Guess who's here!
· posted 03/16/2008
Here is his sweetness and glory, and he just happens to be wearing the Bananahead Hat that I made for him!
Isn’t he just adorable?
I am working on my nephew’s first “boots”. They are Old World Green Serf Booties, although, obviously, they will be Blue Serf Booties. I started them the day sister went into labor, and worked at them in the hospital overnight that night. I did put them aside for a bit, as I’m working on some wee thumbless mittens for him, that match his hat. I’ll post a photo and probably the pattern, since I’m making it up as I go, when I am done. I have one done, and I’ve started the 2nd one. They knit up so fast! I did ribbing to hold them on his tiny, little hands, and I’m doing seed stitch for the main part. Seed stitch on baby items – how can I resist?
I finished a project that’d been sitting around the shop. It’s a Slipped Stitch Brioche Rib Scarf, and I must admit an underlying motive. I’m SO over winter! I figured it was worth a shot to tempt ol’ Murphy by working on cold weather items, in hopes that this would encourage Spring to appear, therefore rendering my beautiful, big, warm, fuzzy scarf useless until next winter. Ah, well, we shall see, but so far so good.
My new nephew is the most exciting thing going on around here, but in silly stuff, here is the new ‘skin’ on my Blackberry. It’s a lily design. Fun stuff, you know.
The shop has been crazy-busy, well I’ve been crazy-busy, the shop has been, off and on. Business is starting to pick up with the weather not so nasty, though. I’m just spread in so many directions. Re-writing patterns, writing patterns, updating, ordering, planning, etc.
Good news so far as the Chicken Pox that Nicci came down with – none of the other children, mine or sister’s, have come down with them, so far. It’s amazing, but true! I know there is still a chance, as she was contagious for a good week, but we’re hoping to avoid this whole scenario right now. Especially with sister busy with a new baby – she doesn’t need to be taking care of 4 children with the chicken pox on top of everything. And I had a hard time not being here with Nicci when she had hers, though I was with her through the first couple of days which were her worst. I don’t know what’d I would do if the other girls came down with them – just cope I suppose.
Well, I’d better get back to work – I have a anticipated pattern to write for the shop, and I have a dear friend working on test knitting it for me. It’s supposed to be ready for release in 2 days. I’ve got to get it knocked out. Especially since I would like to take SOME time off tomorrow.
I’m thankful for my nephew, a good labor experience for sister, my sister, the opportunity to take part in my nephew’s birth, the ease of sickness around here, my van back since he now has his own car, having my nieces and nephews stay with me for a few days during sister’s hospital stay, the many encouraging friends we’ve made at the shop and the weather finally getting nicer!
Oh, and dove chocolate truffle eggs – my bad this season.
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Snow Storming Decisions
· posted 03/08/2008
It’s snowing here – still – has been pretty much all day. Everything is bright and quiet out there, even in the middle of the night. I’m about done with winter and it’s ice storms and tornadoes and what not. I’m ready for spring. Even though I know that heightens the actual normal threat of the tornadoes. Give me warm sun, pretty flowers, clothed (as opposed to naked) trees, and lower heating bills! The winter has been dangerous, expensive and bad for business.
We are at a pivotal point in many areas of our lives. Decisions need to be made, but us and others that will affect us. Like our old house that we still own, the yarn shop, and my other business.
Where do I put my time, energy and focus. I only have so much. And my children still need more of me.
We’ve had a chicken pox outbreak. None of my children have ever had it, therefore they will be falling to it, like dominoes, I’m afraid. Nicci has it first. She came down with fevers Sunday and Monday and by Tuesday night there were pox. I had thought the fevers were just that flu that the rest of had the week or two before. No such luck? Now she is pretty much one big pok (sp?). The rest of the kids are sitting here just waiting to be sick with it anytime next week. The Boy will enjoy it the most I am sure (/sarcasm).
We are still on baby watch. She will be 38 weeks along in a couple of days – so not much longer either way. Poor Sis is pretty miserable. She’s having quite a bit of back pain lately. But then her kids were here Monday, when Nicci was fevering and contagious, but we didn’t know it was Chicken Pox yet. So we are hoping and praying that my nieces and nephews don’t come down with it. That’s all Sis needs is a bunch of sick kids along with a new baby.
My knitting has been sporadic. I’m trying to keep myself to finishing 2 projects before I cast-on for another. But there’s this cute baby boy vest, and some sweet booties, and a sweater for me, and and and and …. well, you know. Startitis – it’s a terrible ailment. But I have focused on the Slipped Stitch Brioche Rib Scarf and I will finish it tomorrow for sure. So that’s progress!
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Previous: Leapin' in here ~ Next: Guess who's here!
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Leapin' in here
· posted 03/03/2008
I know, groan , pun intended. Happy Leap Year Day! I didn’t know it was a holiday, but oh well, we can use all of the holidays we can get, right?
We’ve had lots of excitement going on around here. We’ve had ice storms, freezing temps, sickness, and almost had a baby yesterday! One of my “nieces“ was in the hospital with complications of the flu, but she is much better now and home. We had her siblings as house guests for the duration, except for the last day, since Dad works out of town.
The storms have really kept people at home, especially when they are bad enough for school closings, and they have been bad for business at the shop. The past 3 Thursday night Yarn Alongs were dismal. The first because of a storm, the next because of Valentines Day along with bad weather, and then another ice storm. This last week’s was a blast though. We had a baby shower for my sister who is ready to deliver anytime now. She was even in the hospital overnight Wednesday, but the contractions just didn’t stay regular. We had my nieces and nephews overnight – in addition to the other 2 – so we had quite the houseful for a night and a day. It went very smooth – they are all a wonderful bunch of children if I do say so myself. Sister’s been ouchy and uncomfortable since then, and she’s to report to the doc first thing Monday morning. So maybe a baby any day now!
I knit a cute hat and finished a baby surprise sweater (except for buttons) for the baby shower. Of course I forgot to get photos, but I will have a chance soon. Otherwise I’ve mostly just knit on mystery dishcloths. I’m hoping to get back into my knitting groove. Although I have been feeling the bite of another bug more lately – the camera bug.
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No time to blog, really
· posted 02/01/2008
I won’t even begin to list the things I need to do, because if I have to one more time to one more person I may just seriously lose something!
I finished Angel’s pink sweater and she’s been wearing it since! Here it is blocking. I’ll try and get a photo of her in it tomorrow.
I acquired a GORGEOUS sweater of my own!! Mom made a hooded sweater out of the Gertrude Ederele colorway of Schaefer Miss Priss – and it was a tad too big for her in one way – but it fits me perfect!! My bad luck ;) For once not being as petite as Mom and Sister was a benefit! ;)
I’ll try and get a photo of it tomorrow – it’s blocking right now. I did wear it right off of the needles, and it is so comfortable and beautiful and amazing! Yay!
Our two teenage daughters have their first stage performance tomorrow with their elite ‘triple threat’ class tomorrow night. I’m so proud / nervous / excited for them!
The first sweater that I knit, which I did for the Yarn Harlot’s Knitting Olympics a couple of years ago was lost. But it’s been found! Boohopper and I are ecstatic! I had recently ripped and lengthened the sleeves and undid the cast-on, picked up the stitch loops, and grafted on ribbing to extend the bottom of it. She wore it right away yesterday, and for some reason a bit of the grafting came apart, so I am repairing that for her now. She’ll probably wear it again tomorrow.
I’ll be spinning every Saturday afternoon for at least the next month at the shop. A great customer, more importantly great friend, will be bringing a different type of weaving loom into the shop each Saturday in the month of February, and maybe into March. She will also be joining me at the local tourist commission office for a demonstration at their Pioneer Exhibit on the morning of the 3rd Saturday this month, and then in the shop that afternoon. Such fun!
Our Block-a-month afghan out of luscious Malabrigo Merino Knit Along at the shop is in full swing and we will be hosting a “Dishcloth Mystery” at the shop ( and on the website ) starting next Tuesday. I’ll give out a ‘clue’ 3 times a week, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons that will consist of 6-10 rows of a dish cloth pattern (with a suggested color of cotton to use) that will be finished within 2 weeks. There will be 2 of them a month. I think it will be a blast!
I have so many things to be thankful for in my life. And as I often say when I am in the shop in response to the question, “How are you doing?” – How bad can it be, I’m surrounded by beautiful yarn!
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I just moved down the cyber street
· posted 01/25/2008
Whew! That was a lesson or twelve. I’ve moved servers, (if anyone even noticed ;) and I finally got it all fixed up tonight. I feel like I’ve come back home after being lost for awhile out in the middle of the unknown. Technology – it’s a blessing and a curse on me, to be sure.
The whirlwind that is my life continues to swirl in chaos. I’m still going through the painful process of learning how to let go. It is NOT easy. Earlier this evening was on the down slide, but later this evening it perked up a bit. However I am getting too jaded to get as torn-up the more and more this drags out I’m afraid. This will be a long week, as the end of the month deadline approaches. He’s my first baby….
I forgot to mention our great day last Saturday. We had a BLAST at the shop. It was our Third Saturday Spinning get-together (we host them monthly). We had an awesome group there. A newcomer to spinning on a wheel (read about how she was wonderfully gifted with her wheel at Christmas on her blog ) visited from Tennessee! Her man, the one that was amazing enough to surprise her was with, and so I bestowed upon him his verbal “Great husband/boyfriend” award in person, even though I’d already done so over the phone last month. They were great fun and we are happy to have welcomed them into our yarn family. Also a very crafty local gal that’s knit with us brought in an heirloom spinning wheel – held together with wooden pegs and leather bits! It’s beautiful! Several others joined us, some spinning, some knitting, some just observing and enjoying. I look forward to next month’s get-together! Prior to next month’s (Feb. 16th) I have been asked to demonstrate spinning at a Pioneer exhibit that is being held at the local tourist commission building. Such spinning fun!
In knitting, I set out to complete the never-ending-pink-sleeves last night, with great intent. That was until I ran out of yarn just a couple of inches from the top of the cap on them. Ugh! But never fear, I have another ball of it and will finish it tomorrow. I am determined!
Not on a whim but a long talked about plan just executed sort of off-the-cuff, we performed another Locks for Love donation cut. This time MnM was again the donor. She’s just not interested in dealing with such long hair – I think she even has a sensitive head as brushing knots out is horrible for her. She’s beautiful no matter how she wears her hair.
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Midmonth, mittens and MLK Jr.
· posted 01/21/2008
I finished the mid-month Monthly Dishcloths group cloth tonight.
I think it’s a pretty pattern. Details on Ravelry.
Tomorrow I plan to cast on for BooHopper’s 2nd Peekaboo Mitt, as well as MnM’s Other Peekaboo Mitt. They are going to help me knit them. It will make them that much more special for them and I.
Tomorrow will be a day off of sorts around the house, but it will also be a day to honor, learn and reflect. The kids will be writing their yearly paper about Martin Luther King Jr. I think it’s very important. They agree with us on our view that civil rights are something worth fighting for, and I want to keep that alive in them. We all need to place importance on the ideals that we have been working and moving towards this past century. We’ve come a long way, but we still have much ground to cover.
A conversation came up with the family recently when the man was talking about some co-workers that were discussing presidential nominees. Sadly, a couple of guys that he works with pretty much said that they would not vote for Obama simply because of the color of his skin. Our kids couldn’t believe nor understand this point of view. It didn’t make any sense to them at all. We had to explain how things used to be, and how there are still a percentage (though shrinking) of the population that are still naive and ignorant about such things. When we reminded them of their impending essays tonight and civil rights came up again, one of the kids said that they were really glad that they didn’t live in those times (of slavery and segregation). Amen. But I believe that only through our children will we continue to move forward on race and other issues.
For tonight I’m going to do some more work on sweater sleeves and extending the sleeves and body on a sweater that Gramma made for MnM a couple of years ago. I’ve already enlarged the neckband. We’re trying to stretch out the life of it, until she moves up in the sweater queue. If only I could knit instead of sleep! Unfortunately the similar sweater, my first, that I made for BooHopper has disappeared. I had “done surgery” on it, extending the sleeves and body and was about to open up the neck a bit. She wore it meanwhile, and it has not showed up anywhere for a couple of months now. It makes me sad. I guess I shouldn’t be so attached to knitted garments, but it was my first sweater.
I hope to finish a few things off the needles soon, as I am anxious to cast-on baby things. My nephew will be joining us in just 2 months and I haven’t knit a thing for him – that is outrageous! I’m also helping the girls plan little boy knits for the wee one.
Oh man :( I was planning to jump over the river tomorrow to go and knit with some dear friends that I haven’t knit with for quite some time. I thought opportunity had opened itself, and it turns out in an email that I just read that the other gals are not going to make it. This type of situation makes me yearn even more for a 3rd vehicle – I just don’t have any desire for any type of car payment!
Things coming up this week include:
- meeting with our shearer to discuss flock reduction so that we can relocate the animals to this side of the river – closer to home.
- inventory for the first time at the shop – oh joy.
- starting a block-a-month afghan knit along at the shop.
- showing our house to a couple from St. Louis on the 31st – please, oh please /\/\/\ let it sell and fast!
- the Man and I celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary on the 30th. We are both most definitely re-upping for another 20 years.
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Girl Scouts
· posted 09/19/2006
Girl Scouts is in full swing.
I’m the official assistant leader of the little girls’ Brownie troop. We’ve had 3 meetings so far, and I already led a “try-it” (People Are Talking) at the second meeting. It went okay. This last meeting (yesterday) we did a hike through a local pumpkin patch (pumpkins, squash, gourds, etc.) and the girls learned about the plants and their fruit and were able to pick out a pumpkin and a gourd each. Of course it was hot. It had been beautiful cooler weather and it heated up for one last time, the day we were to walk out in the open sun for awhile. The girls had fun. BooHopper picked out the biggest pumpkin of the troop and wasn’t as happy about it when she had to carry it on the hike back.
The big girls had their first meeting tonight. I went and filled out the traditional PILE of paperwork and paid fees/dues. Wow, this troop is crazy! But then wouldn’t that be expected what with them all being teenage girls? This troop is a combo – cadets & seniors – since there aren’t quite enough of either group to have their own troop. They really have a good time and have plenty of fun planned for the year.
I was a Blue Bird with Campfire for 1st – 3rd grade, and then a Junior Girl Scout from 4th-6th grade. I have great memories of being part of the troop. Were you a scout?
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