Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gifts. Show all posts

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Finished Sock, On Deck redo, On the Needles Now, a Happy, Productive Visit

Knitter's Husband Marine Life Socks finished the other day.  They are approximately a size 13.  That's a whole lotta sock.  Told Spencer while he was here for Thanksgiving that his feet are NOT allowed to grow any more.  It's bad enough he's at a size 12.




A WHOLE LOTTA sock...


Spencer's SF Giant's socks not happening anymore.  The yarn is splitty, the colors are NOT working out in the jumble and I do NOT like knitting them as the yarn has too much nylon and it does NOT flow over the needles.  Spencer has agreed about the colors and has picked a different yarn out of the stash.  Cherry Tree Hill's "Middle Earth".  Photos later.  Still keeping an eye out for the right yarn as I do want to make him some Giants socks.  Definitely needs to be self-striping 100% Merino - which is way out of my price range at the moment.  This is how far I went before I had to say "NO MORE" - not black/orange/white but brown/coral/white.


Going on the needles today as I watch Da Bears trounce the Vikings - socks for my partner in crime Antonella.  After slacking off for three days, they are FINALLY going on the needles - Claudia Hand Painted Yarns "Roasted Chilies".  I have five more pairs to make after these.  FIVE.  Yeah, I should really get going.

 

Once Spence FINALLY got to my house, we had a simple Thanksgiving dinner of lasagna and a salad.  But first we had dessert.  We LOVE pumpkin pie in The Chaos so that had to be eaten first!

After we rested a bit after our mini-feast, we went through all the boxes he left in his room.  I made a special pile of them and we made quick work of going through it all.  We came across wonderful things that triggered many happy memories of his grandparents, both gone now.  Here we are in two of the many awesome hats from his hat collection.  Mom and Dad always sent him various hats for birthdays and holidays and hats were his souvenirs whenever anyone traveled.  Here, he wears the Davey Crockett 'Coon hat his Papa Bernie gave him, and I'm in a fancy Greek hat that Grandma Mary brought back from her Mediterranean Cruise.  He took the furry hat back to UCLA.


It was a Happy Holiday Visit, and we got some sorting and organizing done too!  What more could a Mom ask for...

Except maybe her Honey coming on December 14th for a Happy Holiday Visit and Honey helping sort and organize too!  I'll have them both in for Christmas/New Year's so look forward to whipping The Chaos into a bit better shape while they are here.  Looking forward to having access to strong, tall men.  I'll have to cook and feed them, but small price to pay for all the much needed help they will provide.

SQUEEE.

Monday, November 19, 2012

On Deck



These yarny cakes are destined to be black/orange/white jumble socks for Spencer.  He's a big fan of the World Series Champs, the SF Giants.  So I figured it would be cool to make him some SF Giants socks.

Do you know how difficult it is to find black/orange/white yarn?!?  Luckily for me, the World Series takes place around Halloween.  Enter plenty of black/orange/white of just about anything.  Except sock yarn.

It took me a while, but I found some.  I was hoping for self-striping yarn, but this is the best I could do so close to Halloween - a lot was sold out already.  Actually it was the ONLY sock yarn I could get in a wool I could use, that I could afford, and that - most importantly - did NOT include any other colors besides black/orange/white.

Hey now wait just a minute - jumble what?!?  (Insert sound clip of screeching brakes here.)

The color changes on this yarn happen about every 15 or so inches.  Can't really call this self-striping yarn, so I have to call it something.  So I call it "jumble".

Best part of jumble yarn?  Don't have to worry about starting it at the exact same place.  Not that it would be really all that difficult to NOT match black or orange or white stripes.  Unless you were completely in the dark.

Although lately, I'm sure I could find a way.

Friday, January 13, 2012

And so we come to the end of our Story...

...fortunately it is a VERY HAPPY ENDING!

Main occupant of the House of Grandmother just called to say that the lost little box has FINALLY found it's round-about way to her location.  It is safe and sound and will be opened once Auntie joins Grandmother tomorrow.

There is much rejoicing across the land.

THE END

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Round and round and round it goes...

...where it's delivered, nobody knows.

This is the strange but true story of a long journey made by a small little box filled with stitchy giftness - and a few pairs of really cool gloves.

It started out on January 4th, 2012 when the little box was packed, taped up tight, labeled with it's very own barcoded label, and dropped off at a California post office to start it's journey across the country.

On January 7th, the maker/sender of the stitchy giftness wondered where the little box was in it's journey.

With a checking of the tracking information, the strangeness began...

The mysterious Track and Confirm entity stated that the little box had gone out for delivery on January 6th in a place the maker/sender did not know.  This strange place was not the intended destination of the little box.

The little box was lost.

Maker/sender was confused.

First thing Monday January 9th, the phone calls to the Post Office began.

Maker/sender was told many times (5 at last count) that the little box was out for delivery, there is no problem.

When maker/sender explained that the little box was not in the city where it was intended to go, she was told as many times (that same 5) that she had probably addressed the little box incorrectly, so that is why it is lost in a strange city.

At which time the maker/sender shook her head in confusion and tried to explain.

The little box was addressed correctly because it's label was printed from the online account of the maker/sender.  The address was taken from the account's address book.  The maker/sender has sent stitchy giftness and many other items, cards, and letters to that address for 17 years.

So, no Ms Post Office person, the address does indeed exist, the occupant of the house has not moved to the strange city, and it actually WAS addressed correctly.

That address is the House of Grandmother.  It is a house of love and the spoiling of the grandson and the magical bottomless plates of Grandmotherly cooking goodness.  The Grandmother would NOT move without letting the grandson know the new location of the House of Grandmother.

Maker/sender was asked to leave names, addresses, phone numbers and was promised phone calls back.  She was given various phone numbers of postal locations she could call and check herself while she waited.

Maker/sender waited.  She called the numbers.  She was told time and time again that she had probably addressed the box incorrectly.  She received messages telling her again that she had probably put the wrong address on the little box.

But no one left a message saying the little box had been found.

One particular phone number was called repeatedly, but no one ever answered.  Maker/sender thought that was odd since it was in the middle of the day, and was curious as to why no one would answer the phone in the place where the little package had been sent.

After three days of no answers, and no one answering at the place that the little box had gone, maker/sender took matters in her own hands.

She googled the postal location of the lost box.  She found a new number and called it.  Once again, no one answered and the maker/sender was saddened.  She knew the little box was there, she just knew it!

She went back to the google listing, and went to the second page of articles and information.

With shock, she read article after article of how the postal location where the Track and Confirm Entity said the little box had gone was....closed!  The phone numbers that she had been either given or found were ringing in an empty building.  There was much knashing of teeth.

A bit more googling and maker/sender found out all mail that used to be sent to the closed location now went through another location - low and behold, there was another phone number.

With a knot in her stomach, maker/sender called the number.  It was answered after two rings.  Maker/sender was elated. The nice Mr. Postal Man on the other end listened to the sad story of the lost little box.  He asked her to wait while he went in search of the little box.

When he returned, he told her that the little box was not there in the office, although it had been before.  He told maker/sender that the little box had been sent back to the main sorting office in the city where the House of Grandmother is located.

Maker/sender was very thankful to Mr. Postal Man.

When she checked the Track and Confirm Entity tonight, the lost little box had found it's way back to the main sorting facility and had been scanned as being located there.

Maker/sender wonders where the little lost box will go now.

...to be continued...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Me and my big mouth...

This is what happens when you are stupid enough to not start on time, then rush, and then have the balls to brag that things are going along GREAT JUST GREAT!

And then you publish it on the internet.

You mess up the pattern and don't notice until 3 rows later.

THREE LONG ROWS OF 130+ stitches.

And it wasn't a simple enough thing for me that I could just let a stitch go, go down a bit and fix the mistake.  I don't do well with that process to begin with...  If I did that, it would just be better to frog and start over because it would all be a big fat yarny mess.

So just spent almost the entire knitting time since I bragged about how well things were going, tinking*.

Rinkety tinkety tink. 
The yarn ball fell in the sink. 
The knitter went skating, instead of just waiting,
and busted her butt in the rink.

(Makes no sense whatever, I know. It just popped into my head.)

So... Sorry Sis, you'll have to wait a few extra days for your knitterly item.  There's an envelope coming to Mom's house by Saturday.  Enjoy your gift card in the interim.

*Definition of Tink:
Tink is the term used by knitters to mean unknitting or knitting backward. Tink is actually knit spelled backward.

When you notice a mistake in your knitting either in the row you are currently working on or the row you just finished working, the easiest way to fix it is to tink back to the problem stitch and start over.

It is not recommended that you tink over several rows because it takes a long time and is very nerve-wracking.

Also Known As: Unknitting, backward knitting

Monday, December 19, 2011

Secret knitting continues...

...I am pushing the limits here, but still knitting my little fingers off.  If I was using metal needles, I think sparks would be flying.

Not really, but the projects have been going along a lot quicker than usual.  I'm sure it has NOTHING to do with the short deadline I'm up against.

Not at all.

One project is blocking another is halfway done on the needles.  The rest are not due before Xmas, so I'm in pretty good shape so far.

I'd be in better shape if I would have started earlier, but well, I'm knitting now, that's all that matters.

Spence and I spent yesterday with family friends who came into town with their son to spend the day "in the big city" shopping and seeing the sites. 

Spence and I went earlier so I could shop for a coat. Happy to say I found one and now I won't be freezing my butt off at the bus stop in every long sleeved shirt and fleece I have with a down vest zipped over it.


One of the downsizes of losing weight is all your nice warm winter coats and jackets are too big. Don't get me wrong, clothes being too big is a good thing, but not in winter.

Anyway, we met with friends after lunch and spent more time trying to keep track of each other in the crowds than actually LOOKING at anything.


Oh, and I don't care what language you speak, I'm sure they ALL include the words EXCUSE ME or PARDON ME or THANK YOU.  We may not all speak what words you speak, but most of us can recognize good manners.

And to the guy trying to sell his "art" for money instead of begging...it was a good idea until you started yelling out random insults.  Kinda ruined the whole vibe you had going on.

Just sayin'.

We gave up on the insanity after 2 hours (not even 2 actually) and got in the car for the long journey out of downtown.  It took us longer to get from Union Square to the Bay Bridge than it did to get from the Bay Bridge to Back 40 Texas BBQ.

Where we all enjoyed the company of friends over a yummy meal.

After we waited 40 min to be seated.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

On a knitting roll....

I can't seem to stop knitting. Ever since my wrist has been mostly recovered (it's pretty much 100% now unless I do something stupid...ummm), I can't put the needles down.

Well, that's not completely true, as I have put the needles down on my Juliette Sweater. Funny thing is, I stopped knitting on it because it's summer and it's a sweater and there's quite a bit of it now and it makes me hot to knit it.

But...it's acting like winter here and it's chilly at night and I really should pick it up and knit on it because then I'll have it all ready to wear once Fall is here.

But...I can't do that because I am obsessed with knitting socks. I started about May-ish and I've done 2 pair since then (which is good for me). Just finished my first pair of the "Dr Who Socks" as I've been calling them as I'm using Knit Picks' Time Traveler Felici yarn. No photos yet because they are still in the camera.

Next up on the needles is another few small projects - special gifts for a special little lady - that I can't talk about because then the cat will be out of the bag. First gift will be knit on dpns, second one will be knit using the new 2-at-a-time-toe-up method from my new book. Trying something new - yay!

After that are socks, socks, and more socks with the new method. They are the perfect projects for the daily commute. I even cast off a sock while standing at the shuttle stop yesterday after work! Wish I had a photo, but I was the only person at the stop.

I'm geeking out excited about the new method because I have the hardest time getting things to match up on the socks when I do them one at time. Is the foot the same length? Am I starting the gussett at the same point? Is the leg the same? At worst, the socks I have done so far will be a few rows off - not noticable differences to anyone unless they're going to sit and count row by row. I'm really tired of stopping my knitting to compare one sock to the other, so yeah. Bring on the 2-at-a-time.

Ok, enough geeking out. Photos soon.

Friday, July 02, 2010

Hi!!!!!

Hello out there!

I'm still here.

I'm knitting.

I'm working.

I'm aging.

It's my b-day month. Tell me I look 30 and I'll be your BFF.

Mom's socks are done and blocked. Need to weave in the ends and send it off with a few other things.

Looking forward to a quiet Holiday weekend. Is there such a thing?

Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer...

Well here we are...Summer.

Mom's b-day, Spencer's b-day, my b-day... plus all sorts of other things going on.

Spencer starts his First. Job. Ever. on June 28th.

Can he really be turning 16?!? Good Grief!

He's very excited, I'm feeling so old...am not looking forward to turning 47 next month.

Freakin 47. Figured I should get all my aging angst out of the way for the next few years so that when I turn 50 I can do so without flipping out. We'll see in 3 years. :)

Almost done with Mom's b-day socks. If you are my friend on Facebook, they are my secret project. Mom's b-day was back on June 4th, and it's about to be about a zillion degrees hot where they live, but yes, I'm knitting her a pair of socks - and they are late. Just shut it.

My Sis reads the blog, but Mom doesn't go near the computer, and Sis already isn't saying anything to Mom about the socks, so it's safe to post here.

Have a few other things I've been making for her and my Sis, so will send those off with the socks. The Socks should be done in the next few days. Hope I remember to take photos of all this stuff before I send it all off - I get excited to finish things and mail them and then realize I didn't take photos! D'oh!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Actual Knitting!!!!! With Photos!!!!!!

Been knitting a lot since I decided my wrist was recovered enough to start trying again - I think I started the double-knit beanie about a month ago.

So far: one double-knit beanie for Spencer,



one regular knit beanie for Spencer,



one set of wrist warmers and matching sort of cowl for myself.



Not nearly enough yarn left for the cowl, so it's a sort of neck warming thingy that can also be used as a headband/ear warmer sort of thing.



Two multi-colored (brown and several shades of green) balls of Lana Grossa something or other picked up during a browse thru the clearance wall at ImagiKnit after One-Sock-A-Month Club way back a long time ago.

Silly poses yes, but had to get the wrist warmers and the neck thingy all in one...much better than the "Oh my! What's a knitter to do?!?" pose..



Doesn't seem like much for those of you knitters who have 10 projects in progress and crank out tons of knitted items a year, but it is so very very much for me who has not be able to knit for so long.

I'm a new knitter all over again.

Oh, and I've been doing all this "freestyle". No patterns, just grab the needles and yarn and go! I love it. Can't tell you how liberating it is...creativity-wise.

Love it love it LOVE IT!!!!

And all of this just in time for the warm weather.

Oh, and did I mention the double-knit beanie is too big? Hoping a run thru the washer and dryer will set the stitches a bit and it'll come out a bit smaller. It's not wool, so there will be no shrinkage cos of that...maybe I should use COLD water? ha ha ha

It's some acrylic yarn I bought while Spence and I visited Honey, summer of 2008. Spencer picked it out. It's driving me crazy. Love the colors and all, but it's 3 magic balls of yarn. I knit and knit and knit and I still seem to have the same amount I started with...seems like I'll be knitting up a few more single knit beanies out of it. I can crank those out in a few nights knitting. By the time the balls are finished tho, I know I'll be tired of green, grey, and rust. Good thing there are no more colors like that around here.

Next project is a baby something for my friend Cherry - her little one (girl!! Yay!!!) is due in May I believe. I won't say what it is here as she reads this... I did ask colors and what kind of yarn and all and I think I may have found just the right stuff. I'm going to try and use worsted weight yarn as knitting with larger sized needles feels the best right now.

Still have to be careful with the "new" wrist, so that's why I'm sticking to the larger sized needles. A few more months and I should be able to start knitting on some socks. Surprisingly, I have quite the collection of sock yarn...don't know how all those skanks came into my possession, but there they are...and my size 0 (or are they 1's?!?) square circular needles are waiting for me to grab them by the shafts and caress them with fingers and yarn. Can't wait! Those things are like buttah in my hands. I bought those at Stitches West 2009. I wonder, do they come in dpns too?!?!?

Off to try out my one month trial of Xbox 360 LIVE. Saved off some "instant" movies to watch and might just try my hand at Call of Duty - World at War. Watch out Spence, Mama's got a brand new gun (controller). While I watch a movie, I guess I can whip out an English ball or two and get started on yet another beanie. He doesn't want a scarf and scarves take too long for my current instant knitting gratification mood.

No-blog-Rachel...I'm BACK!!!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

I'm obsessed (as Spencer always tells me)

Not only do I belong to the Book Swap Club, but I also joined its 2 sister sites....DVD Swap and CD swap.

With all this sorting and purging, I've come across a few DVDs and CDs that I just don't watch or listen to any more (some I didn't even remember I had!!). Up on their respective sites they went. I've sent out 7 of the 12 DVDs I listed and 1 of the 16 CDs I listed. Not bad. The best part of signing up for all 3? I can transfer credits between all 3 sites and use them for all books, all DVDs, or all CDs, or anything I want! Wahoo!

I'm finally getting some books sent to me off my wish list, so I'm very happy with the whole situation. I've also ordered a few CDs and am on waiting lists for several DVDs.

Spencer says our house is like a post office cos I'm always packing things up and sending them out and he's always ordering bike parts and I'm finally getting stuff in from my swap clubs.

Maybe I should get out my old uniform and do it up right!!! (I used to work for the Postal Service when I lived in Texas.)

These past few days I've been in a mood, which is hard to believe since I had such a good weekend and a great Monday! Lunch with AmpuT! We had a lovely lunch together chatting and catching up. She gifted me with some very funny toilet themed stitch markers and some gorgeous fiber - she's so sweet! Sorry, but I'm too lazy to take pictures, let alone post them. There are four markers tho: plunger, roll of toilet paper, toilet and pile of poo. Once I start using them, you will see them. Or maybe I'll take photos and post. Whichever comes first...don't hold your breath for either.

I haven't done ANYTHING fiber related all summer - and I haven't done anything jewelry or drawing related since those classes ended! Gah. I feel a creativity crisis looming - if I don't make something soon, I think I will explode! If the weather would just freakin' cool down, I'm sure I would get going doing something. Maybe that's why I can't sleep...it's all building up in my brain. I did however, dig out my turkish spindle and get going on some practice last night. I've got a few pretty batts now that I'd love to make into some usable yarn so I need to get going. I still suck, but with time, I KNOW I'll get better cos I just LOVE it and I won't have it any other way. :)

At least I've been keeping up with the sorting/purging bit. I've been managing to do at least 15-20 min worth every night since this weekend when I went all purge crazy on Saturday morning.

I've got a large shopping cart full of purses, clothes, misc crap, I mean useful items, that needs to go to the Thrift shop. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. Or Friday. Or maybe Saturday. Or all three if I purge enough the next two nights!!

More and more space is being freed up in the living area even tho there is still a row of boxes against the wall. I have vowed not to bring in any more stuff until it is all cleared out. And even then, I really don't think I'll want to bring in anything new. Honestly, I have enough stuff and really don't need more! Unless I find a job between now and then and get all that new furniture I want - but that only means the old furniture goes. One in, one out. :)

Enought chatter, it is time to watch "The Sarah Jane Chronicles". Disc 1, season 1 from Netflix. Pretty soon the last season of Dr. Who will be out and I'll be watching that!!! Maybe I'll do today's purging while I watch. Maybe not.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Happy Birthday to MEeeeeee - Now with edited updates!!!

Yes, today is my b-day. If you are keeping track, I'm 46 today. On the other side of "mid-40's" getting close to 50. Sigh.

Yeah, I have mixed feelings about today. Add to that the fact that the high temp will most likely be 100F and well, whatever. Birthday ennui.

ETA: Not sure if it got that hot, but for a while there this afternoon, it was pretty damn close while we walked about. Gah.

There are plans for the day...once they are started, I should feel better about things.

An online chat with Honey.

ETA: I misses you lots.

Lunch with Spencer at our favorite deli. Then on the bus and off to the movies for the matinee showing of the new Harry Potter movie. YAY!!!!

Either before or after the movie, it's a quick trip to the bead store to get some stuff for Friday's class. I don't think that the stuff I ordered online is going to make it in time. It took forever for my payment to clear the bank, so shipment was delayed. Stupid banking system! I only need a few curved tube beads and 30 inches of flexible wire. sigh.

ETA: My stuff showed up today! What a wonderful b-day surprise. The postman was delivering to the boxes as we were leaving and we just about tackled him looking for stuff (we're waiting for a few other things as well). Got my jewelry bits order and a few b-day cards!

There are cards...here's the one Honey sent me...hee hee hee

ETA: Selected by Cow - who thought I should get a cow card, but all he could find was sheep.



And gifts....when we renewed our cell phone family plan, we upgraded and Mom was kind enough to pony up the extra cash to get me this cool whiz bang phone. I've had it since May-ish and I absolutely love it! Thanks Mom!!!!

Others have been teasing me with "you have to wait til dinner to get your presents" (you evil person, you know who you are) and Spencer is on his way soon and says he has a card and gift for me. Going to open that one right away!

ETA: Evil person finally gave up the goods - some makeup goodies, a gift card, and a cute little polka dot bag which is already packed full of jewelry class supplies - you all know how I love my bags!!! Spencer gave me a gift certificate to the local art supply store! My friends and family know me way too well! I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!! THANKS A BUNCH!!!!

Drawing class was fun again...my classmates seem to have calmed down a bit and are now telling each other to shut up. I managed to snag a seat right up front so I could see and hear everything! Found out why after about 5 min into the class. Seems the a/c blows right on that spot and the one next to me - which happened to remain empty for the entire class. Several people sat there and as soon as the a/c came on again they went running for the hills complaining about bad nerves, this, that or the other malady that would act up if the a/c blew on them for 3 hours. Ahhh...peace and quiet!!! Guess that's my territory now! I especially enjoy the a/c blowing on me after a hot ride to class. heh heh heh

Yesterday, we did faces and then concentrated on eyes. That was really cool. Someday I promise to scan in my stuff as I've discovered I really CAN draw. I get that from my Dad. My drawings are not perfect, but that's ok, you can tell what they are supposed to be and my faces actually have features and don't just look like smiley faces. hee hee hee With practice I'll get better and better. I am SO GLAD I took this class!!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

I know, I've been absent...

I have enjoyed being semi-unplugged since I officially stopped working on May 15th.

Have been very busy as well.

There was finishing the Dress.




Really wish I had a dress form....this hanger does NOT do this dress justice...at all!

There was mad, crazy, almost all night gaming at KublaCon...

There was bike fixing, switching out of various and sundry bike bits and pieces.

There has been bike riding almost EVERY day! I've dropped 5 pounds so far... YAY!

And there was not much knitting or other crafting...except for Mom's birthday earrings.





I've been in a sort of a 'crafter's block' situation. My head is bursting with crafty ideas for knitting, sewing, crocheting, embroidery, combinations of all of the above...lots of prototypes for stuff to put out on my shop need to be made...the crafty list is endless.

Yet...I could do nothing.

Enter the craft palette cleanser...








Remember the "birthday balls" from last summer?

Well those 45, plus about 5-10 more, along with random balls found here and there round the Chaos, make up this BIG, HUGE, bad boy of a blankie (big enough to cover a twin size bed and then some - in the photos, it's on my double bed). Enter Size S extended Tunisian Crochet Hook, 3 strands held together, and Voila! Check out Stitch Diva for an easy Tunisian Tutorial - I also bought my S hook from them at Stitches West back in February. They also have a pattern for a stash buster blanket, but I just did my own thing.

The dominant colors in my acrylic stash were black and various shades of dark blue. I held one strand of black, one strand of blue and then just grabbed for colors. The balls were stacked nicely in the container according to color, so I attached one color, used it til it ran out, then started on the next and so on and so on. The photos don't do it justice as it's rather cool looking and flows pretty well from one section to another. Using the black and blue as the "glue" was a very good idea. Eventually I ran out of black and blue and then started in with the other base colors of green and dark red...and then found some more black, so added it back in... It was a fun project!

I started this sucker on the evening of June 1st...worked on it every night that week for about an hour or two, one or two hours over the busy weekend, left it alone until last night...DONE!

Insta-warm blankie, and the acrylic stash is G-O-N-E. At least I think it is....I'm sure more of that stuff will pop up...I swear, it breeeeds.

It's BIG, it's HEAVY, and it's Spencer's. He likes lots of weight and warmth on him in the winter while he sleeps. This should do it.

Craft palette cleansed.

Had an interesting last few days, but will save that for another post. I'll try not to stay away from the computer so much. :)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Ze Scarf, she is done...oooh la la

I am happy to report that I finished Spencer's Argyle scarf last night...well...technically this morning as it was 2am before I finally sent myself off to bed (I actually finished just before 1:30am, but by the time I finally stopped admiring it and went off to bed, well...).

I just couldn't NOT finish it last night, I was sooooo close.

So I just sucked it up and stayed up until it was done.

Not like that was all that difficult as I am quite the night owl - my usual bedtime is midnight.

I am so proud of what I have done. First time attempting double knitting! First time attempting an argyle pattern! First scarf made out of wool for Spencer!

I did it!!! No pictures just yet as I will not present it to him until tomorrow afternoon. I promise photographic evidence of the scarf tomorrow night with Spencer modeling!

He is so excited to get it.

Major Mom points earned. MAJOR.

He's even texted me: "I LUV YOU MOM - THANKS FOR MAKING THE SCARF"

It was worth all the late nights and working thru all those firsts to make it (the going got rough there in the middle). He def loves it and hasn't even seen the finished product yet. That is all a knitter can hope for...that their handmade gift and the work it took to make it is appreciated.

Sniff.

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Show and Tell Saturday

OK, so now that I've come out of hibernating for a bit, I think it's time to show off a few things that I've been promising to show off all week.

First we have "My Precious"....a Pay It Forward gift from AmpuT. The link will take you directly to her blog post about all the 'making it' details and what she put into it... go there first before you continue here...I'll wait...

And now for my photos....and what I think of the bag...

OK, so I'm calling it "My Precious" - does that give you a clue of how I feel?

I absolutely adore this bag.

It's a bag (and we all know how I love bags, purses, totes...anything that holds other things).

It's all made by hand.

It's Olive green.

It's filled with many wonderful goodies.

It's a handmade BAG!




Look at all the cool and awesome things inside. I was feeling a bit down at the beginning of the week, but then the Postman arrived with this...and well, I almost started crying - my hands were shaking at the thought of such a lovely, thoughtful gift coming to me. Seriously, just ask Spencer. My mood lifted and well, I was just so excited, I put it on my wrist and carried it around awhile calling it My Precious.




Today, I will attempt to ball up the sock yarn (Gone with The Wind "Tara" colorway - how awesome is that). The little tin of notions (LOVE the "crap" and "oops" markers!) have a permanent home in the Precious as does the crochet hook and the purple hair band. I think I will use the crochet hook and some sock yarn I inherited from AmpuT a while back and crochet myself a scrunchie.

And now for a little added something...it kept calling to me...as well as a few of my favorite single beads I had no idea what to do with....




I hope you don't mind AmpuT...I added some of my favorite beads that I've had for ages to the ends of the ties. I never knew what to do with them as they are singles and they were just begging to be put on the bag.



So I listened. And it's even more Precious to me. A wonderful handmade gift filled with goodies and now the new home to some cherished beads.

Right now, it's holding my PIF projects. I'm definitely behind on mine, but I'll be finished very shortly.

And once those are done, it will be carrying this special project for Spencer - until it gets too long that is...

As promised, the double knit Argle Scarf - shown on the cover of Son of Stitch and Bitch

Yes, Folks, I am knitting that scarf! And I am TOTALLY FREAKIN' LOVING IT!




I'm knitting it in KnitPicks Swish DK in brown and blue to match a hoodless hoodie that Spencer just loves to wear...like ALL the time.



It took me 5 or 6 frakking times (I totally stopped counting after 4) to get this darn thing started and to understand the damn chart and all, but it was definitely worth it!!!



Yes!! That's double knitted Argyle. On MY needles!!!


Comments Comment: yes AmpuT, the pockets on that dress are a bit much. They would be way too much for my shortness and wideness, so I'd totally either just make a blouse or would switch out the skirt to be something less pockety. Oooh, a sheath with a belt perhaps....I'm with you tho, it's the collar and all that that hooked me.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Just when I thought it was over...

WHAMMMMMO!!!

Seems like last week's bout with disease was just a prelude to today. I've got exactly what Spencer brought home from school last week.

I caught something last week on Thursday and thought I'd gotten it all over and done with, but no. That was just a wee little warmup.

Spencer is back at school this week. YAY! And I was feeling wonderful and working away at work yesterday.

This morning? Not so much. I've been doing what I can in between naps and bouts of self-pity and moaning and groaning. I've gotten quite a bit done actually.

Amazing how much I can get done while I'm sick when I don't have to take care of a whining teen.

Time for some more tea, juice, and another self-pity fit.

Oh, and I finished the first sock of my Mom's b-day pair on Sunday and finished the toe of the second (they are toe-up)! Guess after I finish my pathetic dinner of toast and tea, I just might muster enough strength to knit a bit on the foot.

Or maybe I'll just reroot myself on the couch and think of how I'd redecorate the living area if I had gobs and oodles of cash laying about.

Dream big or go home.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Nom Nom Nom...

What do you get when you take a package of letter shaped pasta, a jar of sauce, some frozen precooked turkey meatballs and add in fresh onions, mushrooms and some chicken/apple sausage?

A couple of full bellies!

While the water was boiling for the pasta, I cut up and sauteed the onions, mushrooms and chicken/apple sausage. When that was done, I added a jar of chunky pasta sauce. Popped the meatballs into the microwave to thaw them out and warm them up, then put them in the sauce to finish cooking.

Damn that was good. Sure beats pasta with jar sauce and some meatballs. Hee hee.

Been knitting and sewing every now and then...concentrating on a few late birthday presents. (Don't say it.)

I've been tossing about various Christmas present ideas and Spencer and I have been working on a special project, several actually. I'll tell you about them very, very soon, promise.

Right now, Spencer isn't feeling well and I'm tired - work has been busy busy busy busy...sigh. Time to go spoil him a bit with a nice cup of tea and a blankie.

Oh, and don't forget, this Friday is "Talk Like A Pirate Day". Time to dig out my blinged out pirate T-shirt. Sparkly skull and crossbones - can't go wrong with that.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Finished Object!!!

Finally, here's my sisters birthday present...just oh, 6 months late, that's all....





It's a knitted Tardis Pillow. Hee hee... Details about everything later, but I just talked to her and she said to send it unstuffed and her and Mom will stuff it and crochet up the seam.

I gave her a choice of an unstuffed Tardis pillow or a pair of socks. She chose wisely.... hahahaha

Anyway, you can tell it's ginormous cos there's Marvin, Dalek for Scale (um...6 inches tall I think we said earlier?)

Just a sidenote here...it wasn't supposed to be that big, but hey, i didn't swatch and I used worsted weight. I think it's awesome, so now I want one for myself, and Sis is excited to get it.

YAY!!!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

New acquisitions...

Strange creature, we have you surrounded...



Step away with your cuteness...EXTERMINATE!!



blink...blink-blink... blink...you can not resist our cuteness strange creature...



Must. Resist. Cuteness...



We Looove you Strange Creature... You cannot EXTERMINATE cuteness...



Could. Not. Resist. Cuteness...WE ARE FRIENDS...





Note: This cute little trio of Kitty photo holders was just given to me by Spencer...a little something he brought back from his trip to L.A. with his Dad over the holidays. They are just adorable... Can't really blame Marvin for failing to resist... They are pretty darn cute!

PS...oooh Stephieface...girl...you know it...and if Gerard Butler just happens to be over there at the same time and just happens to be stuffed into my suitcase...not my fault.

Monday, January 21, 2008

A woman renewed....and other stuff...

That's right folks...no. more. grey. hair. 'nuf said.

On to the other stuff...

Time for the killing of two birds with one blog post...in other words...it's a twofer! I'm finally getting off my lazy, bloggy ass and posting some stuff. Don't get used to it.

First off...remember this?!?



"That 70's Stove" in it's final moments...sniff sniff...I shall miss you...NOT!

and introducing...



The New Stove. I love it so much I almost want to name it. OK, so I won't go that far, but we do loves it lots! Really changes the look of the kitchen, oh I don't know...by about 30 years or so?!?

And now for a trip back in time to ummm, let's see...June '07...the time of the first visit from The Honey....weee ooooo....weeee...oooooo.....weeeee...ooooo...when he gifted me with this...




...or should I say "Him"... Just over 5" of RC Dalek fun and frolic...

Everyone, meet Marvin...Marvin, please don't Exterminate! everyone...




Isn't he just adorable! My very own RC Dalek!!!! Honey earned major points with this one...him and the sneaky Antonella...but I love it and am glad to add him to my little family of named objects. See? I named him...means I love him! (oooh and bonus points to Honey for bringing batteries)

Yes folks, I am a big Dr Who fan...grew up with him, still watch him...did you know Netflix has the first two "new" seasons on DVD?!? Hoo Hah! (Spencer's new phrase...replaces Booyah)

You folks will be seeing lots of Marvin in the future. I have decided he will be my "Dalek for Scale"...cos every now and then you need a little perspective. Besides, Marvin needs to have something to do once he's done exterminating the remaining plants in the house...




OOOOH....I lied! It's not a twofer, it's a threefer! Who doesn't like a threesome every now and then...

Time for a finished object. Not too many details since it is just about midnight and the blogging magic wears off at midnight...at which time i turn back into a lazy ass blogger...

Meet Sidney...




Just over 12" of cushy, knitted Dalek Exterminating Fun...Now in possession of The Honey. It was his Xmas gift...made from the left over yarn from his Leeds United Scarf. 56 bobbles later...



...and lots and lots of knitting around and around and around and I had a Dalek for Honey. Isn't he adorable? And Marvin isn't in the least bit intimidated because he knows size doesn't matter...It's how you use your ray gun that's important.

OK...so it's past midnight and I'll leave you all contemplating ray guns, size, threesomes and stuff. Any second now, I'll lose all ability to.....damn.