Susie's Knitting Shelf

Once again, it's about time for me to post!

2011-09-25T20:09:00.003-04:00

I cannot believe this is my first post since New Year's day of 2010. I really do follow other blogs and had high hopes of continuing my own. Maybe?

Life as a retired librarian/grandmother is much busier than I had ever imagined. Not only is my one and only granddaughter now 4 years old and still the love of my life, but her mom is now expecting twins!! A boy and a girl! I've been knitting and sewing busily and should have lots to show for my work, soon. I'm also making curtains for their bedroom at my daughter's request. I'll try to get some pics to post soon.

I've been knitting and smocking quite a bit and now have my own Ladybug spinning wheel. I am still new, but really enjoy it.

Travel has been a big part of my life. My husband and I have cruised to the Caribbean twice, to New England and Canada, to Mexican Riviera (just before most cruise ships pulled out of that area), and to the Bahamas. After our first cruise to Alaska several years ago. We fly to San Francisco as often as we can to visit our son and to Las Vegas to visit two brothers of ours. We took a road trip to Montreal and Niagara Falls last fall and had a wonderful time.

I've been volunteering at the local intermediate school library and also helping with their bookfairs. It's tons of fun!

I've acquired a new Kindle for reading, especially when we are traveling and I love it! I now work out at a gym regularly and we are eating much, much better. We've gone 'brown' and really are enjoying good fresh food. We shared a weekly share with a local CSA this summer and had fresh vegs and fruit each week. It was wonderful. We froze quite a bit toward winter, too. We've shared a side of beef, too, with our daughter and it's tasty, to say the least.

Life is busy and good!

Happy New Year, 2010!

2010-01-01T07:56:00.003-05:00

Let's hope I can keep this up! I really do want to post here, so this is my resolve. I will try to post here at least once a week for the entire year. Now, keep your fingers crossed. ;-)

Newness!!

2009-03-19T09:58:00.002-04:00

I know it's been "forever" since I posted last, but I've been busy and enjoying retirement. The pic here is of our new house. We go to closing on 3 April 09. Don't know when we'll actually move in, but hopefully in about a month. We have tons of work to do on the house we're in to get it ready to sell, but feel we need to move out, first, in order to fix things.

I have been knitting and sewing, but think those things will become less for a while. I have several sock yarns ready for portability, so I won't be without knitting.

Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-01T10:06:00.002-05:00

Well...............................Happy New Year! It is my intention to post here on a regular basis, but I cannot promise anything. I just hope this resolution is something I can keep, because it has been 3 months since my last post.

I have been knitting, smocking and jewelry making, but life seems to have gotten in the way of posting here. I hope to post some of the things I have done and tell some tales, happy and sad, about life for us.

In the mean time, here is my first post of the New Year. I toast anyone who reads this and wish all well!!
;-)

D Day in our house

2008-09-25T09:28:00.004-04:00

This is the "Hey, Teach" that I made for Helen and it looks really good after washing. I've given it to her and hope it will fit, but she didn't try it on before we left. It's a gorgeous color for her, so I'm really hopeful.

Today is "D" day. Departure for Tom and David to drive to the West Coast. I had a little weepiness, but didn't actually cry, so I'm proud of myself. I'm so proud of Tom and excited for him. I actually told him I'm a little envious, too. I loved my 5 1/2 years on San Francisco. I just wish I could go back. Visiting him will be fun, needless to say!

The other picture here is the "Helena" sweater I knit for Chrissy. I didn't get a picture of the hat I knit to match it, but it is a rolled edge, plain hat and I put a little flower on the top. Just loose petals to make it a little more girly. I've posted both of these sweaters on Ravelry, too, with all the details. I'm Susie. Just plain and simple, Susie. I guess I was early enough in joining Ravelry to get a simple name like that.

I really have my work cut out for myself here at home for the next week. Wish me luck getting all of Tom's stuff picked up and out of our living space. He really did make a mess. In spite of it all we love him tremendously!

;-)

Some work completed, no pics, yet

2008-09-19T16:09:00.002-04:00

I finished Helen's sweater in a pretty lilac color and also Chrissy's fall sweater in a burnt orange called terra cotta. They both came out well, but I'm not happy with my binding off. One was too tight and as a result the other was too loose. Oh, well, they're wearable. I hope they fit.

I'll be seeing them this weekend, so we'll find out if they fit!!!

I hope to get pics taken tonight or tomorrow morning so I can post here soon. Maybe next week?

I'm going to try to start posting on my other blog, too. We'll see!!

I've been retired one week and have accomplished a lot. I've worked out 4 days this week. I've finished both sweaters. I've been to see Helen and Chrissy for 3 days. I've had a computer crash and bought a new one. I love this Toshiba laptop!!! My old harddrive is being checked for data retrieval, so cross your fingers for me. I've bought a GPS, as has my husband. We're liking them!! I've received a new knitting book from Amazon to read, but haven't, yet gotten to it. I've loaded many more titles I'd like to read in my Library Thing library. I've done tons of laundry, cooked more, ironed, watched lots of t.v., been out to eat with our son, played with my kitties, and tried to sleep in, but was unsuccessful. Still get up between 630 and 7am. I just wake up then!! Haven't been to the library, yet, but hope to soon. After all, there's a book on hold for me.

;-)

2008-09-11T15:33:00.004-04:00

9/11/2008

This is a most memorable day in the life of the country I love, but also in my life. I am one of the most patriotic people I know, so I honor those lost 7 years ago with this flag of our country. This day is also my mother's birthday and she would be 93 years old today. Additionally, today is my last day at work in my third career of 13 years. I'm RETIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?
In January 1969 I went to work for United Airlines in San Francisco, California. I spent 13 1/2 wonderful years working for them and then stayed home with our two children for another 13 years, creating my cottage industry of English smocking. In 1995 I went to work for Pamunkey Regional Library and eventually returned to college to get my Master's degree in my 50's to become a professional librarian. This is the third 13 year career and it has been, by far, the most inspiring. It is the one job I've had where I've wanted to go to work every day. That says it in a nutshell. I will miss some of the people, but will see many of them when patronizing the library, so it won't be good-bye that I say tonight at the end of my shift. Just, "until we see each other, again." I will use the library continually and may eventually volunteer with the Friends. Who knows?
My plans are to travel, considerably, with my husband, who has been waiting 2 years for me to join him in retirement. Our first grandbaby is a year old and she lives a 4 hour drive away, so that road will get lots of use. As a matter of fact, we're on our way tomorrow for a long weekend.
I have librarything.com loaded with books I want to read. I just hope I have time to actually read most of them. The list it really long!!!
My smocking, knitting and needlepoint are all travel-able, so they will benefit. I need to reduce my stash of all of these things anyway, so it won't be hard to find things to do. David and I love to try new recipes, so cooking will be high on our list.
Our son is moving this month to San Francisco (my old stomping grounds!) so there will be many trips to SFO in our future. We have a cruise to Canada and New England booked for the last week in October already. Can hardly wait!
This blog will improve and become more regular, WHEN I'm near a computer, at least!!
See you soon in blogland!
;-)
Susie

I've been watching the olympics AND knitting

2008-08-18T14:20:00.002-04:00

You Are Gymnastics

You are agile, expressive, and precise.
You have the drive to practice until you get something perfectly right.
And you have the confidence to perform difficult moves when under pressure.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

I agree with this test result for myself!! I really do enjoy the pricision in knitting and English smocking. Hopefully I'll have some knitting to show here soon. I just haven't taken any pictures lately, that's why none to show right now. ;-)

Way too long!!

2008-08-02T14:45:00.003-04:00

Warning!!! This may be lengthy. I feel like writing and attempting to explain how long it's been and why.

April was a beautiful month and shortly after my last post we flew to Las Vegas to visit my brother and mother. Mom had broken her hip 6 to 8 weeks earlier and was just about to leave the nursing home to return to the assisted living dementia home where she lived. She seemed pleased to see us and seemed to recognize a familiar face, even if she didn't know who I was. I got to hug her and tell her I loved her for 3 days. It was nice, needless to say.

Eventually she did return to Loyalton, where she lived, and seemed to be doing ok, from what my brother said. In mid-May, she quit eating and was gone in about 5 days. My sister flew out to try to see her on the day she actually died. I felt so awful for her. It took us until mid-July to have her ashes buried with Daddy's at Arlington National Cemetery. It was a hot afternoon, but it went well and didn't rain on us, fortunately. Chrissy was there and was our angel.

I think I'm recovered enough to begin to post again. We've been to Delaware to spend Chrissy's first birthday with her and her mom and dad. I'm working, but am retiring in September. My last day will be Sept. 11th, which is Mom's birthday. Her death was the impetus that helped me decide to retire, so it is only appropriate that I retire then. David and I have booked a cruise to Canada and New England for the last week in October as our beginning celebration. We can hardly wait.

I've not been doing much knitting, but have been working on a needlepoint stocking for Chrissy and several dresses for her in English Smocking. I'll post pictures, etc. soon.

;-)

Long time no see!

2008-04-17T19:17:00.007-04:00

This is the final product of my lovely granddaughter, Chrissy, in her smocked dress. She really is this beautiful and this happy, too. I almost cried when my son-in-law sent me the picture on Easter Sunday.

This is the pattern from which I made the next pictures for Chrissy. You can find it here. I have to admit that I copied Alison from the Blue Blog. She had done this in the most beautiful lavendar shade for her daughter and I fell in love with it. This is Knitpicks Shine sport yarn in the plum shade. The first and third pictures following this are truer to the color than the middle one. I had lots of fun knitting this and even followed Alison's advice to use the smaller needles on the yoke areas. I'm in love with the yarn and pattern, obviously. Thanks, Alison!

I just happened to have these kitty buttons. Don't they look sweet?
If I get a picture of Chrissy wearing this, I'll be sure to post it!

My knitting lately has been simple, because my stamina from my January surgery just hasn't returned the way I want. I had to leave for almost a week to go to a Public Library Association conference in Minneapolis a couple of weeks ago and it really exhausted me. Then I was home for a week of work, barely, when my husband and I flew to Las Vegas for 6 days. We spent time seeing my brother, helping him with things from Mom's house, visiting Mom in the nursing home 3 times and we did get some gambling done for fun. I broke even, actually, which is amazing for me. It sure made the trip more fun, though!!!

More smocking

2008-03-18T15:37:00.002-04:00

These are pics of the latest outfit I made for Chrissy. It's a size 1 blouse, jumper and panties in blue small checked gingham. I'm hoping it will fit through the summer without the blouse for a sundress, particularly around the 4th of July. I made this as a surprise for Helen and Chris and they loved it! Hopefully I'll get a picture of Chrissy in it, too. Then I may be able to post it here.

I sent her the pale yellow tulip dress for Easter and also found her some lavendar Carter's pieces for playwear for the summer and fall. Onsie top, Skirt with panties in it and a long pair of pants in a lightweight cotton that can be rolled up and buttoned after rolling. Cute!

I'm working on my entrelac shawl edging now, so when it's finished and blocked I'll try to get a couple of pics to post. Also hoping to start a jumper dress for Chrissy, knitted, of course!

;-)

2008-03-08T15:01:00.002-05:00

I'm back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's been more than 2 months, darn it. But my surgery is over, there's no cancer, and I'm back to work, too. I've gained a lot of insight through all of this, but also got quite a bit of smocking and knitting while I was resting and healing.

Here's the round yolk of a bishop style bubble.

Here's our sweetie pie loving her toes! She's 7 1/2 months old now and still the sweetest baby in the world!
Here's the neck of her round-yoke Easter dress. Aren't the tulips pretty?
And here's a bonnet knit from cotton, to go with the dress. Only problem is it's a little too big.
Last, but not least, here's a new order of yarn from Knitpicks. The gray is for me and the Pink/purple is to knit something for the sweetest girl we know.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T20:06:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year!

It has been a good day, today! We slept in and got the Christmas tree undecorated. Hopefully we'll get the rest of the Christmas decorations packed and back into the attic this weekend. I will be organizing my knitting projects this weekend, too, so I don't have to pull things out for a month or more, hopefully. I'm having surgery on Monday, the 7th of January and will be in the hospital for a minimum of 3 days, with a minimum of 6 weeks off of work. Hopefully it is just a big fibroid cyst and a hysterectomy, but the doctor is a little concerned that it is growing at my age, so he's said we will know the biopsy results in about a week.

Here are a couple of bibs I made for Chrissy for Christmas and the next picture is a winter hat I knitted for her, too. The only other knitting gift this year was the lilac lace shawl for my sister. Oh, yes, I think I gave her a couple of warshrags, too.
I'm currently working on a needlepoint stocking of family tradition for Chrissy. She will have it next year for Santa to fill up.

If I don't post for a while, please forgive me. I hope I'll be up to posting in a couple of weeks. I really don't know what to expect physically for myself. My gall bladder surgery a few years ago wasn't awful, but it was laproscopic and this surgery isn't. The doctor will have to open me up, so recovery will be much more like a c-section. I've asked my daughter about that and I know I can do it, just don't know what to expect.

Prayers will always be welcome. Wish me luck, too!
;-)

Well...........It's been too long!

2007-12-18T16:13:00.000-05:00

These are for Chrissy. Hat and thumbless mittens. She already has them and I've just finished another hat in a dark red that has ear flaps and ties for under the chin. Will be particularly good for the really cold mornings going to daycare.

I'm doing needlepoint mostly right now. Chrissy is getting a needlepoint stocking much like the rest of our family. It will take me the better part of a year, so she has gotten a small one with a promise for next year.

More from today!

2007-11-27T19:42:00.000-05:00

This is Chrissy in her Tulip sweater. When I first took a picture of her in it it was quite large on her. Now it fits perfectly. Darn it! It may not last through the winter, as I had hoped!

Well.........Thanksgiving is over!

2007-11-27T19:30:00.000-05:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I last posted and I have loads of pictures to post finally, so beware! I've been sewing, cooking, knitting and even doing a bit of needlepoint (pics later).

This is the 4th and 5th pictures. I finished Chrissy's Christmas outfits. The first one is her Christmas dress in a pretty plaid with Christmas Trees smocked in a drop yoke style dress. It is long-sleeved, with a 4 1/2 inch hem. Size 12mo/1yr. She's grown so quickly, we are hoping this is the right size for Christmas. Here are a couple of pictures of it.

These are pictures 2 and 3. The next thing I made and finished is a cute coverall out of the nicest finewale cordoroy with the baby cardinals done in English smocking, too. This might even fit her next fall, if we're lucky. I made the straps long, the legs are long anyway (size 12mo/1yr) and I put gripper snaps inside the inside leg seams. I'm feeling pretty good about this, too.

The First Picture is a jumpsuit. I had made her a cute jumpsuit before birth with pretty rocking horses on the front and she wore it on Wednesday. We had wonderfully warm weather that day, so she was quite comfortable in the short sleeves. Take a look!

The proof!

2007-11-15T09:26:00.001-05:00

This is Chrissy wearing one of the sweaters I have knit for her. It really did look nice on her, too! She loves to sit on her Daddy like this.

Athough you cannot see it very well, this sweater is one that my mother knit for my daughter, Chrissy's mom, so she actually has a sweater from her Greatgrandmother. My daughter, son-in-law, and I really think this is wonderful. It has a little grow room, so it should fit her through the winter. At least we hope so. At the rate she is growing, noone knows!!

I have been sewing and knitting, just not posting. I hope to rectify that soon, but don't hold me to a promise, please. I'm smocking two things for Chrissy for Christmas, knitting for her, my sister, and hopefully Chrissy's mom. I'll try to post some of my progress soon. ;-)

Whew!

2007-10-28T19:45:00.000-04:00

Well.................I've been away and really busy. This doesn't really have any pics or knitting content, but I wanted to let everyone know I'm still alive. I have done some knitting, but nothing to show at the moment. I've finished the lace shawl for my sister for Christmas, but need to block it, still. I've knit her a sticking hat, too, but haven't finished it, quite yet.
We've seen our sweety a week ago and will see her again in two more weeks. I can hardly wait. They are coming here again.
This week I'm going to VLA at the Homestead in the mountains of VA and really looking forward to it. I'll probably be a while in posting again, unfortunately.
;-)

Wonderful weekend

2007-10-08T17:07:00.000-04:00

I had the most fun this past weekend babysitting for our 2 month old granddaughter, Chrissy. She is the prettiest and best baby. My DH and I had so much fun! We got to sit for her two nights out of 3 and we couldn't have been happier.

No knitting in this post, I was just too busy to do any over the weekend. I needed to hem some slacks for my mother-in-law, and then take the baby around to meet everyone, since she and her parents live in Delaware.

I'll be on vacation for 10 days in about 4 more days, so I may be lagging in my posts. I will return!!

Going to Las Vegas to have fun! Then to Delaware, (I know you know why!)
;-)

Tulip Baby Cardigan

2007-09-26T20:36:00.001-04:00

This is Chrissy's completed Tulip Baby Cardigan made from yarn from Dream in Color. I did it in just a few weeks and it was lots of fun. It only comes in 6-9 month size, darn it. I've had lots of friends suggest making it for adults, too.

This is Chrissy modeling the sweater. She is 2 months old, so this should last most of the winter, I hope. Isn't she cute? ;-)

Another baby hat

2007-09-15T19:41:00.000-04:00

This is another hat from Itty-Bitty Hats. Isn't it cute? The lilac color makes it different, but really pretty. I think Chrissy will look really cute in it. I made a 6mo size, but I didn't use double point needles. I have a seam in back. It was so much easier. The yarns are the Teddy Spring Time, which is 100% acrylic. It's really soft, too.

Update on my mother. She is moved successfully and doing ok in the dementia unit. I'm praying a lot for her. I won't get to see her until October when we go out to Nevada.

;-)

September 11, 2007

2007-09-11T13:55:00.000-04:00

September 11, 2007

Although I am a very patriotic person and this flag means wonderful things to me and millions of others, today is more than just patriotism to me. Today is my mother's 92 birthday, also.

She is currently living in her own home in California, but will be moved on Thursday to an Alzheimer's unit in a facility in Nevada. I'm happy for her birthday and longevity, but very sad because she doesn't know us or even herself for that matter.

My father died 30 years ago and Mom has had a second husband who she outlived, too. She has had a long, good life and it still is good for her. This disease is probably the most difficult for her family who she no longer knows.

Although I've sent a card and enclosed a picture of myself, my daughter and her brand new great-granddaughter, I still wish her a happy year ahead. I only wish she actually knew who I was for a brief moment.

;-)

August 26th

2007-08-26T19:46:00.000-04:00

I just finished this hat and left it with Chrissy today. It's the pumpkin hat from Itty Bitty Hats and it was really fun. I did the 6 month size, so it should be just right for Chrissy to wear in October and November.

This is Chrissy, as if yesterday. At one month, she has gained almost 2 pounds. She will find out on Tuesday when she goes for her next pediatrician check-up. She's such a sweet baby.

Update, 8/28/07 Chrissy now weighs 10 pounds 9 ounces, and is 22inches long. She is 5 weeks old today!!!!!! Wow, she's really growing!!

Yippie!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-08-19T12:56:00.000-04:00

I just got my invitation to Ravelry! What fun! What a lot of work!!!! Oh, well, with this blog and Ravelry, I'll really keep myself busy. The only problem is that I want to read, too. With working full time, and all of this, I'll never have enough time for it all, darn it!

Chrissy and family are doing fine. I miss that tiny baby, so much!

;-)

Here she is again! Miss Chrissy!!!!!

2007-08-16T10:16:00.001-04:00

We spent another week with our darling Chrissy. What fun! She is growing and changing every day. It was hard to come home, but we needed to, so I could go back to work. We'll see her soon, I'm sure, but I can hardly wait! This picture has her wearing a frog rattle from her Great Aunt Lorey. (my "big" sis!) It's still too big for her wrist, so her ankle is perfect.

Ths is one of the bibs I knit for her. Still a bit big, but very soft and functional. This is me holding her, too, but she is more important, so the picture concentrates on her, of course.

Christina Helen (Chrissy)

2007-08-01T17:20:00.001-04:00

This is why I haven't posted for a while! She is the most wonderful, beautiful little baby girl in the world! I'm not prejudiced at all! LOL! Born on 7/24/07, 8 pounds 5 ounces, 20 inches. Blonde hair with blue (at the moment) eyes. Our daughter had a c-section at 39 weeks and they are both doing wonderfully! They don't live where my DH and I do, but we were there and got home today for about 4 days. We will return to our girls on Sunday to help for one more week, since Chrissy's daddy has to go back to work on Monday and Mommy won't be driving or doing stairs, just yet. We are truly in love with our first grandbaby!

Baby Bear

2007-07-22T14:03:00.001-04:00

I'm not really satisfied, because the fiberfill shows too much, but this is my attempt to knit a bear to give our baby. It is the same Cotton Ease yarn that Knitting Underway used and even in the orangeade and pineapple colors. I used size 8 needles, but a different bear pattern. I can't recall where the bear pattern came from right now. I think I should have gone down a size in the needles, but the colors are perfect! Thank you Theresa for the idea! This was a fun, quick project and even with the fiberfill showing, I think my daughter will like it for her baby. ( Baby coming in 2 days, by c-section! I can hardly wait!)

Progress!

2007-07-14T16:55:00.000-04:00

This is the lace shawl and it is not close to finishing. I have at least 20 more rows and they are getting longer and longer since this is a triangular shawl and it is knit from the smallest point to the widest point. It is pleasant to knit, though, so I'll finish this summer, I think. I hope I do, because I have to pack some easy knitting to take with me in a week. Our granddaughter is being born by c-section on Tuesday the 23rd. We will go to our daughter's on Monday and stay however long she needs us. Probably to come home for a week and then return when her husband has to return to work. We'll see. It is so exciting and scary and wonderful all at once! This will be a week early for the baby so we aren't having to wait as long as originally anticipated. We still can hardly wait! ;-)
These socks are nearly done and I am so excited! Then I can move on to the new yarns from The Loopy Ewe. I've enjoyed these, but now I'd like to try a toe-up version. I really like the two circulars, for sure! ;-)

My order from The Loopy Ewe

2007-07-14T16:51:00.000-04:00

Take a look!!! These only took 2 days and they are gorgeous. Now I have more than enough to knit socks for a while. (I actually have a rather large stash of sock yarn, but these are new and exciting!) The Panda Cotton is black, so a lace pattern for socks is in order. What fun! ;-)

New yarn ordered

2007-07-11T19:46:00.000-04:00

Today I saw a blog write-up for some really pretty yarn and a recommendation to use Loopy Ewe. I went to their site and ordered 3 different sock yarns. I placed the order this morning and by afternoon I had received an email that my order was shipped. Amazing! Wonderful! I can hardly wait to receive my package and get started knitting at least one of them. I'll try to take pictures and post when I get the package. What fun!! ;-)

7-7-7

2007-07-07T13:19:00.000-04:00

I just had to post today. It seems like such a lucky day and I haven't posted in so long. I've been busy knitting a lace shawl and a pair of socks. I'll try to take some pictures soon. Baby news is that we're waiting! She is doing well as is her mommy. Less than a month to go!!! I can hardly wait!

I picked out some yarn today for a teddy bear, hopefully like the cute one on a blog I've seen recently. Orange Cotton Ease! Wish me luck.

I've also pulled some yarn out to make a sweater for the nursing mom. It's a yummy green shade and I think she'll like it, if I can just get it started and done for her birthday in September.

It's been a while

2007-06-18T16:13:00.000-04:00

This was the cake for the shower. We had a baby shower last Saturday and all the things I've bought, knitted, smocked and sewn were presented with a ton of other things. The party was lots of fun and my daughter received so very much that she really needed. It's hard to remember not having anything before she was born for caring for a baby. Wow! There's really a lot required!

She and her husband stayed to celebrate Father's Day with us Sunday morning and then after noon they headed home with a very, very full SUV. I know they appreciated all the wonderful family gifts. Everyone is so very excited about their daughter! Only 6 weeks to go! Can you tell I'm excited, too?????!!!!! Duh!

Our son's new job seems to be going well for him, too, and he came over for lunch with his dad on Sunday, too. He had joined us on Friday for dinner at home and then again on Saturday, with my sister and brother-in-law when we all 7 went out to dinner together. It was a wonderful weekend full of family which we all truly loved.

I'll post again, hopefully soon, but I'm to be in D.C. for the ALA conference this next weekend, so I won't get a posting up probably until next week.

OTN a pair of socks and a lace shawl. I'll post pictures soon.

;-)

More Baby gifts

2007-05-27T15:55:00.001-04:00

Here are a few more things I've finished for the baby and the box with the complete travel system from my sister and me. We're having a shower in about a week and a half. It really will be fun. We found out two days ago that it's a GIRL!!! I'm so excited! Now I'm working on lavendar/purple things. I'll post if I can. ;-)

Baby gifts!

2007-05-27T15:48:00.001-04:00

A baby kimono from Mason-Dixon Knitting made from white Peaches and Cream.

Bibs made out of Peaches and Cream with special buttons

Fun 6 months baby hat. Just not the best picture.

Baby Feet washcloth made with Bernat Cottontots yarn.

Washcloth made with Bernat Cottontots yarn.

I'll post some more baby gifts before too long. I finally got some pictures taken and uploaded and can get caught up soon. This has been so fun!

I've been tagged!

2007-05-22T20:18:00.000-04:00

Nancy at the Jersey Shore tagged me.

The rules: List 7 random things about yourself. Then, go and tag 7 other bloggers by making a comment on their Blog.Link them to your blog to get the rules.

1. I’ll be a first time grandmother this summer! If you’ve seen my blog, then you already know this, but I’m so excited, I think this is the most important random thing about me.

2. I love to read, but have so little time for it because I knit so much. Sometimes I feel ashamed at how little I’ve been reading lately.

3. My stash is overwhelming, but I love it! I’m sure I’ll never knit all of it before I die, but I’ll sure give it a good try.

4. I am physically lazy, most of the time. I workout at Curves(my daughter introduced me to them), though, and have been doing so for almost 4 years. I’ve lost 26 inches and between 40 and 45 pounds, so it has really been worthwhile. I manage to get there at least 4 times a week, except when we are traveling. I do take travel passes with me, but often can’t find the time. At least when we are on vacation I do a lot of walking, which does help make up for some of the lack of exercise.

5. My 25 year old son just got a wonderful new job. I’m so very proud of him and he will make someone a great catch. I just hope he remembers to bring me his new slacks soon, so I can hem them before he needs to start work. (short legs!)

6. My husband is retired and I am not! Sometimes I wish he would get a part-time job and others I am glad to have a great house husband. I do wish he would get the painting, etc. done inside our house, but maybe I can help him with some of my vacation. Whenever I retire, I think we will have a wonderful time together, but I like my librarian position (I got my MS in Information Science at the age of 56!) too much at this point and I’m not eligible for Social Security, yet.

7. I’m a very patriotic person. I cry when I hear patriotic songs, too, but I try to hide that most of the time. My son-in-law is in the Air National Guard, and my, brother, brother-in-law, father and grandfather were all in the Navy or Marines and gave a lot for our country. I wanted to do the same, but was female at the wrong time. I am too old now, so I support the military in other ways.

I tagged these blogs: Well..................I actually didn't tag anyone, because I think this list of 7 is getting old and almost everyone I know of has been tagged. So.................I'm the "it."

Home from Las Vegas

2007-05-20T17:32:00.001-04:00

Well........we didn't win, but we didn't lose a lot and I brought home this yarn along with 3 new pairs of shoes from the SAS shoe store. I also bought 4 new pashmina shawls from Bijoux Turner in the Forum Shoppes at Caeser's Palace. One is for a gift. I found a couple of them with prints, rather than solid color, too. Nice!

This yarn is beautiful Egyptian cotton. I'm hoping to knit, on big needles, a summer shawl with it. Wish me luck. I have so many things on the needles right now that I'm not sure I'll finish anything very soon. The baby is still growing, and my supply of baby knits is growing, too, but nothing new has a picture. I'll try to take a few pictures in the next week or so and post them. Bibs, burpers, blankets, sweaters, caps, booties, smocked outfits, bonnets and toys are all either done or nearly done. The shower is on 16 June, so I need to finish up this next week to have time to wrap properly.

;-)

Going on a trip

2007-05-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

Well................We leave tomorrow for Las Vegas, so I won't post for a little while. We plan to spend most of the week there and have lots of fun, in the sun!!!
Yes, I'm taking knitting, but really easy stuff for on the plane and when we're in the hotel room. I won't be able to concentrate a lot, so dishcloths, bibs, and burpers are what I'm planning. I'll try to remember to take pictures and post when I get back.
I don't know if I'll get to a knitting shop to see what might be available, but I do have room in my suitcase to bring home additions to my stash, if possible. I also plan to shop at the SAS shoe store there. I've been going there for years and only wear SAS shoes anymore.
Well.........wish us well on our trip!
;-)

Some news

2007-05-05T22:12:00.000-04:00

Well...........................It's been a while since I posted, but I've been busy with travel and needlework, for sure. We went to our daughter's home a week ago for a 4 day weekend and had a great visit. We did loads of things to help her, because her husband is away for about 6 weeks. We even bought and planted two dogwood trees that were promised as house warming gifts almost a year ago. The yard is pretty well settled and their fence and deck have been done, so the trees were appropriate to be done.
I've been doing some smocking and knitting for the baby, but no pictures to show for it, yet. I've finished the log cabin baby blanket and a bib. I've started a Genius burpcloth and am smocking a cute white round-yoke dress and bonnet. Now for some machine work to finish the smocked outfits.
Nascar is in town this weekend and the race just got rained out, so DH and DS will return to the track tomorrow afternoon, so I can get lots of sewing done while I watch on tv. I did have dinner out with my best friend this evening and we had a good time getting caught up with each other's happenings.
;-)

Another purchase

2007-04-21T22:04:00.000-04:00

This is a fabric I found today for the baby. I've cut out a cover for the boppy pillow and will hopefully finish several covers tomorrow. I had to purchase velcro today for the closing of the covers, so I can finish all the covers tomorrow, I think. Then we are going to see our daughter next weekend to take her the curtains, boppy pillow and covers and just to keep her busy while her husband is temporarily away. ;-)

Some new purchases

2007-04-21T21:54:00.000-04:00

This is some really pretty lilac colored acrylic yarn that I received in the mail today. I found it on the DeStash blog and got a really good price. There are 7 skeins, so the baby will get something nice, if it's a girl. Otherwise my daughter, sister or I will receive something to enjoy

This isn't finished, yet, but it's my first log cabin from the Mason Dixon knitting book. It is Cottontots, for the baby.

This is my latest purchase from Once Upon a Child. It is NWOT, but feels like it has the new sizing still in it. I don't think it was ever worn. Those are little ducks on the pale blue background and it has a polo collar with blue trim.

This is an adorable outfit that is NWT and I found it on Ebay for a great price. That is a giraffe on the bib. Take a look at the next photo. The little pull on pants in yellow have the giraffe on the seat of the pants. Soooooo cute!

No pictures, darn it!

2007-04-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

Well................the past two weeks have been very busy! I've been doing extra training workshops at work and they require longer days with me having to get up much earlier than normal, too. I slept in this morning to help get "caught up!" It sure did feel good.

Last weekend we spent with our daughter and son-in-law and saw how good they feel about the pregnancy. She is feeling wonderful now, fortunately. Baby is progressing well, too. The sex of the baby has yet to be determined and there are no more ultrasounds scheduled, so we may just have to wait until it is born. That's not so bad, though. We had to wait to find out this baby's mother was a girl, too. Turned out great!

I have been doing a little knitting along the way. I finished a pair of socks, which I wore immediately! I'll eventually get a picture, I hope. I've started a log cabin baby blanket with Cottontots yarn and it's coming out really pretty. We shopped for baby curtains last weekend and I brought home the fabric to make them. We hope to go back in a couple more weeks, so I'm working pretty hard to get them done by then. Working full-time makes my hobbie time very valuable. We also bought a boppy pillow, which came with a simple pattern, so I can make a bunch of slip covers for it. Nice!

That's all for now! ;-)

Fun, Fun, Fun

2007-04-01T15:32:00.000-04:00

Here's my newest Peaches and Cream purchase. Pretty colors! I'm not sure what I'll make, but I love the colors.

I found these yesterday on a deep sale. $1 each, so I bought 3 of each. Probably should have bought more, but just couldn't justify it. What fun!

This was an Ebay purchase that arrived this past week. The yellow is unbanded Cotton Ease in Pineapple color, which I had been having trouble finding. the green is a chenille yarn that should be fun for a scarf or something like that. The others are just extras to have fun with.

This is three baby boy caps I'm working on. The first one is a pale blue train in a 6 to 12 month size. The middle is the same train in white on white in a 3 to 6 month size adthe third is the cute ducks in a 3 to 6 month size. I got them all put together this weekend, thankfully. Two are for gifting and the ducks are for a special baby, I think.

It looks like I'm blogging once a week now days. I'll be away next weekend, so it may be awhile for my next post. We're going to see our daughter and her husband before he deploys on the 9th to the war. This will be his 6th deployment, I think, but should only be for 6 weeks, we think. She is doing really well with her pregnancy, finally. Has passed 20 weeks and no longer throwing up!! Hooray!

;-)

Photo heavy post, mostly yarn

2007-03-25T11:35:00.000-04:00

This is some yummy sock yarn I bought on Ebay. I have no idea when I'll get to it, but it looks and feels wonderful! I can hardly wait.

This is a beautiful blue yarn I purchased on Ebay, too. IF it's a boy, I will be all set. Girls wear blue, too, so I'm sure it will be put to good use.

This is self explanatory. I can knit baby things or adult thing, and even washcloths with this. I got several skeins of each color, so lots of options and fun!

This is the beginning of my first lace shawl. I plan to give it to my pregnant daughter as a treat for her, since almost everything else is for the baby about now. I MAY have it finished for Easter, but then again, I may keep it until the baby shower in June. Fortunately she doesn't read my blog, so I can post here without worrying that she is seeing it. This has been fun for me to knit. I've tried a little lace knitting before, but nothing this substantial and I'm please with my patience and how it is progressing.

This is Cottontots yarn I ordered from Joann's. The blanket I've already done is out of the Koolade variegated yarn, so I needed a bit more to make a bib or burper. The green, blue and yellow will coordinate with the blanket, too, but be solid colors for designs in washcloths. The purple is just in case the baby is a girl, so I can do a couple of really girly things for her. ;-)

More for the Baby!

2007-03-18T13:27:00.000-04:00

Here's a variegated washcloth for the baby. It is made with Bernat Cottontots yarn and is soooo soft. I'm really pleased with how this came out. Now I plan to use Cottontots to make more washcloths and bibs, for sure.

This is a blanket out of Bernat Cottontots, too. It took quite a while to do, but is very substantial and soft, too. I used Koolade color for this one and it is really pretty. I've ordered some more Koolade online from Joann's to make a couple of other things, like washcloths and bibs, to go with this. Maybe even a hat, too.
These are Lion Brand Cotton Ease that I purchased on Ebay and they are the older colors. I just like the brightness of the older colors so much better than the new colors they came out with this year. I have a couple more colors on order, too. After having made myself a vest last year from this yarn I fell in love with it and plan to make a lot for the baby or future babies. ;-)

Knitting Book List

2007-03-16T10:05:00.000-04:00

I borrowed this list from Grace's blog. I think it is a wonderful idea, so please do the same if you feel like it.

This is only a partial list of the thousands of knitting books, how-to's and fiction available. Copy the list to your blog HIGHLIGHT the ones you own or have borrowed from the library., * the ones on your Wish List, change color to red on the ones not worth the money Note alongside anyone that is very special to you, or that you use most often. Have FUN!

1.Died in the Wool: A Knitting Mystery by Mary Kruger

2.Knit One, Kill Two (Knitting Mystery) by Maggie Sefton

3.Needled to Death (Knitting Mysteries) by Maggie Sefton

4. the Friday Night Knitting CLub by Kate Jacobs

5.The Knitting Circle: A Novel by Ann Hood

6.A Deadly Yarn: A Knitting Mystery by Maggie Sefton

7.Knitting: A Novel by Anne Bartlett This is a first novel by this author and really well written. Her tale actually knits you into the story.

8. The Shop On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber I loved this and its sequel. I really enjoy a good book of fiction

9. A Good yarn by Debbie Macomber

10.Mason-Dixon Knitting: The Curious Knitters' Guide: Stories, Patterns, Advice, Opinions, Questions, Answers, Jokes, and Pictures by Kay Gardiner This is one of my absolute favorite knitting and reading books!

11.Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

12.One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit and Crochet by Leigh Radford

13.Wendy Knits: My Never-Ending Adventures in Yarn by Wendy D. Johnson

14.At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee

15.Knitting Rules!: The Yarn Harlot's Bag of Knitting Tricks by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee This is lots of fun!

16.Knitting Vintage Socks: New Twists on Classic Patterns by Nancy Bush

17.One-Skein Wonders by Judith Durant

18.Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun by Tracey Ullman

19.Arctic Lace: Knitting Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska's Native Knitters by Donna Druchunas This reminds me of our cruise to Alaska and the qiviut yarn I bought.

20.Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann

21.Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitter's Almanac by Elizabeth Zimmermann

22.Knitting Without Tears: Basic Techniques and Easy-to-Follow Directions for Garments to Fit All Sizes (Knitting Without Tears SL 466) by Elizabeth Zimmermann

23.Knitting from the Top by Barbara G. Walker

24.The Opinionated Knitter by Elizabeth Zimmermann

25.Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee

26.Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann

27.A Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

28.Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes by Nicky Epstein

29.Victorian Lace Today by Jane Sowerby

30.Cables Untangled: An Exploration of Cable Knitting by Melissa Leapman

31.Lace Style: Traditional to Innovative, 21 Inspired Designs to Knit by Pam Allen

32. A Gathering of Lace by Meg Swansen

33.Knitting Under the Influence (Paperback) by Claire LaZebnik I'm reading this right now and enjoying it.

34.Not Tonight Darling, I'm Knitting by Betty Hosegood

35.Knitting Nature: 39 Designs Inspired by Patterns in Nature by Norah Gaughan and Thayer Allyson Gowdy

36.The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series) by Sally Melville

37.The Knitting Experience: Book 3: Color (The Knitting Experience) by Sally Melville

38. The Knitters Book of Finishing Techniques by Nancie M. Wiseman

39. The Knitting Answer Book: Solutions to Every Problem You'll Ever Face; Answers to Every Question You'll Ever Ask by Margaret Radcliffe

40.The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience) (Paperback) by Sally Melville

41. 440 More Knitting Stitches - Volume 3 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

42. 250 Creative Knitting Stitches - Volume 4 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

43. Knitting Techniques - Volume 1 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

44. 220 Aran Stitches and Patterns - Volume 5 (Harmony Guides) by Harmony Guide Staff

45.Big Book of Knitting Stitch Patterns by Inc. Sterling Publishing Co.

46.450 Knitting Stitches - Volume 2 (Harmony Guides)

47.Weekend Knitting: 50 Unique Projects and Ideas by Melanie Falick and Ericka McConnell

48. Knitting With Balls: A Hands-On Guide to Knitting for the Modern Man by Michael Del

49. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

50.Charted Knitting Designs: A Third Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

51.A Fourth Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker

52.The Baby Knits Book: The Ultimate Collection of Knitear Designs for Newborns to 3-Year-Olds by Debbie Bliss

53.Special Knits for Babies: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies by Debbie Bliss

54.The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits: Patterns for Babies and Toddlers by Julie Carles

55. Quick Baby Knits: Over 25 Quick and Easy Designs for 0-3 year olds by Debbie Bliss

56. Baby Knits for Beginners by Debbie Bliss

57. Knitting Color: Design Inspiration from Around the World by Brandon Mably and KaffeFasset

58. Knitting Heaven and Earth: Healing the Heart with Craft by Susan Gordon Lydon

59. Yarnplay by Lisa Shobhana Mason

60.Natural Knits for Babies and Moms: Beautiful Designs Using Organic Yarns (Paperback) by Louisa Harding I'm knittin from this a lot at this point.

61. Simply Baby by Debbie Bliss

62. Itty-Bitty Hats: cute and cuddly caps to knit for babies and toddlers by Susan B. Anderson Really cute!

63. Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-to-Knit Instructions by Melanie Falick

64.Special Knits for Babies: 22 Gorgeous Handknits for Babies by Debbie Bliss

65. Folk SHawls cheryl oberle

66. Folk Socks Nancy Bush

67. Folk Vests Cheryl Oberle

68. Stahmans Shawls and Scarves Myrna Stahman

69. Fitted Knits Japel

70. Twinles Big City Knits Wenlan

71. Big Girl Knits Moreno

Knitting and family pictures

2007-03-11T11:59:00.000-04:00

This is our daughter, with her German Shepherd, Gabby. Grandbaby is 4 1/2 months along at this point and she is looking wonderful!
This is a picture of my most recent stash enhancements. All are intended for either daughter or grandbaby, at this point. I have some ideas, but am not certain, yet, what I'll do with them. I have more of each, so there's no problem with having enough.
This is the baby kimono (from Mason-Dixon). I just need to add the ribbons and it's done. I used Paton's Astra yarn and I'm not sure I'll use it again. It seems a bit bulkier than I wanted and a bit stiff. Hopefully when I wash it, it will soften up. I certainly hope so, since the booties and one of the hats I've knit are out of it, too.

Well, off to do taxes (ugh!) and then knit while watching the Las Vegas Nascar race this afternoon. ;-)

No pictures, once again

2007-03-10T20:36:00.000-05:00

I have finished a diaper sweater in the green color of the booties and cap. Just need to put some ribbon ties on it. I've started a sweater in yellow and hopefully will be finished with the multicolored blanket soon. I'll take some pictures tomorrow, I hope. I've also received a couple of new yarns in the mail.

Yesterday my DH was at our daughter's helping her pick up baby furniture and bring it home. I got pictures of her at 4 1/2 months. I'll see her in about a month, so I'm really excited to see these pictures.

;-)

Baby Blanket and Booties

2007-03-04T13:58:00.000-05:00

Yeah!!! I've finished a blanket and it looks really pretty and feels exceptionally soft! It is made out of Thread Art Soft and Thick Chenille in white. Perfect for a brand new grandchild!. I think I'll try to make a sweater and cap out of the same chenille. The green booties are out of Paton's Astra and were really simple, except for my binding off. I learned that I bind off too tightly and tried something new this time. I enlarged the bindoff needle two sizes and it helped a lot. I may just try that with casting on next time, too. In spite of knitting for almost 50 years, I learn new things all the time and it makes it even more fun because of that.

I went to Ben Franklin's 1/3 off sale today and bought several skeins of Paton's Grace to hopefully make a few baby washcloths. I'll post those as I do them. I got a couple of Sugar and Cream cotton balls and some other baby yarns, too. Fun, fun, fun!! ;-)

Baby Blanket

2007-03-03T09:33:00.000-05:00

These are pictures of my Cottontots blanket, done in Koolade color. It is more than half way done and I can hardly wait. It seems to have taken a while to complete. Anyway, I just finished the knitting of the white chenille one last night and need to weave in the ends to have it complete. I'll try to take a picture today or tomorrow and post it. I might even start a sweater and cap out of the chenille, too. I'm not sure. I've knitted a pair of mint green Paton's Astra booties, too, so I do have a couple of pictures to take and post. By the time I finish with all of my ideas for knitting and then tackle my English smocking, this baby will be over dressed. But, gee, it is fun to do all of this!!! ;-)

Doldrums and a pretty sock

2007-03-01T08:26:00.000-05:00

This is a pair of socks I've been working on for quite a while, or at least it seems like that. I can't seem to get them done, but I can't seem to get anything done, actually. Maybe I have too many projects on the needles right now, I'm not sure. I seem to be having doldrums and I don't know why. I've read a couple of other blogs that have them, too, so maybe it's just the time of year. I'm trying to finish two baby blankets that seem to have taken too long, so when they are done maybe things will clear up for me. I did knit a pair of mint green booties Monday night, but don't have a picture, yet. I'll try to take a picture this weekend and post soon. They were really simple and turned out cute, even if I do say so myself.

I've ordered some yarn from an Ebay purchase to make a sweater for my daughter for nursing when the baby comes. Hopefully she will like it anyway. It's a pattern from Natural Knits for Babies and Moms and I think it's pretty anyway. I want to knit the chenile baby sweater from that same book, too.
;-)

New knitting books

2007-02-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

These are two new knitting books I've just purchased. I got them from KnitPicks with my Options needles and I've just ordered some yarn on Ebay, so eventually I'll get some more baby things knitted. The Natural Knits book has some great things, including two nursing mother sweaters. I think I'll knit one of them for my daughter. Her birthday is about 2 months after the baby is due, so it will be a good present for her for returning to work. I know I'll use both books for baby things sooner and even later on. I hope to knit sweaters and hats for quite a while. There just might be some more babies later on, too. Who knows?
;-)

February Dishcloth KAL's

2007-02-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

These haven't been blocked, but I'm really pleased how they have come out. The pink one is the Feb 1st KAL and the blue is the most recent. I really enjoyed doing each of them and hope to be able to continue doing the KAL's as they are published. I have about 6 of these ready for gifting when I need them, so that is nice, too. Lots more cotton yarn is still in my stash, too.

New KnitPicks Options plus some

2007-02-22T10:28:00.000-05:00

This is one of my newest purchases. I broke down and purchased these along with a couple of small circulars. I want to try circular socks with my next pair, maybe even toe-up. Who knows. The Options are really pretty. I already have a set of Denise needles and I broke a cord the other night, so I switched to a circular in these and they are really, really smooth. I'm impressed!

I have finished my mid-month Dishcloth KAL, but no picture, yet. Hopefully I'll get a picture of it and the one from the first of the month and post them soon.

;-)

Day 2, Dishcloth KAL

2007-02-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

Although this is the picture of Day 2 of the current KAL, I'm actually on Day 4 toniht and it's really pretty. This is being knitted with Sugar 'n Cream in cornflower blue. I'm using size 6 Denise needles because my gauge is looser than most. I'm really enjoying this one.

I'm back!!

2007-02-18T20:11:00.000-05:00

I have several things to report and these two bags are just a start on my newthings. The red bag holds a baby blanket that I'll show later this week, but the second, clear bag, holds a lot of new items. The bag came from KnitPicks, so that just gives you a hint about what came with it and what might be inside right now. I've progressed on many of my projects, fortunately, along with being really busy. I truly hope I've taken enough pictures to post frequently for a while. I'll try to post more regularly, now that we have MIL settled in the nursing home. I've been her daughter for almost 30 years and she means so much to me and her 3 sons. Hopefully things will level off for all of us now. We got a lot of work done this weekend clearing out her apartment, and even got to watch the Datona 500 today, so things are feeling much more normal. ;-)

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day, my friends. I hope it is a WONDERFUL DAY for all of you!

;-)

No pictures! I'm sorry!

2007-02-08T20:35:00.000-05:00

I'm just glad to be posting! We've had my mother-in-law in the hospital in the past 10 days and then yesterday she was finally released to go to a nursing home. It has been a long haul and we are convinced she is in the right place, because she is truly safe now and will get proper care. She was living alone and full-time care just wasn't feasible.

I've managed to get both baby blankets to the half or better point. I've done the Feb. 1 KAL for a new dishcloth and it's really pretty. I have also finished my merino purple first sock and started the second one. (waiting in the hospital has it's good points when you have your knitting along!)

I'll try to get some pictures taken, but doubt it will be anytime soon. We still have to do a lot of work to clear out the apartment and sort through her things to determine what should be kept for rotation in her room.

Grandbaby number 1 is still safe and sound, but the pregnant mother is still having strong morning sickness at 15 weeks, so I doubt the sickness is going to stop for her, darn it. I just wish she could have a little while of really enjoying being pregnant!

;-)

2007-02-01T19:18:00.001-05:00

2007-02-01T10:39:00.000-05:00

If I can figure out how to upload the html for this site I will.
I'm excited about an order I made with Knitpicks last night. I ordered Options needles, the complete set, along with a couple of other small things. I'm looking forward to this! I already have a few Addi's and the Denise set, so this will make my needles complete!

My wallpaper

2007-01-25T10:01:00.000-05:00

This is my wallpaper on my computer at work. It is Morro Rock in the bay at Morro Bay, California. I went to high school there and my mother still lives in our family home with a view of the Pacific Ocean from her living room, dining room and kitchen windows. It's a wonderful place to be!

This is my wallpaper at home. It is Vancouver Bay from the window of a harbor tour, taken in September 2006. My husband and I were celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary with a cruise/tour to Alaska and Vancouver. We went to Vancouver for our honeymoon 29 years ago, but didn't get this view. Isn't it beautiful. This wallpaper helps me remember the wonderful trip we've shared for over 29 years! ;-)

Snuggle kitty

2007-01-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

For lack of anything else, here's a picture of OK, our snuggle kitty. He likes this extra bed because it gets the afternoon sun. My baby blanket is growing and we've been away to visit our pregnant daughter and her husband. I gave them the two baby caps and they loved them. I'll have to wait to give her more things.

The first baby blanket

2007-01-14T21:55:00.000-05:00

This is the first baby blanket I'm making. White, of course, and a lovely simple chenille. It is soooo soft, I can hardly believe it. I'll try to remember to post a picture when it is finished. I'm enjoying it, anyway! I've been told we will not be told what sex the baby is, so I'm sticking mostly to white and some green and yellow. Pretty things, anyway, and soft, too.
;-)

Completed shawl

2007-01-12T15:13:00.000-05:00

This is my finished merino shawl. It's really plain stocking knit stitch with a seeded edge all the way around. I need to block it, still, but I'm looking forward to our eventual winter weather (hope, hope!!) so I can wear it and feel all cuddly and warm from it. The picture is pretty true to the burgundy color, too! I finally remembered to turn the flash off to capture the color better.

I'm having fun ordering and dreaming about knitting for the new grandbaby. I'm ordering new sock yarns, too, and dishcloth cottons. I'll be busy, but that's how I'd rather be most of the time. I'm hoping my pregnant daughter will let me sew a few maternity clothes for her, too. She isn't a sewer. Mostly does cross stitch and does a nice job, but she really does appreciate my sewing and smocking and knitting. I'm happy to have someone special to do these crafts.
;-)

The first baby cap!

2007-01-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

This is the first cap I've knitted for "the baby." It's obviously very simple. Only took me part of the evening Sunday. I used Paton's Astra yarn on size 5 needles. It's heavier than I anticipated, so I'm trying a white cap out of something a bit thinner. We'll see. I think the baby is going to get lots of caps and blankets, so far. I've started a white blanket. I'll post a picture of that next time.
;-)

Nothing to show today!

2007-01-07T12:20:00.000-05:00

I've been busy this past week. Taking down Christmas decorations, getting back to work with a vengeance, picking up the house, getting "baby" things down from the attic (not yet gone through, unfortunately), and trying to help my husband have a happy birthday, yesterday.

I have gotten to a small yarn department and purchased a couple of baby yarns to start some presents with. Yes, presents for my daughter and her husband. They "say" they will not tell us the sex of the baby, so I'm going with the safe yellow, green and white for now. Hopefully she'll tell me when she finds out and I can make blue or hot pink things for the baby. She doesn't like pale pink at all! I think I might just go to lavender, because she loves any shade of purple, too.

I've started to reorganized my yarn stash and have even purchased a really cute hot pink nubby yarn with hopes of using it eventually for a baby. If not this one, then one in the future. Finding baby things I've stashed around the house is fun, too! A friend reminded me I will need some things here for the baby to visit, so I won't give it all away.

I'll try to post with pictures next time. I'm almost finished with my burgundy merino shawl, I've got a pair of really pretty purple socks on the needles now, and I've started a white chenille baby blanket. I'll probably have more on the needles soon! ;-)

Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T18:12:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of warshrags I've made recently. I don't think I've posted them before and I haven't taken a lot of pics of my work lately. These were fun, needless to say. I also knitted a snowman in white and an airplane in medium blue, but they were both Christmas presents that I forgot to photograph, so they're gone from my stash! Anyway, I'm now knitting a white baby blanket and will hope to get a picture soon to upload. The Baby will be arriving in early August, so, of course, I'll be knitting a lot of baby things!!!

We're just staying home and I'm knitting this evening. Just a couple of old fogies acting old, but we seldom do anything extra on New Year's Eve. A toast at midnight and then probably to sleep. If you read this blog, have a wonderful 2007 and keep on knitting!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
;-)

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful family Christmas with our daughter, son-in-law and son. We also had a DH's family Christmas party on Christmas eve and about 20 of us had a good time together. We did the meal, my DH and myself. Lots of work, but a great way to give a family gift to everyone, especially his mother who used to give these parties. We have missed other members of our families, but have spoken with most of them on the phone.
Our greatest gift this year was when our daughter and son-in-law arrived on Friday night. They told us they are pregnant!!!! We are going to be grandparents for the first time and we can hardly believe it! They are due in early August 2007, so guess what my knitting and other sewing will become almost immediately??!! I've already pulled out some chenille for a baby blanket. It's acrylic and pure white and will make such a pretty blanket. Don't know where I'll go next with knitting, but I do English smocking, too. I know I'll be smocking and sewing for babies, boy and girl. I've offered to help with the nursery sewing, too. Tomorrow morning we're going out to buy her first maternity outfit before they go home on Wednesday. They live about 5 hours from here. We'll have to visit often to see the progress, for sure. Can you tell I'm excited!!??
Merry Christmas and thanks for reading my blog!
;-)

2006-12-20T08:08:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited! I received a Christmas present yesterday that I bought for myself. I ordered from Knitpicks the kit including Kat Bordhi's Socks Soar on Two Circular Needles. The kit included two circular needles in size 1, the book and a skein of natural yarn. I would love to think I could dye the yarn, too, but I think I might just put it away for that possible project at a later date. I have plenty of good, lovely merino yarn with which to knit these socks. I also ordered in the package a pair of circular needles in size 2 and a "Sock It To Me" card. The card is just the sizing for all sizes of feet and will be a big help. I haven't done the circular socks up to now, so this is going to be a fun adventure. I've always knitted socks top-down, with double pointed needles. I'd love to try the toe-up with the circular's, so eventually I'll report here about my new adventure.
;-)

2006-12-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

Well..................guess what?! I've been busy with Christmas preparations, so that my knitting and other crafts have suffered. My small, pathetic idea of knitted gifts has been to no avail. I have, however, enjoyed preparing for Christmas and the tree is done. The packages are wrapped! (Except for the few to arrive in the mail, yet!) The house is clean! I need to bake and prepare for the family party on Christmas eve. We're doing it all and have to carry it to Grandma's community room, but it should be fun, anyway.

We met David's great niece on Saturday and she's a real cutie. 6 months old and her name is Layla! If I can get some digital pictures I'll post them after the party on Sunday.
;-)

Discloths done!

2006-12-10T16:58:00.000-05:00

This is one of two dishcloths I finished and blocked today, to give to a friend for Christmas! It's a teapot, in case you can't figure it out and it's done in pale green (the color isn't the best today with my camera!) Peaches and Cream cotton yarn.

This is another Peaches and Cream dishcloth for my friend's Christmas gift. I love using the cloths as a practice for other stitches. This entrelac wasn't the easiest and I did have to rip out a few times, but I think I'm getting it, finally! ;-)

Finally blocked and ready to wrap!

2006-12-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

I'm so pleased with this scarf. Hopefully Tom will like it, too!
;-)

Another addition to my stash!

2006-12-09T09:00:00.000-05:00

I purchased this in Destash's blog and I'm really looking forward to using it for a small decorative shawl for Spring. It's pink and blue silk tweed yarn and I have several skeins, so I can do something really fun with it! It will, however, have to wait for a few wintery things to be done first, along with some socks. I'm almost done with a few dishcloths for Christmas gifts and can hopefully get back to my socks and a shawl that are on the needles. I also have a beautiful sweater on the needles, but I think that one may not be finished until next winter. Who knows?
;-)

More new yarns!

2006-12-07T08:08:00.000-05:00

Here are the other two hand-dyed merino yarns I purchased on Ebay. I'm obviously into purples right now, but they are soooo pretty! I'm anxious to get back to my sock knitting, but I'm trying to make some dishcloths for Christmas presents right now. Hopefully I'll finish those soon and can finish the socks on the needles and start something new. I want the nice warm socks, too. I'm really feeling the cold this winter and it isn't even winter, yet! ;-)

New yarns to play with!

2006-12-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of new hand-dyed merinos that I purchased on Ebay. Aren't they pretty?
I've got to finish my first merino socks and then will knit some more with this and a couple of others I bought with these. I'll post them soon! ;-)

Finished scarf

2006-12-03T16:58:00.000-05:00

Here's Tom's Christmas scarf. I'm really pleased with how it came out and I think he will like it, too. I have to block it and then wrap it for Christmas. One gift down!! Don't know how many more to go with knitting, but I've done a lot of my shopping already, so I'm a little ahead there.
;-)

No pictures???

2006-12-03T16:47:00.000-05:00

I can't figure out why there isn't a way to upload pictures on the blog today. I sure do hope this is temporary for blogger. It's frustrating. I checked last night, too and it was the same. I even took some pictures of a finished scarf for Tom and some of my newest yarns, pre-knitting. Actually, pre-winding, too! I really love the winding. Wish I could do it more often, but I'm afraid that's all I would do for a while if I had enough stash to just wind. Then I wouldn't get any knitting done! Oh, well, I'll have to wait to post pictures for a while, I guess.
;-)

Big Blue

2006-11-30T12:24:00.000-05:00

This is another picture of Big Blue. My daughter and son-in-law are his people and he's named for the mascot of Old Dominion University where they both graduated. He and his sister, Katrina, were adopted from the Norfolk SPCA several years ago and they are the sweetest kitties. Blue is the welcomer of the house along with their dogs, Falco and Gabbi. The dogs are German Shepherds and they love the kitties, too.
;-)

No knitting pictures

2006-11-28T22:08:00.000-05:00

I still don't have knitting pictures, but have been knitting quite a bit. I've almost finished Tom's scarf. Just have the ends to weave in and it's done, so I hope to finish before the end of the week and will try to take a picture to post. I've been working on my purple sock and am almost finished with the one. I'll start the second one, soon. I've also been knitting on my burgundy merino wool shawl. It's so plain, but it is so easy to knit. No thinking involved, so it is really theraputic when I need no thinking.

This picture is my brother's kitty, Squeeky. She's a scardie cat, but really pretty and when she gets to know you she's nice.

Thanksgiving!

2006-11-26T17:38:00.000-05:00

This is Katrina, the little, bashful sister of Blue. They are both sweet kitties and very small, but full grown. I think they are 8 or 9 years old and only weigh 4 and 7 pounds respectively. They were strays from the Norfolk, VA SPCA when Helen and Chris adopted them.
This is Blue! He's our other grandkitty and was so welcoming at our daughter's home for the Thanksgiving holiday. We took a full-sized coffee maker and we no sooner got the pot out of the box than Blue jumped in. He loved it, like most cats would, and stayed in it for a long time. The coffee maker did a great job. Our daughter has a 4 cup coffee maker and we knew with our grown son joining us that we would need more coffee at one time.

Thanksgiving dinner was wonderful. Helen and Chris did themselves proud with the food, especially the sweet potato soufflee, a recipe from Chris' grandmother. We all ate a lot, but I really think we all were pretty good this year. Healthy eating rules!

I did get some knitting done the past couple of weeks, but will post about that later in the week.
;-)

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

2006-11-22T22:04:00.000-05:00

This is how OK sleeps most of the time. It is his chair! We rarely sit there because he has it coated with his fur. The pillow belongs there, but not in the middle, only on the side so he can stretch out whenever he wants. He sits there to watch us and the tv. Watching me knitting and my DH reclining and watching tv. Ok was a stray who adopted us a couple of years ago and he knows how good he has it now. He's a sweet animal, too. We are really lucky!
;-)

Newest project

2006-11-16T23:18:00.000-05:00

I purchased this yarn in Williamsburg, too! It is for Tom! A scarf to match a cap he already has. As a matter of fact, we just got home from a trip to Las Vegas and I was able to get quite a lot of this scarf done while we were gone. Airports are great places to knit. So is my brother's house. I worked on my beautiful merino purple socks, too, so I'll soon have more to show off.

Our trip was fun. We stayed with Ward for 3 nights and then spent 2 free nights at Main Street Station. David and I entered a slots tournament and even got to the finals, just didn't win. It was different and fun. Downtown Las Vegas is fun and the Fremont experience still is worth seeing any evening. We like the strip, but it is much more expensive.
;-)

Trip to Williamsburg

2006-11-10T14:24:00.000-05:00

Look what I bought at the Twisted Sisters Yarn Shop in Williamsburg two days ago. The red is actually a bit darker than this picture, but it is beautiful hand-dyed sock yarn! The turquoise and purple is a ribbon yarn from which I'm going to make a triangular shawl, mostly decorative.
The shop was full of wonderful things and they offerred a 15% discount to us conference attendees. I was attending the VLA(VA Library Association) annual conference and it was quite fun! Learned a lot and I helped the Scholarship Committee quite a bit, too.
;-)

Dishcloth Done!

2006-11-08T10:05:00.000-05:00

I just knit this the other evening and it was really easy and fun! I think I'll give it as a "stocking stuffer" for Christmas to someone in the family.
;-)

2006-11-07T07:27:00.000-05:00

Vote! Because you can!

Finished scarf

2006-11-06T22:15:00.000-05:00

I finally finished this scarf tonight. I started it last winter, so now I'll be able to wear it soon. It is pretty true to this photo color, made of Flutter yarn, which I knitted on size 13 kneedles. It is really simply done with all knitting. I figured with the flutter finish any other stitches wouldn't be seen. This should go well with my black and kakhi raincoat. It's pretty thick, so it should block the cold and wind well.

New Socks on the needles

2006-11-05T12:31:00.000-05:00

This is some yarn I purchased on Ebay in August and it is absolutely beautiful!! It is hand dyed 100% Merino Sock Wool, in shades of blue, purple and pink. The seller was KBRECE and she has more up for auction that I'm watching. The quality of this yarn is superb! it is very soft, the colors are very deep and it knits into a really nice finish. I'm knitting on size 2 (US) bamboo needles and I'm knitting with the pattern in the picture, which is River Rapids Socks. This is a pleasant pattern, too. I'm really excited about this project, so hopefully it won't take too long to get done.

I'm off to Williamsburg on Wednesday for a library conference (VLA annual) and home on Friday evening. Then on Saturday my DH and I will be flying to Las Vegas to visit my brother and have some fun for almost a week, so my postings will be few and far between for a couple of weeks.

;-)

Saturday in Virginia

2006-11-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

This is the view from my front porch, today, and I am enjoying it as often as I can. I can hardly wait when the trees start turning for the "yellow" day in the front yard. The yellow leaves are still hanging from the trees, but the ground is covered with them, too. When the sun shines on this in the afternoon, it is the most beautiful fall warmth of all. It only lasts for a day or two and is gone until next year, so I really relish being able to enjoy it today, on my day off!! I just hope more people can enjoy it too!

I have gotten a lot of errands and jobs done around the house today, but have taken the time to stop and enjoy this view as often as I can. It is such a fleeting pleasure!
;-)

No pictures

2006-11-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

I want to knit a stripped scarf for Tom and he wants some color, for a change. He wears a cap this fall with a medium denim shade of blue, with black and red stripes. This should be easy enough to replicate, color wise, but I'm not sure what yarn to use, so I'll just have to wait until I can get to a yarn shop. I might go into the city and go to a shop with Tom to let him pick out the yarn...not sure!
;-)

2006-10-31T12:16:00.000-05:00

This is Mr. Nikki, once again. He's gone now, but he was our Halloween cat for 16 years. In his memory I'll be dressed all in black for work!

Happy Halloween!
;-)

It's finished!

2006-10-29T19:59:00.000-05:00

Here is the brick doorstop all finished! Isn't it pretty? Mom really did do a good job. Anonymous asked if it was to be a doorstop and, yes, that's correct. Thanks for asking! I'm really pleased with the end result. I sure do hope Helen and Chris will be, too!
;-)

2006-10-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

This is my project for this afternoon. My daughter and son-in-law picked this brick cover from a group of completed projects from my 91 year old mother. Mom did this many years ago and it was never put onto a brick, so when Helen chose this to have in her home I said I would finish it for her. We are going to Helen and Chris' for Thanksgiving and I will take this to them all finished. It isn't too hard and they will get a lot of use out of it in their new home.
I'm happy to be able to put some of Mom's things into use. She knitted a lot, but I got her started in cross stitch and needlepoint many years ago and she did a beautiful job with her needlework. She never sewed much, so I did most of her finishing anyway. I have a couple of cross stitch items to do for myself, too. Should be fun and bring back some good memories.
;-)

Today's slide show

2006-10-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

This slide show is our Outdoor Kitty at his best. OK is a real "ham." This slide show was really easy to make and you can do it, too!
;-)

2006-10-26T21:46:00.000-04:00

Get Your Own! | View Slideshow

OK likes my knitting, after all!

2006-10-25T17:46:00.000-04:00

Although I caught him with his eyes closed, OK is starting to show interest in my knitting. He won't sit right next to me, but when I put down my knitting, he reaches out to see what it's all about. I'm using my Denise needles, as can be seen, and am working on a shawl out of a beautiful burgundy shade of merino wool. It's really nice!
;-)

Soctoberfest!

2006-10-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

This is my newest sock yarn from Scout and I'm going to try to get started on a pair of socks for myself with this. It is yummy!! I can hardly wait. I had Tom try on the short socks the other night and they're too small for him, so I'm going to lengthen them and give them to Helen, who's feet are smaller. She doesn't care for short socks, however. Now I have to find something in my stash to knit for Tom. I'm looking for a scarf yarn for him, too. Something tweedy with a brown or tan base color. I've bought a Noro yarn on Ebay and hope it arrives soon. Maybe it will work for Tom's scarf. We'll just have to wait and see.

;-)

One of my favorite pictures and a great memory

2006-10-23T17:38:00.000-04:00

This is a picture of Morro Rock in the bay at Morro Bay, CA. My family moved there when I started high school in 1960 and my mother still lives there with a gorgeous view from her home. Mom was an avid knitter. Each fall as my sister and I would be starting school we would go to the stores to buy new skirts and then Mom would take our skirt to the yarn shop to find matching yarn to knit a sweater. When I started college, I had several sets of handknit sweaters with matching skirts. Wasn't I lucky? Mom is now 91 years old and cannot knit anymore with major arthritis in her hands. She still wears a lot of handknit sweaters and they still look beautiful. I'm trying to carry on the tradition with knitting for my whole family. It's fun! Socks, scarves, sweaters, etc!!!

Short Socks are done!

2006-10-22T11:05:00.000-04:00

These short socks were finished last night and will be given to Tom today, as long as he shows up for a visit. They were made with Steinbach Wolle, Sockenwolle, Art. 39, from Austria.

My other kitty, Pumpkin

2006-10-22T10:54:00.000-04:00

This is Pumpkin! She's about 9 years old and fat and sassy. Here she's sitting on the kitchen table, which is one of her favorite spots, because she can look out the window and watch the birds and the whole world go by. She is allowed to go out, but rarely does. She's really a big chicken! You can't see it here, but her tail is about 5 inches long and bent. She's truly an original and we love her dearly. Right now we're fighting some allergies with her, but she's healthy otherwise and not diabetic (the Vet checked!)
In the evening she usually sits on my DH's lap while we watch tv. She would sit on mine, but my knitting bothers her too much. I can't convince her to just sit quietly and let the knitting rest on her back, or for her to sit next to me, either.

28 October Ramblings

2006-10-19T16:17:00.000-04:00

I went to Ben Franklin the other day to take advantage of their 1/3 off sale and had good luck. I'm providing a raffle basket in November at the VLA conference and I purchased several knitting items today to put into the basket. I got a knitting beginners kit, with tools and a book, 8 skeins of Lion Brand yarn for a lap sized afghan and 2 skeins of Lion Brand chenille for neck scarves. Also a package of knitting bras and two pair of circular needles. I think these will make a great basket for the raffle. Hopefully some people at work will contribute more knitting things, too! Fran told me yesterday that she would contribute some books and patterns, so this should be a great basket for the raffle.
I am currently knitting two linen hand towels from the Mason Dixon knitting book with the Euroflax yarns. I'm also knitting a pair of socks, and have started the Knitpicks FairIsle cardigan. There's a shawl in the works in a beautiful burgundy merino yarn. Who knows what else I have partially finished! I am constantly starting things and occasionally finishing. ;-)

A Great Time for my Knitting

2006-10-19T16:14:00.000-04:00

I received and wound some new yarns in the past week. I've almost finished a new pair of short socks for Tom. I'm currently knitting two different Euroflax Linen hand towels, too. The beautiful merino/alpaca combination in a gorgeous wine color will be something like a pull over or a pocket shawl. Can't decide. My real favorite is the Soctoberfest yarn from Scout. I received a new book at the library today, too. It is Arctic Lace and it will help me knit my lace scarf out of the skein of Qiviut I bought in Anchorage this past August. I can hardly wait.

I have started on the Qiviut and am very frustrated. I cannot seem to work the lace pattern without dropping stitches. I don't believe I'm actually dropping them, just not coming up with the same number each row. Somehow the number gets lower, so I think I'm forgetting a YO or something. I've put it away for a little while until I feel more like attacking it again.

I started a swatch of the wine colored merino/alpaca yarn and it's knitting up beautifully. I can hardly wait to decide what to make with it. Maybe even a simple cardigan. Who knows?
I absolutely must have something to knit in the evenings and am almost finished with the short socks, so I'm trying to get ready for something soft and easy to occupy me while watching tv. Some nights I get more time than others. When the tv is good for watching I can really get some good knitting done, but when my DH surfs the tv channels and drives me crazy, I can't knit. I have to read or play on the computer to occupy my mind more.

I'm including a picture of the latest finished socks. They are made from Opal Zwerger Yarn in Sept. 2006 (Farbe Partie75% Scherwolle 25% PolyamidKnit) from Learn to Knit Socks—Peri-Twinkle toes for the cuff (a cable stitch)Cast on 60 stitches using size 2.75 double point bamboo needles .

That's all for this post. ;-)