The Knitty Crafter

YAY!

2010-04-21T11:11:00.001-07:00

I passed my RN boards!!!!!!!!!!

My garden

2010-03-27T07:39:00.000-07:00

I have flowers! My tomatoes have several buds on them and I saw a pretty white blossom one my sole serviving pea plant! Yay!!!!!

A Box!

2010-03-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

I participated in a "Summer in Winter" swap that one of the groups I read in Ravelry put together. The rules were to send a skein of yarn, a jar of home canned "goodness", and a surprise. I recieved my box today from Dina "nrggrl". She sent me some bubbles for that first day of summer, a coffee mug with a pic of what her summers look like, dark chocolate (in the freezer at the moment as it was 80's here today), and napkins with strawberries on them. Some cherry marmalade that looks super yummy! Oops, almost forgot the yarn! Two skeins of Knitpicks Shawdow in "Vineyard" a dark, yummy burgandy. The pic online is more purple than real life.

Why???????

2010-03-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

Why can't I do what I know I need to do? Why can't I stand up on my own and speak my mind? I am a good nurse, I take the best care I can of my patients. I can stand up for them, so why not myself? Why am I so afraid of hurting others to the point I don't talk? Or I beat around the bush and don't even adress the issue I really want to/need to talk about? Why?

Do I really need a new hobby?

2010-03-15T22:15:00.000-07:00

I have been interested in making dollhouses since I was a little girl. When I was a girl, my grandparents had a renter that made the most fascinating dollhouses that even had electricity! I remember that he entered one into the county fair and seeing there with a ribbon on it. So, R bought me my first dollhouse to build while he was here. A beginner model but still very pretty. It even has gingerbread on it! So, I opened the box and read the instructions. Seems very through. This one is the one I have. Wish me luck!

Stuff and "Purely Decadant"

2010-03-13T03:54:00.000-08:00

Well, about 30 minutes ago R left to go back up north. He has a really long day ahead of him, about 20 hours of driving. Overall, it was a really good visit. We went to San Diego to visit with some of my family. He got quite a few "honey do's" done for me that I didn't ask for and wasn't expecting to happen, so that was nice. I would get up for work and he would tell me "I did this and that for you while you were asleep" Was really nice. I do miss being with him, but I know that he made a decision to help out his mom. I will like having the house back in some kind of order as it is like a small tornado went through the house whenever he is here.

He did bring down some "yogurt" for me to try. There were two kinds of yogurt, a soy based one and a cocout based one. I actually prefer the coconut based one more. The consistancy and flavor is more of what I remember what yogurt having. Really very good. He also brought me some "ice cream" made by Turtle Mountain. This was their Purely Decadent made with Coconut milk ice cream. Also very good. He brought me Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cookie dough.
The chocolate and the vanilla taste just like ice cream without any obvious coconut taste. The Cookie dough did taste like coconut ice cream with cookie dough pieces in it. Not really appealing. At least I now know that there are products that will satisfy my cravings for dairy without actually eating it. Now I just need to find out it I can get my local grocery store to either carry it or at least order it for me!

Nutrition and Life

2010-03-01T08:57:00.001-08:00

About a year ago I learned through trial and error that I am either allergic to dairy or have an intolerance to it. I am not lactose intolerant. Here is a list of symptoms of lactose intolerance. I don't get any of those. Also, I cannot eat yogurt. Appartently some people who are lactose intolerant can, as the good bugs in the yogurt eat lactose. What I get is hayfever-like symptoms. And a headache. I start to have breathing issues in about a hour after consuming dairy. Not fun! So, I have been trying to delete dairy from my diet. That has been a real challenge. Not only do I crave it about once a week, it is also in just about everything premade! So, I take Zyterc daily and Benadryl when I need it. I also have been doing a lot more cooking at home lately.

I have also been very interested in Once A Month Cooking. It is basically what it says. You cook once a month, stock the freezer up, and eat off that for the month. You then only need to buy fresh produce as you need. I have done something similar before but only two week intervals. I found that I didn't cook enough variety, so I was eating out. This week I have been making staples, i.e. shredded chicken, meatballs, cooked bacon, cooked ground beef, that kind of thing. Freezing those staples, that way I can make several different things. Two things that I did make up as complete foods is chili and burritos. Those things I know that I like and will eat as is. The chili I could eat as chili, or put it over rice or noodles. The burritos are more for work, just take out of the freezer into the frig at work, then microwave when I get hungry.

So I will see how this new way (for me) of cooking will work. At least it got me to clean out the feezers!

Garden

2010-02-25T03:24:00.000-08:00

One of the perks to living in the desert is that last frost is in January. I planted to seeds inside in January to be able to plant in the backyard in February. So far so good. So a few weeks ago, I plant some bronze colored Gerber daisys and some bright yellow violas. The garden was empty looking and I wanted some color. Well, I go out a few hours later and the plants are dug up and eaten! Seems to me that my dogs wanted some greens! After the frustration, I went and got some chicken wire and surrounded the garden area. This week I planted my sprouted seeds and felt confident that the dogs could not eat them now. I go outside the next morning and my carrots and lettuce are dug up! No holes in or under the fence. I then remembered that there are stray cats in the area. I replanted the carrots and lettuce that I could find and made a cage to go over that bed as the other beds were undisturbed. So I will see if that works. Hopefully the plants will get left alone long enough to root well and get big enough that the animals don't want to get in there.

Just a cute picture

2010-01-25T21:56:00.001-08:00

Lily, one of my new kittens. Her, her sister, and her brother are almost a year old.

Mom, we are out of water!

Hi!

2010-01-01T06:49:00.000-08:00

Long time since I wrote last! It is the beginning of a new year, so wanted to kinda reflect on the past year. Still haven't passed the nursing boards, been knitting and quilting, and my fur baby family has grown by three. It has been a crazy year. But all in all, a good one. R is still up north taking care of his mother as he promised her many many years ago. Ah well. Hope everyone has a wonderful and bountiful 2010!

2008-10-30T10:02:00.000-07:00

Out in the backyard this morning. Watching the dogs play, and playing with my new camera!

life

2008-10-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

I have been remiss in blogging. I have received my packages from both Summer of Yarn and SP12 spoilers. Thank you to both wonderful ladies. I really appreciate all the time and effort that went into my wonderful packages!!!

My life has been weird lately. Life itself not weird, my head is in a really weird place. I am having some health issues as well as other things that life is bringing my way.

I am trying to decide what to do. Do I keep this blog or not? I think that I have decided that the blog was a wonderful thing, but I just don't want to keep it up. It is becoming a burden to me. I know, what is she thinking, a little blog being a burden!?!?!?! I feel bad not keeping up on it and yet I don't want to add to it. For now, it will stay up but inactive. Maybe later I will try again. Thank you everyone for your time reading my blog and the ones that left comments.

Until next time...........

Thank you!!!!

2008-08-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

I am so very behind! I recieved a package from my SP12 Spoiler about a week ago, and haven't blogged about it. Bad me!

My wonderful spoiler sent me a book that I have been looking at for awhile.

It is called "a fine fleece" by Lisa Lloyd

I have had my nose in it devouring the information and the beautiful pictures. I like the fact that the author made two of each project - one from hand spun and the other from mill spun. Sometimes I mixed up which was which! Great information source and wonderful patterns!

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

I went to see a man about a horse

2008-08-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

Actually a lady about a car, but I like that saying :)

My truck is getting older (it is just old actually), an 1989, and a gas HOG (10mpg!!). So, yesterday, I went and testdrove some vehicals. I wasn't really wanting/needing/expecting to buy at that time, but it happened! I did my research extentively for about a week and narrowed it down to three. The Nissian Rouge, the Honda CRV, and the Mitsubihi Outlander. I ended up going with the Rouge. This is not a picture of my actual car, but off the Nissan web site.

It is a Nissan Rouge SL AWD. And this is the key.

Neat huh? I can leave it in my purse and as long as I am withing 2-3feet, I am able to open the door(s). Also, I don't need a key to start the car. I was very concerned about that until the saleslady told me all of the security features about the keyless key. Very cool.

I have AC again!!!!!!!!

I got a Box!

2008-08-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

A box was waiting for me in the mailbox a few days ago. Been working, so here it is! It is from my Summer of Yarn spoiler. This box was the in the theme of "red".

There is:

One skein of "Lace Wing Sock" in Crimson

Three balls of "Baby Star" in color 25

Skittles Original flavors

Lindor Milk chocolates (gone!)

Pomergranate Grenade body wash

Strawberry fraise soap

a red hankercheif

and

Loin brand yarn "Just Socks"

I am so excited! Thank you SofY spoiler!!!

Question #8

2008-08-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite supper for a hot summer evening?

Ceviche (sp?). Hands down. My ex some years ago brought home this stuff and asked me to try it. It was this salsa looking stuff that had fish in it. It was good!
So, I started making it at home, but I tweaked it some. Instead of fish, I use shrimp. So light and fresh. Now, I need to go make some.

Venting!!!

2008-07-11T06:16:00.000-07:00

Warning - this is a venting post. Also a VERY biased view. MY view. Please just bare with me.

There has been a lot of family stuff going on around this house. Stuff I am not really happy about. R left yesterday to move OUT OF STATE to take care of his mom. I know, it sounds all great humanitarian and all, but it's not. The woman needs a husband, not a son trying to take care of her like a husband does (not in that way though, get your head out of the gutter!) You know, honey do stuff.

Granted, we were going to move up to that area (two hours away) after I pass the Nursing Boards. We were going to move TOGETHER at ONE time, not separate and twice.

So, R is on his way up there yesterday and today. A thousand miles away. I am so sad.

Summer of Yarn

2008-07-11T05:49:00.000-07:00

I got a box! Well, I got it about a week ago, but between dead camera batteries and family stuff going on, I am just now telling the world what a wonderful spoiler I have.

Camera batteries still dead, will get some tomorrow.

The box is from my Summer of Yarn Spoiler. She (?) sent me a PURPLE (!) themed box. I love purple!!!! I recieved 4 skeins of Rowan all seasons cotton in Pansy. A chocolate bar that I have never tried before, it was very good. I also recievd some chocolate covered candy sticks from Purdy's called Mystics. Very good. And a really cute card.

I will get pictures this weekend. This weekend. I have the whole weekend off. SWEET!

SP12 Question week #5

2008-07-11T05:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I think I am caught up now with the weekly questions.

1) Where is your favorite place to go for vacation/holiday?
Any place where the average daily temp in the summer is less than 90 degrees!

2) Where is one place you’d like to go?
I would like to see Ireland someday.

SP12 Question #4

2008-07-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

Iam really, really, late.

1) What yarn (that you don’t have/haven’t used) would make your stash “complete”?
I really like lace weight and sock weight yarns. So, my stash is mainly those weights. I would like to expand the other weights.

2) What yarn do you never want to be without?
Sock yarn!

Fiber!!

2008-06-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

Warning! Very Picture heavy.

I laid down this afternoon because I was getting tired and when I got up, R said that I had a box. No, two boxes! Big ones! I got my alpaca fiber!!!!!!!

I ordered them from Angel at Maryland Alpaca Farm. Wonderful lady, great to work with, and reasonable prices. She sent me some Suri and some Haucaya. I told the colors I was looking for and here is what she sent me. The Suris - Panty Raider, Magruder, and I think Seamus. The Huacayas are Georgianna, Jasmine, George, and Titanium.

Georgianna.

Jasmine.

George.

Panty Raider (the first thing I said when I felt this was "silky" and then saw what the name was!He is the darker one on this page

Magruder.

Titanium.

Seamus. Neck fiber only.

Thank you Angel!

flicking locks

2008-06-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

This is how I flick locks. It works for me at this point in my fiber journey.

I got this Alpaca fleece off of Ebay. I got a really good price for about 4 pounds I think. I have had it for about a year now. When I first got it, I opened the box and smelled cigarettes. Phew!

So I grabbed a large handful and washed it. I don't remember what soap I used but I used soap and hot water. It took about 3 days to dry completely indoors.

This is one half of a pair of 120 count hand carders for Howard Hand Cards. I got them here on Ebay. Good prices and fast ship!

Setup. I usually work in front of my computer as I really don't have space anywhere else. I do put up my keyboard and such so fiber doesn't get them.

Pile of fiber. When I washed this bunch, I didn't know about trying to save the lock formation, but it worked out this time.

Waste bag. Will be used for stuffing down the road.

A lock. The tip is on the right and is lighter and you can see some second cuts on the cut end.

I press the tips lightly against the carder and pull towards me. Then I turn it over so I can get the other side of the tips.

Flip lock over and do the same for the cut end. See the second cuts?

Repeat above steps until nice and open.

Basket with flicked locks.

I hope that you enjoyed this!

Week 2 Question

2008-06-18T17:23:00.000-07:00

As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?

When I was a kid, every summer my grandparents would take me up to Washington State to visit Grandma's family. We stayed in a place called Maryhill, WA. Across the road from us was a peach orchard. Since we knew the family that owned the orchard, we could go pick after the pickers were done. Those peaches were so sweet and juicy!

This week's question

2008-06-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

Sp12 has weekly questions for us to answer. I believe that I am late this week. The question is:

What is your favorite summertime drink?

Well, since I live in the desert, it is water. Ice cold. No ice though, just put it in the freezer until it almost freezes. Other than that, iced tea.

eh

2008-06-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of regular posts. Just haven't felt up to it.

R is out of town, was supposed to be back yesterday, but something came up and he won't be be back for at least another week. I was upset when he told me why, but now it is to "whatever". I haven't been feeling all that great. I am moody. I really don't want to talk about it over the internet, but I had to say something to someone.

I have startistis. I have started a crochet shawl and knitted scarf thing. The shawl is being made up as I go, trying to see if I can make what I see in my head. The scarf is "My so called scarf" in sock weight on size 10s. It looks pretty good. Nice an airy without too much. I thought about blocking it out when done, but when I dry block it, I don't like it. Loses all stitch definition. It isn't curling too much right now.

Thank you for listening to me vent. Thank you.

It's only words

2008-06-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a blog that I read from time to time.

It's Only Words
You.
Can.
Only.
Type.
One.
Word.
No.
Explanations.

1. Yourself: me
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): sweet
3. Your hair: wavy
4. Your mother: ok
5. Your father: sick
6. Your favorite item: cheezits
7. Your dream last night: nightmare
8. Your favorite drink: tea
9. Your dream car: Bronco
10. The room you are in: den
11. Your ex: unhappy
12. Your fear: depression
13. What you want to be in 10 years? nursing
14. Who you hung out with last night: pets
15. What you're not: Healthy
16. Muffin: chocolate
17. One of Your Wish List Items: yarn
18. Time: 11:39
19. The last thing you did: meeting
20. What you are wearing: comfy
21. Your favorite weather: cool
22. Your favorite book: knitting
23. The last thing you ate: sushi
24. Your life: trying
25. Your mood: anxious
26. Your best friend: R
27. What are you thinking about right now: house
28. Your car: Bronco
29. What are you doing at the moment: Typing
30. Your summer: hot
31. Your relationship status: good
32. What is on your TV: Nothing
33. What is the weather like: hot
34. When is the last time you laughed: yesterday

Copy.
It.
Do.
It.
Post.
It.
:)

SP 12 questionare

2008-06-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

SP12 Questionare!

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I like most yarns, I don't have a LYS in town, so my "knowledge" of different yarns and fibers is small. I really don't care for acrylic yarns but they have their place.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
In a wooden toolbox my boyfriend gave me for Christmas last year
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned several years ago, but didn't really keep it up. Relearned about two years ago via the internet. Probably intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, Amazon
5. What's your favorite scent?
Clean and citrusy
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Yes, anything chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I bead, quilt, sew, and crochet. Yes, I spin. I have a few spindles and an Ashford Traveler
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I mainly listen to Country music, but like most music but rap. Yes.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
To wear, jewel tones. To knit, any colors as long as they look good together
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my boyfriend, we have four dogs and three cats
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
yes, yes, yes, and no
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Baby things, hats, scarves, sox
13. What are you knitting right now?
three pairs of sox, a shawl for me, and a secret project for a good friend
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
yes
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I have both, I use both. Straights, I love my Lantern Moons, and circs - Addis
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
yes to both
17. How old is your oldest UFO?
A sox that I just frogged from about two years ago
18. What is your favorite holiday?
Other people's birthdays
19. Is there anything that you collect?
yes. dogs, cats, dust bunnies, yarn, fiber, nursing books, Ansel Adams.
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I don't have a lot of "knowledge" of the different yarns out there, so really anything would be very appreciated! I have been eyeing EZ's books.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Continental knitting and colorwork
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, ball of foot - 9", length - 10.5"
23. When is your birthday?
In April
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes, theknittycrafter

Also, please know that I am unable to wear scented lotions. Also, anything with a mohair % of 25 or more and I sneeze the whole time I am knitting and wearing it.

It's a BABY!!!

2008-05-28T02:24:00.000-07:00

A friend at work told me recently that she just found out that she is pregnant! But this last Sunday was her last day at work. What can I make in less than a week? This little blanket was done in two days in fact! I used two skeins of Knitpicks Cotlin yarn in Kohlrabi. Wonderful to work with and blocks great to boot! I bought four skeins to try out the yarn and I will be buying more of this! The momma loved it!

p.s. the color is closest to the knitpicks color

Summer of Yarn!!!

2008-05-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

I joined a new swap! It is called the Summer of Yarn! I can't wait to start spoiling my person!!!

Amy posted some questions for us to answer:

Here's the list of questions for the swap! Have fun! Please post this to your blog and make sure your pal and I can easily find it!

Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft? I knit and crochet, crochet on and off for about 3 years and knitting about 2 years
Do you spin? What type of spinning? Yes, I have a few spindles and an Ashford Traveler
What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers? I like most yarns, I don't have a LYS in town, so my "knowledge" of different yarns and fibers is small. I really don't care for acrylic yarns but they have their place.
What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors? I like most colors as long as they look good together.
Are there any yarns/brands that you are dying to work with but never have? I have been wanting to try Socks that Rock. Also, almost any yarn/brand that is not available in a bigbox store
What is/are your favorite types of projects to knit/crochet? Sox. I am willing to try just about anything.
What are you currently working on? Anything you plan to work on this summer? A couple pairs of sox, a blanket for my dad, and Christmas presents
What is your favorite FO? (Post a pic if you would like.) Clapotis out of Koigu Painter's Palette Premium Merino
What is your oldest UFO? I just ripped out a sock from about two years ago that I didn't finish
Are there any techniques that you want to learn? Continental knitting and colorwork
Are you on Ravlery? What's your ID? Yes, theknittycrafter
Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Yes, ball of foot - 9", length - 10.5"
Do you collect anything? yes. dogs, cats, dust bunnies, yarn, fiber, nursing books, Ansel Adams.
Do you have a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes
Do you love sweets? What are your favorites? Yes, chocolate, peanut brittle, m&ms, See's candy, basically anything chocolate!
What are your favorite scents? clean and citrusy
Where do you keep your needles/hooks? In a wooden toolbox my boyfriend gave me for Christmas last year
Do you have a wishlist (Amazon, Etsy, etc?) Yes, Amazon and Etsy
Having a birthday this summer? No
Are you allergic to anything??? Please let your pal know! Yes, I am unable to wear scented lotions. Also, anything with a mohair % of 25 or more and I sneeze the whole time I am knitting and wearing it.

I am done!! Almost.

2008-05-15T20:09:00.000-07:00

I have the pleasure of presenting the Nursing Class of Spring 2008!!!

Now all that is left to do is pass the State Boards.

Hello, Hello

2008-04-14T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hello. Work and school combined has been really busy. I am loving having a job! There are quirks and stuff like that with this job, there are quirks and stuff at all jobs. There was a lady that I thought had died on me when I was doing rounds. But she responded to me. Thank goodness! I am sure that will happen someday, but I would like for that not to happen too soon!

Yarn. I got Yarn!! And Fiber! And Spindles!!! Oh, I almost forgot, and Needles!!

Yarn. I finally broke down and ordered from Knitpicks. I got Cotlin in the color Kohlrabi. The color is pretty true from the web site from my screen. I got four skeins. The plan is to make something for this winter that isn't wool. Most likely a scarf. I also purchased a skein of their Bare superwash sock yarn. I think that I will only buy superwash yarn for socks from now on because I made R a pair of socks recently that are already felting. And I wash all our handknit socks in Soak.

I also made a Loopy Ewe order. I ordered GK Sock Twitter Pated and ShiBui sock yarn in Autumn. Both of these are for my socks, as I has at least a dozen sock yarns stashed for R.

Fiber and Spindles. I found on Ravelry ( such an enabling place!!) a fiber and spindle subscription from Butterflygirldesigns from Etsy. R found out and ordered a subscription for my birthday! I recieved the first month about a week ago. She sent me Carnivale for the fiber and this spindle. I am so excited! Then, for my birthday, I got me a Golding spindle!! I got the 2" Solid Lignum Vitae RingSpindle. It spins like a dream. I was disappointed at first because I like a longer spindle shaft, but then I spun it. Heaven! Yes, I wrote on it. I did that for my own sanity. I get in the grove and if I don't have that little reminder, I will spin it the opposite way one time and the spindle will drop. Then I get all frustrated and upset because I then can't remember which way I was spinning it. It is just for my sanity. Butterflygirldesigns from Etsy

Needles. While brosing Knitpicks, I saw that they now have 40" and 47" sock size needles in the new wood. So I ordered some. I alos ordered some of the same lengths in the nickel plated finish. In the wood, I ordered the 40" in 2.0mm & 2.25mm, same for the 47". I also ordered the same lengths and sizes in the nickel. I want to learn how to do two sox at a tim, toe up, magic loop method. Wood is on the left and the metal ones on the right.

I have a test today, so I need to go eat a good breakfast. Happy Knitting!!

Socks!

2008-03-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

I have been knitting. Honest. Here, I will show you.

These are R's. I finised them about a week ago. He loves them. I lost the ballbands but if I remember correctly, the yarn is Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. I don't remember the color. Very nice yarn to work with.

I just finished the first of a pair a few minutes ago for me. The yarn is Claudia Handpainted Yarns. The color is "Hawaii". I will be buying more of this from the Loopy Ewe.

Both pairs are my personal patterns that I have put together from several different patterns. They are toe up Magic loop, started with Magic cast on. They have a heel flap and a gusset. I do basic vanilla pattern to show off the yarn. I have even started the secend one. See?

Sorry that this post is sarcastic. I am trying to stay awake so I can sleep tomorrow so that I can stay awake at work tomorrow night. Happy Knitting!!

Wish List

2008-03-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Warning - this is a selfish post.

I need a place where I can list my "wishes". Now that I have income again, I am dreaming about things that I would like to have in regards to my fiber obession. Since I want to start my own business, I will need equipment to run it more smoothly and at most cost effective to me. Granted, I could have someone else prepare my fiber, but if I have my own, then I could do it myself. Yes, I am very aware how time consuming perparing fiber from raw to spinable is.

I would need a picker and a drum carder. I would probably start out with a non-motorized carder, then upgrade to a motorized one. The picker I would probably buy, but R could also make me one if I got the plans. I was thinking this one, this one, or this one for a carder, and this, this,or this for a picker.

Another thing is dying. Do I, or don't I. I was thinking for a while that I would like to carry only natural colors in fiber and blend those to make other colors. But there are so many gorgeous colors and color combos out there! So, I will probably need an outdoor stove and pots, pans, and utensils so that if I wanted to use acid dyes I could.

Personal wishes. Spindles and more spindles! I have fallen in love with the Golding rim weighted spindles! Although I prefer the nonpainted ones, all are BEAUTIFUL!! And any of these that are under 1.5oz are on my wish list! And Butterflygirls! I would also like to try a supported spindle.

Fiber. I bought some of this just to try it out. I didn't like it by itself, but blended up to 50/50 with another fiber and all the blends that I have tried spin like a dream!! I will definately be getting more of this!

I am sure that there is more wishes somewhere in my brain, but I need to go nap before going to work tonight.

Happy Knitting!

R's new blog

2008-03-18T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hello! R just started his own blog! You can find it here. He is an artist. I hope that you like some of the drawings.

Happy Knitting!

AUGGH!!!

2008-03-16T06:31:00.000-07:00

The other morning I noticed that one of my skeins of yarn was missing. It was one of a pair that was gifted to me by a friend. I had wound them up and set them prominently on my yarn shelves so that I could admire them and pet them as I walked by. Well, that morning, I noticed that one was gone. I looked on the floor, under the bed, etc. no pretty little cake of yarn. I told R to please keep an eye out for it as the puppy loooooves my fiber. Yarn, fiber he looooves it. R and I went running errands later, and when we got back I found this:

This is the other one:

and this is the puppy:

"I didn't do nothin'. I'm just layin' here on your pillow bein' good!"

Update

2008-03-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I went in yesterday to sign all the paperwork that comes with starting a new job. Then HR took me to see my boss to see when I would start and she said she was going to start me that day! I said that I was ok with that and went home to go change into scrubs. I had forgotten how long a 12 hour shift is! I did get to leave early, so I was only there for about 8 hours. That is still a long time when you haven't worked in almost a year. I start my regular shift this Thursday night. I like the job so far. It is also a really good feeling to be using the skills that I have gone to school for. Although, I still feel like I have to go get my clinical instructor if I want to do a procedure or skill so that I can get checked off! I am sure that that will go away soon.

Knitting. Haven't really done any the last few days. Did some frogging though. R had to help me with one skein as it tangled up really bad. It took the two of us almost an hour to get it right. I really, really don't like this yarn. I don't like how it feels going through my fingers and I don't care for the knitted fabric. It is sock yarn. R loves it, so it will become something for him after it sits awhile to learns to behave itself. Or I forget how it behaves.

Need to go get ready for school. Only 2.5 months left!!!

Happy Knitting!

A Secret Project (pic intensive)

2008-03-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

I have a secret project that I am working on. Well, I guess that it isn't too secret if I can post about it here as the person doesn't read my blog, but other person does that talk to her! I already asked and made sure and that person wouldn't say anything anyways. This person "K" loves elephants. I mean really likes and collects things that looks like elephants and has elephants on things. Last year for Christmas I made her this. It is a wirewrapped elephant scuplture.

This year, I wanted to make her a shawl or wall hanging of a knitted elephant. So, I trolled the internet for pictures that I liked. This is one I found that would work the best.

I messed with it until I got this:

This is a corner of the drawing and the prgression to chart.

I only graphed out a corner so far so that I could knit up a swatch. I don't have a swatch done yet. I started one last night and I had marked two squares with the wrong number so I was off count twice. I decided that I was too tired (it was 10pm at the time) to continue. I will try tonight after dinner maybe.

I wanted to do this in cobweb/lace weight, but then it would be wall hanging size to frame when done. If I do this in say sock weight, I might be able to add borders and such to make it shawl size. I am waiting on a reply if K wears shawls or not.

I hope that all is well with you out there. Until next time, happy knitting!

Horse of course

2008-03-02T17:41:00.000-08:00

Here is that wonderful picture of a horse I was telling you about. My aunt (Bobbie) took it.

Employment!

2008-02-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

I am now employed!!! It feels really good to say that. It feels really good to know that I be having some money coming to help offset the bills.

I am knitting and crocheting. Not much spinning though. No pictures lately. Two of my classmates are pregnant, so I am busy making baby blankets for that. I am also working on a quilt for R's mom. It is a pinwheel alternated with solid squares. All the different fabrics are cats or dogs. It is really cute. It is to the point now in the piecing of the top that it is getting very large! Some of the points are not coming out right, so that is frustrating. It is in the corner while I decide what to do with it.

My aunt just sent me some very cool pictures. One of them is a horse dusted with snow. I will have to ask her if I can put that one up here.

Talk to you later, and happy knitting (and quilting!)

I have NEWS!!!

2008-02-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

I have wonderful news, I have a JOB!!! Well, I am just waiting on the urine test and the background test to come back ok, but other than that, I have employment!

I have been knitting. Most of the projects are on my Ravelry page. I have also been spinning, both on my wheel and I tried spindling again, and I love it. I currently have a subcription to tisjewelart fiber club. She has sent me the most wonderful batches of fiber! I have been spinning those on my wheel. I koolaid dyed some fiber and silk and have been having fun spinning those up. The "light fire" on my Raverly stash page is my dye job.

Since I have a job in the medical field, I needed some scrubs. I don't know where all my other scrubs are that I packed about a year ago are, so I made some scrub tops today.

I have been working on some lace from "A Gathering of Lace" It is called "A beginner's triangle". I am using Bernat's Soy Natural Blends. It is so soft! I had to go back and three more because I only got three, and they were on clearance at Michael's. The whole shawl is only going to cost me $12. SWEET! I love it when I can make something that large for that cheap.

Hello!

2008-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

I am still here! Not doing much, don't feel like doing much. Some knitting, some quilting, some homework, etc. I guess that you could call it the blahs. I get them everyonce in awhile. I hope that everyone out there is doing ok. Until next time, happy knitting!

A new baby!!!

2007-12-15T11:47:00.000-08:00

I got my Christmas present early! His name is Toby. The vet says that he is a Doxie and Corgi mix. The pound said Doxie and Beagal mix. I believe the vet, as I have a Beagal mix and they don't look anything alike! Ditto (Blue collar) is being the "mom" with him also. Katie (black coat with green collar) is so big now. She is 40-45lbs now! So, much for my lapdog. Well, Toby is only 10lbs now and he is 6months already, so hopefully he will only get to maybe 20lbs. Still lap size then.

Here is just a cute pic of all the girls trying to sleep on the same cushion that I put on the floor for them to use as a bed.

Still knitting. And crocheting. R's Christmas present is almost done. Uncle C's isn't started yet, but I am thinking a beanine hat. Easy but warm! Started crocheting Toby a coat to wear. Will post pics of everything after Christmas with who got what.

Happy Knitting and Merry Christmas!

p.s. Have a safe and happy trip Anne!

Hello

2007-12-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

Well, I have most of my Christmas knitting done, just R's left to do. I know, the man that I love and adore is left to last. But really it is because I can't decide what to make him. I decided to make a scarf and he picked out the yarn. I think that I have started that project so many time that I will have to cut off the first few yards because it is unraveling. I still have to think of something for one of my uncles as he lives in the desert like me and really doesn't need any handknits but it supposed to be low 50's to high 40's tonight. I know, I know, it is snowing in other parts of the country right now, but when the rest of the year is 90 - 120 degrees here, 50 is cold!

Final is tomorrow so I am supposedly studying! I feel confident in myself though.

A lady that I met on Ravelry and I met for our first knitting group. It was so cool! Apparently, there is another lady in town that would like to knit with us. This is way cool! I haven't ever gone to a knit group before.

Oh! I may have an interview for a job that I really, really want!!!! Please keep your fingers crossed for me. Thank you, but I don't want to say anything more until after the interview!

Have a Question for you

2007-12-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

I have a question for you that read this. I have been haunting Etsy lately and have seen some wonderful things! I started thinking, I am crafty and such, so why not start an Etsy store? Ok, this is where I would like your input, what are you looking for when you go to Etsy? Now, I am talking knitting and spinnning things. Here are some of the things that I know how to do:

Spinning
Dying fiber
Knitting
Beading (Jewelry)
Sewing
Quilting
Wire wrapping
Crochet

So, what do you think? I would really appricate any comments.

Happy Knitting!

I am Licensed!

2007-11-24T10:53:00.000-08:00

Sorry that it has been so long for the next post. Been lazy. I got my license in the mail a few weeks ago and have been kinda looking for a job. The place I really wanted to go isn't hiring full time right now. I may put in an application in for PRN (as needed) work for them.

While I was testing, R took a walk down to the cliffs and took some pictures.

Cats.

Aww. This is my two cats Iris and Motor. Usually they just tolerate each other even though they are litter mates. But every once in awhile...

Happy Knitting!

I PASSED!!!!!

2007-11-06T21:15:00.000-08:00

I passed the boards for LPN!!! That was super quick as I took the boards on Saturday and I got the results today. Now, I just have to wait for my fingerprints to clear and I get my license. I am sooooo excited!

Happy Knitting!

Please go look at this!!

2007-11-02T07:40:00.000-07:00

This is so cool!!! Go check it out! Please.

Free Rice started early last month. It is a game that increases your vocabulary and for every right answer, they will donate 10 grains of rice to help relieve hunger. Cool or what!!

I take my boards for LPN TOMORROW!!!! I have to go to San Diego though, as there isn't a testing center in my town. Ah shucks - I have to go to San Diego ;) I will go see my mom today after we get there as she is still in the hospital. She got an infection in her foot and the doc had to remove part of her fifth metatarsol. 2.5"!! So, Uncle D will take R and I to go see her theis afternoon. Going over today as the test is at 8am in the am. I just hope that my dogs don't bark all night as they will have to stay outside since we won't be here. Can't leave them inside for 24+ hours.

Knitting. I have been knitting. Just not very much. Blocked some pieces but no pics yet. I will be taking some mindless knitting with me on the trip. I am finding that I really like stockingnet. I don't have to pay attention to it too much and it is very relaxing to me. I realized that if I have something that I have to pay a lot of attention to, then I get frustrated with it in a matter of minutes. But if I have stockingnet, it relaxes me instead of adding to the stress that I already have! So, no lace knitting for me right now even though I am in two KALs.

Until next time - Have a wondeful knitting weekend!

Waiting and Christmas

2007-10-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

I am still here. I am. Just not been in the mood to blog, or do much of anything else. Have been plugging away at knitting. Got some Christmas knitting done. Uncle D's and Poppa R's are both done. Mimi's is about 30% done, and Uncle C's - well - I have 2 rows done. I have been working on the Secret of the Stole some, I'm into hint two. I am waiting for the MysticWater? secret KAL to start. And, I cast on for a scarf for myself! I need to finish one project then go onto another, but I get bored with only one project, or I'm just not in the mood to work on a certain project. So, I work on another or I start one. I am running out of needles!!!

Oh! I sent in my application to take the LPN boards on Saturday. Hopefully I will hear back soon. I want to take the boards so I can go to work. Unfortunately, money makes the world go around. Well, off to read for class on Thursday.

Happy Knitting!!!

It's Wednesday

2007-10-03T10:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I couldn't think of anything else to put as the title. I have been knitting, and I have pictures of most of it. They are still on the camera though. I haven't been feeling good lately, I think I slept 36 hours out of the last 48. Don't know what it is, just feel crappy. Thank you Anne for the kind comment about KittyBoy. School is going well, at clinical on Monday, I started FOUR IVs, out of 5 tries. I am so proud of myself!!!! I have always had a hard time with starting IVs. And, someone said that I look like I was 19. I'm 29! Other than feeling crappy, I am on cloud 9! Anne may be sending me some roving to spin for her, so I am excited about that. I am get some other that I have spun up and sent off to some friends. I have about 1/3 of the Alpaca washed, but hardly any of it combed. I am hoping that I get a drum carder for Christmas. We will see. If you hear me squeal back East, Chan and Anne, that means I got one! Well, I have to get ready for a SNA (student nurses association) meeting, so I have to go fight the parking crowds. Happy Knitting!!!

The Old Man

2007-09-24T17:50:00.000-07:00

Our old man passed away this morning. He was R's cat and companion for the past 14-15 years. He was found on the Marine base here in town as a kitten and R brought him home. The last few days have been rough, KittyBoy hasn't been eating or drinking, not even wet food. He was also acting funny. No purring or talking to us. KittyBoy, you will be missed. You were the ultimate gentleman.

a FO and decisions!

2007-09-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

I finished Uncle M's Christmas present today. Here is R modeling it for me.

Meme's triangle shawl is about half done. It is hard to guess because it keeps getting bigger, but about half of the yarn is gone. It is turning out very nice. No pictures yet.

I took the first test of the semester, and I got a 83!!!! I am so proud of myself. Now, I just need to keep doing what I have been and keep getting 80's and over. I am very happy with a "B" grade.

That is all for today. Now, I just need to figure out if I want to cast on another project or finish Uncle D's sox. Decisions, decisions.

Busy, busy

2007-09-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy! I had almost forgotten how much reading nursing school required. Ah well. I am still knitting away on Christmas presents. Got two finished yesterday and one blocked yesterday. The other one is being blocked now. The lavender/purple one is for my grandmother's sister.

DeeOGee is modeling it for me.

I decreased somewhere in the middle by 6 stitches, so I free form knitted the end and put a tassel on the end. Came out cute and I think that she will like it. I based it on this pattern. I put a lavender triangle in the middle of the purple as I didn't have enough of either color to make it all that color. I love buying single balls of yarn for some reason. It gets me out of my comfort zone and do something really cool. I also threw in some stockinette triangles to play with texture.

The other scarf is for one of my aunts. It is a cable with a braid on each side. I over dyed it with koolaid to make the cable and braids stand out better. The long shot of it is truer to color than the closeup.

It isn't quite as long as she asked but I can wrap it twice on me, so it should be ok.

I got yarn!!! Chan sent me this yarn. She is so wonderful! Thank you Chan!!!

R has already claimed it, so it will be something for him. I don't know what yet. It is sock yarn, but you can use sock yarn for other things than sox. The colors are pretty true.

Katie has gotten so big! Here she is when we got her:

Here she is now.

Both are in comparison to one of the big dogs. She is 30 pounds and only 6 months old! I hope that she doesn't get much bigger than that.

I was making a sock. I had to frog it totally because I didn't like the ladder and I made a mistake about 2 inches back. I have more circulars coming in this week. I will try again then with two instead of one circular.

I have started the second of the big blue sox. The toe is done, but that is about it. I have started a Christmas hat for another uncle. Using Paton's SWS yarn. I really like the yarn, I just have to be careful because it likes to make ladders. No pictures yet.

Have to go read for class. Take care!

Hello

2007-08-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

Haven't really been able to chat. Getting ready for school that started yesterday (yeah!!). I did finish a sock but am going to have to frog some if not all. I am NOT happy about that. Why is it that you can follow the same instructions for the second sock and it comes out smaller!!!! I don't have enough yarn, so it probably will sit. I did work on a shrug and got it almost finished for class. My classroom is almost always too cold. So, four days before class started, I started a shrug. Really cute, basically a rectangle with cuffs on it. Used alpaca, and didn't have enough gray, so I used lavendar with it. Came out very cute. I think that I will frog the one completed cuff because I think that the gauge is too small for the item. Pictures will come later, I have to go read for class. Take care!!

not so arugh!

2007-08-13T00:59:00.000-07:00

My last post was about a sock that didn't want to grow anymore. I did rip back the heel stitches a few rows and tried to complete it with the yarn I did have. As I am on a strick yarn diet, I knew that I couldn't just go and buy another skein of yarn. Good thing that I like anklets. The first one is finished. This is how much yarn I had left:

This is the sock on my foot. The front is rolled down because it is longer than the back. And the toe to the mate is also pictured.

I really, really like this yarn. I just now know to buy three skeins of it when making sox for me.

I did finish half a Christmas present. It is for someone in my family with really large feet. I hope that the sox fit, as I am guessing at the shoe size. The yarn is Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted. It is being knit on Brittany's sz4.

I did start the other sock but had to frog it because I started the toe too narrow. I guess that is what I get for not taking notes.

I didn't knit any today because of this:
It started out that R and I were at HomeDepot, and they had some faucets on clearance. I saw one that had all the things on it that I wanted. So, we got it. Along with the rain showerhead that was also on clearance. (why is it that we never can seem to leave with only what is on the list?) I tried to take the faucet off the kitchen sink. And found out that someone had glued the last faucet to the sink!!! So, the sink that has been lying around to be put in got put in. And new lines and P trap and such. So, nine hours later I have this:

The blocks are to hold the sink down while the caulk sets.

So much for only replacing the faucet!

I forgot to show you! I spun up some yarn last week. Take a look at my new pretty:

And a close up:

It is wool samples that I get from the Bellwether. For I think $16 a year, they will send you samples of their rovings 4 times a year I think. Wonderful stuff, I didn't know what to do with it. The samples sat around until I had 3 envelopes full, and decided I was going to spin it up. The cream is merino. The colors are wool. Some of the samples have silk blended in them. I have found that I really don't care for silk noils in my yarn. I like a smooth yarn. The cream spun up beautifully. And the hank was a balanced ply! That makes me really happy, becuase I am not very good at plying. This is going to be a gift. I am going to smooze and give it to one of my professors at school that knits. I hope that she likes it. No, I don't know the twist or anything like that. I just spin the singles and then ply. So far, it has worked out.

Until next time, Take care!!

Arugh!!!

2007-08-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was working on my sox, and I was just about to turn the heel when I pulled on the yarn to see how much I had left. I have 18'' left!!! For the rest of the heel and the anklet top!!! I don't know what to do. First I think that I am going to rip back the heel a few rows and try that. The yarn is really squishy and elastic, I might be able to make that work. If not, I am going to have to wait until new job starts (no new job yet) and so money comes back my way. So it will hiebrnate if I can't fix it. Poo!!!!!!

I got a BOX!!!

2007-08-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

My Sock4 box arrived today!!!!!!!!!!!!

(note - major pic intensive)

I was winding up some yarn when the mailman came and handed me a box with my name on it. Now, I usually don't receive boxes unless I order something, so I was really, really excited!!

Really pretty wrapping! I love the pink and green together.

An overview of everything. (please excuse the mess on the kitchen table, was winding yarn!)

A set of pretty glass frog stitch markers

Rinse - free wool wash. I can't wait to try out the different scents!

Sox and leftover yarn! Looks like there was quite a bit left. Her blog says that the yarn is Knitpicks sock memories in "Spring Prarie". The pattern is "Cafe Curtains". Very pretty combo. The fit is perfect!

A Lantern Moon lamb tape measure, a cute knitting card, and a steel crochet hook

Sock blockers that she made herself to block my sox

Yarn! It is Lily Pad Love hand dyed yarn. 100% Peruvian Wool. So very soft!!!

The back

The sox on my feet!

Thank you, thank you, thank you Frenchy!!! You went above and beyond.

WIPs and Life

2007-08-03T20:30:00.000-07:00

Been lazy lately. But I did get my resume typed up. That will help when I go job hunting starting on Monday. Monday I also go and hopefully pay for next semester's class. It is going to feel very weird going back to school after being off a semester. I also have to ask the Nursing secretary about the board application. I have found several different instructions on how much and when to pay for my boards. I don't know. So, on Monday, I will ask someone. Onto knitting. Have some wips.

The blue is a Christmas present for someone on my list. It is Malabrigo in "Azul bolita". It is knitting up on sz4 needles to 6 stitches to the inch. Wonderful stuff to work with. Nice stitch definition. Then I lost one of the needles last night. In the middle of a movie (the Chronicles of Riddick) when I got back from a bathroom break, needle was nowhere to be found! Yeah, I can finish this and the mate on four needles, but I really like to use five.

The other sock is for me. All the other sox were for others, in fact this is the first thing that I have ever made for me since I started knitting. They are Claudia Hand Painted in "Blue TerraCotta". Note to self, buy this yarn again! Using size 1 needles. So soft and squishy and just glides through my fingers.

You probably have seen this as this:

But no more. It sat around too long and I forgot where I was in the pattern. So, I ripped it out and started new. Same pattern but written by a different person, I seem to be able to understand it better. I also decreased it by one repeat, and sofar, I really like it compared to "let's just get this over with" type of project.

And this is Motor helping me take pictures. He really likes having his picture taken. He also really likes my knitting. He won't chew on my yarn, but he will try to chew on my circular needle cables. So. he isn't allowed on my lap when I am knitting with those. I am usually knitting sox, hats, or scarves anyway. So, until next time, happy knitting, 'cause Christmas is around the corner!!!!!!!!

A FO!!!

2007-07-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

I finished something! They are the sox for my sock4 pal. I really hope that she likes them.

They are made with CiderMoon HandDyed in SeaGrass. Size 0's for the foot and Size 1's for the leg. I did a simple pattern to show off the yarn. R likes them and wants them for himself. Just a short one today, not feeling the greatest. Oh, this counts as a pair for the summer of sox KAL! I just remembered. haha. Off to start a Christmas present and rest. Later.

I'm Home!!!!!

2007-07-24T15:06:00.000-07:00

It feels so good to be home. We got home Sunday around midnight, after starting at 4 that morning. Came home to heat and humidity. YUCK!!!

Ok, pics. Here are the pics from my spoiler for theSuperSoxBoxSwap. I have already eaten the chocolate covered macadamin nuts. The dogs loved the carob and mint treats! The pattern that is hiding is the next picture.

Thank you, thank you again to Gina! You really spoiled me!!!!

Finished a project! A Christmas present for someone on my list.

Have to go and rest from all the travel and unpacking, so until next time, pick up those needles and knit!!!

Hello

2007-07-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have some more time today. My SuperSoxBoxSwap. I did get my box. It is absolutely wonderful!!!!!!!!! I got some pretty yarn, I don't remember the brand(didn't bring the items or a list with me to the library) but it is very pretty pinks, purples, blues and such. I got a sox bag that is pink on the inside and white with pink and black paw prints on the outside. Very, very cute! Inside was some cute gemstone stitch markers and some round pins with animals like a monkey, elephant, cat, dog and such. I got a really cool pattern, I think that she made it herself. Oh, I got some macadamin nuts covered in chocolate. And she sent my dogs some treats, they are carob and mint! She also sent me a notebook that has graph paper as the pages. Very cool!!!If I have forgotten anything, I am very sorry. One thing, I don't know who my spoiler is to thank her properly. I will post pictures when I get home in about 2 weeks. Until next time - Happy Knitting!!!!

Sorry it has been so long!

2007-07-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Sorry Everyone!

This is going to have to be a very quick post. I did get my supersoxboxswap box from Gina? in Hawaii. It is wonderful. I don't have pictures, will probably get them up in the next couple weeks. I don't have a computer that I can upload pics to, I am on vacation and have to go to the library to usr the internet. I did sent out my box to my pal. I hope that she gets it soon and loves it. Have to go, unitl next time - Happy Knitting!

Good Morning!

2007-06-25T05:43:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

This is amazing for me. Up this early on a nonwork-nonclinical day! And I have been up for a hour. Ok, onto other things.

Finished my teacher's hat last night. Washed, blocked, and dried. It looks waaaaaaaaaaaay too big! Maybe I blocked it too big. I will tell the teacher that if she has a smaller bowl to rewet it and reblock. The color is more true in the two bottom pictures.

The dogs are Katie (the puppy) and DeeO.Gee (dobbie/german shepard mix)

They and DeeO.Gee's sister are going with us to WY. Fun. Two big dogs and a puppy in the back of my Bronco. Doable but cramped! We pick up the rental truck this afternoon. I am going to try to pack it this evening, but may have to finish in the AM.

Well, my final is today. It is a computer test. The only problem I have with it is that the company that the school contracts with for the tests and practice tests don't tell you what you missed on the practice tests! So, you really don't know what you got wrong. That is my only gripe. I studied as best as I could. Once I pass the final, then I can apply for the state boards to take the NCLEX for LPN.

Ok. I'm off to eat my Wheaties! Wish me luck and Happy Knitting!

Pictures and a FO!

2007-06-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, I found the camera and took the pictures of the stitch markers

Sulah sent me this:

Very cute and they are reversible! She writes that the notepad and the pen are magnetic. How cool is that!
Kathy send me these:

Very Pretty!
Thank you again to both ladies.

I finished one of my pairs of sox for sockapalooza 4! Here they are:

The color is is between the middle pic and the bottom. The bottom one is with a flash. It is also to show the difference the other side is. The top is Wendy's Feather and Fan. In fact, the pattern is Wendy's fingering weight toe-up with gusset heel. Very easy and complete instructions! Thank you Wendy! Took them this morning outside on my wall while it is still cool. It was 106 degrees yesterday, and supposed to be warmer today!

The sock forms are from Chappy on ebay. Good products and fast service!

I have started on my next pair of sockapalooza 4 sox. I am a sock angel, so I need to get those done also. But, they also count for my Summer of Sox KAL!!!
Iam so excited to be doing a KAL. It also makes me finish the sox I am doing and not have SSS. Maybe I can get some of R's sox done that he has been asking for!

Until next time - Happy Knitting!!!!!!!!!!

Stitch markers

2007-06-20T21:41:00.000-07:00

I got my stitch markers from two people! Very cool. Don't know where the camera is at the moment, so no pictures. Sorry. Thank you again to Sulah and Kathy! Still trying to get ready for the big trip to WY and study for my final on Monday. Such fun! Until next time, happy knitting.

p.s. finished one sockapalooza 4 sox and almost done with the other. then I can start on the second pair!

Have a question for you

2007-06-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

I have a question for the people that read this. I have two pictures to show you. Can you find the differences? Yes, they are the same pair of sox.

Yes, one is of a regular toe, and the other has a ring around it. It makes a box end. I did try it on, I cannot feel the difference when it is on. I think that it looks cool like that, having two different toes, but they are not for me. They are for my sox4 pal. So, what do YOU think?

I'm still here!!!

2007-06-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

Very, very picture intensive!!!!!!!!

I'm still here! I have been busy though. I have been in summer school. I have also been knitting but on things for my secret people, so I cannot really show you stuff. Well, maybe I can show you bits of stuff. Ok, here we go.

ok, subtitles:
Red hat - baby alpaca just because I liked the color. Gave to a classmate
Pink, orange, yellow knitted fabric - Sockapalooza 4 socks for my pal

Brown, green, & pink - Sox bag for a pal
Stitch markers - made 2 pair for each pal in the swaps I am in. 5 pals = 10pr.

Motor and Katie

Like I said, I have been busy. School, work and sleeping. And some knitting. I am glad that I can sit in the back of my class and knit. The teacher has commented, but hasn't asked me to put it away. I still got some yarn in purple (her favorite color) and I am going to make a knit hat for her. This is her last class that she is teaching. She is going on to be a NP (nurse practitioner). Cool, huh. Well, this note is a long one, so I will go ahead and say that until next time, happy knitting!!!!

just some cute pics

2007-05-24T14:41:00.001-07:00

No knitting pics. Just some cute furbabys!

Let me take my nap mom!

Can I come out and play?

Hello again

2007-05-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hello, I know that I haven't written in awhile. That is because of life. And knitting that I really cannot show because it is for the swaps that I am in. I go to visit my mom on Monday, and there is a yarn shop there. The ladies let me ball my yarn from other places as long as I buy something from them. So, I really haven't started on my sockapalooza4 sox yet. I have the pattern and the yarn, but the yarn is still in skien form.

Spinning. I spun some the other night, and for the first time, the ply was balanced! I was so excited! R didn't really know what I was excited about but he was happy for me. It was some roving from Paradise Fiber that I koolaid dyed. The roving was dark brown, and I dyed it red and purple, but it came out dark burgandy. Still very cool. it is going to go to one of my swap spoilees. I got my wheel for my birthday. She is an Ashford Traveler Single Drive with Scotch tension. She doesn't have a name yet. She is unfinished. I know, I know, I need to have her finished. While we are in Wyoming, maybe I can have R finish her for me. Here is a picture of her.

And here is the spun roving.

The picture is dark but is pretty true to color

R took some pictures of C.A.T. She is R's outside cat. She is part Saimese.

Furbabys!!

2007-05-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures of my cats.

They are Motor and Iris, brother and sister. They are three years old. In the pictures where they are together, Motor is on the left and Iris is on the right.

supersoxboxswap question

2007-05-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Question: What is your favorite beverage and snack while knitting, and why? Be specific!

Beverage: usually water or milk, but somtimes tea(when I get up and make it). My favorite kind of tea is iced basic black tea, unsweetened. But I just got some pink grapefruit and tea leaves tea, and it is really good cold also!

Snack: usually something bready like crackers, buttered bread, bread and oil(not very often on that one because of the oil). Sometimes I like to have chocolate, but then it has to be something I can eat with a spoon. My fav chocolate thing to eat right now is regular peanut butter mixed with coco mix. Heat it up just a little bit to get the mix to melt into the peanutbutter. It is very tempting to me when I knit!

Cats, Dogs, and FO's

2007-05-16T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my desk. My cat, Motor, loves to sit up there so that he can be with me. Yes, that is three computers that you see. One is so old that it turns on and that is about it. We are trying to figure how to transfer the files to the black computer (R's computer). The silver one is my computer. I had it before R and I got together, or we probably would only have one computer now.

I finished the baby blanket last night. It is soaking in the wash water as we speak. It seemed to take forever, but it didn't really. It is washable yarn, so it is easy care for the mom. I am going to give it to her tomorrow at the nursing student pinning ceromony.

I got my SuperSoxBoxSwap spoilee yesterday. I already started on her bag. I cannot say what it is just in case she reads my blog. It is supposed to be a surprise!!! The way cool part is that she is in England! My other swap spoilees, one is in Texas, and the other in Virginia. I hope that I do a good job spoiling all three ladies.

Katie is over her cough. She is getting spayed today. I go and pick her up in about an hour. The vet gave me some pain meds for her because the pound doesn't supply them. I thought that kinda sucked. I don't want my new baby in pain from major surgery. I got some baby oneies for her to wear so she won't lick and bite at her stitches. When I got my cats fixed, the vet told me about that.

Take my picture mommy!

super sox box swap

2007-05-11T20:20:00.001-07:00

Super Sox Box Swap Questionnaire:
1.What are your favorite colors? jewel tones
What colors make you cringe? hardly anything as long as it looks good with the other colors
2.Are you a new sock knitter? yes
How long have you been knitting socks? about six months
3.Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn? either
4.What fibers do you prefer in sock yarn? natural
5.Where do you usually knit socks? in the car or at home
6.How do you usually carry/store small projects? in a ziplock bag
7.What are your favorite sock knitting patterns? I really like wendyknits patterns, toe up, but other than that I don't know because I am still new at this
Any favorite designers? I don't know
8.What are your favorite sock knitting techniques? toe up
9.What new techniques would you like to try? lace, cables
10.Do you prefer circulars or dpns for sock knitting? dpns
11.What are some of your favorite yarns? mountain colors, panda cotton, Loopie ewe yarns!
12.What yarn do you adore and yearn for? alpaca, anything soft and makes a solid fabric
What yarn makes you happiest? soft and silky, easy to work with
13.Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?My own
14.Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)? dpns-bamboo, either crystal palace or brittany, cirs-addi turbos. I haven't tried any other tyes of dpns yet.
If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be? alpaca, or anything soft
Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack? m&ms (any kind but crunch), chocolate (any kind), cheeze-its
Sweet or salty? both depending on my mood
Do you collect anything? animals, yarn, fabric, knitting needles, crochet hooks, frog figurines, dust bunnies
What is your favorite scent? clean, citrus scents
Will you be celebrating a birthday, anniversary, etc. between now and the close of the swap? no
What’s your favorite animal? cats and dogs ( and bunnies and mice and ...)
Do you have pets? yes
What are their species/names/ages? 2 cats Motor and Iris (brother and sister) age 3 yrs, gray tabbies; 3 dogs - 2 German Shepard/Dobbie mix (sisters) age 3yrs, DeeOGee and Ditto, puppy - Beagle/Rott mix age 13weeks, Katie.
Tell me the best quote you’ve ever heard or read. "I Love You" from my boyfriend
What is your motto in life? Each day you wake up this side of the grass is a good day!
Do you have a wishlist? (ie: Amazon, B&N, a LYS, online store, etc.) Please list link here. no
Anything else you’d like to share with your Sox Box pal? have fun!!! I am very easy to please
Any allergies to be aware of for this swap? No scented lotions please
Coffee, Tea? Anything Else? tea

I got a box!!!

2007-05-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

I got my box from Loopy Ewe today! I was too excited. This is what I got:

Cherry Tree Hill in Brights

Claudia Hand Paints in DF Green

Claudia Hand Paints in Hawaii

Cider Moon in Seagrass

Way cool huh! I also got some samples of Regina bamboo and silk yarns. They also sent me a needle card thing so I know what needles I have and don't have.

I think I will use either the Seagrass or the Brights as my Sock4 Pal's sox. I am going to visit my mom in the next couple of weeks, so I can take the yarn there t0 the local LYS to have the yarn balled.

I am almost done with that baby blanket. It is just so monotonous to work on. I made myself a promise not to work on anything else until that is done! It is really hard because right beside me right now is a swatch for the sock4.

I CAN'T SLEEP!!!!

2007-05-10T01:35:00.000-07:00

This sucks. I don't get insomnia very often, but when I do, I only sleep a couple hours. Maybe. I just can't seem to shut the mind down and relax. Thank goodness I don't have to work tomorrow.

I can give you updates though. I have started the decreases on the baby blanket I am making.

I see a corner!

I do have a few more rows done. This is for my nursing student friend. She is due in June. But babys don't always follow the doctor's schedule. I hope that the baby can wait until AFTER her final on Monday!

I like the blanket, but I really, really don't like garter stitch. I thought to myself when I was planning this blanket, I don't like garter stitch but this won't be that bad! I probably would have had this blanket done a long time ago if I had done another pattern, one that kept my attention better. It makes for really good movie knitting.

Katie. Katie went to the vet and got a clean bill of health. That night she started to cough. And the next night. R took her back to the vet on Saturday. She has kennel cough. Got the pills and cough syrup. She likes the syrup, I think it smells like meat, maybe that is why. She is coughing less now, so we can get some sleep. Well they can.

Ordered some yarn from the Loopy Ewe. Hopefully it will get here tomorrow, well today. I haven't ordered from them before, so I am excited about that! I hear that they have good service and excellent products. I signed up for the Summer of socks2007. You can find it here. I signed up for the design contest. One of the requirements was to order the yarn from one of the sponsors, and Loopy Ewe was a sponsor! I am so excited; I haven’t ever designed a knitting pattern before.

I am sending out a treat box to my sock4 pal later today. I guess that would make her a treatee? Sounds good to me. I hope that she likes it, I have been blog stalking her for some ideas.

I found out today that I was accepted into the LPN program at our local college. I have two semesters of Nursing school done, so I was able to apply.

I go and pay for that tomorrow. It is going to feel weird going back to school, as I have had a whole semester off. It has been a really nice break.

I have to (well, I don't have to but it needs to be done eventually) take my Bronco into the shop for some work. Nothing major major, just a bunch of little things. I take her in on Monday. I like the place I go and they have decent prices, they just take forever. So I probably won't get her back until next Thursday. That is ok though, because then she will be more fixed than before. I need her to do a 1,000 mile trip in about 2 days and then back home a few weeks later. So, she is going to the shop. They quoted me about $900.00 for all the work I am asking for. I was excepting a higher price. Now, if they can just stay within that price.

Well, I am going to knit some and then try to go to sleep. I really don't like taking Benadryl even though it works for me. I am groggy the whole next day if I take it this late at night. Ah well, I guess could try meditation some more, but it just hasn't been working well lately.

I leave you with pictures of Katie.

Good night and sweet dreams to all.

Katie

2007-05-02T08:54:00.000-07:00

Took some more pictures of Katie this morning.

She is too cute. She goes to the vet today to get checked out. She apparently likes rocks.

The girls still really don't know about her yet. Ditto is starting to mother her, but Dee O Gee is still skittish around her. But she is skittish anyways. I only had to take her out once last night. I was so proud of her.

No new knitting progress because of the baby. I probably should make her a rug/bed/blanket. R said "oh no, another project!" He was laughing when he said it. I was thinking on making it a log cabin style so I can add on to it as she grows.

Hello Again

2007-05-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote. In that time, I have frogged the feather and fan scarf, and started another scarf. This is what I started. That is the picture from the book. This is what mine looks like: It is Noro Silk Garden in color 84. I got 5 balls of it. I am using Palmwood size 8 from Laurel Hill. Love these needles! They are very smooth and the yarn just glides over the needles. I haven't decided if I like the yarn yet. It has quite a bit of vm in it, and it varies in thickness. I will finish the scarf though as it is a gift.

R and I went to the local humane society today to get a new baby. I have been wanting a lap dog for a while. We have two big dogs. They are German Shephard and Doberman mix. We have a pair of sisters.

The one with the red collar on is Dee O Gee. Her sister in blue is Ditto. Please don't ask, R named them. This is the new baby that R and I got today. Her name is Katie.

She is Beagle mix. We think that she is mixed with Rottweiler because of her snout. She is 12 weeks old. I just kept coming back to her. So she came home with us. she already is all kinds of mischief. She trys to eat the older cat's food, and doesn't like her crate. Time will tell. She goes outside about once an hour. The other dogs don't know what to think of her.

I joined the sokapalooza 4. I a very excited! Got my person this week. I have been having trouble blogging on the blog, so please don't fret if you don't see me on there. I am still deciding on pattern and yarn. So many choices and ideas in my head!

Until next time.

Hat for my uncle

2007-04-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, remember the dark green yarn I got for my uncle to make a hat?

ok, now it looks like this:

Well, that is the top of it. R is modeling it for me. It took almost the whole ball. I had to shorten it because I thought I would run out. Uncle D says it fits well. That's good in my book. The pattern is from Lion Brand. It is called "Ellen's knit hat". It came out very nice. I really like how the crown makes that pinwheel. I made it on sz7 bamboo dbps. It says to do the sides to 8" then start the crown, I only did 61/2" then the crown. Still, it came out very nice. Very soft too.

New Yarn!

2007-04-12T16:03:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of this month R and I went to visit my Mom. While we were there, we went to this little LYS. Now, I have not been in a LYS before. All I've been in is the big box craft stores. I was in heaven!!!!! I didn't know where to start! R said he didn't bring the credit card, but, I had some money on me. Mainly gas money to get back home. This is what came home with me:

Cool! Yes, we had enough gas to get back home. The dark green that looks black is CascadeYarns Baby Alpaca "chunky" in color 568. The two royal blues are Malabrigo a kettle dyed pure merino wool in color "azul bolita". The other blue is also Malabrigo but in "Tuareg". The two reds are lace weight in Kaalund in "Bushfire" . Two baggies are Panda Cotton from Crystal Palace. One is "Chocolate Almonds" and the other is "Forest Herbs". The brown in the lower right corner is a tweedy green and brown. I cannot seem to find the ball to tell you the brand name. Also got some Crystal Palace needles in sz 0 and 1. I haven't had the problem of splitting but I hope that I don't because I really like their needles. R picked out a sweater pattern that isn't showing.

The green alpaca is going to be a hat for my uncle. the two blues will things for Mom. Sock yarn for R, lace weight for me!

By the way, all of this came from the Needlecraft Cottage in SD,CA. They don't have a web store yet, but they are oh so helpful over the phone and are willing to ship!!

Hello!

2007-04-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hello! By having this blog, I am attempting several things. They are in no particular order: to catalog my crafts(mainly my knitting), keeping touch with family and friends, gathering ideas from others, and other things I cannot think of this moment even though I had earlier. Again, Hello and Welcome to my neck of the woods!

The Knitty Crafter

YAY!

My garden

A Box!

Why???????

Do I really need a new hobby?

Stuff and "Purely Decadant"

Nutrition and Life

Garden

Just a cute picture

Hi!

life

Thank you!!!!

I went to see a man about a horse

I got a Box!

Question #8

Venting!!!

Summer of Yarn

SP12 Question week #5

SP12 Question #4

Fiber!!

flicking locks

Week 2 Question

This week's question

eh

It's only words

more questions

SP 12 questionare

It's a BABY!!!

Summer of Yarn!!!

I am done!! Almost.

Hello, Hello

Socks!

Wish List

R's new blog

AUGGH!!!

Update

A Secret Project (pic intensive)

Horse of course

Employment!

I have NEWS!!!

Hello!

A new baby!!!

Hello

Have a Question for you

I am Licensed!

I PASSED!!!!!

Please go look at this!!

Waiting and Christmas

It's Wednesday

The Old Man

a FO and decisions!

Busy, busy

Hello

not so arugh!

Arugh!!!

I got a BOX!!!

WIPs and Life

A FO!!!

I'm Home!!!!!

Hello

Sorry it has been so long!

Good Morning!

Pictures and a FO!

Stitch markers

Have a question for you

I'm still here!!!

just some cute pics

Hello again

Furbabys!!

supersoxboxswap question

Cats, Dogs, and FO's

super sox box swap

I got a box!!!

I CAN'T SLEEP!!!!

Katie

Hello Again

Hat for my uncle

New Yarn!

Hello!