Fiberit

No, I'm sorry Miss Bonny cannot come out to play...

2009-07-01T14:51:00.000-07:00

This came in the mail last week - It'll probably be Bumblebee like when I get to spinning it.

Bette Midler's song from Beaches keeps running through my mind today. I cannot remember anything except that title line. I have been very under the weather. Swollen foot and rash on hands and finally a diagnosis of bladder infection. I think this is the culprit. It sure put me under for a week. At least it was cool and cloudy outside.

I watched "Chocolat", " When Harry Met Sally" and several other TV shows. I dosed quite often so reading was tough.

I did manage to start three new projects. A new Shell, which I think I mentioned before. Yes, it will roll at the bottom.

Leg warmers for Ellie. She's been taking dance this summer and thinks she's a ballerina.

KNIT A LONG WITH ME. Go to the "Mason-Dixon Knitting" blog and copy this pattern for free. There are two patterns, "Moderne Log Cabin Blanket" and " Moderne Baby Blanket"

I found some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece in blues and greens that I can use for this. I'm doing the "moderne Log Cabin Blanket. It's easy and fun and I'm trying to make myself "Pick" through the whole thing. I'm doing pretty good.

Well, gang, back to the couch.

Now this is more like it!!!

2009-06-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

The Mustard Seed has a Farmer's Market on Fridays and I brought the Grandchildren one Fri. for a visit to the donkeys/goats and chickens. We also have a great playground.

Well, that Friday a woman had a bevy of Pug puppies she was selling. Two different litters. There was one all black one but he must have been off somewhere when I took the photo. Josh was in heaven; Ellie was a little unsure and Logan was not going to get into that mess of puppies no way no how. You can just she his orange crocs at the top of the photo and that's as far as he got. He wears those crocs everywhere. I had a pug once (the pug from hell) and now I Know Why I bought her cuz they sure are cute when they are babies and at the time I needed to nurture something. This woman said, she thought I got a bad one. I sure did.

Now this weather is lovely. Carver has been hoppin downtown. They had several articles in several papers regarding their shops and people showed up in droves all three days. Wow! I met a new neighbor today too. Her house is on the Historic register and she has a gorgeous backyard. She had it open to the public today. She has Beautiful plants and she's a knitter.

I pulled out the yellow shell I was working on - it was too big, so I started a new one. I'm using some leftover Merlin for this cute Nymph Tee published in Winter 2008/spring 09 issue of Knitscene.

Its start a new project week. I started a pair of short socks from the Drops magazine No.111 using some self striping sock yarn I had. I'll get photos up eventually. Then I saw a great afghan on Mason Disxon blog. It's a moderne log cabin blanket. I loved it and found some Brown Sheep cotton I can use for it. I'm so all over the place right now. Reign me in somebody. My creative juices are flowing.

I just finished a great book called the Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton. It's a New York Times bestseller. The story is a rediscovered classic, unforgetable saga of the heartland families. It's a good read and tells the story of a family in western missouri during the first half of the twentieth century. How the bonds of love hold a family together through thick and thin.

That's what summer is about, reading, knitting (crafting), planting and enjoying these lazy days of which we have few.

Did I miss summer????

2009-06-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

Boy, has it been cold at work this week. Not fun! Also, got a bat in the house probably because he thought it must be Fall. Everyone's confused. I was crawling into bed and just getting comfy when the dog perked up and looked like she was expecting someone ??? Suddenly a bat came sailing through my room - I screamed - it left - I shut the door and went to sleep. I'll deal with it in the morning.

Morning, no bat to be found - walking around tentatively - left for work - came home - still no bat to be seen - friend came for dinner - eating dinner and this creature comes crawling across the kitchen floor - OHHHHHHH! EEEEEE! I hate the sight of those things. Hit it a few times, threw it outside and it must have been just stunned because it is gone later. We were feeling bad about the beating but it's them or me!!

Did some dye work a couple weeks ago: It's all for sale! Wants some ?

email me - aqua is 5 oz. each $15.00/ea

Green - 6 oz.

$16.00

Red/brown -6 oz - $16.00

Shipping $3.00

Took a field trip to "Yarn Garage". Have you been there? You have got to go! It is loaded with every kind of yarn you can imagine. It's just heavenly! Steven knows his stuff - has great patterns, buttons, everything!!!!

Hummingbirds attack woman in garden center

2009-06-04T18:42:00.000-07:00

Seriously, I was walking through the garden center at 7:15 am and I felt something brush my hair, I thought at first it was a drip from a pipe but then I noticed this little thing frantically flying around trying to get out of the green house. It was a hummingbird who actually dive bombed my head. I opened the doors so he/she could escape and it did eventually.

Must be the time for critters - "Crazy Aunt Purl" in california found a baby possum on her door step and it was injured. You have to read her blog to see what all she went through to save this possum.

Look what came in the mail? This is from Sweetgeorgia yarns. They have a Fibre Club and this is Blue Face Leicester - the colorway she explains is from a restaurant in Vancouver, "The Foundation". It's the odd fern green chairs against pale aqua walls and warm woods. I cannot wait to try it. You can join this club at: www.ravelry.com/groups/sweet-sweetgeorgia or just go to their website http://www.sweetgeorgiayarns.com/

This is a fun little treat for me. I have been doing some dyeing also: I am spinning the peachy color now and have the other two for sale - $2.00/oz. email me if you are interested.

Great spinning weather outside!

Spinning and Knitting

2009-05-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm spinning!

My sister finally got into see the doctor about her leg. Before she got in she fell last week and probably did more damage trying to protect it. Anyway, she told the doc her history of when it started etc. Well, he fixated on her falling and did not pay any attention to the details of her saga. She was so frustrated. He thought it could be arthritis. It just started the day she arrived here and continued to get so bad she had to use a cane and a walker.

As she was leaving, he said, "Oh, are you using a cane?" Yeh, I cannot put any weight on my leg, brain surgeon ( she didn't say that but wanted to). So, she is still hobbling around taking anti- inflamatories. What a joke and she has to pay him for that advice.

Good news, this week she seems to be doing better and is off to her place in New Mexico!

Cotton with a strand of Tofutsies for color variation.

Still working on my two sweaters - the three stranded cardigan and the summer shell. Hopefully, I will finish both soon because I found a cute summer cotton shell in Knitscene Winter2008/spring 2009 issue. I looked through all my knitting magazines and found this cute easy "nymph tee" by connie change chinchio using mission falls 1824 cotton. I think I still have some of that in white. Perfect!

dye work

2009-05-28T17:49:00.001-07:00

BEFORE

I over dyed these shorts, capris and t shirt last weekend to brighten them up a bit. I think it worked.

AFTER

I used cushing yellow and diluted it down a bit. These were cotton and I think it took color well.

I'm working on a curtain, drapery project. The first fabric is for the kitchen and look at all the colors of thread I have gathered through the years! The sewing is going a little slow as we had a measuring mishap, if you know what I mean. *&*%$

Work has been very exciting lately. Nearly every day we have had to chase goats. Usually just one escapes and I can get her quickly as she wears a collar. Yesterday, we were looking out the back door and Chris said, (she's new), "Are the goats supposed to be out?". C and I looked and all four of them were out grazing happily on the most tenderest of bushes.

I said, "Let's get 'em" (Chris looked at me like I was crazy but she came along) we ran down to where they were, they just stand and stare at you, grabbed the moms and the babies followed. Whew, got 'em all in again.

As we watched they all scampered, actually leapt in the air to get to the hole in the fence before us and ran right out again.

Well, this will seriously need more action. So, we gathered them up again, C watched the hole and Chris and I ran for supplies. I got some heavy duty bricks to place at the bottom of the fence and she got more ties. Apparently momma goat would put her head down and lift the fence from the bottom and let everyone escape. So clever these goats! I just get such a kick out of them. Great entertainment.

I have most of my garden planted and hopefully will finish tomorrow as I only work half a day.

Happy knitting and gardening.

Memorial weekend

2009-05-23T07:14:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been quite the week. Last Sunday I had the grandchildren over for dinner and grabbed the frying pan which had been in the oven with my left hand and burned the whole palm. It hurt so bad, I cannot tell you. I have not done that for a very long time.

I iced it, I ran it under cold water, I tried aloe, benedryl, everything I could think of. Took to aleve and went to bed with the cold pack. Next morning it was tender but not stinging so I was able to go to work with a glove on that hand.

I'm sure this garden center is wondering who they hired. First, she limps all day due to planter's faciaitis, has a rash all over her face and eyes that have bags down to her chin from allergies and now she burns her hand and cannot use it for a couple days. (I didn't even tell them about my hand).
Kay stop by to visit while I watered evergreens the other day and said she had had planters before so she understood what I was going through. (she's one of the owners).

I was pulling the hose, two lengths of hose, across the parking lot to water under the sign and it took forever, plus they were heavy and I had to pull them all back in every day.

Finally, I said, there is a sprocket out there for water, can we turn it on!!! Well, one response was, no we've always watered out there and never used it. (d*7%$#&), my response in my head. So, the next day I was told it was ON! Yea, went out to check and no it was not. Dragged the hose again!

Next day I was dragging the hose out and Mark (owner) drove by, swung his car around and said, "Is that sprocket not on???" I said, "NO". "I'll turn it on right now, stay out there and check it". OKAY!
Now we're getting somewhere. Took him two seconds and presto - water. So excited! and thanked him profusely.

Next day, walked in to water and my yellow short hose (I was going to use to water) is damaged.
The end got run over and is now oval shaped instead of round. BUMMER! That was the hose I was going to carry out to the sign because it's lighter. So, I said to two of the managers, now it would be great to have a short hose out there to leave and water out there whenever we need it.
Blank stare from both parties. Well, we don't have one of those, you could check down in the barn and see if we have a damaged one we could rig up or put the yellow one in a vice and make it round again. Well, I have tried this before and it never works again to fit on the sprocket and that did not happen yesterday. I think I will buy one and bring it out there and then take it when I leave at the end of the season.

Problem solved!

Have a great Holiday weekend.

Daffodils

2009-05-16T09:14:00.001-07:00

Daffodils in the garden! What a happy site.

Finished! Just in the nick of time. I finished the tofutsies baby sweater that Kris Olson designed and I found the perfect sock buttons to match the colors in the sweater. I hope she gets publsihed.

I was too busy to make it to Shepherds harvest this year. I also had a rash on my face that made me look like I had two black eyes. Finally figured out the rash dilemma. It's allergies to we think plants. Probably overload from working in the nursery but I've never been allergic before so it was quite the mystery.

I feel so bad - my sister had a sore leg when she was here and it now has progressed to walking with two canes and hopefully going to the hospital this morning. She doesn't remember hurting or bumping (she calls it trauma to the leg) so we're hoping it's an easy fix but she cannot walk.

I offered to fly out and stay with her while she recovers!

Today the shop is open in Carver and hopefully some visitors that want to start a knit group will come visit too. It's cold out this morning and the wind is not helping. Thank you for the Sun though.

now back to my unfinished projects that have been waiting patiently. I also have a huge sewing project looming over my head. I'll keep you posted.

Happy Moms Day

2009-05-10T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hope all you moms out there are having a beautiful mom's day. It looks like a gorgeous day, weatherWISE.

Went to a family wedding last night and had lots of laughs. Nothing better than getting together with the cousins. Now that we are the senior generation, we have all of these second and third and fourth cousins running around. It's hard to keep track of who belongs to who. That is why it's so important to get together every now and then, so we can keep track of who we belong to.

My children, unfortunately, don't know many of the younger crowd, only my generation and they don't see them too often either. It's sad to me because when I was growing up we always got together on Sundays (especially) at my Grandma's house. We all knew each other very well and felt like brothers and sisters. We have a genuine fondness for each other to this day.

My cousin Ralph was there last night, he just had a heart attack and discovered he has diabetes. He's vietnam vet and has farmed most of his life since returning from the war. He's a bachelor, by choice, and has the admiration of all of the second cousins, who he spent alot of time with on the farm. It was so good to see him feeling better. He's quieter, than before the health problems started. He and I were Grandma's favorites. I think because we spent the most time over there. He has always been a good friend to me.

I'm going on and on but it was a good night to catch up with everyone and honor the bride and groom. They were married in Las Vegas but had a reception in Rogers at "Nursing Home" with a large Ballroom. When I arrived I thought, well, if we party too much I wonder if we can get a room? It was beautiful, the food was great and the company fantastic!

I'm meeting Dan for breakfast this morning and then I thought I might go over to Common Good Books, Garrison Keillors bookstore. I've never been and thought maybe I'd take it in today.
We are going to Marge's later today for dinner and see the rest of the family at that time.

I watched the 3 grandchildren on Friday. They were so fun. Logan is almost two and he can convey all of his feelings in one single word, "NO". I'm serious, he uses it like, NO! (definitely not), Nooooooo (indecision), No (don't want that) No (I don't want to do that), No! (don't take that away) No! (I don't want to go to bed) etc..... you get the point. He also can ignore you like nobodies business! What a stinker, Ellie says.

HAPPY MOMS DAY!!!

Chocolate

2009-05-03T07:47:00.000-07:00

When my sister was here last week, she asked if I had any of these little delights? I said, sadly, No. In fact, I have no chocolate! That is highly unusual for me, no powdered, no chips, no nothing with chocolate. We scrounged around til we found some carmel sauce in the back of the frig, which I'm sure had expired BUT when desperate for a treat women will do most anything. (even fear of botulism) So, we got out the ice cream and added the carmel sauce topping. We ate it with enthusiasm.

I had these three skeins of handspun from Ireland and did not know what to do with them, so I dyed them with cushing, Sky Blue, and this is what I got. Now what do I knit?

This is the baby sweater, top down, pattern that Kris Olson designed for City Sheep. I'm using one skein of Tofutsies sock yarn. We are going to enter it for publication for a new book of one skein sock yarn patterns.

I need to explain the Donkey thing a little more, I guess. I work at the Mustard Seed outside Carver on new #312 (212) and the owner's have several donkeys. The baby is new this year. (I'm not certain why they have donkeys except that it's a Christian based organization and they give children's tours at Christmas, thus the donkeys) They also have goats and chickens. They have trees, shrubs, nursery for annual and perennials, ponds with KOI fish and several landscape designers. It's a lovely place with a great gift shop.

Yesterday was Bungee. We had a great time. Eight of us sat around and had lunch and knit and Nancy helped several get their projects back on task. We've welcomed a newcomer, Deb, and hope she will come back. We're kind of a rowdy group, ya know. We do have a good time. Next one is May 16th and if the weather is nice, they will make the annual field trip to Carver. We will shop downtown and then back to my house for knitting and dessert. Please join us if you have that saturday open.

I mowed the yard last night for the first time on the Huskavarna. I'm sure my neighbors were getting a few laughs at me as I made circle after circle in my yard, trying to figure out a logistic way to mow this big space. At one point I was scared of tipping over going down my slight hill. I must have picked up some speed and felt a little tipsy. I continue to get hung up on the left side where there is a little wheel, it always catches a pole, like the stop sign or clothes line pole. Backing up is a real kick. It's an adventure every time, but I really enjoy it.

Today it's back to blowing leaves and uncovering my tender little plants.

Donkeys

2009-05-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

I have a new friend, Molly. She's a donkey, a baby donkey at the Mustard Seed. I got to scratch and pet her yesterday and she is very sweet. We also have pygmy goats, which are for sale if anyone is interested. They are very mischievious, try to escape whenever possible. Where can you work with animals and plants at the same time?

I have a few wishes on my list this May.
1 . A screen house for the yard
2. A Soari loom
3. A free electrician
4. Free from planters

Maybe one of these will come true.

I'm working diligently on the baby sweater and I promise I'll get a photo up soon. I made a goof and had to tear out so I'm re-knitting. It needs to be perfect for this project. I'm not much a perfectionist, I'm more of a "it looks okay, no one will notice." kind of person.

I think the Farmer's Markets have opened this weekend. Yea, I love to go to these in the summer. I think we should have a Knitting/Fiber Farmer's market in the summer. Good Idea, Bonny!

Sorry, not much blogging going on, I'm trying to get out in the yard as much as possible. Have to go pick up dog poop so I can mow for the first time.

Bungee is this afternoon.!

No time to play

2009-04-30T16:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry about the blogging. I have been adjusting to this new job and I'm dead tired when I get home.

I am working on a little sweater that Kris Olson designed and we're hoping to enter it and see if we can get it published. I don't have a photo yet but you must use one skein of sock yarn.
That's all I'm knitting right now and barely that.

My foot continues to give me great pain, so I limp all over the place, they are probably wondering what they hired. We have all the annuals in and most of the perennials. It looks and smells lovely. Today I learned how to catch KOI fish and sell them. We have 3 different sizes. Makes me want to have a pond.

My yard really needs attention but I haven't been able to get out there yet. My sister was here last week for Josh's 5th birthday and we had a great visit. I signed her up for eharmony and match.com (in phonenix). There are some great guys out there. I screen them and send her my critique. She insists she doesn't want to do this, but I will persevere.

Sorry, no photos today. Too tired. I'll try to get better before long. Have you read, "Crazy Aunt Purl" lately. She is such a hoot. She's having a dispute with her gardners again.

Bungee is saturday, May 2nd so I may have some more to blog by sunday.

What a week!

2009-04-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

Well, I worked every day this week, 2 half days. My planter's is still killing me so "B" and I went to the MOA to the "Walking Store". He thought he remembered where it was. Mind you I'm in agony after working half a day and he cannot find the d.....store. Look on the map and it's wrong, so he goes ahead to find it while I rest. He calls and tells me to keep going in the direction I was headed. I found it and I finally bought some gell inserts (which he claims fixed his foot). After walking the mall I was too tired (and in too much pain)to fix hamburgers so we went to the VFW!

Thursday night I was at Holasek's Nursery in Chanhassen for Ladie NIght OUt. It was terrific. At least 400 women came to plant their pots, enjoy a complimentary massage by a woman who used to be a policewoman (she has serious strength). She also massages race horses. She is in Shakopee. I had lots of interest for my yarn shop and several women interested in a knitting group in Chaska. It was very fun and I sure hope they some more of these. Very organized but messy.

Yarn Over is tomorrow for anyone able to attend - it's at the Minnetonka High School, I believe. check the website "Minnesota Knitter's Guild" for details. I may try and get to it in the afternoon but I have my shop open in the house tomorrow. All the shops in Carver are open. Lots of cute stuff for mother's day and gardening.

Do you believe this Pirate thing??? First it's terrorists and now it's pirates. What is next?

I'm too tired to think - more later

Knitting

2009-04-04T14:01:00.000-07:00

Guess where I went on Saturday??? Woolen Meadow farm had their shearing Day.
This sheep is about to get a hair cut. No lambs this year. They are taking a break. Lovely fleece however. I bought two, a white , named Ally and a dark named Boo or something like that. At any rate I'm going to send them out to be processed to Wooly Knob in Indiana, then maybe I can actually get them spun up.
Met up with Shelly, whom I haven't seen since I closed the shop and we had a very nice visit. Thank you Shelly!

I finished logan's sweater and it looks so cute on him. He pranced around modeling for us. This is a couple inches longer than the pattern calls for because my daughter requested that.

I love this pattern - thank you Carol from Cottage Creations. I asked Carol to make an adult version but she said she has been asked this quite a bit, and so far it has not happened. So, I encouraged her but we'll see. Josh wants one also but the largest size is 36 mos. and Josh will be 5 on May 1st. so I'd have to do the math to get his size on this one. Wish me luck.

I have been asked to be a part of Ladies Night Out on April 16 from 5:00 PM on at the Earl Holasek Greenhouses in Chanhassen. I will have my knitting stuff and am giving up some great knitting books for the Auction. This should be alot of fun - food, snacks, beverages, free stuff, bring in a pot and plant it for Mother's Day.

Same night is the Eden Prairie Art Center event at City offices in the Garden Room. Also, food, entertainment, great auction (I have offered my jackets).

We are working on getting a knitting/crocheting group together in Chaska. We have a few people and hopefully can get going this Spring. I will be there if you need help, otherwise it will be a relaxed evening of chatting and working on projects. Email me if you would like to join this group.

I will be very busy in the next few weeks. Working is going great and I hope you come out to the Mustard Seed to visit, plants will be in by May 1st. Check the websit for details. www.themustardseed.com

My sister is coming for Josh's birthday and I haven't finished painting upstairs so I will be truckin' to get that done.

Have a great Easter and if you live near by stop in at Carver Flowers for some wonderful gifts and great flowers. Annette does some stunning boquets.

Knitting away

2009-03-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

It is still cold enough to knit. I have made great progress on Logan's sweater. I am using Karabella Aurora 8 and the pattern is Mary Anderson's, Cottage Creation's pattern, "Lillie's Little Sweater". I love her patterns, they are easy to follow and always turn out perfect. You can change them easily, like the bottom of mine I don't want to pull in with ribbing so I just knit 10 rows and it lays very nice and flat. (although it is rolled in this photo,(bugger!) it really does lay nice) She has many patterns and if you are interested just give me a shout.

I've also make progress on my summer shell. I decided to add Toffutsies sock yarn with the Classic Elite cotton to get the gauge and it's working out great. I love the color variation and looks like summer to me.

Tomorrow night is Fish fry at the St. Nicholas Church across the street from me. It is now a fish bake because we couldn't get the fryers we needed to deep fry them. Wish us luck and hope they don't rebel on us. The People, not the fish.

Although have you seen that ad with the fish mounted on the wall singing, "don't eat that little fish, what if it was you in that sandwich, etc." I cannot remember the whole thing but it's quite funny and effective. Makes me think twice.

Saturday is my first experience with the Starving Artist Sale in Carver. I hope it goes well. I have no idea what to expect. I'll definitely post about it.

60 degrees today

2009-03-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

I think we will hit 60 today. I can finally finish painting upstairs - I can open the windows to air it out. This paint smell is very toxic in cold weather.

I'm on the search for new light fixtures for my kitchen. Now that it is repainted I feel the need to replace these odd fixtures over the sink.

I'm working away on PIP (projects in progress). My purple sweater has two pieces finished and only 3 left to go. I'm on the down side of the top down sweater for logan - only 6 more inches to go and then the sleeves and the summer cotton is turning out pretty cute. I've added Toffutsies sock yarn to the cotton and it gives it kind of a fiesta look. I'll get photos up this week, I promise.

Popular patterns at New Prague are "City Sheep" baby patterns. They are great to knit for beginners. I know they work up great in almost any yarn and fit the size they say they are going to fit. Thanks Barb and Kris for these great patterns.

Baby Pullover with hat (1), (made out of sock yarn, that patterns by itself) Fifth Floor purse(2) (knit in ribbon yarn or it can be used with wool and felted) Baby sweater and booties (3). (knit is alpaca in the photo and can be knit in any yarn). There are a couple more I don't have photos of right now, Garter Stitch Baby Jacket or pullover and Hooded sweater.

Just a short catch up note this time, more tomorrow!

An "Ah ha" moment in Knitting

2009-03-11T12:22:00.000-07:00

Well, first of all, dontcha love this winter. I expected the snow but now 20 some below zero again.!

This is the photo of the "yarn over" stitch (2nd one from the right)

I was working on my sweater last night and kept trying to figure out this increase. It says, "inc 1 st. within the 5 front stitches. (the first 5 stitches are K2, p1, K1, p 6) So I thought it must, of course mean, right before the purl begins. A side note says, "yo for the increase and on the next row twist the stitch and knit as a purl stitch to look like the right side."

Well, I tried several versions and if I just did the "YO", it left a big hole and I couldn't figure out exactly where to place this increase so I tried a couple different positions and finally gave up and went to bed. It always makes sense in the morning (knitting and other things become clearer in the morning).

(2nd photo is the one of the hole created with just the yarn over)

(3rd photo is one of the correct finished stitch, cannot even see it)

This is what you are supposed to do to that stitch on the way back (purl side). Take it off the needle, twist it, put it back on and purl it. Now, I figured that out all on my own. I have never increased like this before and I couldn't believe that is what they really meant, but they did. Again, just read the pattern and do what it says, don't over think it.

I have started a new project just because....

I had this provence cotton sitting in the LR staring at me and I kept thinking about this cute shell Barbara Maeder designed several years ago. It fits perfectly and is very flattering. I tried swatching it with just provence and could only get close to the gauge on a size 10 (not a 7 which she used using Mission Falls wool). I got 4.5 on a size 10 and decided to use this Toffutsies sock yarn (with the provence)that kept screaming at me from the sock bin. It works up perfectly to 4.25 sts/inch on a size 10 needle. Wish me luck.!

I start my training the last week of the month for my new job - yeaaaaa!

spring ahead

2009-03-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, I guess I'm not the only one having trouble with daylight savings time. I didn't even know it was coming until Sunday when I heard it on the radio. Who changed this? I want to know. Several bloggers I read are having a difficult time also like, Wendy Knits, and the Yarn Harlot.

I do remember dreading this when the children were little because it WAS now lighter longer at night and they don't want to go to bed until it is dark.

I , however, went to bed last night at 10, my normal time. I tossed and turned and could not fall asleep. Probably because it was really only 9:30 pm. I thought it was because B and I went to dinner for my birthday at the Victoria House and had a great walleye dinner, baked potato, asparagus, salad, wine and a decadent dessert of Chocolate molten cake and a cup of coffee. (seriously this could have kept anyone awake).

I was having difficulty digesting all of this food even though we ate early. I figured the coffee was playing a role in my difficulty in falling asleep. Then, just about 10:30 pm the phone rang and it was my sister, who is definitely not tuned in to the new time yet, as she is in Phoenix, and it always takes her a few months to get used to the two hour difference in time.

She was wishing me a happy birthday so I couldn't be upset. She had sent me a bug vacuum for my birthday (because of the bugs in my house in the Fall) but I already had one. She was so disappointed. I will send it back and now she will have to come up with something else very clever.

Speaking of clever and very funny; I got a card from Shirley on Sat. It's two old broads, I mean, women knitting and one is saying, "I'm making mittens for my grandkids. How about you?" the other woman responds, "A g-string for one of the dancers down at Studz." open the card, "Age is all in the Attitude.". Thank you Shirley for a great laugh. Perfect.

I worked on my knitting last night and here is a photo of the hooded sweater for Logan and the back of my new sweater. I love the color of mine. It is knit with three strands, mohair, silk and metallic. Mohair likes to grow on you after it's knit so I love working a strand of something else with it to give it some structure. The silk and metallic should do the trick.

This is another sheep sweater I finished for the Starving Artist show in Carver on March 21st.

The best part of my birthday celebration was a balloon boquet from the grandchildren and then the fighting over how many baloons each of them would get to keep. I escaped with 3 of my own. That giving part is always difficult, isn't it???

I want to go on record to report this new storm we are getting, hopefully only a couple inches cuz it is HEAVY STUFF!

Happy Birthday to Me.....

2009-03-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Yes, here it is again! Another Birthday! Yea, I'm glad I'm here to celebrate. It's a grey day outside, but about 35 degrees - our esteemed weather persons believe a huge storm is on its way, so look out tomorrow.

We had Bungee on Saturday and the four of us knit away eating dessert. Shirley has been rethinking her knitting career. She has made at least 3 garments, mittens, purses, etc. but is wanting to make something other than a sweater or give up entirely. We all (3 of us) howled, NO, you cannot quit. I think we convinced her by the end of the session. She knits beautifully and really gets the concept so I hope she just needs a little golf break.

Judith is knitting lace and as all of us do, got off somewhere on the pattern. Ripped back and was able to begin again. Jeanne cast on a new yarn for a shawl.

We never give up! We may lay a project aside for a couple years but eventually we get back and finish. Starting a new project is always great fun! It has been suggested that we start several new projects, so that is exactly what I have done. Photos to come later.

Dan came out on Friday night a helped figure out my camera dilema so hopefully I can get some photos up soon of my two new projects and two new jackets.

Today is a day for me. I am going to pick out paint for the kitchen, babysit for a couple hours and hopefully get taken out to dinner.

march madness

2009-03-03T15:14:00.000-08:00

That's about how I feel lately. Have alot of projects in the mix and not making much progress. To top things off I couldn't get the photos off of my new camera. I spent a couple hours this afternoon working on it but may have to wait for the son to come home. I got a major computer virus this week and spent $200 to get it deleted. Now I have to wait for Dan to add ram and some other program.

Meanwhile I worked on two more felted jackets for a "Starving Artists show" I'm doing in Carver on Mar. 21st. I'm entering my jackets and maybe some other felted objects. So, the shop will be open in the Town Hall of Carver that day. We have some new shops in town and they are spectacular.

I got distracted with removing wallpaper and now have got to get the energy to tackle the blue room upstairs. I did hire someone to paint the kitchen for me. I'd probably be in there all summer if I didn't hire it done.

New Prague is still going great. We are offering a class in a felted bag for beginners this month. 1st photo is unfelted and 2nd is finished felting. It's a "Two Old Bags" pattern. Very easy and fast! Great little summer purse.

I love visiting New Prague. I actually had a car stop in the middle of main street one very cold day and let me run across to the bakery. Now, that doesn't happen everyday. There is a great bakery in town, real homemade stuff and a huge cheeseburger with fries for $5.00 - unbelievable.

I also love Jordan. It has a great antique store - check the hours however, they are closed on Tuesday. Sorry I don't remember the name off hand. Great summer destination for you adventure seekers.

Went to see the movie, "He's just not that into you" last week. One of the main characters just about drove me crazy obessing over her dates. (the one with the dark hair). Some funny lines and I'd say "Cute". I also saw "Grand Terino" and thought it was well done. Great story.

Have you checked out the new knitting magazines lately. I picked up Debbie Bliss's spring issue and they were cute but nothing for me. I'm working on the sweater from New Zealand right now and I've finished the back. I will get some photos up asap.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

Is this not the cutest card!? I found it at an antique store. How perfect is that.

I cannot believe it's been 10 days since I posted. I'm having so much fun - NOT! I've been removing wallpaper on a friend's wall piece by piece. Nothing touches this stuff, scoring, DIF, steam, scrape, hot water - it still comes off piece by piece. Don't wallpaper people!
Finally the paper is off and we are ready to paint. I hate the pre work - just prep for me and I'll paint.

I am teaching classes in Carver this summer and in New Prague starting in March. We are starting with the Ann's Traveling Bag from Two Old Bags for the "Beyond the Beginner classes".

Fun group of women in New Prague. They are so ambitious and really want to learn, I love it.

Feb. 3

2009-02-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

I have spotted ROBINS! I don't care what the groundhog says, I spotted robins this week!

I just read a very cute blog on the Yarn Harlot today. Check it out - very cute.! I had a great knit class today in New Prague. I think we're onto something!

I'm also thinking ahead to spring - FAIRIES. Remember last summer I worked on the fairy house but got behind due to a JOB! Which I don't have yet this year. Bummer! I've been googling "Fairies, Fairy houses, etc. and found some great ideas. Now to get started. If it would just melt some more. I think it really is March, we're a month ahead according to my calculations! (that is mostly wishful thinking).

Think Spring!

FINISHED WIP

2009-01-31T08:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, I finished my Hoodie today - cast off the last stitch - now just to weave in ends and steam and I'll get a photo up here. I'm having trouble with my camera downloading photos so I haven't blogged for awhile cuz I wanted to show you some new stuff. Next time.

Photo is new colors in Karabella. You can order from me, shop at New Prague or Shop in Carver on February 21st, my house 10-3 PM.

Today is a gorgeous day, finally melted the snow on the sidewalk, but I'm having a day! Nothing I touch seems to turn out. I blocked my Hoodie, but no buttons. Started a new project and had to hunt all over for the english translation. (a sweater kit I bought a couple years ago from Garn Studio). I thought I had the pattern all together in the bag and pulled it out, no translation. Hunted around and found all my Garn Studio books and patterns (a good thing). Found the pattern and found another size 8 needle to cast on with and now I can begin a new probject. I also started a sweater for Logan from Debbie bliss using the Bamboo/Wool yarn I have in a soft blue.

The antique bed for Joshua was delivered but broke the foot board on the way in. I think it can be repaired but the mattress I bought at Ikea is too big. I really dislike going to Ikea. I hate the layout of their store. Now I'll probably have to return the mattress.

A young couple came out from Northfield. He had made a drumcarder from scrap metal and wanted to look at mine to see what was wrong with his. Well, his was great, just one little thing was incorrect. Great job on his drumcarder and it will last 12 lifetimes.

Movies:
Last Chance Harvey - Friday night out with the girls. It was good, but not great. Slightly entertaining but a bit of a disappointment. \

Clint Eastwoods new movie, Grand Tarino, saw tonight. I thought it was great.
Reading: Tony Dungy's new book - so far very good.

Enough for tonight - goodnight!

The Old Creative Fibers

2009-01-22T14:19:00.000-08:00

This is my old space in Minneapolis.! Can you believe it? It's a wine tasting, events restaurant called Armatage House. I love it!

I think we should have a gathering of knitters some night and drink lots of wine.

I had a great weekend last week at the house. I met some great women who already are knitting and crocheting and just want to get a group together in Chaska or Carver. I think we can find a place to meet. Noelle and Todd stopped by and we had a great visit. Todd even ate my chocolate cake!

FP:

I finished a pair of mittens, Jenna's hat, and I am now up to the hood on my Hoodie sweater. Photo next time.

I received new colors of Karabella this week. I love that yarn. New Prague was closed this week so I will bring back supplies next week. I have a knitting class on Tuesday morning and hopefully a Friday evening class on the 30th.

Spaghetti Dinner Sat. night the 24th from 5-8 pm at St. Nichols Catholic Church in Carver. Join us for a special evening - Garlic Breath is catering.

Enjoy this gorgeous winter before it gets cold again.

Saturday

2009-01-11T08:51:00.001-08:00

I finally got to visit the Bungee Group at Java Jacks on 46th and LYNDALE, NOT NICOLLET. Sorry if I led anyone astray. We are changing next months meeting place. Decided to try a few coffee houses and see which ones fit our personality the best. We are talkers, as well as knitters, and we need a place we can express ourselves. Nine women visiting creates a stir. Need I say more. We had a great time. Love to see what everyone is working on. Some of the beginning knitters are really great knitters now. Very adventuresome! I was just knitting a hat and felt pretty simple.

I have a new toy! My Bosch coffee maker - makes one perfect cup of coffee at a time. "B" gave it to me so he didn't have to drink my awful tasting coffee every morning. It's so great. I used to warm up my old coffee later in the day and it didn't taste so great. Now I can just perk a fresh cup whenever I want.

Finished Dan's hat and Jenna's hat - had to re-knit the top of each to lengthen them - this is the shorter version pictured here-Dan's hat is a knit 2, purl 2 in white, just like his black one he loves.

Now I have to finish mittens for tina, one and half done - photo next time and then back to my sweater. I'm on the second sleeve.

Keep drinkin' and knittin'