The Twisted Hare

Spectra!

2012-01-13T15:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I found a project that was so much fun to knit that I didn't want to stop even to go to bed at night. I was at my favorite LYS a couple of weeks ago looking for nothing in particular (something that gets me into all sorts of monetary trouble lol) when there on a mannequin was this scarf/shawlette thing. It looked GREAT! I asked for the pattern and then hunted down the yarn for it.

The pattern, "Spectra", by Stephen West (found here--also see the other great pic's of the pattern there!) called for all fingering weight yarns and size 5 needles. However, the model at the LYS was made from DK and worsted weight yarns and size 7 needles. I picked out a Noro Silk Garden color and a funky new superwash wool/cashmere blend DK--the dark green--and wished with everything in me that I had my size 7 needles with me!

It's one of those patterns that you just don't get sick of working on before it's done. Watching each color melt into the next is so cool! Anyway, so I finished it last night. In addition to being fun to knit, there are all sorts of different ways to wear it--as a capelet, as a cowl, as a scarf, etc. I LOVE IT!! Ya, I have a feeling there will be several on the Christmas list getting one of these this year...

Happy knitting!

Misc.

2012-01-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I miss posting on here. I have gotten so caught up in Ravelry and Facebook that I have neglected my blog and really it is so much more personal. Not to mention it is infinitely easier to upload pic's to my blog than it is to put them on Ravelry. Don't get me wrong, I love Ravelry! It is a fantastic place for inspiration!! But I have a terrible time getting pic's on there.

Anyway, so here I am back to my blog.

No job prospects in my life still. I would like to think I could make a living of my craft's. However, I think that the fact that my patterns don't fly out of my two stores, nor does my yarn--which is some of the finest out there, that I should continue to search for a job among the "others".

I was very surprised this past Holiday season that I had NO yarn sales. That's a first for my stores. I take that as a sign that I should not kid myself into thinking that somehow, magically, I will make a living from them. It's sad really because I love yarn, fiber, knitting, crochet, etc so much. I just don't know how to make a living at it. If I had the money I could open a yarn store here, but what are the chances it would make enough to pay me a decent wage? Very slim probably.

If any of you have any suggestions or ideas I'm all ears.

Yes, It Can Be Done

2011-12-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

I did it! I knit both of these sweaters in less than two months. They turned out so nice!

How Late Is "Too Late"?

2011-10-30T12:48:00.000-06:00

So the day before yesterday I came across some lovely aran sweater patterns and decided that I should make a couple for Christmas gifts.....I am aware that it is the end of October and that Christmas is less than two months away.

(Great looking sweaters huh?)

Not too mention, but you all know what a flakey knitter I am. Even as I had the thought of making these sweaters I cast on for a gorgeous pair of socks with US size 0 needles--lol. And then decided I had an AWESOME idea for this scarf...all silk :) I knit it straight through til it was done and it's gorgeous!

Do you suppose I can focus on just these two sweaters? I am hoping that by making two at the same time, when I get bored with the one that I will turn to the other and not turn to starting another project. I figure the two sweaters are different enough that they will keep my interest also. And it's not like I'm knitting sweaters with fingering weight yarn. The one sweater is with heavy worsted/bulky-ish yarn and the other is with worsted. So they so work up pretty fast? Maybe?

Here's hoping :)

And Now My Gobi Desert Yarn Creation

2011-10-08T15:27:00.000-06:00

You saw the yarn....and here are the socks. Or at least the first pair. They knit up really quick and they were a lot of fun to make. Real simple and very warm. I actually have enough yarn to mix and match around to make another pair of socks and perhaps a nice warm hat also. It's great!

Thought I would include my pattern for these "House Booties" as a free pattern. So if you would like to make a pair also, here you go:

Gobi Desert House Booties

Size: Woman’s Average to Large

Gauge: 22 sts = 4 inches

Needles: One set of five size 3.25 mm/US size 3 dpns

Yarn Description: Handspun Camel Hair yarn from Mongolia--www.snowleopard.org. 3 skeins, 1 in natural, 1 in tan, 1 in black. (this is enough yarn to make at least two pair)

Cuff:

CO 48 sts. Divide sts evenly onto 4 needles, join careful not to twist work. Work 1 x 1 ribbing for 4 rounds.

Leg:

Work graph through round 10. Work 7 rounds even in stst. End ready to work short-row heel.

Short-Row Heel:

Using tan yarn begin working short-row heel.

Row 1: (WS) Sl1, p22, w&t last st.

Row 2: (RS) Sl wrapped st, k22, w&t last st.

Row 3: Sl wrapped st, p21, w&t next st.

Row 4: Sl wrapped st, k20, w&t next st.

Row 5: Sl wrapped st, p19, w&t next st.

Row 6: Sl wrapped st, k18, w&t next st.

Repeat in this manner, working one less stitch per row, until 4 sts in the middle and 10 wrapped sts on each side.

Row 1: Sl1, k3, k st & wrap together, turn

Row 2: Sl1, p4, p st & wrap together, turn.

Row 3: Sl1, k5, k st & wrap together, turn.

Row 4: Sl1, p6, p st & wrap together, turn.

Continue in this manner, working one more st and wrap per row, until all wrapped sts have been worked. End on a RS row. Cut tan yarn and resume using natural color.

Foot:

Working in stst, k even until foot measures 2" (about 5 cm) less than total desired foot length. Change to tan yarn and work toe decreases.

Toe:

K one round even.

Rnd 1: K to last 3 sts of needle 1. K2tog, k1. Needle 2--k1, ssk, k remaining sts. Needle 3--k to last three sts, k2tog, k1. Needle 4--k1, ssk, k remaining sts.

Rnd 2: K all sts even.

Repeat rounds 1 and 2 until 16 sts remain. Graft remaining sts together.

Finishing: Weave in ends. Work second sock.

Abreviations:

CO: Cast on

1 x 1 Ribbing: knit one stitch, purl one stitch. Repeated for all sts around.

Stst: Stocking stitch--knit all sts around.

Sl: slip stitch as if to purl

K2tog: knit the next 2 sts together.

Ssk: Slip next st, slip second st, then knit the two slipped sts together.

W&t: wrap and turn. With yarn in front, slip next st as if to purl, wrap yarn around slipped st to the back of work, slip wrapped st back to left hand needle, turn work around to begin next row.

Please do not distribute this pattern or sell any items

made from it without my prior permission.

www.twistedharefiberarts.etsy.com

Enjoy!

Look What I Found!

2011-09-26T13:07:00.001-06:00

The day the new Interweave Knits "Knitting Traditions" Fall 2011 came available, Interweave sent me a notice. They are well aware that I will spend my last penny to purchase these magazines. I spent two hours just "thumbing" through the digital edition--ya I couldn't wait for it to come in the mail, takes too long. On page 78 were these rustic, nothing fancy, but certainly functional looking socks called "Gobi Desert Socks". They looked all fluffy and warm--and you know how I feel about all things "fluffy". Made from handspun camel wool spun by nomadic herding women and their families of Mongolia. I found myself rushing off to find the Snow Leopard Trust that sells this luscious stuff and uses the proceeds to benefit snow leopard conservation and supports these people.

And look what they did!! They sent my order right out! Seriously, from magazine view to my mailbox took only 4 days and that included the weekend!! The yarn is now safely nestled all snuggly in my lap where I can pet it often. Don't know if I'll ever find something worthy to knit out of it lol. It's amazing, lovely, and all for a good cause.

I recommend it if you like rustic, handspun, soft yarn.

Ya, I feel spoiled right now :o)

Tribute to Barb

2011-09-15T10:22:00.000-06:00

I hope she doesn't mind....my cyber friend Barb is awesome! She and I have been taking care of a couple of knitting blogs the past few years and I feel like I have got to know her a little bit. Even though I have never seen her face I really like her.

Barb lives somewhere on the east coast. She was affected by the hurricane that hit there just a while back. Just as the power got turned on and she was headed back to work she got really sick. I was concerned and had emailed her that I hoped she would be well soon. Her response was that she was starting to feel better then she said, "I can still knit though and that is all that counts." I teared up. Ya, I know, silly. But really sometimes you need something to get you through all the hard times.

Everybody has their "security blankets" their "means of escape". Some turn to substance abuse, some get depressed and hide, some become work-a-holics, some just give up. But Knitter's....we knit. We get out the yarn, sometimes we get a pattern, and we grab our needles and we "escape" by turning to something familiar, something comforting, something soft :) and pleasant. For me I almost always am knitting for someone else. I get caught up in thoughts and memories of them. Times shared together and hopefully future times together. I think about them wearing what I am making and how it will look. I loose myself completely. Soon I've forgotten all the sadness, the problems, the difficulties, etc. I make positive thoughts my focus, twisting and looping and combining my thoughts of happiness and good times with every stitch. It is such a healing process.

So Barb, here's to you :) I agree. With all that I have been through in the past couple years, I am "starting to feel better" also. Thank goodness "I can still knit though" and to me "that is all that counts".

Happy Knitting

More Adventures

2011-06-18T21:07:00.000-06:00

So, Monday I went to work. Things were progressing as usual with my boss attempting once again to be as abusive and rude as possible. I got back from lunch and discovered I had been "terminated". Interesting. I have come to the conclusion, as I have pondered the entire situation, that my boss has been unrealistically difficult to work for since I let his "little buddy" go this past winter--actually in February. He is difficult to work for normally but it has been TERRIBLE since February. I began thinking along those lines because not more than an hour after I was escorted out his "little buddy" was back......and in my position.

As a result of being suddenly unemployed I find myself under alot less stress, if you can believe it, than I was while I was working for "The Tyrant". There are several options available that have been lurking in the background of my life since last year and I can't really decide which way to go. School? Self employment? Moving back to Colorado?

The past year has been insane between Sean and I separating, work, moving, buying a house, Sean dieing, The Daughter deciding she needed to get married at 17, PB moving back in with all of his prejudices firmly in place that his dad put there, etc. Now my job of just over two years that I thought was secure and what I would be doing for a good long time is gone.

I could go back to school and finish. That would, for the most part require moving. Not really in the mood to move since I've decided I like it here--all the snow and wildlife and outdoor stuff to do. I have a couple of online businesses. None of which are doing real great--unfortunately. I could alway get another job, but quite frankly I'm really tired of working really hard so someone else can make the big bucks.

What I've kind of decided is that I'm going to apply for unemployment right now and see what happens next. I believe there has to be a reason for me leaving Pyro City. Something else needs done. I don't know what it is so until it reveals itself I think I will just "drift" along looking for it. Really don't know what else to do. I have a million projects, knitting, home, etc that all need my attention so in the mean time I will pursue those and try to get ahead.

What a year!

Snow!

2011-02-26T10:13:00.000-07:00

It started last night. The heavy white clouds full of snow just waiting to fall rolled in early in the evening. By the time I went to pick up PB from the dance it was snowing huge fluffy white flakes. This morning dawned with bright, beautiful sunshine and cowboy blue skies.

No denying the fact, I love snow! Especially newly fallen snow. Everything is covered in a beautiful white fluffy blanket this morning. We got about six inches of new snow. I love how the sun reflects off of the snow flakes and makes everything look like it's covered in rainbow glitter.

I feel sad when I hear people say that they hate the snow. The snow is such an important element of weather. Without it there would be ALOT less water to drink, water lawns with, wash cars with, etc in the summer. What happens as we grow up? We all loved the snow as children. I don't think I have ever heard a child remark, after looking out the window and seeing a world of white, "Snow! I hate snow! What did it have to snow for?" No, they are excited and eager to run out and make snowmen and snow angels, sled, skate, have snowball fights, jump around and throw the snow into the air......

We all loved it then. I still do. Yes, I get up and shovel out my sidewalk just like everyone else. At work I have three parking lots that have to have all the snow removed from everytime it snows. My truck slips and slides as I drive through town just like everyone else's. I have to bundle up in warm socks--handknit of course--coats, hats, gloves, and boots. But I love the snow. I love the rain, I love thunder storms, I love the warm spring sunshine, I love all the seasons and the weather that goes with them. The only thing I do not like is wind, but it serves its purpose.

Maybe the reason I like snow and cold and it doesn't bother me is because I knit :) It is so much fun to see if I can create the ultimate snow gear. Whether its hats, socks, sweaters, scarves, or mittens I want to see just how comfortable I can stay with all my own snow wear in the coldest of snowy conditions. Way more fun than trying to stay cool during hot summers!!

A Little Lost, But Not Gone

2011-02-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

I've tried to blog several times over the past few months, but nothing would come out. Things are moving along. I've started some other hobbies/business in an effort to get some money coming in. HB left us with nothing. I do get some social security money to help me take care of the kids, but that's it. Definately not easy.

I finally got moved into a new house. I love it. There is a very peaceful feeling in the house that makes living there very nice. I haven't had much time to unpack though. I wish I could wave a magic wand and just have everything put itself away lol. Between working full time at the fireworks store and my new ventures I don't have much free time....actually I have no free time. I think I am trying to bury myself in projects so there is no down time. Down time means time to think about things and I don't want to.

My oldest son just turned 22 years old. (Can't believe it!!!! There's no way I am old enough to have a child that age. After all I am only 29 lol, pretty sure) We went to Colorado to celebrate with him. We took Sunday to go up to Ouray Colorado to play in the hot springs. I forget that Ouray is the most beautiful place in the world. Since most of the world has never been there I thought I would post a few pictures.

This is Box Canyon Falls Ice Park. Notice the tiny person on the lower right :)

This is looking North West from Box Canyon.

More ice climbers and the mountains to the South West.

I love Ouray. It is absolutely breath taking. We spent the whole day there--most of it soaking in the hot springs. I miss living in Colorado so close to Ouray.

So, if you are curious as to what my new ventures are check out The Hemp Hippie and A Cozy Corner. I am working away at filling the two stores with stuff so keep checking back to see the new stuff. I am really having fun with the new ideas and products. I hope they take off--mostly because I need the money lol, but also because I am enjoying making all this new stuff :)

I will try to get back to blogging again. One step at a time.

Life Happens....No Big Surprise

2010-11-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I have been putting off posting long enough. Many of you know HB died in September. It was absolutely devistating. I am still having troubles going to work and want nothing to do with public places like the grocery store or church. I want to talk about it but not where I am going to have a complete break down in a large crowd.

As if his death hasn't been hard enough, the lack of support from his family has made this especially miserable for me. He always insisted that if anything happened to him that they would stand by my side and be there for me and our children no matter what. I told him that they would blame me and dump on me--guess who was right? (I know I am sitting on my pity pot so bear with me a minute) Thank goodness for my family and friends--cyber friends included. All of you that have prayed, kept our family in your thoughts, and sent words of sympathy and condolences--you have no idea how much it has meant to us. Your kindness has been my anchor in a stormy sea.

I am just now getting back to knitting, but my creativity is slower to return. No designing for awhile longer. HB was a huge supporter of my knitting and designing and it has been hard to pick it up without thinking of him. He would tell complete strangers about his hand knit socks and how lovely all my stuff was. I will probably always think of him when I pick my knitting up.

Sockamania, the blog I was designing for, has closed down. Between what happened in my life and waning interest we decided the time had come and the fun had run it's course. We started a new blog called Tails of Another Yarn. (You can find a link to it on my side bar) This blog will be a "brag" blog where members can post their WIP's and FO's and get chances to win prizes. Once my creativity returns I will design a few things for it here and there and maybe do a Mystery KAL or two, but for the most part it is just for showing off what everybody is working on. If you would like to join us click on the sidebar link and read the "Welcome" and "How to Join" info. We would love to see you there.

Again, thank you everyone who has been there, electronically or in person, for our family.

Tama

Follow Up

2010-09-13T09:55:00.000-06:00

As a follow up to the last post--It took two months to create the sock pattern for the Sockamania September/October pattern. However, in the week and a half following the first of September I not only created the November/December Sockamania pattern, but I knit both socks AND designed the feminine counter part so that the Sockamania members can knit the men's sock or the women's or both if they desire. I'll knit the women's sock probably next month and spend the rest of this month trying to get caught up on a bunch of WIP's and UFO's that have been accumulating since June. BUT the patterns for two pairs of socks and one pair are completed and ready for November 1st.

It's so silly! Why would one sock take me TWO months to create and another less than two weeks? The only thing I can think of is that one sock was a pain, though it didn't start off as such, and the others I enjoyed every minute of them and found myself knitting them obsessively. I thought about them all the time and couldn't wait to get them out and work on them. The first, I hated and had to force myself to knit. That has to be it!

Anyway, so have no fear Sockamania members, November will be sweet after having to knit the last pattern.

Happy knitting.

Designing Isn't All Fun

2010-08-25T10:34:00.001-06:00

Any designers out there? If so you will understand what I am about to write about. If not perhaps you can apply it to other aspects of life?

So, as you know I design sock patterns for Sockamania. Each month I create a sock pattern..knit the socks, create the pattern, then publish it for the Sockamania members to knit up the following month. I usually start with some kind of theme--summer, autumn leaves, winter skies, etc. This helps me start brain storming what I would like to create. The color scheme, lace or multi-colored, etc.

From there I get the yarn, or dye the yarn, and start the sock. Here is where if something is going to go wrong it does. I don't get it. All the planning and brainstorming should result in a sock being created right? Wrong. Somehow, at some point, the sock idea falls apart and I find myself knitting a sock that I HATE. Once I reach that point I think to myself, "If I hate it everyone else will hate it also." Following that thought I find myself avoiding the project--NOT A GOOD IDEA WHEN YOU HAVE A DEADLINE.

This doesn't happen every month--THANK GOODNESS--but often enough that something needs to be done. See, this month is less than a week to the end and I haven't even finished the sock for next month. Not to mention, I haven't even started writing the pattern. NOT GOOD! I've been lying to myself that I will do it this weekend, but I know that come this weekend I will find something more fun to do than knit a sock I hate--you know, fun stuff like laundry, vacuuming, dishes, etc. anything that keeps me from having to knit that sock. I was even toying with the idea of starting over this morning--a desperate idea that I know is impossible. I am a fast knitter, but knitting is only part of the process.

I don't know what to do. Finish the hideous sock from hell or see if I can do the entire process on a whole new idea in 6 days. The whole new idea sounds way more fun........................

I am not dead....REALLY

2010-08-09T10:52:00.000-06:00

I am still here, somewhere. Just been busy. The 4th of July in my store is like Christmas for the malls and department stores. We start gearing up for it in May and it lasts until August. In the middle of all the long hours 7 days a week, my husband and I split up. As if my world wasn't crazy enough at that time of the year that has made it even crazier! Things are settling down now, finally, and I am getting my life re-organized. The Daughter will be going back to school here in a couple of weeks, so she will finally have something to do again besides watch every movie we own twice a day and everything available on YouTube lol! Then maybe life will get back to some assemblance of "normal".

I haven't been doing much knitting, no time. I can't wait to get back to it. I do have socks in the making for Sockamania. September's sock pattern is gorgeous! I will be sure to post pictures. If you like making socks and would like to join the fun, take the side-bar link to Sockamania and join us! We would love to have you!

I'll be posting a little more often now...Happy Knitting!

Is is Spring Yet?

2010-04-27T11:03:00.000-06:00

Mother Nature is playing tricks on us here. One day it's gorgeous and in the 60's the next day it's snowing, blowing and in the 20's and 30's. I don't know whether to wear my sweater or light t-shirt to work every day. Either way, it seems like I end up too hot or too cold.

Work is getting busier and busier everyday. Building up to that "busiest week/month of the year" for us fireworks people. Seems like everyday there is so much to do that I am starting to have to stay later and later for work. Which is good, because then the day goes by faster.

I finished my "very special shawl" a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had time to post about it. So, finally here it is:

It's my hand spun satin angora and bombyx silk blend yarn. It is incredibly soft and warm. I absolutely love it! I feel like I have achieved Knitters bliss with this one. I believe it is the most beautiful thing I have created, plus my precious bunny Copper can be with me everyday now. ( He died of old age several years ago and I miss him very much.)

Anyway, just wanted to get a post in before the entire month was gone. I am working frantically to get the June Sockamania pattern done right now. With work being busy and the type of sock I designed it has not gone as quickly as some patterns have in the past. It is a gorgeous sock! I'll post pictures of it next time.

Happy Knitting

Yarn is so PICKY!

2010-04-01T11:25:00.002-06:00

So, last month I started designing the sock pattern for the March Sockamania KAL. I had all of these really great ideas: cute, bright colored Easter eggs, a nice plain background, etc.

I dyed up some bright colored yarn, dried it, rolled it up for a nice center-pull ball, and began knitting my idea that was in my head.
Only a few rows in, I decided (or rather the yarn decided) I did not like the "eggs" design I was knitting.
Ripped it back and re-vamped my egg design.
Again, ewww icky!
One more time
Decided it was the color of the yarn.
Back to the dye pots with a new idea for the color combination. The yellow turned out orange--not happy, but will work with the bright pink that was supposed to be pale pink.
More egg knitting.
WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!! (What's wrong with this yarn!)
Ripped it all out.
Avoided knitting for three days while I tried to calm down and re-think the entire design idea.
Threw the entire "Easter Egg" idea out the window and focused on just "Spring".
Started knitting again.
Got to the heel and thought, "Wouldn't it be cute if I did an I-cord tie!"
Ripping out again.
Finally decided on the I-cord tie and found a cute lacey/flower bud looking design and finished the sock in no time.
I still hate the yarn color! And since when does yarn decide what to knit it into? What was wrong with Easter Eggs?

PMS or Silly Knitter Syndrome

2010-03-09T10:09:00.001-07:00

I don't know what is wrong with me the last couple of days, but I seem to be awfully "weepy". I was reading Elizabeth Zimmermann's book "The Opinionated Knitter" and started crying because she passed away back in 1999. I knew that already. In fact I am plenty old enough to remember clearly when it was announced. So what was I doing yesterday crying over it 11 years later? She was THE most awesome Knitter ever! She slapped a whole generation in the face and said, "Stop being a bunch of sheep and think for yourselves!" There should be some kind of sculpture, statue, or monument built of her somewhere honoring what she did for knitters, maybe even just "plain people", everywhere--who knows how many non-knitters out there have her to thank for their marriages, lack of therapy bills for their spouse, lovely knitwear that keeps them warm and comfortable each winter, etc, etc. What an amazing person!

Ok, so that's not all. I found myself in tears again as I gazed at the most beautiful sweater I've ever seen. The Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearle McFee) made a sweater from a Dale of Norway Pattern called Whistler. I honestly think I have never seen a more breath-taking sweater. It is absolutely gorgeous. Go see it!! She posted about it on March 3rd. I must have one! In fact, as a result of seeing it on her blog the other day, I went and bought some yarn to make me something similar. I haven't made too many sweaters in my knitting career so I won't start with something that detailed, but I plan to make something very Scandivian! (Unfortunately some other projects will become UFO's because I feel very obsessed with knitting this sweater right now.)

Speaking of obsessed, I am in the process of making my third, yes I said THIRD, Trinity shawl. I just can't get enough! They are so much fun to make. This one will be for my grandma's birthday. I will get some pictures taken and post them later. I wonder how many of them I am going to make before I burn out on them? I don't usually make the same pattern over and over just to see what it looks like in different colors. I think I've even thought up a way to make it into a circular shawl. We'll see if I remain obsessed enough with it to try that out.

Happy knitting!

My Trinity Shawl

2010-03-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

I know I just barely started this shawl, but I couldn't stop working on it and as a result.....it's done!

I love IT! HB says that he likes it the best out of all the things I have made for myself lately.

The yarn is Cashbah from Hand Maiden. It is a superwash merino/cashmere/nylon blend. I don't remember the name of the colorway. The way the colors play out in the pattern it almost looks like peacock feathers. The pattern is called The Trinity Shawl/Shawlette. You can find the link to the pattern here. It really looks difficult, but it was VERY easy! and so much fun to knit.

(It almost looks like a butterfly here).

I have made plans to make another one, but much larger, out of some precious handspun yarn I have been hording for years. It is the last of my precious satin angora bunny Copper's fiber. He has been gone several years now, but I am sure he would approve of this shawl pattern for his lovely fiber. I will definately post pictures when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Good Stuff!!

2010-02-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

TADA! Here is the sweater I started in Florida. It took all day Saturday to sew up! It turned out wonderful and I LOVE IT!! It's a great pattern, but the fact that the entire sweater is knit in separate pieces means I will probably never knit it again.--You know how I feel about sewing--

It is made from Svale by Dale of Norway. The drape of the fabric is unmatched! The silk/cotton/viscose blend makes it soft yet crisp. Great stitch definition!

Now I can start another sweater! Probably another Lopi one. I have yarn to make two more of them. I just need to make up my mind which one.

Look what HB bought for me!!! He really knows how to make a lady feel loved! Not only does he listen when I tell him about knitting stuff--that I know he really isn't interested in--but he is willing to support my habit. You gotta love a man like that!

He also bought this gorgeous yarn for me!!

It's Casbah by Hand Maiden. Merino/cashmere/nylon.

I already started a shawlette with the blue blend. That yarn with my new needles is HEAVENLY! So heavenly that I was up until midnight knitting because I was enjoying it so much!

I'll post pictures of it when it's done.

Happy Knitting!

Promised Pictures

2010-02-18T10:22:00.001-07:00

Ok. FINALLY, here they are:

This is the Westin's private beech. It was really beautiful!Our motel room was AWESOME!

The Tampa evening skyline from our motel window.

And that is a few pictures from Florida. I love Tampa. I can't wait to take the kids and go back for a visit someday!!

Here is the hat I made for The Daughter:

She love's it--a huge plus when making her something. I used a bulky weight merino/cashmere blend yarn. The results are warm, soft, and wonderful! This is another one of my "off the top of my head" patterns--not bad!

So, there are the pictures I promised the other day :o)

Random Thoughts

2010-02-15T14:46:00.002-07:00

I spent a fun filled weekend (no really, it was fun!) dying yarn, knitting, watching movies, and making Valentine cards. I am not usually a home-body, but when I am in the mood to play with my yarn I am all about hanging around the house. Here's the results:

I got The Daughter's hat finished--oops! I knew there was something I forgot to take pictures of. It turned out so cute!! It was a special request, and when she puts one in I try to fulfill it cuz she is tough to make stuff for. I swear she doesn't like anything! I will find 40 things I love and she MIGHT find one.

I love starting projects! But I love finishing them even more!! Since I was on a roll I finished the first sock of a new pair for HB, also a special request. Nothing worth taking a picture of though. He wants several pairs of plain black crew length socks. No cables, no designs, nothing fun. Just boring black. At least I will get caught up on my books I want to read LOL!!

I almost finished the sweater I started in Florida. WAIT TIL YOU SEE IT!!! I made it with some of the Svale (from Dale of Norway) yarn that I sell in my Etsy store. It is the Jade colored Svale. Svale is a blend of cotton, silk, and viscose. It has a very soft hand and the fabric drapes beautifully! It is a spring/summer sweater pattern that I bought several years ago, but just haven't got around to making it until now. The color and style will go wonderfully with black, off white, white, or jeans. Everything from dressy to casual. I can't wait to finish it! All that's left are the sleeves and then I have to sew it together.

Ya, I know. Another "sewing" project. I guess it's going to be the year I make projects that need sewn up. It all started with that afghan. Now I've made socks (My Victorian Valentine) and a sweater all requiring sewing. I've got to get it stopped before it gets out of control! (Socks that require some sewing!? Come on!)

I have the "Sneek Peek" for Sockamania done so I thought I would put it on here also. It's the March sock pattern, "Wearin' O the Green". I got the yarn as a "test yarn" sample from Yarn Addict Anni. She has a new item she is thinking about putting in her store and asked if I would try it out for her. Of course, I was happy to help!! The knitted square didn't look to exciting as it was, but it created some REALLY cute socks!! I love the color! (The pattern's not half bad either!)

The afghan is coming along, right on schedule. I have four squares all done and started a fifth square Saturday. I would like to have all 24 squares done by the end of October so that I can spend November blocking the squares and sewing them up. I may even start blocking them now. If I wanted to I could sew up each block of 4 squares as I finish them. Which I may do. One way or the other, I want the afghan done by December 1st so I don't have to rush around at the last minute trying to get the thing together in time to mail it out for Christmas. It really makes a Knitter feel good to have a Christmas project so well planned out AND be on target for completion in the right amount of time. Let's see if I can keep it going!

I've been reading all of Elizabeth Zimmermann's books, since I'm making boring socks. WOW! She was such an amazing person! I've mentioned before that I am very fond of history, especially knitting history. Her life, stories, and patterns are SO wonderful and amazing! Most of her knitting projects are very provencial, but reading about them and how to put them together makes me want to rush right out and start another afghan--Mystery Blanket from Knitter's Almanac--or the Pi are Squared shawl from Knitting Around. Heck! While I'm at it I'll start a couple of pairs of mittens and a Bog Jacket also!! WooooHOoo! (I am outta control. I don't know what knitting bug bit me, but I got it BAD.) Anyway, I just keep asking myself why I have resisted becoming one of her fans for so long. I can be so rebellious some times. (Ok, ok, most of the time.) I guess it's because EVERYBODY who knits talks E.Z., knits E.Z., and reveres E.Z.. I have never been much on following the crowd, but I should know that knitter's always know a good thing when they see it! She truly contributed to what knitting is today for all of us! If you are like I was and have been resisting the E.Z. pull, resist no longer and buy the books! Buy the workshop CD's! For crying out loud, I've watched the entire series twice and can't wait to watch it again!

Well, I better quit. I am sure you all think I am a lunatic by now and there is no sense in making it worse. I still need to post those Florida pictures....maybe tomorrow.

Catchin Up!

2010-02-08T14:33:00.002-07:00

I keep waiting to post until I can post pictures. Well if I don't post anyway there is going to be so much to post about it will take forever. So, when I get around to uploading pictures to my computer there will be a "picture catchin up" post.

The trip to Florida was WONDERFUL!!! I can't think of a better place to go to get rid of 6 years of pain and suffering (oh ya for HB also LOL!). HB is almost as good as new. He went from "no hope" to "a world of opportunities", from "you will just have to live with the pain" to "pain-free". It is truly a miracle!!! After all of the heart-breaking news we have received about his condition over the past two years his condition now, after a one and a half hour surgery, is nothing short of a miracle. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel. If I had just won an academy award I would be saying, "I'd like to thank God, the internet, all of the wonderful staff at Laser Spine Institute, Bernard (one of the shuttle drivers) at the Westin Inn, the staff of the Westin Inn, the helpful and kind flight attendants, the Florida TSA security people, HB's ex-worker's comp insurance company for being so terrible and forcing us to settle (if we hadn't he wouldn't have been eligible for the surgery at LSI), and my boss for hiring me for a job with a business that just happened to have the insurance carrier that LSI accepted." Without all of these people HB would not be where he is today.

Ok, I gotta stop before I get my keyboard all wet and soggy. I will post pictures of one of the most beautiful places on earth--Tampa Florida--and THE most beautiful, comfortable, relaxing, amazing hotel's I've ever stayed in when I get the pictures uploaded from the camera. We will be going back there someday--soon!--for a vacation with the kids. Everyone should visit Florida at least once in their lives.

On with the knitting update: I have gone and started what I said I would never make another one of. Yep! you guessed it! I got a wild hare and started an afghan for my in-laws for Christmas.

I know what you are saying, "Don't you remember that gigantic pink thing for The Daughter and how you swore it was the biggest black hole you've ever worked on? What about all that ranting and raving you did because it just WOULDN'T GET FINISHED? Are you CRAZY!?"

Me: But, you see, this afghan is different! There are only 24 squares to knit then you just sew them together and TADA! instant afghan.

You: "What? What did you say? Did you say you had to sew? Don't you HATE sewing stuff up?"

Me: Ummmm, yaaaaaa........but it's only 24 squares......it will be really easy right? I just knit at least two squares a month, three for a couple of the months, then in November sew all the squares. It should be ok. I have all year to get it done.

(Check back with me in June to see how I'm doing or if I've buried it deep in some closet somewhere.)

I don't know what was wrong with me this weekend, but I couldn't start enough new projects. Apparently it isn't enough to have 6 other UFO's or WIP's laying around. I started the March AND April Sockamania designs, another tie for PB, two new sweaters, and the hat I was supposed to make for The Daughter for Christmas but didn't quite get to it--good thing the temperatures are still in the single digits or low double digits here! I was like a kid in a candy factory where I could run from place to place sampling everything. As I looked over the disaster area this morning I marved that I didn't have a hangover from all the "new yarn fumes"! It was all terribly fun!!! Now I have to dig deep inside myself, find my self control, and commit to finishing everything before starting anything new!!! Except maybe for those off-white lace gloves out of that luscious alpaca silk from Misti Alpaca's I bought a little while back--that yarn is so delicious I want to fill the bathtub with it, dive in, and roll around in it naked!!! (HB is rolling on the floor laughing at that!)

Anyway, with all of that out of my system....you should be up to date. Pictures will follow, not of me rolling in the yarn (LOL!), but of Florida and all my new projects.

Happy Knitting!! And if any of you have been told there is no hope out there JUST KEEP LOOKING!! Somewhere is the answer! and people waiting to help you.

2010-01-18T16:42:00.001-07:00

What a day! We are getting ready to be gone for over a week--something we have never done! I spent the weekend washing clothes, cleaning house, and trying to get everyone organized and their stuff packed. The Daughter and PB are headed to Gramma and Grandpa's at one end of the country and HB and I are headed to the other end of the country.

The schools are NOT happy with me! Oh well! As long as my kids complete all of the work they will miss in class, what does it matter? The schools just want their money and aren't really concerned about my kids not being in class learning. I am not fond of public schools! Of course, I never have been--even when I was in school.

Today things are so stressful I've managed to give myself such a headache. I can't even knit, little alone focus on anything else. I did manage to get all of my employees lined out on the schedule, responsibilities, and work to do while I am gone. At least I have really good employees! I don't have to worry about them just not showing up for work and I know that when I get back everything will be done and in order.

I don't know what to do with the cat! Pampered, spoiled rotten, declawed, big baby! He is The Daughter's cat and he literally waits for her to come to bed at night. If she waits to long he comes and finds her and will not quit meowing until she heads up to her room. It's very cute!

Ok, well just had to vent for a minute. Maybe I can re-focus now.

Here We Go......

2010-01-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I guess HB and I are heading to Florida on Wednesday to the Laser Spine Institute to see if they can fix his back. Spirits were really high as we have contemplated the possibility that this could relieve a huge portion of his pain and back problems.

As you may recall he has had 4 surgeries to try to fix an injury he received at work. He eventually received the depressing news that he has Failed Back Syndrome. Which lead to us moving to this awful town in the hopes of giving him an occupation that he could do that wouldn't cause any more damage to his back. Of course you all know how THAT went--the whole "live-in motel manager" was terrible!

A couple of months ago HB came across an ad for the Laser Spine Institute. It sounded like they might be able to help him and so he sent them his information. The contacted him a few days later and got the ball rolling. Unfortunately, we went to see HB's pain management doctor last week who proceeded to tell us what idiots we were and that the place is a scam, is bogus, and that he isn't going to pick up the pieces when they screw HB's back up more. Well, for someone who has never heard of the place, didn't even know where it was located, etc. he sure formed an opinion about them awful quick. He puts in spinal stimulator's and pump's and if something like LSI came along and actually fixed people with failed backs he would be out of business. However, he accomplished making HB and I really second guess things. Even after checking them out with the Better Business Bureau and the Florida department of licensing we are still nervous. I did a complete check on every one of the doctor's at LSI and they are all licensed, American Board of Othopedic or Osteopathic certified, and none of them have any bad marks on their reports. So, I don't know where HB's doc got his information, but it doesn't make him look very intelligent to make such un-researched, ill-conceived statements.

I can't get rid of this nagging pit in my stomach though--one of the "gifts" of being a chronic worrier. Why would he say that stuff? What if he is right? What do we do about him if he is wrong? He is the only pain management doctor we've been able to find in 16 months that will even look at HB.

If any of you out there in the wide internet world know anything about The Laser Spine Institute, PLEASE put it in the comments ASAP! I could really use some un-biased information.

Only Two Things

2010-01-13T10:40:00.004-07:00

I have lived in the "Worst Place to Live" for 16 months now and have managed to finally find two things that I like about this place. Trust me!! it's not the schools, or the "small town" atmosphere, or the friendly people (because there really aren't any, except for those of us that have moved in from other states and hate it here)!!

The first thing I discovered, right after we moved here, was that we can run over to Salt Lake City or Ogden on a Saturday and spend the day at great yarn shops--where Nancy Bush, (no not George's wife!) my favorite knitwear designer, may be seen, great malls, great entertainment, etc. I have always liked Salt Lake and the fact that my latest favorite LYS (Blazing Needles) is in the Sugar House area is a real bonus!

So after that, I haven't found anything else to really like. Sure I love the snow and really cold weather. My job is one that I truly enjoy and never mind working at. But, other than that this is the worst place I have ever lived (remember that I have moved some 40 or 45 times in my life and travelled most of the US and Mexico so I do consider this to be an educated, well researched, statement). The schools and school district are......hmmm what word do I use here?......Let's just say that every time I have to deal with them, "W.T.F." enters my mind several times and they never cease to leave me with my mouth hanging open in obvious disbelief. The people that run things at the schools are so far removed from reality that I am pretty sure Roger Rabbit is the superintendent--or maybe Daffy Duck. I can't believe I am going to say this, but I would rather my kids were attending school in Monticello Utah than here--I attended there the last two years of High School much to my great horror. (No offense those of you who also attended, you have to realize that it was a HUGE culture shock for me).

And the town here....don't even get me started! I am pretty sure that they are all living on some other planet. "Hi, my name is Tama. I am from planet earth and I come in peace." I am not kidding. These people do not live in the real world, or at least the dimension that I live in. Let me just say that, WOW! this is a terrible place to live.

So, the second thing I found that I like about here came along quite out of the blue. I was blazing out to my car to start it warming up from -10 degrees farenheit, plopped down into my car and went to turn the key in the ignition when I looked up and...........................

HOLY SMOKE!!!! I almost ran over two moose RIGHT OUTSIDE MY FRONT DOOR and didn't even notice them. I was so excited I couldn't remember how to make phone calls. Then when HB answered I told him to get his.....I couldn't think of what it was called...."you know that thing that takes pictures!! THERE ARE MOOSE RIGHT OUTSIDE THE FRONT DOOR!!" I really can't think of the last time I was that excited--even when I found 100% cashmere on sale, a couple of weeks ago, for a killer price I didn't get as excited as I was when I saw those moose. Maybe the last time I got that excited was when I was riding my dirt bike on a moutain road, came zipping around a corner, and about wrecked because there was a mama bear and her cubs feasting on a huge dead cow in the middle of the road not five feet from my front tire. That was pretty exciting for them and me.

We took video of the mama and calf moose as they were stripping bark from tree trunk and branches then followed, at a safe distance, until they meandered into the willows out back. It was AWESOME!!! I have never seen moose in real life. Seen a lot of other wildlife, but never moose. HB told me to pay more attention when I am "be-bopping" out to my car. I guess mama moose can be VERY protective and are known to stomp things to death that she considers a threat. It was still AWESOME! EXCITING! ETC!

Yep, two things.

Christmas Knits

2009-12-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

So what did I end up getting done for Christmas? What do you make when you are in a rush? How about a modified pair of Selbu fingerless mitts? (Ha, Ha)

I made these for The Daughter. You just never know what she is going to like so I am always a little nervous making something really "different" for her. However, these got squeals of delight and rave reviews--whew!

The next thing I managed to finish--one of a kind "Mom I want you to make me these gloves I thought up. I want them to be black and lime green checkered, with......"

They turned out really cute and PB has worn them almost non-stop. He was so excited to get them. He loves everything I knit for him.

It wasn't much but at least I got to give them something special from me. HB got the pair of "Outdoorsman" socks I made for the Sockamania November pattern. So everyone was happy.

On the Sockamania note, this is the new sock for January:

I love it! It is called "Snowy Winters Eve". I used Haneke merino/linen/aplaca for the navy blue main color and Haneke's angora blend for the white "snow". The socks are warm, soft and wonderful.

So, I made it through another "Christmas knitting craze". I am already making New Year's resolutions that THIS year will be different! I will start right away planning gifts to knit and I will dilligently work on them all through the year so that December doesn't sneek up on me again. (I think that is what I say every year).

Wishing everyone a Happy and Prosperous New Year!!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T09:57:00.000-07:00

My heart is full as I approach Christmas this year. I have so much to be thankful for. A wonderful husband, really good children, a warm house (it's 5 below zero again right now), a really good job that I enjoy, and good friends--I really miss all of you and think of you every day.

I am thankful for my cyber friends around the world. You inspire me everyday and I feel blessed to know you. So much talent and ability!! It keeps me motivated.

I hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. May this be the best one for all of you.

Tama

Be Careful What You Look For

2009-12-23T09:53:00.000-07:00

Ya, so we found it. The wiring in the house IS THE ORIGINAL WIRING. It's like a hundred years old. I don't quite know how I feel about living in a house where the wiring might start a fire at any moment. I have WAY too much yarn and fiber. If it caught fire I would be the crazy lady running back into the house, braving the flames and smoke, to rescue my yarn and knitting supplies, sweaters, fiber, spinning wheels, etc.

Also the boiler is THE ORIGINAL BOILER. I know nothing, zero, zip about boilers. But a hundred year old, coal burning boiler doesn't seem to great. I guess you have to watch the gauges on it and take buckets of water down under the house, where the boiler is at, to fill it up at least once a week so that it doesn't run out of water, build up too much pressure, and explode. I don't know how I feel about that either.

I am really torn. Is it worth the risks? It has been standing for over a hundred years after all--no fires, no exploding boilers. Eight rooms, a yarn shop in the front............a fire destroying all of my yarn..........What would you do? Would you risk it? Does it sound worth it to you? I have to have some input here. Let me know what you think.

It Must Be the Season

2009-12-22T10:58:00.001-07:00

Well, it's official. I have completely lost my mind. (No it has nothing to do with knitting this time--well, maybe some of it.) I just agreed to move AGAIN next month. It really isn't too surprising. After all, growing up I moved like this all the time. We would live in a house a couple of months then move or buy a house. Live in that place a year and then move again. In total, growing up, I moved 20 or 25 times by the time I was 17 years old.

Why would I even consider moving again with all of HB's back problems leaving him completely unable to help me and two teenagers with all of the packing, cleaning and then unpacking? Why would I put myself through all of that exhausting work AGAIN when we just barely finished moving into the place we are right now? WHAT IN THE WORLD AM I THINKING? AM I COMPLETELY NUTS!!!!?

Well, let me tell you a little about WHERE we are moving. It is a three story victorian mansion with 8, yes that would be EIGHT, bedrooms, a dining room the size of my entire downstairs area where we live right now, a parlor that will make the most amazing yarn/jewelry shop in the world, all hard wood flooring, 15 foot ceilings in the kitchen and dining room, beautiful antique chandeliers, an amazing entry way that features a winding solid oak stair case with original banistering, so much storage space that ALL of our current belongings could be put into there--we are talking about furnishings and decor to completely fill a 1200sq ft home and two work shops, a library.....need I say more? I am sure you get the picture. Not only that, but a sweet little old grandmotherly lady owns it and is renting it for about the same as what we are paying for the sardine can we live in right now. When she told me how much rent was, I dropped my phone. She has had workmen fixing and replacing pipes, windows, etc. to make the home cozy and not drafty and more energy efficient. As far as the store that we can put in the parlor, the place is zoned for residential and commercial AND it is located right in downtown on the main road. We are talking about places that everybody in town will drive by or visit DAILY. Even tourists will be able to easily find it because it is one the main road through town. AND the nearest yarn shop (competition) is 85 miles away! I can hardly contain myself!!

The lady that owns it mentioned she would love to see us buy it someday and she would be happy to carry the loan herself. WOW! I am sure there is a down side to this somewhere. We have been looking at the place and mulling it over for about a week now. Mostly trying to find a downside to the idea, besides the "moving again" part. I spoke to her this morning and let her know we would take it. So, I guess it's official.

It's going to take me six months to decorate the place! At least there is no lack of space, or wondering where in the world I am going to put all of my paintings. AND a store....where my yarn can all be out.....where I can see it.....(sigh)......and my spinning wheels can have all the room they want..........and won't it be a sight to drive by and see me sitting out on that victorian front porch, in the summer time, spinning. WOW.

I'll let you know when I find the downside.

BRrrrrrr!

2009-12-09T10:18:00.003-07:00

It has been so cold here for the last two weeks!! I keep thinking that the temperature is going to rise and we are going to warm back up a little bit since, techically, it's still Autumn--winter doesn't officially start until December 21st. But, so far, no chance. The thermometer in my car hasn't registered a number over 3 degrees Farenheit for days and that is the HIGH! It has been below zero every night and if you add in the wind chill we have seen temperatures as low as 35 below zero. THAT'S COLD PEOPLE!!! You don't just run outside real quick to grab something out of the car or a piece of wood without putting on the entire abominable snowman outfit--we are talking serious "keep you warm" fibers here; angora/cashmere/camel down/buffalo down scarf, hat, double layer mittens, and serious Antartica approved coat. At least we haven't been as bad as the other side of the state. Laramie, Cheyenne, and Casper have seen 45 below zero. Trust me, all temperatures once you get below zero ARE NOT the same, as I mistakenly thought before experiencing 20 below zero temperatures.

It hasn't really snowed much. Mostly because the wind blew all of the snow that was falling here all the way to Colorado--where they got 8 to 12 inches in my hometown (which is in the desert and rarely sees any snow at all during the winter). My brother, who still lives there, said he would rather have all the snow than the extreme cold. I am used to the roads melting off during the day, but I guess that regardless of how bright the sunshine is, if it's below zero nothing is going to melt.

So, I am currently experiencing the "two weeks til Christmas knitting frenzy". In fact, it is so bad today that I can't seem to get going on my knitting because I don't know which project is the priority. I have PB complaining that he still doesn't have any gloves or mittens and his hands are freezing at the bus stop every morning. The Daughter thinks I am secretly working on the hat/scarf set she pointed out she would really appreciate having. I gave up on knitted stuff for my brother, and in-laws completely last night. And I guess HB will just get the socks I finished last week that I was making for someone else.

What happened? I thought I had it all covered. I had seven pairs of socks finished and all of my yarn and patterns for everything in place. The only thing I can think of is I moved and started designing patterns for Sockamania. Moving is so time consuming (wasting!). There's all that packing and then unpacking. Trying to find the right box to put things in and then the right place to put it away. All that cleaning, loading, and unloading. Of course, when the day is done you are so tired and it is usually so late that you barely have the energy to undress so you can go to bed. Sockamania hasn't been too time consuming itself. If I'd quit changing my mind about the pattern or the yarn or the needles and making the sock over and over again it wouldn't take me but a week to have the entire thing ready to go.

Anyway, I hope everyone isn't too disappointed with their gifts this year. I better get busy on those mittens for PB or he may end up with frost bite and then I will feel really bad.

The Newest Sweater and Some Musings

2009-12-02T16:37:00.007-07:00

As promised here is my latest sweater. It is from the same book as the other two--Best of Lopi. I used "Ecology" wool from Cascade for the main color and then left-over's for the accent colors. I thought it was kind of ugly as I was knitting it. After all the main color is quite drab. But when I finished it and put it on I was pleasantly surprised at how great it looked! I am loving these sweaters!! I have come up with a reason that I like them--NO SEWING is involved! I have avoided making many things because sewing was required. Not that I can't sew; I've quilted and sewn many items over the years. I just hate sewing up sweaters!!! I swear it takes as long to sew the darn thing up as it took to knit all of the pieces. These Icelandic sweaters have just a few stitches under the arm that you graft together and that is it! The entire sweater is knit in the round from the bottom to the collar. As I mentioned in the last post, I have yarn to make two more sweaters. Both of them will be out of Lopi yarn. I am so anxious to make them I about can't sleep at night! I've never made anything with Lopi brand yarn and I have seen advertisements that it is the warmest wool out there. I can't wait to compare it with the Australian brand yarn that I made the first two sweaters with. I will let you know if it truly is the warmest--I have tried just about every brand of wool yarn on the planet.

Now for the "Musings". Every winter I find myself doing this--in fact I may have posted about it before--I begin to look around at what people are wearing to keep themselves warm. I see small children in nasty acrylic knitwear that I know is not keeping them warm. There are teenagers on the ski slopes wearing very trendy hats, ear warmers, maybe even sweaters made in various third world countries out of the cheapest, scratchiest, worst wool on the planet (that's right, there is such thing as "yucky" wool). I walk through the malls and shopping centers and see racks and racks of trendy/holiday/fashionable sweaters, socks, mittens, gloves, hats, etc. all mass produced and just like the ones in the store next door and none of which will keep you very warm or comfortable.

During all of this I am wondering, "What are people thinking?" Do they think that ALL knitted items are the same? Is that hat the reason you think all wool is scratchy? Is your childs hat the reason you think that knit items don't really keep you warm? Do you go by that polar fleece junk because you think it will keep you warm in sub-zero weather? Did you spend all that money at that fancy sporting goods store for those socks because the tag says they are the warmest? HB even get's caught up in the notion that "commercially" produced fabrics and knitwear can rival hand-knit items even though he KNOWS it doesn't.

When I go to make an article of clothing or an accessory I ask myself, "Who is going to be wearing this? Where do they live? What temperatures could they encounter? Will it be wet and rainy, windy, snowing, below zero?" All of those play an important part in not only the style of the item, but most importantly WHAT fiber the article will be made from. For example: HB has an earflap hat I made for him a couple of years ago when he was spending almost his entire work day outside in various Colorado locations--some as high as 8,000-9,000 feet elevation. This hat is made from a black yarn--a blend of cashmere, merino wool, and silk. I knit it with needles that would be considered much to small for the bulky weight yarn I used. Why this particular style, fiber content, and needle variation? Because:

1. Black colored clothing will soak up any sunshine and help keep you toasty warm no matter what the temperature drops to.

2. Cashmere, merino, and silk are all very fine, very dense fibers. These fibers are known to keep you as much as 8 times warmer than regular wool (WAY warmer than the acrylic junk!! or polar fleece).

3. Smaller needles than what you would normally use to get gauge with a particular yarn will produce a firmer, more dense fabric. This makes the hat water and wind resistant. HB has actually worn his hat out riding our ATV in the snow and wind up in the mountains and his ears never got cold.

You see, hand knit items, especially when the knitter knows the purposes and uses for the item, are FAR superior to anything you can buy in any store anywhere.

I also spin yarn. Which means that I can get REALLY carried away with the details that go into making an item. I can make the yarn with any blend of any fibers I want. If I need extra strength--hemp, extra warmth--angora or cashmere or silk or all three. I can hand pick the wool. Just because something says it's made from wool DOES NOT mean it is going to be just like the other wool sweater or socks you have. Even wool from the same sheep can vary from year to year depending on it's diet, the climate, the weather, etc. Hand picking the wool ensures that you are getting all of the qualities you want to incorporate into the hand-knit item.

Sorry, I do get very carried away when it comes to the society we live in being slaves to whatever is for sale in the store. There are so many people out there that think they have to endure cold feet, hands, ears, etc. because they have given up finding something warm to wear. Me, I look forward to winter! But then........I knit!

What!?

2009-11-30T10:22:00.002-07:00

Did someone say that it's only 25 days until Christmas!? Where have I been? What have I been doing?

Oh.....ya....I've been knitting sweaters for ME instead of knitting Christmas gifts. In fact I just finished #3 yesterday. I don't have pictures yet because it is still drying. I will try to post some later this week. I love it!! I got the yarn to make two more sweaters, for me, last week. Unfortunately, I probably better put the breaks on this "sweater making" spree and get busy making gifts.

These silly sweaters are just so much fun.............and they're for me............and I need some warm sweaters because it's December and it's cold...............I wonder if anyone will notice that I didn't knit anyone Christmas gifts this year?

Socks, Socks, Socks

2009-11-25T09:59:00.004-07:00

With the end of November right around the corner my November Sockamania design will be going on sale in my etsy store. The pattern is called, "The Outdoorsman".

The sock features an optional "boot cuff" for keeping thistles and critters out of your hunting/hiking boots. The sock is made with sport weight yarn and the patterning is really simple! Making this sock a quick and easy Christmas gift for the outdoor enthusiast on your list.

Also, the December sock pattern will be posted and available on the Google group for Sockamania on December 1st. But since I can't wait another minute to unveil it.........

It's called "Peppermint Stick". I couldn't resist putting a double braid on there! I love braids! I got the inspiration for the sock when we went to a living history museum gift shop and they had jars and jars of the old fashioned penny candy sticks. There was licorice, watermelon, peppermint, cinnamon, cherry, black raspberry, etc. I thought that the twisted candy would look cool as a sock. So, if you don't like peppermint make them in any flavor you like! Black and white for licorice, red and pink for cinnamon, pink and apple green for watermelon, dark purple and pink for black raspberry, etc.

It will be fun to see what everyone comes up with in December!! If you aren't a member of Sockamania and would like to join click on over there and check it out. We will be issuing new memberships starting January 2010.

Happy Knitting!

The Mittens and An Anniversary Present for Me

2009-11-11T10:25:00.008-07:00

Ok, as promised, here are the mittens I made for HB.

Aren't they cool? HB LOVES them. I am so glad. I made some cashmere fingerless mitts to wear over them or inside of them so that he can use them for ice fishing. Unfortunately when I told him that is what I made the mittens and liners for he gave me a horrified look and said, "I will NOT wear these ice fishing! It would ruin them! I will wear them for driving. And when I am not wearing them for driving they should be framed and put on the wall for art." He is so silly!

The pattern is one I bought on Ravelry. They are called "Fisherman's Mittens". The Son put in his order for a pair as soon as he saw his dad's. So, I will be making more--sometime.

I have learned two valuable lessons while making these mittens.

1. Always keep the finished mitten with you when you go to make the second mitten. This will hopefully keep you from making two "Right Hand" mittens. (Hege will appreciate this info.) I made the mistake of leaving the first "Right Hand" mitten at home while I worked on the other one in the car, at appointments, etc. BIG MISTAKE! Only after completely finishing the second mitten and presenting them to HB did I realize I had made two "Right Hand" mittens. Swearing and name calling (at the, and of the mittens) ensued. I WAS SO MAD (insanely angry) at myself. I recovered though and managed to make a "Left Hand" mitten.

2. Use the best possible short "finger" knitting needles you can buy! I have tried several different types and brands. Finally, I found some made by Skacel--Addi the other day in Blazing Needles. THE BEST! Making the thumb is my least favorite knitting thing to do--even less favorite than hand sewing, and you all know how much I hate that! These needles were PERFECT, even better than all of the wooden and bamboo ones I have tried. As a result, I may make that second pair for The Son.

Anyway, with that said, this was my anniversary present:

I realize that most of you out there are saying, "Oh boy" (heavy sarcastic inflection here). Actually, if you look closely at the second picture you will see why HB bought them for me. See the selection of washing cycles? "Washable Wool" is on there. HB, knowing that I love superwash wool so much that I have actually written a poem called, "Ode to Superwash Wool", he thought that I would find that cycle especially wonderful. And he was right!! Someone at GE obviously has a knitter in their life! Who else, besides a knitter or someone close to a knitter, would think to put a "Washable Wool" cyle in a washing machine. The dryer also has a retractable rack that you can lay various (meaning socks, sweaters, etc) on to "air dry" quickly without felting them. YEAH ME! He also bought me a whole bucket (basket, huge bag, barrel, whatever large container you can think of) of some of my favorite yarns. Ya, that's why I married him.

Well, now that I have made all of you knitters jealous.......Happy knitting!

Misc.

2009-11-09T11:08:00.002-07:00

LOVING our new place! We are almost completely unpacked.

HB bought some new furniture for the living room. Our old couch weighs just slightly more than a grand piano and it takes 4 really buff football players or 6 regular people to move it. (It was a double lazy boy couch with a table top island in the center. 8 feet long and three feet deep!) We have moved it three times and that was that! I am only one little girl and HB can't help at all because of his back. So it was time for the couch to find a new home! The one we replaced it with is very nice and the money from the old one paid for the new one (YEAH! I like when that works out!). Plus we got a LOVELY chair to match. HB said I needed a really good "knitting" chair. He is so wonderful! He is also looking a coffee table to match that, as he descibed it to me, has "two big drawers under the table top for storing yarn". (Don't you wish your husband would shop for things with your yarn habit in mind? I am really spoiled!)

I got his mittens finished. Unfortunately I still don't have a picture of them. I promise to post one of them this week. They turned out really nice! Wait til you see them! HB was thrilled! He shows them off everywhere we go.

I will try to get some pictures of the new house and furniture to post with the mittens for next time.

Gotta go for now.
Happy knitting!

Changes--It's About Time!

2009-10-21T10:31:00.003-06:00

It was bound to happen. I am just surprised it took 13 months! We quit the motel and moved out! I quit--sort of--in May when I went to work as the store manager for a fireworks warehouse, but HB has held on until we are all so miserable and sick of the place that we couldn't stand it another second.

I know that managing a motel doesn't sound so awful, but being "live-in Managers" is the most awful job on the planet! I worked one hunting season for a meat processing plant--processing all the hunters' deer and elk. It was a smelly!! dirty, long hour, messy job. BUT! I would rather do that all year long than work one more day at that motel!

You have to realize that almost every person that comes in asking for a room is tired, been driving for hours along some pretty boring landscape, surrounded by a lot of semi trucks, fighting the wind across the prairie, etc. and they are irritable! I had no idea that the general public--traveller--has completely abandoned all of the manners that I am sure their mother or grandmother taught them was proper! Just thinking about the experiences I have had, I have to just shake my head in disbelief. It really is disappointing to see so many people behave so deplorably. Even older people!! who I know that were raised in a society where manners were expected! I want to yell at them, "What would your mother think if she saw/heard you acting like that!"

Anyway, on top of the terrible atmosphere of the place, the rude guests who have neither brains, common sense, nor manners, the owner of the motel has robbed us for the last time. He is the biggest liar/cheat I have ever met! I am sure the only reason he has gotten away with it for so many years is because he and his family own most of the town we live in. I have heard all sorts of gossip about them and the things they have pulled over the years. It's interesting, he could be a force for good in this community and have a really up-standing reputation, but instead no one in this town respects him and to say you are related to him is a put-down.

So, once the "straw broke the camels back" last week HB and I went out, rented a condo and started moving out. The place we got is really cute and the kids are so happy they don't want to go back to the motel and help pack. I can't blame them. We spent the weekend moving all of the big stuff and should be completely out by this coming weekend.

In the mean time, I have almost finished the November Sockamania pattern. It is going to be great! Really easy, fun, sport weight yarn so it will make up fast, etc., etc., etc. I listed the yarn for the pattern in my etsy store earlier today and the pattern will be available November 2nd. The October pattern, Autumn Leaves will go on sale in my store the same day.

I am also in the middle of making HB a present for our anniversary. I can't post pictures until I give it to him because he will sneek in here and peek. But I am so excited about it!! I can't wait to see his face when I give it to him. I will post pictures later.

Well, I better be off! It's almost lunch time and I haven't got anything done this morning--too tired!

Ooooo's and Ahhhhh's

2009-10-03T18:38:00.003-06:00

I realize what a "Knit" wit this makes me look like, but in the middle of designing last months sock pattern for Sockamania and spinning up the yarn for, and knitting two pairs of hunting socks for a customer I made this sweater:

Isn't it great! I love it. It turned out really good. The yarn is some I bought with my birthday money back in August. It isn't Lopi, but it makes a good substitute. It is the same yarn I used for the last sweater I made (Mauch) in different colors. The pattern is from "The Best of Lopi" also and the pattern name is "Brigitte".

And look at the cute buttons I found to put on it! I found the buttons at Blazing Needles in Salt Lake City. I love pewter buttons!

Anyway, the socks for my customer don't look too exciting, but they are made from my handspun angora/wool blend yarn. They are sooooo soft! and the minute you put them on your feet warm up. I am going to have to make some for my family for this winter. I made a nice fingering weight yarn and knit them up on US size 2 needles. Very plain, but very warm!

I love knitting!

My First Sockamania Design

2009-10-01T10:38:00.008-06:00

I was so excited to get my October sock design posted that I forgot some details on the pattern. Ooops! It's all fixed now. Here is the sock:

It turned out really good! I am going to be giving this pair as a Christmas present.....maybe. I really like them a lot! If I keep going I will have at least one pair of socks to give everyone on my Christmas list. I have made A LOT of socks this year! I will be listing the "Autumn Leaves" pattern for sale on my etsy store on November 1st if you would like to get it and aren't a member of Sockamania. (members get their patterns for free).

SOCKAMANIA DESIGN SNEEK PREVIEW: I am already about 1/4 of the way through the November sock. The yarn is a little heavier and the sock is knit on size 3 needles so they make up a little faster. I will have three different colors that the socks can be made from available in my etsy store and there will be a link in two weeks to the yarn in case anyone wants to use the same yarn I did for the pattern. I haven't made anything with this yarn before. It's different; not the usual wool, or bamboo style sock yarn. I am anxious to see how the finished item looks. I like it so far. The pattern requires good stitch definition and this yarn delivers! Stay tuned for more sneek peeks!

It snowed!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yesterday morning it was pouring rain and about 60 degrees F, but by noon the temperature had dropped to about 40, the wind was blowing and it had started snowing little flakes. HB and I went to Salt Lake for the afternoon and when we came back it was snowing hard and accumulating. It was very cold last night so the snow is still on the ground. WHAT HAPPENED TO FALL? I mean there are still trees that haven't even started to turn colors. There is still green grass for crying out loud! I have a feeling that Fall is going to be very short lived here this year. Oh well, out with the summer clothes and "HELLO" sweaters! My new sweater is almost finished--just the buttons to sew on. (I'll post pictures soon!) I can't wait to wear it!

Anyway, happy knitting!

I Will Survive!

2009-09-28T10:22:00.002-06:00

Well, believe it or not, I have finished the October sock design for Sockamania! However, I had planned to give the socks away for a Christmas gift to a relative but they are so........hmmm what is the word? WONDERFUL, LOVELY, AWESOME, AMAZING, ETC. that I want to keep them. Not being conceited, but I designed a GREAT pair of socks. HB was even surprised when, as a result of not getting the proper attention for them from him, I told him I designed the pattern for them. He's like, "Wow! I thought you had knit them from a book or something." (Then realizing what he just said he quickly recovered by saying, "Well I'm not surprised. Everything you make is amazing. I just can't believe how talented you are.") They really are exciting. I just hope they aren't too difficult. They really make up quickly once you complete the first pattern repeat and have the basic idea of how the pattern flows. The toe is a little tricky, but I think it will be ok. I LOVE THEM! I will post pictures here after the pattern is revealed October 1st for the KAL.

No hearing coming up in a week! Yeah! I think........I guess......I hope it's a good thing anyway. HB, completely fed up with six years of pain and suffering--more from the insurance company and lawyers than from the injury--decided to settle; "take the money and run" so to speak. He just wants to be able to get care when he needs care and help when he needs help without having to wait 3-6- or 12 months for the insurance company to ok it--because they are looking for a way to call it "not reasonable or necessary". He decided that since all of his surgeons and doctor's have said that there isn't anything else that can be done for him, except the placement of a spinal stimulator, that he wanted to move on. There are some "alternative medicine" treatments out there that he would like to try, but the insurance companies won't pay for them. He sees this as his opportunity to try them out. It's kind of scary! I sure hope we don't regret it at some point.

We are still stuck in this awful place. I keep hoping that we will leave soon, but nothing yet. We found out the other day that the motel owner is selling the place. He won't come right out and tell us, because he doesn't want us to leave until it's sold, but some people came by to look at it and then the next day a consulting firm of some sorts called and said that their client was interested in purchasing the motel. So who knows how much longer we will be here. Seeing that our house is part of the motel, if the motel sells we loose our house and jobs. That can be taken as good and bad, if you know what I mean. Good, because then we can move away. Bad because then we don't have anywhere to live and HB doesn't have a job anymore.

It should be interesting to see how things go for the next several months for us. Don't you think?

Misc.

2009-09-21T13:50:00.003-06:00

I am having so much fun with my new venture! However, I keep changing my mind about this pattern I am trying to have FINISHED in 9 days. It started out WAY too complicated--not for me because I am just knitting the thing, as I go along, out of my head. I went to put it on paper over the weekend and realized that it was so complicated that I didn't know if I COULD put it on paper. So, last night I started over. Now I have to have at least one sock completed and the pattern for this new sock done and ready to post in 9 days. I am sure I can do it. I figure it takes my about 8 to 10 hours to knit a sock and about 4 to 6 hours to write up the pattern. I have roughly 200 hours to get it done. Oh wait! I have to sleep so......136 hours. Oh ya! I also cook for the Fam. so now I am at about 126. Let's see, work, getting ready for work/bed, cleaning, laundry, church, work--itself......HOLY COW! I think I am down to only about 60 hours. I still have time though..........Right? I better get busy.

I found a great deal on some sock yarn today (while I was pretending that I didn't have anything else better to do but shop for yarn online). I ordered it and can't wait to get it dyed! I will dye all the yarn for my 12 months of patterns first and then do some "seasonal" stuff afterward. I have 14,400 yards coming (LOL! yes for real!) so I should have plenty to play with for awhile. If my new yarn, pattern designing, and regular job don't keep me busy nothing will!

HB's worker's comp. hearing is coming up in two weeks. I am already feeling sick to my stomach. It's like life or death for him, so the whole concept is a little stressful. I just keep worrying that we are going to somehow loose--and then what will we do!? I know one things is for sure, that worthless attorney of his BETTER NOT LET THE OPPOSING COUNSEL WIN!!! or else............or else what, I don't know. I don't ever let myself think any further than "or else" because, well because we better not loose!!! That's all there is too it!

The daughter is all officially 16 years old now. (Nothing like kids growing up to make one feel old. Every time I try being in denial about my age one of the kids remind me of how old THEY are, which means I have to be MY age.) Anyway, she still doesn't get her drivers license though, because we think she needs more practise driving! Besides that, she isn't going to get to drive when the snow starts falling, so she can wait until LATE spring next year. Good thing she agrees with us so there isn't any arguments. She had a really good birthday and got lots of money to waste on breakfast at McDonald's before school and clothes that she will never wear. We put on a really big birthday party for her and her friends out at a lake here, complete with fireworks (of course!). It was fun.

Last night was our first night of "below freezing". The trees had given up on it getting cold, so they have already turned yellow. Last night gave them the reason though. It is mid afternoon and only 50 degrees F in the sun. Yesterday at this time it was 78 degrees. I think Fall is here! I LOVE AUTUMN! It is my most favorite season, and not just because Halloween is my favorite holiday either. I love the smell and the colors and the feel of the air and the color of the sky and the fact that I can start wearing socks and sweaters! and everything else there is about the season.

Well, I probably better quit procrastinating and get busy on this sock pattern. The hours are ticking away!

News Flash

2009-09-14T14:29:00.005-06:00

I guess I should post my news on here also. A few weeks ago Anni, of Sockamania, said that she was going to close the KAL down. Not wanting a good thing to end I emailed her and asked how she would feel if I took over designing the sock patterns for the club.

We emailed back and forth a couple of times working out the details, but (drum roll here) I will be doing the sock designs for Sockamania! I am really excited!!! So excited that I couldn't go to sleep the other night so I designed all the patterns that I want to do, in my head, for the next 12 months.

I am about half way done with October's pattern--hard copy and socks not just the day dream one--and have dyed up the yarn for it including an alternative, more masculine color that can be used also. Did I mention I am excited!?

If you read my blog and would like to join, come on over to Sockamania's blog and follow the sign up instructions. The more the merrier! It's going to be a lot of fun!

Here is the yarn I dyed as a sneek peek into what the October pattern will be about:

Autumn Maple Leaf:

Autumn Evergreen:

As soon as Sockamania club members have all received their free pattern the October pattern will go on sale in my etsy store November 1, 2009. The yarn is for sale now.

Happy Knitting!

My New Sweater

2009-08-30T16:23:00.010-06:00

Here are the promised pictures of my new sweater.

The pattern is from "The Best of Lopi" book and the name of the pattern is "Gislina". I wasn't able to find a LYS that carried Lopi brand yarn to I substituted a yarn called Mauch Chunky by Kraemer Yarns. I found it to be very similar to Lopi in every way except that it isn't quite as thick. I had to follow the directions for two sizes bigger in order to make the sweater the right size for me. I also wanted to make a more fitted sweater--similar to the "original" icelandic sweater that the Lopi pattern was based on. I think it turned out WONDERFUL!

Now it just needs to hurry up and get cold enough all day so that I can wear it!!

I can't wait to get my cardigan finished. I need to get the sleeves done and then finish the yoke and then I will post pictures of it!! I am still obsessesd with sweaters! When that one is done I am making plans to knit one for my son for a Christmas gift. I can't wait to get started on it--I did order Lopi from Patternworks for it though so I have to wait for the yarn to get here. In the mean time, I have a sweater from "French Girl Knits" that I am going to start. Hopefully my ability to complete the projects continues. Heaven knows I have enough UFO's hanging around already because of this Sweater Thing I have going on right now.

YES! No wait...Maybe? Oh forget it!

2009-08-29T10:41:00.004-06:00

I have been sulking for the past week. I had everything in place to move us back "HOME"--a house, some money, school, people to help us, etc. when some lame-brained doctor decided to change my plans. Within 24 hours of having the first load of belongings headed for Colorado, HB's doctor notifies us that the best person for him to see is right over the mountain from where we are right now!

I am not going to pretend here, I AM NOT HAPPY! Some of you out there may not know this about me--other's of you have had the misfortune of knowing this about me--but when I am not happy about something I become terribly un-pretentious. I am a "no nonsense", up-front, "tell it like it REALLY is" kind of person anyway. BUT, when I am unhappy that part of my personality becomes painfully obvious. HB, knowing that my name means "Thunderbolt" in native american languages, has commented several times that he can see the "dark clouds" gathering above my head. He has been around long enough to know that when the "dark clouds" start gathering the "storm" isn't far behind. I spent most of this week pouting and crying and acting like a three year old. Then I spent two days feeling depressed. Today, I am beginning to feel slightly annoyed.

Ok! With that said, no, I am no longer moving back to Colorado anytime in the near future. I gave up the house I found, cancelled all of my plans and opportunities, and pouted about it all the way back from Colorado Wednesday night.

To make matters worse, my bestest best friend of almost 10 years went and did something stupid, hurt my feelings, and now we aren't on speaking terms. I am not usually one to hold a grudge, unless you really hurt my feelings and won't say you are sorry and try to fix it. Which she has no intention of doing because she thinks she is justified in what she did. WELL! At least I am no longer moving into a house right by hers! (I wonder how long I will have to give her the "silent treatment" before she pulls her head out of the clouds.)

Anyway, so you can see why I am feeling slightly annoyed today. Nothing seems to be going MY way right now. I don't know why I am fussing--nothing EVER goes my way. Which is why I do so much knitting. Knitting always goes my way!! (or it doesn't "go" at all!) I have made one and a half sweaters and spun up the yarn for socks and then knitted them up in only two weeks--and I work outside the house 45 hours a week. I have pictures of the first sweater, but haven't taken pictures of the socks or the progress on the other sweater yet. I will try to get the pictures of the completed sweater and socks on here by Monday.

I really don't know how the rest of the world copes with trials and troubles without knitting. Maybe the rest of the world doesn't have coping problems like I have......surely they have trials and troubles also. I do love my knitting and yarn and fiber. It is so predictable, soft, loyal, dependable, and available. It is always there for me when I need it. There to comfort me and tell me I can work through anything if I can work through a 12 color changing pair of Turkish Socks. If I can knit an icelandic sweater in the dark or with my eyes closed surely I can make it through living in Wyoming for a little longer? Yarn is such a good friend to me. Everytime I get even near a yarn store I can hear it calling to me, "Come see me. I will go home with you and be your best friend forever. I will never betray you or hurt your feelings. I will give you hours and hours of knitting pleasure and help you forget all your problems."

I really am not loosing it.......However, I am living in Wyoming so who know's!

Random Socks N Stuff

2009-08-07T09:54:00.005-06:00

I didn't get the Sweater pictures, but here are the pictures of the socks I finished. (I barely got these--I was VERY busy knitting on my sweater last night! If I wait a few more days it will be finished and I will just take a picture of it on me!)

I really like them now that they are done. These have been a WIP in the knitting bag for months! I don't know why either. They were super easy. Once I got in and was working on them they were done in no time.

The pattern is called "Rollercoasters" and I got it from Yarn Addict Anni's sock of the month KAL Sockamania. The yarn and pattern was from her etsy store Here. The yarn is a hand dyed superwash wool and bamboo blend yarn. It washes up really nice! I still have great stitch definition!

We had some of the bands that are playing in the Warped Tour stay the night last night at the motel. 3oh3, All Time Low, Valencia, and a couple of others we hanging around and The Daughter got to get autographed pictures with them and autographed CD's. She was a little excited needless to say!

This is her with the bass player from 3oh3. Notice the huge smile!And this is her with members of the band Valencia. She had a great time yesterday! I've never seen her so anxious to work the front desk. All of the members of the bands were really nice and we barely knew they were there except that their huge tour buses were parked all the way around the motel. No wild and crazy partying or anything. HB ran some of them around town to the golf course and restaurants and said they were "just normal kids".

I heard that Red Hot Chili Peppers stayed at our motel last year or the year before--now THAT would have been fun for me!!! I like the bands that stayed with us last night but Red Hot Chili Peppers--they are right up there on my list of fav's!

So, the motel was fun for the first time in a year. LOL!

Fun Stuff!

2009-08-06T09:09:00.002-06:00

I didn't think it would ever happen, but just as you cannot stop the sun from rising--I "turned" 40 years old. ( I am using the phrasing from George Carlin who goes through the various significant birthdays and labels them. "Turned" was like something going bad or rotten.) I am still not sure how I feel about it. HB says, "You don't LOOK 40 so who cares." He is so sweet. I don't FEEL 40.

I had a great birthday though. It lasted the entire weekend. Saturday we went shopping all day. HB took me to the yarn store and said to buy whatever I want--my favorite present!!! I bought yarn to make the Icelandic sweater I have been drooling over for months (it's 1/3 of the way done already!) Then we went to lunch at one of my most favorite restaurants. For desert I had this AMAZING chocolate cake. It is flourless, super chocolatey, with almond and chocolate crunchies for a crust---oh man! Definately my favorite desert!!! It's like chocolate mousse but better--if you can imagine that. The kids spent Sunday cooking for me, giving me a manicure, entertaining me, etc, etc. It was so much fun! I have the best kids ever, make no mistake.

I have really been wanting to make a sweater fo the last few months. This is not a usual craving for me. I couldn't wait to get started on the Icelandic sweater! I spent most of Sunday knitting on it. The yarn isn't Lopi, but similar. I couldn't find any Lopi anywhere except online so I bought this Mauch brand. The fiber looks a lot like the Icelandic sheep fiber. Most people use Brown Sheep Co.'s Lambs Pride as a substitute, but I HATE mohair! Yes, yes I realize that it is a little odd for a fiberaholic like me to hate any fiber, but I can't stand mohair. Baby, ultra fine mohair is OK, but the mohair used in Lambs Pride is icky! I only use it for felt projects that I want to make appear furry. Anyway, this yarn is a little thinner than Lopi so if you use it as a substitute be sure to check your guage. My row count is right on but the stitch count is really short! As a result I went up a size on the sweater pattern, perhaps could have went up two sizes but I wanted a snug fit to the sweater rather than a "roomy" fit. I always have to make the sleeves 4 to 6 inches longer so I hope I have enough yarn. I bought extra just in case. I figure if I don't need it for the sweater I can make a GREAT hat with the leftovers.

Sorry I don't have any pictures. I took them last night and haven't had a chance to get them onto the computer. I will post pictures of the sweater and the socks I finished earlier this week hopefully tomorrow.

OK! Now for the really big news! WE ARE MOVING BACK TO COLORADO! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I decided to go ahead and finish my degree. So I will be going back to school this Fall (like in a week). Between the ridiculous doctor situation that HB has had to deal with since moving, the lies that the motel owner told us to get us to take the job managing his motel, the AWFUL schools in this town, (Need I go on? If you want to know how awful it has been read the posts for the last year!) etc, etc, etc, we have simply HAD IT! We are going to go find a house next week. Then we will pack up and be out of here! I really am excited and can't wait.

The only one not happy is The Daughter. She has a point. She does have the best boyfriend on the planet. He is a member of our church, he has a good job working for the county, he is polite, respectful, a perfect gentleman, he works out and exercises really hard, he is drop dead gorgeous! and he has his future all planned out--College, religion, everything. Too bad they are both still teenagers or we would be making wedding plans! You just don't find a guy like him everyday. He is a one in a million--no more fish in the sea like that one! I hope they can keep it together even though we don't live here anymore. She deserves someone as wonderful as she is.

Anyway, so I don't know how often I will be posting in the next few weeks. I will try to post at least one more time before things get to chaotic so that you can see my sweater!

Yeah for Colorado! I am going home!

As the World Twists and Turns

2009-07-25T08:39:00.004-06:00

Once upon a time I wrote about knitting and yarn and the latest Yarn Harlot book. Now it seems like this blog has become my frustration outlet. I do apologize for that.

I was filling out a "Returning Student" admission form for college yesterday and had to go back through my blog to see what year it was when I last attended school. As I searched the entries I read a few, of course. I have lost myself somewhere in this whole twisted mess of insurance companies, doctors, lawyers, moving, jobs, etc. It is interesting how we can become so different in such a short amount of time. For example, I swear a lot more than I ever have--a definate sign of deep frustration for me. My temper is as short-fused as it was when I was a teenager--something that I have desperately worked on to control for years.

Some how HB and I have got to get this whole mess ironed out. It is really beginning to wear me out.

We made the decision, well the deciding part we already did like 9 months ago, to move back to Colorado. We have just had it. I don't know if it is the motel atmosphere that has ruined our entire Wyoming experience or if it's "just Wyoming". Either way, we can't leave here soon enough for me. I plan to go back to college and finish my degree while HB works on putting his life back together and getting some health care for a change. We already found a house and are just waiting to hear back from the owner. If everything falls into place, we will be "home" in three to four weeks. I guess we'll just go back to where we were two and a half years ago and start over.

Nothing new on the knitting front. I did finish my Lazy Leaves socks for Sockamania, swing by there and check them out. They are the ones that I was enjoying knitting so much with the wooden needles. I was almost sad to be done with them. I enjoyed each and every stich! Don't know who they will be for, but they joined the other dozen pairs that I have made and not given away. Maybe everyone in the family will get socks for Christmas this year. I don't know how some of them will feel about that, but at the rate money is going and with me attending school again they will be lucky to get anything at all.

I will try to stop posting all of my drama and go back to fun stuff. I just need to eliminate some of the drama and start DOING some of the fun stuff again!

Keep knitting!

Misc.

2009-07-17T14:00:00.002-06:00

I am sitting here at work, bored for a change. The store is cleaned up and the empty spaces are slowly refilling. I had to let all of our seasonal help go--something I have been dreading since I hired them all on. I had the best crew ever! It was very difficult to decide who to keep and who to let go. There were a few who made it easier by volunteering to go first, but others it was not so easy and I would have liked to keep them all. I won't be here next year, but I made sure to note on their exit interview the ones that should definately be hired back next year should they want to come back.

I miss my knitting. I was shopping around Etsy the other day looking at all the knitted clothing that people have for sale. There are some wonderful projects out there. I keep wanting to knit some sweaters for the family and me for winter, but I just can't find the time--not to mention I keep telling myself NO NEW PROJECTS! until the ones that are laying all over the house are done.

I am considering going back to school to finish what I started a couple of years ago. It is the only way I can see to get us out of the mess we are in here. I guess I will go back and read over my blog and remind myself what it was like to go to school to make sure that it is something I really want to do. I am sure that a magic wand would fix things much faster but since mine is missing I will have to do things the long and difficult way instead--oh wait that is how I do everything, I must enjoy it.

My boss is supposed to be here next week for inventory. I am not looking forward to it. Some of the kids that were here last year have been filling my head with horror stories about how terrible he behaves during inventory. I have witnessed him act like a 2-year-old myself. I am trying to convince myself to relax, not stress, and not quit this job before he gets here--I am not very convincing.

Well, I guess I will go home. HoneyBunny is having an especially difficult day today so I told him I would be home early. I hate the motel (living there)! but I have to go home sometime.

TTYL.

Back to Normal

2009-07-07T16:01:00.004-06:00

I have never been so happy to see a holiday end! I am so glad that the 4th of July is over! I actually had Sunday--all day Sunday--off. I slept in, went to church, and layed around the house the entire day. It's amazing how much better I feel after having a day off. My mood has improved and I feel like I might actually continue to live.

A huge shock came the day after my last post...Well I must digress a little first. We have been gearing up to go to court for HoneyBunny's Worker's Comp case for months now. However, just over a week ago, the paralegal called and said that a document from HB's current treating physician still had not come in and as a result we were dead in the water. We went and saw the doctor, he signed all of the papers and faxed them in while we were there and ordered a bunch of work to have done--a new MRI, x-rays, blood work--which HB and I were completely positive that the WC insurance company would totally deny. After all the last thing they would want going into court is a whole bunch of condemning evidence against them. So we left feeling that we were still in the sinking ship. However, THE NEXT MORNING--I kid you not!--the doctor's office called to let HB know that everything was authorized. It was a good thing HB was laying down or he might have fainted. I know when he called to tell me I couldn't quit laughing histerically. Never, EVER, NEVER!!! in the 5+ years we have been dealing with these people has he received authorization for ANYTHING in less than three months. I mean, even if he was going to be changing medications it was an act of congress to get it paid for. So to have a new MRI, blood work, and x-rays authorized within 24 hours of the request in light of the pending court hearing........Well let's just say that my faith in miracles being a very real possiblity has been strengthened! I still can't believe it!

I am still shaking my head over that one. The court hearing is postphoned indefinately at this point until we can collect all of the new documentation. WC insurance company also let our attorney know that should HB want to settle they would be willing to be more than generous, including all back pay, future medical expenses, all current medical expense needs--surgeries etc--, medications for life EVERYTHING. Tempting! We will have to carefully consider that. There is an awful lot of life left for HB and medical expenses to care for him could be in the hundreds of thousands if not more. So, we'll see. Both of us would like to be free to seek some alternative treatments for him, be free from the insurance companies constant B.S. they insist on putting us all through, and free from all the lawyer crap! Just getting rid of the politics of this whole thing would improve HB's health dramatically.

Anyway, a word to all those on the "ship of broken dreams" we're all in this together! Let's keep our hope alive that someday we will all find a life raft and be able to abandon ship. I know that the HUGE turn of events that have taken place in just the last few days for us has certainly renewed my hope. May each of you receive blessings in your trials that will keep your hope alive also.

In the mean time....Keep Knitting!!

Injustice Strikes Again

2009-06-30T11:25:00.002-06:00

I would like to think that my family and I are not the only people in the world that receive more than their share of the worlds injustices. Not that I want other people to suffer in constant misery as we do, I just need to know we aren't alone.

Are we?

(SNORT!) Huh! What? zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2009-06-29T14:58:00.004-06:00

I am so tired today! Whatever day "today" is. Working 7 days a week is starting to really take it's toll on me. It could be Saturday and I wouldn't know it. It is difficult to tell what day it is when you do exactly the same thing day in, day out. I do know that I have no motivation this afternoon--it doesn't help that it is about 80 degrees in my office either. If I could find a comfy place to lay my head on my desk I would love to take a nap. Unfortunately, the desk is covered with a computer, printer, signs, pens, papers, pamphlets, etc. I should be creating next weeks schedule but right now my brain can't think that far ahead.

On top of that I am so homesick for Colorado!! I made the serious mistake of going to the city newspaper for the place we moved from and reading all the local news. Then I went and looked through the "Best Photo's of 2008" for the area. Beautiful views of Colorado National Monument, the Uncompaghre plateau, Grand Mesa, the valley.........I just sat here swallowing hard and fighting back the tears.

It is so hard to look back and say, "We REALLY should have thought this decision through better." I had such high hopes that moving here would be good for us and instead I don't think that a worse decision could have been made. HoneyBunny's health problems have increased to the point that I am at a loss as to what to do. So, the main reason for moving here--to get him better--is the most obvious mistake in the decision. I feel like I am living in a nightmare.

Of course the more tired I am the worse EVERYTHING is, the more depressed I get, the more hopeless I feel, the more irritable I am, the more unhappy I am, etc. In fact, I am quickly approaching the "I don't recommend talking to/bothering her" stage.

I talked to my friend in Colorado over the weekend and she thinks that my biggest problem is that I haven't had time to do ANY knitting. She said that once the 4th of July is over and I can quit working 60-70 hour weeks I will be able to do some knitting again. That will help me feel much better.

It does sound like a lovely idea.....that last sock project I started puts me right into heaven. A beautiful shifting shade of green and some absolutely divine needles from Lanturn Moon. There is something really special about those needles! They are the ebony wooden needles. I am not a fan of wooden needles, never have been, because they are so slow and the yarn sticks to them. Not these! They are smooth as glass with amazingly sharp point tips. And the feel.......wow! I don't WANT to knit fast. Knitting with these needles is like eating really good chocolate mousse--you want to eat tiny spoonfuls and smooth it around in your mouth really slow so that you can enjoy every single moment of every single bite. It's a euphoric moment that you don't want to end------ever.

Ok, I realize that sounds incredibly silly, but I am really tired, chocolate mousse sounds really good, and I really miss my knitting.

I am still alive

2009-06-17T20:02:00.004-06:00

This is what happens when you get a full-time "plus" job. I haven't had two seconds to do anything for.......well, since my last post.

A day or two after my last post I got a job offer to be the store manager for a fireworks store. Here in Wyoming fireworks is big business and the stores stay open year round. The store is brand new. The original store burnt to the ground last August. I have heard that it was quite the event. Some kids decided they needed a distraction while they robbed some stores in town. They broke in, poured gasoline up and down the aisles then lit a match. The kid who did that barely made it out before the fumes, fireworks, and gasoline exploded. The building burned for days.

Anyway, so my store is the new one standing on the same foundation as the old one. It's nice, but it has been so crazy putting it together, hiring employees, travelling to Cheyenne for a training seminar, pricing, inventory, etc, etc. I worked for three weeks, 10 and 12 hours days, without a day off. It was exhausting! I am still working about 45 hours a week. However, I found out today that beginning next week I will be back to working 7 days a week until after the fourth of July. Oh goody! (lots of heavy sarcasim inflected here).

Knitting? No knitting, no yarn, NO FUN! All these great new patterns I had just picked up to occupy my hours of babysitting the motel are sitting collecting dust on the shelf. BOO HOO HOO! I keep staring at them, looking through the books over a quick breakfast, and wishing I had more time for them.

How about you, all of my cyber friends? Are you knitting?

Look What I Can Do!

2009-04-28T15:33:00.005-06:00

I am capable of self control! After my last post/confessional, I buckled down and told myself, "Self! It is time to get some of these projects completed!" (What really happened was my husband brought home several new knitting magazines and books for me from Washington with some GREAT projects in them that I can't wait to start, but know I won't let myself start until some of the WIP disaster is cleaned up).

So, I managed to finish this plain pair of socks that have been kicking around for a month or so. They aren't anything fancy, but HEY! they are done! and checked off my list.Next was my Sockamania sock project for April. They are fancy and I love them! So will my BFF. They are for her birthday--in December. Checked off!
Next, and I just finished this today, is THE scarlet, silk scarf. I L-O-V-E it! And it's mine mine mine! I will post the pattern for it later this week on here so you can make one for YOU!
Here it is on me, and a nice close-up of the lace detail. The yarn is so wonderful and soft! I do believe that this yarn is the nicest silk yarn I have ever found. Gorgeous color and top quality!
And finally, I finished these earlier this month but haven't posted the picture of them yet. They were supposed to be the February Sockamania sock project, but with all of my other projects it took me until this month to finish them.
See! I can be dedicated. I am not just a "Starter", I am also a "Finisher"! Now, I am off to go finish another pair of socks that have been "almost finished" for a month or so. Nothing new can be started yet! I have that pair to finish, a tall pair of men's socks to finish, a "thigh-high" pair I started in December to finish, the Sockamania March pair to finish, this really cute "Christmas-ie" pair to finish, the "Tiger's Eye" scarf to finish, etc., etc., etc................................Oh man! I may never get to start anything new at this rate!

Monday's Reflection

2009-04-20T12:43:00.004-06:00

I am sure that I am not the only Knitter out there who has done this.

The kido's left for school this morning and as I walked back into the house I looked around and noticed that every surface of my living room had at least one partially knit project lying on it. I recall working on three different projects yesterday afternoon and evening--which were all laying across the couch, four projects and all of their patterns completely cover the end table, three projects in two bags in front of the couch, four more projects stuck between the couch and the end table--not counting the two spinning projects also stuck there, three more projects protruding from the decorative "pickling crock" in the corner, etc. etc. etc.

Well, imagine how embarrassed I was to suddenly realize that I have been on a "new project" bender for the last few weeks. I began to organize some of the mess and uncovered several other UFO's dating all the way back to last summer before we moved. Oh the shame! I don't know how this could have happened. I am usually pretty good at keeping my WIP's to a minimum and only one or two UFO's.

I think I know how I got all of my current WIP's--it was that clandestine trip to one of THE nicest yarn shops I have ever been to in my life (and it's right over the mountain from me!!). They have the most amazing selection of the finest yarns produced today. I thought I had died and gone to heaven! So of course I bought yarn!!! I promised myself I would not start any projects with it though until my current projects were completely finished. But that naughty, scarlet colored 100% silk that is so soft and divine kept whispering to me all night long. (Yes, I have my "special" yarn stash located in my bedroom) We are talking about a yarn that is so wonderful you want it to be with you even when you go to the post office, you dream about it at night, and check on it (touch and pet it) everytime you walk through the room. I couldn't help myself--apparently!--I had to cast on that "Lacey Hearts" scarf. It is THE perfect yarn for the project.

Just as soon as I got about 1/4th of the way through it the other fingering weight silk blend yarn began to seduce me. "You still haven't found the perfect pattern for me yet. You know how I look like tigers eye when the suns rays shine down on me. Don't you love me? Don't you want to touch me? You took out that little scarlet number right away, now what about me?" The next thing I knew a "Tigers Eye" lace scarf pattern was laying on my printer and the yarn was wound into a center pull ball and 30 stitches were cast on. Sooooo lovely to look at, so soft to touch! Can't wait to wear it!!!!!

Drunken with silk fumes, I found myself casting on for two more pairs (in addition to the four pairs that I have been working on) of socks--one with some GORGEOUS yarn from Lornas Laces (and who can resist her yarn?!!!) and the other with a beautiful charcoal yarn (because Father's Day is just around the corner).

With all of this going on, I got a yarn order in for a customer on Saturday that contained an extra "sample" yarn--Oooooo pretty........................soft..................................fluffy alpaca!!! Then an order of some close out yarns (I got 440 yards of sock yarn for $3.25!!!!!!!!) showed up today. Realizing that I have a friends birthday coming up next week I started looking through a summer lace issue of some knitting magazine I picked up somewhere while still under the influence of those silk fumes. Then it all hit me. WHAT AM I DOING!!! Am I really considering casting on ANOTHER project--a lace project that I am thinking I will have done in a week!!!!!

I went outside for a breath of fresh air, at this point, to hopefully clear my head a little. Now that I am feeling better I am going to attempt to resist the temptation to knit something for my friend and just send a card and flowers. Then turn my attention to organizing this disaster.

NO NEW PROJECTS FOR ME THANKS! I HAVE PLENTY TO DO ALREADY!

PS: If you have found yourself in a similar predicament stay away from Ravely!!! I get in trouble everytime I sign in! I find some GREAT pattern and the next thing I know I have cast on for it!!!!

PSS: I will post WIP and hopefully FO pictures next time--HoneyBunny took the camera with him on his trip.

Prom 2009

2009-04-16T16:51:00.004-06:00

The Daughter's first prom! Isn't she lovely.

It's all about the dress, the shoes, and the hairstyle:

Her and her boyfriend (they were both so nervous they about couldn't put the flowers on each other):

And away they went in his black carriage pulled by 260+ horses for a magical evening.............................................

Knittin' Myself Silly

2009-03-18T18:57:00.005-06:00

I really hope that I am not the only Knitter out there that worries about this...............

Each time we go anywhere in the car I take my knitting. Occasionally we go somewhere that my knitting needs to stay behind in the car. For some reason I hide my knitting in the car or in the trunk. Why? Well, I don't want it to get stolen. No matter how much HoneyBunny assures me that no one is going to break into our vehicle to steal my knitting I still worry. He has assured me that if they were to steal anything it would be our stereo system, items from our emergency bag, etc. "Ya but what if they really like the yarn? You know how nice this yarn is!" His reply, "Trust me, no one is going to steal it." How does he know? There could be some homeless or desperate yarnaholic out there somewhere just looking for their next fix. I am glad he is so understanding and patient with me because my daughter thinks I am nuts!

So I have to know, do you hide your yarn or knitting in fear that it might get stolen out of your car or house? I can't be the only one that would be relieved to find that the burglers only took the television and stereo but didn't touch my yarn stash.

Ok, with that said, now for my latest knitting adventures.......and I must say that living in "Crazy Town USA" promotes A LOT of knitting!

I knit all of that in the last week and a half. I am not joking! All of them are my own designs. I especially like the dishcloths!! and that last brown sock with the tan details! No, the family is walking around in clean clothes and have eaten at least two meals a day. I don't know how I did it. I didn't knit Saturday because The Daughter and I went to Salt Lake to go look at prom dresses and yarn stores. I didn't knit Sunday because I thought my hands probably could use a break. Somehow I managed to knit all of that in that short amount of time. It was fun!!!!

And yes, I am sure I have just about knit myself silly at this point. Oh, well. At least I am enjoying my days a little more.

Anytime!

2009-03-04T11:06:00.003-07:00

Anytime.........I just keep telling myself that things are going to get better and things are going to start going good anytime.

I am having a really difficult day. It actually started Sunday at church--kind of an odd place for a bad day to start I know. I hate it when I am faced with the reality that some people are loved and special and I am not (or so the people around you act). I have been brooding over this fact for a couple of days. Then my son decided to try to go to boy scouts here again. It was just as bad as it was a month ago--the last time he went and swore he would never go again. THAT WAS IT!! I had taken all I was going to take from this town of mentally incompetent, male chauvinist pigs!! and empty headed, brow beaten, ignorant women. I marched down to the church and the scout leader and I had a talk. Well, actually, I was talking mostly to the brick wall, because he obviously was not listening, and he was talking to a woman (who has 100 times the IQ he is used to addressing) as if she was one of the stupid women he is used to dealing with. He is so lucky I grew out of my habit of kicking/punching boys who think they are better than girls simply because their dad said so! After several attempts to get Neanderthal Man to understand the point of the conversation I gathered my children and walked out, without saying good-bye or anything. I hope he gets abducted by a legion of Amazons and has to spend the rest of his days as a lowly servant to them!!!

So, now what? Do I just never go to church again? There is no way I am going to get my son to go. The men who are the scout leaders are also the boys youth group leaders--one of which thinks that it is his job "to turn these boys into men". OVER MY DEAD BODY WILL THAT MAN TURN MY SON INTO SOMEONE LIKE HIM!!!! MAKE NO MISTAKE!!

I think I will pack up and go back to Earth where the real people live, or at least the morons are still out-numbered enough that you don't notice them as much.

As if all of this isn't enough, HoneyBunny was told, again, Monday that his back is not repairable. In other words he has a "failed back". He keeps falling down because he will suddenly not have any feeling in his legs. He has fallen twice here at the motel in the hallway and once at Walmart in just the last three weeks. Aside from being scary, it is terribly demeaning and embarrassing for him. Each time he hurts himself also, either his ankle or his knee. Today he fell again and rug burned his arm really bad. I don't know what to do. It's awful. Maybe if we had a boat-load of money the doctors would be more motivated to help him. Moving here to the armpit of America was not a good idea--no doctors, no specialists, etc. that's for sure!

I just want to go home. Can I?

Look! More Pretties!

2009-02-03T15:21:00.004-07:00

I spent an entire day last week playing with my yarn and dye. I just finished getting them all listed in my etsy store. I thought they were so pretty I would share them with you! If you see something you really like, rush over to my etsy store and get the skein for yourself. A lot of my hand dyed yarns are a "One of a Kind" so you won't find another just like it anywhere. I love to play with the colors so none of them are the "true" colors that I started with.

Superwash sock yarn in "Navajo" and "Flowers in the Forest".

Merino and Alpaca blend fingering weight yarn in "Girly Girl" and "Sunny Skies". This yarn would be PERFECT for all of those scandinavian mittens. I have skeins in "Natural" that you could combine with these colorful ones. It would be gorgeous!

These are the first skeins of Laceweight that I have added to my store. "Aztec Gold" and "Glacier". Great colors don't you think!?

I had a huge mess when I got done. HoneyBunny took one look around and he's like, "Havin' a good time? Will we get to eat dinner tonight?"

I ordered pizza.

Oooo! Ahhhh!

2009-01-27T12:46:00.003-07:00

And here, for your fiber/yarn viewing pleasure, are my latest adventures:

This is my latest yarn off of the spinning wheel. A luscious blend of satin angora, wool, and bombyx silk. I LOVE IT! And "NO!" Julia you can't have it! (She has bought some of this from me in the past and knows how amazing this yarn is). I have one more skein to finish and then I have to find the right pattern so that I can make something for me out of it. This first skein came up to about 320 yards of sport weight sized yarn. I can't wait to wear it!

This is some LOVELY fingering weight, merino/bamboo blend yarn that I found at a yarn shop the other day along with...............................................

This delicious kid mohair/silk blend yarn and..................................

This yarn.

Aren't they all just wonderful!! I can't wait to knit it all up! That beautiful blue mohair blend is going to become this, and the other two skeins will become socks. The Daughter especially likes the Tofutsies so I am sure she will end up with some socks from it.

I have pretty much recovered from my "Spring Fever" for now. It snowed 6 inches in the last two days and dropped down to 21 below zero. Somehow that just seemed to take the wind right out of my sails. So I am back to loving winter and feeling like a bear all snuggled up warm and safe from the ice and cold. We are supposed to see more snow the next few days.

And now I am off to create my latest idea. I thought of it the other night as I was trying to go to sleep. If it turns out well I will post pictures here and list them for sale in my etsy store. Stay tuned................................................................................

I Feel it Coming

2009-01-20T10:11:00.004-07:00

I don't know what it is, but about this time of year I get a "bee in my bonnet". "What?" you say. Well if you look back through my blog every year at this time I start getting........hmmm trying to find a way to describe it..........wander lust? I start feeling like it's time to migrate. Spring is coming so it's time to start thinking about moving, building a nest in a new tree, beginning a garden on a new patch of soil.

I blame it on my mother and ancestors from that side of my family. They were a wild and nomadic bunch! I have native americans, gypsies, and pioneers in my past. The way I was raised didn't help much either. I spent the first eighteen years of my life hunting, hiking, water skiing, motorcyle riding (dirt bikes on trails), scuba diving, rock hunting, camping, snow skiing, etc, etc, etc. Even when we did come home (? to the house that wasn't attached to the boat or truck, or wasn't the tent) I didn't spend much time in it. We always lived out away from the population. So I spent my time outside hiking in my back yard, building indian dwellings, cooking over the fire, etc. (side note here: One of my indian dwellings was "discovered" by park rangers and now features a lovely sign that tells all about the anasazi people that built it. LOL!)

In addition to all of the outdoor sporting stuff, my mother also liked to move around a lot! About every six months or so she would convince my dad that she needed new surroundings. We wouldn't necessarily move to a new town--though we did that a few times also--but just to a different house. (I lived in seven different houses in a town who's population was only 1,300 people.) The years that we didn't move she would completely rearrange, repaint, and/or remodel the house we were living in.

Anyway, so every year as soon as New Years is over I start feeling like a little animal ready to come out of hibernation. It really is awful. It's like cabin fever, but more intense. I remember sitting in school in April watching the breeze blow the new leaves around on the trees thinking, "If I have to sit in here one more minute I am going to have a melt-down." I had and still have a terrible time being inside, especially if the sun is shining!

So, here I am today; standing in the lobby of the motel, looking out these huge windows that give a 180 degree view of outside, the sun is shining, and I am feeling the stirrings of a restless spirit.

The Good and The Bad

2009-01-14T11:08:00.009-07:00

I'll start with the good stuff so if you don't want to listen to me whine about the bad you can just skip it at the end :)

GOOD STUFF!!

Yarn/knitting is always good stuff. Here are my latest two sock projects all done. The first pair are for the Sockamaina KAL. It was a previous monthly pattern but since January is "Make-up Month" I decided that this would be the perfect opportunity to get them done. (Christmas had kind of interferred with them getting finished). I used Sockamania's "Get Fruity" pattern and Tofutsies yarn. Next time I make them I will use a solid color so that the pattern is visible since it kind of disappears into the varigation of this yarn. (I turned my foot backwards because the patterning on the back of the sock is completely different that the patterning on the front)

The second pair is made from the "Log Cabin Socks" pattern from "Handknit Holidays". GREAT PATTERN! No mistakes, works up super fast with worsted weight yarn....just a great pattern. I used some yarn that I had hand dyed a dark mossy forest green. However, as I approached the toe of the second sock, to my horror, I realized that I did not have enough yarn to finish it! Of course I had only dyed one skein--I don't need to emphasize the feelings here, all of you Knitter's know just what I mean! So after punishing the entire project for a few weeks for taking more yarn than it was supposed to I ripped back the toe of the first sock, knitted the second sock until both socks were the same length and the last tiny bit of yarn was used up, then finished both toes with a nice golden tan color that actually accented my yarn perfectly. And forgave the pattern for leaving me in a panic.

Here's something fun! My sister-in-law gave me this adorable apron for Christmas. Annie had bought one this past summer and I have wanted one since. This ain't your Grandma's apron! Made out of top quality fabrics, reversable and so cute I would wear it to town!

We ended up have a nice Christmas even though we were stuck at work for the entire holiday season. The kids got lots of fun great stuff. There was plenty of chocolate to go around (Santa was experiencing PMS when she was shopping I guess). Now with it all over.....all of the regular stuff is going on.

I think I am just tired. No one told me that getting old wears you out. I was watching a show last night about a couple that had six babies at once in addition to their two older daughters. They think that it's taxing to feed, change, and clothe them--JUST WAIT until they all become teenagers at once! I'd be selling them off I think. Farm them out to people who have no children or something! The drama, the grades, boys, girls, friends, peer pressure....need I say more? I don't remember why I wanted children at this point. I am definately tired!

For those of you considering getting your teenager/child a cell phone...DON'T DO IT!!!! It seems like such an innocent, good idea. It's not, don't be fooled, don't be sucked in. It is the source of evil--I am sure of it. My kids honestly will walk through molten lava then crawl over broken glass to keep from getting their phone taken away. They think that somehow their very life existence depends on the possession of their phone--like it is some kind of life support system.

The Motel Management life isn't any more fun than having a house full of teenagers either. I get really tired of rude people! I had no idea that the general population was so awful. I've spent so many years around Knitter's and fiber people I was beginning to think everyone was like us. NOT SO! What I wouldn't give to hang out with my own kind for a few days. I had a lady check in last night from an area in Washington that I know has a great yarn store. I mentioned the fact and she said that her mom knitted and liked that yarn store. I couldn't stop myself from gushing on and on about yarn, knitting, patterns, fiber, Knitters. I am sure the lady thought I was quite off my rocker--she was a Non-Knitter. I am getting desperate enough that I have actually considered taking out a "personal" ad. in the classifieds: "Desperately seeking male or female, any age, for knitting companionship. Must have large, out of control stash of yarn, more knitting needles and patterns than they could ever use in two lifetimes, a complete disregard for resisting wool/cashmere fumes, and a lack of conscience when they spend their entire months grocery money on yarn. Please respond soon....I am loosing my mind." I just told my husband that I was going to do this and he said, "DO IT!" He knows me so well it's scary.

Well, I need some lunch and a few hours of personal time with my yarn.

2008-12-24T10:25:00.002-07:00

Just wanted to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Hope all of your holiday season is wonderful and full of love.

Best Wishes,

Tama

What a Knitter Wants

2008-12-18T10:02:00.003-07:00

As Christmas approaches each year the questions begin. "What do you (the kids, the husband) want for Christmas?" The kids are getting more and more difficult to buy for. Gone are the days of $8 Barbies and $5 car sets. Now the kids are wanting Laptops ($650 to $2000), the latest video games ($40 to $300), and clothes ($40+). Christmas has gone from spending $200 to having to take out a second mortgage.

As a Knitter (notice I capitalized--it's like saying you're American--it's who you are!) I always want the same thing. Sure it's nice to get dishes, jewelry, etc. But what I really want is YARN! and knitting books. As silly as this may seem to you Non-Knitters out there, it's true. The funny thing is, if you buy me yarn there is a really good chance that when I am done with it it will have become a present for you.

See, you can't buy a Knitter sweaters, mittens, hats, socks, or a lovely cashmere scarf for Christmas. You won't offend us, but look at it this way--you just took all of the fun out of the present. I LLLOOOOOVVVEEEEE knitted items! Beautiful shawls, intricately cabled sweaters, angora mittens and scarves, socks made from 12 different colors of yarn all knit into wonderful Turkish designs, and who doesn't love anything cashmere! But for a Knitter it's not just the end product that we love, we love the process also. Sitting for hours looking for just the right pattern, winding the yarn into balls, then relishing every moment of that lovely yarn sliding through your hands as you work your magic on it. Then when the item is finished you can either wrap it up for someone else--who doesn't knit--or put it on and everytime someone comments on it you can say, "Ya, I made it." and they say, "WOW!"

Not sure what yarn or pattern book to buy for the Knitter on your list? Get on the internet and buy them a gift certificate!! KnitPicks has a fantastic selection of yarns, patterns, books, and accessories. They make it so easy to get a gift certificate that it shouldn't even be considered shopping. If you think that for one minute that your Knitter will be disappointed to just get a gift certificate for Christmas THINK AGAIN! They will be thrilled! Knitter's love money that has no other purpose for it other that to be spent on yarn!

KnitPicks isn't the only place that you can get gift certificates. Your local yarn stores offer them, and if you want to give them a certificate for something really special go to Etsy and find a yarn shop there! Etsy is a huge collection of individuals who have shops selling all sorts of hand made items and supplies to make your own. Fiber for spinning and all sorts of yarns, hand dyed and commercial, can be found there. Many of the stores offer gift certificates and if they don't you can e-mail them and ask them if you can get one from them. It's a fun place to shop! TRUST ME! Your Knitter will be thrilled.

HoneyBunny figured out several years ago that I will be happier with a big bag of yarn and knitting accessories than anything else he could get for me. Diamonds are ok, gold is fine, but yarn is divine!

So this year, "give the gift that keeps on giving" or give a gift that will become a gift for you. Give yarn! It's what a Knitter wants.

An Inconvenience

2008-12-16T12:47:00.003-07:00

I received a forwarded e-mail the other day that has taken on a special meaning to me the last few weeks. It said:

"GOOD AFTERNOON!

Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil,

the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

We apologize for the inconvenience...."

So that's what's wrong!!!! I have been wondering why I can't see my way out of here. If you are feeling the same, now you know why.

The Worst Day Ever

2008-12-06T17:44:00.002-07:00

Ok, I am going to start with an apology. I promised myself I would quit whining about my problems, but if I don't do something I am going to explode!!!!! Here is how my day went:

1. A large group of high school boys and coaches checked in last night in addition to our regular Friday night guests. So we had three times the number of guests that we normally have. I called several days in advance to make sure that PLENTY of maids would be here this morning to clean. I even told myself that if it got to far out of hand that I would fill in.

2. We open the office/lobby at 7:30am and the maids are supposed be here ready to go at 8:00am. Back up for just a moment I forgot that at 4:30am the phone rings and one of the toilets in one of the rooms is plugged--later discover that not only is it plugged, but it has run over and the entire bathroom is a wadding pool. Needless to say, after not getting to bed last night until just before midnight then waking up to a huge mess my husband and I started the day VERY TIRED!

3. Anyway, back to the maid disaster--At 7:52 the MOTHER of two of the girls that were supposed to come in called and said that they forgot they had other plans this morning. I begin to worry.

4. At 8:00 the MOTHER of the head maid calls and says that her daughter just woke up (this woman is in her 30's!) and will be late. I am beginning to panic.

5. At 8:15 I realize that the lady we hired and trained last week is not going to show. Now I am just plain pissed off!!!

6. The Daughter, who thank goodness hadn't made any other plans for her day, graciously agreed to start stripping rooms by herself--she is such a wonderful daughter make no mistake!

7. I throw myself together (for cleaning) and join her in getting the rooms changed.

8. I had to go down to the office about 30 minutes into the previous event to take care of something when a mentally challenged/disturbed woman and her obviously helpless caretaker decide to burst into the lobby. The woman was yelling, "Who's here?" over and over and her caretaker couldn't get her to be quiet or leave. As I frantically tried to think of what to do this woman came around the front desk and marched herself into MY living quarters--still yelling and hitting her caretaker. I am sorry, I lost it!!!! I told the caretaker to get her the hell out of my house. Then I found my husband and told him to get the womans family on the phone and
GET DOWN HERE NOW! In the mean time the woman heads for my bedroom, I freak out and slam my bedroom door and lock myself in there until HoneyBunny says that the woman and caretaker went out our back door. I promptly close and lock it also as to prevent any re-entry!
Don't know what became of the two of them, but when her father showed up he didn't even apologize for the incident and simply brushed it off with, "Oh well, that's just what happens every once in a while." EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If it ever happens again I will simply call 911 and freak out on her father!

9. No it's not over yet. In fact it isn't even 9:00am yet! Finally the head maid shows up. She must have sensed the tension in the air because she didn't even say "hi" she just went to work. Unfortunately no one else ever showed up to help.

10. Shortly after the head maid showed up I had to return to my regular job--manager--and start trying to fix the disaster from last night. Two rooms had dogs in them that the guests lied about and didn't pay for. So I have to be the bad guy and charge their credit cards for having pets in the room.

11. Husband and I get into a HUGE fight over what I can't even remember--we were both so tired it was inevitable. He leaves for a while.

12. I sit on my pity pot and feel guilty for not helping clean rooms for a while.

13. At 3:00pm there are only four rooms that are completely finished. Why it's taking so long, I don't know!!!! But the head maid says that she has to leave because her baby is sick.

14. The Daughter, my son, and I clean 9 rooms in two hours and left the rest of the rooms for tomorrow. Maybe we'll be really slow and not rent any rooms tonight? Ya right!

Ok, so there you have it. My day all the way up until 5:30pm. I can't wait to see how the evening turns out.

Oops! An Update

2008-12-04T18:48:00.008-07:00

I didn't realize I hadn't written for so long until my dear friend called the other day and said, "What's up? You haven't written on your blog in a long time! Is everything ok?" I explained that I have been so busy knitting that I haven't taken the time to write.

It seems like every year as it gets close to Christmas that I write less and less frequent. All of my free time is spent baking and knitting so writing takes a back seat.

So what have I been knitting?

SOCKS!

This pattern is called "Little Flowers". It was the August (I think) pattern for Sockamania. I had them almost done when "THE MOVE" happened. Of course, in the mean time I started several other knitting projects and three more Sockamania patterns came out.

I finished these two days ago. The yarn is some that I swapped for with Hege. I made a plain pair quite a while ago, but wanted something different for this pair. I started and ripped out four or five different pattern ideas until I said, "That's it! I am just going to start knitting and whatever comes to me is what they will be!" I knew I had to knit them from the toe up because I only had so much yarn left and I wanted to make sure I had enough to make a pair. So here is what turned out. I knit a regular foot with a "Ripples" pattern top. I had plenty of yarn and they turned out nice.

In addition to these two projects, I have knit several Christmas gifts. I will post pictures of them after Christmas though since I don't want to spoil the surprises. Suffice it to say that I have knit five gifts in the last two weeks. See! That's why I haven't been writting on my blog.

Thanksgiving was.......hmmmm.....ok I guess. Managing a motel and living there at the same time means that just because it's the holiday doesn't mean you get the day off. Which makes it difficult to cook dinner and keep up with the phone and front desk at the same time. Christmas will be the same.

Speaking of Christmas, I have been decorating the motel! I have a lot of space to decorate and allthe time to do it so I've been having some fun.

Fun Stuff!!! I love the holidays!

Nothing in particular

2008-11-08T10:28:00.004-07:00

Ya, so that is my answer to anything when something goes wrong.--"That's it I'm moving to Mexico!" I visited the Yucatan Penisula and Cozumel at a very impressionable age, had the most amazing time of my life, and so now anytime I want to escape that is the first place that comes to mind. I have even told my husband that rather than go through another divorce, I will simply disappear, and "don't bother trying to find me because I know some great places to hide in Mexico".

Things here in the "new" place are, no surprise here, not as great as I envisioned. Rarely do things turn out the way I think they will. Don't get me wrong, a job that allows me knit myself silly is not ALL bad. However, it's not necessarily the "job" that is the trouble. I have already had to let go one of the maids because she wanted to go into the rooms, lay on the bed, and listen to her I-Pod instead of clean. As a result her grandmother, that she lives with, came in and proceeded to scream obscenities at me for 15-20 minutes until HoneyBunny came out and told her--in a language she obviously understood--to leave NOW! or we were calling the police. Ya, that was fun (not!). I can't say that anyone has ever talked to me that way.

Our ladies that come in to cover for us so that we can have a day off are a few sheep short of a flock--if you know what I mean. One got all mad at me last week because the cash drawer was short and I called her to ask her about it. She promptly reminded me that she is, "just here to HELP and if it is too much trouble having her come in she doesn't HAVE to come in." Hmmmm, well volunteers HELP out of the goodness of their heart, not for pay. AND "help" is only "help" if it makes things better--not more work. So, I don't know what to do......have her keep coming in to "help" or find someone that is interested in "working".

As if that isn't enough, The Daughter has a girl that has decided to pick on her at school and because the girls dad belongs to one of the Olympic bob-sled teams the principal doesn't want to do anything about it. It wouldn't be to much of an issue except that this past week the girl grabbed The Daughter by the throat and slammed her down onto a desk. Ya, the principal got the wrong side of me as a result!! The next day the girl was moved to another class--one that my daughter is not in. After talking to a few of the people around here that also have kids in the High School my daughter isn't the only one that this girl picks on. Hmmmm, in Colorado this girl would have been arrested and put into juvenile hall for even mentioning harming, or bullying, another student. The principals answer to this comment? "Well you're in Wyoming now." WHAT!?

So, you see what I mean? I am homesick. I don't want to move back, I just want to be surrounded by Non-Wyoming minded people for awhile until I have recovered my sanity.

That's it! I'm moving to Mexico!

2008-11-06T12:11:00.001-07:00

No, no wait! I can't wear handknit socks in Mexico--it's too hot. I'm moving to Norway. Look out Hege! Here we come.

Fun Stuff!

2008-11-04T14:19:00.006-07:00

Halloween has come and gone. At least HoneyBunny was home this year!! We had fun dressing up. Since we moved to this small town the kids got to go Trick or Treating. They had a great time! The kids were really excited that HoneyBunny and I were all dressed up so we took this picture. Don't we make a cute couple?

HoneyBunny has decided that he wanted to try his hand at making jewelry. These are the first three rings he made. They are made from antique silver spoon and fork handles. Aren't they great!! I love them! So unique! Each one is one of a kind. I am going to be listing them for sale in my etsy store.

And.....Look at this adorable hat I finished over the weekend!!!!!! Once again, I was a woman possessed! I couldn't stop working on it. It is such a fun hat to make!! I think I'll make a hundred.

Of course The Daughter looks great in it. It is so handy to have such a cute model to put all of my hand knits on.

Well the new Sockamania sock pattern is out and I can't wait to get started! I am off to go knit some more.

FO's--FINALLY!

2008-10-30T14:53:00.006-06:00

This is my "Hey Teach" sweater all done!! I mentioned that I was extremely obsessed with it a couple of months ago. I actually finished it before we started packing up to move, but since all of life has been consumed with the art of loading and unloading boxes for the last month and a half, I am just now getting the time to take pictures and write about this adorable little number.

And as if the sweater itself wasn't cute enough, check out the buttons that I found!!!!!! FOSSILS! I had to sit down and take a few deep breaths when I saw these. I have never seen buttons like this! I couldn't have special ordered a set of buttons that would have made me happier. (Yes I know, I am a little odd.) Who needs (blank) when you can knit a sweater from a pattern that is this easy, this cute, this well written, and then find buttons like these to put on the finished product? (Feel free to put your own words into the "blank").

I just finished these last night. They are the October Sockamania pattern. I knit them with some yarn I won from one of the KAL's I participate in. It's a bamboo/silk blend. I loved knitting with it!! It is reminds me of really good mercerized egyptian cotton, but with a softer hand and the drape of silk. A certain person from the "Christmas List" is going to really like these!

Speaking of "The Christmas List", how many of you are already making plans to knit all of your Christmas gifts this year? Ya, me too. I am falling into that same rut I find myself in about this time of year every year. (Ooo, I should make that lace shawl for... and those turkish socks for...and an afghan for... Ooo, and that sweater for...etc. etc. etc). It will be November in two days which means that I have less than two months to make all of these lovely projects for everyone on my list. Will I make it this year????? Nope! I never do. But who can resist all of that delicious yarn, the challenge of being "under the gun" at the last minute, and all of those great patterns? I've decided that planning knitting projects is a good chunk of the excitement and fun. After all, I like to think and talk about yarn and knitting almost as much as I like buy yarn and knit it.

So.............Happy Knitting!

2008-10-21T14:28:00.003-06:00

I thought this was really cute!

Almost Normal

2008-10-18T16:16:00.012-06:00

With my kitchen all in place, my bedroom completely unpacked, pictures finding their way onto the walls, and time to knit I am beginning to relax a little and enjoy my new circumstances. I even found my missing circular needles and all of my knitting books. I had no idea how important some of those items were to my feelings of well-being. Once certain things were in place the break-neck need to keep unpacking until everything was out of a box ended. WHEW! (Now I just need to recover from this stupid cold I managed to get because I wouldn't stop to rest). Now I am unpacking maybe one or two boxes a day or every other day depending on my mood. The biggest project left is to organize our storage/work room. I figure that it can wait until I am completely recovered from the move and winter is serious enough that outside adventures, on our day off, is not an appealing idea (it can stay at temperatures below zero for a daytime high).

Yesterday was our day off and we spent the entire day goofing off. No unpacking, no cleaning, no laundry, no nothing not fun. It was great!! We went out to eat pizza, drove up to the Uinta mountains--which are only about 30 miles away!--,bummed around town looking in stores (HoneyBunny bought me a gorgeous earring and necklace set for our anniversary), and then finished the day with the newest Indiana Jones movie and two hours of non-stop knitting! I loved it!

My Sockamania socks for the month of October are half way done!! Yeah!! It has been at least two months since I was able to complete anything so I am really excited about this project. I will definately post pictures of them when I finish.

In the mean time here are some pictures of my new home/job surroundings:

This is the view out of my kitchen window and the stained glass partition between the living

quarters and the front desk.

The Son and HoneyBunny's idea of moving......LOL!

And what would Wyoming be without antelope and buffalo? The antelope are the herd that hangs out on our lawns and the mountain outside my kitchen window and the buffalo hangs over the front desk.

I'll try to get some more pictures taken soon of the town etc. In the mean time my knitting is calling me and I better take advantage of it before things pick up this evening.

Happy Knitting! and whatever else you would say if you were from Wyoming--like "Ya'll come back now yu hear!" :o)

The Light at the End of the Tunnel

2008-10-07T12:24:00.004-06:00

After weeks and weeks of back breaking work I am beginning to see the end of this whole project. We finally got the living room cleared enough so that you can sit on the couch and watch tv from the entertainment center and not sit on the floor watching a tv that is also sitting on the floor. I have been able to resume cooking for us rather than eating out every meal--in fact, I am so sick of eating out that it will be quite a while before I get in the mood to eat out again. And things are looking more like MY house.

HOWEVER!, I cannot find my circular knitting needles!! I really need a 16 inch size 10! I have looked and looked. Also missing is 5 skeins of Hemp yarn in Avocado. I wouldn't be surprised if the two of them were in the same box hiding from me while they made a shawl or something. Anyway, the search is beginning to feel like an emergency situation. I have no idea where they are, in which box. I packed them but can not remember packing them. Unfortunately, none of the boxes say anything clever like, "circular knitting needles" or "missing avocado colored hemp yarn". So the search continues.

I will never do this again. Moving into a house that is located in the same building as your job is not a good idea. The owner thinks that it shouldn't be any big deal to put in 16 hour days at work while unpacking and arranging an entire house, changing banks and addresses for paying bills, getting new license plates and drivers licenses, and checking kids into new schools and get them settled in there, etc. I got some sort of stomach flu the day after we arrived and spent the entire day throwing up and laying in bed. Then this morning I woke up with a terrible sinus infection and cold. I feel horrible! I have done most of this move all by myself because of HoneyBunny's back and, since I am the brains of the outfit, have taken over ALL of the front desk/management duties for the motel. I think my immune system is a little on the weak side right now.

Anyway, I gotta go. I gotta lay down for at least a few minutes before we get slammed with business this afternoon. I am exhausted and I miss my knitting something terrible--I can hear my yarn and knitting books calling to me from the boxes down the hall right now. I sure wish that hemp yarn and those circular needles would speak up so I can find them!

My Life is Turned Upside Down

2008-09-20T21:51:00.003-06:00

Well, the day is almost here. Tuesday September 23rd we will be leaving our old home for a new home. I didn't realize how many friends I had made or how attached I had become to my life here. It has been really hard as I have experienced all of the "lasts"--my last day at work, last Sunday at church here, last time I would take one of my homemade treats over to my grandparents home, last time I would ever see my dog (this was extremely traumatic!), my kids last day at school, last time I would ever call my husbands work phone to let him know I was on my way home, etc.

You have to understand, I have never lived somewhere for this amount of time. I have heard other people talk about how much they would miss their friends, home, etc., but I have never experienced it myself. And let me tell you, it is so hard. In addition to being emotionally exhausted I am also physically exhausted. I didn't know if I was going to make it through today without just collapsing.

Not only all of that but I have not knit one stitch for two weeks!!! I can't remember the last time I went that long without knitting. It's terrible! I simply have not had time. As you know HoneyBunny has all of those back problems and cannot do that much packing or cleaning and absolutely no lifting. So I have done almost everthing by myself. A few of my friends have come over when they have had time to help, but the bulk of this entire move has fallen onto my shoulders. Thank goodness for The Daughter! She helped me carry out a moving sale that took two weekends to complete. I couldn't have done it without her! There just hasn't been two minutes for me to knit. I miss it very much and CAN'T wait for it to all be over!!!

The next time I write I will have experienced the last of my "lasts"--the last time I will ever walk through the door of my home here.

My Life is Officially a Whirlwind

2008-08-24T17:46:00.003-06:00

OK! If you aren't sitting down, you better find a seat, and if you are already sitting, you better hold onto the chair............................

Friday HoneyBunny and I received a job offer in Wyoming!! Then TODAY the owner of the business met with us and asked us how soon we could be moved up there! They need us up there NOW! We said, "Ummmmmm, can we have a few weeks to quit our jobs here, sell our house, pack up our entire lives, transfer our children to new schools, and say good-bye to all of our friends and family?" They were reluctant, but said that we were perfect for the job and therefore worth the wait.

Can you believe it!!!!????? My head is spinning and I keep having to take a deep breath in an effort to slow my pounding heart down.

This is an answer to our prayers. As you know HoneyBunny has been working under the threat that any day he is going to have to go on permanent disability because of his back problems and he just can't drive his dump truck anymore. We have racked our brains for months now trying to figure out what in the world we are going to do. He can't do a desk job because he can't sit for extended periods of time, he can't be on his feet for long periods of time, etc. and so we haven't been able to come up with anything. We certainly can't live on my income alone!!! We had owned our own business at one time, but we are in no kind of financial situation to where it would be possible for us to start another one. So we have just been in a state of complete frustration and hopelessness.....Until Friday when this phone call came in.

What is the job offer? Oh ya! Managing a motel. We will live on the premises--so no more house payments, property taxes, power bills, etc., etc. They have a person that comes in during the week so that we can have some time to get away. All we have to do is maintain the property and check the guests in and out, essentially. The head maid takes care of all of the laundry and cleaning of the rooms so we don't do any of that. AND, believe it or not it gets better, there is a small store in the motel that is empty and they thought that it would be perfect for a yarn/souvenir shop! Well, they certainly know how to motivate me!!!

So, we are moving in four weeks. I'll try to keep you posted.

Ta-Da!

2008-08-15T20:22:00.004-06:00

I know I was whining quite a bit about this laptop case the other day. But after some serious creative thought I figured out a way to fix my complete screw-up and make it look good. See what I did was:

1. I didn't buy enough yarn. I was trying to make it with what I had and thought it would be enough. I mean, I made the thing 90 sts on size 10 needles wide and knit 250 some rows!!! I knit until all I had was scraps of four 120 yard skeins left! Who knew it was going to shrink THAT SMALL!

2. I didn't watch it while it was "processing" in the washing machine. I threw it in, walked off, and didn't think about it again until it was REALLY too late to rescue it.

3. I didn't start it soon enough to plan the whole project out properly. I knew it wasn't going to take long to make so I procrastinated until I had to do double time to get it done in time.

4. I didn't do a test swatch. BIG SURPRISE THERE! I know, I know. You should always do a test swatch, especially when you are going to felt something so that you can get a good idea of how much the yarn will shrink in each direction of the fabric. I was running late and didn't have time. My projects al(most)ways turn out good in the end anyway--right?

So, after doing everything I possibly could to create a HUGE catastophe out of this ladies laptop case that she was giving to her daughter as a "going away to college" gift...........I did manage to make a really cute latop case.

She is taking the case to another lady to have some fancy beading and embroidery work done on it. It's nothing fancy now, but the other bag she showed me to pattern this one after was really cute with the extra's.

All's well that ends well. However, the next time I start to do something like this again, someone stop me!!!

The Lazy Days of Summer....HA!

2008-08-12T10:36:00.003-06:00

I feel really bad about not blogging very often lately, but I have been so busy I feel like I've been in a tornado.

School starts next Monday for the kids so all of the usual preparations have been going on, you know clothes shopping, supply shopping, grocery and snack shopping, shopping shopping, and more shopping. I used to love shopping. It just isn't that much fun anymore. I think it's because I don't like to spend my money on anything that doesn't have something to do with knitting. Yes, that is very selfish of me, but knitting is an awfully high priority.

In addition to the school whirlwind, my birthday was a couple of weeks ago. We spent the end of the week and the weekend running around the countryside fishing and hiking. It was a lot of fun! but left me with four days of housework and projects to get caught up on....I'm still not caught up!

Besides all of the shopping fun I've been having, I have a lap top case that was really supposed to be done last week, but still isn't! It's actually my fault for not doing a test felt sample. I just HATE making samples. It is such a waste of time and yarn! However, now I have to figure out how to take this "bag" that measures 18 inches long (from opening to bottom) and only 10 inches wide and make it stretch or something so that it is 16 inches wide. It shrunk WAY too much in width and about right in length. I am so mad at the whole project that I would just cut it to pieces if it was something for me, but it is for a customer so I better not loose my cool yet. So I have to figure out what I am going to do to fix the (blank) thing and still have it look good AND have it done by this weekend. I HATE cursed projects. I will post a picture of the whole mess soon so you can weep, wail, and gnash your teeth with me. (I am at work right now so no pictures. Sorry). I think this is why I stay away from felted projects. To many variables and you never know whether all of that work is going to turn out right or not until after all of the PERMANENT changes are accomplished (ie. it comes out of the washing machine).

I am very happy to report that the LOVELY little jacket I mentioned in my last post is almost done!! I have the little sleeves to make and then sew it together. I hate the sewing part, but I really want the little jacket! If you haven't started yours yet NOW is the time! A more perfect late summer, early fall sweater does not exist. See the last posts for links to the pattern.

As soon as school starts I anticipate having a little more time. Hopefully my blog posts will be more frequent.

Happy knitting!

The Newest FO's and Prizes!

2008-07-27T22:36:00.008-06:00

And you thought I was busy at work or on vacation or something! No, I have been knitting instead of blogging the last two weeks.

I became completely obsessed with this pair of socks. After making three pairs of boring socks for HoneyBunny I found myself knitting these without even realizing that there was nothing boring about them. I had originally started them to become another boring pair of summer socks for him, using left-overs again.

However, after working the double braided rib I suddenly found myself making these cute little "picket fence/window pane" designs. I then thought an inserted heel with a little "picket fence" detail around the edges of it would be really fun. I was running out of the white and still had tons of the "Desert Sunflower" yarn so I figured that I would do one more "picket fence" and end the sock with the multi-colored yarn.

Needless to say, they are not for HoneyBunny. They are for ME! I really love them! He just thinks they are "cute".

This is the pair that I made for the Sockamania Club this month. I have missed making a sock for it for the last two months. I just didn't have time for some reason. Both pairs are UFO's at this point.

Anyway, I used ToFutsies from Southwest Trading Co. and increased the cuff at the top by 30 rows. I like a nice 8 to 9 inch leg on my socks. In fact, if the deadline hadn't been Thursday I would have made them even longer. I absolutely love the color! and the heel design was very clever!

This is the prize I won for making a pair of socks each month of the SAMKAL over the past six months. Two skeins of beautiful sock yarn, stitch markers, a sock pattern by "Cookie", and this gorgeous knitting bag that was hand made using fabric I got to pick out. I was very excited!

I love getting presents! I am looking forward to knitting up the sock pattern. I really like all of Cookies patterns. She is an amazing sock designer!

I am almost finished with my Turkish socks!!! I am so excited!! And I found the most adorable cotton, summer cardigan/jacket/top thing. It is an additional pattern for the Summer Knitty.com online magazine. I am completely obsessed!! (I am also half done with the back already! and I only started it yesterday.) It is so cute that I am planning to make several for myself in various colors and then one for every female family member, and my dearest friends!! It is so cute, I think that every woman on the planet should have one. (Yes, you can see the obsession clearly at this point). I will post pictures of mine when it is finished, in the mean time click on the link above so you can see how cute the original one is and get the pattern for yourself!

That wraps it up! Happy Knitting!

Camping!!!!

2008-07-09T19:53:00.005-06:00

We haven't been camping for years. Mostly because of all of the problems with HoneyBunny's back. However, we decided that it was time to get the heck out of town. (ABOUT TIME!) So the following are camp pictures. We had a great time!

Look like fun? Definately! In fact, I had so much fun I am ready to go again this weekend.

Why I Knit

2008-06-19T17:00:00.003-06:00

Everyone knows I knit. It is a little hard to miss this about me because I knit in the doctor's office, at the park, at the pool, in the mall, in the sporting goods stores, in the movie theatre, etc. However, no one really knows WHY I knit. So, here it is...............

I knit for the peace I feel when I am knitting. I knit when I am upset because it smoothes everything over for me, and it calms and soothes my soul.

I knit during movies because I really enjoy the combination--movies/knitting--it just goes together like movies and popcorn. You will never see me watching a movie without my knitting in hand.

I knit because I can make it in my size, my favorite color at the time, and out of whatever fiber I want. And no one else will have exactly the same thing because I use patterns as a reference only, for the most part. Let's see W**-Mart come up with something that fits that bill!! HA!

I knit because HoneyBunny decided years ago that the only socks he can wear are my hand knit ones. And that's ok because I will only wear my hand knit socks as well.

I knit because I love yarn..........and fiber............and sheep..............and angora bunnies..............and cashmere!!!! How do you love cashmere and not knit? If you don't knit but love cashmere, imagine being able to spend hours and hours with cashmere caressing your hands as it slips softly through them and turns into that amazing, luxurious article of clothing!! (Whoa! I have goose bumps just thinking about it!!!)

Knitting is my life. I knit to live. I knit for comfort. Knitting isn't just something I do, it's who I am.

Happy Knitting!

Why Knit?

2008-06-18T15:55:00.001-06:00

When It Rains It Pours

2008-06-09T15:59:00.002-06:00

We are currently mourning the loss of HoneyBunny's career. He brought home 75% of our household income. Now it's gone. The doctor wants him to be on disability for the next two to three months to see if it makes any difference in his back pain. If not then she will put him on permanent disability. (For those of you that don't know, HoneyBunny broke his L5 vertebrae in the oil field about six years ago and has had four surgeries to try to stabilize the area. As one IME doctor put it, he has a "failed back". The latest development is that his feet keep swelling up so much he can't wear shoes and they hurt so bad he can't walk without a cane and even then it's "OOoo! Eeee! Owwww!" every step of the way. His stress and blood pressure levels are off the chart. And for those of you saying, "Well what about Workman's Comp.?" HA! Don't ever think that just because you get hurt that your insurance company is going to take care of you! Those people only exist to TAKE your money. They have no intention of EVER giving ANY of it back or providing you with any of the benefits that your money is supposed to be paying for! Regardless of how hurt you are. And on top of that, the Workman's Comp. in our state has no obligation to pay for any re-training should you loose your job as a result of your injury.)

Ya, so you can guess where we are at! I am so upset I can't even knit and I have managed to get myself so stressed out and tired--from lack of sleep--that I am very sick today. I started getting a terribly sore throat and a raging headache last night and things have not improved today.

AND! on top of all of this our congregation at church has grown so much over the last few years that they have had to draw up new boundaries and divide us up. I feel like my entire support system just crashed. My dearest friends and the leader of our congregation are going to be "in the other group" and I am going to be in the new one. I cried most of the day yesterday.

I am so ready for something good to happen! You have no idea!

Monday's Escape

2008-06-02T20:35:00.002-06:00

The Ancient Ones

Homes built of stone and mud

Sacred dwellings

Whispers from the cobwebs

Shadows in the corners

Stories of the hunt

Painted on the wall

Reverently my hand touches Theirs.

I am in escape mode right now. The doctor wants HoneyBunny to go on disability--preferrably permanent disability. We are having a hard time trying figure out how we are going to make it. I always "run away" to my "secret garden" when life gets this bad. My secret garden is the canyons and deserts I grew up playing in. My indian ruins. The ghosts and spirits that haunt them were my friends, the kachina people would laugh in my ear and play games with me. I miss them and the time I spent there. It was my safe place then and so that's where I want to be now.

My Blogaversary Came and Went

2008-05-27T21:03:00.004-06:00

I must apologize for not writing on the anniversary of my blog. Two years!! Wow! It doesn't seem that long. I have been so caught up in all the drama in my life right now (ok for longer than just "right now") that I didn't have it in me to write. Between The Son growing up, summer break coming about without me being available to entertain my kids, HoneyBunny's never-ending back problems that is ruling his life, etc, etc. I just haven't felt like writing.

I have been knitting and crocheting though! I have finished The Daughter's swim suit--it's very cute but I doubt I will post a picture of her in it, but I may post a picture on my Ravelry page. And I finished another pair of summer socks for HoneyBunny.

He loves them. I love that they used nothing but left-over yarn! After all, a hole in the stash means that there is room for new yarn! Yeah for new yarn!

With the little bit of warm weather we have had our river here is trying it's best to flood the roads and whatever else lies on the banks. I checked out the USGS site (geology stuff) to see how high the river was running and it said that it was at 97% of normal and 11 feet above normal.

If you look closely at the background you can see the bridge that is usually 11 feet higher in the air.

The river is providing me with a source of distraction from all of the other "stuff" that is threatening to devastate me. I love to see Mother Nature take control and remind us that she does what she wants when she wants to and our efforts to contain her rarely work. I believe we should live in harmony with her not fight to control her.

So, that just about wraps it up.

Happy Blogaversary to me!

snif, snif ;o( snif, snif

2008-05-22T19:51:00.004-06:00

Well I have known for several years now that this day would come. I tried to prepare myself and tell myself I would be ok and everything would be alright. However, I have been weepy and melancholy all day.My precious baby has completed his elementary education and will become a "Middle-Schooler" when school starts in the fall :o( I am so sad. He is such a wonderful boy. After all the trouble he was as a baby--with all of his problems (heart, allergies, stomach troubles, crying, etc) he has been a model child.

I went to his "Me Celebration" at the elementary school that he has attended since kindergarten today. I was really nice. A local photography company went around taking candid and posed pictures of all the fifth graders in the school and put the collection together on a disc for the kido's to have as a way to remember all the good times. I cried the entire twenty minutes it played. I thought of how sweet and good all these kids have been as I have gone to the various classrooms over the years for different events. I thought of all the wonderful teachers that have loved my son and, in turn, have caused him to love school. He still runs up to hug his third grade teacher everytime he sees her.With the world becoming more and more uncertain all the time I hate to see him have to go through all the trials, pressures, and troubles that come with growing up.

I hate the thought of him loosing that innocence that seems to fade much too quickly when the teenage years set in. I hate to think that the smile that seems to always cover his face could turn to something sarcastic or rude. I hate to think about him growing up........period.You will always be my little boy, no matter where you are, no matter where you go, no matter what you do. I will always remember these precious first 12 years.

I love you.

Mom

Time Saving Technology

2008-05-12T20:42:00.002-06:00

Supposedly computers save us untold hours of time and space. However, if you really think this is true, take a closer look at all the paper we waste making copies and have something go wrong with your computer.

I have spent HOURS and HOURS over the last two weeks trying to figure out what is wrong with my computer and printer. It has not saved me one minute of my time!! Something has gone wrong with my printer and it has somehow done something to the computer that it is attached to. I just want to tear my hair out, really, about now. I hate when there are technical difficulties!! It just makes me crazy. The reason, of course, is because instead of knitting I am sitting here trying to figure out what has gone wrong with my computer and how to fix it. I would much rather be sitting here knitting and relaxing rather than being all stressed out and angry at this stupid machine that is supposed to make my life easier and give me more free time to do the things that I enjoy.

Several years ago the computer I had before this one got spy ware or a virus or something and I lost EVERYTHING! All of my pictures of the kids birthdays, Christmas', Easter, baptisms, etc. I am still sick about it. No, I didn't back anything up because the stupid thing wouldn't turn on and let me once I realized what was wrong. I HATE TO LOOSE ANYTHING--ESPECIALLY PICTURES THAT ARE IRREPLACEABLE. So, the minute my computer experiences one little glitch I start freaking out and feel sick. I just know I am about to loose all of my pictures again. And wouldn't you know it, I haven't backed them up for a couple of months! Of course, nothing that would allow me to back up pictures is working either!

I really don't feel good right now. I am actually considering sending my pictures out to all of my online storage places so that I can figure out what to do with them from there. At least they won't be lost.

Time saving! HA!

I Miss My Home!

2008-04-30T16:11:00.005-06:00

Things at the new job are fine....................I guess...................Not really. I am terribly homesick. Yes, I go home every night, but I miss being there all day.............in the quiet................with my doggy who loves me and keeps me company. I miss being there when my kids come home from school. I miss hugging them and asking all about their day. (I am sitting at work thinking about how nice my house always smells, my pretty flowers that are growing in the garden with my tomatoes, etc.) Boo-hoo.

I haven't done much knitting. However, I did finish HoneyBunny's first pair of short summer socks. They look great don't you think! I am half done with the second pair. (I guess I am knitting more than it seems).

I still haven't started the bottoms for The Daughter's swim suit. I have endured many inquiries over the past two weekends as a result. Unfortunately, for her, it will be at least one more weekend before I can start them because I have a flower girl dress to repair for a friend of mine who's daughter is getting married. I better get busy! The Daughter notified me that she only has 15 more school days--which translates into, "The swimming pool will be open before school gets out and I NEED A SWIM SUIT!"

Our weather has been awful! Yes, windy! I can handle rain every day but not wind! Everything is covered in dirt that has blown here from California (I am sure). I really hope it gives us all a break this weekend as it is really starting to wear on my nerves!

Hope all is happy, knitty, fluffy, and wonderful where you are!

Happy Knitting!

I've Been Tagged

2008-04-25T16:20:00.008-06:00

SCATTERGORIES...It's harder than it looks! Erase my answers, enter yours, send it on to 10 people including the one that sent this to you.

Use the first letter of your first name to answer each of the following.They have to be real places, names, things..nothing made up!

Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CAN'T use your name for the boy/girl name question.

WHAT IS YOUR NAME: Tama

4 LETTER WORD: Talk

VEHICLE: Thunderbird

TV SHOW: Ummm, I don't watch tv.

CITY: Tacoma

BOY NAME: Thomas

GIRL NAME: Tara

OCCUPATION: Toll booth operator (? is this an occupation?)

SOMETHING YOU WEAR: top

FOOD: T-bone steak (MMMMmmm now I am hungry) and Tea!

SOMETHING FOUND IN A BATHROOM: talcum powder

REASON FOR BEING LATE: Tornado

SOMETHING YOU SHOUT: (That starts with a "T"?) Oh! How about, TurdBucket!!!

OK, who to tag....Annie, Awesome Mom, Fiber Chic, Anni, Chey, My Ice Cream Diary, Carol, The Delusional Knitter

Ok, Here's the Pictures!

2008-04-19T17:51:00.004-06:00

I said there would be pictures when I had time so today somewhere between laundry, vaccuming, dishes, re-potting a huge plant (see Mrs. Know-It for details tomorrow), going to a movie, and shopping I managed to take these:This is the front of the swimsuit top I crocheted. I haven't had time to start the bottoms yet, but soon!This is the back. Its hard to tell, but it laces up and ties at the bottom. SUPER CUTE when it's on!This is a closer picture of the lacing and you can see it a little better.These are the "crew'' length socks for HoneyBunny that are well on their way to being done.And I don't know if I mentioned these, but I started this pair of socks for me out of the yarn I got in a yarn swap with Hege. I took the Jaywalkers pattern and modified it a little bit and then started them as a toe up sock. I do like the results so far!! I did a toe up version because I didn't want to waste one little bit of this gorgeous yarn.

I don't recall if I mentioned this either, but I made this for a special order I received from my etsy store. It is a laptop case that features embroidered flowers and branches like the picture that the lady who ordered it had painted. (did that make sense?) She sent me a picture of one of her original paintings and asked if I could somehow put it on a laptop case--Yes! I sure can. I dyed some worsted weight wool then knit the bag, felted it, sewed a zipper in the top, then finished it off with the embroidery. She totally loves it--I really liked it too! It fit my computer perfectly.

So, there they are! And yes, I have been very busy this month so far and it is only about half over!

Hope you all are having a great weekend! As always, Happy Knitting!

Let's Try This Again!

2008-04-15T16:10:00.003-06:00

After yesterdays disaster--my post disappeared somehow--it was too late to write the entire thing over so I am going to try to get it on here today. Unfortunately all of that great humor and fun stuff is gone so I will just have to do what I can to re-create it.

I have obtained a job. Yeah. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with yarn, knitting, or fiber so as you can guess--it's just a job. I am working full time and if I was to design the perfect job--that has nothing to do with the love of my life (not counting HoneyBunny of course)--it would be this job. Great benefits, salary, etc, etc. I am really happy I got this one, the alternative was awful! So, now I just have to find time for what I really love to do--pet yarn and knit. I'm sure I will figure something out. What is really difficult so far is trying to maintain my store--which is about a four hour a day job--and work at my new job--which is a nine hour a day job counting lunch but not drive time to and from work. I plan to be really tired all week and not have any "ME" time.

Next--WIP's. I have been crocheting a swimsuit for The Daughter. Now I know what you are thinking--EUWWWW! No! This one is soooooo cute you won't believe it. (I will post pictures as soon as I am done and have time to take the pictures). I am making it out of the beautiful turquoise cotton (called Piper) from Dale of Norway. You can see the yarn in my store here. I have the top completely finished--which is really the hard part because of all of the adjustments that I have to make so that it fits her (if you have seen her you know what I am talking about!). I hope to have the bottoms done this weekend so hopefully there will be pictures by this time next week. I am using a bikini pattern from "Sexy Knits" as a loose reference or just an idea to work from. It really is turning out fantastic!

And finally, HoneyBunny (better known as The Boring Sock Lover) has ordered at least 4 pair of "crew" length socks for his new summer work boots. So, after locating all of the odds, ends, and leftovers of several years worth of sock yarns I am well on my way to having the first pair done. Some of the leftover yarns are from fourteen years ago when I lived in Washington State!!! It brings back very fond memories of knitting for 6-10 hours a day and playing with my baby daughter (sigh)........Anyway, again, as soon as I get time there will be pictures of them.

So, that's about all of what got lost yesterday. I am REALLY missing my old schedule--get up, get husband to work, kids to school, sit down (in pj's) at computer with breakfast, visit bloggy friends, write in blog, look at knitting patterns, take some pictures, process etsy orders, get showered and dressed sometime around noon, eat lunch and read more blogs, go to post office, knit, talk on the phone, pick up kids from school, start dinner, pretend that I have worked super hard all day for HoneyBunny, eat dinner, knit, knit somemore, and go to bed after some reading and knitting. Maybe again someday..........

Happy Knitting! Even if I am not here as often I am still thinking about all of you!

^%$###$%^&

2008-04-14T19:48:00.002-06:00

The entire post I just wrote disappeared! I am so mad!!!!!!!!! I will write it again later. I don't have time to re-create the entire thing again tonight.

Later.

Random Ramblings

2008-04-02T08:42:00.002-06:00

I really don't have anything particular to talk about today. No real title, no real subject. I just feel the need to go on and on about whatever. The main reason is because I still can't find a job!! I am going crazy! Never in my (blank) years of life have I had trouble getting a job. I just see an ad., go in, apply, interview--usually on the spot, and "poof" I have a job. NOT THIS TIME! I have been applying for everything under the sun for four months and have NOTHING! I am beginning to feel like I have leprosy or lice or some other disease that the mass population is terrified of. (Oh no! I'm on my pity pot again!) BOO-HOO-HOO. What's wrong with me?

Aside from this all else is good. HoneyBunny is doing fantastic after this last surgery. It has helped so much it makes me angry that his stupid (ooops! not really) surgeon didn't think to try this two years ago!! The Daughter and Pooh Bear are counting the days until Summer Break and can't wait.

Maybe I need to do some knitting. Yeah, I think that is the problem. I have been so busy job hunting, creating resumes, shopping, holiday-ing, goofing off in general, playing on the computer, and cleaning the house that I haven't done much knitting at all.

As fun as knitting sounds, though, HoneyBunny just called with an entire list of "Honey-Do's" for me. "Bring me my phone ear piece--I forgot it again. Take my boots in for sizing. Pick me up an energy drink on your way. Oh! and bring my hand-held CB so you can talk to me when you get to the job site." As if I don't have anything else to do!

Well, I better get going if I am ever going to get to my knitting today.

My How Time Flies!

2008-03-31T10:52:00.004-06:00

...When you are trying to post to three other blogs! I have this blog, of course you know that! Then there is my new blog--Mrs. Know-It--and my two sock club blogs--Sockamania and SAMKAL 5. And since today is the last day of the month I am running around trying to get my socks that are HOT OFF THE NEEDLES! posted for the month. I don't know what happened to this month! It went by so fast. It's Easter's fault--it was two weeks early this year!

So, without further adieu, here are my socks that I finished.

Powder helped make the picture cute by posing in the background. If you want to read all about the socks go to my side bar and click on the link for Sockamania or SAMKAL 5. Sorry, I am not going to write about them AGAIN! I do love them though and they turned out wonderful!

In other news--I am a hopeless yarn snob! BOO-HOO, boo-hoo! I was somewhere online looking at yarn or knitting patterns, I'm sure, when I came across a link for Woolgirl. **WARNING** If you are low on yarn funds or stash storage space, do not go here! She had this yarn...Superwash Merino, silk, and get this! SILVER. Yes, real silver threads have been spun into this yarn! I had to have it! I am NOT supposed to be buying anymore yarn for me at least for a while--I am on a strict yarn diet until the stash is under control and I have sold a bunch of my retail yarn in my store! But there it was--sock yarn with real silver thread! I was buying it before I even knew what was happening. And a few days later there it was--in person(?) in the mail box!

Not only was the yarn beautiful, but Woolgirl really knows how to wrap up a skein and make you want it more! Isn't this a lovely package?And here is the yarn! Mocha. Isn't it LOVELY! I don't know if I can knit it. It may have to spend some quality time next to me here on my desk first and then some time in the "Special Yarns" stash (which reminds me, if you want an idea on how to store your stash, visit Mrs. Know-Its post about "stash").

I will try to get back to writing on here more. I am really having fun at Mrs. Know-It and I have invited my Blog buddy Hege, in Norway, to join me as a co-author for it. She will be posting Kids stuff and some other fun things. Be sure to stop by and check it out! Remember, if you aren't a blogger you can still post your comments and questions.

Happy Knitting!

Is It Spring Yet?

2008-03-24T08:14:00.006-06:00

What a great weekend! No, I didn't spend it knitting (that would have been fun though!!) The weather finally got warm enough that we could go hiking. And let me tell you!! I spent Easter Sunday wishing I had worked up to the hike. I am still so sore! My back, legs, arms, even my hands are sore! (I think my hands are sore from not doing any knitting all weekend long LOL!)

This is HoneyBunny. He found some really nice fossilized sand dollars and several different species of fossilized clams in the boulder he is standing in front of. Our jackets didn't stay on very long. It was about 60 degrees (F) and just lovely outside! I think that part of the reason I am so sore was that I found some great rocks to add to my yard. When we hiked out I was carrying an extra 50 pounds (in rock) back to our vehicle!

Saturday afternoon we colored Easter eggs. This year I found some "Neon" food coloring and, as you can see, the eggs turned out really pretty! That "Electric Pink" egg was really something! I had actually bought the food coloring to dye some yarn with, but couldn't resist trying it out on the eggs first. The yarn should be pretty exciting if it looks anything like the eggs!

And here we are in our new Easter finery. I would have put the picture of all of us together on here, but I look like I weigh 200 lbs in it! I look much better in this picture with The Daughter. Yes, it was another lovely day, perfect for Easter!

In other news, I have started another blog. It is listed on my side bar as Mrs. Know-It. I get a lot of requests for recipes, gardening info., and miscellaneous stuff from my friends so I thought it would be fun to create a blog where all of this could be out there for everyone. Feel free to stop by! If you have a question I will address it in a post. I am really excited about it!! I don't profess to know everything, but what I don't know I usually can find an answer somewhere.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Busy

2008-03-19T10:55:00.004-06:00

This week has been so crazy and it's only Wednesday. I can't believe it's been a week since I wrote the last post. With Spring Break ending Monday, new yarns coming in, Easter has been the last thing on my mind. In fact, I didn't realize Easter is this Sunday until about 10 days ago. Usually I decorate the house for Easter, like I do for other holiday's, but it's not going to happen this year. I usually use a nicely flowered out branch to bring inside and decorate with my pretty egg decorations. But the weather has stayed so cold that none of my fruit trees have even been thinking about getting buds on them. Maybe that's why I didn't realize how close Easter was--it's too cold. Last year at this same time the weather was in the 60's and 70's (degrees F); this year it's been in the upper 30's and 40's. That is a huge difference! We are still getting snow in the mountains. Just last weekend it snowed 12-14 inches on the passes! Hopefully it doesn't all melt at once (like I've seen happen in the past) or we are going to have some serious flooding problems here in the valley!

All right, enough of the boring stuff. Here is the yarn that showed up yesterday. I am soooo thrilled with it! 100% Mercerized Egyptian Cotton in some LOVELY spring and summery colors. Just because the weather isn't saying "Spring" yet doesn't mean my yarn shouldn't sing it! Don't these colors just make you feel like spring! I am very impressed with the quality and you can't beat the price either. I will try to get them listed later this week on my etsy store.

Moving on, I have been dilligently working on this months Sockamania sock in all of my free time. This pair will be for me for a change. I really need some socks in a neutral color and this fits the bill for certain. When they are finished I will take a picture of them on so that you can see what they really look like. This picture makes them look like some kind of basket weave pattern, but they really are cables with rows of purl stitches in between.

I may actually finish this pair before the last day of the month this time. They make up really quick, or I am just knitting faster because I have a million other things that need to be done also. Either way, I really like them and they look fantastic on me!

I guess I better get back to work. I have about 48 hours of stuff to do in the next 24 hours and I need 8 of those 24 to sleep. Just never enough time in some weeks--and last week I was bored.

Happy Knitting! and if I don't get to post again before Sunday, Happy Easter to you all!!!

Yarn, Yarn, Yarn, Ya!

2008-03-12T09:16:00.009-06:00

My daughter has been watching videos on Yahoo! of songs that were my favorites at her age. Adam Ant, Missing Persons, Real Life, ABC, OMD, etc. (She thinks she has found a whole new genre of music). Anyway, so when I went to title this post the song, "Lies, Lies, Lies" from Thompson Twins was playing in my head. I combined it with the idea that I am going to talk about yarn today and......viola! the title.

Remember the partially spun "Sedona" from the last post? Well, here it is all done!

I don't know what I am going to make with it yet.

**Note** I rarely spin fiber into yarn with any particular purpose in mind. Crazy, I know. I just like yarn and I really believe that it is good just the way it is. Sometimes it takes years for a beautiful handspun yarn to "find itself" and its "purpose in life".

I am sure something will come along some day for it to become, but for now it is happy being what it is--really pretty, shiney yarn living in my "special yarn" stash.

Yesterday while I was out entertaining children out of school for "Spring Break" (it was only the second day of the break and I was already frazzled and exhausted) my order from Dale of Norway showed up. Two large boxes of LOVELY yarn. (I will post some pictures on here a little later today). I am SOOOOO excited to be carrying this yarn. I have used one or two of their yarns in the past and like it. However, the LYS's that I shopped at either didn't know that Dale of Norway had a full line of yarns, or they didn't have good taste. (Good chance of the later). I found some very exciting yarns that I can't wait to show the world!! They don't do just wool! Svale is a cotton/silk/viscose that will make the most beautiful shawls and summer sweaters in the world!

and an egyptian cotton that puts the "King Tut" brand to shame! Not to mention a true white (not off-white or creamy white) machine washable wool, sock weight yarn! Yes, that is 100%, machine washable, MERINO wool in WHITE sock (fingering) weight yarn. Lovely isn't it? I can't wait to try my hand at dying some of it! The colors should come out much brighter and vibrant than when you use off-white or cream colored yarn for your base.

They have a new yarn that I wanted to get, but it's a worsted weight yarn and since Spring and Summer is just around the corner I am going to wait until July or August to order some. It is a wool/cashmere/microfiber/alpaca/viscose blend called Harlequin. MMmmmmm! just beautiful! And all of the different yarns come in just about every color you can possibly imagine, including neon!

Of course here is one of my favorites: "Falk"--superwash, DK weight, wool that comes in every color and shade on the planet.

All right, now I am off to go get it all out and get some pictures. (And pet all of my new yarn). All of the yarn is now pictured and posted here! Watch for it to come up for sale in my etsy store tomorrow.

Almost Spun Out!

2008-03-07T12:31:00.009-07:00

After almost a week or so of spinning, combing, combining, dying, and fiddling with fibers I am just about done for a while. I love to play with fibers, but it takes a terrible toll on my upper body. Spinning is especially hard on me and now I have a raging head ache that will take weeks to get rid of. My shoulders are killing me, my back is sore and tight, my hands hurt, and my arms are pooped! BUT IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

Remember the fiber from Enchanted Knoll? Well it is now about 400 yards of luscious, fingering weight yarn! (It is incredibly difficult to capture it's true essence in pictures!) Very soft and glowing with all of those little blue, red, green, and opalescent silk threads. I am planning to make a lace moebius scarf with it. I have had the pattern forever, but never had "The Perfect Yarn". Well this yarn is as perfect as it gets. There will be pictures when I finish it.
This was some of the prettiest fiber ever! I combined a "sea foam" colored merino wool with royal blue tussah silk and then spun up this GORGEOUS sock weight yarn. HoneyBunny was even a little enamored with it. It is now listed in my etsy store.

This is some Lilac and blue wool/silk fiber I created.

This is a blend of wool, silk, and angora. It will be "to die for" when it's spun up!

I really got into the "Oriental" looking colors. I am going to blend this Scarlet merino wool and gold silk together. It should turn out really pretty, just have to get back my desire to do what it takes to get it combed and combined.

This is the "Sedona" silk that I got from Enchanted Knoll. It has tiny knots in it that make for a textured, shiney yarn. I am about half way finished spinning it into singles. There will be a picture of the yarn posted when it is finished.

And since I can't go forever without knitting, this is the sock that I started the other day. I am using the bamboo/wool I got from Anni's etsy store. It is such nice yarn. I don't think I will give this pair away--they will be mine!

So, that about wraps up (no pun intended :o) ) the fiber adventures for now. I have a bunch of knitting to work on!

Happy Knitting!

"Getting to know me, getting to know all about me"

2008-03-06T09:07:00.005-07:00

I have now been tagged by Awesome Mom--I think she is just paying me back for tagging her. This one is more difficult because I need to link to a bunch of blogs I have written. So we are about to see how creative I can be with my computer in order to accomplish this.

1. While sitting on my "pity pot" for all the world to see, I wrote a lot about my family. I am not prone to this type of post, but it certainly gives a reader an idea of why I knit SOOOOOO much.

2. What are friends for anyway if they can't help you find more patterns than you could EVER possibly knit. They can be great enablers when you share an addiction to yarn, patterns, or fiber!

3. It isn't a secret that I have more UFO's and WIP's than are really necessary. I do it so that I don't ever get bored with what I am working on and so that I always have the perfect project for whatever I am doing in addition to knitting--riding in the car, waiting at the doctor's office, watching a movie, cooking dinner, etc.

4. Well this one is just silly! I am supposed to link to something I love. DUH! that's like my whole blog! Knitting, HoneyBunny, anything to do with rocks, knitting socks, yarn, fiber, Halloween--pretty much in that order.

5. Anything......with lots of pretty pictures.

Now I am off to tag five others!!

PS: I am still making yarn--pictures next time.

Been Knitting Lately?

2008-03-03T08:45:00.002-07:00

Um. No. I am completely absorbed in playing with all this lovely fiber.

Be back when I have pictures of my adventures! Stay tuned.

Yarn Day!

2008-02-25T19:57:00.010-07:00

Today was my day to receive all of the yarn and fiber that I have ordered or won over the last month or two. Why it all showed up, all of it today? I don't know. I didn't order or win it all at the same time. There were boxes and packages at my door and in the mail box. I was so excited!!

So, first on the "show and tell" list is this gorgeous yarn that I won from the SAMKAL! Both are sock yarns. The lovely hand-dyed is a Merino/Tencel blend and the red is a bamboo/cotton/elastic nylon. There were also a cute set of stitch markers.

Next was my yarn order from Haneke Wool Fashions. I am either running low or out of a lot of the Haneke yarns that are in my etsy store so I re-ordered last week. I also ordered a bunch of Eucalan fine fiber wash. I don't know if any of you have tried their products, but let me be the first to tell you...IT IS FANTASTIC!! I was so impressed when I used one of the sample packs that had been sent to me that I knew it was the product for me! It leaves your items (in my case it was angora and wool socks and a wool sweater that felts if you just look at it too long) completely clean, very soft, smelling good, and the yarn looks brand new again. I really like it. I will be giving out free samples with every yarn order from now on, plus you will be able to purchase 2 oz. bottles of it.

And last, but certainly not least is my fiber order from enchantedknoll.etsy.com. WOW!! And I thought it was beautiful on the computer picture. There is "Araucuna--Blackbird Series" which is a superwash wool fiber with threads of sari silk running through it. (ooooo! ahhhhhh! yes I know!)

Then the 100% silk roving in "Sedona". (more oooooing! and Ahhhhhhhing!)

And the little free sample of LOVELY, TEMPTING, fiber. Which I am sure is meant to entice me to purchase a larger amount of it.

So if I dont' post again this week. You know what I am up to! I can't wait to spin this fiber up!!!

By the way, if you don't have any extra money or space left to hide more yarn and fiber DON'T go to enchantedknoll.etsy.com! WOW! They have some of the most beautiful fiber I have EVER seen. I could easily fill my storage shed and empty the saving account there!!

7 Things You've Always Wanted to Know About Me!

2008-02-23T17:22:00.003-07:00

I've been tagged! Now I have to think up seven things about me that are at least partially interesting. Here goes:

1. I love to knit! Wow, that was tough to come up with. No, really, I LOVE to knit. My husband asked me at one point if it was my mission in life to leave behind as many knitted items as possible. To which I responded, "Well, duh!!"

2. This one is good! I have NEVER knit or crocheted a test swatch for a project in my life. I just have never seen the value of wasting all that time knitting a silly little square when I could be knitting the project instead. (Isn't that naughty!!! Oh the shame!!)

3. I would like to someday make a pair of cashmere long john's, for me of course, (you know the long underwear things you wear under your clothes to keep you warm outside in the winter). Can you imagine how WONDERFUL that would feel?

4. Pizza is my favorite food! I have worked in small town pizza resturants in the past and had the opportunity to eat pizza at least once a day every day (sometimes twice depended on how long the work day was). Did I get sick of it ever? Not once! And I love every pizza topping out there including anchovies--in fact pizza is very good with anchovies, pineapple, green peppers, olives, onions, and mushrooms. Some of my other favorite combinations are pepperoni and onions, mushrooms and pineapple, and vegetarian. MMMMMmmmmm! Now I'm hungry!

5. I know how to survive in the wilderness with nothing but a pocket knife. This comes from a combination of years of camping, hiking, reading up on the subject, a college course in wilderness survival, and practise.

6. I have never been lost. Whether in a city or in the forest I somehow always know my way around. I have been told that I have an "internal compass". Whatever it is, apparently not everyone possesses this ability because my husband is frequently lost--even when he is some place he's been ten times.

7. Hmmm. What to put for 7........Oh! How about this! My name comes from a native american language and means "Thunder bolt". HoneyBunny thinks it fits me--not sure exactly what he is implying by that.

There you have it! 7 random things to know about me. Now, I have to tag seven other people.

Yarn Addict Anni
Hege
My Ice Cream Dairy
Awsome Mom
Under the Afternoon Moon
Tania
The Delusional Knitter

Consider yourselves TAGGED!