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

Happy Birthday Nathan!

2006-07-24T05:58:00.000-04:00

Today my oldest son turns 5! I can't believe how fast the time has gone. He is such a wonderful little boy. To add to the joy, my new baby is coming home today. Life is good. :)

He's coming home!

2006-07-23T18:59:00.000-04:00

I'm over the moon with happiness. Ian will be coming home tomorrow. I can't wait!!!!!!!

2006-07-19T07:20:00.000-04:00

Little Ian Thomas was born 6 weeks early on July 7. He is doing well in the NICU, and we hope to have him home soon. I'm back on high dose chemo and feeling like crud, but I'm gonna make it through. Can't let the disease win.

Parents to the rescue!

2006-05-28T08:42:00.000-04:00

My parents are coming today to help out. It's going to be another scorcher. They are bringing lunch and taking the kids to the aquatic center for the day. Yea! At least if I have to be hot and miserable, I can get some rest.

I'm so lucky to have such great parents!

It's hot!

2006-05-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

We're having a heat wave, and the darn air conditioner broke. aaaaagggghhhhhhhh! The kids and I are trying to make the best of it with the fan and a kiddie pool. I think they are having way more fun than I am. lol

I think I may try to distract myself with knitting some socks. I want to learn how to do two on one circ. I have a serious case of second sock syndrome.

Well, back to the pool with a big glass of ice water.

Let me off this ride!

2006-05-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

My health has been deteriorating, and I am doing my best to keep this baby cooking as long as possible. We did hit the 100% survival marker, which is fantastic. My doctors are just having to watch me closely to make sure that this doesn't become even more dangerous to me. I told my ob how guilty I feel about possibly having a preemie for the sake of my health. His response? "You're a mother. You'll feel guilt the rest of your life. Let's make sure you're here for it." Such a sucky situation.

I just can't get motivated to knit when I feel so bad. I need something fun to pick up my spirits. Turning 36 tomorrow isn't it! lol

I should just force myself to pick up the needles and do something. Even if it's a bunch of baby washcloths.

Well, it's been a while, and my life turned upside down in the meantime

2006-05-05T17:32:00.000-04:00

My illness got very bad, and I continued on chemotherapy. During the chemotherapy, even though I was supposed to have been sterile due to my last rounds on Cytoxan, I found out I was pregnant. Not only pregnant, but 17 weeks pregnant! eek! Amazing, and thank goodness, the baby is normal and healthy, and a little boy. :o) Needless to say, this has been really hard on my body. I'm 25 weeks now, dealing with my chronic disease on top of a pregnancy. Hopefully I will hold on until at least 32 weeks, maybe even more.

So, we are all in shock and trying to adjust, at the same time thankful for an amazing little miracle in the midst of all my pain.

I haven't felt well enough to knit much, but hoping I will get the motivation soon. I've never knit baby things before. There are so many cute, tiny things out there I'd love to make.

A big thank you to the kind people from Knittyboard. I have received 3 RAK, and am overwhelmed. You women are generous and wonderful. Thank you!

Trying to make an olympic comeback

2006-02-21T11:03:00.000-05:00

Well, I simply couldn't let my disease get me down. I switched to a less complicated pattern that doesn't require being able to see tiny detail work, and am almost done with my first sock! Yea! Maybe I can do this after all. They won't be fancy, but I will have said a big FU to my illness. I'm doing most of my knitting at night, when the nausea isn't as bad.

I'm really going to try to do this. Wish me luck!

I may have to pull out of the olympics

2006-02-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

My disease is picking back up, and is in my eyes and brain again. So, they are starting me on chemo again. Crap. My vision isn't the best, and pretty soon I'll be feeling like a truck hit me, so I don't know if I can do it. I'll keep plugging away at the socks when I'm able. We'll see what happens.

I can still cheer on my team sitting in a track suit on the sidelines, right? ;o)

I'm an olympian!

2006-02-06T09:51:00.000-05:00

Well, along with a gazillion other knitters, I am joining Yarn Harlot's knitting olympics. I am on the Sybermoms team. You can check it out on my new button. I think my challenge item will be a pair of socks. My knitalongs seem to have a theme. lol The challenge will not only be the pattern I choose, but avoiding second sock syndrome. Wish me luck!

Sockapaloooza!

2006-02-02T12:21:00.000-05:00

I've joined my first knitalong. It should be a lot of fun. Now I need to start thinking about the socks I want to make for my sock pal. I love knitting socks. I'm a little nervous about trying a new pattern for a gift, because I want them to be really nice. But, because it's a gift, I want them to be super. Viscious circle! lol

I'm having so much fun knitting again. Hopefully my brain will continue to cooperate and leave my hands alone. My tremors and weakness were so bad, I had trouble just holding onto a drink, or writing with a pen. Now that things are better, I'm knitting like a fiend.

I'd love suggestions as to your favorite sock yarns. Off to look at my stash, and check out some websites. Hope everyone is having a great day!

My yarn diet went up in flames

2006-01-25T22:23:00.000-05:00

Oh well! lol I saw some beautiful sock yarn on sale, and that was all she wrote. It's been so fun to be knitting again. I hope my hands never act up like that again. The husband sweater is limping along. All the stockinette is just sooooo boring. I keep a sock in progress handy for when I begin to feel myself slipping into a fog.

The kids are in bed, and the house is quiet. Why am I on here...I should be knitting!

2006-01-12T10:20:00.000-05:00

Look! Knitting content! lol Now that my hands are working again, I've been in a knitting frenzy. I did a pair of voodoo wristwarmers, part of a felted clog, and started the sweater for my husband. The felted clogs have turned out to be a really easy pattern. I'll have to make a few more pairs. Eric's sweater feels like it will take forever. Only 10 skeins to go. Now I know why I've never made a man's sweater before!

2006-01-12T10:19:00.000-05:00

The wristwarmers..

2006-01-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

The clog...

2005-12-24T12:03:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas everyone! It's been forever since I've updated. I've been really sick (and still am) so I haven't been good about updates. My hands still aren't cooperating very well for knitting. Hopefully the coming year will be a better one for everyone. The kids are having so much fun. This is going to be a terrific Christmas. :)

2005-09-17T19:59:00.000-04:00

My two sweeties playing with Winnie. I've been doing more knitting. Done with a bag for a friend, I just have to mail it off. I'm working on the Lacey shrug from the new Knitty, but I'm calling it the Not Lacey. I decided to do stockinette instead of the lace pattern. It is so fuzzy and warm. I really like how it is turning out. I love quick, easy projects!

2005-09-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

My beautiful girl on her first day of Kindergarten. Time moves way too fast! I've been knitting away, but am very bad about taking pictures. I'll charge up the digicam and make a proper update soon, I promise!

2005-07-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

My little man is 4 today! I can hardly believe how fast the time has gone. Here is a pic of him as a preemie in the NICU, and the handsome boy he is today. I love love love this boy. He makes me happy every day. Happy Birthday Nathan!

2005-07-24T10:00:00.000-04:00

Nathan in the NICU 4 years ago today.

The watch cap is done

2005-07-23T07:46:00.000-04:00

And I can't believe I forgot to take a picture. Eric left this morning for the boat, and won't be back until Monday or Tuesday. Hopefully they will do well. I'm really glad to be done with that hat! Now if my yarn would arrive, I can start on the bags I am making for a couple of friends. I'm hoping it will be here today.

We will drive up Monday with my fil to meet the boat and see Mackinaw. Mmmmm, fudge!

2005-07-21T10:28:00.000-04:00

Here is the the band of the watch cap so far. The boat my husband sails on is named George. I hope I can finish the rest of it today.

I had to frog it.

2005-07-20T06:10:00.000-04:00

My kids got into the tivoli t-shirt and I wasn't able to fix it. Can you see me crying? I had to frog the damn thing. I haven't had the heart to start over. I have a couple of bags to make for people once the yarn arrives, so I'll do those to get my mind off of it. I may do the tank from Interweave, too, while I'm waiting for yarn.

It just sucks so bad. I was almost done.

2005-07-18T08:17:00.000-04:00

Tivoli t-shirt in progress. I may add a seed stitch border that isn't a part of the pattern. The stockinette rolls and I think that will bother me. We'll see.

A cap for my sailor

2005-07-11T22:15:00.000-04:00

My husband is going to be in the Port Huron to Mackinac yacht race in a week, and has asked me to make him a watch cap to wear on the night shift, as it gets pretty cold and wet. http://www.byc.com/mack05/ He is one of those guys that operates the winches that turn like coffee grinders. He always has fabulous shoulders by the end of the summer. Now I have to figure out how to get the name of his boat to come out right on a brim you turn up. I'll need plenty of coffee and an absence of kids, I think. Intarsia and small children just don't work well together.

I keep waiting to feel better without the chemo, but I'm still barfing. ugh. Maybe it will take a while for the toxins to clear my system. It's bad enough to have kinky, strange colored hair in place of what I used to have. Why do I have to keep on puking?

Well, enough feeling sorry for myself. I think I'll plop in front of the tv and knit. A cup of coffee sounds nice, too.

2005-07-10T21:54:00.000-04:00

Cleaves is done! I really like it. It isn't see through in the front. My camera kept picking up the white tank top for some reason.

My first day off of chemo!

2005-07-01T20:00:00.000-04:00

What a fabulous feeling! I feel like I've been freed from prison. I might actually start to get enough energy back to get some things done around here. That might take a little while. At least I'm not nauseated.

I'm using some eBay money to get the yarn for the cabled shrug from Interweave. I'm hoping to get it done by the cool weather this fall. I've done small cabling projects, but this will be my first complicated one. We'll see how it goes.

Busy weekend!

2005-06-26T23:30:00.000-04:00

We just got back from my brother's. It was his 40th b-day and his wife threw him a big party. We had a lot of fun, but boy am I tired! It is so damn hot, and they say 94 is forcast for tomorrow. ugh. I think we'll be hiding in the air conditioning.

My brother gave me some pictures from his wedding. One cracked me up, I'll try to figure out how to post it. It's me and my bald head at the hair salon. lol My daughter was getting hers done, but it struck me as funny.

2005-06-26T23:26:00.000-04:00

Here is the pic of baldie me at the hair salon before my brother's wedding. lol Sydney was such a cutie about getting her hair done for the first time. :)

Productivity!

2005-06-21T10:51:00.000-04:00

I'm on a tear. I got the Lucy bag and entrelac suki bag done yesterday. Today I am finishing up Cleaves. Just in time for summer. lol It is really looking cute. I still think I will wear it at night on top of tank tops. It still cools off around here. I think I will finish the two shrugs I'm working on next, and the straps to the daypack. It's fun to get all these wip's done while I'm feeling good. Lower doses of meds rock! I'm in more pain, but waaaaay less nausea, so I'll take it!

2005-06-20T20:07:00.000-04:00

Here is the Lucy bag blocking. It's really cute. I may add a pin to the front.

2005-06-20T16:33:00.000-04:00

I've had a productive day. While the kiddos napped I finished the Lucy bag. Here it is pre-felt. It's in the washer now.

2005-06-20T08:27:00.000-04:00

Here is the finished bag. I really like it! It will make a good project bag. I'm glad I decided to try it.

2005-06-19T07:28:00.000-04:00

Here is a detail of the bottom.

2005-06-19T07:27:00.000-04:00

The entrelac suki is done except for the handles. I'm really happy with how it turned out. I'll finish the handles and felt it today.

2005-06-17T08:05:00.000-04:00

The entrelac bag continued. One more row and I can start decreasing for the bottom of the bag.

2005-06-14T22:47:00.000-04:00

I thought I would take a small break today from the entrelac bag to try my new yarn. It is Shine from KnitPicks. It is just beautiful. I am making a lace wrap with it. I'm really liking it so far.

2005-06-12T07:56:00.000-04:00

The entrelac bag is progressing. I can't wait to see what it looks like once it's felted!

2005-06-11T12:27:00.000-04:00

I got brave and am trying an entrelac suki tote bag. It's not nearly as hard as I thought it would be. Yea!

2005-06-06T22:20:00.000-04:00

I'm done with the body of the lucy bag, and starting to bind off to do the straps. Now if I can just make myself finish the daypack...

It's hotter than Hades here. UGH

2005-06-06T06:40:00.000-04:00

Well, it's humid and in the 90's here, and supposed to be that way all week. Time to hide in the air conditioning. I will drag out the kids care bears sprinkler today. Maybe we need to buy a little wading pool.

I'm almost done with the Lucy bag. It is going to be so cute! It still looks an awful lot like a boob when you turn it upside down. Now it's just a DD instead of an A. lol

It feels way too warm to work on Cleaves right now. I think this bag junkie will start another purse. Our kids' sitter asked if I would make her one.

2005-06-03T16:08:00.000-04:00

The start of the Lucy bag. It sort of looks like a boob so far. I got to learn a new cast on, which was cool. All of the Two Old Bags patterns seem to have unusual cast ons. I need to finish the straps on the daypack too.

2005-06-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

The bag part of the daypack is done. Now to make the ties and straps. This was a fun and easy pattern.

My friend Blue has my undying devotion

2005-05-31T07:27:00.000-04:00

She helped me figure out how to put all my links in the blog. Woohoo! Now I look like I know what I'm doing. ;)

I hate being techie challenged.

2005-05-29T22:49:00.000-04:00

I am still figuring out this blogging thing. I have tried I don't know how many times to put links in my blog. I just can't seem to get it right. I am so sick of staring at "edit me." lol I also would like to add some sort of knitting graphic, but can't seem to find one of those either. aaaaaaaahhhhhhh

We had a great day today. The weather was beautiful, so I sat outside and knitted while my hubby planted our vegetable garden. I hope everything grows well. Fresh vegetables are so much better than store bought.

I have so many projects I want to do right now. I have to get my head organized and decide what I really want to get done instead of staring at yarn and patterns all day. My current wip are Cleaves, a shrug from the latest Interweave, and a couple of different bags.

2005-05-29T19:33:00.000-04:00

My latest project...a felted daypack. I'm making it out of Lambs Pride in Orange You Glad. I really like it so far.

2005-05-29T19:32:00.000-04:00

A couple of more bags I made. The jade one is made out of Lopi. It's a lot fuzzier in person than in the pic. I love it! I need to get a snap for them. The other is out of Lion Brand landcapes. I'm a bag making addict! lol

2005-05-28T10:23:00.000-04:00

My little sweetie trying to knit. She was so funny. I was not allowed to help. I cast on for her and then she told me "Go away. I'll do it myself! I'm gonna make a purse." lmao

2005-05-27T12:05:00.000-04:00

I made my daughter a little purse. She is so cute carrying it around. :)

2005-05-25T06:58:00.000-04:00

My first non loom sock. It's not great, but I'm proud of it. Now I'm not afraid of trying more socks. :)

Rain and more rain

2005-05-23T11:16:00.000-04:00

Ugh. It is grey and cold. I can't believe I have all the lights on in the house at 11 in the morning. It's ridiculous.

I got sidetracked doing bags and need to get back to the second sleeve of Cleaves. I'm drooling over the pattern for the Lucy bag, but I can't make myself pay $7 for a pattern...yet. lol

I'm having a terrible time with control of my left arm right now. Damn stroke. The tremors made it impossible to knit last night. I just keep trying. My physical therapist said knitting is good therapy to create new pathways in my brain. Gotta love permission to knit as much as possible! ;)

My two sweeties

2005-05-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

2005-05-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Here are the finished bags in all their glory. Please ignore the lint on my sofa. I'm really happy with how they came out. I'm finding out I love knitting bags.

2005-05-16T09:34:00.000-04:00

I also did a mini skull tote, minus the skull. lol I altered the pattern to do it in the round because I'm lazy. It worked just fine. This is it pre felt.

2005-05-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Here is my booga bag blocking. I think I'm really going to like this bag.

2005-05-11T14:37:00.000-04:00

The Sophie bag is finished. It's nice, but smaller than I thought it would be.

2005-05-07T09:56:00.000-04:00

The first sleeve of Cleaves is done!

Bag frenzy

2005-04-27T08:20:00.000-04:00

Well, now that I'm done with my auction donations, I decided to make myself a Sophie bag. It's surprisingly easy so far. I may make a couple to use up some of the yarn in my stash. I should be done with the first one tonight. Pray to the nap gods that my kids sleep.

I think my next project will be this http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEspring05/PATTcleaves.html
I'm hoping it will keep my arms warm at night during the spring and summer. I'm always cold.

2005-04-26T17:47:00.000-04:00

Here is the finished bag. I think it turned out pretty cute.

2005-04-25T15:56:00.000-04:00

Here is my bag for the Sybermoms.com breast cancer auction. I am still working on the embroidery polka dots. One so far. It should be done tonight and I'll post a new picture.

2005-04-04T11:31:00.000-04:00

Making progress on the french market bag. I'm almost done! Now to do the finishing on the laptop bag, and then I need to felt them both.

2005-03-29T10:58:00.000-05:00

I've got a couple of projects going at once right now. I'm almost done with the laptop bag, and part way through this french market bag. It's knitting up pretty fast.

Just can't get motivated today

2005-03-15T15:13:00.000-05:00

I'm sick and it's crappy outside. It is so hard for me to get off my duff and do something today. I have all this yarn staring at me.

I tried the French Market bag and ended up frogging it when I got tired and started dropping stitches. I haven't had the heart to go back to it yet.

It's a snowy weekend

2005-03-12T10:44:00.000-05:00

Perfect for sitting around and knitting. I think I may try to make a French Market Bag. http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTfrenchmarket.html I don't really have a good knitting bag.

2005-03-11T14:02:00.000-05:00

Here is the laptop bag in progress. The picture came out kind of funny...it isn't really see through.

2005-01-28T08:20:00.000-05:00

Here is the felted bag. I love it! My front loader worked just fine. I got this with only one wash.

2005-01-28T08:19:00.000-05:00

Here is the bag prior to felting. I was a little worried about my front loading washer working for felting.

2005-01-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

Noro bag in progress. I think it's coming out pretty well. We'll see how felting works

2005-01-15T08:24:00.000-05:00

Well, I got the heel done. I'm still having a problem with holes. I will have to sew them, I guess. I will have to try to master the cross over heel technique to avoid this on the next sock.

2005-01-14T18:45:00.000-05:00

This is the start of a slipper sock. I like how the cuff turned out. Now if I can just get the heel right!

2005-01-14T18:44:00.000-05:00

My new sock looms from my step dad. The largest is a slipper loom, the middle a regular gauge sock, and the last is a small gauge sock loom. I can use the smaller sock yarns on the small gauge one without doubling up. Yea!

2005-01-13T22:29:00.000-05:00

This is the hat I made for an auction donation. I'm working on a matching scarf right now. It's Lion Brand Kool Wool. It's a merino wool blend, and very soft. I may need to make something for me out of it, too.

2005-01-13T22:27:00.000-05:00

Trying this again...

2005-01-13T22:22:00.000-05:00

Here is my first loom project. A hat and scarf from Lion Brand Homespun and fun fur.

Rainy day today

2005-01-13T20:02:00.000-05:00

It was cold and grey, so I decided it was a perfect time to try my new knitting board. Ack! The pegs are so close together, and I had two kittens trying to help, so I gave up for the time being. I started a sock instead. It's coming along nicely. I'm hoping to avoid holes in the heel this time.