Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Happy Holidays


I hope everyone out there had a wonderful Christmas. My present from blogger was to have my post from earlier lost even though I did save a draft...hmmmm strange.

Anyway, Christmas is over for another year and I can't help but have a huge sigh of releif. Our Christmas slowly went down hill. My poor Grandma is so forgetful and she got progressively worse as the day went on. By the time dinner came it was all she could do to concentrate on the gravy and the veggies were not yet cooked. But it all turned out fine in the end.

I even finished the socks for my cousins. I had to knit a sock a day for two days but by bedtime on Christmas even the socks were finished, wrapped and under the tree.


Speaking of my cousins this is us in our matching reindeer PJ's (a gift from my mother). The second pic is of them fighting for dominance.

And a close up of us girls.


Since the Christmas knitting is over I can't seem to look at another sock right now. (even though I still have one more sock to finish for Aaron's sister and I might see her on Saturday) I have been working on Rapunzel. I haven't worked on it for so long but it is such an interesting pattern. It keeps my attention because it takes so much of my attention.

Connie and I are thinking about casting on for our Debbie Bliss Cabled Jacket soon too. Very exciting post Christmas knitting.

Saturday, December 23, 2006

This old house

They say that Christmas can bring back childhood feelings. Perhaps old houses and family homes makes you feel like that as well.

Last night my mother and I came to my Grandmother's house. I will be here now until Boxing Day. I packed my bags full of knitting projects that will be impossible to complete so I will not run out of things to do and prepared myself for a rather sad Christmas. This is of course our last Christmas in the family home. As a child I was here every other weekend with my parents. My cousins and I have "the girl's" room, my parents have their room and my aunt and uncle have their room. I have never had a Christmas that I can remember when I was not here. My grandma says she feels that my grandfather is still in this house. I don't know what I believe when it comes to things like that but there is a certain feeling here.

Last night when we got here and I went up to bed I felt like such a little girl again. I am an adult with a job and a house of my own on the way but when I lay down in my bed last night, turned out the light and rolled over to sleep I felt so small.

I am going to miss this place. Over the years of going to school and growing up I didn't come here as often as when I was a child but this house means so much to me.
I better get back to all of my Christmas knitting because I have to get at least two socks done in two days. Will I do it? We shall see.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Is it time to panic yet?

I was making so much progress on my Christmas knitting for a while I thought I might make it. Now I'm starting to think that I have three people who will be getting one sock with a promise that the second sock is yet to come. I have one more half of a sock to finish before I am to that point at least.

Tomorrow is the last day of school for two weeks. I thought the hoiday felt so late this year not starting until the 22nd but now I am kinda glad. Mind you I am exhausted and have some kind of cold, chest, sinus, head ache think going on. But with the holiday starting right before Christmas it means that there is a week after Christmas and New Years is over to enjoy the calm/come down.

I think this has been my most stressfull Christmas in my memory. Things are changing in my family and traditions are changing. This will be our last Christmas in the family home we all love. We have sold my Grandmother's house and are moving her closer to us and where there is help if she needs it. I love Christmas but I wish we could just fast forward to next year. Just jump right into the new traditions instead of suffering through the last of the old traditions.

I am leaving tomorrow for my Grandma's house so we can get everything ready for the rest of the family. Hopefully I will have lots of time to speed knit before my cousins arrive and they can get a whole pair of socks.

Monday, December 18, 2006

What is Your Christmas Elf Name?


Christmas Elf Name

My Christmas Elf Name is
Get your Christmas Elf Name at JokesUnlimited.com


I was pretty impressed that I got a sock name!! heheheheh

Sunday, December 17, 2006

The rush is on

I am making progress on my Christmas knitting but am in a slight panic. I still have one more week before my winter vacation. I think of all the time I will have for knitting when I am on holiday. However my holiday starts on the 22 which doesn't leave much time for finishing Christmas projects.

I am getting closer though. I have a total of about 4 and bit socks left to go on my list. The slippers for Aaron can wait until after Christmas because they are not a surprise gift. Our gift to each other this year is the house.

The yarn came in for Connie and I to make our Cabled Jacket. I am so excited to get started but we are both resisting temptation until after Christmas.

Off to bed and work on my K socks before visions of yarn balls dance in my head.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

What are knitting friends for?

What a night! Last night was the gift exchange between my knitting friends. We always have such a good time when we get together I think we should do it more often. Unfortunately Meghan wasn't feeling well. The only postive was that it gives us an excuse to celebrate her birthday again!

All of those girls are so thoughtful. I had wondered to myself what we could all get each other on our budget but we all thought of something different.
Connie took a much more artistic picture of her gifts so go check her out.

Connie gave us each these cute books to make sock pattern notes in, some gift tags for handknitted items (perfect this time of year), a sock pattern, a keychain sock blocker set and point protectors for dpns.


Lisa had these cute boxes with our names on them. Perfect for little notions and accessories.



Meghan gave us some sublime yarn with a pattern for fingerless gloves ( I smell a new year knitalong) some cute stitch markers and a keychain sock blocker set (great minds think alike ladies)


I would like to say thank you again because.... well... presents are nice, and I can't think of a better group to share them with. If I left out anything that the girls gave it was because I am still shocked by the amount of things that you can do on a budget. It says something about the Christmas spirit and the thought that counts.

(This was our house on Tuesday putting up the Chrismas tree)

Now I have to get back to my Christmas knitting. Is Greys Anatomy a new one tonight because last week I was very disappointed.

Monday, December 11, 2006

What a weekend can do for knitting

I promised pictures of my progress so far on my Christmas knitting. I really have been working my little fingers off this weekend and was feeling a nice sense of accomplishment last night. Then it was back to work today. The real world you might say. This is when I tell myself that knitting all day long is not the reality of my life and that I may not have my Christmas knitting finished by the time Christmas comes.

But for now here is the baby blanket for the bf's sister. I do love this pattern. It is a little tedious to knit but looks beautiful when it is finished.

Pattern: Debbie Bliss Shawl
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino in a lovely purple colour
Needles: Knit Picks Options size 3.5mm
Date Started: September 10, 2006.
Date Finished: December 7, 2006.

Next up...This season's second pair of Thrum mittens (Again a Fleece Artist kit)


And last but not least the fleece artist socks for my sister-in-common-law (The mother of the baby recieving the blanket pictured above).


And that is about it. And with only a few short knitting hours available to me tonight I better skiddadle and get back at it. Only 14 days left everyone. YIKES!!!

Sunday, December 10, 2006

A Christmas Knitting Weekend

This weekend was full of Christmas and full of knitting! Friday night was Christmas Panic at Unwind. When I left it was around 11:30 there were still three people left and they had just started watching another movie. The idea was to knit all night, working on Christmas gifts. I myself spent about 6 hours there. Wow...now that I think about it that was a long time of just relaxing and knitting. I think we all needed that. The night flew by.

Saturday was my afternoon with my bf. Then we had a friends Christmas party to go to. I did not take my knitting! Man was I missing it. The people at the party were very nice and I didn't feel left out but while they were drinking excessively and playing poker I was wishing I was knitting.

Today was our Christmas with my dad's side of the family. Since the bf and I have bought the house he can no longer avoid these family situations. It was actually pretty fun and this time I took my knitting!

Tomorrow I will post some pictures of all of the work I have been doing!

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Memories

I have been looking back through old posts and remembering times over the year. I have knit so much and this blog really is a scrapbook of my knitting life.

The saddest part of my little trip down memory lane is how long ago I started some of the things that are still on my WIP list. Some of them were on the list before I started this blog.

I think I know what my new years resolution will be this year.

Monday, December 04, 2006

Now we're knitting

What I need is for it to be the weekend all of the time. I got so much knitting done this weekend and managed to fit in a Christmas party with my dad and a Christmas party for my nephew at my bfs work and some shopping and laundry on top of that. I impressed myself that is for sure.

I finished one of the bf's slippers. They aren't a secret so I needed his foot to measure. I also finished the toe of the Adare Manor sock so one down and one to go.

I also finished the hat for my bf's brother. I know he doesn't read this so I can post it without worrying about wrecking the surprise. Here it is! Please forgive the model as it was Sunday evening after the children's Christmas party and I was pooped.



Pattern: Fleece Artist Adriana Kit
Needles: knit picks options 4.5mm 24"
Date Started: November 20th 2006.
Date Finished: December 3rd 2006.

This pattern was a little different that what I expected. The hat comes out a little big (for my head and I have a good sized noggen). The pattern suggests that you can felt it to size but it would need so little that I would be scared of it felting too far.
Also the ties on the ear flaps were not i-cord as I expected them to be. I think if I were to do this pattern again I would make it an i-cord instead. I also did not make two ties off of the second earflap because I couldn't understand why I would want one long and one short on one side...hmmmm.

Friday, December 01, 2006

A question of etiquette

I do not normally mind knitting in public however there is the odd time I wonder if people think I am being rude. I sometimes have trouble sitting still and not knitting. Do my friends think it is strange that I want to pull out my knitting at a restaurant? Well most of my friends don't knit so yes. I have had a few strange looks when I pull my socks out at the pub. I have answered many questions while waiting at the doctors office or dentist. I have even knit through a few workshops and proffessional development classes. I am yet to knit through my staff meetings however (not because I don't want to).

I don't think that some people understand that I really am paying attention. I know another knitter would understand but those who don't knit don't get it! It is easier for me to pay attention when I'm knitting because well....otherwise I'm thinking about the knitting that is in my bag not getting worked on.

I was thinking about this this morning because I am going to a Christmas party with my father tonight. There are going to be some people that I should talk to but mostly people that I don't know! Would it look bad if I took my knitting to the party? *sigh* I'm pretty sure this is one of those times when I shouldn't knit in public.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

A night of calm

This is the first night I have felt really relaxed in a while! I went to Unwind tonight to visit with the ladies. Quite enjoyable.

What is more relaxing that knitting and fish....they are supposed to be relaxing right?

This is my fish Kyle! Yes the fishes name is Kyle.

I bought the fish last year for my class when we were studying living things in the spring and he is still alive and well (we have wondered a few times but he is still swimmin'). Not bad for a fish in a bowl I would say.

And after tonight here is the progress on the Adare Manor sock.



I am excited about maybe doing the toe tomorrow night but I am going to be at the school until after 7pm tomorrow so we will see how awake I am after that.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Party

Isn't it annoying when you work for a while on a blog entry only to lose it. Grrrr. that was yesterday. So today I feel a little less excited to post what I already wrote about but some will also say it is my own fault for not saving drafts as I go.

Saturday was the bf's Christmas party. It was a lot of fun. Pretty good food and even better wine and a full day to recover yesterday. I don't drink much or very often so it was bad news. I'm glad this pic was taken early on because I really like this pic of us and I probably didn't look so cute at the end of the night tee hee hee.



I must say that I really like to see him in a tie. This was the second time in almost 5 years. I like an excuse to dress up a little and wear cute shoes.

I love that my bf knows me so well. He may not always completely understand me but he knows me. This was our conversation in the car on the way to the bank on Saturday. I pulled out my sock as we pulled out of the driveway.
"Sarah we are going to be stopping in two minutes"
"I know"
"but you can get a row done by then eh"

This is what I was working on. Meghan I love this pattern! Here is the Adare Manor sock so far!


And a close up of the pattern


And this is pattern I have chosen for my brother-in-common-law for Christmas. I hope he likes it.


And this is the colour and the progress so far.

A little boring so far since I have this fun sock to work on! Back to it!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Sock it to me!

I am feeling rejuvinated. On Wednesday I was trying to knit a sock and could not get into it at all. Since last night I have been able to think of nothing else. Particularly because I have cast on a new pair (and finished one mind you!)

Here are a pair that will be given away for Christmas.
So I have cast on another pair for Christmas. They are Fleece Artist sock yarn and the pattern is Adare Manor. A pattern by the talented Meghan Jackson and was a part of the Sock of the month club over at Pick up Sticks.


I love it so far and can hardly wait to finish this and get back to it.

Tomorrow is the christmas party and my bf's work. It should be a blast! We have a hotel room for the evening and it will be nice to see some of the people that I used to work with in the summer. I am looking forward to having a weekend to enjoy myself and not have stress on me. Plus I'm excited about getting all dressed up for a night out. I had to take the bf shopping for pants a shirt and a tie..this is new for him. He is a very casual guy but he cleans up nice!

Back to my sock!

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

A knitting standstill.

Tonight is my night to take a breath and relax. I'm sure that breath will extend itself to the rest of the week as my biggest stress at the moment is out of the way. Phew!

Unfortunately there isn't anything to show because I haven't been knitting much...ok ... at all.....I'm running out of time really fast too. YIKES.

So I will have pictures soon and hopefully more time to blog. For now I'm going to get back to knitting...something with bigger needles that will progress fast. Like a Hat for my brother-in-law

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

One down...many more to go

The first Christmas knitting item is finished (remember my list of about 10? I am a bit obsessed with lists so I added one to the sidebar).

They are the Thrum Mittens:


Pattern : Fleece Artist Thrum Mitten Kit
Needles : 3.5 clover bamboo dpns

I love these mittens and as a teacher they are great for yard duty. Somehow one never seems the same size as the other. I don't know if it is because the first one gets tried on a few times along the way or if my stress level is so through the roof right now that my knitting is getting tighter and tighter as the days to Christmas tick away.


Tomorrow I am going to see Wicked. I am so excited. It means Friday is going to be a very long day but it should be great. My friend and I have a car to take us to the show and we are going to have dinner before the show.

Other than that I hope that I get over my cold soon because I just feel more and more wiped out.

Thursday, November 09, 2006

WAHHOOOOOO!!!!!

It is official news time! I didn't want to say much before in my ramblings because things weren't for sure and I don't like to...well you know.

Anyway! My bf and I have just been approved for a morgage on a townhouse! WAHOOO! I'm so excited and scared and.....man my mind is everywhere.

I usually love Thursdays because the house is empty and I get a ton of work done but tonight I can't concentrate. Usually I love to be left alone for few hours and tonight I can't stand it and am feeling very lonely.

I don't want to call my family when my parents aren't home but I'm dying to tell everyone about the house. Maybe I need to do some laundry to calm myself. Yikes I really don't know anything better to do with myself.

Last night's knitting did not involve the baby blanket or socks it was Thrum Mittens. They should be finished tonight I would think.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

How sick do you have to be?

Today I was faced with that question. How sick do you have to be that you will miss out on knitting with your friends. The answer is simple. You have to throw up and have a pounding headache, spend most of the day unintentionally not eating and sign your name more times than you can count. This is a sure way to put yourself in bed for the night.

It is now just after 8pm I still have the headache but the sick to my stomach feeling is pretty much gone and I am fairly sure than baring any unforseens I will be at work tomorrow. I can't afford to miss a day of work(money wise and time wise there is just so much to do)

So my plan tonight is to finish this post, have a relaxing bath and then knit a bit before bed. I know that isn't helping me to get work related stuff done but I just can't focus with this pain behind my eyes. The question then becomes... border on the baby blanket (yep I'm finally on the border) or socks? hmmmmm

Sunday, November 05, 2006

What happens to time?

I was just looking at my calendar, thinking, and planning and thought to myself...OMG where does the time go. I remember when I was a child how long a year seemed to be and how in November, Christmas seemed so far away let alone summer holiday away from school.

Now that I am an adult a year seems to go buy in the blink of an eye. Work is going crazy this time of year. I have family asking if we have started our Christmas shopping yet! (Does Christmas knitting count even if very little progress is happening?). When did it become November all of a sudden? OMG and then once Christmas hits it is only a few more months until summer and summer vacation. Then I have to wonder where my job will be then?

This question is becoming more and more a preoccupation on my mind. Partially because I have always thought that this summer should be a time when I think of getting out of my parents house and out on my own. Then this conversation turned into wanting to move in with my bf. All of a sudden, taking our time and moving slowly is right around the corner.

Tonight my bf and I sat down with my parents and had a talk about us moving in together. I feel so much more comfortable with moving ahead knowing I have their support. WOW!! I know I'm probably rambling on. I have so much in my head right now I don't know what to do with it so....while I'm trying to get to sleep I am blogging about my whirlwind life.

I guess the question I am left with is...if time seems to have sped up so much since childhood does it just keep passing faster and faster as we age? Any thoughts?

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

I just don't get it

I don't understand why when I'm enjoying myself and when I'm feeling relaxed... my loving mother has to tell me what she thinks I should be doing or what she would like me to do with my time instead of what I'm doing. GRRRRR. I love my mom.....but I love my quiet time and if it looks to her like I'm not doing anything...something must be wrong.

Last night I spoke of me new found love of blog reading, TV watching and knitting all in one. Well tonight my mother came in "what are you doing on the computer"...reading knitting blogs "hmmm sigh I would really like it if you could spend some time in your room dusting or something this week. Have you even done it since you moved in. That should be done every week". And just for the peanut gallery...I have dusted in my room quite frequently but not every week.

Well Happy Halloween everyone! I was good and didn't eat (much) candy. Instead I went to the gym. Aren't I a good girl?

I have also worked on the thrum Mittens a little tonight. This is last nights picture that wouldn't load. I thought this kit from fleece artist looked more purple than it is turning out to be and it is a gift for a girl who loves purple.

I'm sure she will still enjoy these mittens and they will keep her hands warm on yard duty. Maybe even more so because they are a little more neutral. Now I shall turn off the computer and roll over and go to sleep. (I still love laying in bed with the computer... sigh ... small joys I know)

Monday, October 30, 2006

The excitement builds

Yes...Halloween is coming. The sugar rushes are about to begin. The punks who smash pumpkins that young kids have worked so hard on. And somehow in spite of all of the negative things that seem associated with Halloween.....I LOVE IT! Not in the same way I did as a child but I love seeing kids in costume and fun decorations. And I even still kinda like to dress up myself.

The only problem is that the time between Halloween and Christmas is not very long. So far I am working on two sizes of the same sock pattern (in two different colours and types of yarn) and a pair of Thrum mittens.

Socks:
This is one pair. The pattern is a garter stitch rib in Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock in the Black Purl colour. The first pic shows my progress the second one shows the colour better.


The orange is the same sock pattern knit with Fleece Artist sock yarn


I had a picture of the Thrum mittens as well but blogger doesn't want me to load it. Maybe tomorrow.

So there you have it. Proof that I am still working on my Christmas knitting. I don't know how much I will get done tonight because I have some Halloween goodie bags for my class. I am hoping that I can finish the last repeat of the baby blanket and get started on the border.

I must say that I am enjoying having the bf's laptop for the week. I don't know how I ever got along in the cold damp basement. Last night I watched TV (halloween movies) and was knitting...while reading knitting blogs, all from the comfort of my own bed. Ah yes it was wonderful. More of the same tonight I hope.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

I should be sleeping

This is the fourth time I have tried to post. When I wrote this it was early on Sunday morning...6:10am actually now that the time has changed. So regardless of what time this actually gets posted please understand that I wrote it in bed in the dark.

My bf has just left for work and this is usually the point where I roll over and go back to sleep, enjoying having the whole bed to myself. After all, tomorrow I will have to get up at this time but today......Ah no...it is Sunday, one of two days made for sleeping in. I like to take full advantage of those days.

The reason I'm not sleeping I'm sure is that I am thinking about all of the work I have to do. I am prioritizing because I want some time for me as well. Yes my time for me could be spent sleeping, and yes if I was really prioritizing then I wouldn't be blogging I would be doing work right now.

I need to decide what it is I want to for sure have done today because after all of the work I did Yesterday I am not as focused as I was. So one or two things to work on today and then time for me and time to knit.

Afterall....It is Sunday!

Thursday, October 26, 2006

Big Sigh

I know I have not been posting. I know I have said there will be pictures. I do have every intention. Today....no appologies just a post. With some pictures but not lots.

I have a finished project. It was a gift for the bf. I did already give it to him because it was getting very cold here for a few days.

This is the
Devon's Toque from Handmaiden. 100% Cashmere. I would have never knit this for him when we first started dating but....I found out that he listens. He understands that this is a hobby that I love and he really does listen. I mentioned Knitty and Amy Singer. I said ..."I know you don't know who that is" and he said "yeah I do...she has a knitting thing online" WHAT?? Wow!!! he really was listening to me. So because of this amazing fact....he gets a cashmere toque.

I have also been working madly on the baby blanket for Marley (who is now one month old). I have two more pattern repeats and then the border. I love the blanket but I don't want to be knitting it anymore.

Christmas knitting is well underway...but not well enough that I think I might make it in time for Christmas. The only gift I don't have planned it Gareth's present because I want it to be the scull and crossbones argyle and so far I can't make it fit in a pattern for him with the yarn that I have already purchased.

On a final note. I have done a little spinning. Practice helps for sure! This yarn is what I am most proud of so far.

Sunday, October 15, 2006

Still no pictures

I know I promised pictures. I said I was knitting so much. So what happened you might ask? Life steps in again.

My poor puppy (an 11 year old lab) has been sick this week and we have had her to the vet and just generally keeping us worried for most of the week.

Also I have felt so incredibly tired. It seemed like I have been tired for no reason. I didn't even turn on my computer once this week let alone take the time to upload pictures and blog. I have started to think of reasons I may be so tired. Stress is probably a good one. School this week has been crazy. I think I have a bit of a cold and a slight soar throat that has been hanging on this week.

But I have also been wondering if my iron is getting low again. I used to have to have my iron checked regularly as a child. I am supposed to go get my blood checked but haven't made it there yet. Funny thing is that my father has high iron. He had to donate blood every couple of weeks for a while because his iron was so high.

I have finished Aaron's cashmere hat. I have one thrum mitten finished and one sock finished for a friend's Christmas present. Almost one other sock for another Christmas present and I'm coming up on halfway finished the baby blanket (not including the border of course.

I am still puzzling over how to fit the skull and crossbones into a pattern for my bf's brother. I don't want to do socks I have some Mission falls wool that I would like to use. I had thought mittens originally but I can't scale the pattern down enough to make it look nice going around. I had thought about having the pattern in a strip legthwise up the mitten or trying to work it into and earflap hat. Any ideas or suggestions leave me a comment.

Monday, October 09, 2006

Emotional Knitting

Well this thanksgiving has been like no other. My favourite place to be was on the couch with the fleece blanket my cousin made (she's a seamstress not a knitter) knitting! I don't have any pictures because I am still at my Grandmother's house. Thus no cameras and no access to pictures that I do have.

This Thanksgiving was very emotional. We have been working to try to move my grandma out of her HUGE old home into something smaller where there is someone to check on her and make sure she takes her medication and eats properly. The biggest problem is that she has had a male friend staying with her for a while now and he doesn't want us to move her. It has turned into a big family drama and is putting us all at odds with each other.

Yesterday we took a girls trip to Mary Maxim. I must say that with all of the crafting things there I don't really get to excited about much there. I bought some wool wash and some hand cream and that is it this trip.

Anyway we are ready to have a quick bite of toast and then hit the road home. Then I am off to the bf's house for some dinner and a comforting cuddle!

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Finally a Finished Object



This can only mean one thing! Yes.... Charlotte's Web is finished!
I was so excited to finish this that...yes I was in bed Connie, and the clock on my bedside table was very close to midnight when I finished the picot bind off. My one change to the pattern was to take off the fringe and to add the picot edge. So here she is.


Start Date: Late June 2006
Finished on: October 2nd very close to October 3rd 2006
Pattern: Charlotte's Web (duh)
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM (yum)
Needles: Addi Turbos 4.5 mm I think but the size is rubbed off
Notes: I have quite a bit left over from the beginning colours the brown and the pinkish colours and started to run short on the final green. Because I chose to do the picot edge instead of the fringe I did have to start to use a new colour to finish binding off. You wouldn't know if I didn't tell you but it is a bit purple if you look close. Shhhh!


Anyway I was very excited and I am very proud!

Monday, October 02, 2006

Life certainly gets in the way

I have been knitting. Quite feverishly the last few days actually. I find I need the distraction more and more.

I know that everyone has different bumps along the road of life. Times where you wonder if you have gone to off the paved road and have lost your way.

Right now in my family we can still see that we are on the road....we are heading in the direction that we need to be....but this road is a very rough ride. Sometimes the bumps seem more like road blocks or close to dead ends. Together I'm sure we shall perservere and overcome the recent obstacles in our lives although at times it seems an impossible path. I don't know what else to do right now but to hold on to that hope that it will all work out somehow.

I know that this post is pretty vague. I'm still unsure of how much of my personal life I want to share with whoever may stumble across my blog. At the same time I have this desire to spill my guts out just to relieve the pressure. There have only been two close people in my life I have chosen to share recent events with at this point and I would like to thank them for their patience with me and their support.

Monday, September 25, 2006

To sick to knit

Well at least I was yesterday. I spent a good deal of the day sleeping my sniffles away. This of course after I got ticked off with the bf last weekend for sleeping all day long so we didn't get to spend much time together. He was very sweet bringing me tea and rubbing my back. What a doll. He has no idea how much I appreciated it.

Anyway. I am feeling much better today. Did not miss a day of work or going to the gym. However, I have changed my routine at the gym. I am working with my trainer still and she has moved me from the machines to doing free weights. I thought that my sweet and fun trainer was trying to kill me. All weekend I could hardly walk. My legs just started to feel better today and then...yep we had another appointment. And when I got this cold,.....every time I sneeze, cough or blow my nose, my abs hurt. I joke but I do feel much better about myself when I make that effort to get off my butt and go to the gym.

The only problem with gym time is that it gets in the way of knitting time. Christmas is coming and here are the gifts I "plan" to knit. I don't think anyone getting gifts reads this blog so I might be safe incase a few items get crossed off the list.

1) Meghann's baby blanket (this is a pre-Christmas gift I hope.... A.S.A.P)
2)Pam - socks and thrum mittens, maybe slippers if I can get the mittens done by her birthday
3) Mindy - socks and thrum mittens
4) Aaron - slippers and cashmere hat (yes he is a lucky boy)
5) Meghann- socks (orange fleece artist?)
6)Gareth - Something with skull and crossbones argyle (any suggestions as to what to make leave a comment)
7)Kathryn and Laura - socks, I hope they liked the socks last year.

That is my planning. But here is the scary part. There is only 90 days until Christmas. Yikes I better get off the computer and get knitting.

Saturday, September 23, 2006

A lil' this a lil' that

Well this week has been yet another crazy week in the world of me. I have been to tired to do anything. Anyway a little of what I did do this week is here:


Things were going a little smoother this time and I think for the most part I was a little more even. Here is where the mistake happens.
What I have learned about spinning to date. Just because it is starting to feel easier doesn't mean you can let your treadling slip and start to go faster. It is feeling easier because you are going at a good even pace. Pay attention because your hands and feet want to go faster and that is when weird things happen to your spinning.

Also I have two very small skeins here because as I was plying some of the thinner spots (as a result of the above) broke and I got terribly tangled and decided to make a fresh start. I still have some more of this pink to spin up so I hope to pay attention a little better the next time.

I have also been thinking about Christmas knitting so a lot of my WIPs are going to have to remain that way until the holiday season is over. I don't have too big a list of people who I would like to knit for but my attention span means I have to start now.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Spin until you fall over!

Last night was my first real chance to sit down with Little Gem (yet to be given it's own name). I was excited. I had some time.... there was nothing on TV that I wanted to watch I could just sit downstairs and listen to some podcasts and spin away. The other thing I was really looking forward to was being left alone for a while. I didn't want to be rude to my family and I wasn't in a bad mood, but just a few hours on my own after being surrounded by people all day for two weeks sounded like heaven on earth.

So I proceeded to the basement. I set up my Little Gem. I sat down and started spinning. It was going ok and it was getting easier. It was so peaceful and quiet.

Then my mom came downstairs to use the computer. We have been having some problems with our router so only one computer can have internet at a time so she wanted me to try to fix it... like now. I have already tried everything I know how to do (unplug it and plug it back in) and that didn't work but I plugged and unplugged again just for her and her hundreds of questions. I gave internet to her computer by taking it away from mine and she sat in the basement to read email. She wasn't being loud she wasn't sitting right next to me but I felt crowded like she was in my space. But the spinning shall go on.

Then dad came down to work on his project of tearing apart an old pool table to make another table. What happened to my time alone? I was wondering the same thing. Again my dad is not a loud person and he usually just leaves me alone. He watched me a bit but kept to himself but....my plans were squashed.

Overall though the evening produced this.

This was just practice and it may not be overly exciting to the average eye but I was thrilled! And I can't wait to spin some more. Maybe a little tonight before I meet the girls for stitchen' and sippin' at one of our local coffee shops.

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Not Quite Tomorrow

Yes it is not quite tomorrow but here is my finished object.

Project Specs-
Date Finished: Se[tember 11, 2006.
Pattern : Outdoor Snuggle - Zoe Mellor (Nursery Knits)
Yarn: Debbie Bliss - Baby Cashmerino
Needles: 3.75 mm Britteny

I had read a few review of this pattern which were....lets face it... less than complimentary. But this little sac of a hoodie was tooooo cute to resist. I didn't have the problems with the pattern that I had read about so that is a good thing. The little one's Mommy and Daddy think it is adorable and that makes me very happy. I always worry that people my age that do not knit may not appreciate everything that has gone into making their gift. It is nice to be appreciated.

Anyway, back to work today. I always feel like another day on the weekend would make everyone a little happier. I heard someone mention on the news that there are more accidents on Mondays than any other day. I wonder if that is true.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Show and Tell

I started writing this post yesterday and I had spent a good chunk of time on it....Then...the computer froze and I lost it all. What was it my high school computer teacher used to say? "Save save save" So after that I said a few choice words and went off to Unwind to knit.

So are we wet yet???? I must consider myself lucky for a few reasons tonight. One my messy office is NOT wet. The water that came in my basement again did not make it over to my piles of things on the floor or my computer or my yarn! PHEW!!!! and the Second reason is that other people in Newmarket were evacuated from their homes because the water was pouring in. Crazy!!!
We are sooo lucky!!

And now ... on with the show (and tell). Lots of links and a few picks! The kids I teach love show and share so today as promised, is my turn to show things from the past weekend.

Here is my Namaste Bag! I bought it from the wonderful people at Needles and Pins. They are proof that it pays to be nice because the ladies at the Pick up Sticks booth (yes that was us) bought three of them.

That is my mom in the background who can't believe that I am taking pictures of my bag.

This is my Dragon Sock so far. What a great pattern. It is keeping my interest and not too hard for my tired self.



I am using Mama-E's C*EYE*BER, in the Sarah colourway and I am really enjoying. It is available through Mama's blog and also through Pick up Sticks (the only place you can get the Sarah colour though!)

I also bought some
Claudia Hand painted from Connie and some JaggerSpun MerinoLace from Red Bird but the pictures didn't show up so well so you will have to trust me that it is wonderful.

And last but not least of my purchases (in more ways that one). As promised here is my new baby.


This is my next step from handspinning (not that I was a great handspinner). It is my Majacraft Lil' Gem. I adopted my little gem from the nice ladies at The Black Lamb. They gave me a little lesson and let me play throughout the day. It still needs a more personal name but we haven't had a lot of time to get to know each other better. Any suggestions leave me a comment!


Tomorrow is my mom's birthday and I am hoping to take her out to dinner. But I do intent to post picks of a finished object tomorrow too. I know it is a shock!

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Wow What a Weekend

This weekend was the knitting fair in Kitchener! and all I can say is WOW! I was thrilled and overwhelmed by the amount of people and all ages of people. Don't believe it yourself? Didn't see it with your own eyes? Well see it through mine!

The weekend flew by like a whorl wind. It was so much fun and so exhausting. This is all the great stuff that Connie has over at Pick up Sticks so for a better look go there and check her out!

I bought a few nice things (one of which was a rather significant purchase that Connie mentioned on her blog) but I will have to blog about them later because I am very tired. I need to get to next weekend so I can recover from the first week and a bit of school plus the knitter's fair in between.

No rest for the fiber addicted eh.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Where's my easy button

I remember the end of last school year thinking how busy and chaotic it was. The beginning of the year is surprisingly similar. I have been working like crazy in my classroom and with some much needed help from my family and co-workers.

I have been doing a little knitting. I have the baby snuggly finished other than a few ends to weave in and then the zipper to put in.

The excitment is building for the knitter's fair and it is still a whole week away. I have a few more things to get ready for the start of the school year next week but I am ready for the kids. I think the teachers are just as excited as the kids are.

Anyway I'm at my bfs house this weekend without my camera so no pictures. In the next few days I will post a finished pic of the snuggly. Have a great long weekend everyone.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Return on the Nonsense

Wow! It has been so long. Funny how life gets in the way of things. For now this will be a quick update on me. There will be no pictures as my camera was lost in the mess of my life until today.

Start off with some good news. (Well I guess there is a lot of good news) My dad is home from the hospital. He has been for about a week now. He is healing so well. You wouldn't even know it to see his face that it had been burnt. The nurse still comes to see him every day to change the bandages and he goes back to the hospital once a week to have a once over. But he is in good spirits and quickly on the mend.

Secondly. I have a different job. I am teaching grade one now instead of kindergarten. The switch was made to a new school and new grade so I have been there the last few days trying to get things organized. So it will be a busy week getting all of that stuff sorted and then prep for school starting next week.

The basement in my house is a disaster because I have been trying to organized all the school stuff in my home. (hence the lost camera) That is slowly making it's way back to rights as well.

I have been knitting. The sample scarf for the Knitter's Fair where I will be showing my support for Connie at Pick up Sticks. Also I have been knitting the baby sleeper for my bf's friend. The baby was a week late and I do not have all the details yet but I was starting to convince myself the baby was waiting for me to finish it's present. Hopefully the next few days will do the trick.

Now off to bed to knit a bit and then do it all again tomorrow.

Monday, August 14, 2006

When it rains it pours

I am going to stop appologizing (and to myself aswell) for not posting. Life happens and we all go through little ups and downs. Sometimes the downs like to stick close together so you think the ups are over. Not so!!

There have been a swarm of downs in my family and in families close to me lately and this week was no exception.

My father was in an accident at work and was badly burnt. They were lighting some of the brush they had cleared doing landscaping. They have a fire pit and have done this many times in the past. This time was the time I guess and the fire came back at my dad. He is badly burnt on the right side of his body. The fire didn't burn his close but did seem to like the exposed skin on his right side. His face is blistered and the skin is gone from his right arm and a portion of his right leg. He is fine!!! Things could have been so much worse but it was still very scary.

He is still at the Sunnybrook Hospital in their burn wing. I would just like to say thank you to all of the staff there. I am glad he is there because I know he is getting the best care he could. My dad says "They sure know what their doing here".

I am very busy right now getting ready for school and still working and visiting my dad. I'm starting to stress about getting back to school because there is still so much to be done and there will always be something to do. Busy busy.

P.S. the 40 min drive to the hospital is good knitting time. I haven't knit in my dad's room because I'm not sure it's ok. You have to wear a gown over your close and gloves on your hands while you visit him and if you leave the room you have to change and put on fresh ones. But we have taken dad food and stuff so I'm not sure what the rules are.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

School is in the air

I can't believe how fast the summer is going. So much to do and not so much time to do it before september. I have two friends having babies, in September or sooner, that need gifts and my special project for Connie is coming along. That is as far as my knitting goes. I'm a bad Trek-along-er with only one sock finished and no trekking done with it. I have not finished Charlotte's web even though I am so close (and so close to running out of my final colour).

Then this weekend we ripped apart my corner of the basement. My stuff is everywhere. My furnature is moved and now everything that was stored in this corner needs to be organized and put back into the same corner. I want that done this week so next week I can start getting ready for the beginning of school. But man do I have a lot of sh...stuff.

This week I'm at a workshop all week so I will be car pooling to work with my mom. Should be fun and interesting.

I hope everyone had a great long weekend.

Friday, August 04, 2006

Busy Busy

I can not believe how busy this week has been. I tried to fit in doctors appointments and check-ups and things before school starts again. Plus I have been trying to fit going to the gym into my schedule everyday. Suddenly before I know it the day is over and I have to get to work.

Today I meet with my personal trainer again. The first meeting was setting some goals and getting my stats together. Some of those numbers are a little scary let me tell you. So I am curious as to what is in store for me today.

Also today in the mail I got this. (Sorry about the picture quality my camera doesn't seem to like me today.)


That is exciting. I was just thinking there should be a new issue soon and then the mail man came (and I can say that because he is a man)



On the front of this issue one of the headlines is "The Joy of Socks" I knew right away I would like this issue. There are some article aobut socks and knitting socks throughout history. I haven't read the articles yet but I am looking forward to it and there are quite a few cute sock patterns to try. (This pick you reallly can't see very well so you will have to look at the magazine yourself I'm sorry)



Also this weekend my office is being attacked. There is no storage left so things keep accumulating onto the floor. My family has bought me more shelves. Yippeee. But now we need to clear space for them. I have a secret hope that I can make this space more livable and not so much a corner of the unfinished basement to store my stuff in.

Hopefully the long weekend will give me some more time to knit. More as in more than a few rows before I go to sleep and a few before I start to run out the door to wherever I have to be.