to hear how the Red Sox were doing, and it turns out My Sis's sister-in-law grew up

near Boston, and is as much of a fan(fanatical, super-fan) as my

Hubby is. So, then they started talking about the Red Sox. So funny.

But the big news here today is "I got the fiber and spindle I bought from Amy!". Yay! Amy sent me the most gorgeous colors. Soft mooshiness of wooly goodness. I am nervous about dyeing the merino, but I am going to do it! She also sent the most adorable little sheep button that is orange! Such a cool, smart lady! I cannot wait to make yarn! Carrie is going to have to show me how to do the plying thingy when I get it spun up. Whoo-Hoo!

You know what I'll be up to. Dyeing and Spinning. I'll get to the knitting part later, when I have some handspun to use.

Knit on, knitters, and I was going to say Dye on, dyers, but that sounds weird. So Craft On, Crafters!
:)

I haven't been knitting

2007-08-09T22:52:00.000-04:00

because I've been spinning, and lovin' it! I started LD's shawl when I got back from the fiber fest, but last week I went over to Carrie's and she sent me home with a new spindle (which I'll return tomorrow), and a bag of fiber she bought at the fest. So I haven't touched the shawl since then! But, I think I'm getting it! I have some yarn (like) stuff made! LD has been spinning, too.
I filled the two spindles I had, so I threw one together with a couple of cds, and a hook, and a dowel dpn I made a while ago. It works, but I (of course) went and spent some $ on a new spindle for myself, and some roving from BoogieKnits. Love her shop! I can't wait to get them, so I can spin some more! (And hopefully get better at it)
Well, I have a scarf knit of ribbon to finish for a charity event on Saturday, so when Carrie and I get together tomorrow, that's what I'll be working on. I also have to add fringe to the 3 other ones that I knitted. I don't see myself knitting with that weird ribbon again. It's pretty, but not much fun to work with.

I'll have to try to remember to take pics before I give them away.

It is past my bedtime, but this was the only time I could get this computer. Liar! I have been doing some Webkinz. It is addicting! LD says I need to get my own, since I play hers all of the time. Hehe. Now you know what I have really been up to. Spinning and playing kids games. I know I'm not the only one, though.

Busy weekend ahead! There is the charity thing, I'll be face painting to raise $, and my sister and brother-in-law are coming up from downstate. I haven't seen them in a while, so that will be great. Hope everyone has a great weekend!! :D

Finally!

2007-08-06T14:47:00.000-04:00

I have finally sorted through the fiber fest pics that I took, and that Carrie took. She has some on her blog, too. I took a lot of pics of the fashion show, but they aren't that great.

Here I am trying on a gorgeous hand knit coat. I loved it, but they sure did clean up the fashion show knits after that. Hehehe

I met Jae, and S. from To Knit Perchance To Dream. I didn't put your name, because I'm sure I'd have gotten it wrong! She got a pic of us, but I didn't! I did get some of Jae, though. Actually, that's not really true, there is one of me, Carrie, and S., but I look ridiculous!! Carrie's smiling all cute, but I'm talking and making some weird face, so you don't get to see that one. Sorry!

I only bought a tiny bit of stuff. Last week, I went over to Carrie's and she was spinning with her new fibers, and she sent me home with a spindle to borrow, and a bag of pretty, pretty black and white roving. Mmmmm. I'm not very good, yet, but I think I'm getting it!

I also started a shawl with the pink and purple yarn for the Little Diva. She has been spinning, too!

That wool rug, primitive rug hooking, wow! That's what I want to learn next! Gorgeous!!!!

Gotta run! Knit on, y'all!

p.s. Thanks for the nice comments. I swear when things slow down around here, I'll email all y'all. :)

fiber fest details soon

2007-07-31T12:06:00.000-04:00

I'm still looking at and scrutinizing fiber fest pics. We had an awesome time, but now, I think I'll brag on myself a bit first. Look who was in the school paper! That's me! Teaching knitting! :)

I'm So Excited

2007-07-27T08:47:00.000-04:00

'Cause we're going here tomorrow!

Really, that song is going through my head! "I'm so excited!"

I've been knitting some soap socks. More soap socks, I guess I should say. What I want to knit are socks, or really another lace shawl, but I can't decide on a sock pattern, and I don't have enough yarn for another shawl right now. So .... soap socks it is!

I went to the library the other day, and one of the librarians said "Hi, Arleta, how are you? Are you knitting away this Summer?" Hehe, yeah, they know me there. I told them I almost brought my lace shawl to show off, and they want to see it next time. "Bring it in!" Ok, I almost came home and ran right back there to show off, but I didn't. Next time, though, I'll bring it and show off a little.

This fiber festival is in August. It's a longer drive than this fest, and I believe we have a family thing going on that weekend. I would love to go, though!! This lady with her cool knit themed pottery will be there, I think.

I finally put the little hat and bootie set, and my shrug up on my other blog.

Also, Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the wonderful comments! I love them, and the knitblog friends I've made!!!

Well, I've gotta run do some stuff and get ready for tomorrow!! Hope everyone has a great weekend!! Knit on!

All Done!

2007-07-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

Shawlly! My very own first lace shawl, The Sagittaria Shawl, is done!
I know I should hurry and put her on my other blog, but another busy day is coming up. I have some other fo's that need to go there, too. I'm just going to have to make time to post my details there!

I have to make some time to do a proper pic of me modeling this shawl soon! Here we have the Little Diva being a "modeler", showing off Shawlly for me. She went a little wild with the tattoos. I know she applied more than 20! Hehe, at least they wash off. I only have 4!

I am most definitely wearing Shawlly to a wedding this fall, I think I'll be wearing her a whole lot more, though! I am in love with shawls! I was looking for another lace one to knit, as soon as I had her off the needles! I have lots of socks I want to knit, too, though. Time! I need more of it!

Today, we are hopefully going to finish the patio, and next weekend I hear there is a Fiber Fest in Michigan! I really want to go. Look who will be there with her awesome shawl, that she designed! We'll have to talk about it again Carrie, and maybe make some plans!!

I am so sorry for not answering emails, and properly thanking everyone for the wonderful comments. I keep hoping to get to it, but with knitting like a crazy person, reading like another crazy person, and kids ~ Well, you know.... Soon, hopefully, soon!

Warning ~ Crazy Post Ahead!

2007-07-13T11:18:00.000-04:00

Whew! I thought when Summer finally came, I'd have more time to do stuff I want to do. Haha, yeah right! I've been so busy! I miss reading everyone's blogs! I haven't been able to post. I've hardly had time to knit!! I feel really bad that I haven't returned emails or answered all of the nice comments!! Forgive me, real life has taken over here at Arleta's Motley Wool.

I even forgot to talk about my one year blogiversary, which was on June 29th!! I had a plan, but out the window it went. Kids are running me ragged!!

Birthday parties, family reunions, picnics, and a great 4th pool party. All fun stuff, but then I have to make food, and visit, and eat, and play. My poor knitting gets pushed farther and farther back.

I have been working on my shawlly. I am on the next to the last chart. I could have had it finished, but I find myself slowing down (when I do have time to knit) I think I'm afraid to finish it, even though I really want to wear it!

Speaking of wearing great shawls, I got to wear Carrie's at the park the other day. I had on a sleeveless tee, and it was windy. Mmmmmm! Warm and pretty! I loved it. Thanks, Carrie, you sweetie!!

Ok, sorry about such a quick, crazy, disjointed post! I have pics of the loverly fireworks we watched over Lake Michigan on the 4th. Camera phones are so amazing! If I forget the camera, Hubby can whip out his phone, and there's proof that we once in a while leave the house!

Here is my patio (to be) I want it done!!! We have to remove the bricks, level 'er out, rebrick, and pour some quick set cement stuff around them. Please don't tell me if we're doing it wrong. I don't want to know! LOL

Pics of Shawlly, too. I love her! I need to go knit a bit, then ~ Ewwww Housework. Oh well, real life, here I come!

Knit on, Knitters!!

Happy 4th to the USA

2007-07-04T08:17:00.000-04:00

Here are some fireworks for you!

Have a safe, happy holiday!

Lookie ~ Lookie

2007-07-01T16:12:00.000-04:00

Look what Rhoda nominated me for! She thinks I'm a Rockin' Girl! Isn't that cool! She's such a sweetie. =)

Since she put 5 Rockin' Girl Bloggers on her page, I'll do the same. Of course, if she hadn't already been chosen, I'd put her, but I love lots of bloggers, so here goes, in no particular order:

Carrie, The Barefoot Cobbler. Her blog is a fun read. Busy knitter with 3 kids!
Kadiddly, Backstage Stitches. Great read every post about her work, knitting, and life.
Amy, Boogie Knits. Homeschooling momma knitter. Shop owner, too!!
Bernie, Coming Up Blank. Crafty lady! She also started knit 1 blog 2 for us all!
Deborah, Deborah's Daily Dilemmas, knits, cooks, mothers, and shares it all with us.

I'll have to find some time to go leave them some comments and let them know I put them on here! Time? Hehe, yeah right!

If I didn't put you on here, you know I love you all! I'm embarrassed to admit how many blog favorites I have on my blog lines!! And we all rock!

Shawl KAL ~ Woo-Hoo!

2007-06-28T14:12:00.000-04:00

Liz made a cute button for the Shawl KAL, that Carrie has gotten us all on. Hehe. She'd better be careful, or she'll have to start another blog for it. LOL I am going to stick it in my sidebar, when I'm not so busy.

Well, here's shawlly again. I have stuck a little pic of my cheater's lifeline in. Carrie really seemed to like the idea yesterday at our little knitting group.

Here's what I did. I threaded one row of stitches, Not the stitch markers, though, (Ergh! Yes, I did.) onto one of my knitpicks cords. I made a note to myself on what row and what repeat I put the lifeline in, so if (Lord ~ NO!) I have to rip, I can just screw the needles onto that cord, and redo.

I am on the seventh repeat of chart two. I am going to do it 10 times, then onto chart three. I am so in love with this pattern. The shawl is about 21 inches bigger than the last pic I posted. I can't wait to get done and see it all blocked out.

Well, another one of those crazy, busy days! Gotta run.

Thank you all for the nice comments and thoughts you've sent. I love this community! All y'all are the greatest!!

Here's Shawlly!

2007-06-22T08:41:00.000-04:00

The shawl is on her way! I actually got my yarn on Monday. What a surprise. Knitpicks has always been so quick for me. I love it. I couldn't just order yarn for Shawlly, though, could I?

I got some sock yarn, too, and sock needles. LD had to have a bit of stash enhancement, also. She got the little roll of Get Away in Rafting. Hubby calls it Mystery Machine, because it looks like the van from Scooby Doo. Hehe. You can see the bracelet LD finger-knitted for me with it in one of the pics.

Wednesday, as I was knitting with Carrie, I had to rip and start over. All of the knitting that is done was done on Wednesday evening, though. I think I got to do about two rows yesterday. Urgh! Laundry and Housework. Yes, Rhoda, I forgot our rule, too. LOL

I have shared a pic of our patio to be. We are digging out the area in front of the garage and putting down cement and pretty bricks. We have to dig out the bricks we put down last summer, too. You can see the bricks piled up in front of my yarn tree. That's where I dry my yarn. I had to wash the gloss, because it smelled funny to me. I think it may have been the silk. That's what I'm telling myself any way! I washed it on Tuesday, and it was dry enough to take to knitting on Wednesday. I want to knit more! Hopefully, I'll have time to do it today. I just have to keep the rule in mind!

The tree in my shrug post is going to have a tire swing in it for LD. The boys have always played outside a lot more than she ever does, and I think that will help. I can sit on the patio and knit while she tire swings and we'll both get fresh air!

That's it for knitting right now. I usually don't get too depressing on here, but something very sad happened in our small town the other night. A young couple, that my oldest son knew, perished in a fire. I keep thinking about their families. The two of them were to be married in a couple of weeks. I'd like it if everyone could say a prayer, if you do that, or just send out some loving thoughts to them. I can't imagine the pain and heartache that must be flowing through those families. Hug your families and friends really tight, and let them know how much you love them.

While waiting for my yarn

2007-06-18T09:41:00.000-04:00

My shawl yarn should be here this week. While waiting I dug out an old lacy project. This is my Branching Out scarf that I started a l-o-n-g time ago. I live in the house of UFOs. It is being knit with some of my kool aid dyed sock yarn.

Well, yesterday wasn't all sadness here, thinking about our Dads. We really had a very nice Father's Day. Hubby was awoken with presents and a wonderful bagel & egg sandwich, orange juice, and coffee made by his sweet little daughter. (with a little help from Mom) I think she's going to be a really good cook!

We spent a few hours at the beach, sunning, and playing in the sand and water. I took some really neat pictures on Hubby's new cell phone, and if I ever figure out how to get them onto the computer, I'll share them.

Here's a little bit about my Dad.

He was born on the 4th of July 1928. I believe that the picture I posted yesterday was from around 1945 when he was only about 17 years old! By the time I was born in 1973, he was 45! I am the youngest of 7 kids. The picture is a bit deceiving since it's old and in sepia tone, but he was pretty dark complected, being part Native American Indian. I apparently got the French, German, and Scotch Irish genes with the green eyes and lighter skin. At least I tan easily and stay that way for a while. :) He was color blind, and would argue with you about what color something was. LOL That's where MM got his color blindness from. Family ~ it's what it's all about, isn't it?

I want to say thank you to everyone for the nice comments about my shrug, and my Father's Day post. I love this community. It feels like family to me!

Now I have a Little Diva impatiently waiting for me to come play Polly Pocket Dolls with her. Hope everyone has a great week!

Vernon G. Joslin, Sr.

2007-06-17T18:56:00.000-04:00

1928 - 1997

Happy Father's Day. Miss you, Daddy.

Stick a fork in it ....

2007-06-16T21:35:00.001-04:00

it's done!

You know, I hate that saying, but my shrug is all done! I finished it Wednesday night. (Late) Then, on a long car ride today, I wove the yarn ends in.

I look so tired and dorky in these pictures, but I guess that's how I just look. I never know what to do with my hands when I'm posing. I tried a catalog pose, but really looked goofy!

I used the one skein wonder shrug pattern, and added some sleeves knit in the round to it. I love, love, love it. Of course it's too hot to wear right now, but you know I'm not complaining!

One more UFO down. Countless others to go.

My yarn shipped from knitpicks on Friday, so as soon as it gets here, I am starting my shawl! I have been trying out the chart on some left over wool, and I think it's going to be so fun to knit. We'll see how many mistakes I make while knitting with the girls on Wednesdays. I get to chatting, and you know how that goes.

Carrie has a progress photo of a really pretty shawl another knitter is doing for our Summer Shawl Along. I wonder if she'll have to start another blog for all of us. I don't know how many people she has ~~enticed into knitting~~ encourage to knit shawls.

I'll post all of the stats on my FO Blog, along with the hat and bootie set soon!

Hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. I sure am! Knit On!

Knitting pictures

2007-06-12T15:07:00.000-04:00

Here are the promised pictures! We have a little bootie and hat set. If you click, you can see the patterns I used. If you click the pic, you get a bigger pic. :-) I'm not sure what baby will be getting these yet. Pretty soon I will add them to my finished objects blog, with all of the stats.

The other pictures are my shrug! I got the first sleeve done. The second sleeve is coming along nicely, and then the ribbing around the neck, back, and front of the shrug, and it's done!

I told myself when I finished the first sleeve I would order yarn for my shawl. So that's just what I did. (Even though we're broke) I chose Gloss from KnitPicks. The color I chose is Dusk. I think it will go with lots of things, and I can't wait to get started. As soon as I finish the shrug, and get my yarn, of course.

I just want to say "Thanks for all of the great comments you leave!"

I have stuff to do, and I get to meet the girls for knitting tomorrow! Yay!

See the little froggies!

2007-06-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

I started this poor shrug a few years ago! If that doesn't work for the UFO Along, I don't know what would! It is a one skein wonder with long sleeves. Apparently, I decided I didn't want to seam sleeves, and left it in a bag for a l-o-n-g time. I have decided that I must finish it before starting a lace shawl. There are some before and after shots. There's my little yarn ball winder helping, too.

My friend Carrie has chosen her shawl, and I think she got the yarn yesterday. I know she was patiently waiting. Yeah, patiently ~ hehe. I think I have found the shawl I want to do. I love this pattern. It's called the Sagittaria Shawl, and if anyone has knitted it and has advice please let me know! I have done lots of lace knitting, just no shawl lace knitting. ;)

I restarted my shrug, and it is a few inches long now. It is such an easy pattern, if I find some knitting time, it'll be done in a snap. Then, I am going to knit long sleeves on it (in the round!) I don't feel like seaming them up, and it's my knitting, so I can do it my way! LOL

I did finish another pair of booties and a little matching hat. Pics next time! Sorry my posting is so erratic. With the kids home for Summer, (and the rainy days we've been having) I haven't gotten this machine much!

Time to run! Hope everyone has enjoyed their week! I can't wait for the weekend, myself! :)

Knit On!

School's Out For Summer!

2007-06-01T09:04:00.000-04:00

Well, it's the last day of school, and I have a pizza party to get to. This school year flew by! I can't believe when September rolls around again that I'll have a 12th grader, a 9th grader, and a 3rd grader!

Today is a half a day, then I take LD off to a night at girl scout camp. Pick her up, and the day after that she goes off for a sleep over at a friend's house. I think it'll be a really busy summer.

We had our annual trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes yesterday. I cheated and put some pics from a couple of years ago on here. That's only because I didn't climb the dunes! I went up far enough to snap some photos and that was it!

I sat on the blanket and knitted some more booties. You can see how dangerously close some ice cream got to my yarn in one of the photos. Carrie was there, and so was our other knitting buddy.

LD had a blast, and so did I. It was really hard to find some pics of LD that I could show off, because she was surrounded by friends. Isn't that how it should be, though?

I have a pic of Melanie the other knitter, and Carrie. A pic looking up the dunes, and a view from the top are also hanging around. The pics bordered in orange are from yesterday.

Sorry for such a quick post, but like I said: "Yay, it's Summer!" I have to rush back to that pizza party, and get moving.

I hope everyone has a spectacular summer. I plan to, and I also plan to get those UFOs in order!

Oh, yeah, I need a title

2007-05-29T10:17:00.000-04:00

Well, here are some more booties made with Christine's Baby Bootie pattern. My friend Carrie started some, too. Hers are tiny, but it would be nice to see them in real life, Carrie! LOL. I have made 4 pairs, now, and I have another cast on. We'll see what pattern catches my fancy next. I made 13 of these dishcloths before casting on for the booties. I guess I do have an obsessive personality.

I posted the stats for these new pairs on my fo blog.

I've been thinking about changing this blog around some. All of the copying and pasting the links is not sounding fun, though. We'll see. (I really need to update the template) No I am not a chicken!

I almost forgot to talk about this new sock yarn I got! Don't ask, I am getting so forgetful!!

It is potluck from Amy. Mmmm. She chose these colors for me, and they are great! (Too bad my pic is so not great) One is greenish-bluish-purpley-yellows. The other is darker with orange-purples-blueish. Yes, I am in love!

Ok, I am in a hurry, but I just had to share. Hope everyone had a great weekend. We sure did.

Knit On, Y'all! I've gotta run!

MM's Volcano

2007-05-25T08:07:00.000-04:00

OK, here's where I prove what geeks we really are. I hope this works. I love trying new things, but this video clip remix is giving me fits! (Click on it to open a new window, that had better play the video!) p.s. I didn't realize the song I used says something about beer! (Oops!)

Look what Hubby brought home for me. He said they had black ones, too, but he knows I love orange. Then he said "Now you can be the punk rock knittar." LOL Flowers and a new bracelet. Gotta love that!

Knitting soon, I promise.Have a great weekend, everyone! Who knows when I'll get back on this machine, but Knit On!

My MIL Rocks!

2007-05-21T08:42:00.000-04:00

And here's why:

She sent Hubby and me to a Joan Jett concert. (This link has a pop up of her new video) I love Joan Jett. Seriously! She was rocking! And she looks absolutely amazing! I was close enough (standing right at the edge of the stage) to reach out and touch her. (If I shoved this one woman out of my way) LOL Before Hubby and I moved up to the edge of the stage, I was actually asked to sit down. At a rock concert! Yeah, right. I needed to go up to the stage and dance! It was so great!

There were a lot of older people there. I mean 70s or older. It was in a casino, and they probably got free tickets for being such good gamblers. I was saving my ticket, but I left it in my wallet, in my jacket, and washed my jacket. Urhg! It and a couple of pics (which I have more of) of the kids were the only things that got ruined.

So, that was Friday. Saturday, LD went on a Girl Scout Trip. I was a little sad to miss it, but I had quite a peaceful weekend. SP had to work, and MM was at his friends. Lucky us, we got a tiny little break from constantly taking care of someone else! Another little honeymoon. hehehe

Luckily, Carrie and another mom I really trust went and I didn't have to worry too much about LD being away for the whole night! And I got to knit..knit..knit. I finished the two pair of booties, and started another pair. Here's a pic of the booties, yarn for the next booties, and some yarn LD dyed. I think she could give me a run for my money on the dyeing! This is left over from a school project. They dyed yarn (FUN) and did a braiding project. I haven't seen it yet, but I can't wait!

Sunday, Hubby and I went to another concert. This one was quite different. LOL We went to church with the MIL and saw The Staffmen Quartet. They are pretty neat. We've seen them once a year for a few years. We aren't regular church people. The church we like is a bit of a drive and you know about the stupid gas prices, so .... plus, we're lazy and like to sleep in on Sundays, but we didn't have to get kids ready, and it was a nice break to actually go and sit with the grown ups and listen to some church music.

Oh my gosh! The funniest thing about the whole weekend was that the woman who plays the organ at MIL's church was at the concert! The Joan Jett concert! So was another lady who goes to Carrie's church! I don't know how old they are, but past their 70s, I bet! I know they got free tickets for being 'Gold Card Member Gamblers'. The organ lady told Donnie's mom that the concert was kind of raunchy, but ok. LOL!

Then, Sunday night we got to have some delicious morels from Donnie's cousin for supper.

I really appreciate all of the good friends and family we have. They give us good times, and good stuff! Just Kidding. But really, thanks guys!

I also appreciate all of the comments I receive from all of you great knit bloggers! Hopefully, when all of the end of the school year craziness dies down, I'll be able to catch up on my commenting!!!!

Knit on!

p.s. I just posted on my fo blog about the baby booties!

Baby Steps

2007-05-18T08:34:00.001-04:00

Thanks so much for all of the nice comments you've left, everyone! I really love to read them all.

I have put down the dishcloths for a couple of days, and found another pattern to become obsessed with.

This is such a cute, quick knit! I'd been seeing such adorable versions of Christine's Baby Booties, that I had to give the pattern a try. Luckily for me, there is a neighbor, who has a little boy in LD's class, and she has just had a baby girl!

I'm planning on finishing the pink ones, and making another pair for her. The multi-colored ones are a little bit bigger. I know it's hard to tell from the photo. I think I'll give these two pair to the Mommy and let her decide if the third pair should be in the bigger or smaller size.

Then, I am going to make a pair or two for a friend who graduated high school with me. Her mother told me she is expecting a baby. Her first! I took the booties to the library to show them off, and she told me. She's very excited!

As soon as I finish the icord ties, I'll take a better pic to put on my finished objects blog. I'll give all of the yarn, and needle details on there.

You know the Koigu from the last post? I am thinking about some lacy socks for myself. Here's a random bit of info about me. I have never knit socks in a solid color before! I have done almost solid handdyed socks, but they were slightly stripy, and speckly. This will be my first time using Koigu, and my first time knitting with a solid colored yarn. Weird!

Remember to click on the pic and see those adorable little booties big!

Well, I have to go do laundry and the dishes. (and vacuum and sweep) That way, I can knit guilt free!
Have a great weekend, and knit on, everybody!!

A gift and a Meme

2007-05-15T07:40:00.000-04:00

I got some great yarn! I won a contest on a blog. Brynne sent this to me. Thank you, Brynne! I love it! It's Koigu Premium Merino. So, what do I knit with it? Give me some ideas, guys! Seriously! (I mean it! Tell me some great ideas!)

Like the sparkles? I found out about RockYou.com from a post on knit 1 blog too site. Pretty cool!

I also got tagged for a meme. Heather and Rhoda both got me! It might take a bit of thinking to come up with something different about me. I'm pretty boring lately. I'm going to give it a go, though.

Here is what Heather tagged me with:
Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write in their blogs the 7 facts, as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag seven others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog.

Here's what Rhoda tagged me with:
Here’s how to play…
1. Each player starts with 8 random facts/habits about themselves
2. People who are tagged write a blog post about their own 8 random things and post these rules
3. At the end of your blog you need to tag 8 people and post their names
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment and tell them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Here is my list:

I should be getting ready to leave the house right now.
I get to teach knitting to 11 kids later today.
I have a new nickname: Sharky, since I'm so good at finding sharks' teeth.
I love Spring flowers, but Summer is my favorite season.
I don't really like ice cream.
I don't like the number 6.
I love dark, dark chocolate.
I love thunderstorms, but they scare my dog and cat half to death.

That was tough. When I have to think of things, my mind goes blank. I have no idea who to tag.

Carrie, Kat, Sherry, Momo, Valerie, Kadiddly, Janice, Mindy.

Hope that's ok, guys. If you don't feel like playing along ~ no biggie! :)

Well, I've gotta run! Knit on, y'all!!

Mushroom Hunter?

2007-05-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day to all Moms, Mommas, Mommies, and everyone who has ever Mothered anyone!! :)

Yesterday LD had two birthday parties to go to, so Hubby and I decided to go Mushroom Hunting. First we climbed up a scenic view thing in Arcadia, MI. I thought I'd share some pictures of the view. It is seriously gorgeous! (Click to make big!) I guess I've lost my fear of heights. I used to get dizzy from just standing up there, but yesterday, I felt good enough to lean over the edge and take a pic of the bluffs down toward where we live.

In the woods I got some great shots of flowers and tree stumps. I even brought my knitting with me, hehe. Hubby found two Morel Mushrooms. I found Zero!! My brother and Hubby's cousin find tons of these things. They are so delicious, but I just can't see them. (Just remember in Florida, I found 24 sharks teeth, and Hubby found 4)

Enjoy the nature pics and have a great Mother's Day!! I'm going out to dinner with my mom, Hubby is out to brunch with his mom right now. I got gifts, and of course gave handknit soap socks with other Mother's Day gifts today. :)

I'll have some knitting pictures again, soon! Knit on!! And, Thanks to everyone who wished MM a happy birthday! He loved all of the comments!

You Say It's Your Birthday........

2007-05-07T09:03:00.000-04:00

It's Mal's birthday, too, yeah.

How do they grow up so fast? He's 14 and taller than I am!

Happy Birthday, Music Man Malcolm!

Blah, blah, blah....

2007-05-04T08:12:00.000-04:00

I swear I am trying to answer all of the great comments by email, but I am so far behind in everything! We did have a great trip, and I am so appreciative to have such nice friends to share the happiness with! Thanks for all of the nice comments. :)

I checked my bloglines feeds, and I have (this is embarrassing) over 300 to read! Man, y'all post a lot!! LOL (not 300 blogs, 300 posts!)

Here are some pics of some things I gave away already; I made the soap socks for Lisa's parents. Just as a little thank you for taking such great care of us for a whole week. And the bracelet went out to Rhoda. LD said "Mom, she's not going to like it....She's going to love it!" And she said LD is right! :)

So, yesterday, I went on a field trip with the LD. 33 second graders. I needed something a little more simple than my sock, (which I am in love with) to knit on the bus (and suck in little pre knit addicts) hehehe.

I cast on this dishcloth, and finished it. The kids love to see me knit. A few of them are in my after school knitting class, too. As soon as I got that dishcloth done I had to go try it with another color, and of course one more! I might have to go join Carrie's contest. I wonder if there is still time?

See the cute little sheep? That is a littlest petshop pet. LD gave it to me, since it is a sheep! :) I am afraid that the sock is going to be for LD, though. I guess we'll see. I am on the gusset, and I hate to admit it, but I think I am going to have to let her have this one. Darn my BIG feet. LOL

On Tuesday afternoon, the afterschool classes started up again. I am, of course, teaching knitting. I love my new little class. I have six boys and four girls! Isn't that great? They are so happy to be making things and having something so fun to do.

Well, my boys, MM and SP, went to the beach last night, and I HAVE to vacuum. I was talking about the sand in the kitchen (and everywhere) and no one was surprised. Oh, yeah, we live on the beach. I should just have a sand floor!

Hope your weekend is great!! All y'all should stop over to Rhoda's tomorrow, and tell her "Happy Birthday!"

We're Back!!!!

2007-04-29T20:51:00.000-04:00

The Hubby and I decided spur of the moment, totally spontaneously that we needed a break. So, I called up my best friend Lisa. She had just put in for the time off for her vacation. We had one week to make plans and go!

This is so crazy. We've never just decided to up and go anywhere. Every thing we've ever done has always been planned out completely.

Thanks to Lisa's Mom (My second Mom) and her Step-Dad, we only had to pay for the plane tickets and souvenirs!! We had the best trip ever. It's no secret that we aren't rich. We never could have afforded such a spectacular trip without good friends and family!!

The MIL took care of the kids. Carrie helped out with LD, while the MIL had to finish work after school for a couple of days. Thanks, Carrie!!!!

By the way, Carrie is having a blog contest, you should go check it out!!

Hubby learned a little guitar from Lisa's step-dad. I knitted (a tiny bit, while listening to a Lime and Violet Podcast) by the pool, and Lisa, as usual was on the cell. Hehehehehe (Click for big big pics!)

We ate way, way, way too much! Hubby found four sharks teeth in the Gulf (I found 24) LOL

Carrie and I are going to meet for knitting tomorrow. I'll have to update you about my UFO progress soon. I'll have to show y'all a pic of the soap socks I made for Lisa's Mom and Step-Dad. (Greatest Hosts Ever!!) and the bracelet I made for Rhoda.

Bed time! I'm beat and missing the sun!

Knit on!!

What do you mean "A title" ?

2007-04-18T13:16:00.000-04:00

I have a cool picture, but I can't show you yet, because I sent it out for a surprise to someone and when she gets it, I'll show it off. :)

So, you get to see this:

What Your Favorite Color Orange Says About You:

Joyful --- Enthusiastic --- Optimistic
Outgoing --- Accepting --- Confident
Loud --- Unruly --- Impulsive

What Does Your Favorite Color Say About You?

Fun, huh? Also here is a true knitting story that really happened to me.

I was sitting at the computer knitting socks and reading blogs, and my size one bamboo dpn went flying. My Hubby and I were crawling around looking for it and I said "I found it!" and grabbed a toothpick up off the floor. I really thought it was my needle. They are about the same size, except for length. I don't know why there was a toothpick on the floor, though. LOL

I remembered this as I was struggling to knit with size 13 needles (broomsticks). I'm used to size 1 or size 2 needles, but I found some ribbon yarn on sale and I'm doing some super quick scarves for a charity. :)

I will be away from computers for about a week or so. I have stuff to do, but then I'll have lots to show y'all when I get back. Talk at ya again soon ~ maybe the 29th? We'll see!!

Yes I am a Lurker

2007-04-13T10:07:00.000-04:00

I have actually finished some knitting! I got the LD's hat done. She loves it! I finished it on the night before Easter. Talk about taking forever to post the pics! Geeze!!

I'll be putting the stats on my other blog, as usual. I like this pattern, I may have to make another one, since I can't find my green one! I might have put it away with some winter stuff. Man, I hope so anyway!

I also have some more soap socks done. They are for the get stitchy April Showers Knit Along. Here's a pic of them, and of my bracelet. The soap socks will go on my shop soon. Except for the four that are in the front of the picture. Those are for Mom and MIL for Mother's Day.

The bracelet is made of seed beads. I have one planned out that will say KNIT ON. Now, I just have to find the time to get it made.

Here's a funny story about my bracelet. I was part way done with it, so I took it to our little knit group to finish it. When I held it up, Carrie looked a little shocked, or worried. She thought I spelled KNITTER wrong. Teeeheeeheee. Sorry, Carrie, it was funny. I, of course, am Knittar. Yeah, I'm a dork, but ya'll know you love me!!

And a pic of my new hair color. Sorry my pics are so bad. I wanted to be a photographer when I was small. Haha, that wouldn't have been a very smart career choice. Nah, I could probably learn to do it right.

What a crazy post! I can't get the pics or paragraph pics where I want them, but as usual I am running out of time to mess with it! I have also (thanks to the phenomenon of missing time) become a lurker on blogs! A Lurker!

Knit on!!

We've been crafty!

2007-04-06T15:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks for the comments! I owe so many emails. We've been busy crafting, though.

Here are the fimo Creations the kids made.

I forgot to take a pic of the bracelet I made. Remind me for next time. It is knitting related. I've even been knitting a little!

Don't forget to click and see the detail of our craftiness!!

Happy Easter to all who celebrate it!

Jaywalkers Part 2

2007-04-02T11:24:00.000-04:00

First off, if you have left me comments, which you know I love, I will be responding as I usually do. It's been crazy around here, and the kids have taken over the computer! They're home for Spring Break, and I've been having to fight for this machine. LOL

I've been lurking on my regular blogs, but I really love leaving comments, too. Where the heck does the time go??

Yay for a finished UFO! I will be posting all of the stats for these on my other blog soon. Click the pic for a bigger view. I love the Jaywalker pattern. I need to send a pic to Grumperina for her gallery, too. There are tons of pictures there.

These are part two, because they are my second pair of jaywalker socks. Here are the first ones. I wear them a lot!! I was even thinking of making some more with the new sock yarn I got, but I found this pattern. I think it looks neat. It is toe-up, and I like top down better, but I think I'll try it out. Plus, Shimmer Socks sounds cool. LOL

I'm also doing the get stitchy knit along for April. I think I'll do some soap socks for Mother's Day gifts. Maybe some wash cloths, too. I don't know, I've been so busy, but I do want something hand knit to give to Mom, and MIL.

The kids want me to get out the Fimo. I used to make a lot of stuff from that clay, but now I'm consumed with knitting. I guess since it's cold and wet out, the Fimo is a good idea. At least it'll keep them busy.

Well, I promise, if I usually email you I will get to it soon! :) Thanks for all of the nice comments and compliments. I'll be by to visit y'all at your blogs asap, too!!

Look at the pretty yarn

2007-03-27T14:27:00.000-04:00

Will a picture of pretty, soft, sock yarn distract you from the boringness of my posts?

This gorgeous yarn came from Jan, another Michigan knitter. It is so seriously soft! I'm going to use it for myself! Thank you, Jan!! I love it!

Well, yesterday I thought I'd steal a little time for posting after I had an unbelievably crazy day, but the internet went down!

Here's how the crazy Monday started:
In the middle of the night, the answering machine kept going off, talking to itself. I finally got up at 5 and shut it off. So, when we got up for school, the phone was total static, no calls could come in or out. (I thought) So, after taking the kids to school, I went to my mom's to call the phone company, and I couldn't get through. (Big surprise!) So, I chatted for a bit, then left to go to the post office, and run errands.

As I was driving past my house, I saw the cops pulling up to my door! So, I pulled around back and ran around the house. I was scared something happened to one of the kids, or something. The police man asked if this was Arleta's house. (pronouncing my name wrong) and I was like "Yes, Arleeeeta." (Not Arletta) and he said "Is she alright?" He sounded worried. I said "Yep, I'm standing right here. Why?"

That's when he told me a 911 hang up call went out from my house and when they tried to call back all they got was static! I told him the cat and dog were the only ones home, since I had been at my mom's trying to call the phone company, and he said ok and left.

Later, I got to thinking what if I hadn't been who I said I was. He never asked for i.d. That's a little bit scary!

I just got back from 'work'. I'm hoping this gig will turn into a real job! I LOVE being a stay at home mom, but the choice may be taken away from me, and if I have to work outside the home, I guess there could be worse jobs. It's close, and the boss seems to understand that my kids still need me.

It's almost time to go get the kids, but I thought I'd try to sneak a little update in here. I've been typing all day, anyway. ;)

I've been knitting on my UFO Jaywalkers, I started LD's Topi, and I've been trying to make myself knit the never-ending red squares for SP's blanket. Poor MM, I have to come up with something to knit for him, too. All of that makes for some boring pictures.

I have 30 or so emails from y'all, friends, and family that I need to get to. I just want to say Thank You for the nice 'get well' wishes from everyone. I hate being sick! It is going around, though, so be careful!!

Knit On!!

Blah!

2007-03-26T13:14:00.000-04:00

I had the flu last week. BAD!!! I have lots to talk about and some cool pics, but I have tons to catch up on! Be back soon with a real post!!

Busy weekend

2007-03-19T07:39:00.000-04:00

Well, thank you to everyone for the encouraging comments. You won't believe what the weather did here! I got up this morning, and looked out the window at a scene from the North Pole! It snowed again! The kids have a two hour delay. Watch us be late anyways! I hope this is the last snow storm of the season. I need some sunshine and warm weather!

We had quite a busy weekend. Thursday LD and I came home from the post office with a package! She saw the return address and said, "It's yarn, I can tell, because it's from Rhoda." hehe She's so cute sometimes. She wanted to open it, so I said she could as soon as we got home.

We walked in the door to the phone ringing off the hook. It was the mother of one of LD's friends. Play date? Yes! So, she forgot all about the box, and I couldn't wait for her to come home, so .... the phone rang again! It was SP and MM, they wanted a ride home, since the after school group they are in wasn't meeting that day.

I finally got the box open, totally expecting only yarny left overs for soap socks, I was very glad to see the most beautiful orange stitch markers ever in there with the yarn! I tried to get a good photo, but those lil' things are hard to capture! (Click the pic and see how great they are!) Then, when LD got home she had to make a bracelet out of some of the yarn. Thank you, Rhoda, you sweetie!!

So, Friday night, LD went to a friends house, and MM and I went to my best friend Lisa's house. When we left I had two extra teenage boys with me. LOL The three of them came into the kitchen and said "You're the best Aunt, You're the best Mom ever" .... What could I say to that? Of course they could come spend the night.

Saturday, I picked the Little Diva up from a very fun Shamrocky birthday party. She was so tired out, that she fell asleep while we were taking Lisa's boys home.

When we got home we had a green dinner. Everything except the meat (yes we are carnivores) was green. LD wanted to dye the meat with food coloring, but I couldn't stomach that idea. LOL

So, Saturday night, LD and I went for a nature walk. We needed something to put in the pretty vase my bestfriend had given me the night before. The sun was slowly setting, and it was cold, but not windy. We saw some of her friends out, too. We found some dried weeds and pretty sticks, and a pine branch. There isn't anything growing around here right now, but it looks nice. (If you click the picture you should be able to see more detail)

While we were out, we decided that we needed the camera, so we came home for that and LD's scooter. We went across the street to the bay, and tried to make it to the beach before the sun was all the way down.

That was a fun time! We even went some where on Sunday. I really can not wait for the weather to be nice enough to just up and go out to get the fresh air with out freezing!

Oh yeah, I dyed my hair again, too! I'll have to post a pic, because I know everyone wants to see. LOL! It's a really dark red with lighter red streaks. I like it.

Knitting? Oh, yeah, I did a tiny bit of that. Nothing exciting, though. I need to find an exciting pattern, but all of those UFOs are getting to me. I have to finish something first. Urgh. I did post the soap sock stats on my other blog.

Hope your knitting is more exciting than mine is right now!

Here is a little info on Lake Michigan that I looked up:

It is the second largest of the Great Lakes by volume

118 miles wide

307 miles long

925 feet deep (at it's deepest)

More than 1600 miles of shoreline

See, it's a BIG (Great ~ hehe) Lake. I guess we're in the Central Northern part of Lake Michigan. The bay flows into the lake and you can see the shore across the bay from our house. I complain about the weather, but I don't know if I could live (in the summer time) without Lake Michigan.

Bad Blogger

2007-03-15T07:31:00.000-04:00

Thanks for all of the comments you've been leaving!! Y'all know I love them. hehe! Why, yes, Christina, that was Mario on the cookie. My little artists!

I've been a bad blogger. Sorry. The mood in my house is making me depressed and not much fun to be around. I haven't felt like doing much at all. Not even read blogs! Actually, I want to, I just don't get around to it .... I don't know .... winter's killing me!!

I have so many knitting projects that I want to do and that I want to start, but there's no time. I've been knitting some squares that are plain, and at first it was nice, peaceful knitting, but it has turned a bit boring.

When my boys were really little my mother made them some Granny Square afghans. MM's was crib sized, and SP's was toddler bed sized. Well, SP is over six foot tall, and his blanket is a bit short. LOL When they graduated to twin sized beds, I knitted some extra squares and made the blankets bigger. Now that SP is in an even bigger bed, his feet stick out of his blanket. I'm knitting some squares for each side, and then in the corners I will pick up stitches from the squares and knit mitered squares. It will look good, and keep him warm, but I wish it would get done quicker.

We got some warmer weather (40s-50s f) for a couple of days, but it's back into the 30s, now. :( Look at the difference one week made on the Bay! I love the fog, but I have Cabin Fever, or Spring Fever, or something! I think everybody in this house does! Everyone is cranky and depressed. Urgh!!!! I need winter to be over!!!!

Ok, I'm going to run the kids to school real quick . . . . Be right back.

I'm back, and I was wrong about the temperature out there. It's 23 degrees f., and if you didn't know, it's cold!

I have to take a quick shower, and go do some data entry stuff for the neighbors. Hope everyone, everywhere is feeling a lot better than I am!!

Ya Think?

2007-03-11T15:01:00.000-04:00

You Belong in Summer

Energetic, creative, and very curious about the world...
You're not going to let anything hold you back, especially a cold day.
Whether you're chilling out at the beach or partying all night, you live for the warm weather.

What Season Are You?

Not Knitting ~ hehehe

2007-03-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

Well, we do other things, sometimes, too. The boys decorated some cookies last month at their after school group. Cookies Rock, haha. They were really good. Click to make big, so you can see the awesome decorations.

Thanks for all of the well wishes. The Little Diva is feeling better. On her sick day, we sorted crayons, markers and colored pencils. And we tested every marker. A lot of drawing goes on in this house and we need to make sure the materials work, right? LOL

Thanks also for the nice comments about the irritating person in my life. I'm still upset, but I'm not going to dwell on it. Or I'm going to try not to dwell on it.

Crazy blogger, the paragraphs are squeezing together again! Sometimes it fixes itself when I hit publish, and sometimes it doesn't. Oh well, colorful post once again.

I had so much fun yesterday knitting with Carrie and Melanie. Just what I needed. I've been working on some UFOs, and soap socks. Nothing new has jumped out at me. Which is rare. I usually have startitis, and then I spread the startitis around. Last night after dinner, LD and I knitted a bit more. She is on row two of her 250 stitch scarf. I've been working on my second pair of Jaywalkers. I don't know why I haven't finished them. I'm just slowly knitting them ... on and on. I love that pattern, and I wear the ones I finished all of the time. Weird!

Ok, one time Suz showed a couple of pics of "the lake" at different times of the year, so I thought I'd copy-cat her. :P

Here are two pics of Lake Michigan, just a few blocks from my house. One is in October, and one is from this morning, right after I dropped the kids off at school. The snow drift (that you can't see in front of me) is as tall as my van, and the ones down by the water are HUGE!

This other pic is of the bay across the street from my house. There are ice fishing shanties out there, and you can see the old building that I've shown before. Those snowdrifts are very tall, and the road is snow covered, as usual around here!

Well, I should go get ready to 'work' over at the neighbors. Tomorrow, the kids will be home early, so I'll have to fight to get the computer to read blogs. LOL.

Hope everyone has a great weekend, if we don't chat before then. :D

If I say I'm not knitting ~ I'm probably lying

2007-03-06T08:59:00.000-05:00

Hey, thanks for all of the nice comments. Right now I can sure use them. Kadiddly left me one about the History Channel, because at her blog I'd left a comment about Digging For The Truth. I love archeology, and like she said, that Josh Bernstein makes the show just a little more interesting, if you know what I mean. hehehe*wink, wink At least he's a little older than I am. I hate it when I get a little Hollywood crush, and then find out the actor or TV personality guy is younger than I am!

I have been such a bad blogger! I have reasons, though, and if you want to see what I knit, you have to read (or skim) through them first. haha

This sounds familiar, I know I read something just like it on someone else's blog recently. You know when you think a person is your friend and then you find out they are just backstabbing liars? Yeah, that. I've been feeling a little whiny and sorry for myself. You can usually tell if I'm not feeling like my normal self if I'm wearing my glasses. That either means it's really early and I haven't put my contacts in, or I don't feel well, so I'm not going to bother. My friend Carrie talks about putting good out into the world. I try to think of that every time I feel mean toward this person. I want a good, peaceful world, so I'm trying to be nice. Small town living, small minds. I know it doesn't have to be this way! Urgh!!

Ahhh, I feel a little better now. At the very least, I know one person who is always on my side. My best friend, Lisa. And if she thought of being on 'the other side' I'd just remind her of the cool things I knit for her. :D Like this wonderful hat I did for the Get Stitchy! Stitch for Chicks along. And yes, I did say wonderful! The pattern is fun, and quick. I have been getting tons of compliments on my green hat, and when I say "Thank you, it was so fun to knit." I love the looks non-knitters give me when they say "You made that!? It's so great!" hehe. See, commentslut.

In the last picture on the right, you can see the matching bracelet my LD made for her Aunt Wheeza. I'm going to have to put that kid to work and put some of those on my shop. **Just joking, child labor law people!

I am going to post the stats and a link to the pattern on my other blog. You can see what yarn I used and all of that there. Let me just tell ya, I used Sugar & Cream, and that must make this the least expensive hat in the world, but it looks great! I just might have to make me an orange one. My kids all want one, too. At least I could afford to make three more with the cotton.

Now, I have to go play nurse. I hate it when my kids are sick! LD is home coughing her poor little head off. She was not happy with me this morning when I told her she was not going to school. She doesn't have a fever, but she was hacking uncontrollably. She looked miserable, too. I know she wouldn't be learning much, if I sent her, and here she can breathe some steam from the vaporizer and hopefully get rid of that wheeze. She gets sick so quickly ~ overnight, and hopefully it will be gone as quickly, or off to the doctor we'll have to go.

Hope everyone is doing and feeling well. I think before I make the lil' convalescent some more tea, I'll go update the FO blog. Have a great one!

My Best Friend

2007-03-02T08:25:00.000-05:00

I joined another monthly knit along at Get Stitchy!. For some reason these knit alongs don't scare me, like most of the other knit alongs. Yeah, I'm weird.

This is the Stitch for Chicks Along. Members of the knitting (crochet and embroidery too) forums can join. Any one can go see what everyone's up to, and see knitting pictures. Or just go join!!
They also have a huge knit blog list, if you feel like checking out some new blogs.

Here's what it says about Stitch for Chicks at Get Stitchy: "During the month of March, members of get stitchy! will be participating in the Stitch for Chicks-along! The goal of which is to make a gift, using the fiber art of your choice, to give thanks to a woman in your life. Any woman, yourself included, for any reason. "

Well, I have chosen my best-best friend as the recipient of my gift. She saw my hat, and I could tell she wanted one really bad!!! Mostly because she kept saying "You're making me an orange one, right?" LOL

This is the pattern I'm using by Jennifer. I love her patterns. She has more on her blog, and there are some extra notes about the Topi on her blog, too. And a gallery of the things others have knit from her patterns. (I'm in there ~ hehe)

I'm using Sugar 'n Cream cotton in Hot Orange. A lot of people don't like it, but I love the stiffness of this yarn. I just might have to make another hat with some S&C. The pics (click to see bigger) show where I started yesterday, and where I was (and still am) last night. LD and I had some knitting time. Since school was let out early for bad weather! Her scarf is one row down. 250 stitches per row! She took that pic of me holding it. You can see my red bracelet that I wear all of the time. LD finger-knitted it for me. I was going to say that before since it looked like part of my fetching mitt, but I forgot. Thanks for reminding me del. :)

My best friend is so important to me. I have regular friends, but she's more like a sister. Right after my kids, she is the person I love and need in my life most of all. I know it's the same for her. We've been best friends for over 20 years. She's going to kick my butt, because I can never remember exactly how long. LOL. She is the only person (except for one family member) who tells me they love me without my saying it first. It's a really good thing that Hubby likes her, because I'd probably miss him if he even thought of making me choose. I'm joking!! (kind-of) Hahaha ~ Relax.
I think everyone needs a friend that is like this. It doesn't matter what kind of hellish day I'm having she can make me laugh. And she loves orange as much as I do.

Thank you, Lee, for being my best friend!!

I can't think of a good title ~ Again!

2007-02-28T12:03:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes and great comments. You all know I love them, since I told you what I am a couple of posts ago. hehe

Yikes! I've been so busy! I think I should have been born an heiress so I can live a life of leisure. LOL

I finished another UFO!

Marji sent me the gorgeous yarn and pattern ages ago, and I started right away, but I got side tracked by startitis. Well, I've been seeing all of these wonderful scarves that are knitted the long way, so I finally did it! I love it. The pictures just don't show you how great the yarn is. Really, it is the most luxurious yarn I've ever used. Hopefully by Friday I'll have the stats for it up on my other blog.

I know the pic of it on SP is blurry, but it shows how long the scarf is. SP is at least 6 feet tall, maybe even taller, since we haven't measured in a while!

Well, I also finished some fetching mitts. I love 'em! They match my St. Patrick's Day Hat. I'll probably wear them a few times, and of course on March 17, then give them to LD. If they aren't too big for her. She really likes them.

They were so quick to knit. I started them Saturday and finished them before the weekend was over, but I wove the ends in today. I just wish I had more time to knit. I used to, and I thought when my kids got bigger I'd be less busy. LOL. Yeah, right! Less busy. Good one, huh?

Like the scarf, I hope to get the stats up before too long!

I love knitting (duh!) but knitting with others is different. The knitting part is great, but I never knew how much I miss talking to grown ups! Sunday, at my Hubby's basketball game I gave knitting lessons. :D I can't wait til next Sunday to see how she's doing and knit with her some more. We also had our little knit group this morning. Carrie was spinning on her spindle, and she makes it look so easy! She and I have been talking about a fiber fest. I am planning and saving up! I want to go. It'll be so fun!!!!

I've got to find some time to do some things I want to do, like read blogs. I thought Monday would be free for that kind of stuff, but the kids had a snow day. We goofed off all day long, and I didn't go on the computer at all. Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm at the neighbors, helping out with their files, so today would be good, if it weren't for the house work. See, like I said, I need a maid to do that so I can do fun things.

Hope you have lots of time for knitting and fun stuff! Knit On!

p.s. I put the stats up for the mitts and the scarf up on my other blog. :D

SkaterPunk

2007-02-23T11:06:00.000-05:00

February 24, 1990

My Baby is 17!

I'm not really sure how that happened. His b-day is actually tomorrow, but we'll be busy.

Look at those pics! Man, he has changed!!

My best friend's sister had her baby early this morning. On the new baby girl's grandpa's birthday. She really couldn't have helped being born on someone in the family's birthday if she had to be born in February. Most of the days this month are full. :)

Well, I'd cry just from the emotions of the years passing, but the heater fix-it guy just left with almost 180.00 of my dollars. We have heat again. At least it was only 180. Right? Could have been worse! Why does it go out at night, after the plumbing/heating guys are closed?? It got down to 54 degrees in here. That really is not too bad. I was afraid we'd freeze, but if it were 54 outside, I'd be having a party and running around with no coat.

Have a great weekend, y'all! We have b-day parties, and basketball games with knitting lessons thrown in! And a new baby and mommy to go visit. Yay!

Surprise knitting: Soap Socks

2007-02-22T16:44:00.000-05:00

Oh, wait, that's no surprise!

Well, I haven't been getting much knitting done. I did dye some wool. Mmmm. Love the dyeing. If you click to make the pic bigger you can see the colors better, and my little stitch marker on the soap sock in progress.

That's what I've been knitting: Soap Socks. Surprise! Hehe. I have one soap left. Then, I need to go to the store and get more soap. I think there are 13 on my shop, and one in progress. The greenish soap sock all by itself in the top pic, and on the top of the pile of the bottom pic is for Rhoda. That one's the only one not for sale. :)

I have been knitting on my scarf from Marji, and on my blue sofa throw for the family. I have plans to start lots of things, too. Those things aren't even WIPs anymore, they are definitely UFOs.

I have been so busy! I miss reading everyone's blogs all day long. hehe. And the Knitter's Review and Get Stitchy! I've been going to the neighbors' business and doing some data entry in their computer a couple hours, a couple times a week. Who would think that would make me lose so much computer time? Urgh! Oh well, at least it gets me out of the house for a couple hours while the kids are at school.

My paragraphs are still all weird! I guess every other one will always just be a different color.

Thanks for all of the comments on my last post. I think I may be a commentslut. Oooohhhh!!! Can you believe that I typed that?

On Sundays Hubby plays basketball with a bunch of other old guys, and we go watch. Of course, I sit there knitting and visiting with the other wives. Well, one lady asked me to teach her to knit this weekend! Yay! I think I love to teach knitting as much as I love to knit. So, Sunday it's knitting lesson time.

Well, the little girl and I need to go to the school again and get the boys from their club meeting! Time sure does fly! Gotta Run! Keep Knitting!!

Funny?

2007-02-19T09:57:00.000-05:00

Well, I promised a funny story, but it's just funny weird, not funny "haha".

So, there was a square dance for all the girl scouts. The dance was at a school in the next little town over. Our school is pretty small. There are only about 40 kids per grade, 20 kids per class, give or take. The school they were at is also small but goes into a big high school. Our high school kids probably went to kindergarten with almost every kid in their graduating class.

While they were in the hall they saw a locker with a sign that said "This locker belongs to Arleta". Most people would be like "cool", but this isn't like seeing a name like Lisa, or Sue, or Julie. (My best-friend, and my sister's names). Arleta isn't very common, especially in Michigan!

I want to know who named their kid that! I know it's weird, but I keep trying to think of someone I might know who could find out for me. LOL. Makes me sound a little psycho, but I swear I'm not! If the parents of the other Arleta are my age, I probably knew them, or knew of them in school if they lived in this county.

When I named SP, there were no other Jordan's that I knew of. Now, I hear it all of the time! There were only really old guys named Malcolm when I named MM, but it's becoming popular again. I really thought absolutely for sure though, that Arleta would stay "our" name. It's also my mother's name.

If y'all didn't think I was crazy before ...... LOL

I went to the baby shower, and gave my bestfriend's sister the things I made for her. Everyone was like "You made all of that?" See me blush? LOL. I also gave a couple of soap socks wrapped in a garterlac cloth for a prize for one of the games. Those were a big hit! The shower turned out great. All the cute pink and purple clothes. It had better really be a girl!

The kids are home from school today for midwinter break. MM has knocked me off the high scores of Guitar Hero II, darn kid!

I thought, I'll have a chance to read some blogs, but bloglines is down! I guess I'll read them off the sidebar of my blog. I've been reading (lurking!) every chance I get, but I love to leave comments. I hope all the people I comment to don't go "AR again! She's a comment-addict." Yes, I am. I love to get comments, too. Thanks for all of the ones you've left for me.

I sold a couple of soaps at my etsy shop! Thanks to the buyers, too!! :)

bloglines is working fine now! Yay!

Soap Socks!

2007-02-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

I'm slowly listing my soap socks on the shop. I have 12 done, and 2 are on there so far.

Funny story coming up as soon as I have time to do a real post!

edit: I have 12 soaps up! Yay! I still have to fool around with the pics of bracelets and get them on there, too. :)

DPN Holders, Socks, and Soapsocks

2007-02-13T14:30:00.000-05:00

(Yeah, I still can't think of good titles. LOL)

Thank you all so much for the nice comments for SP. He is hating that splint. It rubs his leg, but I keep reminding him it's almost over! Yay! He doesn't wear it when he's sitting around or sleeping, either. If I usually email you, I'm getting there. I'm so far behind in the things I want to do! Especially Blog Reading!

Well, I have been busy trying to take some good photos of my soaps so I can finally put them on my etsy shop. I forgot to say that the soaps have the gentle scent of aloe. It smells good. Fresh. Everyone in real life has liked the scent so far, anyways! LOL.

Speaking of Etsy Shops, look what I got! I got some awesome DPN Holders. They have frog beads to guard against frogging. Thank you Sherry, they are so great! They have to guard these socks, because I have left them neglected for I don't know how long. They might get finished for the UFO along, or they might get frogged. We'll just have to wait and see. I haven't decided yet.

I also finished LD's Broadripple socks. They looked so huge on the needles, but they fit just right, and she loves them! They are really stretchy, too, so hopefully she won't grow right out of them. I know she won't, because I can get them on my big, ol' feet, so I bet she'll wear these out before they're too small. I've got the stats up on to my other blog. They even almost match! I love knitting socks.

I don't know where the time goes! I sit down here at the computer, hoping to do some posting, and go read some blogs, and I never seem to get much done! Not as much as I hope to, anyways. Where does the time go?

Here are a couple more pics of socks, and some finished soap socks, too.

I've gotta run and get something done before I go get those kids!!

Hope everyone's knitting and loving it. I hope I'll find some time to go catch up on blogs soon!!

Cast Off

2007-02-09T09:25:00.000-05:00

We went to the doctor's office Wednesday, and SP is cast-free. He has a removable **air splint just for added support for two weeks, and we don't have to go back there until May! I am so glad. He was really tired of dragging around a cast, and now he can go back to his weekend/afterschool job. **an air splint is a hard u-shaped splint that goes on with velcro and has air pockets for cushion on the inside. It's really weird. He can wear it inside his shoe! I had to ask what it was when they first told us. LOL

I sure don't have much knitting to report. Not like Rhoda who is starting a sweater! I finished and immediately sold a soap on Wednesday morning at knit group, I also gave another one away before taking pictures. LD's first Broadripple-like sock is done. I am at the place where you pick up stitches for the gusset of the second sock. I'm going to go to Grumperina's site, and pick the stitches up the pretty way this time. The top pic is the one with the flash, and the bottom one without. I think!

Monday and Tuesday the kids were home from school, because the temperature with the wind chill was too cold for the buses, and for kids to be standing around waiting for buses. We also had Lake Effect Snow, and blowing and drifting. Yesterday and Wednesday, the sun was out, though! I still can't believe it, but it was! Having those two unexpected days off from school, makes for a strange week. I'm so glad it is Friday!

I've been getting the nicest compliments on my new hat. Even the grumpiest check out lady at the grocery store, the one we never go to, said she liked my hat. I've never heard her say anything nice to any one. I'm going to have to hold on to this one tight, my three kids want to steal it from me!

I guess I really can knit when I get a chance. Last night Hubby saw me making yucky faces at the dishes, so he did them, while I sat and knitted on that sock and finally caught up on some Lime & Violet podcasts. Man, they crack me up! I love that I can listen to podcasts and knit at the same time. I used to knit while waiting for pages to load, but the computer is too fast now. Not that I'm complaining! Heck no, I like the fast!

Thanks so much for all of the nice comments on my hat, and on the knitter girls. hehe While we sat in the DR. office LD got to knit a bit on her sock. That was very exciting for her. Her own knitting was at school. I love that they get to knit at school! Anyways, thank you! I love the nice comments, everybody!

Have a great weekend!!

We're The Knitter Girls!

2007-02-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

LOL. That's what LD said this morning. "We're The Knitter Girls". It's finally a snow day! Yay! We've been waiting all winter!

Yesterday, I took LD's knitting to the Hubby's basketball game, with mine. She gets so bored, when she's bored; I'm annoyed. The knitting saved the day. She's been working on a baby doll scarf ever since. Here we are after dinner last night, knitting away! See, knitting is a life saver.

On Friday night, it was the girl scout cookie sale sendoff. There was a pizza party, a movie, crafts; you know, fun stuff. It was so cold, though! As we were dropping LD off, Carrie yells across the parking lot "Wait one second, Arleta!" So I run over there and she had a plate of muffins for us. Wasn't that nice? I took a picture, but it's too pitiful, because Hubby, SP, and I ate some muffins in the car on the way home. LOL. I did save one each for MM, and LD, but I ate the rest! They were really good! Thanks, Carrie! :)

Ok, now Please ignore how pale I am, and just look at the hat. I know it's bad for my skin, but I'm going to go to the tanning salon. I look ill. Plus, there's no sun here! You know when people say "Stick it where the sun don't shine..." They mean Northern Michigan! It was about 10 pm, and I'd had a long day, too. So, ignore the "duh" looks on my face, too. LOL

Here is my Green Hat for the Green Hat Knit-along. I'm posting the stats here at my FO Blog. I have enough yarn to do another hat. I wonder if I have enough to make some matching glovelettes? That would be neat.

I need to get busy on LD's socks, though. I haven't touched them in a few days, and she keeps giving me little hints that she'd like to wear them soon.

We just did LD's 100 day project. For the 100th day of school the kids make something with 100 things. LD put 100 beads in sets of 10 on a string of yarn, in a pattern of course. For some reason she really likes patterns.

Thank you all for the comments about the lost wallet and the rant on parking, and mean kids. I know life's not all sunshine and rainbows, it's so nice to be able to complain about it, and know that there are other people who understand.

I think I'll go put the stats for the hat on my new blog, and report in to the GH KAL finished hat section that I got one hat done. I just might have to do another!

Hope you all have a great day!

Yay Moms!

2007-02-03T20:37:00.000-05:00

The weekend is going much better! I spied this contest at 5 minutes for mom, though and wanted to share. Check out that jewelry. Just gorgeous.

Warning: Cranky Post Ahead

2007-02-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

Well, first I want to say to everyone thank you for your nice comments. I'll be sending emails soon.

Ericajo that yarn is Sugar & Cream from Lily. It was the weirdest thing the way it pooled like that. Just some variegated cotton. I love pooling. :)

But Ericajo's question made me finally get off my butt and start another blog! Arleta's Motley Wool FO's. It'll just be pics with the stats on yarn, needles, all that stuff. I'll save the juicy life bits (which I am going to p & m about in a minute) for here.

Gaiagal, that sounds like a weird combo, but I'll try just about anything, if the thought of it doesn't make me gag. I just won't tell the family what's in it, until after they eat it!

Ok, if you want a happy post, like I usually have, sorry you aren't going to find it here. One reason my posts are usually happy is because I sit down, and as I'm typing I feel so much better that I edit out stuff. It just doesn't fit any more. Well, today isn't turning out so great, it started bad, but I'm hoping it'll get better!!

I borrowed this from Bezzie, (she likes snow! How weird is that?)

It's the six weird things meme with a twist

Six Things That Piss Me Off

The parking lots at my kids' schools. People are morons and don't know how to drive or follow rules. The elementary one was so bad that the principal stands out there directing traffic and that has made it even worse! If your kid can't jump out of the car, go to a parking spot and park the car. Don't leave it in the middle of the driveway! Kids with casts or crutches shouldn't have to tromp through snow to get into the school!
People who make my Little Diva cry! I shouldn't be angry at a second grader, but this one girl gave her a best friend necklace, then took it back the next day, and gave it to someone else. I kept my cool and made LD feel better, but I felt like crying, too. Why are kids so mean?
Smart people who act like they are stupid. Enough said on that one.
People who act like they know everything! (I don't even know everything!) People who won't admit they are wrong. It's hard, but even I can do it.
Rude people. Man, use some tact!
Loosing a big bunch of money, and all the credit cards, and id. Ugh. I feel sick. Hubby lost his wallet yesterday, and it had all of our cash, which we need for food and bills. It had our credit card, a work credit card, and the debit card that is for our health care. His driver's license. Everything. I personally know some people who would be like "$400? Go to the bank and get more money out. No big deal." Yeah, big deal to us! We're poor. That's just a fact of life. I stay home, and it makes us rich in love, but money is tight around here. Plus, Hubby woke me up at 4 a.m. looking for his wallet, and I'm tired. Tired and worried and cranky are never a good combo!

I just have to say this weekend better not go like this! It had better be nice. (not the weather, I know that's going to be crappy). The vibes better be nice! If you pray, pray we find that stupid wallet before I go crazy and have to spend my entire life knitting hats after I rip out all of my hair!

I found the wallet! Thanks to who the heck ever said the prayer or magic words or what the heck ever worked! I swear it was sitting right where Hubby and I already looked. I was done looking but as I was getting a biscuit to eat with my lunch ... There it was. I am so totally relieved. Thanks for the good vibes, all!!

February Alongs

2007-02-01T16:02:00.000-05:00

I feel very boring lately. Not bored .... boring. Hope that's not true, but I need some sunshine and it's supposed to get into the single digits, or below zero for the next week! Urgh! It all makes me want to hibernate.

Well, it is the first of February, and I have a February KAL that I joined. I started the Topi. I started it over and over and finally got it! It's about 4" in diameter right now.

Here are some pics. That is my Swamp Thing Yarn that I dyed for the January DAL. hehe Of course there is another SoapSock sitting there, too. I've been having one of them OTN all of the time. I swear, I'm going to put them on my shop as soon as I get a minute!

The other thing for this month is the UFO 2007 Along, that I'm part of. I am working on LD's Broadripple Socks that I started in October or November. Yes, I am too lazy to go see when.

The spot where I picked up stitches for the gusset is awful! It's a mess, but LD likes it and wants it done. I should go back and redo it, but I don't know if I will. It's left over yarn, and if I just get my rear in gear, they'll be done and that's all she really wants anyway. Then, maybe I should finish the last Jaywalker sock that I started even before these socks.

Dinner's in the slow cooker, and the smell is driving me crazy! It smells so good. A roast with onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes. Mmmmm.

Well, time to go figure out if I want to rip out that gusset and redo (like I should), or maybe I'll just knit on that hat for a while.

Thanks for all of the nice comments from my last few posts. If I have your email, I've probably sent you a thanks or some kind of reply, if not, then thank you! :)

Another Motley Post

2007-01-31T12:47:00.000-05:00

WooHoo! I got to go meet some friends for knitting this morning. One of them said "I look forward to this all week. If I have to work on a Wednesday, I'm so bummed." Yep! Yep! I know! I get to just sit there and knit and listen and talk. I love it!

I finished this soap last night and thought "Oh no, I need a project for knitting with friends" (Carrie, we need a name for our little group). So, when I got there I casted on another soap for my shop. This pink and brown one is for me, though. I'm not sure if the pink is wool, or wool ease (which won't felt) So, I will use it and see if it felts and if it does I'll be able to use the pink for soaps that are for sale.

The last close up pic is of a soap that I knitted that we've been using. It's all felty and the soap lasts forever! My kids wash their hands more, too, because it's cool soap. See, no more stitches.

Speaking of kids, when your 8 yr. old asks you to wind up her knotted, tangled, white, fuzzy acrylic yarn; don't wear black jeans and a black sweatshirt when you do it. I tried to take a picture of my white fuzziness, but it just wouldn't show it well enough.

I also finished the baby genius burp cloths. They are so cute, but I hope the new mommy uses them, and loves them! I also hope the hats aren't too small. Hopefully she'll get to wear them for a while, and hopefully she'll love her blankie.

Here's what I'll be starting tomorrow, though. I picked this pattern, and I'll be using my latest hand-dyed wool. Looking at the pictures of it when it was a tangles mess, it should be called swamp thing. LOL.

I'll talk about the UFO along, too, because I have chosen what the first finished UFO of February will be. Tomorrow I'll share all. (You know tomorrow means next time I find time to post, right?) hehe

So, do you ever have problems with your paragraphs not having spaces between them when you post? As I type, there are spaces, when I preview, no spaces. That's what's up with the colorful paragraphs. I can't seem to think of another way to separate them.

Well, I guess I'd better think of things other than yarn and knitting for a little bit, then I have to go get the kids. We're going to the post office to mail out squares for the blanket that I spoke of earlier. Maybe I'll get some yarn in the mail. Wouldn't that be cool? As if I ever think of anything but yarn! Hahaha!

**Well, looks like my paragraphs sorted themselves out this time. hehe**

Four Square

2007-01-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

Hey, everybody! Thanks for the great comments on my giftie post. I still can't believe I got such nice surprise gifts.

Well, I knitted up four squares for what I think is a good cause. They are all ready to mail out, and I have the address, so they'll be going soon. I know they are just squares of yarn, but they are soft, and they were knitted with great thoughts of healing and of love for another woman who is in pain. I wish I could help everyone, everywhere. Wouldn't being a philanthropist be great? Just giving away help and money to those who need it? I'd love that.

I don't know how the pictures are going to look on here. It was so hard to get the texture to show up. They are 7 inch square each. I thought I had the gauge right, but I had to add some crochet to the edges. My gauging skills suck. As do my pic. taking skills. Oh well, I try.

I used to be a perfectionist, but my kids have cured me of that. It's hard to be perfect when you're human, and when I try too hard, I end up yelling all of the time .... and that's no fun! LOL

I am almost done with the baby genius burp cloths, too. I'm on the last one. There are also four of them. So, I've made the baby that's coming: a purple blankie, a mint green hat, a bright pink hat, a blue, yellow, pink, and green burp cloth. I should make something that's orange, and the kid will be all set. hehe

Well, I wonder what I'll start on next .... I have WIPS and UFOs, and a list of things that I want to knit. I have also joined a KAL for February. There is a really neat button that I'll put up here soon. (Lazy!) Of course, I'll be talking about UFOs, and doing the f. f. or f. (finish, fix, or frog)

I don't think I'll do the dishes until later. Haha, we finally got an oven, and the water heater is messing up. Hopefully all it needs is a part (whatchamacallit heating thingie) which Hubby is going to replace after work. I want the little bit of hot water for a shower. The dishes will still be there. Unfortunately. I could do the laundry, since we wash in cold, but I probably won't do that until tomorrow.

So .. I guess that means I need to go vacuum and knit. :)

Have a great Monday, all y'all!

Surprise Gifts for me!

2007-01-26T12:58:00.000-05:00

Another quick post. Thanks for reading all of my crazy blabbering!

Wow! Look at these! Yesterday, my friend Carrie brought this bag to me! Her mom made it for me. Isn't that awesome? Ein (our weirdo dog) seems to love it. She won't leave it alone. It has pockets for needles on the inside and outside. It'll be just right for carrying a few projects when I go places. Instead of the huge bags I usually carry.

One of the third grade teachers at LD's school and I talk a lot about knitting. She was actually one of my teachers when I was in school. She is the teacher who lets the kids knit while she reads out loud, and one day a week they can stay in from recess to knit. So many boys and girls are learning great things because of her. Well, she just finished her first sweater, and I was admiring it, and she told me she had something for me, if I wanted it.

A sweater kit! It's cotton and gorgeous. This will be my first sweater. I told her, in about three years when I finish it, I'll come show her. LOL. I am finishing some other things first, but I'm pretty excited to knit this.

I kept saying, 'Are you sure?' and she's like 'I'll never knit it, it should be used.' Wowee!

I need to run, I have tons of stuff to do before getting the kids. Have a great weekend, everybody!

p.s. blogger is dumb, and it better not mess up my blog! :)

They Made Me!

2007-01-26T09:31:00.000-05:00

Blogger made me switch! They wouldn't let me moderate my comments unless I updated! I have new Blogger, but I'm a little upset that they forced me. I hope my blog is ok! Watch out, Rhoda, you're next! LOL!

I have a real post .... when I find time. I got two nice knitting gifts yesterday! Surprise ones!! I'll tell you about them soon .... with pics .... promise!