The Knitted Squirrel

BISSELL'S MVP Photo Contest

2011-03-23T11:55:00.004-04:00

http://bissell.promo.eprize.com/mvpcontest/gallery?id=132728

Please vote for Tiger at the above link!

Vote everyday until March 29, 2001.

Thank you!

Just Knitting Pictures

2011-01-23T13:19:00.004-05:00

Here are some of the items that I have knit in the past month or so.

Jacques Cousteau Hat

Dead Fish Hat - I knit 2 of them.

Felted Clog Slippers before felting

Basic Plain Socks

Plaid Socks

Braided Scarf

Operation Holiday Stockings - Canadian Style

Sleepy Hollow Socks - part of my Self Imposed Sock Club

I have also knit 2 pairs of wrist warmers, a Doll's Clothes (Dress, Mittens, Shawl, body suit, hat),

another pair of plain socks and I continue to work on my sweater. Hopefully I will have pictures of the projects soon.

Awesome!!!

2010-12-06T23:14:00.001-05:00

I love this...

What I Saw On My Hunting Trip...

2010-10-21T16:45:00.004-04:00

Whisky Jack eating leftovers

The view from out camp site

Since My Last Post I Have....

2010-10-21T10:39:00.011-04:00

been doing a lot of things.

We have been slowly renovating PakMail. The corporate colours have changed and since the store has not been painted in, I'm sure the past 20 years. I decided it was time...The new colours are burgundy, white and a colour called Gardenia (it is a yellowy white). The old colours were burgundy and grey. Very nice, but also very industrial when in the presence of packaging material. LOL

Our lease was up for renewal and we negotiated a set of double doors for the front of the store with them. OMG what a difference. I can not wrap and strap skids of goods INSIDE instead of out front on the sidewalk! It sounds like a minor thing, BUT if the weather was bad I had to postpone the shipping date. Which can be a big deal for some shipments.

We also redesigned the mailbox wall. My store looks HUGE now! AND very bright! it is a much nicer place to walk into. Very fresh! The only thing left is to have the floor done....soon!

At the beginning of September, (Labour day actually) DS an I headed to St. John's, Newfoundland. DS is going to Memorial University for Physics and Physical Oceanography. Something he has always wanted to do!

I decided when he first applied that I would take him out there to get him settled. That way I could see where he would potentially go and hang out over the next 4 or so years. It's a Mom thing, to know that your kids is settled in and safe! LOL

We arrived Friday around noon in St. John's, with 3 HUGE suitcases, got the rental car and headed off to the hotel. Siunce DS had to register on the Sunday at his dorm, we decided to do aa bit of sightseeing on the Friday evening and the Saturday. We drove downtown and around the city to orient ourselves with what is where. What a gorgeous city! There are some funky coloured homes...

We even found a yarn store or 2...DS played with Franklin the dog in the one store. (That way I could wander around a bit longer!) A few skeins found their way into my bag...some sock yarn (BIG shocker there! LOL) and some yarn to make DS a Hat.

A Good Yarn, St. John's NL

On the Saturday, we went to Signal Hill and Cape Spear. Both were amazing places. We read that at Cape Spear we were closer to Ireland than we were to home! Very cool!

Signal Hill

DS at Cape Spear

Registration was Sunday morning...OMG the line...Talk about long, but the University had it all under control. I was amazed that we got in line at 8:30 (registration was starting at 9) and by 10 we were to the front of the line. The parents went to one spot for tea, coffee and breaky and the students went through the line for their Student card and keys to their rooms. Organized...Definately!

Once DS got his room key, we headed off to his dorm, suitcases in tow. DS is on the 3rd floor. Well HE muscled the suitcases, his fridge and all the other necessities that a University student needs to have in their room, up the 3 flights of stairs. We got him all unpacked, the bed made and everything put away and he decided that it was time for me to go so he could mingle with the other students on his floor. The dorm also had a bunch of activities for them planned for later that evening.

I left feeling absolutely unloved and rejected, and went off to get the final few things that he needed for his room. I picked up the last things (and a few extras!) and called DS to let him know that I had them. He told me to stop by and that he would come down stairs and get them from me...

Monday was Orientation...Both for the Students and Parents. I learned of all the services that MUN offers their students, how to cope with your kid not being home and what to say if they are having difficulty. After sitting through all the guest speakers, I definately felt better about leaving my "Baby" there.

Back to the hotel I went after a quick last visit with DS. He had a blast at his Orientation and the swag that he had...what a haul! He was telling me about the dorm and how he had met alot of people there. He was BEAMING!!!!

Tuesday morning had me heading to the airport, Alone...It felt really wrong...even as I type this my eyes are watering and my heart hurts a little bit! But I know this is the progression of having kids. You raise them all these years to get to this point in time, when they are becoming independent and all grown up! But as a parent it is still hard, one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life...

A week and a half after I got home from NFLD, DH and I went moose hunting in Northern Ontario. Well, we went LOOKING...didn't see anything but a small black bear.

It was a lovely week, it rained 4 out of the 7 days we were gone. BUT I was away and had the much needed break from the work world!

I knit a pair of socks for one of the guys in our hunting party. He was VERY happy to receive them and wore them up there to keep his feet warm.

On the drive home, I was working on the back of a sweater that I bought at the Kitchener Knitters Fair.

I have also knit quite a bit since my last post. I joined the Iron Knitter 2 competition and have so far completed 3 pairs of socks (and learned new techniques). I have knit a baby blanket, another giraffe, a few hats, a hot water bottle penguin cover, I started a pair of fairisle mittens, a sweater and another pair or 2 of socks.

Iron Knitter 2 Round 1

Iron Knitter 2 Round 2 (Intarsia)

Iron Knitter 2 Round 3

Pinwheel Baby Blanket

Kim's Giraffe

Dragonfly socks

Hot Water Bottle Cover for DS

Fairisle Mittens for me!

Currently I am working on Christmas knitting.

I will keep you posted on what happens next...
Keep on Knitting!

2010-08-07T01:13:00.004-04:00

Once again I don't have any excuse for not blogging. Life is my only reason...

As you can see from my previous post, I HAVE been knitting. Alot!

Work has been a little slow, but seems to be picking up a bit. DD's and my dance classes are over now until September. I am looking forward to returning to class. I enjoy it quite a bit. We laugh alot.

Both DS and DD have been working this summer. DD in her coop as credit for school and DS in a full time summer job. Both have been getting up at the proper time by themselves, in order to get to work on time. Funny thing is that they can NEVER do that when it involves getting to school. I have to wake them in the morning and if they were up late the night before, they are really ugly! DS will hopefully be able to wake himself in September when he is a way at University. Speaking of University...I am taking him out to Newfoundland in September to get him settled at Memorial University. He has decided to take Oceanography. I don't know who is more excited about going...him or me!

I know I am going to miss him, but ever since DD & DS were little they would go away in the summer for a month and visit their father. He lives in the Caribbean. They used to go down to see him every summer from the time they were like 5 and 6. I had a hard time the first time they went, but each time got a little easier. I enjoyed MY freedom. It was nice to go to the grocery store and not have to take little kids with me.

But I digress.... If you take into account the length of time University students are away from home at one time, it is only like 3 months. With computers, cell phones, email, MSN and video calling, I don't think I will have a chance to miss him, or for him to miss me! Hopefully he will be busy with classes and new friends and all the other activities that go along with being at university.

I will be there for 4 days with him. We arrive on Friday and Sunday he can get into the dorm. Monday and Tuesday is the students orientation, and Monday there is one for the parents! I leave to come home on Tuesday afternoon. Hopefully we will get to do a little sightseeing on the Saturday...

We have been picking up some of the things that he will need...bed linens, towels, etc. Because of the flight there we are limited to what he can bring...we will have to get the bulk of the stuff there in St. John's...thank God for Walmart and Zellers! I can't justify spending alot of money on things when we can get them at those stores.

This weekend I will be attending a meeting with our (DH and my) hunting group, to make some decisions for our hunting trip in September. We are going moose hunting again and I am very much looking forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of my store. I love the customer service aspect of my store, but it does get a little tiring...

Sunday is the PakMail Annual Golf Tournament. Last year was the first time I was able to attend and DH and I had fun. I am NOT a golfer, in fact last year was the first time I had ever golfed. I have been a few times to the driving range but never on a golf course. This year we are attending again, but my father will be joining us. It hopefully will be a good day. I will let you know how we did. Last year DH and I won the Horse's Ass trophy...in other words we came in DEAD LAST!!! BUT in my world the main thing was to have a good time and we did...this year should be about the same!!

That's it for now....I will try not to be so long between posts...

Happy Knitting!!!

I Have Been Busy...

2010-08-01T23:09:00.010-04:00

May Baby Sweater

Baby Sophisticate

Sally, the Eco Fairy

Sock Giraffe

Gnome

Sock Giraffe & Sock Hippo

Gnome

Elijah

Hippo

Gnome

Vanilla Jim

Telemark Pullover

Nutkins

Jim's Ribs

Keep on Knitting....

Catch Up Photos

2010-05-16T01:05:00.013-04:00

OK I should probably start at the beginning. Life again has gotten busy...again... but I still have time to knit. I knit when DH drives us around and I have 1 1/2 each morning before I start work. Did I mention that I LOVE to knit!

I decided to knit myself the Ribby Shell tank top. I used El. D. Mousakis Butterfly Super 10 cotton. I am really happy with how it turned out. There is a shine to the yarn that makes the top look great.

DS asked me for another pair of socks so I bought some Paton Kroy FX yarn and knit up a plain vanilla pair. I know Kroy is a cheaper yarn but it knits up well and wears like iron. DS Loves his socks.

My next venture was to try carrying colour. It turns out that it is easier than I thought. I have been afraid of trying it for years but my knitting group was knitting squares for a charity blanket. Each month there was a different design square, each with a different technique. As a result of these 12 squares that I knit. I have learned a few new technques. I learned to read a chart, to knit cables (with and without a cable needle) and now to carry colour.

DH started to hint that he wanted another pair of socks...So I knit him these...

The pattern is Dusk and has a cable design that runs down both sides of the sock. These are knit using Dream in Colour Smooshy. Black Parade is the colourway. They are perfect for DH. Very dark with subtle shades of blue, purple, green. It reminds me of a Black Watch tartan. They are now DH's favourite socks.

I started a pair of Nutkin socks for me using Dream in Colour Knitosophy in the colourway Strength. I enjoyed knitting DH's socks with it that I decided that I should have a pair as well. The picture colour is a bit off. They are a bit more burgundy than they appear.

Now that my Nutkin's are done DH feels that he needs more socks . I pointed out to him that he had 7 pairs and that he should be happy with that. He then asked me how many I had.... I told him that I knit my own and that maybe he would like to try...No, was the answer I got! I have over 2 weeks worth of socks that I love and wear all the time. I will continue to knit myself socks but, to keep the peace I think I will have to rotate between knitting for me and knitting for DH, DD and DS. I figure that as long as I knit one of them a pair in between knitting for me I should be OK! *LOL*

Last week I had a little visitor come to see me at my store. N was walking and playing in the store for a little while when he decided that he wanted to have a little lay down with Tiger in the store window. I managed to snap a photo. Which is pretty good for me as I usually don't think about the pictures till after the moment has passed. I thought this was a great
picture!

And finally my Knitting Group had our Sketchy Dying Day. We all got together and dyed some yarn. It was a blast. All of the skeins were different and all were very creative. Each person dyed their skein in the colours that they liked. Mine are below. The yarn is Knit Pick Superwash Bare sock yarn. We also used acid dyes.

I decided to dye a skein for DH. It is a combination of blues, greens and black. The colour reminds me of the Nova Scotia tartan.

The next one I dyed was a combination of yellow and red, making a gorgeous skein of orange, red, and yellow. I love this bright colourway. I am not sure what I want to knit with this skein yet but I will definately love it!

I had a skein of Fiesta Baby Boom yarn that was called Snow. It was a white/cream colour that was not very exciting so I brought it to dye as well. I love the blues, purples, reds and black that it now is. This is a much more appropriate colour for me now. It will make a beautiful scarf or socks.

Since all of my newly dyed yarn is still wet, I started another pair of vanilla (basic/plain) socks for DH...hopefully I get them done quick so that I can start knitting my "NEW" yarn!

Well, that about catches me up. I am hoping that I won't be away so long next time...

Next weekend is Victoria Day Long Weekend, which is the start of the summer. I have alot or work to get done around our yard but I will try to post the progress on my knitting.

A Short One!

2010-04-22T14:39:00.005-04:00

This is just a short post.

I have recently discovered the TV show Army Wives and have been watching it online each morning. I think it is a great show. In Canada, it is just new to the airwaves and they are starting it at the beginning. But once I saw the first episode last Sunday, I had to watch more. So I found it online and found out there is 4 seasons of it. Needless to say I am now on Season 2...I HIGHLY recommend it.

I finished these beautiful socks. They are knit using Yarn Love Juliet in the Sugared Grapefruit colourway. The colour is an exclusive WoolGirl Sock Club colour. The pattern is Laeticia. I used 2 .75 mm needles and knit them 2 at a time with Magic loop.

I changed the cuff to be a picot edge instead of the rolled cuff that the pattern had stated, and am really happy I did so. The design starts in the back and travels down and around the leg to the instep.

I really enjoyed knitting these socks and I especially Love the yarn. It has a great stitch defination. I will definately use it again.
Happy Knitting!

Best Friends....

2010-04-14T17:51:00.002-04:00

This is a wonderful video....it made me cry!

It is Definately worth watching...

Photo Catch up...

2010-03-27T10:45:00.017-04:00

Here are the photos of the projects that I completed during Ravelympics, Sock Wars and Test Knitting...

My Ravelympics projects were of the Shawl kind. I was part of Team Sketchy.

I knit The Shawl of Cables using Berroccos Ultra Alpaca in a purple heather colourway. I LOVE this shawl. It was a challenge since the chart was confusing, but I persevered and completed it.

I also managed to finish my La Cumparsita Shawl that I started back in October....This is an elegant shawl that I think will look stunning with a little black dress. Now I just need to go out somewhere so I can wear it! *LOL*

For SockWars, I ended up knitting 2 complete from scratch pairs of socks in the "Don't Box Me In" pattern.

And in return I received a pair of Death Socks knit in the same pattern...They were dyed just for me. The colour is perfect!

I also knit DH a pair of basic ribbed socks because I was knitting for me. This way it keeps him happy and me too!

I also Test Knit a pattern for a pair of socks for a designer on Ravelry. I used Fiesta Baby Boom yarn in the Snow colourway. I really like this yarn.

That about brings you all up to date on my knitting habit!
Happy Days...

I'm Dead!

2010-03-05T17:23:00.003-05:00

Ok...for the past month I have been waiting for the Socks in Progress for Sock Wars. I have been reading the forums for Sock Wars on Ravelry and trashtalking with the best of them. Well today they FINALLY arrived...along with my Death Socks! UGH!!!

I knew as soon as I saw my mailman coning into my store with 2 packages that they were for me and not my mailbox customers. I don't know how I knew, but I just knew.

The socks are lovely. They were dyed a beautiful purple colour for me by Wonderrachel on Ravelry. She managed to get 1 sock knit before she was taken out...She then sent them off to eberkey, who in turned finished the other sock. They both did a wonderful job. I will always treasure my Death socks! To ease the blow I also received some candy 'Peeps' and a skein of Wendy Happy bamboo sock yarn. Thank you both.

So now I have to forward the SIP's onto the next assassin in line so that they can finish them and kill the recipient.

At least my knitting is now for my family and I and the time constraint is DEFINATELY not there anymore.

Rest in Peace and Keep on knitting!

Still Alive!!

2010-02-16T06:59:00.002-05:00

Well I am still alive in Sock Wars. I have made 2 official kills and I am awaiting the Socks in Progress from my recently dead Target....

I have joined in the Ravelympics competition. I am working on a New shawl and going to complete a shawl taht I started in October.
I will post pictures later....

Keep on Knitting!

Death Socks Deployed!

2010-02-03T17:28:00.004-05:00

I finally received the skein of yarn from my original target in Washington State. The yarn is lovely. She handdyed it different shades of purple. The yarn is from wool2dye4.com and is their Platinum sock yarn.

That was Thursday, January 28th. I called a friend and she came over to my store with her ball winder, so we could wind the yarn. I wanted to cast on during the day. I chose to knit the same pattern that I used for my first kill! By Friday evening I was at the heel flap. Of course this was the weekend that I was at work and then Saturday evening we had a dinner function to attend, so alas not much knitting time then! UGH!!!

I managed to turn the heel on Saturday, while working and getting ready for our dinner outing (which was a great time BTW!)

Sunday morning I woke up and started knitting. DH made breakfast and lunch for me while I continued to knit. We watched lots of movies that day. I was a knitting maniac! It is a good job my kids are 17 & 18...they know how to fend for themselves, since they were literally orphans on Sunday! *LOL*

I finally finished the Death socks for KnittingJo in Australia around dinner time on Sunday. I was thrilled how they turned out. The yarn was great to work with and the colours are great! I hope Jo likes them. I also sent some swag with them, when I mailed them out Monday morning. So hopefully she Receives them soon....

Happy Knitting!

I'm Still Alive!!!

2010-01-27T17:38:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I heard that my Assassin was killed yesterday and that she didn't quite finish my Death Socks. She will be mailing the Socks In Progress (SIP) tomorrow to her assassin to finish.

The yarn from my Target is on it's way to me, to start knitting the socks to kill my Target's Target.

Hopefully the yarn will get here before the weekend, that way I can get the pair started and completed. If the yarn arrives next week it will be a stretch to get them finished and mailed off to Australia.

I just have to hurry up and wait now....so in the meantime I started a pair of Embossed leaves socks...

Knit on...War is Hell....or at least Warm Socks! *LOL*

Let the Battle Begin...

2010-01-25T10:19:00.004-05:00

OK, so Sock Wars officially started on January 15th at 8 pm. The 4 Sketchies who were entered decided to get together and have a Cast-On party of sorts. One of our beloved warriors was not able to attend but we had cheerleaders....there were 3 warriors and 6 cheerleaders! Man, you gotta love our Sketchy support system!

We got the support to cast on the Death socks and we had lots of nibbly treats as well! There were 4 patterns to choose from. I chose the "Don't Box Me In" pattern. It has a bit of lace design to it, without being too, too.

My Target is in Washington state and has a size 9 foot. I started with the ribbing using Trekking Hand Art Flame yarn in the Borneo (560) colourway. I wasn't sure at first about using that yarn but as the sock progressed I really didn't want to send it off! I fell in love with the pattern and the colour.

The pattern was well written and simple to follow. I left our Cast-on party to return home where I continued to knit for a few hours. Saturday morning I awoke at 9am and started knitting. DH kindly made me coffee and breakfast so that I could continue the battle. Lunch and dinner were also offered...

Said Battle raged on for the balance of Saturday and then continued into Sunday. I believe that I finished the socks aroud dinner time Sunday. I got them all packaged up with a few treats and sent them off on Monday morning.

My Target received them on Wednesday, much to her demise. So here I sit waiting, a full week later for the socks in progress (well, yarn actually, as my Target didn't even start the socks for HER Target). OH I am now at the Mercy of the postal system. I only hope that my Assassin doesn't get MY death socks done and sent out to me before I get a chance to receive my Target's.

Well, I'm off to check the mail....hopefully I will still be alive for a few more days!

Christmas is Over ~ Sock Wars is About to Begin!

2010-01-11T00:16:00.006-05:00

WOW!! Now that Christmas is over I can finally relax and enjoy my non working time again! My business is packaging and shipping and since alot of people send gift to family and friends I was crazy busy during the month of December. It was really busy between Christmas and New Year's as well. But it has slowed a bit and I can breathe again at work.

I have been busy knitting. I knit shawls/scarves and slippers for Christmas, and a few hats too!

Almost everyone got something knitted this year, which was quite surprising since I was so busy at work.

Christmas dinner was at our house. This was my first Christmas dinner where we stayed home and cooked it. We had all of the in-laws over. Dinner was good, dessert was too much, but the company was enjoyable. After dinner we all went downstairs for the gift exchange. There was 6 females that I knit shawls for. Everyone opened their respective gifts and thanked me. One of them was not quite as enthusiastic as I would have liked. So I asked her if the shawl was ok? She replied with a meek 'Yes', but that she really didn't like the colour. One of the others mention that she Loved that colour, and then it began.....

I went upstairs and got 2 more shawls that I had made and offered them to whom ever wanted them. The basic rule was that they could leave with ONE shawl. I was not upset that they were less than happy with the one I had picked for them. I just wanted everyone to have one that they truly liked! Shawls were being tried on and tossed to each other to get a better look. at one point 2 of the women each had 2 shawls on. One was carefully hidden under the other in hopes that I wouldn't see it. No such luck! I made them each choose one! It was hilarious. DH was not really sure that the women were going to be into the shawls when I was knitting them. His 2 DD's were 2 of the recipients. But he was quite shocked at the carrying on and found it funny too.

In addition to everyone leaving with their shawls, 2 pairs of socks and a pair of fingerless gloves left with our guests.

I also found out from the neices and stepchildren that some of the gifts I have made in the past are STILL being used and are truly loved! Knowing THAT was my best gift this year!

Sock Wars is starting on January 15th. I received my dossier for my target today. There are 4 of us from my knitting group taking part. 2 vetrans and 2 newbies. It should be fun, we are getting together at one of the girls house on Friday evening to do a group cast on. DH will be at work Friday evening, and then he is going to the Motorcycle Show on Saturday, so I can knit all day! I do have to work for a few hours on Saturday but since I am the boss I can knit when no one is in the store! *LOL*

I will try to post some pictures soon. No promises though Since the War starts on Friday!

Keep on Knitting!

I Won A Camera!!

2009-11-26T17:32:00.002-05:00

Ok, so I have been looking at possibly getting a new camera for a few months now. I have a Fuji Z10 little orange camera that is fantastic. I love it...in fact I got one for DS and DD a few years ago for Christmas. They love it. Mine fits in my purse so I always have it handy. But I saw this really cute little Fuji Waterproof camera and decided that maybe it is time to get a new one.

This past summer DD was on her canoe trip and her little pink Fuji Z10 camera was damaged beyond repair. She decided that maybe I should give her my orange one and I buy the new one that I wanted. I thoguht it was a great idea, but the money just wasn't there so I have been waiting...I figured that Christmas was coming and that would make a great gift for me and she could have mine.

Last week DH comes home from work and hands me a little scrap of paper with a web address on it and tells me that I have to enter this contest. It is a contest that is giving away the VERY camera that I want....and hey, you never know I could win....I really have nothing to lose except a few minutes of my life....so I went to the website www.getyourfujiwet.ca and filled out the form. I submitted it and forgot about it...This past Monday I get a phone call at work from some lady at Fuji. She is telling me that I Won the camera and should be receiving an email as confirmation. WOO HOO!!! Honestly, I thought she was kidding at first...then I checked my email and THERE IT WAS... Notification from the FujiFilm Company informing me that I was won of their winners and that I should fill out the release form and send it back. She also told me that they would be announcing on FaceBook that I had won...

Well I did just that. I signed what I had to, and then told me that I would be receiving my new camera in about a week or so. THAT was Monday...on Wednesday morning, my shiny new camera arrived!!! I was so impressed and excited. I charged the battery right away and started to check out my NEW underwater camera. It is AWESOME!!! I will definately be posting some great pictures in the near future...

FujiFilm is giving away a free underwater Z33WP camera a day from November 9 to December 24th and all you have to do is fill out the form!!!

Thanks Fuji. I love my NEW camera and DD loves her NEW old camera...*LOL*

Maybe my luck is starting to change for the better!

Knitting Quick Things!

2009-10-15T09:16:00.007-04:00

OK. I have to admit I have been very busy knitting. I am trying to get my Christmas gifts knit and feel that I am on my way...

I decided this year that the smaller shawl slash scarf was the thing to knit. So far I have completed 4... I also have a Clapotis and a pair of socks done....just need to decide who is getting what.

I decided that the Aestlight shawl that I knit for the Sketchy KAL is going to be given to someone.

I also knit Traveling Woman, 198 yards of Heaven, Ishbel and am currently finishing up the Dandy Neckerchief. They have all been fairly fast and simple but I think they look great. I was hoping to get a few more done for the 'teenagers' on my list.

Traveling Woman and Ishbel were knit using Silky Wool that I bought off of Kirsty. Ishbel is knit in a Pink colour and Traveling Woman is a dark purple. Each Shawl took less than 2 skeins of yarn. I was quite pleased with how they turned out.

I haven't taken a picture of 198 Yards of Heaven yet. It is blocking as I type this. I will try to get it uploaded tomorrow. I used Estelle 100% Silk for this one. I had a few balls leftover from my Corset top that was made a while ago. I used a larger needle than was suggested so I used about 220 yards instead.

I am now working on the Dandy Neckerchief...it is knit using Cascades 220 Heather in a teal colour. Talk about fast...I started this one last night and only have a few more repeats to go before I cast off. I should be finished this evening! At this rate I may get my Christmas knitting complete well in advance! Woo Hoo!

I am also working on a shawl for me. I want to wear it to DH's work Christmas dinner / party at the end of November. I started Night Blooms but am having second thoughts about it as I am using fingering weight yarn and I think that one should really be done in the DK weigh. I am going to give Cumparsita a try. I was originally going to do it but then decided that I liked the Night Blooms better. Not happening...

My knitting group, The Sketchy Knitters decided back in January that we were going to knit some squares to be sewn into blankets for charity. I have completed all of them to date, but only have photos of 4 of them...

Sorry about the crappy pictures. I really need to work on improving them. Each square is a different month in the overall pattern. I have also learned how to read a chart now as a result of doing these squares. The designer has incorporated a new technique into each month. Cabling without a needle was another learned technique.

This past weekend was our Canadian Thanksgiving. I had 3 glorious days off. The weather was good, we got all our outside household chores done. Gardening, lawn cut, and pool closed. Dinner was in there as well. We went to SIL's on Sunday for a ham and scalloped potato dinner. It was nice. Monday DH cooked our own turkey. An 18lb turkey for 4 of us....we had it all...turkey, mashed potatos, turnip, gravy, stuffing and pumpkin pie. There was so much leftover that I put enough in the freezer for 2 future meals. We ate it the next day and I made soup as well. You gotta love a turkey!

My pumpkin pie was a hit as well. I made a few extra tarts for my father as he loves my pies and pastry, but since I didn't have enough fixings for another pie, tarts it was. They were delivered the next morning and probably eaten before I was down the road. *LOL*

So now after that we are all back to work as usual. There are no more long weekend until Christmas...too bad!

Keep on knitting!

The Great Hunting/Knitting Trip

2009-10-01T10:15:00.011-04:00

It's that time of year again...hunting season. I just returned home this past weekend from my great hunting slash knitting trip.

I went last year with DH to northern Ontario to hunt moose. Well MY original plan was to get away and just knit for the week, but the closer the departure date got, the more I thought I should try to get my hunting license. So the week befroe we left last year I took the Hunter Safety Education and Firearms Safety Course and passed. I was now armed with a license to kill. I didn't know if I could ACTUALLY do it but I was allowed.

DH decided that it would be cool to take a few pictures with my Sock Wars mug. So you will see them here and from time to time in my pictures!

So as this years hunting season approached I realized that I truly wanted to go again. I made all the arrangements to have everyone looked after while I was gone, kids, dog, business (THAT was no simple task either, as the person who was going to do it cancelled at the last minute) BUT my BEST friend Della, stepped up and took my herd in so that I could get the much needed sanity break!

The day we were leaving, DH and I packed everything in the truck. It was a FULL truck. Hunting clothes, regular clothes, bows, guns, sleeping bags and Knitting , of course. I had packed about 5 projects to take on this trip. I figured that I had a nine hour drive there, the time I was away and a nine hour drive home. Was 5 going to be enough? Sure it was.....

We were off, only an hour and a half late but that was okay. I was knitting 198 yards of Heaven. A small triangular scarf. It was knit using Silky wool that I had bought from a fellow Raveler.

The drive up to hunt camp was uneventful. We arrived around 7:30ish...just in time for dinner! What luck.

This is one of the beavers that I saw.

The weeks, daily routines consisted of us getting up in the morning, some, (there were 8 of us), got up early and went out to hunt, others got up around 8 and just puttered around camp for the morning, 10:30 was breakfast. We ate so much bacon on this trip that I have had withdrawl symptoms. Once breaky was done, we were free to do what ever we wanted. Some of the guys went fishing, others went scouting and others puttered around camp and sighted in their guns. DH and I did a bit of each. I killed a few golf balls, sighting in my gun. It was great fun...

This is Timbert, the Moose in Timmins, Ontario. Unfortunately, HE was the only moose I saw this trip.

I decided that once I arrive in camp I would knit a pair of socks. Last year I had mentioned to the other woman there, D, that I would eventually knit her a pair of socks. Well, this was the year. I started on the Sunday. I just knit a simple 2 x 2 rib for the leg and a plain foot. The kicker was that D wanted knee socks. So I adjusted the stitch count and kept checking them against her legs. I used a Finnish Sock yarn that I had received in a swap. The socks turned out to be pretty good. They fit her perfectly and she was thrilled to have a custom made pair. A few comments were made wondering who I was going to knit the next pair of socks for...I had said that maybe I should make that a tradition, that each year someone different gets a pair of socks knit for them. They were in agreement....

I saw quite a few different animals this year. Not as many as last though. I walked by a young lynx, we saw beavers, loons, a young bald eagle and a full grown adult one. (It was gorgeous and so majestic) I thought of all my US friends out there when I saw him fly over!

I got to go out in a small motorized fishing boat and in a canoe. I haven't been in a canoe since I was about 8 at Girl Guide Camp. The scenery was lovely.

While I sat in the bush waiting for the moose to walk by (no, I didn't see one at all!) I read a few books, knit a few projects and generally had a great relaxing time. Being in the forest/bush is relaxing and peaceful, not quiet...but peaceful!

I was very sad on our last day. I really didn't want to come home. I could have stayed there longer. DH and I packed up the truck again and headed out for home. I knit almost the whole ride home. I was working on the 2009 Charity Afghan squares that the Sketchy Knitters are making. I even had a woman in a passing vehicle wave at me as she pulled out her knitting!

Work the next day was a bit difficult, to say the least...Reality sucks!

Before I left I finished the socks I was knitting for DS's friend. The are just a plain basic sock knit using Schoeller+Stahl Fortissima Socka Bamboo yarn in a blue colourway.

Knitting Night was this week as well. It was nice to see everyone. We are planning a road trip at the end of this month that will include a few yarn stores and a winery or 2.

Well I have rambled enough for now.

Keep on knitting!

An Award! Woo Hoo!!!!

2009-09-11T11:32:00.003-04:00

Thank you, Nancy from A Little Bit Wired for sending me this Domestic Witch Blog Award!

I have never received one before, so this is quite exciting! I am not very magical but I can be really Crafty.....
I will follow the rules and pass this onto 3 other deserving Magical Crafty people!

A :-) from Knit and Run

Paula from A Piper Knits

Zonda from Z Knits

Thank you again Nancy!

Point to Ponder....

2009-09-09T14:25:00.003-04:00

This is just going to be a short blog post today....
I was just wondering how 2 people who grew up in the same household, with the same parents, same experiences can be so different in their lifestyle choice and parenting style.
I mean really, how does one sibling become indifferent to the same rules and teachings that they grew up with and yet the other one tries to live by them...
Now don't get me wrong...the upbringing was not rigid or strict unless the situation warranted it. The home was well kept, the children were in activities and looked after. So to stray that far from it is beyond my thinking.....
I just don't get how they can be THAT different.....is it really Nature vs. Nurture? Maybe after they leave home? Is one stronger than the other or is it something else? I don't know.....
Point to Ponder.....

Here We Go Again!

2009-08-31T14:10:00.010-04:00

Ok, I have been busy knitting alot of things...Oh Yea and getting ready for school to start and for me to go hunting with DH!. I am looking forward to my trip up north with him again. I have a few knitting project already picked out to bring with me.

DD is taking part, first semester in The Bronte Creek project. It is a leadership program that focuses on the environment. She will earn 4 high school credits and learn alot. She is really looking forward to it.

DS is going to go back for one more year of High school as he would like to take 2 more sciences and a math. He figures that if he takes those credits then he will have NO problem getting into Memorial university for Oceanography / Marine Biology. He is going to go to the school that he went to for grades 9 & 10. That school id about a 1/2 hour drive from where we are now but he wants to take music as well and they have a Wonderful music program and very inspiring teacher as well! So who am I to argue!

I have repaired - darned - sewn a pair of Highland Dance hose for a dancer, that had numerous holes and a few split seams. I couldn't match the colour of yarn so I had to spin a few yards in order to fix them.

I have also made a few more hammered copper shawl pins for our Etsy site, SKWD Creations.

My knitting group is in the process of doing a Shawl KAL. I decided to knit the Aestlight Shawl in a dark blue yarn that is really nice. The yarn is Curious Creek Fibers Wasonga in the colourway Old Kinsale. I received the yarn from the WoolGirl Sock Club. The pattern knit up VERY fast. The center triangle is straight knitting (garter stitch), It doesn't get any faster than that. We started the KAL on August 20th and the goal was to have 5 inches of our respective shawls done by our next gathering (2 weeks later), well I am done. I will definately knit another shawl for this KAL, as the Aestlight one was too quick in my mind. Lovely, but quick!

The one I want to do is La Cumparsita. One of the others in my knitting group is doing it and I absolutely love it. I want to wear it for my DH's Christmas party. I think it would look stunning with a black dress. The colour that I want to knit it in is Veronica, a black/purple/pink colourway by Dizzy Blonde Studios.

I also started a pair of socks. The pattern is written in Finnish. It is called Bombadil. One of the girls in the Sketchy knitters made them and translated the pattern. I like how they are turing out. They have trailing leaves on them.

I also started a plain sock for DS's friend. They are in a self striping yarn.

I finished the Clapotis. It turned out okay. I ran out of the original dyed yarn and had to use part of the make up skein but unless you are looking for the difference you will never notice. I did okay with regards to attempting to match the kool-aid dyed yarn. I am pretty impressed with myself! I made the clapotis a bit longer that the pattern called for. It is not as wide as I thought it was going to be when I blocked it. I may give it to someone for a christmas gift. I haven't decided yet. Either way I am happy with the way it turned out.

I will try to post a few picutres either today or tomorrow.
Keep on Knitting!

August Already!!!

2009-08-10T15:45:00.008-04:00

Well here I go again! It has been too long since my last post. I have been busy again though...blah, blah...not what you want to hear...oh well sorry!

Here goes....

The socks that I was working on last post for DD's friends mom are done and gifted. She loves them. She was so shocked that I would consider giving her a pair of knitted socks....I love to knit them and then give them away. I feel good inside...so in reality I am selfish for doing it since I get something out of it too! I will post a picture of the completed socks tonight.... The pattern was Copper Penny socks from the book Knitting with HandPainted Yarn. I changed from the Blackrose pattern that I started with. I didn't like how it looked with the yarn. The yarn was Fleece Artist Merino 2/6 in a lovely red, pink and yellow colourway! The yarn was very soft and I enjoyed knitting with this yarn.

The next pair I knit was for DD's Friend, D. He made a comment to me one day that IF I wanted to knit him a pair of socks that he would love them forever.....I told him probably not for a while and when I found out that he had size 13.5 feet. I figured it would be a LONG while! LOL But the suck that I am I decided to knit his pair next...OMG do you know how long it takes to knit a 13.5 sock....TOO BLOODY LONG!!!! But since I gave him the pair on Friday, I don't think he has taken them off! He really likes them too. The pattern was Barcelona by Helen Waites. I only knit the pattern on the leg portion of the sock, not the top of the foot. The yarn was ONline SuperSock 100.

I have no trouble knitting for people who are appreciative. It really does make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

I also started a Clapotis. I do believe that I am the last person on the planet to knit one of these...

I am using KnitPicks Gloss yarn in the sock weight. It started out as being the colour Porcini, but I decided that I wanted it to be a purple colour...so I Koolaid dyed it. It is a heathery burgundy colour with some dark purple bits and brighter pink bits. I am happy with the colour that it turned but I was an idiot and only dyed 3 out of the 4 skeins (don't ask...). I tried to dye the lone skein and it came close but not quite, so I think once I have it all finished I will over dye the Clapotis a darker purple...since that was what I originally wanted in the first place. Neither picture is really the true colour. I am making great progress on it. I believe that I am 8 repeats into the main section. It is a very quick knit, with just enough interest to keep you awake.

I am trying to get this done before my next Sketchy get together as we are starting a Shawl KAL. We are all going to do a different shawl but we will have to be accountable to each other in order to get it done. I can hardly wait to see what everyone pick to knit, and the yarn that they are going to use. I am going to knit the Aestlight Shawl using Curious Creek Fibers Wasonga in the Old Kinsale colourway. It is a dark blue yarn that looks so rich and feel so soft.

Also, since my last post, my 2 kids have been on and returned from their 17 day canoe trip in the Temagami area with their Youth Group. There was 15 of them in the group this time and my 2 were amongst them. They had a blast. Unfortunately it rained a good portion of their trip but then being teenagers I don't think that hampered them in any way shape or form. They canoed about 250kms over the 17 days. They had rest days and paddling days, but mostly they had fun days. They were so tired and dirty when they got home...I couldn't tell where the tan ended and the dirtline began! *LOL*

While DD & DS were away, DH was on afternoon shift and that left me alone every evening. So I went visiting. I was at Della's house a few evenings, we worked on the knitting machine, trying to make the highland argyle socks for our dancers. Della came over to my house and we got a few things cleaned up and moved around. and I had a Sketchy Knitting night. The time passed quickly but was enjoyable and I got alot accomplished...

Well that is about it for now.
Happy Knitting...

Grad, Knitting, Driving and Life in General...

2009-07-15T10:17:00.007-04:00

This post is going to be picture heavy...sorry but alot has gone on in my world this past month and I have to show you.

First off...DS Graduated from High School! Yea!!! Grade 12 is done with...Woo Hoo! He received a scholarship award from the Burlington Lions club for community service. What a surprise for him. He was thrilled. (So was Mom! *LOL*)

Now on to the next part of his life...except that the next part includes doing another year of high school...Oh well, he WANTS to do this. He needs a few more science credits to be accepted to the university he wants to go to. So I say 'YEA!' for another year of high school. Saves me a few dollars this year! LOL

Now for the Knitting...

I have been busy and here is the proof...

I received my WoolGirl Sock Club kits. One of them went MIA so Jen sent me a new one. It is gorgeous! The yarn is Curious Creek and the colourway is Kinsale. The blue is Beautiful!

The other kit that I received was the 'It's Raining Cats & Dogs' theme. It was a really fun kit as well. The yarn is Dream in Colour Smooshy and is a brindle sort of colour similar to Tigers fur. The goodies that were also included are great! What fun Jen must have had putting these together!

I received a pair of Air Raid socks as my Death socks for Sock Wars and a friend loved them so much I had to knit her a pair! Here they are. They are knit using Malabrigo sock yarn and a 2.75mm Addi Circular needle. I love them and I know she does too!

I also wanted to try the Insidious pattern from Sock Wars, so once I died I decided to give them a try. Here they are. I knit them using KnitPicks Essential Kettle Dyed yarn in the gold colourway. They turned out pretty good. I like the 'strong' heel that the pattern uses. These were the first cables that I have ever done on a sock...

I also decided that I wanted to try to knit a shrug. So I decided to give the Cropped Raglan Sweater a try. I really like this and it was very easy and fast! I knit it out of dish cloth cotton. It is soft and I figure that it will wash like a rag, which in my world is a good thing! I even got to use my shawl pin that I made.

I also reknit the button band on my Mr. Greenjeans Sweater as it wasn't sitting right. It is blocking right now. The girls at my Sketchy Knit Night helped me to fix what I needed to so it would look okay. I love those girls!

DD's best friend's mom is going through some trying times right now in her personal life right now and I wanted to do something for her. A little while ago she commented on a pair of socks that I was knitting and how much she liked them so I decided to knit a pair for her! I know hand knit socks can't fix all the problems in the world right now, but if we keep on knitting them maybe one day they will! At the very least they make someone smile.

I am using Fleece Artist sock yarn in a colour that I picked up from Linda's Craftique last Saturday. The pattern is Blackrose. It has a little bit of a lace look without being too busy.

Last Saturday was a crazy day in my world. I think I drove all over Hell's Half Acre then. I had top be in 3 places that day. I was supposed to go to Chatham for a Highland Dance competition to seel dance shoes but Della didn't have anyone to look after her dogs for the day. And it was going to be a LONG day! So I volunteered to stay home and tend to the hounds. She went with her DD. They had a good networking day.

DH went to his brother's annual golf tournament in Guelph. They call it 'Puke and Putt 2009'. It is the 14th annual one and with a name like that you can guess how much fun they have.

I was also going to meet up with Kirstie from my knitting group at her LYS and visit there for a while.

So here's how my day went...I got up and drove DH to Guelph for 9:30ish (about an hour drive) then headed back to Oakville to tend to the dogs (mine included). (about an hour drive). I hung out with the hounds (Hasia, Betty, Lucy and Tiger) about 2 hours and got some knitting done. It was a nice sunny day and we sat outside...well I sat, they ran and flopped!

I got a call from Kirstie saying that she was leaving her place and that if I wanted to get ready soon she would meet me at the yarn store. That was about 2ish. So I left the dogs and headed out to the next city over. (about a 20 minute drive) I arrived a bit before Kirstie and met my Sock Wars assassin, MarionK. Apparently it is common for people to hang out at their LYS on a Saturday. What a great afternoon I had. There was coffee and cake, great company, as well as the Yummy yarns. It doesn't get any better than that! I think we finally left at about 5:30ish. I know we closed the store.

I headed back to check on the dogs and to pick up my Tiger....After staying with the dogs for about 45 minutes I got the phone call from DH telling me it was time to head back up to Guelph (another hours drive) to pick him up. So I called Della to tell her that I was leaving the dogs alone again (she was on her way home at that point) and headed out to my home to drop off Tiger.

I got to Guelph about 8:30, stayed for about a 1/2 hour, said 'Hi' to everyone that I knew and we, (DH and I), headed home (another hours drive). We got home around 10ish. I was done! I had a great day but I figure I drove about 350kms. I am glad that the golf tournament only happens once a year. I much prefer being a passenger in a vehicle as I get to knit. This driving alot sucks!

This is a picture of Tiger the next day! He was so tired after his day of visiting his girlfriends that he couldn't hold his own head up...he had to use his hedgehog...LOL

On that note...I have rambled enough...Happy Knitting!

Where Has June Gone?

2009-06-18T10:27:00.004-04:00

Ok, here we are more than half way through June and the weather is still crappy! WTH is going on...

I have been crazy busy this month...we have had tattoo practices, the actual tattoo, school functions, knitting night, work, dance classes, a dance competition and just about every other evening out of the house. I would like school to be over, dance classes to be done and my evenings to be my own again! Soon, very soon....

This coming weekend we are out at a family surprise function and then next week is knitting night and DS's Graduation from High School. There has been a bit of a kerschmuffle about knitting night as most of our little group will not be attending on Thursday...due to different reasons, (mine being DS's Grad!) so we have decided to switch ourt evening to the Wednesday evening. WOO HOO!! That means that I get to go this time! I really hate missing it. It's funny how much you notice when you miss it.

Well this past weekend DD was involved again with the Canadian International Military Tattoo in Hamilton, Ontario. She was one of many tattoo dancers who did an excellent job!

Meanwhile, Della and I went to Windsor on Saturday for a dance competition....we went to sell Ghillies. Our company, The Tartan Ghillie, was asked to attend to sell the dance shoes. The dance competiton was a small one but held in a lovely setting. It was at Fort Malden in Amherstberg.

I did quite a bit of knitting as well. I am on the sleeves of my Mr. Greenjeans sweater and have turned the heel on the Insidious socks. I have also knit the June square for our Sketchy group charity blanket. I even knit an extra May square and learned to cable without a needle! THAT was very exciting and way quicker!

Happy Knitting!

Grad, Prom and Knitting, of Course!

2009-06-09T11:25:00.005-04:00

Today is Tuesday...I am not feeling very creative but I thought that I should probably update my blog!

Quite a bit has actually happened since I last blogged.

DS has been to Prom in May and the Grad Dinner and Dance the other evening. He went with the same girl to both events. She is a friend of his. They had a good time at Grad and a funny time at Prom. Grad is run by the teachers and school and Prom is run by the students....One had supervision and the other...not so much! There were apparently kids at Prom totally smashed...so much so that their limo ride home left! Not my kid...he drove my vehicle and was responsible. So were his immediate friends. I was very proud of them!

Here is a picture of DS dressed for his Grad Dinner and Dance. He is turning out to be a good looking, responsible person. (well almost!)

This is DS & his date for Grad D & D

This is DS and his date for Prom. They look really cute together!

On the knitting front...I have been working on the Mr. Greenjeanssweater for me! I am using Cascades 220 in the Ruby colour. The picturee is really off with the colour. It is a deeper cooler red. I love it.

I am to the point wehre I have to decide if it is long enough for me so I decided to wait till tomorrow's Knit Night to get some opinions from the Sketchy Girls!

Hugs & Kisses Socks....I FINALLY finished them for DH. I started them back in April but ran out of yarn as DH has wide feet. I emailed a few people on Ravelry and got 2 responses ffrom people who were willing to send me their scraps of the same colour yarn. Man! I LOVE Ravelry for things like that. There are some Wonderful Knitters out there who are willing to help you even if it is just with a scrap of yarn! Gotta love knitter!

The Socks were knit using Cascades Heritage Paints yarn in the Thunder colourway using 2.5mm Addi's. I modified Cookie A's, Milo pattern from her new book, Sock Innovation. I only used the back X & O ribbing from it. The rest of the sock is plain ribbing. They fit DH really well.

I also started the Sock Wars sock pattern Insidious. I like it alot and was tempted to give it a try as my killer socks but decided that I wasn't up to the challenge of the left and right socks being different. So I started it the other day! I am using a semi solid yarn from Knitpicks. It is Kettle dyed fingering yarn in the gold colour. I will post pictures later if I get a chance.

Tomorrow evening is my Sketchy Knitting Night. I am really looking forward to it! Ilike getting together with the girls, we talk, knit and laugh!

Well that is about all for now.

Happy Knitting!

We Have Knitting and Death! LOL

2009-05-12T10:37:00.011-04:00

OK, So I haven't blogged for a bit BUT I have been knitting ALOT!

The date above is wrong too...it is May 20th, 2009. I started this on May 12th but didn't get it finished so Ignore that date!

I finished a pair of socks from the book '2 at a Time Socks'. The pattern is called Twilight. The yarn is Fannie's Fingering Weight in the colourway 'Grapes on a Vine'. I loved how this yarn looked in the skein but when knit up...not quite as much. Don't get me wrong I like these socks but the colours were more intense when it was in the skein form. I do like this pattern. I didn't get alot of pooling and it was really easy to remember the pattern. Fast too!

NEXT...

I knit 2 hot water bottle covers for a friend. One for her and the other for her son. They are both knit using left over yarn from my Christmas gifts. One just has a few stripes on it and the other has a dragonfly on it. My friend Loves and collects Dragonflies...who am I to judge, I collect all things Moose! *LOL*

DH's Durrow Sweater Is finished!

I had to modify the neck and make it a bit smaller. I followed the pattern and it came out like a boat neck...NOT something DH would wear but after I fixed it. It is just fine! Now we are waiting for the cooler weather for him to wear it. I really like the sleeves. They were my first cables. I think I did okay on them.

Next...is Sock Wars. I killed, then I died!

I knit a pair of socks for my target who lives in the next town over. I started Friday evening and finished in them VERY late Saturday evening. They were knit using TOFUtsies yarn in the colourway 930. The pattern was designed by the person running Sock Wars and is called Barcelona. It was a fun, quick knit!

AND Finally I received MY Death Socks from my assassin who just happens to live in the next city over as well. I think I was the only participant that had the opportunity to hand deliver her targets socks and had her assassin hand deliver her socks! I made the First kill and died the next day! LOL

My Death socks were knit using Malabrigo Sock Yarn in a purple colourway. The pattern is Air Raid...another pattern designed for Sock Wars. They are lovely socks!

That's it for now!

Happy Knitting! To those in Sock Wars....R.I.P.

Mom...Forever in my Heart!

2009-05-06T20:28:00.007-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday. She would have been 67 this year. Instead of celebrating, I am missing her dearly. She has been gone 17 years now. She died of ALS (Lou Gehrigs Disease). It is a Horrible way to die. They say it is like being buried alive in your own body. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

I still miss her every day...she was one of my best friends, someone I could talk to about anything. We used to go to craft stores and the different festivals together. She taught me how to sew, knit, do a variety of other creative things, as well as all the things a mother teaches her daughter. She truly was an amazing woman.

I was 25 when she passed. I have come to the conclusion that no matter how old you are...you never stop needing your mother. There are so many things that I want to ask her and that I could learn from her.

My son was 9 months old when she died. He was the light in her eyes. We would go and visit 5 or 6 days a week. My mom would light up when we arrived. She couldn't talk but we found our ways to communicate. Grunting and blinking eyes. She loved holding my son, she could watch him for hours...

Unfortunately she never got to meet my daughter...she would have liked her, in fact I think my daughter is very much like my mother...I find it kind of humourous that my mom died telling me that I couldn't just have one child...and then I have another and she is JUST like my mom.

Most days I believe that everything happens for a reason, I don't always figure out that reason...my Mom passing away forced me to make some changes in my life. That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger....well, I have shoulders of steel!

The last 17 years have been hard for this girl without her mother. I have been at the bottom of the barrel and am now holding my own! I lost everything I once had, with the exception of my children. I believe that my mother instilled in me a strength that I didn't know I had until after she died. Its funny how that works...You truly don't know what you have until it is gone...I miss You, Mom...Every day!!

I now tend to watch how other people interact with their mothers. I have come to the conclusion that most people don't appreciate their moms. They don't have the time to spend with her or they don't treat her the way she should be treated. This Mother's Day I want everyone who still has their mother around to REALLY look at your mom and appreciate her and all that she does...some day your mother will be gone too!

And for those who don't get along with their mother...try! Think about it...it really is a short term problem! Once she is gone you can't get her back to say what you want....It truly is final!

On that note I want to wish all the mothers out there A very Happy Mother's Day!

Wireless....Awesome!

2009-04-14T10:43:00.004-04:00

Ok, so here I am sitting in a coffee shop in Milton, working on the Internet! This new fangled technology is wonderful. There are no pictures in this post, as my camera cable is at home. I will try to post a few pictures later.

I had to take my vehicle in the my mechanic today because it has been making this wickedly loud noise and my check engine light is on...it sounds like a jet taking off whenever I drive. I arrived at the auto shop this morning and Doug, (my mechanic), gets in my van and takes it for a ride. He can tell within the first 100 yards what the problem is. He is amazing! I need a new wheel bearing. Apparently it is not a good thing to need.,. BUT he reassured me that my wheel won't fall off as I am driving it around for the next few hours until the part arrives.

I decided to take DH's laptop with me today since I knew I would be waiting around and had some work that I could get done. I also brought my knitting with me...big shocker!

I am finished the Durrow sweater ....well as much as I can do on my own...I am taking it to my Knitting Knite on Wednesday to have Guru Beth to show me what to do next.

So in the meantime, I started a pair of socks for DH. I am using the Cascades Handpainted sock yarn that I showed you in a previous post. The colourway is 'Thunder'. It ia a great colour and DH reallys likes it. I was going to try one of the socks from Cookie A's new book but I was having trouble increasing the cast on stitches for DH's foot. The sock that I was going to do was one with cables on it. DH really liked the fact that there were X's & O's running down the back of the sock. Hugs & kisses is what he thought! So I am doing a 2 x 2 rib with that pattern on the back. It is turning out pretty cool...I have a complete O and half of an X done so far...

Well, I am meeting a friend for lunch so I should hit the road for now...

Happy Knitting...

I Got It Figured Out...

2009-04-06T10:30:00.003-04:00

OK, so since I last blogged, I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong with the sleeves on the Durrow Sweater....Well Della arrived and we I figured it out. I was reading the chart wrong...I was reading it from right to left every row instead of right to left then left to right! OMG!! It was something so silly that neither Della or Beth even thought about it. I have never used a chart before, but now that I figured it out....well I may do it again! DH is very happy that his sweater is not going to be totally Amish...LOL

Here are the sleeves. I am so impressed that I did this! I think it looks great for my first cables.

I have one more repeat to do then I close the cables and attached the sleeves to the rest of the sweater! Woo Hoo!

Below is a picture of the basement floor. It was originally a Fred Flintstone hearth that we ripped out. Now it is beautiful hardwood floor. There will eventually be a gas stove on it. This was my FIRST attempt ever at laying down hardwood flooring....and I am pretty happy with the results! It looks great and solves the problem that we had.

Next step is calling for quotes to have the stove installed....I'll keep you posted!

Happy Knitting!

Next...

2009-03-27T17:51:00.006-04:00

The other day a friend and her brother stopped into my store for a visit. She brought me a Sarbucks Latte, she had a coffee, and her brother had a caramel apple drink of some sort. It smelled really good. We all enjoyed our drinks and after we were done, M (the brother), let Tiger lick his Caramel Apple cup. Well that was it....Tiger cleaned that cup, we could have brought it back to Starbucks, it was that clean...

The REALLY funny part was that Tiger wouldn't put the cup down. He carried it around my store for 45 minutes. We laughed the whole time and took a few pictures. It was Hilarious... DD thought that maybe he could be the next Starbuck's Rep.! I love this picture...but you can't see the logo...

Here is another pair of the Blender socks. These are knit using leftover bits of blue yarn that I had from the many pairs that I have knit over the years. They started out being for DH but I used a 2.25mm needle on them and they wouldn't go over his instep....OOOPS, they are now mine! I really like them. I found that using the 2.25mm needles the knit fabric is very sturdy, and I love the way the yarns mingled together. It looks like it is one yarn only!

I really love this pattern however, these will be my last pair of Blenders for a while. I have a few skeins of gorgeous yarn that I want to knit with next. The next pair is definately for DH, since I messed the last pair up! I bought some Cascades Heritage Handpainted yarn in the colourway 'Thunder'. This is not a great picture...the colours really do remind me of a thunder storm!

DH is looking forward to these ones! I am not sure of the pattern for them yet, as DH won't wear anything to fussy. But I think this yarn deserves more than just a ribbing on the socks.

On the Durrow Sweater front. OMG! I don't know what I am doing wrong but there is DEFINATELY something happening there... I knit the front and back without a problem, but then who can't knit a 4 x 2 rib...LOL.

NO... my problem is with the sleeves and the wandering cable that is on them. I knit the first chart 18 rows and I thought there was something a little off. I looked on Ravelry at the other projects and my sleeves did NOT look like theirs. So I called my Durrow Guru, Beth, because she has made this sweater before. I stopped by her place on Wednesday and she had a look at it and...Yep, I was right...there was something wrong! Well she frogged it....no she RIPPED it back and highlighted the chart and sent me on my way with her DH's sweater so I could SEE what it was supposed to look like. I thought this was a great idea. I get home and start again...DH is sitting next to me, happy that I am working on his sweater again. I followed the pattern to the symbol, exactly, there was NO WINE involved, I swear, nothing! Just me, the chart, needles and the yarn. I get to row 10 this time and I look at it....OMG!!!!!!!! Again there is something wrong...so I put it away, poured a glass of wine and called Della. She told me not to touch it till she saw me 2 days later and she would have a look at it.

Fast forward to Friday evening....I see Della....and YEP! I did something wrong! She RIPPED it back this time...and since it was late and I was very tired we decided that I would leave it till I see her later today so she can Watch me knit the cable. She thinks that maybe I am twisting something. I don't think I am but then if I was doing it right I wouldn't have had to RIP it out twice!

So here I sit waiting for Della to arrive...

Happy Knitting!

It Never Fails To Amaze Me....

2009-03-25T09:33:00.003-04:00

How my body decides to give up when I have a day off! I have been sick AGAIN! It started on Sunday with a tickle in my throat, then by Sunday evening I had it pretty much full on...Monday was a bad day at work for my nose. It ran away...and then yesterday (my day off) I felt like crap. My body ached, my head was stuffed and I was coughing and sneezing. Then low and behold ...today I am back at work and feeling MUCH better. What's with that...?

On the knitting side...

I have been working on DH's Durrow sweater. I have the front and back completed and am working on the cabled sleeves. But I think I have done something wrong as it doesn't look quite like the rest of the projects on Ravelry. I have asked a friend, SPALC, to have a look at them since she has already finished this sweater for her DH. So hopefully I am just seeing things (since I have been sick) and I don't have to frog them out and start over again but if I do I want to do it soon since I only have about 4 inches done.

I am also working on the toe of the Blender socks in blue. WOO HOO I guess there are a few good things to being sick...I knit them all day yesterday. Well I knit them and napped! I should be finished this evening. I will post pictures tomorrow (hopefully).

On the basement reno side...

We got the panelling and trim up. It is not perfect but looks a whole lot better. We still have quite a bit of work to do but we are on our way. The tasks that we have left are to lay the wood floor, put trim on the floor between the carpet and wood floor, put the baseboard on, paint it all, have the gas stove hooked up and then re-stucco the top part of the wall.

Before we can lay the flooring we have to move the old wood stove...I swear it weighs a tonne. I can't lift it with DH. We need another body and DS & DD are really not the bodies to use. I may have to get my brother to come over and give us a hand. Maybe I will get him to come on the weekend so we can get it done!

The floor we are putting down is only going to be in the foot print of the previous hearth area. It will be butted up to the carpet. The wood we have for that area is an exotic hardwood. It is about the only thing exotic in my life! I am very much looking forward to having it all done. I really miss the woodstove but a gas one will be even better as I can just flick a switch to have it start. I was never really good at chopping the wood, and lighting the fire!

Hopefully the next time I post it will all be done....(are you going to hold your breath?)

Happy Knitting!

March Break Approaching!

2009-03-13T06:37:00.005-04:00

March break is approaching and DD & DS are BOTH going away for a week snowshoing with their youth group! I believe DH is laid off for yet another week! Even my friend, Della has March Break off. Apparently I am doing something wrong as I have to work! Oh well at least I have my 'Trusty Dog, Tiger' to keep me company at work.

Here are yet another pair of Blender Socks. This time they are for a Dance Mom Friend! They are knit using left over orange yarn. I really like how they turned out.

This is my woodstove and Fred Flintstone hearth that didn't pass the Insurance inspection. It really was a horrid site. The chimney was installed UPSIDE down! The hearth was intruding into the room by about 5 feet, We ripped it all out. One of the boulders weighed about 150lbs. It took everything my son and I had to carry it up the stairs in the rubbermaid bin and put it in the dumpster! We have since insulated, drywalled and are in the process of putting the panelling up. The floor will have an exotic hardwood in place of the stone and we will be installing a gas stove. This should all be done in the next few weeks! I am so looking forward to getting it done and having the basement put back together again!

I will post a picture later when I get home of the progress that we have made. It really is amazing how much bigger the room looks without Fred's fireplace in it! It is alot brighter as well.

I have been working on DH's Durrow Sweater. I have finished the Back piece and am 3/4 done the front. After that then I get to start the Sleeves. They have cables on them. I am still a little aprehensive about doing that many cables but I have been told that I can do them 'No Problem!'.

I am also knitting ANOTHER pair of Blender socks in a blue colour this time. I started them for DH but they don't fit over his arch....so they are now mine! OOPS...I promise Honey the NEXT pair will be for you! LOL

Happy Knitting!

February Blahs Means More Knitting & Cleaning!

2009-02-27T10:34:00.005-05:00

OK so yet again I have not posted as much as I would have liked. Sorry to anyone who awaits the next posting of my life!

I have been knitting and cleaning.

Cleaning
I have been cleaning out my store. I have owned it for about 3+ years and finally decided that I don't need all the crap that was left by the previous owner. A few friends and DH gave me a hand and motivated me to get it done. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! OMG! I now have lots of room in the back to actually package goods now. OK, I have a packaging & shipping business and I have customers come into my store with their goods and I get them ready for shipping. The business is "PakMail". In case you didn't know packaging products are VERY bulky and don't conform to the neat little spots that I would like. Have you EVER tried to fold many pieces of bubble wrap and not have it fall over in a pile! Well it doesn't work that well. So THAT is the type of thing I am dealing with, in addition to, all of the other stuff that was left here. Well most of the crap is gone now! I even have room in the back area for a comfy chair! I have been watching "Clean Sweep" on TV in the mornings before I come into work and that has motivated me to get it all done!.

Knitting
I have been knitting socks...still...again! I finished the pair for DH's sister (SIL). We (DH & I) were going to mail them to his sister in a plain unmarked envelope but he was going to be near there so he decided to drop them off instead. We put them in the envelope and addressed it. DH found all of my shiping labels and went to town. He put Fragile stickers, heavy 25kg labels and keep upright ones as well. He even put 2 handles to carry it. It was hilarious. I wish now that I had taken a picture of it. He left it in her mailbox. I got a call later on that day and she was killing herself laughing.! But appreciated the socks. She even had them on!

They are knit in a plain basic sock pattern that I use. The yarn is Four Seasons Gründl Hot Socks Print in a blue print.

The next 2 pairs are knit using the Blender Sock pattern. I love how these turn out. They are truly One of a Kind! I have been making the heels, toes and cuff a solid (leftover) colour and the main body is knit using 2 colours at a time. It really is easy!

The brown pair is for DS. He loves them. The pattern is Unique!

The Pink pair is Mine! It is knit in the same pattern as well. I am currently working on an orange and brown pair for a friend and DH has said that he wouldn't mind a pair of Blender sock as well. His will be in blues as I have quite a bit of leftover blue yarn from previous socks.

I have also started DH's sweater. The pattern is Durrow. The yarn is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Superwash Worsted in a Charcoal Heather colourway. DH is looking forward to it being finished. I am about halfway through the back piece. It will be a little while before it's done. Everytime I pick up my socks to knit DH says "That's not my sweater?!" So we now have a deal. I get to knit socks in the morning and when I am out anywhere otherwise I am working on his sweater! It keeps him happy and I still get my sock knitting done!

Happy Knitting!

The Weather...What Did We Do?

2009-02-12T10:36:00.003-05:00

The Weather.
Sometimes I wonder what we did to Mother Nature to make her angry. Really, I mean look at the quantity of snow we have had this year and now the rain. I swear that I saw Noah's Ark float by last night when I went to pick up DD from work. I haven't seen rain that heavy in the winter ever!. Now this morning we had driving rain and the wind...it's strong enough to make you put an effort in standing up straight.

On the knitting side ...I have been doing alot of plain knitting. I have finished another pair of Blender socks (for me this time). I knit up a Hot Water Bottle cover for my DD in pink left over yarn. I am working on another pair of plain socks for DH's sister. They are in a blue verigated colour. She received a pair last year for Christmas but they don't go with everything that she wears so she asked for a pair in blue to go with her jeans. They are working up quick.

I was sitting at DD dance class the other evening and one of the Mom's commented that she really liked the socks...so I think my next pair will be for her! Again I will just do a plain pattern or even another pair of the Blender socks. I REALLY like how they turn out! Truly one of a kind and all from leftovers!

On the home front. We had to remove our wood stove recently, as it did not meet the safety code. The chimney was installed upside down and the unit was too close to everything. So we took it ALL out. Every last BOULDER that was part of the hearth. I swear that the whole thing looked like Fred Flintstone put it in. It was God awful! We are starting to replace the surround that will go back in the void that is there. We will panel the back wall to match the rest of the Rec room and replace the floor with an engineered hardwood. It will just be a part area inlaid in the carpet. We have a gas stove to put back in that place. Hopefully it will be done soon, maybe before March. Funny how when you have something, like a woodstove, and you use it. You really miss it when it is gone. I LOVE to look at the flames moving, they are so soothing.

This coming Monday is a holiday, Family Day. So my store is closed on Saturday to allow for a long weekend. I figure this will be the perfect opportunity to get a good portion of the rec. room insulated, drywalled and maybe even panelled. That will leave the inset of flooring left to do. Once that is all complete then we can have someone come in and hook up the gas stove.

Well I think that's it for now. Sorry about not posting pictures today, I will try to post them tomorrow.
Happy Knitting!

Win Fall!

2009-01-24T11:02:00.007-05:00

So you may remember a little while ago that I won a contest. It was for Sock a Month Knit Along 6. Well I won 2 other blog contests around the same time. I won on WoolGirl and Abby's Blog AND on Simply Sock Yarn Company's blog as well. With Christmas fast approaching the yarn sending got pushed to the back burner...well I finally received my win fall!

From the SAM6, I won this skein of yarn from QuteCowGirl. It is a nice combination of greens and blues. I think DH may get a pair of socks from this yarn!

Wool Girl sent me a skein of MadelineTosh Sock yarn in the colour way Rhubarb. It is gorgeous, pinks, greens and some yellow. This will definately be for ME! I also received a sock project bag made by ZigZag, and 4 little note cards. The bag is orange and so far I have seen DD eyeing it up as she loves orange.

Along with the WoolGirl Prize was my order from them. I broke down when WoolGirl had her after Christmas sale and bought a few skeins. I bought 2 skeins of MadelineTosh Sock yarn and a skein of Farmhouse Yarns Fannie's Fingering yarn in the colourway Grapes on the Vine.

AND from the Simply Sock Yarn Company I won a beautiful skein of Seacoast sock yarn in the Autumn colourway. (Photo to follow later.)

I figure that since I won 3 times, I am finished for a LONG time in the winning dept. Things in my life usually happen in threes, so I am done. TOO bad, I wish one of my wins had have been in the lottery area but HEY if I can't win the lottery then Yarn is just as good!

On the knitting side I have finished 2 more pairs of socks this month. I knit a pair in a bright stripe for DS. They were knit using 2.75 mm needles and Regia stretch yarn.

DD wanted another pair (Big Shocker!) Only hers are Monster socks or Franken Socks. She just wanted footies, so I knit them using the left over bits from all of the other socks I have knit. They are almost a matched pair.

The next FrankenSocks that I knit will be totally mismatched. I started an new pattern for the FrankenSocks. It is similar to the Blended Sock on Ravelry.

I also finished the Hot Water Bottle Cover. It was a nice fast knit. I think I may knit a few more of these as gifts. DD wants me to knit her a cover for her March Break Snowshoe trip! I had better get started soon I guess.

WOW! -21 With the Wind Chill it is -31!

2009-01-16T15:24:00.009-05:00

Can you believe this weather...minus 31 outside. This is insane weather. Tomorrow the windchill is going to make it minus 34. Sunday it is supposed to be a balmy minus 5. After the past few days it will seem like spring!

Tiger and his feet have been having a few troubles the past few days with the salt and cold on the sidewalks. So today we decided to put his boots on. Here he is this morning as we were leaving for work with his coat and boots on. He does NOT like the boots at all. He tolerates the coat but the boots...not so much. When I finally got them on his feet, he just stood there...once he started to move he did the freaky idiot walk. DH and I had a good laugh at Tiger this morning.

On the knitting front....I have been busy sock knitting. So far this year I have finished 3 pairs of socks.

Pair one is for DH. They are a 3 x 2 rib made from Briggs & Little Tuffy yarn. I believe that it is a worsted weight. DH is happy with them. They fit a bit snug but there is some give and they will stretch. They were a fairly quick knit but, for me the yarn is too rough, but for DH they are perfect!

Pair two is just a plain basic pattern, knit using 64 stitches on 2.25mm addi needles. They are from a skein of Opal that I had. I haven't decided who they are for yet. DD has her eye on them. I think they may be for me...we shall see.

Pair 3 is the same as pair 2. just a basic sock on the 2.25mm needles. This yarn is Patons Kroy. A good hard wearing yarn. I thought the colours were different when I bought the yarn and I am not too knocked out with them. I thought they were more purple, so DD may get these instead of the orange ones.

I am now working on a Hot Water Bottle cover, and deciding on which yarn to use for the next pair of socks!

Last week my knitting group got together for our Secret Santa gift exchange. We decided to do it in January rather than December so we could keep the giving going! Besides everyone's life was crazy prior to Christmas. This way we were all at our regular place. We all haven't been together since September. It was a really nice evening. The company was great and all the gifts received were wonderful. There was even some talk about doing the exchange again...like maybe in July!
I personally received some really colourful roving to spin, a calendar that has a knitting pattern on each and every day of the year, some knitted dishcloths and a few other goodies.

I would have taken more pictures but my camera battery died and I only got the 2. Take my word for it..it was a lovely evening!

Well I have to get back to work! Have a great weekend and try to stay warm.

Happy Knitting!

FINALLY, Knitting Pictures!

2008-12-27T19:58:00.014-05:00

Well, here are the pictures that I have been promising for a few posts now.

Here are the Happy Socks that are knit using Madelinetosh Sock Yarn.

There were a few hats knit for Christmas. The pattern is Wool Noggins and I knit them using Bernat Softee Chunky yarn in a variety of colours. I really like that pattern, it is simple and quick. I added a few more stitches to it so that adults can wear it.

I also knit a few pairs of Irish Wristwarmers using the same yarn as the hats. (I am having trouble with Blogger and my pictures tonight. I will add them to this post tomorrow)

These are DH's socks. They are a 4 x 3 rib pattern with an afterthought heel, done in Sheldridge Farm Ultra Soft Sock yarn. In the colourways Alspice and Chili Powder. I received the yarn from SSYC Heels and Toes Sock Club. I really like this yarn. It knits up into a firm fabric. This is my FIRST afterthought heel. I will definately try it again. It fits pretty well.

There were also a few Alligator Scarves as well. (again...trouble with blogger)

Christmas was nice...too much food and good company. We went to my brother's house for dinner. All the family were there. It was nice to see everyone. We had deep fried turkey, potatoes, stuffing, carrots, green beans and all the fixings that go with it all. It was all wonderful...we all were stuffed. Everyone seemed to like their knitted gifts...

I hope everyone had a great Christmas! I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year as well!

Happy Knitting!

Christmas Eve!

2008-12-24T09:55:00.002-05:00

Well here it is Christmas eve day and I am sitting at work! Only till noon though, thank God! I have had it with this season I am ready for it to be over. My business is shipping and packaging. I have been crazy busy at work for the past month and I am tired...I want to go home and spend the next few days with my family.

I have been knitting like crazy as well. Lots of hats...I have the pictures just not here right now. I will post them in the next few days.

I finally finished DH's socks as well. He is going to wear them tomorrow when we go to my brother's for dinner. I am looking forward to not cooking. BUT I have been baking like a fool. Sometimes I think THAT is why I get invited places because I bring a huge platter of goodies!

I have to go and finish up here at work so I can leave quicker...

I just wanted to Wish Everyone A MERRY CHRISTMAS! I will be back in the next few days!

Happy knitting and MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Knitting and More...

2008-11-26T17:06:00.003-05:00

I have been knitting quite a bit lately. It helps when you get the kids up for school at 6:30am and don't have to get ready for your own work till 8 am. My kids are old enough to do it all for themselves (except for wake up!), DD is 15 and DS is 17. So I take that time to knit each morning. I really look forward to that time each and every day! Unfortunately I have no pictures today. I will post them when I get a chance.

I finished the Happy Socks that I was working on. They were knit using Madelinetosh yarn in the Beach Towel colourway. I received the yarn from the WoolGirl Sock Club but was not a fan of the pattern so I used the yarn for this one. This is only the second time I have knit with Madelintosh and I have to say that it is a fantastic yarn. It is soft yet knits up into a sturdy fabric.

I have been knitting some really quick projects lately. I have made a few coffee mug and hand warmers. My DS loves his. DD even knit a couple for her friends for Christmas.
I have also knit a pair of Irish Hiking wrist warmers for a gift as well and I'm working on another set. I have a few hats that I need to get done but will let DS pick out the pattern for me.

In the meantime I am knitting DH a pair of socks. The yarn is Sheldridge Farm and the colours are Toasted Allspice and Chili powder. I am going to make the toes and heels in the Chili powder colour and the main sock is Toasted Allspice. I want to try the afterthought heel. The sock is just a 4 x 2 rib...nothing too exciting . The yarn is from the Simply Sock Yarn Company Heels and Toes sock club that I joined. I am using a 2.5mm needle and the sock is knitting up very firm. I think it will last a long time. I know it is taking a long time to knit them as DH has size 11 feet!

That's it for now. I have to get ready for my knitting get together this evening.
Happy Knitting ....pictures to follow.

Knitting, Spinning and some Pictures

2008-11-17T09:30:00.008-05:00

Wow, this blogging once a month has got to stop! I HATE how life keeps getting in the way of my knitting pleasures.

Quite a bit has happened AGAIN in the past month. On the yarn front, I have gotten a bit of it!. I have been a bad blogger in not telling you what I received WHEN I received it!.

Della and I joined a Heels and Toes sock club from Simply Sock Yarn Company. It was a 3 Month club and these are what we received. There was a Lorna's Laces pair, a SKnitches set, and Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Heather pair. They are all lovely and I am going to make DH a pair of socks from the Sheldridge Farm set. I have yet to make a pair with different Heels or toes. I am looking forward to trying a NEW technique, "the afterthought heel".

I also found out that I won the monthly draw for the Sock a Month 6. I got some great yarn from QuteCowGirl, a stitch marker and a dog tag with the Kitchener Stitch on it. It is all great and the yarn is so soft. I don't know what pattern I will knit with it yet but I'm sure it will tell me.

A few months ago I bought a Learn to Spin kit. I tried it and enjoyed it alot. The kit came with 1/2 pound of 3 different neutral colours and a drop spindle. They are nice but I wanted COLOUR. I spun quite a bit of the 3 colours and learned to ply them together from Kirstie of my Knitting group. I couldn't justify buying more roving until I had used most of the neutral stuff up. To do that faster, I decided to knit a pair of Thrummed Mittens.

I ended up plying a chunky yarn that I think will knit up like a ragg yarn. Our last Knitting get together was mostly about Spinning. Kirstie taught me how to ply the singles together. Then after DD got there she wanted to learn how to spin, so Kirstie taught her how to do that. We got quite a few stares and comments from the people sitting around us at the cafe we were at.

Sorry about the blurry picture. I will take a better photo of just the yarn.

Kirstie and her BEAUTIFUL skein that she spun in the class she took.

DD and her first hand at plying. She is now trying spinning and really likes it.

And here is the roving that I bought in COLOUR. Yay! I have since spun and plied it into yarn. I will post a pic tonight.

I figured since I had spun MOST of the boring colours that I could buy a bit more roving. I chose a bright green, bright pink and a blue. The colours are not true in the picture, sorry. I love them! I spun them as solid singles and then plied the 3 together and I really like it. I was trying for a sock type yarn but ended up with a sort of heavy worsted weight. Oh well maybe the next skein will be closer to sock weight. THAT is my goal to spin and knit myself a pair of socks. Until then I will just have fun and maybe take up knitting scarves and hats!

I FINALLY got the buttons for my Corset Tank Top and DD's Baby Surprise Jacket. I never realized how much buttons actually cost! There is something to be said for a shawl pin to keep sweaters closed!

Tiger and I have been hard at work lately...this is us working on the computer getting quotes out to potential customers.

Also, DD's best friend, CC's grandmother passed away this past weekend. So it has been pretty somber around our house. I was asked to bake a plate of goodies for the reception after the funeral, as Grandma was quite the baker and crafty person. And they just can't bring themselves to buy that sort of thing. I feel honoured to be able to do a small part. She is the one that taught CC how to knit and do all of the crafty others things that she does. I know that she will be missed greatly by her family and I hope that she rests in peace...

Pictures

2008-10-25T11:13:00.005-04:00

Here are the pictures that I was supposed to post in my last blog.

This is the Corset Tank Top without the buttons. I am getting them and going to sew them on this weekend.

My FIRST turkey ever! I managed to make it almost 43 years without cooking one! and I baked home made dinner rolls to go with the thanksgiving turkey. It was all wonderful.

OH and I got the next Wool Girl Sock club box. OMG what a box it was. It is all so yummy and wonderful smelling. The theme is Cherry Blossoms, and THAT is what it all smelled like. The yarn is Yarntini in the plum blossom colourway. I will enjoy knitting this great smelling yarn!

I also received the last of the Simply Sock Yan Company's sock club this past week. It was a Heels and Toes club. AND Pick Up Sticks Sock Club installment arrived too! It's has been a good week for yarn! The Pick Up Sticks Club is for Fleece Artist and Handmaiden sock yarn. It too is gorgeous. I will try to take pics this week of all the yarn.

DD Finished the baby Surprise Jacket too! All she has to do is sew up the shoulders and stitch on the buttons. She is so happy with it.

She also started to knit a pair of socks on DPN's. Her friend, C, is teaching her how to knit them. I can show her the magic loop way but she wanted to learn on DPN's. Oh well ... she is doing well. I have showed her a few things when she was stuck. She seems to be enjoying it...good for her! Just because I don't like DPN's, I'm glad that she is giving them a try. I am very glad that DD has a good friend that is interested in some of the same hobbies and crafts as her.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting, Thanksgiving and the Boy!

2008-10-22T09:41:00.003-04:00

Sorry, it's been a while again since my last post. I just can't seem to get into the groove of blogging right now. I don't know why. I have no excuse. Maybe I just want to knit instead...not that bad a choice of activities I guess but I will try to be more consistent, maybe at least once a week.

Life has been busy. DD got a new job and seems to like this one. She is very happy to be out of the food business! This job is in Organization...funny DS is working for that same type of business too. Unfortunately they both are NOT organized! Hopefully maybe that will change!

We have been cleaning up around the outside of the house. We have a few rather large trees in and around our back yard. The other night we scooped up 3 bags of leaves and by the next morning it looked like we did nothing. I am NOT a fan of trees and leaves, but I love Fall best of all! It is my favourite season. Fortunatly we closed and covered the pool BEFORE we went hunting so there are no leaves in the pool. Small blessings!

On the knitting front. I have been knitting quite a bit though although you wouldn't know it from the lack of pictures. I have finished knitting the 'parts' of my basic cardigan but I have yet to block it. After that I have to sew it together and then pick up the stitches for the button band! Maybe if I blog here about it I will actually get the blocking done. I mean if I make a promise to others then I HAVE to keep that promise rather than just not doing it. I figure if I am accountable to someone out there then it will get done.

I still haven't sewn on the buttons for the Corset tank top or the second Calorimetry or the Tudora. I am really slacking here! They are all finished except for the easy part...the buttons. I will try to get that done by the weekend. Again I need the accountability.

I am almost finished the Springgrass socks that I have bene working on. The Leaf shawl is still in progress and DD is FINALLY back working on her Baby Surprise Jacket. I will attempt to take some pictures this week and post them here for all to see.

Thanksgiving weekend was great. We had the best weather we could have ever wanted for that time. It was gorgeous out. DH and I decided to cook the turkey this year. MIL and DH's brother and sister and their families came for dinner. We had so much food it was great. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, turnip, gravey, homemade baked buns and pie for dessert. This was my first turkey that I helped to cook in my life. I would definately do it again. After everything was said and done I took the carcass and made turkey soup. I love my crockpot. The soup turned out to be divine! We had it the next day for lunch.

DS is finished his driving lessons and is taking his G2 test the middle of November. The G2 license lets him drive alone, without me or some other licensed driver in the front seat beside him. I get that it's part of growing up and being independent but I am not sure that I am ready for THAT yet. Oh well it is going to happen so I guess I had better get on board!. He is quite a good driver. I am not that nervous beside him anymore. I think that it will just be practice that will make me more comfortable. He has informed me that once he gets his full license he will drive me EVERYWHERE. I told him that he could do that now. He is 17. He is a responsible boy but I do remember him when he was my little baby and THAT is what I am having a hard time with. He also wants to take another year of high school to get the extra credits that he feels will get him into university. I guess that gives me another year of having him around here before he goes off to university. Thank you again for small blessings!

As my birthday approaches I have been thinking about how my life would be if I had made other choices. Hindsight is 20/20 vision. I always figured that I would be in a different place by this time. I am turning 43 andthat makes you rethink the things and choices that you made. I have always lived by the motto, "that if you are not happy then change the things". I got divorced, dumped the next guy who made me unhappy, moved to better our lives and changed jobs to be happy. Now I seem to have it all worked out. I am in a great relationship with DH, my kids are settled in life and school and are doing well, my family is all well and we are happy. I have no regrets about the way my life has turned out, however if I could do it again I would make a few changes (education choice and maybe employment opportunities)...wouldn't we all...

Happy Knitting!

Knitter Girl! Hunter Girl! Can the 2 become one?

2008-10-04T10:47:00.019-04:00

It has been quite a while since I last blogged. A LOT has happened since then. I will try to remember it all so here goes...

Since I was last here, we bought the house we were renting. It is a smaller house but it works for us. And since I hate to clean smaller is better for me! The less I have to do the happier I am.

School has started and both DD and DS are doing very well. They both like their classes in grade 10 and 12. The move to Burlington a year ago was a really good thing for both of them. They have new friends and interests. I really worried about it when we first moved, especially about DS and how he would adjust to grade 11 in a new place. But aside from a few minor glitches he ahas done well. DD...well she just seems to fit in where ever she goes. We have heard about a few past friends and the choices that they have made have been less than stellar, so I am VERY glad for our move away. I would rather not put either kid in a situation in which they may fail. I mean I know they have to try things but why would I set them up for THAT kind of failure when I can control some of what happens.

I started Step dance again at the dance studio. This session there a few more people who joined. My DD is one of them. We are having alot of fun. I really like that class and missed it over the summer. We recruited 2 dance moms, DD and another dancer and last week we got 2 more dance moms to join. We now have a class of about 11 people.

Every September DH goes hunting for Moose. This year, I decided back in March that I would go with him for the trip away from work. He goes way up north to a small town in the Kirkland Lake area. It is an eight hours drive. I thought that would be GREAT knitting time. and the week up there I could get a lot of knitting done too. Well in August, I decided to take the Hunter Safety Education and Firearms Safety course before we left. I FINALLY found a course on a weekend that worked for my schedule. I took it the weekend before we left. I was VERY nervous about taking the courses as I didn't have any experience with anything to do with hunting or firearms, BUT DH had the manuals and had me read them before the class. I found that after I read them I felt alot better about it and wasn't quite so nervous. The class was all about safety and using your common sense. Which I must say is not really prevelant in the worlds population today. After sitting in a community centre for about 20 hours over a 2 day weekend I passed BOTH the Hunting test and the Firearms test. I was sent on my way with the paperwork to get my hunting and firearms license. Now I didn't know if I could ACTUALLY hunt but at the very least I was going to maybe give it a try.

We left the following Saturday on our great hunting/knitting trip. I did knit in the vehicle on the way up. I started and finished the Calorimetry and decided that I would give it to my niece for Christmas. We arrived around 6ish at the camp, which is in the middle of an old logging area where there is no power, water or any of the amenities that I am used to. Now I have been camping before but this was REALLY roughing it.

After we arrived we went for a drive in the area so DH could show me what it was like. OMG it was beautiful...even the clearcut logging areas were nice and interesting to see. There would be a beautiful treed area right beside a totally clearcut area. The contrast was really pretty to see.

We did alot of driving around the area looking for wildlife. I didn't get as much knitting done as I wanted, but I did end up have a wonderful vacation (1st in 3 years). I sat in the bush waiting for some moose to come by within my range (they didn't). I did alot of thinking and discovered a few things about myself that I didn't know. I am a stronger person than I give myself credit for.

I started the Blue Jeans Leaf Shawl when I was away, using Berrocco Ultra Fine Alpaca. I also started and finished Tudora, it is another Christmas gift for someone on my list. I knit it using some Kilcarra Aran Tweed that I received in a swap from Ireland. I sat in the bush and waited for the wildlife to come by and knit it. I dind't get alot of knitting done but I did try. There was just so much to see and things to be done that I didn't get to knit. I would do it again in a heartbeat though.

I saw almost every kind of wildlife that was there to see. I saw a Moose, (we followed him for 2.5km down the road), a black bear, a lynx, beavers, a turtle, grouse, loons, crested morganzers (birds), a mink, a rabbit, lots of ravens and a few other ducks. I had a GREAT time, we ate well and the company of the others in the group was wonderful. I didn't want to come home.

Here is my foot compared to the Moose track. I have a size 7.5 foot.

I left DD and DS at home with a friend. They had a good time to and since the house was still standing when I got back I decided that I could possibly, maybe go again next year. We will have to see...

3 days after I came back to reality was knitting group. We met and had a nice evening. I working on the shawl some more. I am also working on some sock that seem to have taken a back seat to everything else that I am doing. I tried to knit the Printed Silk Cardigan but after frogging it back 3 times decided to give up on it and make the Basic Cardigan with a few modifications instead. I decided to put a cable pattern up each side of the button band. I think I will wear this sweater alot more and I am feeling better about it. The other one was really stressing me out.

Work has been busy. There was quite a few things to catch up on after being gone for a week but it has been a good busy. I didn't know how much I needed the break till I was gone. I won't be waiting another 3 years before I take another one!

My poor dog, Tiger, pined for me while I was away. DD told me that he didn't eat for 2 days. She was getting quite worried, so she put peanut butter on his kibble to get him to eat...it worked. He looks like he lost a pound or 2, which is a good thing since he gets alot of treats from my customers every day. But we are back into our routine now and he is fine and eating well...oh yea, the customers are happy he is back too!

Well I don't know where September has gone, but now we are into October and things are just flying along.

I have received the Dog Days of Summer Sock Club kit from WoolGirl, It is Fabulous. I hope to start the socks very soon. I also received the Heels and Toes kit from Simply Sock Yarn Company, and the HandMaiden sock kit from Pick Up Sticks. I seem to have alot more socks to knit...too bad I am knitting sweaters and shawls at the moment! I really want to get back to socks. Winter is coming and my feet get VERY cold! I am just going to have to knit faster and more often. I try to knit every morning while DD and DS are getting ready for school. (I have an hour) then I have to get ready for work. It's not alot of time but at the end of the week it adds up.

I have also finished the Corset Tank Top. I just have to add the buttons down the front. I decided to permanently sew up the front and just have the buttons there for looks.

I received a wonderful gift in the mail from PurpleJenn. She sent me a Pay It Forward gift. OMG it is beautiful. She combed, dyed and spun yarn just for me! She also dyed sock yarn just for me too! There were quite a few other goodies (a tea towel, a coaster) in the package too! It was quite fun to open it and see them all. The sweets dissappeared as soon as I got home, DS has a sweet tooth!

I also finished a pair of 4 x 2 ribbed socks. I tried a new type of toe. I think it was the star toe. I didn't mind how it turned out. They were knit for my part time employee, J. They fit her perfectly and she was thrilled to receive them!. I was happy to knit them for her as I know she appreciates things like that.

Well I think that is about all for now. I will try to post a few more pictures of my completed projects in the next few days.

Happy Knitting and Hunting! (I am trying to combine the two!)

Where Has The Time Gone!

2008-08-20T00:02:00.001-04:00

I can't believe that it has been more than a month since my last post. Where has the time gone. School will be starting in less than 2 weeks! WOO HOO.

A few weeks ago a group from my knitting group went to the Toronto Stitch and Pitch. The game was good and the Jays won in the bottom of the 9th inning, too bad we left at the bottom of the 8th when they were losing to catch the train home. We even made the evening news. We went to the big city early and went to a few yarn stores, Romni being the big one! OMG what a place! It really is overwhelming, beautiful and full of yarn, but definately overwhelming. I don't know that I could go there with out a project in mind. I wouldn't know where to look. The train ride home was the best! We had a BLAST. I don't think I have ever laughed as much as that ride home! Beth, Della, Kirsty, Kirsite and Sydney. Thank you ladies for making my trip to the big city a great one!

DH and I had a few days off the begeinning of August and we went to Bass Pro Store in Toronto. I always like to go there. They have alot of great storage cases in the fishing department. THIS beautiful statue is out front of the store and I just HAD to get a picture of him! In case you didn't know I am a lover and collector of anything moose! I told DH that I want this guy for my backyard! He thinks I am nuts!

On the knitting front. I have been busy. I knit 2 Baby Alligator scarves. One is a Christmas gift and the other was a just because gift.

I finished the Nine to Five socks that I was knitting. they are knit from Madelinetosh sock yarn in the Umoja colourway from Wool Girl. This has to be the best yarn to knit with. It is so soft and almost silky. It is now one of my favourites.

I finally finished my Feather and Fan Cardigan. I put buttons on it and blocked it. I have never been more disappointed with a sweater in my life. It stretched out SO much that I can't wear it! The only one it would fit has to be the size of an elephant. I even contacted the manufacturer of the yarn I used to see if there was a way to shrink it, but alas they said there was nothing I could do with out damaging the yarn. So I decided to frog it and knit the Printed Silk Cardigan from the Spring 2008 Interweave Knits magazine. I think it will be a better sweater because there is no lace pattern in it. It is the same look and style as the Feather and Fan which is what I want. I went back to the yarn store where I bought the yarn and explained the problem to her. She contacted the powers that be and they are taking my sweater from me and exchanging the yarn for me. They said that it shouldn't have happened and that they want a happy customer. So I have decided to knit the next sweater in Baby Bamboo as it has a bit of wool in it. I was so surprised that they would do that. I was sad to see my sweater go but happy to get started on the next one!

DD is still working on her BSJ for her friend. She has been traveling this summer. She was camping with her youth group up in Temagami for a week, then off to a friends cottage in Muskoka for a few days, now she is off the Freeport, Bahamas to visit her father for 2 weeks. She flew out of Buffalo last weekend and will be returning on Labour day weekend. School starts the Tuesday after she gets home and then that next weekend, she is off to a Highland Dance competition in Ligoner, PA. She is the only 15 year old that I know who travels that much!

We also in the last month, moved MIL into a condo. We have been getting the house ready to sell. It has been quite a task. They were in that house for over 40 years.

I have started another pair of socks. I am doing them in a 4 x 2 ribbing in some self striping yarn that I picked up in my travels. I can't remember the name. I started them for DH but when I was getting ready to turn the heel he went to try them on and he can't get them over his arch, so now they are for someone else! (I don't know who yet.) Someone will look in their mailbox one day and find a pair of socks. It worked out great last time. I will knit him another pair, only this next time I think I will use a DK or sport weight yarn and a larger needle.

I have also, in the meantime, started the Corset Tank Top by Anne Modesitt. I am using Estelle's 100% Silk Yarn. It is starting to look nice. I have finished the lace portion and am just past the armholes.

I am also PATIENTLY awaiting the next Sock Club parcel from WoolGirl. I have heard from people on Ravelry and from the sock club blog that it is amazing...I can hardly wait for mine to arrive!

Well I think that about catches me up for the last month. I have my knitting group this week. I am looking forward to it. Hopefully I won't be as long between posts.
Keep on Knitting!

Highland Dancing, Socks and More Highland Dancing!

2008-07-16T10:00:00.003-04:00

Ok, I know it's been a while since I posted last. But life has been busy and I have been knitting!

Since my last post DD and I have been to the Embro Highland games on July 1st. DD competed in the Highland dancing and did very well. It was a very hot day. The bands were great and the dancing was wonderful. It was DD's first competition since November of last year. So we were pretty nervous about how she would make out. But all was well and the practicing paid off!

The winner of Who Fits These Socks was Alistair. His young male feet fit them perfectly! I will post a picture as soon as his mother can tie him down and take it!

I have been to my knitting meeting. We had a nice evening sitting laughing, knitting, talking, and eating. I find that if I can't make it to a meeting I really miss it! There is another one this Thursday evening. I can hardly wait!

I have been working every day and DH has been on 2 weeks holidays. So I have had lunch brought to me a few times. It was nice even though I haven't been home with him. I miss having time off with DH. Oh well I get to have 3 days with him in August and a week in September. I am very much looking forward to that time!

This past weekend DD, Della and her DD, and I went to the Cambridge Highland Games. We had a great day! the rain sort of held off. It drizzled a bit during the day but not too much. The dancing was late starting. We were to be there for 11 am and the organizers decided to do the Choreography competition before the regular competition. That caused the regualr dancing to start a bit late, at 2:30 instead of 11:30. We had a nice day in spite of the delay. The sun was out, the day was warm, the food was good and the company was excellent!. Both DD did well in the competitions. Overall it was a good day. Once we had packed everything up and finished loading the vehicle, the heaven's decided to open up and dump the rain. We were so grateful that it held off. There is nothing worse than having teenage girls dance in wet wool kilts and velvet vests!

In between all of the events going on, I have finished 2 pairs of socks, started another pair, frogged part of my Feather and Fan sweater and managed to get it back on track with it.

These are a pair of ankle socks that I knit using On Your Toes sock yarn. They are My FIRST 2 at a time toe up heel flap socks. I am happy with them and happy that I did them but I am STILL a fan of the 2 at a time top down version. They were knit for DD's friend. She is thrilled with them!

Here are Froggin ankle socks. They are from the Wool Girl Sock Club for the month of June. DD wanted them. She fell in love with the yarn when it arrived and told me I HAD to make them for her! The yarn is Dashing Dach's in the sport weight. The colourway is called Froggin. I like how they turned out. I have seen them in the laundry a few times now so I know they are liked!

I cast on another pair last week. I hate to be without a pair of socks on my needles. It's like the universe is wrong.

These are the Nine to Five socks. I am knitting them out of some yarn that I got a while ago from WoolGirl. It's Madelinetosh sock yarn in a fingering weight. The colourway is Umoja. 100% of the proceeds from this colorway will be donated to the Umoja Uaso Women's Group in Kenya.

The Umoja Uaso Women's Group in Kenya is an organization of indigenous Samburu women formed in 1990. This community advocates for and enables women's empowerment via HIV/Aids health education, children's education, political participation and community action.

I really liked the colours in it. and it was for a great cause. This yarn is so soft, it is almost sliky. It is a pleasure to knit with it. I would highly recommend this yarn for anyone who is looking to try something new. I am about to turn the heel on these. Hopefully I will be done in the next few days.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting...Finally! and a Bit of Dancing.

2008-06-30T09:55:00.009-04:00

Late on the 20th of June I got my WoolGirl Sock Club June Kit. OMG I was so happy as I was in between pairs of socks to knit and could start it right away. It was a beautiful kit. I loved all the little extras. Jen is great! DD fell in LOVE with the yarn and since she collects FROGS it seemed like the perfect match. The pattern is called Froggin and the yarn is the sportweight Dashing Dachs. I started the sock that weekend then got sidetracked with other things that Life tosses at you. and didn't get back to it until this last weekend. Needless to say this is taking a bit longer than I expected. AND to make matters worse. I got the leg done and started to work on the heel flap when DD tried it on...OMG it was too tight! So I ripped it out and started it again this morning. HOPEFULLY this time it will be okay, fortunately she only wants ankle socks.

These are the Sailors Delight socks from the book 2 At A Time by Melissa Morgan-Oakes. The yarn is Miss Babs Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock & Baby Yarn in the colourway Woodland Viola. This yarn was so soft and wonderful to knit with. I loved it. The pattern was simple and weasy to memorize and they fit great! They have been done for a bit but I didn't get them posted.

These socks were knit this past weekend. The pattern is Thuja from Knitty and the yarn is a Finnish sock yarn I received in the World Yarn Swap. It is a thick warn sock yarn and I guess I didn't figure the needle size would make a huge difference. They were originally knit for my DH, but they wouldn't go over MY foot so DD thouht she would likehem. BUT alas they didn't fit her either, so they are going to the first person that they fit! We are going to the Embro Highland Games tomorrow and there are a few dancers that they may fit, so first come, first get! I will keep you posted as to whom the recipient is! It reminds me of Cinderella!

DD is dancing at the Embro Highland Games tomorrow. And since it is Canada Day and I will be closing my store I get to go with her! This is the first dance competition that she has been in since last November. I really enjoy the outside competitions as there is so much more to see at the highland games. If you have never been to one, you really should go at least oncec in your life! DD will be dancing 4 dances so I should be able to get a bit of knitting done as well.

This past weekend we had our end of the Dance Season BBQ. It was an enjoyable time, the food was great and the company was good. The kids had a great time 'swimming' in the hot tub! So now the only dancing will be the optional classes during the summer. DD has told me that she will only be going to a few, as she is going to camp for a week and then off to a friends cottage... I get to have most of my evening to myself at least until September when regular classes start again. WOO HOO!

Well off to work I go!

Have a great Canada Day tomorrow and to my friends south of the border...have a great Independance Day on Friday!

Happy knitting!

All Tattoo and No Knitting!

2008-06-15T20:56:00.009-04:00

Well another Tattoo has passed. It was a great success. The girls dancing was wonderful and the pipes and drums were fantastic. This is a picture heavy post...

This past week end was pretty much all Tattoo. I did have my knitting with me but it was too dark to knit!

Friday evening was a practice for the dancers and their pipe band for about 2 1/2 hours. It was really weird seeing the pipe band playing and marching in regular street clothes and not in their tartan uniforms. I have seen the girls dance before many times but never a pipe band out of uniform!

Saturday I worked until 3, so DD got a ride to the tattoo for 1:00. I finished work and DH, my father and I went to the performance that evening. It was a great tribute to our military men overseas! They also had all of the vetrans in the audience stand up. What a wonderful round of applause they received for their efforts. In addition to the traditional pipe and drum bands and the brass bands there was a group called Mackinaw. There were a Quebec step dance performance group. They were fantastic.

I met up with DD after the tattoo at 10:30 and we headed home.

Sunday, the dancers had to be there for 1:00, as the performance started at 2:30 and they needed to get ready. I helped do some of the girls hair and assisted them in getting ready. Once all that was done I got to go and watch the performance again.

After all the old and new friends were bid a fond farewell, we left about 6:00.

It was a wonderful weekend filled with friends, dancing, bagpipes, drums and no knitting! I truly enjoyed it but I hope to get some knitting done this week!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dad's out there!

Ducks, Socks, Quilts and Dancing!

2008-06-05T23:05:00.010-04:00

This was walking across my lawn the other morning so I had to take a picture. Tiger REALLY wanted to go and play with the little guy, but I had to say NO!

June is here. Woo Hoo! Work has been crazy lately! School is almost over. Knitting is coming along.

As for knitting, I have done a bit more on the Feather and Fan Sweater. I figure if I take it slow then I can't get frustrated with it! I am almost finished the feather and fan part. I will very soon be onto the main part of the body...the dreaded stockinette stitch. I have only an inch to go...WOO HOO! I am so loving how it is looking. This Soya yarn falls and drapes so nice, I can hardly wait to wear the sweater.

Finished a pair of Apple Harvest Socks. They were made from Flat Feet yarn . They turned out great. I put them in a plain bubble envelope and sent them off to DH's cousin with no return address. They took 4 days to arrive. I received a very happy phone call saying that they were PERFECT!

I started another pair last Sunday. They are called Sailors Delight and are from the book 2 At a Time. I am using Miss Babs Yummy sock yarn in the colourway Woodland Viola. This yarn is SOOO soft. I would Definately use it again.

This weekend is the Canadian Military Tattoo and DD is dancing in it. There are 2 performances, one on Saturday evening and the second on Sunday afternoon. It should be interesting, I am going to help out on Sunday as I have to work on Saturday. Della is going to be there on Saturday and Sunday to do anything that needs to be done. She's a good egg!

The Georgetown Highland games are this weekend as well. We have not gone to them in the last 4 years as DD has wanted to take part in the tattoos. Her goal is to dance at the Edinburgh tattoo in Scotland.

Hey My friend Della received a few skeins of yarn as a thank you gift and she gave me a skein of the most beautiful lace weight yarn I have ever seen (it's on the right side of the picture). The colour and softness are wonderful! It is from the Knitting Goddess in the UK and is a cashmire and silk blend.

Not to change the subject or the project but I had to attend a wedding shower this past Sunday. Now I didn't know the bride to be or the groom for that matter. She is a second cousin to my DH. But I figured that I should go and make an appearance. So I decided on Thursday evening that I was going to make her a lap quilt. I looked through my stash to see what I had and found some blue, green and yellow fabric that would work. I also found the PERFECT backing fabric there too. I cut out the quilt blocks on Thursday night after DD's dance class. I got home from work on Friday and pieced it together. Then proceeded to quilt it. I finished it at 11:15 Friday evening. All I had left to do was hand sew the binding on. I worked Saturday till 4 then started the hand sewing. I FINALLY finished it Saturday evening. Wrapped it all up Sunday morning and was off to the lovely shower. It was a beautiful day and I had a very nice time. I was very glad that I had gone. I even got quite a few comments, all positive, on the quilt!

Well that's enough for now! I will see if I can sneak a picutre or 2 of the Tattoo practice and post them here!.

Have a great evening and happy knitting!

May...Where Has It Gone?

2008-05-26T10:36:00.006-04:00

This past few weeks have been busy but I don't seem to have anything to show for it! I have been knitting, driving kids around, working and knitting.

The feather and fan cardigan is put aside for a few days. I have frogged it 4 times and was so frustrated with it that I wanted to rip it out. The pattern is NOT the clearest it can be. I have never knit a sweater before and there are a few things that I wouldn't just assume, but apparently according to Classic Elite, I should have. They were simple fixes but at the time they were HUGE!. Knowledge is power (and understanding). I will be working on it again this week as I really want to finish and wear it... so I will persevere.

This week is a busy one again. DD has a MilitaryTattoo dance practice tonight and again on Wednesday, dance class on Tuesday and Thursday evening and I have my knitting group on Thursday as well. She is also working a shift or 2 in that time and going to High school. DS has only to go to high school this week and to work at the end of it. DH is on midnight shift so my sleep pattern is all screwed up. Oh well more knitting time!

I have finished my socks for the Wool Girl Sock Club. I love them. They are made with Mama Llama Perfect Sock yarn in a special colourway for the sock club! The Pattern was design for the club as well. It is called Reina by Lisa Dykstra. I received the Sportweight yarn. I will DEFINATELY knit with it again. The colours are great and the feel is soft. I am also posting them to the SAM5 KAL as my socks for May.

Started a new pair of socks for DH's cousin. I am using Conjoined Creations Flat Feet yarn. It is really neat. There are 2 attached panels that have been machine knit and hand dyed. You knit right from the panel, as you knit the panel unravels! It is a cool idea. The pattern is Apple Harvest and is from Northern Sunshine Designs. The design is supposed to go up the back of the leg, but I think I may move it to the front. I will decide when I am closer to the heel. The yarn is a bit rough but I am hoping that it will soften once I wash and block it.

DD is knitting Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket for a friend. She is doing a great job on it and is about 1/4 they way finished! She is using Mission Falls 1824 cotton yarn. This is DD's first project that is not a hat or scarf. She is very impressed with her knitting ability.

Sweater, Socks and Spring!

2008-05-08T11:34:00.006-04:00

This is what I can see from my front window at my store. Isn't it lovely!

AND here is what I have out front of my home!

This is what I see when I look OUT of my window at my store!

Tiger sits in the window most days, enjoying the sun and watching the world go by!

AND here is my little store... If you look at the window closely, you can see Tiger jumping down.

Knitting progress...

I have made quite a bit of progress on the Feather and Fan cardigan. I am just about to start the bodice. I was working BOTH sleeves at the same time as I made then about 2 1/2 inches longer than the pattern called for. I am REALLY liking this Just Soya yarn and this pattern. I still can't get over how easy it truly is, yet it looks difficult. I look back and think "why was I afraid of it?" Oh well, Live and Learn!

I have not yet cast on for the WoolGirl Sock Club yet. I figured that I wanted to get the sweater done, but it is getting a bit too large to be carrying around with me. So I will be working on it at home and starting the Reina socks to take with me when I go out!

I am starting to repair another pair of highland dance socks for the dance studio. I am slowly picking through the many pairs that our dance studio has and making repairs to them one by one. Since there is no rush for these I can take my time and work on them in between my other projects.

Other than that not much else has happened in the last week. Mother's Day is on Sunday. I am hoping for some acknowledgement from my kids, but they are both working so we shall see...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all!

May Already! and Knitting Too!

2008-05-02T10:26:00.006-04:00

Oh my gosh! Where did April go? It's May Already!

How can you NOT smile when you see this flower! I have 3 of these in my front garden. It is sad that there are ONLY 3, as they are beautiful. Next year there will be more!

More Highland Dance socks socks mended! I think I am getting the hang of this repair thing!

Before

After!

The dance teacher at our Highland Dance Studio is so happy with the repairs that I have been doing on the socks, that she is having me determine a price for each type of repair. Then we will offer my repair services to whom ever requires them! It will be far cheaper than having a new pair knitted.

THIS is what I received from WoolGirl for the WoolGirl Sock Club! OMG It is Beautiful! I absolutely LOVE the colours, my favourite, and the softness of the yarn is unbelievable! I will be starting the socks this coming week!

I have also been working on the Feather and Fan Cardigan. I have about 4 inches done on the sleeves. I am knitting both sleeves at the same time on circular needles, as I want to make them longer. I will post a picture of the progress later.

We met last night at our knitting meeting. We were only 5 knitters this week. It was fun, we laughed and talked and even knitted a bit too! Next meeting we should be back to our regular numbers.

Work, Knitting, Running Errands and Knitting Some More!

2008-04-23T17:57:00.006-04:00

This past week was not too busy, yet it was crazy. My Monday started out like any other Monday, SLOW. Tuesday was my day off (except I worked again). I had dance and so did DD. I knit while waiting for DD to finish class. it was a nice evening. Wednesday was the get together of the Sketchy Knitters meeting. I love these people. They are supportive, fun and a blast to be around. DD was NOT able to attend this meeting as she was working at the same place we were meeting! Thursday was dance again and Friday evening I actually had nothing to do so DH and I went out for dinner! It was wonderful. We haven't been out for quite a while.

The weekend passed far too quickly. I worked on Saturday and then knit some more that evening. Sunday, DH and I did a few errands around town before we went to MIL's for a birthday dinner (DH's brother's B-day). It was a nice evening. Monday started all over again, work, rugby (DD). Tuesday (ACTUAL day off this week!) I knit, took Tiger to the vets, had lunch with DH, ran some errands, knit, shopped for shoes, knit some more and watched TV.

As for my knitting...

Well my PIF is on it's way. I sent it out today! I hope A:) likes it! I really enjoyed making it. It funny the way we look for ideas of what to make for someone we don't know. It is VERY important to make the right thing.

Highland socks are on the mend..again. 1 down 3 to go. This is what I started with...

and here is what I have now. The green is not exact but will never be seen inside a dance ghillie. I am so happy that I can repair these socks as they are worth quite a bit of money and to have to replace them is crazy!

DS's socks are done. They are knitted in the Harris Tweed pattern. I really enjoyed this pattern. It is simple enough yet not boring and makes a striping pair of socks a little dressier, yet the pattern and yarn don't compete!

Well, I am still patiently awaiting for the WoolGirl sock club to arrive. I am really excited to see what the package looks like. If it doesn't arrive soon I will have to cast on another pair and I will have to finish them BEFORE I start the Wool Girl ones.

I am also getting a bit irritated as some in the club have already completed their socks and we in Canada haven't received them yet! AND this morning I received an email telling me there is an error in the pattern and a replacement PDF pattern is attached.

I am starting the scary sweater. It is the Feather and Fan Cardigan from the Classic Elite Make It Modern booklet. It is a beautiful sweater but scary for me as I have never knit an adult sweater. I decided to work both sleeves at once because I want to make it about 2 inches longer than the pattern says. I decided to use Just Soya yarn instead of the classis Elite Soft Linen. Price was definately a factor in that decision and my inexperience at adult sweaters. I am so liking this yarn though, it is so soft and silky. I think it will look great when it's done.

I finally bought some new shoes. I have been looking for a while for shoes that would show my hand knit socks. I found them! They are a Mary Jane type and are so comfy. I really like the way they look with my socks!

Well work is starting to get a bit busier as moving season approaches, which is nice as it has been sort of slow lately and THAT is not good for a small business! DD is at a Rugby tournament today. I hope they do well and have fun or at the very least don't break anything!

Happy knitting to all this week!

Knitting, World Yarn Swap and Stuff

2008-04-14T07:03:00.006-04:00

Although I have been busy but don't seem to have a lot to show for it. I have been busily knitting for my PIF and socks for DS.

Last Tuesday I had the day off work. I ran errands most of the day. I went to work to get a few things done (yes, I work on my day off) then I got to go to The Wool Bin in Oakville, to check out their big sale! I wasn't going to buy anything but I was seduced by Koigu at 50% off. I ended up buying 2 skeins of KPPM sock and 2 skeins of Kersti, in addition to another ball if self striping sock yarn. I can't remember exactly what brand it was. OH yea and I got DD a few balls of Mission Falls for her to knit up a hat or scarf.While I was there I also met up with Kirstie from my Burlington Knitting group...she was lured by the beautiful sock yarns as well.

I left there and went to Spun Fibre Arts and if my memory serves (sometimes I wish it wouldn't!) I think I bought something there too! I like having days off but I seem to spend money on them! LOL

At dance class that night, I went through the dance costume closet and found quite a few more socks that are in dire need of repair. I decided on 2 pairs for now though as I don't want to overwhelm myself.

Wednesday evening I did a bit of knitting and Thursday I did more as I sat a dance class waiting for DD's classes to be over (3 hours). I usually hate to wait around but it is here that I get the uninterrupted knitting time. I kept switching back and forth between my PIF and Josh's socks.

In my surfing the internet, I found a Beautiful sweater. It is in the "Make It Modern" booklet by Classic Elite. It is the Feather and Fan Cardigan. I have never made a sweater for me before, only for the kids when they were babies. THIS one I want to make. So I found the pattern at The Needle Emporium and my friend Della went to pick it up for me as I seem to be at work when these great stores are open. I am not going to use the suggested yarn but rather a more cost effective one that is similar. I will let you know when I start...which will hopefully will be soon.

The weekend was sort off quiet. I worked on Saturday and on Sumday after I dropped off DD to work and got DS up for his work, DH and I went off to Guelph. We went to a few stores looking for motorcycle stuff. One of the stores was Leather by Mann. They are getting out of their clothing and accessories line and only selling furniture so they had a great 40% off sale. I found a great leather jacket and so did DH. The prices were too good to pass up for a quality jacket! The front hall closet now smells like a leather store...it's great!.

This past week I received my World Yarn Swap from JohannaL in Finland. Johanna spoiled me with all sorts of sock yarn. It is beautiful and my kids have already picked out what they want me to knit for them! The only thing missing from the picture is the huge chocolate bar that was eaten before I could get it photographed.

Josh's socks are turning out pretty good. I am doing the Harris Tweed pattern with the self striping yarn. It is an easy to remember pattern, but the boy has big feet and it is taking me a little while to get it done!

DD did a bit of knitting this week too! She knit up these baby booties. For her first attempt at something other than a hat or scarf she did a great job! She even has a recipient for them!

Well I am working today but tomorrow is my my day off again and I intend to get some house cleaning done as well as knitting!

2 Pairs Finished and a Bottle of Wine!

2008-04-07T00:07:00.007-04:00

Ok, so this weekend was absolutely beautiful! We so needed to see the sun and the warmer days. I thought that winter was going to continue until July! But it seems to have been shoved out of the way for Spring.

Today and last night were VERY productive.

Last night I finished one of the highland dance socks that was in need of repair. It turned out pretty good. I used ToFutsies yarn in a purple colourway, as it was close to the purple marl in the socks and DD decided that it should be that colour. (who am I to argue with DD). This evening I completed the other one. The pair are now ready to be returned to their owner and the dancing can begin again! I think I will continue to see if any more socks are in need of repair. I seem to be able to fix them pretty quick and I don't mind doing it.

Also today, I finished my Charade socks. I basically had the last few rows of the toes to do and to kitchener stitch them off. I really like them. They turned out great. I LOVE the yarn. It's the first time that I knit with alpaca sock yarn and I would DEFINATELY use it again. I am looking forward to wearing them tomorrow.

I completed the 2 pairs of socks in between going to the Toronto Wine and Cheese show today!. DH, Della and I headed off this morning to attend the show. (Well, DH was going to the Motorcycle show). We arrived just after noon and went out separate ways then. Della and I had a blast. We tried many new wines, some we enjoyed a few times and some we did not. We learned about cheese, ate some good food and laughed quite a bit. We both found a new favourite one. We even had DH stop by the LCBO in Milton on our way home to buy a bottle or 3. LOL

DH on the other hand, was a little dissappointed with the Motorcycle show. Not as many motorcycles as he thought. Who would have thought that there would only be a few bikes there...He was done with his show about 2 hours before we were and he waited in the vehicle, people watching until we were done. Gotta love the guy! OH yea ...I DO!!!

A note to DS...I promise I will cast on your Harris Tweed socks next!

Knitting and Dance Exams

2008-04-05T12:46:00.004-04:00

Well, It's Saturday I am sitting at work and I didn't get the Charade socks done yet! I am about an inch away from being done..I guess I will finish them tonight!

On Tuesday evening, I gave our dance teacher back the repaired highland socks and she was amazed! I was so glad that she was happy with them. Alot of the dance mom's that were there couldn't believe that it was the same sock. I guess I did a good job!

I knit for a bit the rest of the week in the evenings and DD, Della and I went to our Burloak knitters group on Thursday. DD was able to go this week as dance class was cancelled due to Highland Dance Exams taking place at the studio on Thursday and Friday. We had a great evening, full of laughter and even some knitting. DD is even planning on knitting a Baby Surprise Jacket for who? No one know but she wants to give it a try!

DD' s exams were on Friday and she did wonderfully. She was happy with her abilities and so was the teacher. DD took her final Highland, final National and Elementary Theory and a Hornpipe exam. Next year she takes her Associates exam, which will allow her to teach. I spent the day at the studio helping the girls get ready for each exam. There were a few costume changes and hair issues to be dealt with. The Examiner was here from Texas, she is a lovely lady who very much enjoyed all of the girls. It was a wonderful, relaxing day that was spent with friends!. AND the dance teacher kind of hinted that DD's results were very good. (but the OFFICIAL results won't be back from Scotland until the late summer)

Out of that came another pair of holey toe dance socks to be repaired. This pair is no where near as damaged as the other pair but still has holes in it.

And DS still wants me to get his Harris Tweed socks started.

Tomorrow, I think DH, Della and I are going to go to the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show. (Well DH is going to go to the Motorcycle Show) We all went last year and had a blast. That was where I learned to like wine. Apparently I haven't stopped or slowed down yet! LOL I keep finding wines that I like!

Tuesday

2008-04-01T08:03:00.003-04:00

Well I had 2 tasks this past week...one is done and the other I am still working on!

I was asked by our dance teacher, (in jest only) if I could repair a highland dance sock that was returned with no toe. I had a look at it and was quite skeptical about it but thought to myself. "What do I have to lose. The sock is useless if I don't give it a try! And since they are very expensive to have made...why not give it a try". I told the teacher that it may not be pretty and definately wouldn't be the same as it's mate. but she was okay with that. So I tried and this is what I finished with. It really is a wonderful feeling when you can bring something back from the dead! I only wish that I had taken a before picture of the toeless sock so that you could see the total devastation that I was starting with. But alas, I didn't have a camera with me when I started and couldn't stop...the camera situation will change with the income tax refund! LOL

I am VERY happy with how they turned out! Now the kilt that these socks belong to can be worn again, instead of sitting there with no socks to match it. I think that the dance studio has a few more pairs that are in need of repair (none as bad as this one was) and I may offer to repair them as well. We'll see what happens when I give them back to the teacher tonight at dance class!

I have managed to turn the heel on my Charade Socks. I am LOVING this yarn and pattern together. They seem to work in harmony and not conflict in any way! This yarn is wonderful to work with. It is so soft and doesn't seem to split at all. It is Estelle Arequipa yarn. It has alpaca in it! I will DEFINATELY look for this yarn in other colourways!

I want to try to get these socks done by the weekend as DS is asking where his socks are. (I was supposed to make them before I made these...OOOOPS) So I will start them this weekend. He has decided that he would like the Harris Tweed socks done in the blue self patterning yarn that I have in my stash, Fortissima Colori Socka yarn in a Blue colourway. I hope the pattern looks good with the yarn. I'm sure it will...if not DS will wear and love them anyways! LOL

It's been raining here the past few days and the sun has NOT been out so Tiger has been hiding under his blanket and everytime he gets comfy, DD has to disturb him! Poor dog look what he has to endure!

My Baby is Growing Up! and I'm Not sure I'm Ready!

2008-03-27T07:12:00.006-04:00

DD arrived home Sunday March 16 from her winter camping trip up in Haliburton. From all the stories I have been hearing I have to say that Snowshoeing camp was successful. AND she even brought something to knit while she was away!

Tuesday, DS informed me that he wanted to get his G1. So he and I jumped in the van and headed over to the DriveTest Center. DS stood in line and did what he had to do to get it done! I sat in the waiting area and knit my socks. He wrote the test and passed with no problems. DS is now in possession of a Temporary drivers license. He is patiently awaiting the permanent card version to arrive in the mail.

I thought I was ready for this but now I'm not so sure... On Good Friday I promised him that I would take him out for a 'driving lesson'. He was SO excited. We went to the local mall parking lot and he drove around there for about an hour. DS did really well. He backed into a parking spot, drove around obstacles and a few other thing that I could think of. Basically he got used to my vehicle.

A few evenings later he drove on the road, from our house to the local Starbucks. It is a good thing that DH has nerves of steel. He sat in the front with DS. I sat in the back. I think that sitting in the back seat is a really bad thing because I have NO control of what happens in the front! My nerves were shot! The boy did really well for his first time on the road, only 1 sort of close call but nothing serious and DH fixed the problem. But in defense of the boy it was dark out AND his first time on the road with other traffic. I think it will take a few more times out before I feel a bit more comfortable with the whole idea of my baby driving! He is planning on taking driving lesson from a professional too!.

Saturday evening we (DH and I), went to visit MIL. We took her out to dinner for her birthday. It was a lovely evening.

This year DD's 15th birthday landed on Easter Sunday, so we celebrated BOTH. We went to my Dad's for dinner. It was great! Dinner was to die for and the company was good.

Della and I went to our LYS in Ancaster. It was the first time I had been there. It was a great place. The yarn that they have was amazing. I have not seen that much sock yarn in one store before. I joined the World Yarn Swap again on Ravelry. I got few thing 'Canadian' from there. I hope my Finnish girl likes what I got for her!

On Tuesday Mar. 26 I finished DH's Gentlemans socks. They seemed to take a bit longer than usual but then I don't knit size 11 that often. I am happy with how they turned out. I like the colours and pattern together. They don't to conflict with each other.

On Tuesday evening, while waiting for DD at dance class I started a new pair of socks.

BIG SHOCKER!

I started the Charade socks. I REALLY like this pattern. It looks really cool and is very easy to memorize. I am using Arequipa yarn that is made with alpaca. Man is it soft! I love the colourway. I wasn't sure when I bought the yarn if I would like it our not, but I do. It has browns in it and some subtle pinks and purples. The pattern is a simple enough one but looks a little more sophisticated than a plain stockinette sock.

Somewhere in the middle of my hectic, nervewracking week DD, Della and I managed to go to our Knitting get together. The BurlOak knitters are a great group of Ladies! We had alot of laughs, a few giggles, some shocking and exciting news, oh yea, and we knit too!

A Sad, Yet Happy Time!

2008-03-17T23:20:00.005-04:00

What a week!

The anchor has sunk.

It is with great sorrow that I write this post. On Wednesday, March 12, in the early morning hours, FIL passed peacefully away. He is in a better place now.

We, DH and myself, went to visit him on Tuesday afternoon where he was not looking well at all. He was not very responsive until just before we were leaving. He managed to flick DH's hand when he touched his and he moved his eyebrows up and down when I kissed him good bye. We had a quiet drive home. Early Wednesday morning we got the call...and that was when it all began. The arrangements, the people, the stories, the tears, the laughter...

The visitation was nice and sad at the same time. The service was beautiful. I laughed and cried! He was a wonderful man who touched alot of people! The stories down memory lane were the best. Everyone that we talked to had a great memory of FIL. THAT is what life is all about. The people that you meet and the lives that you touch!

I didn't knit too much this past week, however I did manage to finish the Maizy Lace Socks. They took the longest of all my socks so far to complete. Under the circumstances it is understandable. But I did miss knitting as I find it to be my release.

The Maizy Lace socks turned out to be perfect. They fit properly and are very soft and comfy. They were knit using Seacoast Handpainted Superwash Sock yarn in the Desert Rose colourway.

I also started the Gentleman's Socks for DH. I am using Austermann Step yarn in a red and grey colourway. I am not sure if I like this pattern or not. I guess time will tell. It does look nice though.

Knitting Through the Unknown

2008-03-11T09:37:00.005-04:00

I never really know what to say on this blog.

I have been knitting quite a bit since my last post. I finished the Kaibashira Socks and started the Maizy Lace Socks, completed week 7 on the CWS and am getting ready to start a pair of Gentleman's Socks for my DH. This is the colour that I am going to use. It is Austermann Step.

This past week has also been very long and tiring.

Last Tuesday evening, at DD's Dance class, I met with Della and we started on week 7 of the CWS. I am using a 60" long, 4mm Addi Needle and the stitches are getting a little too tight for me, so I decided to use 2 needles. I figure with the 60" one and a 40" one that it will be easier to move the stitches around. When I switch to the other needle I will be able to tak e a pictutre and post it here. It is not perfect but I am happy with it.

I have also been working on the Kaibashira Socks. I completed them on Wednesday. I really like the lacy look to them and I LOVE the colour.

On Thursday evening at the BurlOak knitters meeting I started the Maizy Lace Socks in Seacoast Hand Painted yarn. The colourway is Desert Rose and is so soft. It is a pleasure to work with. The pattern is working very well with this yarn.

Friday evening DH and I actually stayed at home. Well I did, DH had to work the midnight shift. He left for work during the start of a snow storm. What a night! The snow started during the dinner hour and continued for a few more hours. It stopped for a bit...then it really started. I had to go to work Saturday morning, so DD came with Tiger and I. We ended up closing the store by noon as no one had come in at all. All day Saturday the snow continued. Big flakes, small flakes, blowing snow, white out conditions, we had it all. It was the perfect evening to be inside knitting, and I did! DH and I watched a few movies. It was really nice. It snowed for like 24 hours straight! We ended up with about 30 cm of snow.

We awoke Sunday to something strange in the sky...the SUN! I
t was a beautiful, bright sunny day! We started to shovel our way out of the driveway. Fortunately the snow was very fluffy and light so shovelling went fast.

We, all 4 of us, were then off to visit the FIL. He is not doing well at all. The change from last week to this Sunday was drastic. He was not talking at all. It is all very sad, as a vital and funny man lay there looking lost and vacant. The anchor to the family is sinking fast and there is no life line we can throw to him. We visited with MIL, BIL, and a few cousins, sitting in the same room as FIL. I believe that he knows we were there. Leaving was a bit difficult...damn the unknown and inevitable.

Monday morning came very early, as I had to have DD at the camping pick up spot at 6:15am. She was very excited to be going as she has never winter camped before. She is gone until Sunday afternoon. While she was packing up her gear, she put in 2 balls of SWS and her prized Addi needles in to make a neck collar to keep out the cold. DD figured that she would have a few hours on the bus ride up and back to knit, as well as some free time up there. I was so proud! I will be curious to see if she finishes it while she is away.

Well that brings us up to today, Tuesday. I got up with DH this morning as he went to work at 6am. I decided that since it was my day off that I would knit. I have made great progress on the Maizy Lace socks. I have turned the heel and am working my way along the foot. I knit until about 9:30 when I decided to blog and update Ravelry. I have a few things to get done today, laundry and dishes, and then I will be knitting again. Then after DH's work at 3pm, we will be going back to see FIL. I don't have dance class tonight, as it's March break so we can go. I will bring my knitting with me.

Because ther eis no dance class tonight, Della and I decided to wait a week (since it is March Break) before we continue with the CWS. We both have a few things on the go that we would like to get done. So the pressure is off for this week.

Well I had better get moving or I won't have any time to knit! Apparently, I know what to say on my blog...

Another Tuesday Off and They Are Calling For Snow Again! Typical!

2008-03-04T10:34:00.006-05:00

Well, it's my day off and they are calling for snow again! I wish I could have a nice day off just once this winter. I also have to work too! I guess that's the price of sort of owning your own business...you never really get a day off.

I have been busy knitting the Kaibashira socks. I really love how they are turning out. The colourway is perfect for these sushi inspired socks. I am hoping to get the toe finished by the end of the day.

Tonight Della and I are going to work on the next week of the Civil War Shawl. I think it's week 7. It is getting big. The rounds are getting longer to knit, but will be worth it in the end.

The month of February flew by. I don't know about you but I truly don't know where the month went. I guess with dance 3 times a week, hockey once a week, work, and visiting the FIL whenever we get the chance, time really does fly by! I hope March slows down a bit!

DD is going winter camping and snowshoeing for March break. I think she is really going to enjoy herself. DS went a few years ago and really liked it. He was going to go but decided to give this trip to his sister. By that I mean that he will let her have her time alone without him. I thought that was a nice thing for him to do.

DS is going to come and help me at my store. I have decided to paint, hoping that will brighten and freshen it up and since DS will be off school I decided that he can help me for a few hours each day! He wasn't too impressed with that idea but agreed to do it when I said I would feed him lunch. Ahh... food and teenagers! I love the bribery factor that food has...LOL

I am looking forward to the Burloak knitting meeting this week. I miss it in the off weeks but then I think that every week would be too much!

I am going to go and get ready to go to work and the post office. Tiger doesn't know it yet but he is staying at home today! He's not going to be happy with me...oh well sucks to be him!

Tuesday - A Day Off and Snow AGAIN!

2008-02-25T07:51:00.006-05:00

Well it's snowing AGAIN! I can't believe how much snow we have in the past few weeks. I feel like I am living in the arctic! There is nothing wrong with living in the arctic, if you are actually there but I am in Burlington...we are not supposed to get this much snow. Even Tiger has been sleeping in his bed under the covers.

I have been productive knitting wise. I finished the RPM socks that I was working on. They are done in Colinette's Jitterbug in the Kingfisher colourway. It was the yarn that I received in the World Yarn Swap from Mairin in Ireland. I really like how they turned out and I LOVE the colour. The fit is pretty good and they are soft too. I would definately use the yarn again, as well as knit the pattern again. It was interesting enough to not be boring, but easy enough to do while watching TV or sitting as a passenger while DH was driving.

I also finished week 5 of the Civil War Shawl. I transferred the shawl to the larger needles and was able to take a better picture of it. Della and I will be starting week 6 tonight while our DD's are in dance class. One of the other dance mom's has started to knit socks while waiting for her DD to finish in dance class. It is really nice to see others doing what I enjoy and enjoying it too!

Last week I finally received the zipper box pouch that I ordered from Japanese Hand Made on Etsy. I absolutely love this bag. It holds my sock project and I can take it anywhere. It is perfect. The colour and fabric is beautiful! Satomi did a great job on it. I will definately order more in the future. My DD has hinted at wanting one...maybe for an upcoming occassion.

I started another pair of socks Sunday evening. I looked at my stash and the available patterns that I have and was totally confused. I wanted a pattern tath would work with the yarn that I have. I finally found it. I decided to knit the Kaibashira socks. The designer, Chrissy Gardiner, was inspired after a trip to Japan. They are named after sushi and knit in Tofutsies. I just happened to have some ToFutsies yarn in my stash in a sort of pink orange colourway and I thought it would be perfect for these socks. They are starting to look neat with the lace effect. The yarn also lends itself to a lace pattern. It is light and airy and will look great as these socks.

Well, I am going to go and enjoy my day off. I want to get a bit more of these socks done before tonight's dance class and the Civil War Shawl. Enjoy the Day...I know I will!

Drop Stitch Knitter is having a contest...check it out!

Knitting Meeting and the Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-21T09:37:00.004-05:00

Last night Della and I went to our regular knitting group get together. This time we changed it up a bit and met on Wednesday ( so my DD could attend). So from here on out we will meet every other week, one will be Wednesday and the other on Thursday. My DD really enjoyed herself. We talked about everything under the sun. It was very nice, the company was Excellent and the food was good too! I worked on my Civil War Shawl for a bit then switched to my RPM socks. DD was working on a pair of leg warmers for her cousin (who is 5). DD has, in the past, knit quite a few different hats, in addition to a pair of legwarmers for herself and a scarf. She is doing very well and wants me to take a few pictures of her stuff and post it here. So here they are.

I have been working on my Civil War Shawl. Della and I are finishing week 5, however I was having some trouble with row 94. We were going to try to figure out what my problem was. I ended up frogging that row out twice!. But then I went to the group on Yahoo and found the answer to my problem, complete with photo. So alas, the problem was fixed and we are back on track. We decided to wait until Tuesday to continue onto Week 6, as we both have other projects on the go and would like to get them done.

I have turned the heel on the RPM socks that I am knitting. They are looking really neat. The colour is really looking rich.

I received my order from Sheri at the Loopy Ewe. I was so excited when the mailman arrived with my package. I believe that I actually squealed! It was a good thing that I had no customers in my store at the time. I swear the mailman thinks I'm nuts! I ordered Cherry Tree Hill Supersock in the colourway 'Pickle Juice' and Claudia Hand Painted Yarn in the Colourway 'Twilight'. They are beautiful and so soft.

Last night was also the Lunar Eclipse. It was amazing. DD and I got home from our knitting get together in time to see it happen. The moon was full and the colour was phenominal. DH was outside with his binoculars looking at the craters on the moon. I could only stand outside for a few minutes as it was far too cold for me. DS even took some pictures of the eclipse. I will have to get one and post it here. (tonight!) After looking at the moon I went into the house and sat in my chair to watch TV. I was going to knit but my dog Tiger had other plans for me. He ended up on my lap, all curled up under the blanket I had on my feet. He never moved until I went to bed about an hour and a half later.

Tonight I get to knit while I wait for DD at her dance class. That's 2 1/2 hours of uninterrupted knitting time! I can hardly wait. My only complaint is that the chairs are not the most comfortable around. Oh well I guess we have to sacrifice things in life. One of the other mom's at the dance studio has started to knit socks too!. She is using DPN's and has asked me to show her how to Magic Loop 2 at once. Her socks are nice. They are in a self striping yarn.

Yesterday - A Nice Day if You're a Duck!

2008-02-18T08:26:00.005-05:00

The rain, the rain! It didn't seem to want to stop. Yesterday morning started with freezing rain then quickly changed to regular rain. I drove my daughter to work for 8 am and it was doing nothing. By the time I got home at about 8:10 it had started to freezing rain. By 11am I watched my son walk/skate down the street to the bus on his way to work. After that it just seemed to rain heavily. There was a pond in our street. We went to DS's hockey game last night at 9pm and the arena parking lot had a 25 foot pond at the entrance.

I finished the Fluted Banister Socks yesterday morning. They are for DD but I got to wear the first! The yarn is very soft. I would DEFINATELY use it again. It was KnitPicks Essential yarn in the Peacock colourway. The colour pooling is really neat and DD loves it!

We, DH and I, went to visit the FIL and MIL on Saturday evening.When we arrived I noticed that the FIL had on the socks that I knit for him. It's a nice feeling to know that people are wearing and using the things that I make.

I cast on another pair of socks yesterday too. I am knitting the RPM socks in Colinette's Jitterbug yarn. It's the yarn that I received from Mairin in the World Yarn Swap. I LOVE the colourway, it is Kingfisher. The pattern is pretty easy and is good for watching TV.

Today is the very first FAMILY DAY holiday in Ontario, and I have closed my store for it! I am going to spend time with my family today. My kids are going to visit a few friends for an hour or 2 while I get caught up on some work, then we will all go and visit Della and her DD and their many dogs. Tiger is looking forward to his run/visit with his girlfriends, Hasia and Betty!

To everyone in Ontario, Happy Family Day! and to everyone in the US, Happy President's Day!

I hope you get to knit on this great day off. I know I will be!

Enough Already!

2008-02-13T11:52:00.003-05:00

Enough already! We have enough snow! I have shovelled it until I ache! The snow can go now. It looks pretty when it is falling and the trees are covered but that's about it. Driving sucks and shovelling sucks.

My daughter and I tried to go to our dance class last night and waited at the stop lights for 20 minutes. There was so much traffic and the roads were crap. The highway was parked in both directions for as far as the eye could see. So we turned around and went home.

DH had a fire going when we arrived back home. It was lovely in the house...nice and warm! He and I sat down on the couch and enjoyed the fire while we watched TV and I knitted.

Since I didn't get to my Tuesday dance class, Della and I didn't get together to work on our Civil War Shawls. But we talked on the phone and agreed to continue with week 4. I knit last night and got to row 78. Week 4 ends at row 89 so I still have a bit to go but I shouldn't have a problem with it.

Yesterday morning I worked on the Fluted Banister socks and managed to turn the heel. I am working my way along the foot, they are going fairly quickly. I decided not to give my DD the Jacobean socks (I liked them too much!) so I told her she could have these. She is so in love with the colour pooling!.

Well I should get back to work...I still have to shovel oout front of my store!

Socks, Socks and More Socks 2!

2008-02-11T06:51:00.000-05:00

OMG! I think the north pole has relocated! It is freezing out there today! This arctic blast of weather really needs to move on. I am really not built for this. Even the dog won't go out for more than a minute. I swear if he could pee off the back door step he would.
I arrived at my store this morning and the windows are totally frosted over. There is ice on the INSIDE! I am tempted to go and get my car scraper and clear them. No I think I will leave it alone I don't want to go outside.

These are a few picutres that I found of the socks I made for Christmas and didn't post earlier. The top 2 little ones went to my Neice and nephew, Madeleine and Michael. The blue ones went to DH.

The black pair on the left belong to DH too and the other pair went to the MIL. I just wanted to post them.

I did a bit of knitting this weekend. I am halfway through the Fluted Banister socks. I am about to turn the heel. I like the colour and the way it is pooling. Sydney, DD, is really looking forward to wearing them. They are her favourite colours, purple and blue. Between the weather, my work, the kids work, dance with my daughter and hockey with my son I'm surprised that I got anything done this past weekend.

Tomorrow evening, Della and I are starting week 4 of the Civil War Shawl. I am looking forward to seeing the next section. I am really liking this and can hardly wait until I can use it. Even if it is just in the living room! LOL

Tired From Knitting!?

2008-02-09T08:45:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!
This is my daughter and Tiger sleeping together after a rough night of knitting!. I don't know who has more of the bed! Tiger does not know that he is a dog, he thinks he's human and that this is his bed.

Here they are...the FIL's socks. I hope they are ok. I made them a bit short so that they can be worn more as a slipper. They are really stretchy and warm.

This is a not very good picture of my Civil War Shawl. I have yet to switch it to larger needles and can't really get a good picture. But I am finished week 3. It is looking pretty cool at this point. You can see the different starburst patterns appearing when it is flat. But right now it looks more like a shower cap on the needles!LOL I will be starting week 4 on Tuesday.

In the meantime I have cast on another pair of ...you guessed it! SOCKS!
This pattern is called "Fluted Banister Socks" It is a past pattern from Six Sox Knitalong. I am knitting them in KnitPicks Essential "Peacock" on a 2.5mm Addi needle. I am really liking the pooling of colour. I think these are going to be for my daughter, Syd, but I could change my mind at any time!

Hot and Cold and Dissappointed!

2008-02-08T09:37:00.000-05:00

Well the past few days have been sort of hot and cold for me. Work has been painfully slow and with the snow storms that we have had that has been the main problem. I have tidied up my store and cleaned out alot of crap that seems to accumulate. I have shoveled a tonne of snow that accumulated too! Maybe I am in spring cleaning mode! It's a bit early but with the wishful thinking maybe Spring will happen faster.

Knitting has been productive. I started (Monday) and finished (Thursday) my FIL's socks. The are just a plain rib K3/P3 pattern in On Your Toes DK Yarn. He was looking for a really stretchy sock that wouldn't bind on his feet. I figured that ribbed pattern will give him the most stretch. I hope he likes them and that they keep his feet warm. I will post the pictue later on today.

Della and I are on week 3 if the Civil War Shawl. It is looking very nice and seems to be easy enough and straightforward. Although I hate P3tog! I am finding it is a pretty quick knit. It is just easy enough to be able to watch TV but not too easy that I am getting bored!. We are working on a Tuesday to Monday schedule for our weeks. We start a new week or pattern rounds on Tuesday nights while our daughters are in Highland dance class. We get to sit and knit in peace , enjoying our tea and each others company for 2 hours. It really is a nice break. I will try to post a photo later.

Della and I went to our Burlington Knitting meeting last night! There were 8 1/2 people there. One lady brought her 10 year old daughter. It was really nice to see Heather interested in crochet. My daughter is 14 and is very into knitting hats. She is looking forward to coming to one of our get togethers in the near future. We talked, laughed, nibbled, knitted and had fun. The Cafe that we meet at is a really great place. The people are excellent and the food is great! I already have the next few get togethers marked on my calendar so I don't forget!

I was dissappointed the other night when I didn't receive an email from Alison at the Simply Sock Yarn Company. She put out a request for Volunteer Sock Test Knitters and I didn't get chosen. Oh well apparently she had over 80 responses and only chose a few. So I won't give up ...I will try again next year!. I think it would be fun to try out new and different yarns and give my opinion.

I broke down and ordered some yarn from the Loopy Ewe. I had to stop the downward spiral I was on from the test knitting rejection. I can hardly wait for it to arrive. The photos on Sheri's website make everything look so appealing. I want it all! Hopefully Canada Post, the US Postal Service and the Yarn Gods will work together to make my parcel arrive faster.

Well I have to get back to my spring cleaning, wishful thinking morning!

A Visiting We Will Go!

2008-02-04T07:26:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was quite productive for me.

I worked on Saturday and actually had more business than Friday (the snow storm day) which was a good thing. I met my DH after work and we went out for supper. It was very nice. We went to this little chinese restaurant and had Cantonese Noodle Soup. It is sort of a combination of wonton soup and cantonese chow mein. It is to die for!

After dinner, we came home and I got to knit. I was working on the Socks of Kindness. I did a bit then but not really much. Sunday morning we got up and DH and I dropped my daughter off at work and continued on our way to visit MIL & FIL. We had a nice visit and I got to knit! While sitting there visiting and talking... I finished my socks!.

We decided to leave there at about 4:00 and head home. We picked up my kids and went out for dinner. Again a really nice little restaurant around the corner from home. It was empty which was nice for us but not for the restaurant since it was SuperBowl Sunday! Service was good and the food excellent. When we finally got home the dog was waggling his butt off. So happy to see us, as we had abandoned him ALL day! Once Tiger had been out to do his business, everyone settled in for the night. DH was listening to old music on the computer and I sat in my chair knitting a new pair of improvised socks for FIL. He wants them very loose and stretchy. So THAT is what I am making...I am using On Your Toes DK yarn and 4mm Addi needles. I am hoping to finish them by Tuesday or Wednesday so that we can bring them back to FIL (he is not well)

Well that is all for now, I must get ready for another day at work!

What a Week! Slow and Quick at the Same Time!

2008-02-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

Well this past week was painfully slow at work and extremely quick in life. I actually had 3 evenings at home where I didn't have to drive anyone, anywhere. I spent my time knitting of course!

I did quite a bit of knitting ...I finished my Jacobean socks. I like how they turned out, however they are a bit large for me so I think I will give them to my daughter Sydney. She has been harassing me for them anyways.

I managed to get the second week's schedule of rows done for the Civil War Shawl. It is surprising simple and I am really enjoying it. Della and I have decided that we are going to do it at pretty much the same pace. That way we can cheer each other on! I am trying to knit a few rows on a regular basis so that I can keep to the schedule.

I also started the Socks of Kindness in Lorna's laces Shepherd Sock Amish colourway. I LOVE this yarn. It is wonderful to work with and so soft!. I think I am keeping these.

Today was a snow storm from hell. Work at my store was so slow that I knit for part of the day. I saw 5 people all day. Even my dog slept in his bed under his blanket!

IT ARRIVED!!!

I joined the World Yarn Swap a few weeks ago, however I was too late to do it with the group so I met a Wonderful Irish woman who said that she would swap with me on the side. We chatted back and forth a few times. I sent her my package this past Monday and she received it on Thursday and...well GUESS WHAT I got my package today! When the mailman came into my store, he was holding my package. I nearly pushed him over to get it. I can't thank Mairin enough.

The yarn is beautiful and the extra goodies are great! I want to knit the sock yarn up next. The sock yarn is Colinette Jitterbug in Kingfisher colourway. The other 2 beautiful skeins are Kilcarra of Donegal. It is an Aran tweed in a very rich purple colourway. It is wonderful and soft. The chocolate bar will be enjoyed later with my tea and tote bag will be put to good use! Thank you so very much Mairin! It has been fun swapping with you. I hope we can do it again! What a great First Swap!

On My Way!

2008-01-29T12:20:00.000-05:00

Well I started the Civil War Shawl! I finally got up the nerve to give it a go. I did not use the DPN's for the beginning. I give up. I don't use them well AT ALL! In fact it was a disaster. I used the magic loop method and I'm okay with it. I have completed the first 35 rows. It looks cool, I am loving the yarn from Sarah's Yarns. It is very soft and I love the Slate colour. I figure if I follow the set weekly schedule then I may have a chance of finishing it this century!

I also finished the socks for my father. The ones that I ran out of yarn for. I finally found another ball at my LYS. He likes them and they fit well.

I started the Socks of Kindness yesterday. I am using Lorna's Laces sock yarn in the Amish Colourway. I absolutely LOVE this yarn! OMG, I don't know why I waited to use it! It is SOOO soft and beautiful. I will definately put this yarn on my TO USE AGAIN list!

This past week we, the Knitter Piper and I, went to a knitting group meeting. We had fun it was at a local bakery and cafe. We arrived around 6:30 - 7ish and started talking, knitting and laughing. We mey some really nice people and I think we will continue to meet with this group.

Oh well I will keep this post short and sweet. I have things to do (knit!), places to go (LYS) and people to see (fellow knitters!)

Happy Knitting!

It's DONE!!!

2008-01-20T12:01:00.000-05:00

I finally finished and blocked the Shetland Shawl and it looks great! I am very happy with how it blocked. I was a bit worried since I had done it in some mystery yarn. (acrylic blend I think). But I did some research online and found out that if I pinned it down and steamed it , it may work and it did! I don't know who it is for yet but I'm sure someone will like and appreciate it.

I had an onlooker for part of my blocking effort this morning.

I have also been working on the Jacobean Socks. They are coming along. I am almost finished the second pattern repeat on the leg. I decided to do them top down unlike the pattern which is toe up. This pattern is an easy, straight forward one. I like how they are turning out. The yarn is soft and nice to work with and I LOVE the colour.

This week I joined the World Yarn Swap. Well not really, I was too late signing up and apparently so were a few others and rather than miss out on taking part another lady and I decided to do a swap outside of the group. I will take part next month "officially" but for now my partner Mairin is very nice. She is from Galway in Ireland and we seem to have a few projects in common. We have been in touch via email a few times and are deciding on what type of yarn we are looking for. It really is exciting and fun. I am going to go out this week and see if I can find some unique Canadian yarn for Mairin. And she is doing the same with Irish yarn. I can hardly wait!

I am impatiently awaiting for the yarn to arrive for the Civil War Shawl. Now that the Shetland Shawl is complete I am REALLY excited about starting this one. I hope it arrives this week from Sarah's Yarns. They have assured me that it is on it's way!

I have also decided that I would like to try knitting a few Christmas stockings for next year. I saw them on Sunneshine's blog http://sunnelite.blogspot.com/. She has done a BEAUTIFUL job and has inspired me to give one a try!
Wish me luck!

WE ROCKED!

Last Sunday was our Highland Dance studio's Christmas Ceilidh. It was postponed in December due to a huge snow storm. I twas alot of fun. There was tonnes of food for everyone and the highland dancing, piping and singing were great! We even did a gift exchange between Dancers..this is what I received from my Secret Santa...

It's a Beautiful ceramic ornament that says "Merry Christmas" on one side and "Pipe Dreams" on the other. It is also in our dance Studio's tartan, MacLeod of Lewis. My Secret Santa picked the perfect gift for me as I collect unique ornaments!

Pay It Forward!

2008-01-14T13:52:00.000-05:00

You've probably seen the Pay It Forward on a blog here or there. I signed up with Jen at purplejenknits earlier today. I am very excited about this concept. I think there are not enough things done in life that don't require some form of payback.

The Pay It Forward Exchange.
It’s based on the concept of the movie "Pay it Forward" where acts or deeds of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on, with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on. So here’s how it works. I will make and send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month, probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. I will send to anywhere in the World as long as it doesn't involve space travel!

Have a great day and Pay It Forward!!!

What do you mean 1 ball is not enough to make a pair of socks?!

2008-01-13T10:29:00.000-05:00

I bought a ball of On Your Toes DK sock yarn to knit a pair of socks for my father and I have run out! OH NO!!! The socks are about 3/4 of the way done. I really like the colour and the weight of the yarn. It is a brown, grey and black colour and is soft. Now I have to wait until my LYS orders more yarn! They only had 1 ball in each colour, and they are not sure exactly when they will be placing another order...so I wait...

Today is the day that our Highland Dance studio is having their Christmas Ceilidh. The original date was the big snow day in December and it was cancelled. My daughter and I are dancing in it this afternoon.. I figure the delay just gave us more time to practise! LOL I will let you know how it went in the next few days.

I am hoping to cast on another pair of socks tonight. I want to try a toe up sock in the Jacobean pattern. However I am NOT comfortable knitting toe up, so I may do them top down. I will decide when I start! I am going to try them in a lovely fuchia coloured sock yarn. It is Socka brand from Austria. It's very soft...

Last Thursday my friend, Della, the Knitted Piper and I went to a Meet up for the Burlington Knitters group. We met at a local pub and had an enjoyable time. Met some interesting people and learned a few things. The group is going to try to meet twice a month so it should be nice...

We also joined the Civil War Shawl Knit along. It is a beautiful large shawl that we decided to try. We ordered the yarn from Sarah's Yarns online and are patiently awaiting it's arrival so we can start. We are going to be a bit behind the group but we are okay with that!

Well I have to go and get ready for the Ceilidh...I have to celtic step dance my way to fame! LOL

Coffee!!!

2008-01-07T06:27:00.000-05:00

I need coffee!

Well it will be back to our regular routine in about 10 minutes when I wake my 16 & 14 year old. I am NOT looking forward to the attitude that I am going to get when I wake them for school. They have pretty much slept till they were ready to get up all holiday long. Unless they were working early (which only happened 4 times). Their regular time for tising is 6:30 and I think the earliest they got up was 11. OMG to be a teenager again...naaaw!! wouldn't do it again if you paid me!

Yesterday was a busy day yet I didn't accomplish all that much. I drove my daughter to work at 7:00 am then came home and went back to bed until I got up at 10. Then at 11 I got my son up for work and drove him there at 11:30. I returned home to spend a little time with my DH. Then I had to pick up my daughter from work and take her right to dance class. There I met my girlfriend and we went to Port Colborne so that she could pick up the antique dresser that she bought. It was a nice drive and it turned out to be a Beautiful dresser. We left there (I knit a bit on the way back) and went back to pick our daughters from dance class, then proceeded home. I later had to take my son at 8:00pm to his hockey game. I seemed to be out alot yeaterday but didn't do too much and then my day was over.

Today, after the kids leave I have to get ready for work. I have a busy day planned. I have to get alot of furniture ready to ship to the USA. So I won't even get to surf the net...oh well I can later I guess.

Tonight I am going to attempt to get more of the sock that I am making for my father done. I made him a pair for christmas but apparently I mad ethem too short in the leg. So I decided to knit him another pair. I bought the yarn, On Your Toes DK Boot sock yarn, but I only bought 1 ball and should have purchased 2. I really don't think that one will be enough. So I called my LYS and they have to order it in for me. They don't have any more of the same colour! This is my luck. Oh well I will show my dad what he has coming and hope they order it soon! I will try to post some pictures later. I like the colour, they are brown, black and grey.

Well I ahd better go and wake some sleeping time bombs...wish me luck...

Happy New Year!

2008-01-03T10:50:00.000-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone starts off the new year with good intentions! I always do but things happen and I never seem to accomplish everything that I intend to. OH well. I guess I will try again...

We went to my Dad's for dinner on New Years. It was wonderful. As usual we ate too much food! and there was lots left over so we took some home! Yummy! My brothers family was there too.
It was nice to spend time with the family and NOT have a TV on in the background. I really enjoyed our visit.

I started a pair of socks on boxing day for me out of some Tofutsies yarn that I received for Christmas. I did the Yukon leaves pattern. They are really nice however they are too small for my foot. So a girlfirend with smaller feet will get them! WOW she is not going to expect them at all. I ended up finishing them yesterday. I love the holidays. I get to knit more! Woo Hoo.

I spent yesterday (my day off) with my 16 year old son. We went to my LYS to exchange a ball of sock yarn for a more interesting colourway, and then to get him a new iPod. He suffered through the half hour in the LYS in order to get to the electronics store, without a complaint I might add! Once we got home he was right on the computer registering and loading the iPod with his music. He was a happy boy!.

I then left the house to meet my DH at work and we went to visit his parents. We had a nice visit with them as well. Then we went off to the mall to spend our Christmas gift certificates! I really enjoyed the time I spent with my DH, as the time over the holidays was VERY busy and we were sick at different times.

I am hoping tonight to have a fire and sit and watch TV and Knit of course! What a perfect evening that will be!

I Survived!

2007-12-31T09:31:00.000-05:00

Well it's finally over and I survived! Just barely. Even the dog is whipped!

I had a CRAZY lead up to Christmas. I was so busy at work that I had started to not like my favourite holiday of the year! I am in the packaging and shipping business and to listen to everyone wanting to get their gifts to the recipients on time is nuts. They want them there overnight and don't want to pay the price for that convenience. What I really wanted to say to them was that maybe they should PLAN AHEAD and not pay the HUGE price tag to get the gifts there overnight!

I was really tired of listening to the complaints that I had started to really dislike Christmas. But in the end I got all of my knitting done (is it ever really all done!) for the gifts.

I knit my FIL (who is sick), a pair of socks and he was unsure if they would fit so I put them on his feet. Well when I went back 2 days later for a visit, he STILL had them on! And said that they were really warm and comfy! THAT is what it is all about for me!

My kids got a tonne of stuff that they didn't need but really wanted. I got a few things too. A red purse, sock yarn, a diamond pendant, earrings and chocolates. I was REALLY spoiled this year! I love my Hubby! He really knows how to shock me! Just when I think I've got him figured out he tosses me a curve ball!

Well, I am at work now and have customers that keep coming in. I will try to post pictures of my Christmas gifts that were knitted very soon!

Here is a picture of my Monkey socks that I finally finished and actually wore on Christmas day!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tuesday!

2007-11-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

Today I have the day off. I was going to look for the knitted bags that I had made a while ago for christmas gifts but I cannot remember where they are.! Apparently I put them away for safekeeping and it's so safe that I can't find them! It is driving me around the twist. Oh well I will take a break and look again later.

I finally took some pictures of the Monkey socks and the shetland shawl.

I like the colourway of the Monkey socks. It is Cherry Tree Hill Sockittome in Spanish Moss. The picture really doesn't do it justice. I love the feel of this yarn, it is really soft and nice to work with.

The shawl is being knit (slowly) in a grey yarn that was in my girlfriends stash. We decided to put beads on it. I like the effect. The beads are along the neck and will be put in the edging too. I really like this pattern. It's very quick and easy to knit. Although I still can't be in a really crowded place as I do still need to concentrate on it!

I have finished another project...my knitting bag. It is by Sheepstrings and is done in CabinFever's yarn. It was one of my first felting projects. I REALLY love it and have had alot of comments on it. I think the Pin really finishes it!

As I am sitting here at my computer, my sleeping beauty of a dog just woke up. The rest of the house has been up and gone for 3 hours, but he has been sleeping in my daughter's bed. Every time he gets up, he does his yoga stretches. His name is Tiger and he's a 5 year old english bull terrier/ greyhound cross. One of the laziest dogs on the face of the planet! He has to sleep UNDER the blankets with his nose in tight!

Well, I have had enough of a break I am off to look for the gifts again!

Miserable and sore!

2007-11-21T13:32:00.000-05:00

Well today is raining, miserable and cold out! I am at work but would rather be at home knitting. I have finished a few more pairs of socks for Christmas gifts ( I will post the pictures later) They look great! Very Masculine...which was what I was going for!

I am also working on a Shetland Shawl. I am knitting it with a friend! Sort of our OWN KAL.
We have decided to put beads on it and it is looking very nice!

I have also cast on a pair of Monkey socks for ME! It is in the Cherry Tree Hill yarn in the Spanish Moss colourway. I LOVE this yarn! It feels so nice. I have wanted to do a pair of Monkey socks for quite a while. And since I have only 1 pair in my dresser at home I decided that these will be for me!

I hurt my back the other day. I don't know what I did but I definately pulled something. I can only move slowly. The only way I can sit totally comfy is if I am in MY chair knitting! This working for a living is starting to get in the way of my knitting!

Socks! Socks! and more Socks!

2007-10-24T20:37:00.000-04:00

I finally got around to taking a picture of most of the socks that I have knitted to date. Some of them now belong to my family. Others will be gifts for Christmas. I started a few months ago and have decided that I LOVE to knit socks!

The first few pairs were done with self striping yarn and were plain. As I did a few more, I tried a few different patterns. Now I don't think there is a pattern that I won't try!

I have many more patterns and yarns to try. I just hope I have enough time to do them all.

I did it!

2007-10-23T13:39:00.000-04:00

I finally set up a blog! Hopefully I will have the time to keep up with it, but they say busy people manage to get the things done that need to be done! So here's hoping...

The Knitted Squirrel

BISSELL'S MVP Photo Contest

Just Knitting Pictures

Awesome!!!

What I Saw On My Hunting Trip...

Since My Last Post I Have....

I Have Been Busy...

Catch Up Photos

A Short One!

Best Friends....

Photo Catch up...

I'm Dead!

Still Alive!!

Death Socks Deployed!

I'm Still Alive!!!

Let the Battle Begin...

Christmas is Over ~ Sock Wars is About to Begin!

I Won A Camera!!

Knitting Quick Things!

The Great Hunting/Knitting Trip

An Award! Woo Hoo!!!!

Point to Ponder....

Here We Go Again!

August Already!!!

Grad, Knitting, Driving and Life in General...

Where Has June Gone?

Grad, Prom and Knitting, of Course!

We Have Knitting and Death! *LOL*

Mom...Forever in my Heart!

Wireless....Awesome!

I Got It Figured Out...

Next...

It Never Fails To Amaze Me....

March Break Approaching!

February Blahs Means More Knitting & Cleaning!

The Weather...What Did We Do?

Win Fall!

WOW! -21 With the Wind Chill it is -31!

FINALLY, Knitting Pictures!

Christmas Eve!

Knitting and More...

Knitting, Spinning and some Pictures

Pictures

Knitting, Thanksgiving and the Boy!

Knitter Girl! Hunter Girl! Can the 2 become one?

Where Has The Time Gone!

Highland Dancing, Socks and More Highland Dancing!

Knitting...Finally! and a Bit of Dancing.

All Tattoo and No Knitting!

Ducks, Socks, Quilts and Dancing!

May...Where Has It Gone?

Sweater, Socks and Spring!

May Already! and Knitting Too!

Work, Knitting, Running Errands and Knitting Some More!

Knitting, World Yarn Swap and Stuff

2 Pairs Finished and a Bottle of Wine!

Knitting and Dance Exams

Tuesday

My Baby is Growing Up! and I'm Not sure I'm Ready!

A Sad, Yet Happy Time!

Knitting Through the Unknown

Another Tuesday Off and They Are Calling For Snow Again! Typical!

Tuesday - A Day Off and Snow AGAIN!

Knitting Meeting and the Lunar Eclipse

Yesterday - A Nice Day if You're a Duck!

Enough Already!

Socks, Socks and More Socks 2!

Tired From Knitting!?

Hot and Cold and Dissappointed!

A Visiting We Will Go!

What a Week! Slow and Quick at the Same Time!

On My Way!

It's DONE!!!

Pay It Forward!

What do you mean 1 ball is not enough to make a pair of socks?!

Coffee!!!

Happy New Year!

I Survived!

Tuesday!

Miserable and sore!

We Have Knitting and Death! LOL