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!

I really do need to start blogging

I have been really neglectful of my blog lately. (There are excuses, to which I'll enlighten you later in this post). I do however have a FO and an almost finished adamas shawl to post about. The shawl is not done, but there are only 2 repeats and the border left .The socks however are done. I love this colourway from Regia. It's part of the Canadian line of colours, and it happens to be the Manitoba colourway. I'm not from Manitoba, but this colour just jumped in the basket and came home with me. Actually, the Ontario colour just didn't do it for me. Here's a pic:



Cute aren't they? The picture was taken at night, but the colours are still pretty close.
Here's the Adamas Shawl progress...it's really hard to open up the whole thing because those 400 sts are all crammed on the circs, but I held it up to the light so you could get an idea of how the pattern is coming out.




Did I mention I love this pattern? Thanks Secret Pal...Whoever you are! I still don't know who she is yet. My spoilee figured out who I was pretty quick.
I'm so not good at keeping secrets for long.
Speaking of secrets....I can't keep this one for too much longer cause it's killing me. I've been soooo busy right now because I'm writing a book!!!! A knitting book to be exact. Whew...OK it's out there. It's still really early on in the planning stages, but I hope to have it out by next spring if all goes well.
There have been alot of 3am bedtimes, and blog neglecting, and KAL neglecting going on around here, but I promise it will stop soon. I miss my groups! I miss my blog! I miss my knitting just for the pleasure of knitting!

CRAZY BUSY!!

I have had alot on my plate this week, so this will be a quickie post. I cast on the Adamas Shawl courtesy of my secret pal, and I'm chugging along quite nicely. Only 8 repeats and the border to go. I'll be sure to post a pic soon. And I've been working on a really great something all week as well...more about that later...:-). Of course I have cast on another pair of socks, as well as some soon to be felted slippers. Thank God spring break is over or I'd never get anything done!

Secret Pal Strikes Again!!

As I opened my package yesterday, my 5 yr old said to me " mommy...who's that from?" "My secret pal!" I said. " Wow mommy you have the bestest secret pal in the whole world! Papa doesn't even buy you presents like that!" My heart just about melted! From the mouths of babes! Kids don't lie. I truly do have the "bestest" secret pal. I swear you can read my mind! I was just the other day craving some lace, and I had no clue what I was going to work on. Descision made! The Adamas shawl it shall be. I love this pattern. And I adore the Knit Picks shadow. The colour is soooo perfect for me! I can't wait to wrap myself up in it when we sit around the fire (which we do every weekend around here). As I type this I am stuffing my mouth with those awesome jelly belly chocolate thingies.......so good! I've had their jelly beans many times, but I had never spotted these yummies. I'm addicted! Tommorow is my Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy night to myself, so that luscious smelling candle will be lit while I knit and veg in my chair. Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou!
Man...I never thought secret pal could be so much fun! You have me stumped though pally pal....I have no clue where you're from, cause every time I get a package or card you put my address in the return address spot (sneaky....very sneaky...) Can't wait to find out who you are so I can properly thank you.
Soooo....without further ado....here's the photo. I'm off to cast off my jaywalkers, and cast on that shawl.

This week has been awesome!

Funny how things in life work out. This week as been full of stuff that I wish I could talk about ( but can't just yet). There are a couple of neato things going on that I can. For those of you that have scoured my sidebar, and know my blog well, you may have noticed a Come Visit My Store link. Yes a store! All of the items here are completely original, and designed by me. Wait...Here's the best part...10% of all sales at my store are going to a new charity I am spearheading. " Cathy's Wish" .

Cathy was a brilliant, selfless, loving, beautiful 30 year old when she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her husband and mine grew up together, and are still very close friends. Being newlyweds, they were extremely anxious to start a family, despite some "female problems" Cathy was experiencing. 2 summers ago Cathy and her hubby came over for a bonfire and BBQ at our place, and they excitedly let us know they were getting ready to start a family as soon as she saw her doctor and got the green light. About 3 months later, after having cysts remove from her ovaries (and doctors not even suspecting any permanent damage, Cathy got very ill. She was rushed to the hospital (the same day I brought my daughter home after giving birth)and had every test in the book run. The next day would devastate everyone who surrounded her, this beautiful soul. She had Cancer. Not just cancer, but cancer in her spleen pancreas and liver. Doctors gave her 2-5 months.
Now how do you go from vibrant happy go lucky newlywed, ready to start a family, to 2-5 months to live in 1 week flat? Funny thing is, Cathy never complained, never made herself feel like she was burdening anyone. "I'm just going to fight as hard as I can, and take one day at a time"she said. That is exactly what she did. She never missed chemo, refused to wear a wig when her hair first fell out, continued to shop, and take care of her husband. Even when things got really bad, and the doctor's told the family to convince her to stop chemo, she kept going.
A group of people at work (she also worked with me) got together with her family, and decided that if Cathy was going to go, we could do something to make her happy, and feel free just for one last time.
We sent her and her husband to Vegas to see her idol Celine Dion in Concert. Celine met with her for a half hour before the show.
" It was AMAZING!!" she squealed to me on the phone once they got back. "Celine was so nice!". " We couldn't go outside too much because of the drugs I'm on, but that's OK it was perfect anyways,"she said. This trip was more than just a trip. It was the last time she and her husband would be "alone", the last vacation she would take, and the last bit of normalcy she could wish for.
Cathy died September 23 2005. And I can't think of a better way to remember her.
Her brother in law got to thinking...there aren't any charities around to grant wishes to young people (ages 20-40)who are in their last days. The impact of granting these wishes is so real. I've experienced it first hand. Having something good to remember when things get really bad is worth every penny one could spare.
So here we are, trying to establish something good, while at the same time, offering some really cool stuff. I hope you get the chance to drop by.
We are still in the tweaking stage, and will have even more cool knitterly stuff to offer soon. Treat you secret pal, treat yourself!

Here's Me Gold Medal!! Arrrgh!!

Funny how gold is making me talk like a pirate. First words that came to mind...sorry. But It's beautiful isn't it? Well done Franklin

What Kind of Knitting Needle I am

Ok ..so This was the last thing I thought, but who am I to Question Quizilla?
I figured myself to be laid back, choosy relaxed. Who knew??


You are "turbo" charged.Fast moving and classy, you get things done with
power and grace. Your expensive tastes can
be deceiving, since what you really value is
quality and efficiency. As you're careening
around those corners in life, finishing a
dozen knitted objects each month, stop and
smell the roses. Don't miss the beauty of
process!

What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by

It's Done! It's done! Wahoo!!!

Olympic Knitting is done!!! I am so excited that I was able to finish on time, rough week and all. Here are a couple of pics of my still drying smocked baby jacket. Thanks for all the cheering Pal. I needed it!

Blogger is Dumb

Ok ...So blogger isn't helping me any lol here are the pictures that should have appeared at the end of my last post.... Notice the skein I spun of that luscious blue roving you sent me pal??? I couldn't resist!

Life Is Precious

I've always thought of myself as a decent driver. I've travelled all over North America in my car. But Monday was different. I saw my life flash before my eyes. Monday afternoon was one of the most horrific times of my life.
I've done many crazy things in my life, like bungee jumping, skydiving, whitewater rafting etc... and I have never experienced fear like I did on Monday . While travelling home from a doctor's appointment with my oldest son, I noticed my brakes weren't working. I thought...maybe they are just sticking...so I tested them again. I HAD NO BRAKES WHATSOEVER!!! A bridge was coming up, and I knew that if the lights at the bottom weren't green I was in trouble. They Weren't Green. I had about 10 seconds to make a descision, all the while panicking inside, but trying not to put my son in panic.
SNOWBANKS!!! It's winter....we've had alot of snow....they would stop me wouldn't they? At the bottom of the hill I managed to gear down, and put us in a small snowbank. Did I mention this was rush hour downtown? Not thinking clearly, I decided it would be best to try to get us to a parking lot close by so the van would be safe until a tow truck could come and get us. I figured I could coast once the light was green about 1 block and get us where I thought we'd be safe to get out and call my husband. Well...let me tell ya. Vans do not just coast...they accellerate quickly because of the weight. I tried my horn to warn the traffic crossing the intersection from the other direction. Horn didn't work. I ended up going through a red light dodging oncoming traffic with cars just missing me by inches. I thought we were going to die. It was just like in the movies, where the robber is dashing side to side avoiding cars just narrowly escaping a crash. Finally, the parking lot I was expecting was to my right. I pulled in at an allarming speed and crashed into another snowbank to avoid the car ahead of me. We were ok...we were ok...was all I could think of. It's funny how you forget how precious life is until something like this happens. Thinking back, I was exceptionally calm when we got out of the car. My son was laughing saying, "cool mom! you're a good driver!" I was in shock. I lost it once I got home and saw my husband and the other 3 babies. I think I'm still a little afraid to get behind the wheel at this point. We are alive. That's all that matters.
In contrast to this horrific experience, I had a great one last week when I got to the mail box and found yet another awesome package from my secret pal! I apologize pal for not posting about this sooner. It has been in the back of my mind all week. You truly are the best Secret Pal a girl could ask for!
So without further ado...( minus the fantastic Burt's Bee's hand cream which is in my daughter's room[she's sleeping])

Olympic Knitting has Commenced!

Here's where I'm at so far:
I'm coming along quite nicely. (I might actually finish on time!
I hear ya cheering Pal! It's working! If I can just get through all the bobbles (which I hate knitting) and all the cables without having to rip back 3 times again, this thing looks do-able! Can you believe this is for a 12 month old though? It seems a bit large to me, but when I swatched for the 3 yr old size it was coming out gargantuan, so I decided on the smallest size. I think if I finish early, I may add some pearl beads between the bobbles and cables as well as on the cuffs. My Olympic knitting is hollering at me to get back to my chair so I better jet!
Happy Olympic knitting folks!

Quickie

I'm having a really busy week so this is a quickie post. All is well, and I am just itching for the olympics to start. I can only stare at my lovely yarn for so long. I've been spinning as much as I can, and I've also started a handpieced quilt. BUSY BUSY BUSY. I'll catch up with y'all later. Go Team Canada!!