Holy Hoopla!

Now that the hoopla which is Christmas is done, I thought I'd do a little post in pictures. The kids had a blast this year. It took us about 2 hours to open gifts, but once done we all shared some champagne and OJ to celebrate.
I do also owe some pictures of Secret pal gifts, and a lovely roving pic of some Alpaca spunky eclectic sent to me by my spinning roving swap pal, but that will have to wait until tommorrow.
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday full of yarny goodness, and lots of knitting time.
Let the Carnage begin

Sis and the kids

First Gift


All tuckered out with uncle Dave

Wow.

I mozied on down to my mailbox this aft, after a long sleep (I worked last night) and
found a FABULOUS package there sent from my Secret Pal. She sure is keeping herself a big secret. It was a box full of Lantern Moon goodies. I'll post pics as soon as the rain goes away and I have a little light. Thanks a bunch pal.....you made my whole week.

This is Interesting

Even though I don't live in the atates, I thought I'd just see out of curiosity how many of "me" there are kickin' around the US. Turns out there's a few.

Interesting....very interesting.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 29 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Looking Up

After my fiasco of a week last week, things are finally looking up. There are some wonderful people in this world, and for you, I wish to say thank you. There have been several little acts of kindness bestowed upon me in the last couple of days. I have an angel in Nova Scotia, who is sending me a much anticipated scarf for the ISE3 exchange. And my wonderful former Secret Pal spoiler Jae offered to save my sorry butt with some Bernat Softee Chunky. Luckily she didn't have to, since I was able to get my mom to track some down, but just the offer was enough to lift my spirits. That girl is a gem I tell ya. My whining last post wasn't intended to make anyone feel sorry for me, I was just venting some frustration. This week is much better. Sweaters are being knit, and socks are getting their mates. For some reason I feel like I'm accomplishing alot. I have this sudden urge to tie up all of my loose ends before the new year. Very productive thinking gives very productive results I guess.
There was one other incident last week I forgot to tel you all about. It was so shocking at the moment it happened I didn't know what to say. Now it sounds funny, but at the time it was infuriating.
Sunday I decided to cook a nice big roasted chicken , some nice creamy mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, and a scrumptious pumpkin banana torte for supper. It was just starting to smell good, when I opened the oven to baste the chicken,( cause y'all know how nasty dry chicken tastes) and I dipped the baster in the drippings and poured some over the chicken. All of a sudden I herd a big crack then a POP! My glass pyrex baking dish exploded everywhere and shot glass all over the kitchen and everywhere inside the oven. Kaeleb was sitting in his highchair watching it all happen, and was laughing hysterically. Little did he know that it could have turned out much differently had a shard of glass hit him. Not sure what I was thinking, but I immediately pulled out the camera and started taking pictures. I wanted Pyrex to see what their stupid baking dish did to my delicious, well deserved dinner. In the end I got it all cleaned up, and managed to cook the chicken ( well washed and scoured for shards of glass of course) the rest of the time in my little convection oven. Not quite the same, but it still tasted good.
The dessert never got made, (I was exausted at this point) but we had a great meal in the end.
Here's a photo of the chicken in the oven just after it exploded..

Take a chill pill...

RANT ( If you don't have the patience, wanted knitting content, or just don't care.please scroll down to skip my little PMS induced rant)

This was in my inbox this evening after I returned from the bathroom after having cleaned up vomit from my 2 year old and 6 yr old.

Hi Sarah
"I was going through blogs of my participants, and noticed you only have three entries for November. Pleas remember that one of the rules for this round of Secret Pal is at least 4 entries per month. Let me know if you are having any problems."



It seems I have only posted three times this month, and have been reminded to post a little more here as part of the Secret Pal 9 exchange. I guess life is just crazy, and I haven't really had blogging set too high as a priority. So far this Secret pal exchange has been great for me, save for the constant "reminders" to do this or that from moderators. Because of this, I think that this will be my last Secret pal exchange for a while . I mean, come on... we are all grown- ups here. I post as often as time permits, and to be frank...this is MY journal. I guess I just don't like being told what to do. I suppose I wouldn't have such a problem with all of this if I had been slacking sending surprises, posting thank-you's to my secret pal, and completely ignoring my blog. But as you can see folks, that's not the case. Heck and the month isn't even over. I thought I had three more days to meet the four posts a month quota. When did these Secret Pals become so hard core? Aren't we supposed to be enjoying this? I love spoiling people with little surprises, just because. Don't get me wrong, I also love recieving mail as well. It makes my life better to go to the mail box and find an unexpected parcel waiting. I know some who may read this may be offended but since I'm not one to usually speak up when something is bothering me, and found the need to post this here, it must not be just me who feels this way. Rest assured ...I am not going to flake on my "Secret Pal Responsibility" even though I myself in previous (recent) exchanges have been "flaked on " quite a bit. I just chalk it up to experience, and am thankful I get to meet so many cool people through this forum. Lighten up people...Secret Pal is supposed to be fun.

PS: My spoiler this round is totally cool. I hope she doesn't think this is in any way connected to her.

Rant over, on to knitting content. The two kiddo sweaters I was talking about before are almost done, but I have run into an un-imaginable snag with my little boy one. I RAN OUT OF YARN.
My city is bare. There is not one store around that has it. I don't usually knit with acrylic other than for charity or baby items, but Bernat Softee Chunky matched guage perfectly. There is no more of this color to be had anywhere!. These are Christmas gift commissioned knits people, how could you run out of stock like this at such a time? If anyone out there can point me to an online retailer who can get it to me quick...I'd love to know. The color is Grey Heather and in case your eyes closed when I wrote that it was acrylic, it's Bernat Softee Chunky.
May the Lord be with me.....I need to find this yarn.

One day at a time

Lately I've been finding myself incredibly stressed out, and not enjoying my knitting so much ( with the exception of my Cherry Tree Hill sock). As I sat at my desk last night at three o'clock in the morning (at work) I started thinking about this. Perhaps it's because I've just gone back to work after a 2 year baby making hiatus, perhaps the lack of sleep I've been getting lately, or maybe even the stress of making a picture perfect Christmas for my 4 kids is it. I'm not too sure. Then It hit me...I'm knitting an awful lot of things for other people (commissioned jobs) and they are all due before Christmas. I've come to the realization that I hate knitting deadlines. I know I have plenty of time to finish the three sweaters (2 kids 1 XL adult), and yet they are the last things on the earth I want to knit. Not the yarn I chose, not the colours I chose, and not even the pattern. (although the kids sweaters are really cute ones from Louisa Harding's Miss Bea's series). On top of all that I have my own holiday gift knitting to finish up. Why do we do these things to ourselves? Forget the fact that I'm trying to finish up writing my own book. I think I need a holiday from knitting...or at least I'll need a really big one once the holidays are over. My problem is I have a hard time saying no to anyone. "Sure that's no problem" is a line heard spewing from my lips all the time. I've decided I'm going to just rip throught the commissioned jobs and then relax. Re-focus on the reasons why I love to knit so much, and stop saying yes to everything and everyone. A girl can only handle so much. I just have to figure out how to say no once in a while. I want to enjoy my kids, and the joy they bring to my life instead of wishing they would just fall asleep already so I can get some work done. They shouldn't have to feel my stress too. Thank God Mr.Man is such a good dad cause I don't know how I'd survive. He gets a really great gift this year. He has yet to bat an eye when I tell him I'm too tired to cook dinner, or could he go buy some more milk since the baby spilled the last of it... men like him are few and far between.

A Post in pics

Since I'm tight for time tonight I'll show you some FO's and alsoo as promised my wonderful new sock yarn courtesy of my Secret Pal.

Specs: Swallowtail Shall from Fall 2006 Interweave Knits
Knit in Misti Alpaca Laceweight on 3.25 mm needles
Took me about 5 days




Lovely yarn isn't it? Any pattern suggestions?

Luckiest Girl in Town

My heart skipped a beat a little when I woke up yesterday (after coming off a really long night shift). A package very innocently sat on my kitchen table. Mr. Man was so curious to see what was in it he even woke me a little early! Lovely man . I received the best surprise from my Secret Pal. A 450 yd skein of custom painted SP9 sock yarn in the Waltz colourway, available only to SP9 participants. I LOVE IT. Thanks a bunch pal, you made my day. It's dark here now, so pics will have to wait. I have so many things to show you all.

I've been commissioned to knit a sweater for someone at work, and I have been busy designing and working out all of the kinks . It will be a cabley, moss stitchy cotton pullover. Tommorow I should have enough of it on the needles to do a post worthy photo shoot in some nice natural light (i hope) It's been snowing alot around these parts.

What I did last week

Although I didn't have the luxury to attend Rhinebeck, I've been away in Toronto for a while, and I had such a blast! There is so much to show you. Most of the photos were taken inside shops along Queen St. West . I've actually arranged them into a fibre-tastic calendar that I hope to make available soon. ( I won't post all of the photos, such as not to spoil the calendar surpise) but I'll give a little sampling. Did I mention we totally ditched the Creativ festival in favor of shopping on Queen ST. W. That's a whole other story.


View from our room

Wall of sock yarn


Wall of silk ribbon



Beads n' Yarn



There is so much to see along Queen St W. That you could spend a whole week and still not see or buy everything you wanted.
I'm soooo Tired. Need to go sleep off the shopping hangover.

Cherry Tree Hill How I love thee

Dear Cherry Tree hill,
I am so ashamed of myself for not having given in to your pleasures until now. Oh what I was missing. Your bouncy, soft, luscious wool is gliding through my fingers without so much as a tiny little ladder. My #0 Double points are in love. The colours so rich, and perfectly chosen are keeping me entertained for hours upon end.
I promise to keep this new-found love alive for as long as I knit socks.

Sincerely,
Yarn Ho

How amazing is Cherry Tree Hill Yarn? I had no idea! I wish the stuff were more accesible to me in my little town, but for now I must deal with shipping charges and wait time to indulge in this little piece of sock yarn knitting heaven. If this were the last stuff on earth, I'd be a happy girl.

Photos of my lovely sock in progress soon..I promise.

To Weird... As if I look like Frank Lampard

I didn't think I looked like any of them....

SP9 Questionnaire!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Sock yarn and laceweight are my favorites, I adore knitpicks alpaca cloud...I'm not crazy about
Red Heart Varieties, although they do have a purpose sometimes.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle roll for my long straigts, and a clear plastic needle tube for my dpns. CIrculars are all laid out willy nilly in a baby wipe container.
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting as long as I can remember. Since I was about 4. I'd consider myself fairly advanced, although there are a few techniques that leave me feeling slightly intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes I do , but I can't figure out how to link it to my blog.
5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products, etc.)
Berries, vanilla, or spicy scents. I find florals a little strong, unless it's lavender.
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love KIT KAT bars! I also love any kind of milk chocolate, especially with caramel.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I am now officially a spinner. I also Quilt, cross stitch and make beaded jewlery
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love John Legend, Cold Play, The Stones, INXS, ..heck I have very eclectic taste I love just about all music.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Green! I also love reds, blues, charcoal greys. I hate peach.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
OK here goes, Husband..Son 10..Son 6..Daughter 2..Son 1..and a partridge in a pear tree.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
All of the above minus ponchos. Hasn't the poncho already left the building?
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I adore knitting socks, lace is a close second. I prefer knitting projects with a little substance. I need to think a little to keep my mind in tune.(and keep me awake at work)
13. What are you knitting right now?
2 Shawls, 2 scarves 3 pairs of socks, a hat, and a baby sweater oh yeah and a cardigan which is supposed to be finished by Sunday lol.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Love em.
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Love my dpns, but the new Knit Picks needles and I have started an affair. I love these! I'm slowly building a set.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes to the winder and sadly no to the swift. I really have to get one of those. Laceweight is a bear to wind when you use javex jugs as a swift.
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
Don't even ask...I don't remember anymore.
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving, with Christmas as a close second. Can't beat family get togethers.
19. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect elephants, as well a sock yarn. I also love to collect vintage knitting patterns and books.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I subscribe to Interweave, and I also get Cast-On. I'd love to get my hands on Inspired Cable knits, or Dying to Knit, I am slowly building my knitpicks options collection, but I haven't bought anything over US 5's yet.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Not as much learn , but I'd like to perfect my colourwork techniques.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
You betcha! I am a ladies size 6 1/2

23. When is your birthday? (05/12)

Like a little bee..

I have been sooooo busy! So busy that I don't even remember what day of the week it is anymore. Working overnights really messes with your body. I am battling the worst cold I've had in ages, I'm sure due to the fact that my immune system is all out of whack since returning to work. I've been working like a madwoman on the book, which looks like it may not come until 2007 now, so I can relax a little bit on that front. I have also been designing new patterns that will be available for sale here. I have a scarf pattern called Flip, that is available now. It is a lace design knit entirely in one piece (no provisional cast-ons or grafting) that still has mirrored ends. To achieve this, I designed it so you could take your chart, and flip it upside down and continue knitting. It was made with baby cashmere yarn, and is sooo soft against the skin. Only $4.00 folks. The Knitting Vault is run by amazing people check them out.
I go back to work tonight after having 7 off, so this will be the roughest one (especially since I'm sick). I'm bringing my sewing machine with me to finish up some boutique items for our huge Quilt show we hold every three years. They need to be put in the boutique by Friday morning. AHHHHH!!! To much to do. Must. Go. Sew.

The Last Knit

You have to see this...Too Cute!

The new Knitty is up

And I just can't contain myself. How dare they add 10 new "to-do's" to my ever increasing list. I am in love with this issue. Go check it out here. It's fabulous. In knitting news, I'm such a joiner. I jumped on the Icarus bandwagon and am about half-way done. I had actually already put this on my list of must-do's as soon as I received the issue, but had it on the back burner. Now she's on the needles, and I'm flying through her.
I am going back to work. After much discussion about my liberal yarn buying habits, Mr Man and I decided it would be really nice to have an extra paycheque. The benefits, and pension plan are pretty nice bonuses too. The silver lining in all of this is that I have taken an overnight shift, which will see me sitting behind a desk for 12 hours with nothing else to do but knit. Watch the babies from Knitty Fall fly off the needles now! So, even though I swore I wouldn't go back, this is a pretty nice option. (The shift premiums make it great all by themselves).
So, tonight I begin my overnight adventures. I may even have more time to post to this here little blog thingie now that I will have so much uninterrupted computer time.
Time for bed, 10 pm is coming quick.

A big company producing better products!

Could it be that Patons is finally coming out with a few more natural fibre products? This makes me happy. I avoid synthetics if I can (unless making charity baby projects) and I love the Patons Classic Merino. Has anyone out there tried the Patons SWS? I live in a fairly small town in Canada, where the best we have going for yarn shopping is Walmart, or Michael's if Patons creates more natural fibre products, I'm sure they will carry them. There shelves are already bursting with all of their acrylics.
In knitting news, I'm busy with a cashmere lace scarf( my design) that I hope will be a good gift for my ISE swap. I've also designed some delicious fair isle mittens, which I will post a free pattern for in the next few days. I'm quite pleased with the pattern.
As usual, I have 2 pairs of socks OTN and I'm finishing up my mystery stole. Just one side of edging to go. Have any of you out there tried KnitPicks Alpaca Cloud? My SP sent me 2 skeins in the tide pool colourway(sorry pal I still need to post pics of your awesome gift) and I think I'm in love. If this were the last yarn on earth, I'd be a happy girl. This stuff is just soooo soft and silky. I casted on the Mystery Shawl 2 with it. (I know that knitalong was last year) I joined, and then flaked on the group cause I was busy giving birth and trying to get through a month of sleepless nights. No excuse I know, but shit happens. So I printed the clues out for a rainy day. I'm not sure I like the needle size I'm using, but time will tell. Off to grab some java and spin some. Have a great Wednesday . Is it just me or does the word Wednesday look weird? Spell checker says it's so, and it's too early to worry. Whatever....

Since I don't have anything on my plate

I thought I'd join a couple of really fun swaps. One is the Spinning Roving Swap, and the other is the International scarf exchange. I'm a virgin to both of these swaps, so I cannot wait to see how things turn out! I do also have to post about a super fantastic Secret pal package that I recived on Thursday, and once the camera fairies return with my photo taking tool, I'll post pics of the awesome stuff my pal sent me.
First I need to take care of some questionnaire business:
For my spinning swap partner......

How long have you been spinning? hmmm...about 9 months, and I'm totally hooked!

Are you a beginner, novice, or experienced spinner? I'd say beginner/novice.

Do you spin on a spindle or wheel, or both? I first caught the bug with a spindle, but the wheel is my best friend now.

What types and weights of spindles (or what type of spinning wheel(s) ) do you currently own?
I currently own a Louet S15, but I'd love to buy an Ashford Traditional one day when the kids aren't around to break it.

What type of fibers have you spun with before? Alpaca( my fave) Llama, merino, romney, mohair and cashmere.

What fibers do you prefer to spin with? Alpaca is my hands down favorite, but I love good ole wool for alot of things. I'd love to try silk or cotton, although I've heard they are much more difficult to spin.

What fibers do you dislike? Dislike? that's tough since I haven't tried them all yet, but I'd have to say the feeling of cotton might turn me off, I hate picking up cotton balls, it makes my teeth hurt. If spinning cotton is anything like that then I might not like it.

Do you prefer natural colored fibers, or handpainted/dyed fiber? I adore handpainted fibres. I am learning how to dye fibre with natural plants and such though. Tons of fun.

Would you prefer all one type of roving or smaller amounts of different types to sample? I'd prbably prefer one type, so I'd have enough to make into something beautiful.

What are you favorite colors? Green is my favorite, but I love blues, reds , rainbows, purples. Ah heck I don't have a colour I really hate at all.

What colors do you dislike? See above, although peach is one I'm not totally crazy about now that I think about it.

What would you like to do with your handspun yarn, or what do you plan to do with it?
Stare at it day and night, take it to bed with me, ....Knit something silly!

What are your other favorite hobbies? Knitting, quilting, cross stitch, reading, running after my 4 kids.
Do you have any allergies (pet, smoke, food, fiber,etc...)? Nope!

El Cheapo!

I wanted to post a picture for my fellow Mystery Stolers of my $3.00 Magnetic chart holder.
In my opinion it is better than any you can buy, since I can store my other charts inside the handy pocket of the clipboard. It stands up really nicely too.
A picture is worth a thousand words,


Clipboard $1.00

Sticky Magnet Sheet $1.00


Roll of Craft Magnet ( about 15 ft) $1.00

Really great Chart holder........................PRICELESS!!!

Me a Cookie Monster

This is so me..I had to put it up here. I loooooove cookies!

You Are Cookie Monster

Misunderstood as a primal monster, you're a true hedonist with a huge sweet tooth. You are usually feeling: Hungry. Cookies are preferred, but you'll eat anything if cookies aren't around. You are famous for: Your slightly crazy eyes and usual way of speaking How you life your life: In the moment. "Me want COOKIE!"

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Funny...he was always my favorite. I even had a talking cookie monster stuffed toy when I was a kid. You pulled a string and it said Gimme A Big Hug, Me love cookies!.

On the knitting front, I am just finishing up a baby pinwheel blanket today, and I couldn't decide how I wanted to do the cast on. I finally decided on a picot edge, but now I'm not sure I like the way it's curling. Has anyone out there done one of theses blankets with a neat edging? I'd love to hear about it.

Lovin the MS2

I've actually been cruisin' right along on the Mystery Stole project. I'm done the first half of clue 3 and about 2 rows in on the second half. The last two clues have been nice quick knits with a minimum of frogging thank heavens! Here is the progress so far

The quality of the picture isn't the best, but you get the idea. The dang thing is about 3 1/2 feet long already, so It's hard to get the whole thing in a photo.
In case you were wondering how I have found time to knit this much here's a little clue......

The poor little man just crashes just about anywhere. Especially when it's hot. Gotta love quiet sleepy babies. With sleepy babies comes happy mommy knitting time!

Remember This?

I posted about my progress on the Mystery Stole 2 and it looked something like this:




Then.... This little tyrant decided to teach herself how to knit. As precious as she is, I could have cried. So now, we have something a little like this:


Which by the way I am much more pleased with anyway. I decided rather than ripping back and trying for 2 hours to find all the YO's and knit 2 tog's etc, that I would start over. I'm using some hand dyed lace weight merino that I did using a few different shades of red. The monitor doesn't do all of the colours justice. I am 5 rows from being done the first half of clue 2. The second half should be done by tommorow I hope so that I can work on some other things this week. I might even turn the blue one into a pillow if I can get the courage up to tink back, and finish the second half.

Moving Right Along

I'm Working a few rows at a time moving right along with the Mystery Stole project. What was I thinking signing up for this? Not like I don't have a gazillion other things going on right now. But it is a really beautiful project, that is broken up over 6 weeks of clues. I should be able to finish I hope. I'm currently on the second half row 5. I'm using Headwater Wool's Inja (cobweb/laceweight) in ice blue on size 3.5mm needles. Ripping back is really difficult with this wool since it will fuzz up and felt if your hands are sweaty, but it is really beautiful after a good soaking and blocking. The colour in the pick is actually showing the blue to be a little darker. It really is alot lighter icy blue not so much baby blue. I am anxious to get the next clue to see how this will all come together. If you want to sign up, and haven't already the sign ups close friday morning HURRY!!!!

Help me split the money to help fund "Cathy's Wish" cancer charity. I'll be giving away a prize or two from all the names of those who vote for me! This is a great cause which gives adults a chance to live out a last wish before they leave us due to terminal cancer. Voting is free! Just drop me a comment to let me know you voted for me!

Come help me split the money:
vote for stickchicky!

Houston We have a problem...

Ummm..............ok for anyone with a weak stomach, please avert your eyes......
This photo is incredibly disturbing, and totally out of control..
I have no idea how it came to be, but even I must confess I have an enormous problem.
I mean, there should be a twelve step program or something for this.










That would be my "in use" stash, or so I like to call it, constantly circulated portion of my stash.
This is the stuff I have just spun, or the beautiful merino I plan to use for a shawl next week, and the half done baby sweater for my sister in law...It's about a tenth of the magazines I have aquired in the last 3 or 4 months. The stuff I've been swatching for new patterns, and a whole lotta sock yarn thrown in for good measure. Not so bad you say? Well there is about 8 times that much in plastic storage bins in the garage, and about another 4 garbage bags worth in my bedroom closet. Keep in mind too, that this is only what you see in this 3 foot high pile, there are 2 boxes underneath full of rovings, cashmere,mohair, silk, alpaca, and a romney fleece. Oh..did I mention that the lovely sunlight pouring in is actually coming from the two little windows in my front door? (we don't use this door unless we need to open it for air but that is besides the point.) The door could not be opened even if we wanted to at the moment. So, in light of my little door opening problem, this weekend will become stash organizing weekend. It's time. We need the air.
Speaking of air, here is my Saturday morning sunrise..... Beautiful no?

Cast-On Rocks

Despite the fact that I have already got about 15 things on the needles, I just felt
I couldn’t live with myself I HAD to cast on this:




Not that I would look anything near as sexy in it as that tiny little model, but it was the first time
I opened a magazine and decided at that moment I had to make this. I love it in a million ways,
And I just happened to have the perfect Berber cotton sitting in my stash waiting to become this slinky little tank. It’s designed by Fiona Ellis(love ,love, love her) and the pattern is extremely well written.
I am very impressed with this issue of Cast -on. There were actually about 3 patterns I am considering. The January issue left me feeling a little meh…..
Way to go Cast-On this issue rocked!

Cool tricks..

Ok so I was over at Jenla's blog and this really cool site that makes a flower graph using the contents of your blog was there how cool is this? I would actually stitch this on to a piece. Just cause.....It's pretty no? Here's the link if you want to give it a try. Ok ...so after trying to capture the actual picture of it, I find out I am a total moron, and can't actually show you mine, but give it a try, it truly is cool.
In knitting news, I'm working on the second of my pomatomus socks, as well as a pair of plain jane ones for Mr.Man. There are also several baby projects in the works, of which I'll take some picks tommorrow. I'm off to the cottage this weekend for Canada Day. Can't wait! I need some knitting in nature time.

And the Results are in...

I am so thrilled with the turn-out of my kool-aid dyed yarn I cannot tell you! Usually dying with kool-aid turns out bright summery, sometimes dayglo colours, but not this time...I managed to acheive beautiful deep roses, purples and greens that I hope (since I wrote most of what I did down) I can duplicate with my other skein. Look! This was the skein while still just barely damp...but I was so excited that I snapped a pic while the weather was still nice.
I figured I'd like it even better once I re-skeined it, and boy was I right!

The first pictures I took outside because I thought it would really show the true colours well, but I think it was actually a little too bright. So I took another shot on top of my keyboard which really showcases the colours a little better.
















I can't wait to knit this stuff up! It may actually become a beautiful intricate lacey sweater and blanket for my little niece Mia coming in October. We'll have to see how it swatches up.
Thanks again pal, you have totally inspired me to get the creative juices flowing again.

Someone has been paying attention

to this stressed out mom's blog. I recieved a wonderful package from my secret pal today! So great in fact that part of it is being played with as we speak. She must have been reading my mind, since I was just about to place an order for some "paint your own" laceweight from knitpicks this afternoon, and *poof! it appears in my mailbox, with all of the koolaid a girl could ask for to start dying it! See......

I used the green and the blue kool-aid along with some Grape and Cherry. It's cooking as I type. There were two 880 yd skeins (I'm making plans for the other one right now)

Thoughtful pal also sent many other treats..a fantastic puzzle that Ms. Abby just spent an hour mastering before her nap.( I think that this puzzle may have already been claimed by her, since I have a feeling that when the boys get home she won't let them anywhere near it). I also found some wonderful bath and body products, cute little heart shaped charms that I may be using soon for a neice I have on the way, some very nice butterfly potholders, candles and tea towels( yes I love butterflies) which match the green in my kitchen, a keychain, and the piece de resistance....a sleeping mask that reads, "Mom's sleeping, go as Dad!" How perfect is that?

What a great treat pal, I truly appreciate the thought you put into the package. Thankyou!

That laceweight looks to me like a shawl, but I'll have to see what the wool looks like skeined up before I decide. The colours are turning out lie Lavender and roses.....hmmmm who knew kool-aid could be so pretty?

When Josh was Born................

We thought the world was crashing down. He was 8 weeks early, and we were totally caught by surprize. He came into the world like a bolt of lightning. Despite the fact that he was so early, he was 5lbs 12oz, not a scrawny little guy by any means. He spent 4 weeks at CHEO in the NICU, and finally we got to bring this special baby home. Today my Josh is 6 years old. He has grown up so much, and like that little bolt of lightning that flew into this world, he is a healthy active (sometimes too active) perfect little man that I adore. He's incredibly sensitive, and always knows when I need a hug, he's extremely intelligent, very intuitive of others needs and feelings, and he is a loving caring brother to all of his siblings. I could not be a prouder mom on this day, of my generous, perfect(well most of the time) little man. Happy Birthday Josh.

As Promised..

Here are a couple of photos if the thong socks I knit for my BIL. The picture quality isn't the greatest since I took them when I was half co-herent at 1:30 am during our weekly poker night. They turned out pretty well if I do say so myself.. I adapted er...changed just about everything in the pattern, since I didn't like the shape of the toes in Twisted Sister's Sock Workbook. In the end he was thrilled with them. I have also been working a little on my snowdrop shawl, as well as doing ALOT of "required knitting". The countdown is on, until school ends.....4 kids...all the time...eating everything in the fridge...begging for something to do....whining mommmm Shane just hit me......mommmm......Josh is copying everything I say.........AHHHH Summer Break, a secret plot to teach moms about patience.














Ok.. so this last one has nothing to do with knitting, but I thought it was hilarious that it looks like the dealer is picking our buddy Rico's nose. The socks(bottom centre) thought it was funny too. I won this particular game by the way. Hmmm...poker as a means to buy more yarn. I think I'm onto something.

Summer is definately here in Northern Ontario, and I couldn't be happier! We've been out and about alot this past week...hence the lack of blogging, but I did manage to accomplish a bit of knitting. The thong socks are done courtesy of a couple of hours at my son's baseball games this week( a picture will come once my BIL tries them on), and I have gotten a lot of other little things done too...of course I can't show that. I do have some pics of my BIL's graduation from teacher's college. We are all so proud of him! He is moving away in August though, which makes us a little sad. I, however, am quite excited at the prospect , because that will mean more trips to the GTA since he's moving to Barrie. Woo hoo! yarn stores! I should explain that last comment. We only have one LYS here in Sudbury and it is tiny, and full of acrylic. YUCK! I shop alot online. Unfortunately this post is anything but interesting, so, I'll entertain you with some pictures of people you have never met!



Derek and his diploma Shane "on deck" first game of the year.

Knitting Content Required

I have been really slack in adding knitting content to my blog lately, but I have reasons people!!! Almost all of the knitting I have been doing lately is top secret. Wish I could share. I have however casted on yet another pair of socks, and my Amazing Lace project the Harlot's Snowdrop shawl. There isn't a noteworthy photo of that yet, but I do have a FO photo to show. As promised, my finished Adamas Shawl #1 I'm modelling it here for you with Mr. Man at my Uncle's wedding. It truly did keep my shoulders warm on the rainy cold day that it was.
I have also been enjoying my apple trees lately. I love when they bloom in the spring, and last week I caught fantastic pics of the blooms. Today, they are falling, and I'll have to wait a couple of months until I can eat my juicy apples. Here is how they looked last week.




Beautiful No?
I promise some more sock picks soon, I am finishing up some thong socks for my BIL. They should be on the feet in a day or two.
I'm off outside now, sunny day is wasting!

I forgot this

Seeing as how I celebrated the dreaded 31st birthday on the 12th I thought I should add this. It really does describe me well in some ways

Your Birth Month is May

Unique and creative, you seek your own path in life.You love change and are able to adapt to any situation. Your soul reflects: Sweetness, joy, and a complete life. Your gemstone: Emerald Your flower: Lily of the Valley Your colors: Yellow, red, and green

What Does Your Birth Month Mean?

Bad Blogger!

I know I've been a really bad blogger lately, but I have to tell ya, writing a book sure sucks up alot of computer time! By the time I've finished proofing and typing a few pages, I have no desire to sit in front of the computer for a couple more hours. I got back from Ottawa on Sunday, and I'm pooped! I did however have an incredible time with my family. I caught up with ALL of my cousins on my dad's side. Turns out I have been missing alot. My cousin Dan from Philly is leaving on tour with his band tommorow. They are travelling through Europe. How cool is that? Who knew I had a rockstar in the family?
Do you ever have a moment in life where you realize you have totally missed so many things in life? I had that moment at my uncle Keith's wedding. Turns out my baby cousins Jaqueline and Rachel aren't so baby anymore. Rachel is pushing 6 feet tall (and 20). Jaqueline is also in the 5 9" (22 or 23 not too sure)neighbourhood and they are both stunning beautiful girls. I missed most of their lives...how does that happen? I promise to never let that happen again. Afterall, family really is everything right?
So here's a big thank you to Uncle Keith for bringing us all back together. Have fun in Ireland Donna and Keith...you both truly deserve the best honeymoon in the world!

The Questionnaire!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
My favorite yarn of late is Plymouth Baby alpaca brush, as well as any type of sock yarn. Not a big fan of....wait a minute, are we talking about yarn? Ya right.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a great little clear plastic tube to hold all of my DPN's as well as a needle roll for my straights. Circulars kind of live where they land at the moment. Most of mine are all in use.

3. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting about 26 years now, I consider myself intermediate to advanced.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I do, but I haven't figured out how to link it to my blog yet.

5. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I love anything fruity or spicy smelling. Not too crazy about floral scents

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I love chocolate anything, especially caramel or mocha varieties.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have just recently taken up spinning..and I LOVE it. I also do a little cross stitch and quilting.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Love almost all music, maybe minus hard core punk..but I'm open to just about anything. Definately MP3 compatible in all capacities!

9. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette
you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I LOOOVE me some green, just about any shade, although my least favorite is teal unless it's blended with other colours. Not a huge fan of peach.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am a mom of 4, stay at home for the moment, My kids are 9, 5, 19mos, and 7 mos. Boy, Boy, Girl, Boy.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I love hats scarves and mittens, but I look ghastly in ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
At the moment, socks and lace are my favorites, but I also love knitting cabled items.

13. What are you knitting right now?
Right now I have a gazillion things on the go, I'm writing a book so I have all the "required" knitting for that, as well as about 2 pairs of socks, a shawl, and a baby afghan for pleasure knitting.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I love handmade gifts, they show the giver really thought about what they were giving.

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I don't really have a preference, but for my dpn's I like shorter bamboo or wood ones . Most of my straights are aluminum or plastic.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
I just bought a winder, but no swift yet.

17. How did you learn to knit?
My mom taught mr when I was about 4 or 5. I begged her for months, and she finally caved.

18. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 2-3 years old wretched little baby sweater that should have been frogged a long time ago!

19. What is your favorite holiday?
I love thanksgiving because the family gets together for a more non-commercial holiday. I also get to catch up on all the family gossip that I miss out on.

20. Is there anything that you collect?
I collect elephants, as well as vintage knitting books and patterns, and yarn of course!

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I am dying to get my hands on Mason Dixon Knitting, as well as Inspired Cable Knits by Fiona Ellis.
I have a subscription to Creative Knitting, and Cast-on.

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd love to learn 2 sox at the same time on circulars, but my brain is having a hard time wrapping itself around all those circular needle ends clanging about.

23. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I love me some sock knitting. I wear a size 6 shoe, no idea what that translates into actual measurements, I just usually try on as I knit.

24. When is your birthday? (mm/dd)
May 12th

Mommy Gets A Break

I'm headed to Toronto tommorow for a well deserved break. We'll be here, and I cant wait! Kidless, hubbyless, in yarn and fabric wonderland!!! How lucky am I?

I'm bringing along Adamas II with me. I finally finished the first one (courtesy my spoiler from SP7 last week, just in time for a wedding I'm going to in Ottawa next week. I know I promised pics, but the camera is packed folks sorry...it'll have to wait.

I'll let y'all see what I bought when I get back.

Chocolate Overload!

What do you get when three kids wake up at 6am on easter morning? Uncontrolled Chaos! Between all of the "I saw that one first!" , and " Moooooom Shane can't eat chocolate this early right!" I am exausted. I swear my kids bounced off the walls for 12 hours straight. If I never see the easter bunny again it will be too soon. I did manage to get some knitting done though. My man graciously removed the kidlets from the house for about 2 hours so I could decompress from the morning's activities. We had dinner at the in-laws as well so I didn't have to cook either. I suppose life isn't so bad afterall.
I've been trying to finish up some patterns for the book, and I have been knitting on the last bit of Adamas trying to finish it up. It's taking me about 15 minutes a row! but only half a repeat to go.

Here's some pictures of the festivities yesterday...Aren't they cute? Hyper and jacked up on chocolate, but cute!

Too Much!!

I knew my secret pal was fantastic, but today she totally outdid herself. Too Much Jae! I could not have imagined a more perfect package than this...although I think you went a little overboard! Check this out!! The book I have been coveting for the last few months is in my hands as we speak! I tried looking for it locally, and I just couldn't get it! My husband thought I was nuts when I started jumping up and down over this book. ( he would have done the same thing for some golf balls) The Tim Horton's coffee...no explanation required, y'all know how much I dig the stuff. She also sent me a fantastic little tube for carrying all of my DPN's and crochet hooks etc in without them stabbing me through my knitting bag. Genious pal, genious. Sinfully scrumptious chocolate looks like a bear claw of some type with pecans, caramel etc...all the things that make stressed out mommies feel better. And last but not least..Fabulous Knitpicks sock yarn in the best colours ever! I feel some spring socks about to jump on the needles! Pal...when the book comes out you definately get a free copy. You have been the best of the best. I'm off to check out your blog now that I know who you are! Thanks a million!

What do Y'all Think.

So Last night I was stuck. I need a good beginner idea for my book, and since I'm not really in touch with what beginner's are capable of these days( see my SP7 spoilee's amazing jump from beginner knitter to stitch diva in a very short period of time). I was thinking a felted bag of some sort, but then my mind wandered into all kinds of colourwok etc...So...Here's the survey:
IF YOU WERE A BEGINNER KNITTER BUYING MY BOOK ,WHAT TYPE OF PATTERN WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE??

1.Socks for beginners ie: basic sock pattern cuff down or toe up. Maybe a little cabled something thrown in .

2. Beginner lace scarf (easy repeats to remember) no huge charts

3. Christmas stocking ( with alphabet to personalize)

4. Super easy shrug pattern knit in one piece from bottom up

5. Easy baby sweater hat and blankie

6. Felted tote bag.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think.

I haven't picked up my shawl since my last post, and it is sitting there looking all droopy and sad, saying finish me! block me! wear me! The baby was in the hospital all day yesterday and I had no desire to knit through my worry. Some people knit well when they are stressed or worried, I on the other hand don't . I make mistakes . Here's mister sicky as of 5 minutes ago....breaks your heart doesn't it? He looks peaceful now, but last night he cried for 5 hours straight. We were all worried he had caught the RSV virus, which is a respiratory virus that can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia at best, and can be deadly in small babies if left untreated. This little man was 10 weeks premature (which makes him very succeptible to this virus) and we had been taking him once a month for a shot to prevent RSV. Turns out, he does have an infection of some sort, but they aren't sure it's RSV or not. We should know by this afternoon when the bloodwork comes back. Cross your fingers!