Crafty Gurlz Mum

April Showers bring....

2009-04-22T18:57:00.002-04:00

...gorgeous evening sunsets.
...beautiful tulips and daffodils.
...home renovations.
...capris and soccer shoes.
...allergies.

But then I pick up my knitting and forget it for a long time.

However, the 2 cracks in my 'plastic' tub surround have me with minute issues.
I sense more renovation hell.

But my big girl will be 8 next week. where has the time flown. So I will plan a tea party party.
And then I will plan renovation hell.
Life is awesome. Especially when someone, anyone, gives you one of those hugs and kisses.
My girls make it worthwhile.

Where has April Gone?!??!?!

2009-04-17T21:12:00.003-04:00

Hello Everyone. I imagine you've been busy too, but it was only today that I realized I was non-blogging, even with some big news and crafty completions.

First - my pattern, Best Baby Blankie, is being released in the book Knit It Together, this June. Go here for some details. That is pretty exciting in itself.

The girls each have their own pairs of fetching, I almost have a lapghan for me, my sister will be getting socks and knitting continues.

I'm thinking of helping with this effort. I know I have enough leftovers from my socks to make some squares and frankly, was not that enamoured with the mitred square - not because I don't like mitres, but because there were a lot of them required... but I know the blanket would be warm. Interestingly enough, the squares of that blanket are a little like the start of my blankie... hmm I can guess why I like it then!!!

I hope you all are well and will (try) to leave you with a couple of cute kid pictures.

Happy Spring

2009-03-20T07:09:00.002-04:00

Sping is here. HURRAY
Go here for a sweet springy (eastery) pattern. I love Julie's little knitted friends and finally there is a pattern released!! I must go find some yarn to knit one up this weekend - my take along project.
I finished my Monkey socks and a pair of Evangeline. My Wedgette is coming along although I need to take it to knit night for some constructive criticism. An FLS is done - except for the toggles. NEED TO DO THAT.
Go here and weigh in your opinion of the possibility of having too many Handknit socks. I think Katie is right!
Have a great Weekend

March 1st - onward to new challenges

2009-03-01T22:04:00.002-05:00

Happy 1st of March to all!
We are rolling along through the birthday week.... Friday was oldest nephew Justin (1st grandchild on both sides for the oldest child on both sides - pretty cool) He is 10. wow.
Megan's dad turned 36 - I think anyways, we haven't heard otherwise, but his message box was full on his cell, so talking to him was impossible. Oh and Mary from work - a fellow knitter who doesn't do ravelry - but I'm working on it....
Today I know is someone's birthday and that is awesome for you!!! We celebrated with my family for Justin, Barb and Jacob.
Monday - the 2nd, is Megan's Don - he will be 51 and he is like an uncle to her. We have to remember to call - from the girls. (his wife Diane is Norah's Diane - seriously My Diane, and for Megan, My Don.
Tuesday is my sister-in-law Barb's birthday - she will be 33. I'm not sure if she's looking forward to the end of Maternity leave after March break.
Wednesday is Melinda's birthday - she will be 30 something. I think 32, but sometimes friends mess these things up. I know she is younger than me.
Then we skip the 5, 6, and 7 - again if it is your birthday HURRAY!!!
Sunday - the 8th is my nephew Jacob's 5th birthday. As his house has one working toilet and sink at this time and a kitchen in boxes with no floor - I know what he wants for his birthday. They came to my parents today to bathe and shower...

In knitting news, my rainbow socks are finished and now belong to my mother. Le sigh. And the lovely socks I knit her for her birthday 1.5 years ago are now felted slipper socks for Megan. Le sigh. My sweater is almost completely skirted - one lace wedge and one garter repeat and then onto the bodice. I have found the yarn for my O W L S sweater, but was not permitted to buy it for two reasons - no pattern with me to check the gauge and, well no money either... However, I see a trip to Mary Maxim in the next month - my income tax refund reward. (as the rest goes to new vacuum - deal of the week 50% off still in box but.... and bills and new glasses for me) Funny that - my sunglasses dropped from my head to the driveway today and broke in two. Megan guesses I can buy a new pair - so sweet that child.
I have 3 or 4 pairs of fingerless mitts on the commissioning - childhood friends and awesome coworker, and a pair of socks - good friend of mom. They will be the portable knitting and the sweater continue to be the evening knitting.

The Beeping you ask - the tenant's cell phone. ARRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHH must suck it up as need her money to pay bills....and for home to live in.

Have a great month!!!

Life and all that

2009-02-25T20:57:00.003-05:00

So, we are better now. Poor Megan got the mild version of the cold/bug which unfortunately just dra-a--a-a-a-a--a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a--a-a-a-a-ags on.
Last night Norah stayed in her own bed all night and since I switched my iron pills to reasonable hours, all is well there too.
In knitting land, the February Lady's Sweater is complete- except for buttons.
A Better Bucket is complete - but is definitely not better.
Wedgette is on the way but I can't get gauge on the sleeves.
My rainbow sock has a mate being made - just before the gusset increases.
And in the queue??!?!?!?
more stuff than I know what to do....owls, a vest of some sort, a tank top, another hat or 7,... and the list goes on.

And somewhere in my house something is beeping. I have checked and turned off the cell phone. It isn't the camera. The carbon monoxide sensor is fine, the fire alarms are fine. The portable phones are all on the chargers. The indoor outdoor thermometer (all of which is inside) could be at fault, but...how does one tell? There is the ear thermometer - I will go check that. not the ear thermometer either.
This is interesting to say the least - oh and it only beeps a lot when you are sitting doing something, as soon as you get up....all quiet on the housing front.

Okay on the inside maybe - outside it is blowing and raining and blustering... well maybe spring is coming in like a lion?

hmm i wonder if the beeping is that computer thing of Megan's... nope, not that either.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:15:00.002-05:00

We are getting lots of loving around here as Norah and i have been home sick since Wednesday - she has infected ears and I have a cold. Poor Megan is putting up with us.
I finished the February Lady's Sweater - with exception of buttons and cast on Wedgette, just for fun. Too sick today to knit. Anyone know a good cleaning service - that is quiet and will just get it done?

Happy New Year! and February...

2009-02-03T19:17:00.004-05:00

I haven't been around in a couple of months.

You likely noticed. I've been lurking and ravelrying, just not blogging.

I've also been knitting. I have a slew of FO's - even blocked ones.

They may make it up in pictures.

It will likely take me a while.

Just a moment while I go look:

This is my little Diva showing off her Blythe and 'our' neck wrap, based on this pattern.

This it my big Diva showing off her Monica. It was modified to be less ruffly cause of the way I knit it - another will be made with the correct ruffle.

And here is the big Diva of the household modelling her coordinating Grasshopper scarf and head wrap.

You can also link here for my other photos.

I have been successful in my yarn diet - to date only 5 skeins bought since the end of June.

I have made myself a promise that I must finish the February Lady's Sweater, at least two sock yarn projects and one more sweater sized item before I can buy anything else. Argh.

But I have had more money for, well, paying the bills.

And yes, the renovations are done for now. But my bathroom is a disaster.

Linky and just a little note

2008-11-25T21:32:00.002-05:00

Okay - go here to see the sweetest seasonal stitch markers ever.

I am doing well - have finished my socks for me and have recuperated from flooding hell as my bro's and parents arrived to help with the front yard, shed and porch roof.
The renovations are scheduled to be done this year sometime....but primer has been put up.
We've already had snowstorms and negative Celsius weather and the drive home that took an hour, so we are well into the winter weather - however it is not yet winter and most of the snow is melting (come on snow melt).
I hope to return to regularly scheduled blogging with pictures after I buy myself a camera that works...

Still alive, but kind of sloshing...

2008-11-05T20:45:00.003-05:00

Wow - I went from once a week to just nothing. Sounds about right!
Do you want to know what's going on?
If not, I recommend not reading any further.

I am Iron Deficient - had this with my second pregnancy but other than that considered myself fine. My iron read 5 on a scale of like 13 to over 100. Not so good. So I am taking an iron supplement and being a little more careful of what I eat. It was a relief to find out as I have been sort of off for a couple of months and had similar issues last spring - I just put it down to stress and allergies and wrote it off, but now there is something that I can work towards. I already feel better - we don't count PMS as that is a well, life. It is not diet based, but likely female based, so I may need to work on this for awhile - lots of tests and doctor appointments.

Gurlz - are good. I mean they are 7 and 3, so they are never perfect, however with the recent time change we are all getting up rested and on time and out of the door reasonably. They were very negatively affected by my iron issues as I had little control of my attitude, minimal energy and no patience. Again - definitely seeing an improvement, but also working to correct myself.
Norah is toilet trained - some accidents occur, but that is normal and except for the fact that my carpet was involved this morning, I am pretty good with it.
We won't discuss her attempt to dive? tumble? totally freak her mother out? this evening as she fell down 8 stairs while I was dealing with the sloshing in my home.

Sloshing? well -
Monday I washed some 'accident laundry' and when I went to empty the washer, the basement floor was wet. Checked the sewer line - running smooth, so must be internal - plunged and sprayed and plunged. pulled hair balls out of 2 drains. also mopped.
Tuesday - bathroom sink (plunged and plunged and baking soda vinegared night before) will not drain. I did what I swore I would never do, however the bottle was there and not empty (purchased prior to notification of issues) I poured an entire bottle of Draino Max down the drain - obviously a bad clog as hairballs were not there - and it did not drain the sink until at least 10 minutes had passed. Went back and ran hot water. Sink fills up and up and up. Ignored bottle which stated do not plunge and plunged - sink was full of water and therefore, nothing would be splashing me in face - and after about a minute, sink drained - with gurgle pop ... Ran hot water at least another minute - down all sinks. Things appear good on this front.
Wednesday - come home, just after five o'clock as children good with time change, we all happy, going to make supper (after I pee) and ....
I step in a puddle. In the middle of my kitchen floor. The ceiling has many wet spots. Puddle on counter. Fetch tenant praying she spilled something - no she didn't. Evaluate situation. Visit basement - find puddle there (far from drain of Monday night). Send Norah away from dangerous situation, call current contractor (who has not been around for a bit due to other obligations) and as state - No. I'm not joking, there is a puddle in my kitchen. Norah falls down stairs - lands on foam play mats I laid there to keep feet warm. (that was a good thing). I throw phone at tenant/her boy toy and scoop up my baby and fly up stairs. She is crying but fine. Praise the Lord for the bouncability of children. Ponder why shoe rack that is in alcove, also fell with her, try not to whine about squelching tights and puddles.
Put video on for kids, feed them cheesesticks, chips and cucumber as boiled eggs and lovely salad is not an option as ceiling light/fan in kitchen is making electrical water sounds. Don't cry. Go Pee (finally) change pretty skirt and sodden tights for comfy pants and sweater. Wander semi aimlessly until Ivan shows up. Wait for him to figure it out - the rubber ring on the overflow drain for the new tub is loose/dislocated/ LEAKING. i don't blame him. I don't blame Tammy. Although she accepts the blame - this isn't the first bath and it is the first leak. Ergo - fault of no-one. Argue with Ivan about fact that water and electricity do not mix and it is not good to have light on in kitchen. He tries to remove, but previous owner installed/had installed light and therefore like everything, it is not possible. He will come tomorrow to figure out.
Drink wine mixed with orange juice to calm my nerves. Call mommy. Mother my gurlz (homework, baths, cream on eczema, read stories, snuggle, tuck in bed) Read blogs. Vent on blog.
Knit on my mindless self patterning socks with gift yarn from parents. marvel over fact that don't match and I don't care.
Go pee again.

once a week posting....Controlling the Clutter

2008-10-15T19:48:00.004-04:00

So since I last wrote, i have completed
Blithe - except for the blocking;
Monica - except for the ends and blocking;
sots III - except for the ends and blocking;
Moeibus - except for the seam and blocking;
Ascot scarf - except for the trim, ends and blocking.
I am sensing a slight trend here....
I have started:
Ascot scarf mentioned above - now complete (black)
Triangle scarf/wrap for me - black
Qiviut scarf for Mom - black.
And I finally wore my Grasshopper scarf today, but plan to block before wearing again.
Also awaiting blocking - sots I.
And my grasshopper head wrap is waiting on a button and Megan's pop scarf is waiting embellishment...
Can anyone tell where I have issues?

On the purchasing front - I have purchased only the current magazine issues for Interweave Knits, and Vogue Knits along with a new magazine called Living Craft. The gurls have received some new DVDs - and me too, but that is entertainment and...
I didn't do too bad and got rid of a number of unnecessary items this past month. I am going to work on this for the next month also, however I do need to purchase some fibre products for a swap I am involved in, so...I will be purchasing some yarn/fibrey goodness this week.
Anyone have some Merino/Tencel roving in manly colours?!?!??
I did pretty well considering we had to buy some pants for the big gurl as she grew a bit, but all in all

A little of this and that

2008-10-06T12:55:00.003-04:00

On October 5th, 2005, my beautiful Norah was born. Yesterday she turned 3. Ahhh. Time flies when you are having fun. However, there are no photos as the camera I purchased when she was born has died and well, my Dad didn't send me any pictures yet.
Blithe is mostly complete- straps to do yet.
Sots iii - I am on the first of the decrease rows.
Everything else, is on the back burner.
But this past weekend was filled with housecleaning, furnace turning on, yardwork, curtain hanging, partying and life. So that is good too.
New yarn was acquired from my parent's trip to Holland. Regia - 4-FACH HALTBAR, in 4-faidg Jacquard Color # 5241. 2 skeins. Thanks Mom and Dad.
I am home for the fifth or sixth Monday in a row - Megan had too much fun this weekend and is all done in. Either that or she's coming down with something again. We are not going on vacation until after April 1, 2009 now.... (used up all my family days from work and am eating into vacation time now.... C'est la vie.
My tenant was able to use her bathtub on Friday - just like was promised. Imagine that - a contractor that lives up to his promises. I am going to ask him to give me a quote on my bathroom, my front door and her kitchen. Of course, I am also going to start playing the lottery now. Worth every penny he is though.

A week and a half and what to show for it...

2008-09-28T21:30:00.003-04:00

.. some knitting has been done - hint 6 of sotsIII is complete and 7 is just waiting for me. Little gurl's birthday Blithe is coming along - 4 inches of skirt done. I have a week - She was born at 11:45 pm (this time 3 years less one week ago, I was probably puttering around yet as labour didn't start until after 10:00 pm when my water broke). Other knitting, well the February sweater has one skein of yarn done and the next has been wound up, so progress could occur. But the stole and Blithe are both on deadlines of sorts so....
The stupid dumb contractor has been fired. After I spend a weekend trying to find a mint condition FREE clawfoot tub cause the one I bought 5 weeks ago wasn't going to fit and .... this of course from the guy who said he would be basically done in 2 weeks. A new guy starts tomorrow - he says a week and she will be able to use her tub again.
If you don't hear from me for some time after today, you know the second floor collapsed onto the first and then all the way to the basement (the yarn stash is a good distance from the work area).
For some winter knitting inspiration, go see some of Monica's FO's. I'm not sure when I can cast the first one on... and I am in total agreement with her ravelry comment. If it is only available on ravelry, great, but if not, GO TO THE SOURCE folks. (I only linked to Monica, cause her pics of FOs are inspiration enough.

Spending Money

2008-09-17T21:32:00.003-04:00

I ran into a glitch last weekend. Well kind of. Friday was get groceries while big gurl was dancing and then because I was feeling feverish and extra sniffly, I went to the local urgent care clinic. I don't go to the doctor unless I have to. I dread that biannual appointment for womanly things. But I was feeling unwell enough to go. He gave me some antibiotics - just a minute, realized I forgot tonight's, cause we ate out (pizza - the gurlz love it and well, it's payday and there is no pizza in my house - with tip $28).(oh and I had a $.75 pop today too)
Anyways - $100 later I get my prescription. OUCH.
Saturday was little gurlz dance - returned her $31.44 dance bodysuit cause she fits her sister's. Then went to get running shoes for big gurl - took no time, only one pair of shoes in hand and the girl says: If you buy two or more you get 40% off. Even if it's a $2 pair. I had to think. I do need another pair for work. So I went back to the shoes I had drooled over but put back cause they were $30 (discount shoe place - you get what sizes are there, believe me I tried on a large number). And I go up to the counter with $20 running shoes and $30 brown suede loafers. She rings it in - it comes to $31.43. No kidding here. Then I returned an unnecessary item to Canadian Tire, putting me up a little bit once again. (forget what it cost)
Of course I then had to go get a second bodysuit at Zellers (but I did return something that didn't fit me), along with a few other necessities - batteries for camera (if they had had the dishwasher in stock it would be in my kitchen now cause I burned my hand cooking breakfast that morning and tried to potato peel my finger during dishes). We also went out for lunch.
Sunday - donations for church DON'T count. But I did return $40 of stuff to Home Depot, so that was good. Sunday night I had a financial nervous breakdown and cut up all my credit cards, reduced the limit on my MasterCard (cut up, but info retained for things like booking stuff online and maybe a little yarn....) But no regular shopping on it anymore. If the cash ain't there, no spend it.
Monday - I was sick at home, spent nothing. Did however get some money from big gurl's Dad - we worked through some of our issues - meltdown the previous night had me going to, well does it make sense to call him my best non-female, semi-platonic, but intrinsically involved friend? I think that would be a good description. Anyways, he is going to work on his support paying habits for me.
Tuesday - paid the Gas bill.
Wednesday - (see above) Payday.

On the knitting front: I finished hint number 5 on SOTS iii. Love this pattern.
My February Lady's Sweater is restarted - went to the large size as the neckline was not working for me. I am still working on the increases for the yoke.
I started Blythe for little gurl. Am 4 inches into the bodice and, well I guess going down .5 mm makes a big difference (especially if yarn is a little thinner weight too) I may cast on for Monica in the round for her as it is just stockinette. Am still going to work on Blythe as love the pattern, but maybe my niece will be getting it instead.
That's it for now.

1993

2008-09-15T22:13:00.003-04:00

It's a meme. Came from Katie
So, here are the rules:
A) Go to musicoutfitters.com
B) Enter the year you graduated from high school in the search function and get the list of 100 most popular songs of that year
C) Bold the songs you like, strike through the ones you hate and underline or italicize your favorite(s). Do nothing to the ones you don’t remember (or don’t care about) I italicized the ones that are such fun.

1. I Will Always Love You, Whitney Houston
2. Whoomp! (There It Is), Tag Team
3. Can't Help Falling In Love, UB40
4. That's The Way Love Goes, Janet Jackson
5. Freak, Silk
6. Weak, SWV
7. If I Ever Fall In Love, Shai
8. Dreamlover, Mariah Carey
9. Rump Shaker, Wreckx-N-Effect
10. Informer, Snow
11. Nuthin' But A "G" Thang, Dr. Dre
12. In The Still Of The Nite, Boyz II Men
13. Don't Walk Away, Jade
14. Knockin' Da Boots, H-Town
15. Lately, Jodeci
16. Dazzey Duks, Duice
17. Show Me Love, Robin S.
18. A Whole New World, Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle
19. If, Janet Jackson
20. I'm So Into You, SWV
21. Love Is, Vanessa Willlams and Brian Mcknight
22. Runaway Train, Soul Asylum
23. I'll Never Get Over You (Getting Over Me), Expose
24. Ditty, Paperboy
25. Rhythm Is A Dancer, Snap
26. The River Of Dreams, Billy Joel2
7. I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), Proclaimers2
8. Two Princes, Spin Doctors
29. Right Here (Human Nature)-Downtown, SWV
30. I Have Nothing, Whitney Houston
31. Mr. Wendal, Arrested Development
32. Have I Told You Lately, Rod Stewart
33. Saving Forever For You, Shanice
34. Ordinary World, Duran Duran
35. If I Had No Loot, Tony! Toni! Tone!
36. I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That), Meat Loaf
37. Slam, Onyx
38. Looking Through Patient Eyes, P.M. Dawn
39. I'm Every Woman, Whitney Houston
40. Baby I'm Yours, Shai
41. Come Undone, Duran Duran
42. I Don't Wanna Fight, Tina Turner
43. I'd Die Without You, P.M. Dawn
44. Whoot, There It Is, 95 South
45. Hip Hop Hooray, Naughty By Nature
46. Another Sad Love Song, Toni Braxton
47. Will You Be There, Michael Jackson
48. Comforter, Shil
49. Good Enough, Bobby Brown5
0. What's Up, 4 Non Blondes
51. All That She Wants, Ace Of Base
52. 7, Prince and The New Power Generation
53. Dre Day, Dr. Dre
54. One Last Cry, Brian McKnight
55. Just Kickin' It, Xscape
56. I Get Around, 2Pac
57. Bed Of Roses, Bon Jovi
58. Real Love, Mary J. Blige
59. Here We Go Again!, Portrait
60. Cryin', Aerosmith
61. Cats In The Cradle, Ugly Kid Joe
62. What About Your Friends, TLC
63. I Got A Man, Positive K
64. Hey Mr. D.J., Zhane
65. Insane In The Brain, Cypress Hill
66. Deeper And Deeper, Madonna
67. Rain, Madonna
68. The Right Kind Of Love, Jeremy Jordan
69. Bad Boys, Inner Circle
70. That's What Love Can Do, Boy Krazy
71. Do You Believe In Us, Jon Secada
72. Angel, Jon Secada
73. Forever In Love, Kenny G
74. Again, Janet Jackson
75. Boom! Shake The Room, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince
76. When She Cries, Restless Heart
77. Sweat (A La La La La Long), Inner Circle
78. It Was A Good Day, Ice Cube
79. More And More, Captain Hollywood Project
80. How Do You Talk To An Angel, Heights
81. Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat), Digable Planets
82. What Is Love, Haddaway
83. To Love Somebody, Michael Bolton
84. Give It Up, Turn It Loose, En Vogue
85. Alright, Kris Kross
86. Check Yo Self, Ice Cube
87. Fields Of Gold, Sting
88. Ooh Child, Dino
89. Faithful w/ Go West
90. Reason To Believe, Rod Stewart
91. Break It Down Again, Tears For Fears
92. Nothin' My Love Can't Fix, Joey Lawrence
93. Three Little Pigs, Green Jelly
94. Livin' On The Edge, Aerosmith
95. Hey Jealousy, Gin Blossoms
96. If I Ever Lose My Faith In You, Sting
97. Anniversary, Tony! Toni! Tone!
98. One Woman, Jade
99. Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Taylor Dayne
100. Two Steps Behind, Def Leppard

A little bit of FREE fun - and wow i didn't know why I loved some of these songs, but now I do.

Money spent today - 2 paycheques

2008-09-11T21:22:00.003-04:00

Seriously.
Of that I purchased veggies and fruit (ten dollars) and a bag of chips to round out the last of the homemade soup. Dance necessities - $270 - two pairs of shoes per child... one bodysuit and tights. Of course the dance classes themselves - priceless - hahahahahaha. It will be worth it. And the other pay cheque - renovations of course. But they are moving along.
(yesterday was a coffee cause work was freezing and food at knit night - less than $20.)

In knitting land - the sots iii is 2 rows from completion of hint 4. Tomorrow is #5 and that means I will move over the halfway mark - #4 will be completed before I slumber this evening.

My prayers are with all the people sent scurrying from Ike - obey the people in charge and well, hide from the elements.

Have a great night.

Day 1

2008-09-09T21:05:00.002-04:00

so nothing spent today. Wow. The Home Depot bill came in and I think i need to return some items (I know I need to). Once I do that, can I spend the credits????
The only hard part about today was that some potato chips made their way to the vending machine and I wanted some. Other than that I had no desire to spend unnecessary funds.
This need to control means I will not be going to the Knitters Fair. I had already kind of decided, but this really ensures that I won't.
I do have to sign the gurlz up for dance and that will be necessary spending. But a mother must do that sometimes.
Oh and our thanksgiving is October 13th this year so the worst thing I have to get through is little gurlz 3 birthday.
It's still really early though....

I'm going to try this...

2008-09-08T21:35:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Nell, I am going to work on this.
Controlling the Clutter, the need to spend, the just one more is all I need.

The Rules of Control the Clutter...
1. Every single time I lay out money for ANYTHING I will ask, do I NEED this. If the answer is no, there will be no purchase.
2. Food is OK. But candy is not. And "extras" like Starbucks, Jamba, and eating out will be seriously examined.
3. No cosmetics, clothes, or office supplies.
4. Especially... NO YARN!!!
5. Use what I have. No need to buy more just because of nice packaging, pretty colors, or any other marketing trick.
The goal is to do this for the age I will be this year - 33 days. So it starts tomorrow and goes until Thanksgiving?!?!? (tomorrow cause I already baought something I didn't need today and I need to check on a pattern I am looking for ;) I will try to swap for it though...

September happenings

2008-09-04T21:27:00.004-04:00

Getting to be a once a month blog over here.

Ugh - allergy land and renovation hell and housework nightmare and throw in a couple of funerals and oh some back to school and heck they still expect me to work. (no discussions allowed of the pair of socks that made it to the heel - yes both - and are currently in sweet little pull balls waiting for try number 3)

I have done some knitting. Lizard Ridge block number 3

sotsIII - hint 3 complete

Hopefully the picture pulls up bigger when the post is sent.

talk later

Has anyone seen August?

2008-08-23T23:44:00.004-04:00

It is August 23rd today. My last post was August 11th. Seems like ages since Stitch n Pitch but for some reason the clothes I wore just got washed today.
I am sick with a yucky allergic cold. Little gurl popped a temperature yesterday, freaking me out, but at last check (about an hour ago) has been temp free for about 7 hours. She has the sniffles too though so I am hoping it's a cold.
Big gurl's great grandmother (Dad's Nan) died last Friday and Wednesday and Thursday of this week were very busy with visitations and funeral stuff. I suspect that the flowers in the funeral home were one of my allergy triggers, but have really felt lousy since about, well Monday.
I finished the first hint for sots iii - and have made some headway into the second one.
Today was spent resting, buying groceries and catching up on some of the housework and laundry. It's slow going with little gurl being a bit clingy.
One thing reaffirmed for me this week is that I should have worked harder to keep big gurl's father and although he helps out, I was lucky to escape from little gurl's father. That being said, I love both gurls, it's just their dad's who have some mental issues (I CAN SAY THIS - I KNOW I HAVE MENTAL ISSUES!!!)
I love the new Vogue knitting and Interweave Knits and am already trying to figure out if there is enough stash yarn to complete some of them. I don't have the foggiest clue when I will get time to do that knitting.
Talk to you later.

FO and a prize

2008-08-11T21:31:00.002-04:00

I finished a pair of fingerless mitts this week. Took less than a week to do - they were my take a long project for the Zooz on Sunday and the Stitch n Pitch on Tuesday - and they were finished on Thursday - amidst stomach ache and unwell feelings. Love them and pretty much need them as the evenings drop to about 13 degrees (50 to 60). The scarf that was an FO and is now a WIP has just the final edge to go - about 19 rows of seed stitch and I added a pattern repeat.

I won a prize. Not a blog prize, but an online prize.
The Old Mill Knitting Contest. Every month they post their contest- little fanfare or warning and you enter and then on with your life. Saturday afternoon, I was catching up on my emails and stuff and wasn't quite done playing, so I hit some of my different yarn store links. One was the Old Mill and their contest was posted, so I entered. And I won!!! As I can't win for another year, I suggest you haunt their site for September's contest. I am going to receive Naturally Aspire DK (which looks like a single ply like malabrigo) with a coordinating pattern. I AM SO EXCITED. This really made my day, as we have to rip down another wall before we can proceed with the bathroom and that means another 100$$ at least in materials. argh.

Oh and for some totally awesome designs - go check out Jacquelyn Landry. Got to get me some of that curves.

WIP'in it along and a little bit of this

2008-08-02T08:15:00.004-04:00

So the FO that is now a WIP has been refrogged to the starting point again and I am back up a pattern repeat. Did that make any sense? The gurlz started swimming lessons this week (Mon, Wed, Fri right after work) and I took the scarf along - small project, really have pattern memorized and... Chatting away last night (both gurlz have friends from daycare in their classes, so Mum has someone to chat with) I look at my knitting and BAM - totally forgot a 4 row repeat- right off the bat. I wisely stopped knitting then and took it home to fix. It has now been fixed and the full pattern repeat completed. I think I will add a pattern repeat in - have enough yarn left and it will make it that little bit longer.
I, wait for it here, finished my stole. sots i - Guinevere - is complete. Ends are not woven in and blocking not done, but the knittin' part is complete. I finished it Thursday night - and wrapped it around the big gurl - looked great. Never thought to take a picture. Considering that sots iii starts mid August, and sots ii has only 6 rows done... just in time as far as I'm concerned.
Whenever it gets blocked, there will be pictures. Truly.
I am working on a gift for my Ravelry Swap on a Budget pal, and that parcel needs to go out soon. I bought one of the books she wanted from the Interweave Press hurt book sale and found 5 other ones for me - all told, with shipping - I might have been able to buy 3 of them at full Canadian price - MIGHT. I am very excited. I picked up Wrap Style, Knitted Babes, Favourite Socks, Knitting on the Road and Knit so Fine. There are lots of patterns in my head.
For some totally amazing pictures - of a man's patience and the beauty of nature, go here. Isn't that awesome?
Renovation shopping is happening today and some work needs to be done too. We have a Civic Holiday on Monday and Tuesday is Stitch n Pitch in Toronto, so I have four day weekend. Hurray.
I think that's it for now - need to go stand up cause sitting on concrete pool decks is not healthy. Nuff said.

From FO to WIP

2008-07-23T21:51:00.004-04:00

Generally speaking if I post about an FO - it has not been blocked or something.
I had 6 FOs to show off - blocked and all. But now I have 5.
I am too sad to show the 5 that are fine (and I did forget a picture of one).
Because my lovely scarf is once again a WIP. My little gurl and my nephew - the oldest brother to little Brianna - had scissors and for some reason selected my lovely scarf to clip a little whole in. I was pretty calm. It's just over two rows in moss stitch - it will invisible seam up and yay - the scarf was almost dry from it's blocking.
Last night at knit night, Charles helped me reskein the 3 pattern repeats and edge that I had knit. It was over 3 rows. 3 measly rows and only 6 stitches affected, but after a half hour of trying, I asked for a vote. Consensus was to frog. And I did. The yarn needs a good soak and then weighing before reknitting it as it is quite kinky.
Now I know why I never finish anything.
On the plus side - I finished a lovely matching head wrap for the scarf (except button and blocking).
I have not bought new yarn for at least a month. I didn't renew my Lucky Lurker's club (that really hurt) and I am not ordering any more of Robyn's sock clubs.
I still get yarn though. The last lucky lurker and plucky knitter clubs came in and I have the Tsock Flock and Scout's Swag which will run until February I believe.
I am enjoying knitting from my stash.
Now if I could get over the pain of a FO turning back into a WIP, I will be fine.
Then I will show yarny and FO-ey goodness.
OH and there is a parcel at the post office for me!!! HURRAY.
Tomorrow, tomorrow....

Baby ... GURL!!!

2008-07-17T21:16:00.003-04:00

Hooray - my baby brother and SIL had their baby - a GURL!!!! Last night at 11:36 pm. They have 2 boys already and she was fairly certain this would be number 3 and really didn't want to get pregnant again (she's an athlete and wants to play football in the fall...)

Wacky Wednesday....

2008-07-16T23:39:00.002-04:00

...not.
Just a workday Wednesday.
What's happened since Saturday - Cinderella socks are done - ends woven and everything.
Cast on new socks last night. Tsock Flock #2 - it was calling my name.
Ripped out a bathroom (left the sink and toilet, but not much else).
Laundry, vacuuming, dishes and cooking done in some shape or form. Kitchen semi cleaned. Toilet cleaned.
Sick day - allergies with an edge of a cold.
Parenting, working, friending, sleeping, eating and drinking.
No knit night as friends came over to discuss the renovation issues and help with the plotting and planning.
Only 2 more days of work left....
going to bed now. Tired.

Childless Saturday...

2008-07-12T10:38:00.002-04:00

...and so much to do, no time to knit (does seaming count?)
Megan went with Norah and her Dad today. She has been begging for awhile, but D#2 never responded quite in a positive manner. He did last weekend and we sort of planned it - and it happened today.
What will I do with myself?
Laundry
Dishes
Clean kitchen and bathroom
Mow Lawn - likely not as stinkin humid and not wanting to make self sick (did that a little on Tuesday and last Sunday)
Shop for - water, swimmers, nail clippers - there are 2 in this house...somewhere, bras - why is it just when they fit oh so nice, they wear out.
Garbage clean up
Vacuum car

Where am I on this list?
1 load of laundry washed
1 sink of dishes washed
paper recycling and boxes for moving friend outside
front flower bed weeded while waiting for D#2 to arrive and waterlogged tomato repotted.

I have 8 tomato plants, 4 basil plants and a half barrel of pea plants.
Nothing to compete with Finny or Robyn, but my yard needs some big machinery to help it out.
And then next year.... (or the year after that or ....)

On the knitting front, I have located all my WIP's in the living room - lots of light for the seams, and readily available. Currently I am working on sock #2 of the cinderella socks for Norah that were supposed to be for Megan(fingering weight on size 2.0). I worked the toe last night and coming up the sole - about halfway.
In the stack of WIP's are:
Firebird Socks - just need to add the embroidery
Guinevere - halfway through clue 7 (still) and # 8 yet
Moeibus scarf - a seam away from completion
Dashing - one and a bit to go
Savannah/Charleston - uhm I finished the first 6 rows
Monica - seams and straps (deseamed as hated how it looked)
Norah's baby afghan and sweater - afghan needs likely another ball and sweater - imagine that, some seams
Lizard Ridge - this is a true WIP as I will knit it when I feel like it and it does not cause me stress by being undone
Socks - to the heel on one, but doesn't appear to fit. Probably will be frogged.
Electrical Queen - crochet and a travel with me project - coming out to narrow but looks so cool
Couvercle - for Norah out of stash yarn - the knitting is done, just need to crochet the brim
Norah's Crown - I think I have 2 points done, but was working in beads this time so....
Fuzzy novelty scarf - I pick it up and knit a few rows every now and then. Lets just say I destashed the rest of this yarn.
Pop Scarf - needs blocking and decorating.
ugh I need to go now and do some of the other things on my 'non hobby list'