August 25, 2007 things accomplished

Molly -all wet and clean

things I wanted to accomplish today

• 
  
  Give Molly a bath - done

next

• wash some of the fleece handed out at last guild meeting.

Not done!!!!!!

Best intentions were in place to use this gift.. the fleece was put on a golf screen thing in the garage. As I started picking- the sheep shit smell became overwhelming .The heat and humidity increased the the nausea . Tangles, dirt and grass made it impossible for me to decide what was good. So here it is tossed in the recycle pile of leaves and grass cuttings. Lesson is learned -no more raw fleece unless it has been to a mill and processed.

Next on my list

Make a hat with this hand spun dyed with Kool-Aid. The scarf is done. The color turned out so beautiful . This yarn is special because I spun and dyed it . I was not sure what to make with it as I was not sure how much was actually there. It will end up as gift for a special someone.

hat not started yet...

Fleece Artist Celtic Vest finished!

Vest needs to be blocked
This Fleece Artist Celtic Vest Kit was a purchase that came from Stitches last fall. The pretty matching fastener (thankfully) was bought at the same time! This pattern was a quick and easy mindless one and frogging only happened a few times.You use two balls of yarn form different ends so that is where I messed up once. Label one Y1 and place it in a baggie and the other Y2 had a clip on it. The one bind off in the front was done too tight so it is slightly curling. Miraculously- fits and it will be worn once a shirt for underneath is found. The length was an issue that troubled me but once it is blocked it will be a inch or so longer .I will make this vest again but add 10 more stitches to the length and be careful binding off. There was plenty of yarn left over to add the 10 stitches if you use the kit.

Woolands Spinners and Weavers Guild 8/18/07

Here are my final products from today's workshop. I used blue Kool-Aid for end skeins which are wool. They were not in the same pot so the colors are not exactly the same. The wish was for them to be matching so I make a project out of them . After doing the Celtic Vest maybe I could make a sideways scarf/ hat set using the same pattern and two different shades.The middle one is silk and turned a very pale green using Lime Kool-Aid.

Stinky update:

One of his favorite toys/games is the Boy's golf balls. The Boy putts in front of the TV and Stinky attacks it!

Today was a fun day with Kool-Aid dying and leaning how to skirt, pick and scour fleece. Plus a free bag of some wool is now in my in my Mini boot.(trunk) The dying is something I plan to do more of. The raw fleece stuff -honestly -is not really something I enjoy. I rather just get clean rovings off Ebay or when I go to Rhinebeck. Some really gross stuff was in the raw fleece. I am glad my hepatitis shot is up-to- date after handling this stinky stuff. Still it was interesting and I learned to let the mills clean it instead of me.

guests from Ireland

Nora, my knitting friend, needs a place for her Irish cousin and husband to stay tonight. So I am going to enjoy their company here. This means I need to finish cleaning and get their bedroom not smelling like pugs or cats. Having company is a good incentive to clean. My mother was a crazy women every time we had company.I used to be like that but now with the kids gone it is much easier to keep it clean. Honestly - having a cleaning lady is the real reason. It forces me to pick up every 2 weeks right before she comes. This a luxury I was going to get rid of after I retired.............

Hope they don't mind animals climbing all over the place! Stinky is taking over the house but I just love him to death. But, the pugs just put up with him and all of his energy

Knitting/Spinning news

I really enjoyed the easy read of the first Blossom Street Book . Reminds me of the Friday Night Knitting Circle- same setting and similar plots. Anyways - this would be a great beach read- easy and relaxing to read. I The Baby pattern described and given in the book needs to be copied before I pass it on to my sister.
%&$#@ Yesterday I lost one of my Knitpick needles! I have looked all over except in my car. It fell off but probably because I did not use the little pin tool to tighten this time. I was testing gauge and forgot after that when I decided to use size 13 on the Celtic Vest.I really hate to use anything else now besides the Options or Addis. Only other 13 I have is bamboo or Denise . Not sure what to do yet.maybe Stinky could be be hiding it somewhere

I spun another skein of yarn to dye at the guild meeting this weekend . This one turned out worse than the other after I plied. It is either under or over plied. I am sure they will tell me at the meeting. Sort of embarrassing but I am learning ....either way... I will love the novelty yarn once it is dyed.

Ravelry helps to find pattern

Spent some time looking this site over and setting up some of my projects. Such a long waiting list still! Glad I sent my request in right away after I saw it on Wendyknits and Purlingswine blogs.( 2 of my fav blogs)
Already Ravlery has been a great help! I posted on the forum that I was looking for the Karabella pattern and some kind person gave me the info for Schoolproducts. com . After I emailed them- they responded that you can order it on line at http://www.schoolproducts.com/

Some of the obvious benefits are you can see what everyone is knitting and where you can get the patterns. This is going to be a wonderful resource to track queue ,in progress or hibernating projects .

Help I can't find this pattern!!

This jacket is me!

I saw an ad for this jacket in the new Interweave Fall 2007 issue. ( page 64) Checked on line to find it but noone lists it. Vendors who selll Karabella Yarn did not have it. . Maybe it is too soon? I did email a shop in Milford Pa to see if they have it .
The pattern is KK527 Sper Wash Merino Jacket

Yarn(s) Used:
Merino Superwash
Collection Date:
Winter 2007
Pattern Number:
KK527

16 Skeins of Merino Superwash are required for this pattern
Merino Superwash Specifications:
4.00 Stitches/Inch
Needle Size - 9.00
100% Merino Wool
Comes in 30 Colors

some spinning and Celtic Vest

Got these things done today- Photo is too dark but put the button on Miter Purse . It turned out cute. .

then

a little spinning..I need one more skein for the Guild next Sat for Kool-Aid Dying..

and

Started this vest . I bought this kit at Stitches last fall. It is a sideways vest where you use two balls of yarn. It is not too difficult yet just keeping tack of which one is Y1 or Y2 as they both are alike. I did have trouble with the gauge and not sure if it is right. I went up to size 11 needles instead of 10-10 1/2. The vest looks short. I hope not really short as this last two months I have gained back a few pounds due to this vertigo and lack of activity.

new sock blockers

My new purchases from Ebay

For my sister I ordered the ribbon one as she is a breast cancer survivor.

Stinky's favortie past time

This kitten is the best medicine ever. Here he is checking out the birdfeeder. I love watching him discover new things.

Puringswine had this funny ad on her blog today .http://www.tellyads.com/show_movie.php?filename=TA3698&advertiser=Shreddies

hot hot hot

Our house does not have A/C. We are roasting here. When we were buying this house - I asked the Realtor about the lack of A/C in this $$$ house . He said up here you do not need it. He lied!

I feel so drained the only way to feel cooler is to order this sock yarn .

Simply Socks Yarn Company Items 1 Fleece Artist Somoko TI @ $23.75 = $23.75 1 Fleece Artist Sea Wool B @ $24.75 = $24.75 1 Dream in Color Smooshy 120 @ $21.00 = $21.00

I feel cooler already!

good news- bad news

Stinky is keeping us entertained....
The pugs keep the Boy's legs clean. Why they don't lick me like that ? I tell the boy it is because I use soap to shower but honestly it might have something to do with those bristles .
I love this yarn and this is my all time favorite sock ever with hardly any mistakes.

I need to get more of this Fleece Artist yarn. Loopey Ewe must be visited!

Bad news.What is causing this constant vertigo???????????? I am off balance and feel like I have morning sickness all day long. I am eating the wrong things and gained 2.8 pounds this month. Salad does not do it- only comfort fattening foods. Walking makes me feel like I am going to fall so activity has been limited .

My life has been running to doctors appointments for the last two months. Back and forth to see heart, ENT, neurologist and internist.. Heart , Balance and hearing tests. Next is an MRI . The doctor is giving me 2 Valium to get through it.The last time I panicked so badly they had to stop. But I had an abnormal ENT test so this test is very important according to the doctor. Unfortunately- I have been playing the waiting game getting appointments. I have to wait another 2 weeks for the first available appointment.

8/5/07

Buddy loves to chase Stinky around the house.

Stinky is fitting in here just fine.. He should be called Shadow as he follows me everywhere along with the pugs. He is sitting on my lap as I type.

I hope to finish this purse from camp today. The I-cord and strap must be be made. But several things should be done in the house today like the pile of wash and all the dog hairs accumulating .

I finally ordered the Bloosom Street series by Debbie Macomber from Amazon..several blogs and friends have been recommending them including http://cactusneedlles.blogspot.com/

Fleece Artist Sea Wool

Stinky getting into trouble.

Hat and mobius made from my first skein of hand spun

Started a new sock last night with Fleece Artist Sea Wool. Not sure where I purchased it- but it cost 27$ . Pretty pricey but so far it is worth it for a special pair of socks and it is machine washable unlike the Seduction Socks.

I am off to get a pedicure, visit Dad in nursing home and then take Mom to diner. Might stop by at Petco to buy Stinky more toys. He needs to be entertained as he is full of energy. This is one spoiled cat.

Away for Weekend

The Boy and I went away for a long weekend. My sister's kids had a surprise 60th party for her . I got to knit for 4 hours each way in the car so the trip was A BREEZE. The other days our hubbies were golfing so Neenie and I sat around talking and knitting. She is the one who got me hooked on knitting . I made another hat from my hand spun, finished the socks and started a mobius scarf to match the hat. I like these kinds of projects that knit up fast and and do not demand too much of me mentally. Socks are my favorite .
I was feeling great all weekend except one bout of severe vertigo yesterday while we were in the Zippo museum . I have to hold on to the walls when this happens or get to a chair .
The pugs and Stinky - the kitty were happy to see us even though they love our pet sitter who spends all kind of time with them.

Heart Test- good news

I am supposed to stay calm for the next 72 hours and not doing anything to make my groin start bleeding so I knit this hat from the first skein of my home spun. The little blue one was for my friend but somehow the teddy bears came out very distorted.This is a practice one..

Well -I am back from this heart catherization. The worst part was before knowing it is a dangerous test. Of course - you wait forever once you get there.But, the nurses were very kind and thoughtful which helped a lot. Once I was on that operating table I had several people working on my at once. It was surreal. One shaving my groin area, another putting in IV's and another doing blood pressure.They were about 7 different people running around me. Scary thoughts of death were crossing my mind.. Once the nurse told me they were giving me meds that would make me feel like I had a drink all was well.... I felt the doctor putting the gadget he uses to put thru my artery and he was reeling it in and out but I couldn't see because of some xray machine above me. I tried to look at the tv but couldn't see clearly.
Anyways I made it through and it appears my heart is fine. Next week is the MRI- not good with my caustaphobia( spell check not helping) but at least it is not dangerous.

Heart Catherization

I have to have this heart test tomorrow.http://www.montefiore.org/services/coe/heart/cardiology/
This is a bit scary for me as this test is messing with my heart and arteries. It is routine but a health proxy form had to be filled out where I put my health decisions in my husband's hands. If all goes well- I will come home tomorrow night .If they need to put a stent in I will have to stay in the hospital over night.The following day I have to stay flat in bed to prevent bleeding from the artery they cut. I will be happy when this is over.

Tuesday -My first skein and "Stinky"

My daughter was home this weekend and started calling the kitten "Stinky" .

Somehow it stuck. Stinky meets the pug, Peek-A-Boo ( Peeky)


Molly was helping me spin this wool.



This is my first skein where I plied and used a Niddy Noddy and washed it. It is a bit rough .Seems more like wool for a purse - something not next to the skin .
It came from Ebay:
Medium grey Jacob sheep roving with accents of medium brown subtle in the grey. This is easy to spin and makes a nice worsted weight yarn. This roving was made from my own sheep (Thank you, Cherie and Chartre) and was processed in a small mill where the owner is particular about not using harsh chemicals as cleaners. There is some vegetable matter. This auction includes a one pound bag of this beautiful fiber. Let me know if you need more.
Thank you for looking and have a nice day!

Roadie or Kirby?

I have an obsessive personality...sometimes it is scary and my daughter has it even worse than I do. My mind turns on about one thing like this kitten. That might sound ok but then my mind will not turn off and that is all I can think of until it plays itself out. This past week I have worried about which vet, which food, which name , which and many what ifs? I had cats before- really! OMG What will happen when I become a grandmother.This is not a bad obsession really.The kitten brings great joy and even all the shopping .( new carrier, new litter box, new toys ,etc.) When I was working it would be negative things from the classroom which would cause major stress .I could not fall asleep or take a shower without it all racing in my mind.Now- I can take a nap whenever..



Knitting - I have been sort of in a funk. I made 2 baby bibs form Mason Dixon this week but did do some spinning now the Lendrum is back out by the TV.



big weekend coming up here....

Kitty Needs a name

Help-

I need a name for this little kitty. Nothing seems to fit for a small timid little, black kitty.

kitty trapped

We trapped the kitten and he is now in my bathroom downstairs in a big dog crate. He is very timid but I did manage to hold him twice today and he purred as I rubbed his ears and belly. He will stay in the crate for a few days and then I will let him stay in the bathroom for a few more days. After he is calmer I will let him into the downstairs basement. The Boy wants him to be a garage cat. I am going for a downstairs /basement cat until he proves he is a good kitty/ then whole house kitty. Oh yeah - I plan to keep him only if the vet says he is healthy.So far I see no fleas or mites. I worry the other stuff cats can have so I am wearing gloves and keeping him away from other pets until he sees a vet this week or next.

Weekend news/ trapping critters

Not much knitting done this week.I am almost done with my circular needles sock and have been searching patterns to knit something for a baby boy. I was debating on doing the Baby Kimono in the Mason Dixon book or maybe the one made for the twins last month from Minnie Knits.......big decisions..

I finally unpacked the Lendrum today. I really want to get a wheel that is easier to travel with like this maybe?
Schacht Ladybug Spinning Wheel
The Ladybug spinning wheel is a cute, lightweight wheel that's perfect for new, as well as experienced spinners alike. It's very comfortable to treadle and has integrated handles for easy transportation. Made in the USA.
Available this Fall!
Specifications:• Scotch Tension• 16" Drive Wheel• Weight 12 lbs• Lazy Kate and bobbins• Uses Matchless Flye and bobbins
Ladybug - $525Your Value Pack:Craft Cash Certificate for $4o

I have to have a 5 hour stress test tomorrow and need to bring some knitting as I will be waiting around all day there. I hope they can figure out what is making me feel so crappy and weak lately.

chipmunk caught total count now 14!

My husband is on a mission to capture all the chipmunks in our yard.Although they are fun to watch; they have been tearing up our sidewalks and yard . 14 of the cuties have been relocated !





Next we are going to try to catch this little kitten. It is right on the road next to our driveway. I noticed it yesterday and have been feeding it but scoots in the hole of the pipe when we go near. It looks very young. Someone else has been feeding it as dishes were there. Now I know why people were in front of our house this last week.The Animal Shelter let us borrow a bigger trap to catch it.My husband is going to wait till tomorrow am because I have fed it twice already today..Little kitty loves tuna! If we catch it - I am thinking about keeping it if a vet says it is healthy. What a worry about the cars and rain tonight!