Sunday, August 12, 2007

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

Saturday, August 11, 2007

some spinning and Celtic Vest


Smiley At Work Sign

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.





Friday, August 10, 2007

new sock blockers





My new purchases from Ebay


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

Thursday, August 09, 2007

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



Wednesday, August 08, 2007

hot hot hot

Sweaty
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!





Tuesday, August 07, 2007

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.

Sunday, August 05, 2007

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/





Wednesday, August 01, 2007

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.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

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.

Friday, July 27, 2007

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.





Wednesday, July 25, 2007

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, July 24, 2007

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!


Thursday, July 19, 2007

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....

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Kitty Needs a name

Kitty 2 Black Cat

Help-

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





Monday, July 16, 2007

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.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

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?
LadybugSchacht Ladybug Spinning Wheel Ladybug
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! Ladybug
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!
















Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Back from camp- Miters mastered.........

20 fun ladies showing our purses
Another fun camp experiences meeting new friends and learning lots of new knitting techniques. These ladies are master knitters that simply amaze and humble me with all they accomplish. The show and tell segment is better than a fashion show at Stitches!









The main project this year was the Crayon Box Sweater.The colors selections were were so impressive and beautiful. Some were making the baby version . I made a few blocks of the sweater but still up in the air about doing it.

Thursday, July 05, 2007

sopranos

After I joined Netflix a few months ago, I decided to start watching the Sopranos. I never watched a single episode of this show before this past few weeks. With teaching and doing all the family stuff- I just never had time to watch TV. Plus we did not have HBO.

So I am on a Soprano watching marathon.This past few weeks I have watched all the 1999 season episodes and there should be a Season 2 DVD waiting for me when I get back from knitting camp. My plan is to get thru the first 5 years by the end of the summer. Of course,I can't watch any of those episodes on A&E because I want it to be in order..No gaps in what is happening. The final episode news I have been avoiding because I don't want to know yet.

No wonder so matter people followed this show.The writers are so clever and the characters are so funny. Little things like when Tony was on too much Prozac and the music was slowed down make it hilarious. It is definitely an adult show with the naked pole dancers and the episodes with Junior and oral sex conversations.

Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Knitting Camp




My clothes and knitting supplies are getting gathered up so I will be ready to take off to Bradford , Pa this Friday. It is my second time attending this Knitting Camp with my sister from Lancaster, Pa. The theme this year is miters and includes a Crayon Box sweater -which I may pass on because it is not me. But I did gather yarn from stash in pinks and greens just in case I change my mind. Bradford is where I was born and I still have relatives there so this is a special place to visit .


This is how I pack.My method includes piling things in my computer room a week. Then it will be sorted out and half left behind . space is limited because I am taking the Mini Cooper not the Honda Element.


So far:


wine


birthday present for sister (big 60!!)


bags of fiber to spin and share with my sister


spinning wheel and accessories.


needles of all sizes


The Knitter's Handbook ( for added help )


show and tell stuff ( mobius, oven mitt - not much else I am brave enough to share

Monday, July 02, 2007

Idenity theft

I am scared.. I feel so violated.My credit card bill came with 3 unknown charges today. I hope that is the only place that I find this. I called CapitolOne 3 times today and finally got through. One charge is to a pet store called Pandyshop in NY for $546. Like I need another dog with 3 already? The 2 others are for some music down loads of sort at 58$ and another for 99$.I am basically deaf so I don't do that.
The only place I have charged recently with it was at the Woolery to buy my Lendrum bag and extra bobbins. Usually I use my checking account for most things like EBay and Pay pal.It makes you paranoid thinking that somehow some evil person would do that.
The credit card had to be cancelled and now it will be another 2 weeks before I get a new one.The nice man with an accent said not to worry - right!