Nancy's Nutty Knitting & Other Crafts!!!

Fabric Cutting with the Cricut

2011-02-21T16:29:00.002-05:00

More cards

2011-02-18T22:54:00.000-05:00

Aurelia's birthday card!

Paul's Valentine card from Cole and Mommy!

For my ladies fighting the cancer battle

2011-02-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

My first weld!

2011-01-31T13:34:00.000-05:00

It's a whale of a weld! Made with my gypsy.

crop a Dile

2011-01-31T13:19:00.000-05:00

Got this crop a dile tool to set my eyelets. I guess I have to get used to it since it's like the jaws of life and I split the damn eyelet right in half! Gentle mama gentle!

Eyelets are fun!

2011-01-28T21:49:00.000-05:00

Special card for a special lady

2011-01-24T21:53:00.000-05:00

I made this card tonight quick (although nothing is quick for me) for a special lady going through chemo treatment for lung cancer. I am hoping she remains strong.

New Creations

2011-01-13T21:33:00.002-05:00

Still learning, I'm just following other people's directions but soon, I'll make my own!!

My New Craft!

2011-01-06T07:59:00.000-05:00

2009-06-04T19:02:00.001-04:00

See me on Ravelry as Panaroy.

Mom weekend

2008-09-24T18:09:00.000-04:00

Spent this last weekend with Mom and it was great. We took a ride to the beach to visit the TWA Flight 800 memorial at Smith Point beach. I forget how strong the waves are since I spend a lot of the time on the water, but it's a really different kind of water. My boat is located on the bay and this is the ocean. Here is Mom enjoying the sunshine and her new pink beanie that I made for her. We had lots of laughs and enjoyed each others company all weekend long.
As always, a weekend with Mom - priceless.

UFOs

2008-09-06T18:32:00.002-04:00

Finally finished this UFO. Blanket! I love the edging - as much as a pain in the woot it was to do it, it looks great!

OMG. Remember this DRAMA? Well.... I think I just created more drama. Maybe I'm just not meant to finish this project. I worked on the side today and I frogged it several times and I really really really thought that I had got it right until I was down to 6 stitches and I held it up to the back side of the sweater. Now really??? Anyone can figure out that something is amiss here. Back to the drawing board. I'm going to have to get some help AGAIN.

Where you been?

2008-07-10T15:22:00.002-04:00

If you've been checking my blog, hopefully you haven't given up on me. I've been busy taking care of my mother while she is ill. I have, however, been doing some therapy knitting and I will have some pictures up very soon. I'm working on my UFOs as previously mentioned so some of those items are DONE. I also have one new project started and finished. It's a beautiful shrug and I can't wait to show you.

See you soon.

The power of blocking!

2008-03-16T19:32:00.000-04:00

My friend Joan made these beautiful pillows last week and when I asked her about them, she said they curled up beyond recognition and that they were unable to become the two pillows they were meant to be. I said, let me at them.... I will give them a go on my blocking board. I had to stretch them hard after soaking them up with lots of water.

Look at them now! They look beautiful!! Ahh... the power of blocking.

Another hat for Mom. It's a beautiful multi colored cotton yarn. The picture doesn't do it any justice.

They call it Mellow Yellow....

2008-03-09T15:43:00.000-04:00

Another hat for Mom. I think she told me no more hats but I like making them and when she's all done with the Brain Cancer thing and we've moved on, we're going to donate them to the Cancer Care Center!

It's what you do...

2008-02-29T17:06:00.000-05:00

Mom and I with our new haircuts!

What do you do when....

2008-02-23T19:45:00.000-05:00

What do you do when you learn that your Mom has brain cancer? I read this on another blog and agree that "knitting is my stress relief valve".

The list gets smaller

2008-01-20T17:43:00.000-05:00

My bathmat is completed. I was very excited. The reason that I wanted to make this specifically is because I wanted it to exactly fit the space between the tub and the wall. You just can't buy a store bought mat this perfect. It just plain garter stitch but I love it. It is so soft and cushy on your feet when you get out of the shower. And at the end of the week it goes right into the washing machine to get cleaned up for the new week ahead. I've washed my log cabin bath mat several times and they just come out perfect out of the machine. Thank you Sugar and Cream!

Went this weekend to see our friends in PA. Yvonne picked up this book below for a knitting muggle like myself. I can't wait to comb through every page and see what I can make!

So now that the list has one less UFO on it, I've moved on to the said baby blanket. I have one more ball of yarn to complete the bulk of the blanket and before I start on the edging. I will shoot a picture tomorrow to show! I'm so glad to have an extra day off this weekend. Tomorrow will be some chores but some knitting too! It's turned very very cold here this weekend (20 degrees!). It's just perfect weather for knitting.

Happy Knitting!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T15:24:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year all. No resolutions here but one of the things I'm going to strive to do is to complete some of my UFOs. Here is one of them. It's a bathmat. Just knit. I had made one in the past for my guest room that was the log cabin pattern from the Mason Dixon book but wanted one for my bathroom too (they are so soft on your feet!). I'm making progress and should be finished shortly.

I really don't have many UFOs but here is the list in no particular order:

1. The above mentioned bathmat 85% complete

2. Button/stripe child sweater 75% complete

3. Koigu Socks 20% complete

4. Beaded scarf 5% complete

5. Adult sweater 5% complete

6. Baby blanket 60% complete

Keep on knitting!

Last minute holiday knitting

2007-12-22T18:30:00.000-05:00

Grace's cardigan is finally finished. It still needs to be blocked but I'll have it ready for her when she gets back from her trip to New York. The holiday knitting is OVER.

Here we are at my mother's place in Floriday. Must be difficult to decorate in the 80 degree weather! All the lights look great.

My holiday slippers were waiting for me under the tree at Mom's. They sure are keeping my toes warm!

What have I been doing?

2007-12-15T12:03:00.000-05:00

Holiday Organizing! I've got my list and I'm getting all my crafts ready to deliver!

I did, however have time to create this beautiful hat made from Manos del Uruguay that Mandy had given me as a gift. I made something for MYSELF and I LOVE IT! Heee Heee.

RIP Rosewood DPNs

2007-11-23T16:38:00.000-05:00

Oh no. I broke one of my Rosewood DPNs. Waaaa

Where am I?

2007-11-15T20:06:00.000-05:00

Well.... yes, of course, I have been knitting but times like these when we're so close to the Holiday time, we just can't post everything on the blog...... also... NEWS. I have another blog that I've started - you can see it by clicking here. If you check it out, you'll know why (1) I have not had a whole lotta time for knitting and (2) I have not been posting on this blog! But rest assured I'll be back with lots of exciting things!

Baaaaa

2007-10-22T21:23:00.000-04:00

Lamb scarf completed!

New yarn! Ohh, love these colors... wonder what this will be??

Hey watcha doing?

2007-10-15T20:12:00.000-04:00

Finished this scarf with the wonderfully soft and delicious baby alpaca!

Remember this? I'm making the lamb scarf for my friend Yvonne. She really liked it when we saw it at the yarn store in Williamsburg. So far, so good. It's a nice small project for the train ride to work and back. Fits nice in my new Lantern Moon bag.

A new centerpiece!

2007-10-10T08:39:00.000-04:00

And why shouldn't we use our knitting notions to decorate our homes? They're beautiful! Thanks Mom.

A trip to Kennett Square, PA

2007-10-06T19:38:00.000-04:00

So, this weekend we are visiting our friends inKennett Square, PA and I visited the yarn store Wool Gathering. Oh how I wish it was closer! The owner is so nice! I picked up this yarn which is Cascade Yarn - Baby Alpaca Chunky. It's soooo soft. I just had to have it. I think I'm going to knit short scarves with it for Christmas. They had made one that was a knit 2 purl 2 rib and it was so wonderful. More on that as soon as I start. The other pictures, yes... I know... is another bag. I think as I get older, I'm becoming more into bags. Hmmm... I wonder where I get that from (MOM). The bag is from Lantern Moon. It's wonderful. I just couldn't leave it at the store!!

Hey... whatcha doing?

2007-09-30T17:32:00.000-04:00

So.... I've started this sweater this week for my little friend Grace. She's only 6 months old. This will be her Christmas present. Since she doesn't read yet, I think it's prettsy safe to post this up on the blog. Below is the back. It looks very big right now but my gauge is correct for the 9-12 month size and since it's my first baby sweater, I will just have to carry on and go with it.

Below is a picture of what the sweater will look like. The colors are very different from what I purchased and as I continue on with the knitting, you will see them. Grace likes ladybugs and that is why I picked this sweater kit. I picked this up at the Maryland Sheep and Wool festival. The company that makes this is Peace Fleece.

Also, below is the progress on the blanket that I have been working on. It's moving right along but since I don't have an intended recipient for it. I don't feel bad putting it to the side to work on Grace's sweater.

I worked on the sweater just a small amount this weekend since we went fishing on Sat and Sunday which kept me from knitting. I did, however, knit in the car on the way there so all in all, it was a good weekend. Sure wish I had just one more day.

Where am I?

2007-09-26T20:06:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been working on my blanket and been very busy with work..... rest assured that I'll be back to blogging soon. I can't wait to unveil the beauty that is my next project.

:-)

MY NEW KNITTING BAG!

2007-09-01T20:21:00.000-04:00

OMG.... This weekend we are in Charlotte, North Carolina and we went to a street fair in Marshall and I found this. The bag is absolutely beautiful and it's hand made by a knitter! It is the most "knitting functional" bag I've ever seen. See below! I told these 2 ladies that they simply must have a website! They can't keep these a secret for too long!

The bag is just the perfect size. It isn't too deep where you cannot find anything in it! I love the colors and the prints that they have used.

I love the "Knit"... it's embroidered and it looks great.

Here is the inside. It has wonderful side pockets as well as a zipped section for something special.

The bag came with four other items of interest. These beautiful smaller matching bags for your knitting notions! I love them....

And look at this gem! This bag is a wonderful place to put your yarn for the current project you're working on. The top has elastic to keep it closed but not so much so that it allows your yarn to pass through while you knit! Here it is holding my yarn for the blanket!

Oh, progress has been made on the blanket... 6 hour drive to North Carolina will do that.

Blanket progress

2007-08-26T17:17:00.000-04:00

I didn't have too much time for knitting in Italy but here's what I've got done so far. It's moving along.

Italian Goodies

2007-08-26T11:06:00.000-04:00

Back from Italy with some goodies!

Paul's mother lives in Grottaglie, Italy. They are a big area for ceramics. Some of them are even sold here in the US to places like Pier One. This red vase was made by Andrea Antonazzo. It's beautiful and will sit in my red fireplace room.

This oil container was made by another local artist. I love the look of the olives.

A small tray that we got. It has the "crackled" look. I think we'll use this to serve olives. It has a significant amount of detail and the photo really doesn't do it justice.

Picked this up in Matera, Italy. It is called a Cuccu. In the 1950s the cuccu was the object of desire of all children, a sort of "status symbol" to show off in order to provoke envy in those many others who had never owned one.

However, long before then, the cuccu had other functions.

In ancient times it was viewed as something that could keep away those evil spirits that haunted homes and, as a result, was considered a symbol of good luck and serenity.

Later, this humble but attractive "chicken", with its colourful flowers and little birds, became enriched with the symbology of fertility and custom dictated that it was offered as a gift to newly weds on their wedding day.

Today, this peculiar whistle, which has evolved both in dimension and colour, has become an object suitable to decorate old and modern interiors alike, retaining the mysterious and arcane aura that envelops it, turning it into a unique and irreplaceable item.

This clock comes from Rome (obviously). It's hand made from here. Paul and I were really drawn to it and went back to this shop twice before we got it. It is really beautiful.

Now this is the most wonderful Olive Oil I have ever had. We found this in Martina Franca. Good to know that I can find this in the states. Once I finish this up, I'll be looking for it for sure.

More on the trip in the next couple of days.

In all his glory... I give you...Dragon.

2007-08-09T12:17:00.000-04:00

Heee hee.. I'm so cute.

Other news... Leaving today for Italy. Be back in 2 weeks time. Also, last night... I got my invite to Raverly! Yippie.

Why there is no Dragon Scarf picture tonight.

2007-08-03T22:44:00.000-04:00

I take mass transit to get to work and back. I left the office at 6:35. I thought I would be slick and take the yellow line from Ft. Totten (plus I heard that there were delays on the Orange line because of the intense heat which always means delays on the blue line). The yellow line only starts at Ft. Totten at 7pm (which is after rush hour - I know, that's dumb). I'd get on the first train, I wouldn't have to deal with the "drama" and crowds at Chinatown and I'd have lots of uninterrupted kitting time all the way from Ft. Totten to King Street. So I get off at Ft. Totten and go down 1st the escalator then down the 2nd escalator and mind you... it's about 98 degress outside and the air is thick. I'm waiting for that wonderful empty yellow line train. The sign comes up 10 minutes for that train. I think.... that's just not efficient I should have just kept going to Chinatown and switched there to yellow... so I go back up the escalator and back up the 2nd escalator and wait again for a red line train. Once I get to Chinatown, I look up at the waiting board and it says the next yellow line train... 20 minutes! Ugh. I hear over the loud speaker delays on the Yellow Line due to a sick customer. Probably from waiting on trains and the intense heat. Okay, back up the escalator and wait 10 minutes for a red train to go one stop to Metro Center where I will catch the next blue line train. Next blue line train 6 minutes. Take that all the way to Van Dorn Street. I get to Van Dorn street at 8:02. Damn... missed my shuttle bus. Have to wait until 8:20. Get the 8:20 shuttle bus and arrive home 8:35.

2 hour commute.

Here is some progress on the blanket.

New Goodies

2007-08-03T07:26:00.000-04:00

I received a package today from Knitting Sisters! It had my yarn to make the edging of the blanket I'm working on as well as some Alpaca Bouclay for a cute scarf for my friend Yvonne. I decided last night that I'm only going to take the blanket on my trip to Italy next week. That way I can only work on one project and not be tempted by other things. Plus, you just can't carry all the yarn and notions that you really want to bring! I'll post a picture of the finished dragon later tonight.

Dragon Delight!

2007-07-23T20:58:00.000-04:00

Here's my Morehouse Farm Dragon Scarf blocking on my new board! Yippie. Next step... eyes and final touch.... dragon breath.

New gifts to one's self.....

2007-07-23T19:02:00.000-04:00

This is my new blocking board! It's from Patternworks and I love it. I'm going to give it a go tonight. It folds up and has a handle. Yippie!!

Williamsburg VA

2007-07-22T20:10:00.000-04:00

I went to Williamsburg VA this weekend and of course found my way to a wonderful knitting store called Knitting Sisters. They were so helpful and the store was just so cute. I picked up a Vogue Knitting book on Scarves. My friend Yvonne saw a cute scarf that she liked and it's in this book so I'm going to be making that for her. More on that when I start that project.

I saw this beautiful blanket that was already made that caught my eye so I had to pick up that pattern. It's a pattern by mac & me. I also picked up the yello yarn below to start the blanket. The trim is going to be a wonderful green but they only had one skein and I needed three. The great lady at Knitting Sisters is going to send me what I need as soon as it comes in.

This yarn is Tahki - Cotton Classic. I've used this before and I think it's great to work with. I think it's going to make a great blanket and should wash well too.

In the car on the way to Williamsburg, I worked on some warshrags. Nothing complicated. Oh, last week I finished up the dragon scarf. I need to darn in the ends and block it. I'm going to change up the smoke coming out of his nose so that will have to be a surprise. As soon as I get that done, I'll have some pictures. I think it came out great. More on that later.

Ohhhh socks.

2007-07-15T19:15:00.000-04:00

Oh, I stopped by Knithappens today and picked up this sock yarn to make a pair of socks for my husband. I am planning on using the pattern from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks called Gentleman's Fancy Sock. It's quite nice and I hope I can do it. It uses size zero dpns. I'm going to use the new needles that my friend Susan got me for my bday back in April. I'm not sure when I'm going to fit this in but let's just say.... soon.

Work has been unbelievably crazy. I'm pending a big promotion and in the meantime, I'm helping out with another job where the previous person quit and left. This is really cutting into my knitting time... it should be temporary so I think I will be back up and running shortly. I keep reminding my boss that I'm leaving to go to Italy on Aug 9th so they will have to find someone to take over before then so that I can train this new person. That's all for now... I'm going to work on my dragon.

Updates!

2007-07-13T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here is the new and improved dragon starf. Now this is the right yarn. It's been easier to work with and it looks so much better. I'm glad that I frogged the other one because I'll be much happier when this is done.

Ohhh! Look at the beautiful yarn that my friend Mandy brought me from Seattle. It's beautiful hand crafted Kettle dyed pure wool. The picture certainly doesn't do the colors justice. I just don't know what I'm going to make with it just yet. Tonight I put it on my swift and got it all wound up in a ball ready to go. Hmmmm... It's going to have to be something really good.

Happy Independence Day!

2007-07-04T11:15:00.000-04:00

I know I have been remiss about blogging but we've been busy busy this summer and have been out and about. I'll be posting some stuff soon and have an update on the dragon scarf. Stay tuned!

Alaska

2007-06-15T08:57:00.000-04:00

It really doesn't get any better than this.

What an idiot

2007-06-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

Okay... so I made this little change purse to felt. I put in the washing machine and it came out looking the same as when I put it in. I couldn't figure out why so I washed it again, again and again. Then I started thinking..... the first pair of socks I made are the same color as this yarn..... OMG.... I made this little change purse with the same yarn as my socks.... It's never going to felt.

Idiot.

Dragon progress....

2007-06-06T20:20:00.000-04:00

So does this sound crazy...? I want to frog this. First off... I hate this yarn. It's a two ply and it just stinks. It is making the increase "holes" look even bigger. My friend who purchased the kit with the appropriate yarn, started it today and let me tell you, ... the three ply Merino is beautiful. This yarn is also from the same maker but it's just not giving me the warm and fuzzy feeling that I like when I make a project. I'm not sure what to do.... Thoughts?

WIPs

2007-05-24T08:04:00.000-04:00

Always have a Mason Dixon washrag on the needles. Notice that I've wound up the sugar n cream on my ball winder. It's so much nicer to make it a center ball pull to keep in my bag while I'm on the train!

My second pair of socks. This one is my first one of the "series". It's the Koigu yarn that my friend Susan gave me.

My Dragon Scarf - Ohhhhh! Three "spikes" done. Isn't it cute!

Saturday I'm heading to Alaska for vacation so there will be no posts for a bit. I'll be back in a week hopefully with new progress to show. See you then.

WINE!

2007-05-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, my husband and I volunteered for an organization called Neediest Kids. They had their annual Gala on Sunday and their Golf Tournament on Monday. We've been working with them for a couple of years and really enjoy it. During the Gala we hold a silent auction where people bid on items such as the below wine fridge filled with glorious wine from all over donated by different people. My husband and I bid on it and we WON! We were very excited to bring home our new wine fridge and take a look at all the different wines we have to share with our friends.

Another After....

2007-05-19T14:58:00.000-04:00

Before and After......

2007-05-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

Yippie, they are finally completed. The bags that my friend Mandy and I started are finished. The Lion Brand yarn felted beautifully! Enjoy.

Yesterdays News

2007-05-17T07:34:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I made this on the train ride to work and back. All that is left is to sew it up and felt! This is the small clutch that is in the one skein book. I'm using the yarn that they call for which is Lambs Pride Bulky. Problem is that I've used that before to make the bowls and I wasn't very happy with how the yarn felted. It's 85% Wool and 15% Mohair. Wonder why they would recommend this yarn in the book?

Amazon also came by and brought me this new book. I've only read the first chapter so far but I'm pretty excited to get through it. I'll let you know how it is.

Sheep and Wool goodies!

2007-05-06T18:18:00.000-04:00

Well... of course, I didn't drive 60 miles one way to come back empty handed. Here are the goodies that I picked up. I surely could have bought more things but I kept it light. Keeping in mind things already in the works and not going to crazy.

Okay. This is some beautiful yarn from Morehouse Farm. It's a wonderful shade of fun green. Although the picture is not really showing that.

Heee hee.... I've already wound it up with my ball winder. I'm going to use this green yarn to make this. I don't know who I will be giving this cute project to but I'm working on it with my friend Lexa. We will knit it together. She's a new knitter so we'll get through the pattern step by step.
Okay.. so this hat minus the tassle is really cute even though the picture really doesn't represent it well. I bought it in a kit from a company based out of Ontario called Shelridge Farm. The yarn is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to start knitting with it.

Here is another kit that I picked up. The picture isn't the colors that I got for the sweater actually, the colors that come with the kit are much nicer. You'll see them below.
I did buy one other item but I can't post it here because it's a gift for my Mom (hopefully). Sometimes, I just don't know what I'm getting myself into but you know what... I'm going to give it a try.

Birthday Presents!

2007-05-06T18:04:00.000-04:00

First off... I got the wool winder which I must say I've been using like crazy. I love making my yarn look like mini birthday cakes. Thanks Mom.

She also got me these beautiful needles. Aren't they nice. Can't wait to use them.

Look at this beautiful candle - it's hazlenut coffee sented! It sure does make my living room smell good. My sister Linda got this one and it came with some smaller ones that I can put all around the house.Ohhhh, look at this.... My friend Susan got me these DPNs for making socks. They're Lantern Moon. Sweet!

My brother Robert and fiancee Michelle got me a gift card to Joanne's - Oh boy... what ever will I get from them!

Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival

2007-05-06T14:24:00.000-04:00

Today I went to my very first Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival! It is a cold day here in Virginia and Maryland. This even was 60 miles from my house. I got up extra early to get there before the big crowds. I overheard some ladies chatting about how crowded it had been the day before so I'm glad that I went today. So I got there right at 9:00 when they opened and was able to make it through the vendors quickly before it got too crowded. I left around 12:30 to head home. When I was walking out, people will still just arriving. There were lots of people spinning yarn which I really enjoyed watching. I also saw a woman spinning rabbit! She actually had the live rabbit on her lap and was spinning the yarn. When she needed more she just "plucked" it right from the rabbit that was on her lap and continued spinning. It was amazing. More on the goodies that I picked up later.

Happy Birthday Nancy!

2007-04-29T15:38:00.000-04:00

Ohhh, it's a tailgaiting dream come true! I don't think I've ever posted a picture of myself on my blog so here I am. My friends Bev & Ken and Grace bought me this "tent" that I've been wanting for so long. What you see is a real porta potty. We can bring this for tailgaiting at Nascar races (Mom, you don't have to pee in the woods anymore), football games and even for camping. My darling husband bought the 5 gallon bucket along with the snap on toilet seat. We're ready for the summer! When I got home, my husband had put this together and ran toilet paper down the stairs from the front door all the way to the "potty" as a surprise.

OMG

2007-04-27T09:55:00.000-04:00

My home computer hard drive crashed. :-( It's not good. I called Dell yesterday 4/26. My warantee expired on 4/23. What the crap?? Anyway... I'm waiting for a replacement CD of Windows and then we'll try to get it back up and running with the Extended Warantee that I had to purchase so if the hard drive is in fact fried, then it will be replaced by Dell.

Computers. Can't live with 'em.... can't live with 'em.

2nd sock syndrome OH MY!

2007-04-17T08:38:00.000-04:00

I simply won't have it! I've already started my 2nd sock so I can have my very own first set of knitted socks. I can't wait to wear them both and feel the warm fuzzies between my toes. Stay tuned for the finished product and for my next trick... I may try to make a 2nd pair of socks with some beautiful koigu that my friend Susan gave me!

2nd sock

OMG it's my very first sock!

2007-04-16T09:22:00.000-04:00

It has a few things that I would change but here she is, my very first sock.

WIP

2007-04-12T07:34:00.000-04:00

Completed below is the Mason Dixon bathmat. It's so soft on your feet! It's already in one of my bathrooms and it looks great. I think I may make one again!

Okay-so as promised I said I was going to try to make my very first sock this year. I started it yesterday with my knitting group at work. We're teaming up to get it done together since none of us has ever knitted a sock before. I'm hoping I get get through the tough parts and really get it done this time. Wish me luck!

We interrupt this change purse for....

2007-03-24T20:28:00.000-04:00

A new washrag! This is a petal dishcloth pattern that I found on the wonderful internet here. My mother and I saw it and just had to make one QUICK! This one is mine.

My mother of course, had made hers into a fancy flower! It's the petal dishcloth on the bottom with a mason dixon warshrag inside. It's so cute. She also made a quickie crochet chain to tie it all together. Come on ??!!! Don't you want one.

Change Purse

2007-03-17T14:18:00.000-04:00

Where the heck have you been? So much has been going on since we got back from Daytona. Knittingwise and other. I'm finished up with my bag but need to stitch it up and make the handle...then it will be ready for felting. My friend Mandy who I am making the bag with needs to catch up so I've put that down for now until we are at the same point. 225 rows takes a long time!
So I'm back in Florida because my mom has not been feeling well so I've come to knit with her and make her feel better. Last night and today I made this change purse. It's in the washing maching right now getting felted. I got the simple pattern on line but I think the flap part is a little small. We'll see how it comes out. I made this with some needlepoint wool that my dh's grandmother gave me. Since I don't needlepoint, I thought I would try to make something different with it. The after pictures will come later.

L@@K at this!

2007-02-21T13:20:00.000-05:00

My mom made this beautiful scarf for me. It's a crochet pattern and it looks great on me!

What Can you Finish?

2007-02-21T13:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some of the items that I worked on during my long drive to FL and back. Thanks to my DH who drove most of the way, I was able to complete many of the above. I also started my sweater (more on that later). What will I do with all these!!??

How much can you knit on a trip to Florida?

2007-02-21T07:31:00.000-05:00

Stay tuned for the results. OUCH my hands hurt!

What a long strange trip its been.....

2007-02-16T09:11:00.000-05:00

So those of you who know me, know that I've had our trip to Florida planned for many many months to attend the infamous Daytona 500~! Unfortunately mother nature played a wicked role in our travel plans this year and our flight was cancelled on Wednesday. More unfortunately was the fact that every flight out of every Washington DC airport to every airport in Florida was booked up until Saturday. Guess what?

We're driving to Florida!

Here's what we started out with Wed morning. Ice, snow, sleet and cold.

Here we are later... Welcome to North Carolina - Green grass, green trees and warmer weather.

So anybody who has driven south on the 95 knows the highlight is Pedro. Pedro is the icon of the drive down 95. South of the Border (this is where the border of South Carolina is) is a milestone on the drive.

There are mucho billboards alerting you to the exact mileage to get to South of the Border. It is a countdown of sorts.

Here we are! Restaurants, Hotels and Hot Tamales OH MY!

I don't have pictures of us arriving in Georgia or Florida. I was doing some driving then while DH was sleeping. But then I had to break out the light for some nighttime knitting.

This thing worked great. Not a bother to DH or otherwise. I got a bunch of knitting done. It sits on your ear! Check it out.
That's all for now! Tomorrow we attend the Busch race!

The Stash...

2007-02-10T13:52:00.000-05:00

So some of you may think that this really can't constitue a stash considering that I don't really have that much yarn. I've been diligent in my quest to not buy more than I can realistically use. So far I've been doing pretty well. Some of the yarn I have has been gifts so that really doesn't count.
Drawer One: In the picture below is actually some needlepoint yarn that was given to my by DH grandmother. It's 100% wool and I was thinking that I could felt a bowl for her. I just have not gotten to it yet. I will though soon. Below you also see the only 2 skeins of koigu that I own. That was a gift as well from my friend Susan. There's a few things of sock yarn here too. That's one of the things on the list for 2007. Socks. I must make myself a pair of stinking socks.

Drawer Two: Here on the left is the yarn for my sweater that I'm going to try to make for myself. It was on the cover of the Creative Knitting Magazine. I talked about it on my blog here. Also, for those of you following my blog, the purple yearn on the right toward the back is the yarn from that blanket that my mother made me frog. Really, it was the right thing to do.

Drawer Three:

Two cases of needles on the left. Also on the right in the bin is all my circular needles. Addi Turbos in one section and all others in the other section. I keep all the packages so they fit neatly in there.
You may have noticed that there were no Sugar n Cream in any of those drawers. That's because they have their own home outside of the cabinet. There's too much (especially my sister Linda bought me a bunch for christmas.
So that's all I got (for now). Impressed??!!

WIP - Capelet

2007-02-10T13:38:00.000-05:00

I started this on Tuesday. It's going to be a small capelet. I saw a friend wearing one and I thought, I could so make that. I'm going to sit down and finish it up today after I finish up putting all my stuff away back in my craft cabinet.

So remember when I bought this ? The door was broken and I've been waiting for a proper replacement since last year! Well.... long story short, they had to replace the entire thing so it was a proper time for me to reorganize all my crafts and yarn and things. Wasn't my DH scared when I had emptied it all and he saw everything that I so neatly 'hid'.

Happy Birthday Mandy!

2007-01-23T12:35:00.000-05:00

Hee hee - I made another cake for my friend Mandy. Hers was "special" because it was gluten free! She loved it. Yummmmie. Look at these! How cute! My friend Joan gave these to me. They remind me of pogs. You can use these to attach to gift bags or put inside boxes before you give out your knitted gifts! Thanks Joan!
My friend Kitty is just learning to knit. Let's all add another one to the mix! I love it when new knitters are just starting out. It makes me remember how excited (and obsessed) I was to just knit every minute of every day. She will be joining my Wednesday stitch n bitch that I have at work. It's always fun to have a new member.

Last night I casted on the stitches needed to start my very first sweater. I'm thinking it's going to take me a while to decipher the pattern and such so don't look for any pictures or updates just yet. I'll get back with ya!

Holly Jolly Christmas

2007-01-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some of my goodies that I received for Christmas. My sister Linda sent this yarn tote filled with Sugar 'n Cream. Hmmm... I wonder what she wants me to make her for her Birthday!

My Mom sent me this yummy Lion Brand tote. It's quite big! I've got my felted bag project in there that I'm working on in tandem with my friend Mandy. We both had to put it down in order to finish up some holiday knitting. She's been a knitting fool since I taught her and made everyone in her family scarfs for Christmas!

Below are some other great items I received from my Mom as well as my Brother and his Fiance Michelle. I love these great little accessories that you just can't get along without.
We'll here it is folks. The lite up knitting needles. My Brother and Michelle got these for me. Aren't they just the coolest?

Here is something I bought myself. It's a cross stitch pattern (no I'm not giving up knitting) but I miss my cross stitch and thought this would be something great for our kitchen. My husband loves roosters and actually when he was in the military everyone called him Rooster. I'm going to change the "doodle doo" at the bottom to actually say "Rooster". I think it would be super cute. I don't like that frame so when It's all done, I will take it in and pick something more appropriate.

What the New Year Brings....

2007-01-05T09:27:00.000-05:00

What the New Year brings is the unknown. So far we have a few exciting things planned:
On Christmas Day, we found out that Paul's mother got engaged. Her boyfriend works for Boeing and has been asked to work on a project in Italy. So not only are they getting married, but they are moving to Italy! On they day before New Years Eve, we found out that they are getting married on Jan 14th! So we had to make a quick scramble to get some flights to Montana which is no small feat considering a few things that are challenges in that respect.

So I suspect that a trip to Italy is in the cards for this year. We'll have to wait until they get settled but I'm already thinking of when we can go and for how long. Italy certainly wasn't on the agenda for 2007 but I think I can make an exception!

In February, we'll be going to Flordia to visit my Mother and Brother. We'll be attending the Daytona 500 for the 2nd time. This will be so much fun, I can't wait to go and to see my mother as well. We went with them 2 years ago and I'm hoping that we can make this more of an annual event now that we have purchased our own tickets (when you have your own tickets you get first 'dibs' on tickets for the following year with the hopes of upgrading if possible).

Knitting in 2007:
My first sweater
Finish the child's sweater that I started in 2006
More warshrags (of course!)
My first socks
Finish first felted bag WIP

Hmmm... I think I need to work on that list.

So little time...

2007-01-03T18:31:00.000-05:00

Sorry it took so long to get this up.

Here are the results.

Soon, soon....

2006-12-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's Christmas Eve.... so much excitement. I had to take my husband to the ER for an allergic reaction to ??. We're not sure. That took about 4 hours. I'm feverishly working to finish the hat now and get all the flowers done. I've got the scarf blocking upstairs and it's almost ready for a picture debut.

Stay tuned.

Debbie Bliss.... Why Why Why???????

2006-12-22T16:06:00.000-05:00

So... I'm back. I've been sick for just about 3 weeks. So sick, I couldn't do any knitting :-( Crazy isn't it. I've been catching up but I'll neverr be back on track with what needed to be done for Christmas.

In any event, I started the scarf and hat from my last post. Do you know, that the pattern calls for 2 skeins for each the hat and scarf. I started the hat and I didn't have enough yarn. Well.... I bought that yarn in Columbia MD and I wasn't going back there so I went to my local yarn store in Alexandria, VA. They had the yarn but I was worried about the dye lot. The woman told me right off the bat that they have had problems with all the patterns in this book and they have been telling all their customers that you will need more than what the pattern calls for. I wish the ladies at the place where I had picked it up knew that at the time.

Any who... Picked up another skein and darn it - it was so close in color to the ones that I had. I pulled the price tag off of it when I got home and found out that it was the SAME DYE LOT! Crazy! I guess I got lucky. Why Debbie Bliss, oh why?

Did I say cashmere?

2006-12-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

OMG. Look at this.... it's cashmere. Debbie Bliss PURE cashmere. It's beautiful. It's wonderful. It's so so so soft. I don't know what possessed me to purchase this yarn but when I saw the pattern for this cute little ensemble and I just couldn't resist. Who is that girl? I think it's her fault. Yea, let's blame it on her.

Things....

2006-11-30T07:35:00.000-05:00

I finished this scarf for my bosses daughter. She's 6 years old. I love the look with the little knots on the ends of the fringe!

Finished this on the way in to work this morning on the train. I'm so close to finishing all my Holiday presents!

These are the next colors for Mason Dixon warshrags!

Another scarf.

2006-11-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

I'm continuing to complete Christmas presents and get them wrapped and ready. How's your list going?

Oh Boy what a Joy!

2006-11-12T14:17:00.000-05:00

Completed this today. It had been so close to being finished but had been put off to the side while I was working on my felted bag. So cute!

Current Project...

2006-11-09T19:32:00.000-05:00

So my friend Mandy says "Let's make a felted bag together!" Here's the progress... only 200 more rows to go (OMG). The pattern is the free one that comes from Lion Brand. We're rolling along! I've got to get going on some of my Christmas projects this weekend. More to come!

Boo!

2006-10-31T19:45:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween. Got these scarves finished for the Christmas pile. I love this chunky yarn. It
goes so fast!

Happy Birthday Susan!

2006-10-27T07:49:00.000-04:00

For my friend Susan's birthday. A cake without the calories! Only lots of Sugar n Cream...

Christmas Cuties!

2006-10-21T14:17:00.000-04:00

Could these be any cuter?

Christmas is coming people

2006-10-20T07:53:00.000-04:00

I'm working hard at my Christmas presents. Have you begun? I wasn't too happy with the colors of this. I was hoping for a "red, white and blue" theme. The blue I chose was Navy but it was so dark, it looks like black. :-(

Baaaa

2006-10-18T18:38:00.000-04:00

I arrived home today to find this! A super cute bookmark from Michelle. I can't wait to put it in my book that I am reading (Harry Potter 6 - I know, I know - I'm a little behind). THANKS Michelle.

Projects and Works...

2006-10-15T16:56:00.000-04:00

This is my new sweater project. Hmmm... doesn't look like much yet but ... if you look here, you will see that it will become something very pretty (let's hope). It's the sweater on the cover of the November 2006 Creative Knitting magazine.
Here are a few Mason Dixon dishcloths that I finished while on vacation. I finished two other items but they are Christmas presents and can't be shown on the blog.

Long Overdue...

2006-10-15T11:23:00.000-04:00

Package arrives from Singapore! Oh my.
Wonderful goodies inside including earrings, beads, two small purses, stuff to make green tea ice cream (yummie) and some very special yarn (see below).

All - I know that this is long overdue. This is the final package that I received from my secret pal. With things so crazy and our trip to Mexico, I was not able to post the wonderful things that Kessa sent to me. She is from Singapore and the most beautiful thing shown above is some yarn that she HAND DYED herself. WOW. I can't wait to figure out what I am going to make with that. I know that it will be something special just for me!

Knitting in Mexico!

2006-10-15T11:18:00.000-04:00

Does it get any better? Knitting in the pool.

Vindicated.....

2006-10-03T08:01:00.000-04:00

I just can't talk about it....

2006-10-01T19:06:00.000-04:00

OMG... how did this happen?? My first sweater attempt. Look at it! I read the directions and thought that it was going well... "Dec 1 st at each end of the next 5 rows, then on every foll alt row until 10 sts rem". I assumed it was decrease one every other row. Well.... this is what I got.

Too Cute!

2006-09-12T07:55:00.000-04:00

Finished this last night for a friend. How cute it looks all tied up with a bow.

September 11th - A Memory

2006-09-11T08:31:00.000-04:00

As I pass the Pentagon this morning, I think back to an ordinary day five years ago. It was a Tuesday. I arrived to work at 7:30. All was quiet, not many people come in that early. I got up from my desk and Sheila said take a look at this! She was reading a news website that was showing a picture of Tower I on fire. I said “Is that for real? Let’s go to a TV and check it out”. We walked around the bend to a co-workers desk and turned on the TV and were mesmerized by what we saw. As more people came in, we all just stood.. hovered around that TV staring and watching the events unfold.

When the plane hit the Pentagon, that’s when it took an even closer, more personal turn. My phone started ringing off the hook. Are you okay? Is Paul okay? Family and friends called in to check and see where we were. Had we made it to work? Most people know that the subway here runs underneath the Pentagon and they were worried. Even though I had not heard from Paul yet, I knew he was okay. He was working at the White House at the time and I thought there could be no safer place. Then I heard it on the news… reports saying that the plane that hit the Pentagon was probably intended to hit the White House. I was stunned. I immediately counted my blessings and let out some tears when Paul called from out on the street around the White House where they had been evacuated. I made more calls then giving the all clear.

More co-workers arrived, everyone just stood. We all just stood in silence, in awe. We saw Tower 2 get hit and then we saw the Towers fall. We knew then that this day could never and would never be erased from our minds.

I got a ride home from a co-worker. The subway was shutdown... traffic was gridlock – everyone was trying to get home to their loved ones – simply to hold them and be thankful to be alive. I waited … Paul continued to work. The President came on that night… I waited…. I knew Paul was okay… and yet, I waited….. and when he came home, we hugged.

Update...

2006-09-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

It's been a few since I last posted. I had mentioned that I was going to FL immediately followed by a quick trip to TX. Here's an update.

I had brought my blanket with me to FL to have my Mom help me with the ends and things. You know... there are certain things only a Mom can tell you.... well... she told me that my blanket had too many mistakes and that if it were her blanket, she wouldn't give it to anyone. Now... sounds harsh but I took it well and realized that she was right as she helped me frog all 10 skeins. Another lesson learned. There are so many! It's a sad sad day.

I happily casted on for a new project. A little girl sweater. It's my first sweater so we'll see how it goes. So far nothing too complicated. I'm moving slowly. This sweater is from Rowan and you can see it here.

Meanwhile... as always I'm knitting more warshrags. Here is my latest. This is my first Mason Dixon one. It took a few tries to get it going but I've got the pattern moving now. I'm almost done actually!

While in TX I taught my friend and her daughter to knit. It was great! It's amazing how quickly some people catch on to things. Stefani was rolling along on her scarf so fast and her daughter, even though she was a leftie, picked it up quick as well with me trying to show her and trying to knit as a leftie. It was pretty funny!

I picked up some of this thick and quick stuff and knit a fast scarf. It's a good teaching yarn. Knits up just like it says. QUICK. This will be a gift for my Boss's daughter. She's 6 years old. How perfect with all the pretty colors. I need to locate another skein to make the fringe. I went to my Michaels last night and didn't see any. Will have to search elsewhere. I have time though since I think it will be one of my Christmas presents. Christmas! Yikes. We're already talking about Christmas.

Presto Chango

2006-08-25T07:36:00.000-04:00

I frogged the dishrag that I photoed in my last post and made this one instead. I'm giving it to my sister even though she's been making fun of me for all the crazy knitting I've been doing. Hmmm.. maybe I should keep it!

Almost done!

2006-08-21T18:20:00.000-04:00

I've been diligently working on my blanket and it's almost done. I'm on the last ball of yarn before I start working on the border. I'll be glad when it's completed. It's become quite boring to knit but I'm determined to not start anything else until it's done. (Except of course my subway projects since the blanket is just too big to bring on the subway!).

I sent my secret pal her last package today. It's kinda sad to see this all coming to a close. I sure hope that this package gets to Australia safe and intact. I've enjoyed reading her blog. She just posted up what she made with the koigu that I sent her in the first package. Wow... it's beautiful. Check it out.

I'm leaving for Florida on Friday to see my Mom and Brother. My sister and 2 nephews are also going to FL (they are leaving tomorrow) and we will be able to hang for a few days (my trip is only Friday-Tuesday. I'm hoping to have my blanket completed and have Mom help me with all those ends that need to be tucked away! I also want to block it while I am there. The thing looks like a mess right now.

Here is the next dishcloth that I've been working on. I'm not so crazy with the pattern but it's cute. I'm ready for this one to be done.

Another one!

2006-08-13T07:28:00.000-04:00

I got this done last night. I'm heading to Floriday in 2 weeks and wanted to have a few of these done to give to my new 'sister-in-law' to be Michelle that I'm going to meet in person for the first time. Mom says she likes blue so I hope she likes these. I really like the basket weave pattern...it's easy and it looks great! I better get cracking on that blanket. My friend is going to pop that baby out in no time at all and I won't be ready. Guess I'll work on that today when my company leaves. All is quiet now... everyone is still sleeping... we wore those kids out yesterday!

Tuesday Morning Commute...

2006-08-08T08:06:00.000-04:00

On my way to work this Tuesday morning, I completed this while I listened to Brenda's latest edition of Cast-On!

Ahhhh Summer Weekends....

2006-08-07T13:31:00.000-04:00

Watching the sunrise on the most perfect day is priceless... especially when it's with your husband. We spent the weekend with friends here in Virginia cruising around on a jet ski and a boat...... fishing and having lots of fun.

Here we are sunrise 6:15am on Sunday. Ahhh priceless.

Knitting was scarce this weekend because fishing was on the agenda! I caught an 18" stripper fish. Boy did he taste good for dinner! We were out in the boat around 6:30 and back by 9:00 to beat the heat. It was a perfect time and the fish were certainly biting well. Janet and I caught a bunch of fish before Paul even got his first bite! Who said girls can't fish?
This morning I started this on the train to work. I like the squares. It will make a cute dish rag. I'm having a lot of fun making these and ignoring the fact that I want to make and finish my first sock. I read my secret pal's blog and she whipped out a few socks this weekend again! Boy does she make us all look bad.

What's up?

2006-08-01T20:28:00.000-04:00

Finally I went to the mailbox... it had been a few days. If you saw how close my mailbox is to my house, you'd laugh and say "Why the heck don't you get your mail everyday". It has been so hot that while I do pass it on my way home, I'm making a quick beeline to my house to get back in the air conditioner. I did find this awesome postcard from our SP8 hostess Bobbie. I was pretty excited. It's from Wisconsin as you can clearly tell. I've never been to Wisconsin before. The picture is "Balanced Rock overlooks Devils Lake State Park, near Baraboo, Wisconsin".
I love getting postcards fun!

I've gotten the dish cloth bug so to speak so I've been knitting these up like crazy. They don't take much time and best of all, they don't cost very much. I've already been using mine and after I washed the smaller one, it looked even better! The SP8 pal that I have had made one from the Mason Dixon book that she posted on her blog so I purchased that today via Amazon. I can't wait to get it! I also picked up Maggie Sefton's new one A Deadly Yarn. I can't wait to read that one. I really enjoyed these books.

Look at this cute bag that I bought from a friend of mine who happened to have an extra. It's actually a fancy lunch bag that is now my getaway knitting bag to take with me on the train ride to work. It's perfect!
Here's the next one I'm making, it's a basket weave pattern. I've been pulling different designs right from my perpetual calendar that my husband bought me for Christmas. Santa had sent him an email telling him that I wanted it. I'm so glad that Santa is in on the information age and on email! This is a great calendar with lots of design ideas. You'll never ever run out.

I probably could have been more productive with my knitting this weekend but instead, I finally installed new faucets in my bathroom. They look really sweet and are much more functional that the old ones we had.

Another...

2006-07-27T20:17:00.000-04:00

Finished this last night and used it this morning! Love it!

The latest...

2006-07-26T19:34:00.000-04:00

I made this dishcloth this week. I was inspired by a calendar that my friend Susan bought me for Christmas. This was super easy and super fun and will be super useful.

I'm still working on my blanket but I am seriously close to finishing that. I can't work on that on the train ride to work because it's too big now so I need small things that I can carry with me. I'm still struggling with the sock so I've put that aside for now. I will be back oh vicious sock.... I will be back.

Thanks Secret Pal!!!

2006-07-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

I got an email today that said my secret pal has given me a gift voucher at an online yarn store called kpixie!!! Yippie. I can't wait to comb the website and find something just for me.

Thanks secret pal! You're the best.
:-)

My Crazy Company....

2006-07-18T20:08:00.000-04:00

Well folks, it's that time again... Shark Week on Discovery Channel (July 30-Aug 5). Here's what I found coming in to work on Monday....

Steamy.... Hot

2006-07-15T18:00:00.000-04:00

Things here in D.C. have been steamy hot. The temperature has been about 90+ degrees and the humidity has been about 90%. We try to go outside but can only last about 15 minutes or so. It's been quite an adjustment since we got back from Montana.

I've been knitting on my blanket and tried like heck to get that sock done. Unfortunately I had to pull it out. Maybe socks just aren't for me? I restarted a new sock that is a footie type sock and I'm still struggling. I tend to get confused on how to hold the DPNs looking at the outside... looking at the inside.... it's nuts. I see that I've made a bunch of mistakes and have the wrong stitches a few rounds because I was holding the thing wrong. I'm just not really sure what I'm doing wrong. I guess it will have to be trial and error. I'm going to keep going and see what happens at the recommendation of my friend Susan and see after it starts to take better shape. I'll take a picture of the sorry looking thing later or tomorrow ... even though it's quite embarrassing. I'm waiting for my Mom to get home so that we can jump on MSN and turn on our Web Cams and show each other stuff. Love that internet!