~ Jul 6th ~

its been a very good day ~ I got to get out of the house around 3p and hangout at a coffee shop. I'd never been to this one and I had a blast. I also got some major instant gratification in too ~ I made 2 crocheted dishcloths, count 'em ....one, two. They are the same, yet they aren't. I did one using a G hook and the other a J which is a little bigger than the other but I don't care. I love them and one will be for my L2KDC pal in our next exchange.

Yarn ~ Sugar n Cream ~ Creamsicle

Pattern ~ Crochet Flower Dishcloth

I also started on my monthly dishcloth kal and I managed to get 18 rows done today. I hope to finish it off by tues. Here is a pic, not sure the color yet but its kinda turquiose though this month's color was teal or shrimp ~ didn't have either so I improvised. ;)

Yarn ~ Peaches n Cream
Needles ~ #8 circs I've also made some progress on the B2S and I am liking it very much.

Its very hot around here and we will definitely need to make a change because we are starting to have difficulty breathing. We know we need to move and its just a matter of finding the right place, at the right price too. I don't want to have to work full-time or increase my pt hours to be able to afford a place because it would make homeschooling very challenging. It is definitely something our family is praying about.

Sk8chick treated us to dinner and then we went to Sbux for some knitting time ~ it was fun though noisy at times. We cashed in on some treats and now we are home. The kiddos are watching a movie and I'm updating my blog. Not much else to report, so I'll talk at ya later.

~ Happy Memorial Day ~

Its been very busy for me lately hence the neglected blog. I've not been reading, blogging or knitting much. I've managed to complete 2 of my pressing projects this weekend which I'm very excited about ~ SWiii socks & my ISE6. I will be visiting the PO tomorrow to get them on their way along w/some other goodies that need to be sent out. My new work schedule along w/the rising cost of gas will now be the main reasons I will be limiting my swapping especially since getting to the PO is more difficult to arrange even for the 24/7 machine. LOL I've only one more swap package to send actually and that is to be sent in July then I'm done. I will only be an angel and swap stickers which I can send from my house as long as I have stamps on hand ~ now where did I put that book of stamps. heehee I love swapping but my life is a bit too complicated for them now. I'll just participate in kals and groups and watch others swap. ;) I know I'll miss the fun but to be fair and not disappoint anyone, I'll sit out for a season.

On the home front ~ I'm working on my flylady tasks on mon & tues when I'm home though I've been doing the zone from the week before, much easier for me. Its coming along and I'm pleased to say I'm finding things that have been missing for a while. My new pt has been awesome and stressful at the same time. I spend most of my week at the store, but its temporary ~ we are in the process of hiring more staff, and there is much to do and learn. I spend my sundays sleeping in or knitting at the lys before going to work and mon & tues hanging out w/the kiddos doing school, playing games and cleaning. We'd like to move in the next 6mos so its best to get started on downsizing. I've enjoyed the process this time round, I guess b/c I know exactly what I want and where I'm going unlike in the past.

School is coming along and I've lots of ideas and plans running thru my head. I want to do more, see more and read more so that will be my focus when I return from my conference. I'll be going to a CM conference in 2 wks to learn more, be recharged and spend time reflecting/resting and enjoying the company of some online friends. When I get back we will start our summer program which will actually be a 6wk school plan w/2wks off before starting again. This will help w/planning and keeping me from getting bored or sidetracked. They have improved a lot in the last few weeks though I'm finding that they need more of my attention than I gave them but glad I'm able to do so now.

I've not been reading much lately either ~ though I'm leading/helping w/3 book studies at the moment. Besides these, I've not read anything not even my email. I've over 300 emails to read and respond to but I've not had the energy to do them. I've done the moderator ones, those I must do but I'll get to my own personal emails soon. Btw, this means if you've emailed me in the last 8 days, I've not read it and will soon. ;)

On the knitting front ~ I've already mentioned that I finished the Sock Wars socks and my scarf for my ISE6 pal. I've only 3 other projects OTN ~ my CPH, my friends Peds and a snuggle scarf ~ a gift. I've not been motivated to start anything else nor have I've had the time. I did manage to use my 2 free days from SAL and I purchased some clearance cotton on one of them ~ lovely bright colors. I'm not sure what I used my other purchase on ~ I've packed up alot of my yarn but it was probably sock yarn. LOL

Today, I spent time cleaning a hot spot in my room then we went shopping. I picked up some items for an angel package I'll send tomorrow and then to Wally World for yummies. We had a mini-bbq at house just for us. It was fun and we are full. The kiddos and I watched "Juno" afterwards, I actually didn't watch the whole thing but its was funny what I did watch. Not fond of the explicit language but I think it might have been a good film ~ the verdict is still out for me. All in all its been a wonderfully peaceful day and I did take time to be silent today though it wasn't at 3p. I hope you all had time w/your family and memories of those who have gone before us. I think thats why it was very peaceful around here too.

I'm going now, need to go to bed ~ busy day tomorrow. Have a great week!

Knitting updates

Here are the posts I have on Stashalong about my 2nd quarter goals, 1st quarter update and my April KAL n KAL. It is easier to copy and paste then to type it all again so I combine both posts below. ;D

~ 2nd Quarter Goals ~

Wow ~ it was just yesterday we all began our stashalong commitments for '08 and now we are into the 4 month of the year already. My first quarter goals were not met as I'd like though I did manage to get some things done. I believe that I will need to change my strategy in order to have any true element of success and the first change must be to make a declaration.

"Sock yarn does count as stash ~ well at least for me!"

There, I've said it and I will hold to that for the remainder of the quarter since my stash growth has been due to skeins upon skeins of sock yarn. Oh they are lovely too but they take up a lot of space if you buy them in bulk. LOL What is a girl to do especially with such lovely colors for the season. Well, this girl will be abstaining and enjoy shopping in her own stash for awhile.

Quick review of first quarter goals:

Make 1 pr socks per month ~ completed 4 pr

Make 2 dishcloths per month ~ completed 3

Complete 1 UFO per month ~ completed 1
Something for Me ~ completed 1 item (Aurora)

Hmm....what happen here ~ not much obviously and I definitely hadn't planned for this especially since I've acquired more yarn than I actually used. So I will have to work from a different posture.

Here are my 2nd quarter goals:
1. complete WIPs
~ CPH
~ Monkey socks
~ ISE6 Scarf
~ Not Peds
2. complete UFOs
~ Baby Blanket
~ Country Cousins blanket
~ Baby Kimono
~ Toddler Sweater
~ Surprise Scarf
3. make 1 pr of socks per month
4. make 1 dishcloth per month

*no yarn purchase unless to complete a WIP or UFO; no free days unless earned thru KALnKALs or completion of WIPs & UFOs ~ really no need for purchase but will be an incentive to be done by June trip to North Carolina. You know, in case there is a lovely yarn shop or two on the way ~ I'll be driving from OK. ;D

Now to choose my April KALnKAL project. I've been having a hard time with this one but I may just use something OTNs ~ now that would help motivate me to get it done, right?! We shall see. Happy Knitting!

~ April KALnKAL ~

Loops Spring '08 Yarn Tasting Kit ~ rec'd at LYS party this weekend. ;)

Pattern: Yummy ~ a spring scarf by Shelley Brander

Needles: US 11 circs (I'm a tight knitter LOL)

Yarn: Leona (soft coral), Silken Straw (gold), Flotsam (orange/salmon), Pomaire (mauve), Prima (bright pink), and Jeannee (medium pink)

Hopeless Romantic ~ who me?

Yes, me ~ I will freely admit I am. I love all the soapy, girly, romances that make you all warm and fuzzy inside. I laugh, I cry and I even get mad but I still love them and Pride & Prejudice has my heart at the moment. I watched the final episode on PBS last night and love it even more than the first ~ no I didn't cry this time. ;D I thought about scenes from Hollywood's version last night too and how much I love the soundtrack. Aaah, its such a wonderous feeling and I just had to share it with you all. Now don't you feel special?!

I've been knitting though it has taken a urgent turn. The Madder socks are coming along and would have been done had I not discovered that the intended doesn't like cotton blend yarn. Ooops ~ how did I miss that tidbit of information, so they will be finished but not til the end of the week. I had to start a new pair of socks asap to have them ready by the end of the week. I have cast on for a pr of Nancy Drew Socks by Stitch-n-Snitch the lovely designer of my fav "Not Peds" and they are being worked in Regia Galaxy Jupiter Reds. I'm enjoying them and they are quick but I wish they were going much faster though I'm using magic loop its not. I have finally finished the gusset and working the foot. I had hope to be further to the toe decrease so that I could cast on #2 by tomorrow but it looks like that won't happen and I may have to inform my hostess and pal of a delay. That I don't really want to do because I'd like to be done w/this one to be ready to start ISE6.

Yes, I did it again but its for the 2nd quarter. I've joined International Scarf Exchange #6 which begins in mid-march. Woohoo ~ I'm looking forward to making a lovely scarf again and sending some good karma to my pal. More on that later but if you'd like to join, just click the above link ~ but hurry.

School is going well and I'm very pleased. Work has picked up and thats another reason my knitting is slow. I worked this evening for 3 1/2 hrs and will tomorrow too. I will get this done and I will have to sleep less to knit more, right?!

Off to finalize some group emails and to work on my sock while reading blogs and emails. Have a great one.

Recouping nicely, I think

We are all getting better and I am very grateful. I've had a rough day of coughing but I was able to stay up most of the day. I did take a little nap which is my usual thing when I'm home. ;D The kiddos are doing better though Sk8Chick is moving slow. I am happy to report the symptoms are moving quickly thru her system so she should be herself in the next day or two if she goes to sleep at night. She is a night owl so even though she doesn't feel well, she can't sleep.

I've been knitting and I've got some progress pics to share. Below I've also included pics of the packages I received while I was ill. They were very nice surprises during that week.

Up first ~ CPH left front. Knitting is going rapidly but I do get tired and my shoulders have been a bit achy so I've not worked on it since Sunday night. Yes, I watched Jane Austen Regrets and worked on my sweater ~ had to do something with my hands can't be idle. ;D I really am excited about how its turning out. ;D

Here is a close up of the cable work ~ nice huh?!

Next, I've been working on my Aurora which is really easy. I managed to get about 1/4 of the work done on it and can't wait to have it all finished to wear. If I can continue to work at this pace it will be ready for my driver's license picture. Now that would be stylish don't you think.

My other WIPs are languishing since I've not felt well and not motivated to work on them. I will get those Monkey socks done one day. I need to actually get my SI2M2 socks done, I've picked the pattern, I purchased some yarn but the yarn will not work with the pattern so I've got to get some more. I've found some to order and the seller does priority mail so I should have it next week and get cranking. I really wanted them done by next week so I could be working on the other goodies that go in the package but it didn't work out that way. Hmm...maybe I should change the pattern to match the yarn I have which would 1) save me $$, 2) allow me to get started tomorrow, and 3) keep w/my plan. I will be looking at sock patterns tonight. ;D

Here are my goodies I received:

1st ~ SI2M2 package from Singapore:

~ Nori flora garden bag w/lovely handspun sock yarn inside

~ Habu scarf kit from Tokoyo

~ Simply Sock book & Simply Knitting magazine

2nd ~ WhoDuKnit contest prize

~ ghirardelli assorted chocolates

~ peaches n pomegrate body scrub, wash & butter

~ angel book

~ I love cookies original double chocolate chip cookie

~ Felted soap kit ;D

Off to locate a sock pattern ~ more tomorrow. ;D

~ on the homestead ~

dinner ~ homemade waffles, scrambled eggs and tater tots

smells ~ sugar cookie candle

sounds ~ scooby doo videos

mood ~ cheerful

How about an update....

Oh I'm so tired and boy does my body hurt. I've been working for the past 14 days at the fair and there are 8 days left til opening. Today, I hung over 150 art prints and tomorrow I'll hang about 30 more then move on to the 1500 photos. LOL I'm enjoying my job but my body isn't. I wasn't aware that it was so physically taxing, I probably wouldn't have agreed to do the job. ;D Anywho, I got off work at 7:50p and hit a local LYS to pick up some goodies for my secret pal. I had about 6mins to look around and they had some lovely new stuff. I can't tell you what I got her but its soft and pretty, I hope she likes it. I then went to get us Singapore noodles for dinner as a treat for waiting for me to get off work. They are such troopers. After dinner, I took Sk8chick to Wal-Mart to p/u some personal and now sitting here checking email and writing this post. ;P

Yesterday I was too tired to go to knit nite at Panera's but I did manage to finish off my knitted food item for a swap along w/finishing off a dishcloth. I took a nice hot shower, fixed a cup of lemon honey tea and listen to my audio book ~ Curse of the Pharaohs by Elizabeth Peters. I check emails and stuff, since I'm suppose to be playing dishcloth bingo but overall I had a very relaxing evening and went to bed at 10p.

On the knitting front ~ besides finishing off the above mentioned, I've finished 2 other dishcloths, started one for my fall dishcloth swap, joined 2 swaps - Chocolate Lovers and ISE 5, planned purchases for other swaps and thinking about dropping out of a couple before partners are assigned, started a crocheted washcloth, planned my projects for next year's fair entries and dreamed about knitting. LOL

Well, I'd better go to bed because I'm starting to ramble and I don't know if this is making any sense. I'll check in on ravelry tomorrow and any other blogs I've missed. Talk w/you all soon. Have a great week!

Look what I've done...

following after my favorite knitter and all the rest of you ~ I've decided to start a knit-along in honor of Vogue Knitting's 25th anniversary. Come on over to VOGUEKnitting Knit-along and join the fun. I'll be looking for you.

Socks & more on the horizon

yep ~ more socks. I'm enjoying this very much. Didn't know I would like making socks but I do. Yesterday, I started my Garter Bars by Sockbug and I'm really liking them though I've only finished the ribbing and have just started the leg rounds. I'm looking forward to these and will also get dh's argyles back OTNs hopefully today.

Over at stashalong we are starting another kal n kal. This month's theme is "finishing" and thats very timely at least for me. I've got several things I'd like to finish but I will focus on the frozen lake shawl. Its really an easy pattern and I know I can do it but I've set aside and forgotten about it. I think I'll have to allot time for each project, you know like we do for our reading or school classes. In this way, I should be able to work on each project a little at a time. Hmm, really will need to plan this one so that the CPVest, which is abit big to carry around, will not be neglected either. I've slowed down on my knitting since I pulled a muscle in my upper back. I've worked a few rows a day though so that I don't lose too much momentum on getting it done. I've started the 2 set of color changes for the back and I'm pleased with that.

My garter bar socks are for my Aug-Sept challenge for the Sock Knitter Anonymous group. I'm excited because these will be my first full length, almost full length ~ I prefer calf, adult socks. I wanted to join the monkey sock swap but failed to send my email ~ its still in my draft queue. LOL I will be updating my sidebar w/more buttons and a FO section but for now have been striking thru my WIPs. ;D

I received my Summer Yard Sale swap package from Sharon. Its too cool.

~ calligraphy pen set
~ calendar notepad
~ 2 spiced wax tarts
~ 2 Caron patterns (shrug and wrap)
~ 4 skeins of Caron's Simply Soft Shadow
~ Country Home & Garden tote
~ 1 Green/blue/yellow/beige sweater for recycling*
*however, Riley wants to keep it.

Thx a bunch Sharon ~ I love my package.

Off to work on homeschool stuff, book study stuff, birthday presents, more knitting and stuff.

Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Something new....

in preparation for making my Mirepoix Bodice, I have agreed to work on a simplified fair isle pattern. Now fair isle is not for the faint at heart nor is it really for a beginning knitter. I have advanced from a beginning to an advanced beginner but I am also one who is willing to take a challenge and run with it. So when the kal for this lovely sweater came along I was all for it because its so beautiful. However, I've never done fair isle and my wonderful new knitting mentor thought I'd like trying something simpler and to practice sweater making while I'm at it. I agreed w/her wisdom and as we were looking for substitute yarn for the sweater, we began looking for something to make in the interim ~ the kal begins in October. We discussed the "tomato" and I have done a swatch using cascade sierra and got my gauge w/8s instead of 7s (tight knitter syndrome). I've been looking for more of the lovely color of this yarn so that I could begin when I received my copy of Creative Knitting in the mail. In this issue, is a simplified fair isle sweater called "color play vest" using worst weight yarn. I pulled out several skeins of TLC essentials and some Caron Simply Soft to determine which would work. The actually vest was made with the Caron but I didn't have enough colors to make one that would be interesting to wear. LOL

Today, with Riley's help, have selected my 6 colors and created a swatch. The pattern called for 8s but I didn't get gauge with those and moved up to 10s. I did and began work. I'm pleased to say it is a lot of fun. I'll take a pic in the morning its too dark in here for you to see it clearly. I've been working on the left front of the vest instead of starting with the back ~ I was concerned that I wouldn't like it so didn't want to waste too much time or yarn on it. I'm pleased to say, I do like it very much and it looks very nice, well except for the first row of color change where I held the yarn abit too tight. I've managed to loosen it as much as possible so hopefully it will not be too obvious or create a fitting issue. Here is a pic from the article.

I am excited because it really is like working a cross-stitch project using yarn. I've only done needlepoint once but cross-stitch I love just as much as crocheting, I love reading the charts and figuring out how to get the picture on the blank cloth that was on the cover. I love puzzles too which is why I was intrigue by making the Mirepoix. It looks like a larger cross-stitch pattern and jigsaw puzzle all in one. ;D

Overall, its be a good day though it didn't end as I'd hope. Which is why I'm glad I'm enjoying my new project. We were set to go to a free concert this evening to hear the group "Leeland" but we didn't get to go nor to the knit night. I was feeling abit bummed because I have been looking forward to this all summer but I'm getting better as I work on the sweater. My peds are coming along lovely too ~ I'm 6 rows from finishing the heel flap of the 2nd one.

I fixed dinner but it was something new too. I've never made this before but it was a hit. I took some fancy macaroni noodles ~ these were ones purchased at Williams Sonoma ~ and added a can of diced tomatoes, ground turkey and various seasons. I served it with green beans. Even my picky eater had seconds though I ended up w/her tomatoes ~ she doesn't eat them. ;D

I'm off now to return to my knitting and listening to audio books. I've finished Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith and almost done with The Mummy Case by Elizabeth Peters. I have a love/hate relationship with the heroine's of both books series. I'm enjoying it very much. More tomorrow, must update my file on simplifying my cleaning practices and my lovely clean kitchen ~ especially the sink. ;D

~ Vegan Pal 2 Contest #1 ~ pt 2

~ Yarn Review ~

Louet Euroflax
Sport Wt.
2.75-3.5 mm needles (2-4 US)
6 sts per inch
1300 yds/lb
100% Wet Spun Linen

~ I've never used linen before and was looking forward to it. I received this yarn as a gift in a No Sheep Swap and in my favorite color. After using it, I wouldn't say it is my favorite vegan yarn but I do love the finished product. The knitted items are very soft and squishy. Working with the yarn takes some getting use to. It is a single ply yarn which I wasn't aware of until after struggling w/it for about a week. After getting some input from some other knitters discovered that what I was experiencing with the yarn was typical and this made it a much better knit. The yarn is uneven ~ it can be thin then thick then thin again. It is abit pricy at about $19 a skein. The linen will make lovely garments but I think I'd rather sew with linen than knit with it. I'm not sure if I will be using it again anytime soon but would love to see my friend's curtains once he has been able to acquire the needed skeins to make them. The cost is delaying his project too.

~ Vegan Pal 2 Contest #1 ~

We have our first contest ~ Pic of knitting in public and/or write a yarn review. I was going to do the yarn review but haven't taken the time to write one. Maybe later. Here are 2 pics of knitting in public. Enjoy!

This is me pretending to be the Yarn Harlot
~ My 2nd pair of "Not Peds" ~

~ Me knitting w/my friends in Panera ~

who knew knitting in public was so hilarious!

photo woes cont'd....

earlier I thought I would have to write a totally different post than what will follow. It went something like this:

"as if it couldn't get any worse.....but it has. all the pictures are now gone from the camera. I have no pics. ;(*

I'm so glad to report that I don't have to start this post like that nor do I have to be sad any longer. It appears that my camera and its batteries were the problem. Most of the pics are gone that were on the camera but since we had uploaded those to the computer it was ok. I'm not sure what happened but the camera and software worked together and rebooted my camera with the pics that hadn't been loaded. Yeah me! So here are the pics I wanted to share and I'll try to describe them. ;D

~ LB Wool Ease (1 sk used)

~ Country Cousin Blanket Squares ~

~ PnC Sea Mist plus White & SnC Periwinkle (2 1/2 sk used)

~ 2 Sonia's Speedy Dishcloths ~

~ SnC Natural Ombre and Natural (1 sk used)

~ Sonia' Speedy Dishcloth (pic to coming soon) ~

~ FO Dishcloth in PnC Denim ~ (1 sk used)

~ Lip Balm Swap 2 ~

photo woes....

my camera and computer have decided not to be friends anymore. Today is our update day for the KAL n KAL which means you are to include progress pics. Well, those are stuck on my camera waiting to be freed. I've got a few pics but they don't really help me. Whats a girl to do?! I've tried rebooting my computer but to no avail. I finally went to the website and asked for help. Now we wait. I can't even load the software on the new computer because....Sk8Chick doesn't know where the cd is. Yikes! The new software requires Windows 2000/XP/Vista, which of course I don't have and now will probably have to get in order to be apart of the "in" crowd again.

Ok, no more whining ~ I do have a few pics that were done yesterday that I can share. That should help a bit. I must go to flickr to get them so that will be another post maybe tomorrow when I have more time and more energy. I'm off to knit more on my ped, listen to "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate" and read Ravelry.

Have a good one!

Updating....

I'm still abit tired but must update w/pics for the One Skein challenge. I haven't forgotten you guys on the PGA highlights, they are coming. But w/o further ado here are my progress pics and additions:

Louet Linen ~ washcloth & knitted puffy ~ have about 1/4 left and working on a soap sack

New Skeins ~ PnC & SnC cotton

FOs ~ Dishcloths in PnC Pink Lilacs

KPs Shimmer ~ Frozen Lake Shawl ~ had to frog today b/c lost several rows then the yarn knotted on itself. Almost back where I was in an afternoon. ;D

More info and pics later this weekend. Now off to watch football w/dh. Have a great evening!

ps ~ sorry pics aren't as nice and bright as I'd like, me thinks its time for new camera. I'll try to take them over tomorrow when the sun's out. LOL

Its Friday ;D

I used to wonder what people meant by TGIF and after a very long, stressful week I now truly understand. Though I'd say thank God each day, today I'm really glad its the weekend. I look forward to resting and spending time cleaning my house. I haven't been as focused on it due to all the driving but you wait, I'm going to get my act together and clean. Yelp, I sure will, or at least get the kiddos to do it. LOL

Last night, Sk8Chick and I decided to have on own knit-in. We staged this because we were unable to go out to either the LYS or Starbucks. ;D Boy, have we been spoiled in doing that for the past few weeks. Anyway, we pulled out a book on cd and cd player, several of the library books, some yarn and current projects, our notebooks, hot tea and cookies and we talked, oohed and aahed over the designs and patterns, worked on our projects and planned more. We had a lot of fun, even Riley joined us for a little while. We didn't get to the book though, we had too much fun listening to the classical cd "Water Music." Very lovely too. Sk8Chick had a hard time deciding what to make w/her gift yarn and I looked for patterns for my shawl and bath set. I did find a bath set pattern in the "One Skein" book and I believe that will also be my project for the August KAL n KAL.

I received 2 packages yesterday ~ 1 was my ugly dishcloth exchange and the other was from the Tea Party Swap. They both were great. I really loved each of my gifts and can't wait to try out my new teas.

Ugly Dishcloth

Tea Party Swap

Off to get some packages ready for the PO and a quickie nap ~ I've been up since 5a and I'm a bit tired. I work tonight and I don't want to fall asleep standing up. If anything worth writing happens later, I'll post. If not, have a great weekend.

"Teapot is on, the cups are waiting,

Favorite chairs anticipating,

No matter what I have to do,

My friend, there's always time for you."

(this is on the back of my Apple Cinnamon Tea)

Life on the treadmill

Whew! I'm glad this week is almost over. It has been very tiring driving so much, but I shall not complain because I was able to drive. ;D I've managed to finish my goals for the Stashalong's KAL n KAL. Yeah me! I even received a request for a personal cloth and for cloths to purchase. Now I'll have to find a pattern that will allow me to sell the finished product or just make up one. Now that might be fun.

The girls and I went to Starbucks this evening to experience the Coffee Session but that didn't happen. We didn't get the right info and didn't know that we were suppose to sit on a particular side of the cafe' so we missed out though we were just across the room. Well, we decided not to barge in and listened, played mexican train and knitted. It really was a disappointing evening when I could have spent time at both my lys. Oh well, tomorrow I will be hanging out at my fav lys and meeting a new friend, hopefully. ;D

I will update the pics later of my finished cloths ~ need to crop them but can't do it while on the net, you know that slow computer processor issue. LOL I made 2 washcloths yesterday, crocheted for my dc ~ one was the special requested I mentioned. While the Da Boy and I was waiting for the eye doctor he told me how much he liked his handmade washcloth over Walmarts but he needed a new one so that he wouldn't wear out his current one. So, I used my superpowers and wiped up a new cloth in LB's cotton. Its navy and very soft. I made another later in blue/white LB cotton. They are both lovely and I will be making more over the weekend since they are so easy ~ about 1 1/2 hr of my time quietly making something for someone else. ;D

I'm going now, need to get some more emails read and replied too before going to bed ~ rise and shine at 4:30a. At least, I'll have about an hour of quiet time over coffee and my yarn. Have a great day!

ps ~ fellow swap recipients, be on the lookout ~ you're packages are on the move.

Whirlwind....

thats the best way to describe the past week and half. I have been knitting as I've been chauffeuring my family around town. I didn't realize how tired you could get from driving, waiting and driving some more in the heat. I've made great use of the time by making dishcloths and washcloths, reading patterns, listening to audio books and simply working to relax. There isn't much done at home but that will have to wait til we have our own car again, but I've managed to stay in budget again this week for groceries and make dinner each night except today. I didn't make dinner today because I was at a concert ~ Todd Agnew performed for free tonight at our new Riverpark. He sounded great and the storm passed quickly and didn't ruin the evening.

I've not had a chance to update my blogs but I've been thinking about all of you. I've even received several packages in the meantime and I've sent out several of them myself. I've been slow in getting them out because I've spent so much time driving instead of packing up boxes. I hope they all forgive me, I didn't mean to be late. ;D

Here are my progress pics for the July KAL

Stats ~ 6 dishcloths 4 done/3 WIPs; 4 washcloths 2 done/1 WIP

*the tan and white washcloth was crocheted during a 2hr trip to Bass Pro ;D



(ugly dishcloth exchange)












*I've run out of yarn for this one ;(

Swap packages: I Love Sock Yarn ~ from Else in Norway
(new pics tomorrow that are brighter)
beautiful postcard with a seagull in flight
2 skeins of Garnstudio's Fabel superwash
2 skeins of Safirgarn
5 packets of tea ~ Pompadour apple & fruit, Houji tea, Sogni d'oro camomilla, Teefix and Pickwick strawberry

Chapstick/Lip Balm ~ from PA
Bon Bon's Pink Lemonade & Root Beer Float
Avon's Jelly Beans & Winter Cherry

June Tote bag
3 skeins of Natural LB cotton
G Hook & yarn needles
I'll post the actual bag I'm making later along w/the rest of the package.

Gotta go now ~ more later in the week. Have a great week!

What a weekend....

Its been very busy around here mostly getting packages mailed and ready for mailing. Whew! I thought planning and shopping for the goodies was fun but I think wrapping them and packing is the most fun. So, SP and various swap partners be on the lookout ~ there are some goodies headed your way. I've managed to take pics of some of the goodies that aren't to be a secret, they are listed below. Yesterday was dh's day ~ we gave him his present the night before so that he would enjoy it while I was at work. Well, he decided not to open it until suggested cooking dinner with it. I must tell you, I was pleasantly surprised when he not only opened it, cleaned it but he cooked dinner. ;D It was his day and he blessed us with dinner, now thats an awesome day if I say so myself. We had grilled chicken ~ with some very peppery season of his choice, white rice, salad and french bread. Yummy! We even got to spend the afternoon together because I was allowed to leave work early. ;D

Here is what we gave him ~ sorry its abit blurred but its a George Foreman grill and cleaning sponges. He was very happy!

Now on the knitting n swapping front:

I finished my 2nd pair of Two needled socks. They are lovely and I'll take a pic once I seam them up.

I finished the DIY Exchange cloth and its time to send it out. Oh, this is so much fun. I get to share something I made with something someone else gave me. Its extra special and I hope my partner likes it. Here is the finished cloth. I used the daffodils pattern from my other dishcloth group ~ hopefully you can see it. It is a bit smaller than the other 2 I made but I believe its still lovely.

I participated in another Magic Ball Swap. We were to wrap things to pamper our partner in the yarn and I had a lot of fun getting this one together. I really hope Knittygurl likes it.

(these are the items selected for the ball ~ the body cream is missing that was also included)

(this is the yarn I used ~ Cascade Sierra in a lovely purple)

(this is the finished ball ~ it sure is round huh?! ;D)

I've ordered some books, cds and yarn and hopefully everything will arrive on time for my remaining swaps. I really am looking forward to the cd arrival and send out ~ its extra special. My coffee swap partner is doing well and I've wrapped up her coffee and goodies ~ her yarn is being special delivered. ;D So all thats left is to continue sending clues to my spoilee and wait for the postman.

I've nothing on the needles at the moment ~ well outside of the lost sock which I still haven't found the project bag. LOL I am thinking about picking up the white baby kimino and get that over and done with. I'm kinda bored but that should be remedy really quick with several new cloth kals that have started. I think I just need to spend some time outside and get a new perspective. I am working on my love walk and have been challenged lately in this area which may mean I need to spend more time working on it. ;D Its all good and I'm sure these tribulations shall pass too ~ they always do for God is soo much bigger than it all and He is why I do what I do.

Have an awesome day all!

~ at the homestead ~

dinner ~ cornbread, chicken and rice w/a salad

(got a great deal on chicken breast ;D)

sounds ~ Kenny G

smells ~ BBWs Kitchen Spice ~ smells like cookies today

planning ~ school and fun

doing ~ blogging, reading and soon to be bird watching & knitting

thoughts ~ Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

(1 Jn 4:11)