boo knits

The boo household has germs!

2007-03-16T19:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a little crazy here lately. My infant son was hospitalized with RSV for several days. He is on the mend, thank God, but now I'm sick. Nothing like immune suppression combined with the hospital! ugh

I'm busy sock knitting. Almost done with pair number 2 that I owe a friend. Then I need to start on a gift for a friend's wedding. She has requested a handknit. That's about the only thing good about being sick; more time to knit.

Secret Pal 10

2007-02-06T13:53:00.000-05:00

I had so much fun with Secret Pal 9, I'm doing it again! Here's my questionnaire:

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love wool, alpaca, merino, cashmere, and silk. No cotton please, it hurts my hands.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Their original packaging. I would love something better to keep them in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Since I was little; my grandma taught me. I would say I am intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes, I'll update it and add it later.

5. What's your favorite scent? Vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? Yes! I love most candy, but really love Pez and sour things. I am also addicted to coffee. I just love to go get something lovely at starbucks.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I am learning to spin. My hubby said I can have a wheel for my birthday! Yea!

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like modern country, and classical guitar. I also like English and Irish folk singing.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? I love purples and greens. I'm not crazy about neon type colors.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm married with 3 kids. We have 2 cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? All but ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Socks and bags. Lace is slowly taking over.

13. What are you knitting right now? Two pairs of socks, a shawl and a bag

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Love them!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circular, and anything but metal.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? I have both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO? Too old to admit. lol

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Coffee mugs and classic pooh

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I subscribe to Interweave.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'd like to get better at lace and cables.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes. My shoe size is 9.

23. When is your birthday? May 18th.

Oh joy, wintery mix!

2007-01-13T07:36:00.000-05:00

Nothing like a little freezing rain/snow mix to brighten your day. ugh I wish it would just snow. Instead, we get this crud. What a weird winter this has been.

I just started a pair of socks for a friend using a pattern from Sensational Knitted Socks. It's turning out nicely. I'm using Knit Picks Gloss. It's the first time I've tried it, and I'm liking the yarn so far. Soft and not too splitty. I'll see if I can get a sock picture later.

I've been good so far

2007-01-08T16:30:00.000-05:00

I even resisted the Cherry Tree Hill new years sale. I need to go throught the stash and organize now. I have a bunch of things swirling around in my head. I need to decide what I want to make and when. I need to finish Lady Eleanor. I just needed an entrelac break...the thing is huge! I've started the flower basket shawl and am about 20 rows in. I will put in my lifeline at 25 and keep on going. I'm halfway through the first glove of Fetching, and like the pattern a lot. That may be the first thing on my list to finish.

We got a dusting of snow today. It sure doesn't seem like winter, that's for sure. My bulbs are all confused. They started to appear about a week ago. I hope I don't have my daffodils show up in the middle of winter!

Happy New Year

2007-01-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

My yarn diet has officially begun. No more buying yarn for the next 9 months! Can she do it? lol

Here's to hoping for a healthier year ahead. I'm happy to be here to complain.

The kids are back in school, so maybe I can get some knitting done today while the baby naps. I had to frog a lace scarf yesterday, dammit. Maybe I can get some of it done today without the 5 and 6 year old interruptions. You should have heard them this morning. Awwww, I don't wanna go back. Is vacation over already?

Knit From Your Stash 2007!

2006-12-30T17:25:00.000-05:00

Knit From Your Stash 2007: Guidelines

1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1, 2007 and run through September 30, 2007 -- a period of nine months.

2. We will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:

2.a. Sock yarn does not count. What? You think we are made of stone?

2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that we really and truly do not have the yarn for, we may buy yarn to knit that gift.

2.c. If we are knitting something and run out of yarn, we may purchase enough to complete the project.

2.d. We each get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card -- we are each allowed to fall off the wagon one time.

3. We are allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

4. Spinning fiber of any sort is exempt.

My stash has become way, way too big. I need to start actually using some of it. We'll see how I do.

Fear

2006-12-28T09:04:00.000-05:00

I've never really thought of myself as a fearful person. I usually have a good outlook. I'm learning a lot about fear now. It has become part of my daily existance. It's so hard to talk about. It feels like if I do, it will become real; this whole terrible situation will become real. Fear hangs over our house like an unwelcome guest, the kind that you wish would just get the hint and leave. But he doesn't. The kids are blissfully unaware at this point, and I want to keep it that way. I don't know how they will possibly understand that Mommy is dying. It would be different if we could give them a time, or the how's and why's, but it's much more complicated than that. And then there is the hope that I will somehow beat this thing, and we don't want them to go through the anxiety when there is still a chance.

I feel so sick. I'm in so much pain. This is so hard. I hope I'm up to the task.

2006-12-23T08:41:00.000-05:00

My pal is the best! I have a new camera, so I can take a pic of my latest package. I love love love it! That's some beautful Zephyr laceweight in my favorite color. Swoon. I can't get over the beautiful pictures in A Gathering of Lace. Amazing book! My kids are already poking at me to make the hot cocoa she sent. It's got white chocolate chunks in it. mmmmmmm Thank you so much pal. It put a smile on my face during a really rough time. You can see my new wheels below everything. I have a new walker, in stylin' purple. lol I need to find someone to paint some flames on it.

Stressful times for the boo household

2006-12-18T17:22:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays to me. My doctors have told me that we are "out of options" for treating my worsening disease, and "need a miracle." It feels surreal not to know how much time I may have left. I'm trying to stay positive, take my meds, and pray for that miracle. I'm applying to be a candidate for a stem cell transplant, but I don't know if I will qualify, or if it will work. One step at a time I guess.

I'm busy going through all the stages. Right now I'm grieving and angry. I anxiously await acceptance.

Well, my darn camera isn't working

2006-12-08T20:54:00.000-05:00

I wanted to take pictures of the faboo package I got from my secret pal. She sent me the most beautiful sock yarn. I can't wait to make some socks with it...I'm thinking maybe Monkey from the new knitty would be perfect. I just can't decide. She also sent me some lovely needles, and a candle. Thank you so much pal! I love it all. :o)

2006-11-20T11:44:00.000-05:00

The only good thing about being really sick, is you get a lot of knitting done. Here's my progress on Lady Eleanor. I love it love it love it. A wonderful friend sent me the yarn to make a clapotis, and I'm itching to start on it too. It's Lorna's Laces in the Aslan colorway. Just beautiful.

I'm getting sick again

2006-11-14T17:26:00.000-05:00

Back on chemo, and having renal issues. I have a CT scan scheduled for Friday to check for bladder damage. Wheee.

The craft show was a bomb. Not just for us. All the vendors said it was awful. Even chocolate wasn't selling. Note to self: never do a church craft show again. I'm taking a break until spring, then I might try again. We'll see.

I'm about 1/3 of the way through Lady Eleanor. I'll try to add a pic later. I'm really liking how it's turning out.

2006-10-30T10:41:00.000-05:00

A little sweater I made for my niece. I hope her mom likes it!

2006-10-26T15:29:00.000-04:00

The latest boo knitting projects. The felted stripe tote is done. The orange is going to be a felted backpack once the straps are done, and the other is a bag out of SWS. You can also see I've started on Lady Eleanor. I love the pattern so far.

It's a wonderful day!

2006-10-20T09:06:00.001-04:00

My disease has started to respond, and I am stabilizing! Woohoo! My doc said I get to stop chemo in two weeks. The hubby and I are going out to celebrate. I need a new outfit; what should I get?

Nothing can spoil my mood today. Take that Behcet's Disease!

Can you see me dancing? :o)

2006-10-17T20:47:00.000-04:00

Best Finished Object Contest :o) I was very proud that I learned entrelac. I have the yarn to do a Lady Eleanor Shawl using the same technique. I can't wait to start it.

Secret Pal 9 Questions

2006-10-16T20:41:00.000-04:00

Well, a contest is afoot. Here are my answers:

1. Where is your favorite knitting spot?

My recliner. I can knit and watch TV, or look at the woods in our backyard. It's beautiful right now...all the leaves are changing.

2. If you suddenly could never knit again (shudder) - what would you do instead?

Wow. I'm not sure. I guess I would cook.

3. If you could travel anywhere in the world - where would you go and why?

I would really love to do a food and wine tour of Europe.

4. When you were little - What did you want to do "when you grew up?" Are you doing it?

A writer, and no.

5. What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Mint Chip or Butter Pecan. It's so hard to decide.

2006-10-08T10:20:00.000-04:00

Look, knitting content! I made this umbilical cord hat for Ian last night. So fast and easy.

2006-10-08T10:19:00.000-04:00

My little guy is 3 months old now. Can you believe it?!

Secret Pal 9 questionnaire

2006-10-05T08:16:00.000-04:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I love alpaca and softer wools. I really don't like novelty fibers, fun fur, etc.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? Their original packaging

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? My grandma taught me when I was about 7. I've done it off and on since then. I would say I'm intermediate.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I have an amazon one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=cm_gift_subn_wl/002-3074589-9924848?ie=UTF8

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.) Food scents like vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, coffee, etc. No florals.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I have a giant sweet tooth. I love just about any candy, but really love sour things.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I have a drop spindle, but haven't tried it yet.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) Country music and english/irish folk music. Yes, I can play MP3s.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? Purple and green are my favorites. I don't like neon type colors much.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I'm married with 3 kids, ages 6,5 and 3 months. I have 2 cats.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? All but the poncho part.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?socks and bags.

13. What are you knitting right now?socks bags and a shawl

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? love them!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Circular. Anthing but metal.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Both

17. How old is your oldest UFO? A year. ack

18. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

19. Is there anything that you collect? Coffee mugs and classic pooh

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I have a subscription to Interweave. I'd love to have A Gathering of Lace.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? 2 socks on 2 circs.

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes. I wear a size 9 shoe.

23. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)5/18

Lots of random knitting

2006-09-30T23:14:00.000-04:00

I've been busy doing bits and pieces of several projects. I'm making a kitty bed for a swap friend, fingerless gloves for me, socks for my niece and hats for my kids. Whew! Nevermind the bags I'm finishing up for a craft show. My sil has a table and said she will put things out for me.

More bad news on the medical front, so I'm glad I have the knitting to cheer me up. I'm now having some sort of problem with my kidneys. Either from my disease or the chemo, we're not sure which yet, or the extent of the damage. Hopefully they aren't too far gone. Dialysis isn't something I need in my life right now.

On a happy note, we got a new (to use) car. I feel like a little old lady...it's a Lincoln Town Car. lol We had to have a car with a large enough trunk to fit my scooter and a stroller. Minivans, believe it or not, didn't have enough space in the back. Their trunks are actually quite small. So I'm driving a boat of a car, but happy everything finally fits.

Mittens or fingerless gloves?

2006-09-26T21:01:00.000-04:00

I'm going to join the warm hands knitalong. I think I will make some fingerless gloves. I'm still tossing around the idea of mittens, but I think that fingerless will be more useful. I like to knit while I wait outside for the school bus, and it's starting to get cold around here. Now to raid the stash for the right yarn...

I wish I could say things were going well

2006-09-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

I have continued to deteriorate. My doctors have told me that I have the progressive, rather than relapsing/remitting form of my disease. It sounds very melodramatic to say it, but this means I have a terminal form. Nothing immediate, but it will shorten my life dramatically. I am trying to stay positive, and have hope that medical science will catch up with me before my disease does. In the mean time, my perspective has really changed. I used to imagine myself being a very old lady, enjoying great grandchildren. My doctors are hoping I make it to my 60's now.

My left hand isn't very coordinated anymore, but I managed a pair of socks, which feels like a huge victory. I will try to attach pics later. I've also started on an easy lace shawl, and have managed one repeat and the placement of a lifeline. Woohoo. Behcet's disease can kiss my ass. lol I had a friend (and fellow knitter) suggest that she would leave a legacy of hand knits for her daughter. I have decided to try to do the same. I would like her to have some things of beauty, made with love, to remember me by. I think I will try to make shawls. They seem timeless. I bought the book folk shawls, and am going to try to make several. They are all so beautiful.

Well, enough of my meloncoly. I will beat this thing. I'm just not sure how yet, but I will. I love life, and want to be here for it.

2006-08-14T22:02:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Sydney! I can't believe my baby girl is six. She is the light of my life. :o)

Exhausted

2006-08-08T11:24:00.000-04:00

Man, do I feel bad. Chemo, newborn, family funerals, it's all just too much. I can barely function. My disease is getting worse in spite of meds, and it sucks. Big time. I would give anything to have one day of normalcy. Just one. ugh

I did knit a small bag the other day, to try to get in the swing of things. Then I felted it too much and now it's miniature. Guess my daugher has a new purse. lol