Nittany Knits

2008-07-22T15:39:00.003-04:00

Everyone keep an eye out this fall for the new Storm Moon Knits colorway 'Peace and Love'. Rumor has it that all proceeds will be going to the 'Days End Horse Farm' in Woodbine, MD where Gabrielle had volunteered in the past. I cannot thank Storm Moon enough for all her love and support.

2008-06-07T19:30:00.003-04:00

There will be a celebration of Gabrielle's life on Wed. June 11th at Grace Community Church in Fulton, MD at 2:30 pm. All are welcome!!!!!!!!!!

2008-06-05T14:07:00.002-04:00

Gabrielle lost her fight with Severe Aplastic Anemia on Thursday June 5th at 11:30 am.

She was my best friend.

She will be forever loved and missed.

2008-06-03T20:25:00.002-04:00

We have been in the PICU unit since Friday and things have not been good. As a matter of fact, they have been the opposite of good.

Please pray for my daughter.

There will be special prayers said at both services this Sunday at Grace Community Church in Fulton, MD at 9:15 and 11:15, where the entire church will be praying for my daughter. If you are in the area, please attend no matter what your denomination or religous background. This is the church my children and I call home, and they have been our lifeline. I couldn't possibly tell you all of the wonderful ways God has touched us through these wonderful people. Just know that you will feel amazingly welcomed and loved just for attending on this day.

Thank you all for lifting up my daughter and my family in prayer. I honestly believe it is the only reason that she is still with us.

2008-05-29T19:43:00.002-04:00

Tonight starts the 7-10 day cycle of white blood cell transfusions.

We managed to avoid this step in mid April, yet here we are at the end of May doing exactly what we thought we wouldn't have to do. We are promised that this will be rough. These little buggers are the mean cells. We have been told to expect to go to PICU.

Ten weeks ago today I learned my daughter was in a hospital, and today she is no better than she was that first day. As a matter of fact, she would probably argue that she feels a lot worse. And she will feel a lot worse before the next 7-10 days are over.

Today was a whirlwind full of tests, many doctors, and a lot of tough choices. In the midst of it all came Miss Bonnie and her hubby with a lovely gift. I had no more than two blips of a second to say, "Thank You" and be wisked away to talk to two more people waiting to talk everything over with me as my daughter waited for me with three different machines beeping. Chaos.

Let me say thank you to not only Miss Bonnie for her wonderfully thoughtful presents, but to everyone that I never have more than that amount of time to thank. Please know that there is not one spare moment in my life at this hospital, and while I feel horrible that I cannot properly tell you all how wonderful your support is, I just do not have time away from the madness that is surrounding us. There is no down time. I am always hit at some time during a day how little time I have to thank everyone of you who have baked, prayed, driven, supported (emotionally and financially) my family and myself. I feel horrible that I can't thank you properly for the love you show us constantly. I also know that I cannot spend one less second than I am with my children, and thank yous are going to have to wait to be done properly. We are exhausted from how much time it takes to be sick at Hopkins. I am so done in I could not wake up to take my son to school yesterday. I have nothing left, and we are just starting on the tough part.

Thank you everyone. We cannot do this without your prayers and support!

Please forgive me for not answering phones and getting back to your kind messages, and in general being a walking posterchild of how not to be Emily Post. I really really wish I could let you know how beautiful you all are. I just can't right now.

Please please please pray for her the next 7-10 days!!! We can only pray that her medical team is doing what is best and this will eventually help to bring her home.

Happy knitting.

2008-05-29T00:19:00.002-04:00

Due to my daughter now being told she has not one.. not two.. but three bugs in her blood now. Are we having fun yet? Since Monday we have maintained 104 degree temps and no medicine is bringing it down. All this adds up to more discussion of the possibility of white cell transfusion, a direction no one wants to go.

Since I am surrounded by chaos, my creative outlet is starting to reflect the insanity. I started knitting the 'Sock Yarn Blanket' yesterday. For those of you not in the knitting world, this means I have lost my ever lovin mind. I am knitting a full size blanket out of tiny yarn on tiny needles...because I can. It may take me the rest of my life, but hey.. why not.

I am a woman on the edge, I have knitting needles, and I am NOT afraid to use them.

Happy sane and normal knitting to the rest of you :-)

2008-05-23T15:41:00.002-04:00

Originally uploaded by NittanyKnits

Lots of funny pictures of Detonator Socks are flying all over Ravelry. My son's photo of the socks I received are quite a hit, if not a little gross. The photo shoot of the sock I was knitting at the time of my elimination from Sock Wars, however, was up to me.

Having a lot less imagination than the twelve year old boy, I grabbed the first thing I could find that would signify that I was no longer in the battle. The fact that this Halloween decoration is the first thing that I saw that would work should tell you a little about the state of my living quarters right now. Why are my Halloween decorations still out and not packed away, you might ask yourself. In my defense, they were packed, the box just hasn't made it's way into my storage area yet.

The yarn is Tofutsie colorway 736, and I was somewhat sad to part with it. It would have been a great everyday sock. I tend to go with knitting the wilder colorways for my socks, so perhaps I need a couple Plain Jane socks.

On to hospital news. Yesterday, we found out what penicilin my daughter has a major reaction to. That was fun. Then today we found out that the pick line (that was put in place due to her central line getting a bacteria) has a bacteria. Fun. The doctors are pleased that she is not having as bad a reaction as last time, so they feel that she is making progress. We feel like we are in a hamster wheel that keeps bringing us back around to the same old issues. This brings us to another surgery, another fasting without food or water. Ick! She is still holding hope that she wil be out of here before the last dayof school on the 13th. Pray pray pray that this is also God's timeline.

Everyone heading out for the holiday, be safe. Happy Knitting!

2008-05-22T10:37:00.002-04:00

I came home from meeting Miss Berger Beth on Monday night to see my 'Detonator Socks' from my Sock War 3 assassin sitting in my mail box. My son instantly had me do an artsy death picture with the socks that included ketchup, but I'll spare you all the image.

The socks are from a knitter in California. I can't find a blog for her or I would link you to her. Last year my 'Scar Socks' came from a knitter in Florida, and the first Sock Wars 'Sock of Doom' came from England.

Tomorrow I'll show you what my socks in progress looked like before they got sent off to California to be finished. I started another pair for myself since this is the first Sock Wars that I did not get to finish at least one pair before getting eliminated from the competition. I am making this next 'Detonator Sock' out of the Step yarn that contains aloe. It looks so different than the Tofutsie yarns since it has chunky stripes instead of the Monet like marbeling effect. I think it looks like a completely different pattern, so I'm glad I decided to make them.

Today is the anniversary of Sir Arthur Conan Doyal's birthday, so go knit yourself a mystery pattern. Happy Knitting!

2008-05-21T21:04:00.002-04:00

Originally uploaded by NittanyKnits

Thanks to all who made this beautiful blanket for my daughter! Miss Berger Beth delivered it last night. What a wonderful gift. The picture only shows half of it. There are another 6 lovely squares that are not shown in this picture. Every square is different, and they are all put together with a lace border. She is going to love it!

Also thanks to Miss Alice, who I ran into at the new Harris Tweeter and gave me a very nice gift as well. I miss hanging out with all of you knitters!

Great news from the hospital today. We stepped foot outside for...7 whole minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is wipped out from it all, but I think it went great for her :-)

News from sock wars tomorrow. Happy knitting!

2008-05-19T11:50:00.002-04:00

I've been picture free on this blog for a couple posts, so I thought I would add a random yarn shot from the Brooks Farm booth at Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. This was taken Friday before the mass of knitters arrived. It's so yummy. It makes me feel warm and happy inside. Surprisingly, I did not take one single skein of this home with me this year. There's always next year!

The next big event in the world of fiber was supposed to be The Mannings Spinning Seminar in June. This is such a wonderfully relaxing and restorative day in the peaceful country side of south central Pennsylvania. (The people at The Mannings do not know it yet, but I am planning on retiring in their front yard!) This is also a day where the local church women sell food and homemade rootbeer to all of us fiber folk. It's still a couple of weeks away, but it doesn't look like we will be out of Hopkins by then. If this is the case, I am going to have to try to make my own rootbeer. I've got spare yarn and roving. The home made rootbeer cannot be missed.

Perhaps my focus needs to switch to the upcoming Stitch 'n Pitch events in the area. The Orioles, the Nationals, and the Bowie baysox are all having Stitch 'n Pitch events this year! How much fun! A day at the ball park surrounded by my favorite knitters. Sounds like a great way to spend an evening.

Today is Circus Day on the daily holiday calendar. Knit yourself something colorful and fun. Remember that Sunday is the 25th of the month, sop plan your Christmas knitting project now. only 7 more months to get those knitting projects ready for gift giving!!!!!!

Happy Knitting!

2008-05-18T23:58:00.002-04:00

I got some knitting time in today while watching the Penguin hockey game. Hopkins does not have the VS. television station, so I can only watch the playoff games when they are on NBC. I got more knitting in while watching the movie 'Underdog' tonight. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. So overall, it was a good knitting day.

Today was a good health day for my daughter, but she is getting weeker and is having more trouble standing and walking. I'm trying to interest her into seated yoga, but she isn't going for it. Tomorrow I'm calling in the physical therapists so she can tell them no instead of me for a change:-)

Thanks to all those who keep knitting hats for her next to bald head. They are so awesome!!! By the way StormMoon, my mother tried to steal her hat you made out of the Socks That Rock. I had to explain to her that stealing my knitting is one thing, but she is approaching a whole other ball park when she tries to steal your hat! She backed away slowly from it, but I know her wheels are turning for when this child starts growing hair again. She might be a knitting thief, but at least she has great taste!

Don't forget to knit something for yourself for 'Knitting For Me Monday'! Happy Knitting.

2008-05-16T16:18:00.002-04:00

Busy week.

I am about to be taken out of Sock Wars. As they say, the socks are in the mail. I'm glad I ended up trying to keep up with Sock Wars with everything else going on. It changed my mind about Tofutsi for one thing. I really didn't like it the last time I knit with it, but I like the socks this time. It also was a way to get my mind off things, and that is never a bad thing :-)

My parents just left to go back home. They were in this week to finally lay their own eyes on their sickly grandchild. Thanks to everyone who helped to shuttle them back and forth from Hopkins. It isn't exactly an easy ride for the old folks.

Speaking of Hopkins, today was the 77th annual 'Turtle Derby'. Our turtle 'Dizzy' did not do much to try to win the race, but it was a lot of fun none the less. This event is always the day before Preakness (the slow race, and then the fast) and is put on by the first year med students. The turtles are brought in from Lousianna, and this brings up the question, "What is wrong with Maryland turtles?" The best part for the knitters would be the hand knit turtle my daughter received in honor of the event. I freaked out and needed to know who knit all these turtles. I was told they are knit by an 87 year old woman. Well done, whoever you are. They were very cute!

Millions of thanks to all this week. You all know who you are who try to make my life somewhat normal. I couldn't be any more blessed!

Happy Knitting!!!!

2008-05-09T22:44:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was our 6th week straight at Johns Hopkins, our 7th week straight in hospitals, and my daughter's 8th week straight since she has been home. Imagine being constanly on the highest state of alert your body can be on...for 7 weeks. I am starting to crash. She started crashing this week. We still do not know when we will get sprung from here, but let us all say many prayers that it is before June!

But on with life.

Sock Wars 3 has officially begun, and as with all wars- we are making weapons when we don't even know who the enemy is. The pattern has been published, but due to some unforseen happenings in the supreme commander's life, our targets have not been mailed out to us yet. Fine with me since I get next to nothing accomplished all day tending to a sick child. If you were to ask me what I did today, I couldn't answer you...but I was darn busy doing it.

Good luck to all the Sock War 3 warriors. The winner takes 60 balls of sock yarn as the prize. Happy Knitting!

2008-05-08T12:57:00.002-04:00

We have a new infection to fight here at Hopkins, but the powers that be say that this one should not level her out like the last one. From their lips to God's ears.

I got a rude awakening this morning when I looked at my daughter and said, "Oh my! Tomorrow is Sock Wars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" She rolled her eyes and I got on the ball. Back on Feb 19th I signed myself up for my third round of Sock Wars, the bloodiest knitting game on the planet. For those of you starring at your computer screen in horror, the competition has you knit socks (weapons) for someone in the world. When they receive them, they die (of glee over their great new socks knit for them by a complete stranger). The game continues until only one warrior is left standing. It's great fun. It was even written up in the Wall Street Journal, so it can't be THAT weird. Anyway, I kind of forgot about it with evything going on around here. Luckily I am going home for a couple of hours tonight so I can grab my Tofutsie sock yarn (the official yarn of this competition) and get set to knit socks all weekend. What better way to spend Mother's Day weekend?

I'm going to start knitting my toe up socks this afternoon as a warm up. Sleeping Beauty has been knocked out by an arsenal of drugs, so I might get some good knitting in for a change.

Happy Sock Wars 3!!!!!!!!!

2008-05-05T22:38:00.002-04:00

Today's surgery went well, but we ended the day with a fever. Augh.

This weekend was a blur. Now that things are starting to go better around here, the staff is being more honest about how bad things had been. This kind of honesty makes ones head whirl a bit. It was a great weekend though, so I will try to remember some of it with clarity.

My daughter now has a newly decorated room thanks to my sorority little sister, who came into town like a whirlwind and left her mark. She even cooked dinner on Saturday. I begged her to stay forever, but alas...

I got to go to the Sheep and Wool Festival and eat lamburger and prize winning sheep cheese on Sunday. I took a lot of great pictures of sheep. In the past I was interested in the yarn or roving. This year it was all about the sheep and the food and getting to see a lot of you. Thank you to everyone I saw that had kind words, hugs, and laughs. You all are so great.

Thanks also to my daughter's bible study group who has brought food two weeks in a row for the families living on this hospital floor. You have no idea how many people are grateful for your generosity!

My exhaustion has kicked in, so more will have to wait until later.

Happy knitting

2008-05-02T13:34:00.002-04:00

Remember that McDonald's slogan "You deserve a break today"?

This is the t-shirt you get from the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival when you volunteer to help set up for the fleece sale.

We moved tables, made signs, and got to see everyone before the festivities began.

This was the first sheep to greet us.

This is the main exhibit hall before everyone arrived with their yarn goodies.

I thought that I would give you a wonderful picture of a preview of 'Socks that Rock' from 'The Fold'. Yummy colors!

This morning was just what I needed. A break from everything while getting to lend my time to the festival.

My daughter called me while I was there and I think she was very happy that she is safe at Hopkins so that I can't drag her to this year's festival. My son found refuge at a friend's home for th weekend so that he will be out of the was as well. Wow. You would think that I made them stand in line with yarn while I shopped for more yarn when they where wee children. Oh yeah, I did :-)

Hope you enjoyed the preview pictures of the weekend!

Happy Sheep and Wool!

2008-05-01T13:32:00.002-04:00

" A happy heart is good medicine and
a cheerful mind works healing."

Proverbs 17:22

Things are so much better today than last Thursday! The doctors are so pleased with her progress, and there is no more talk of white cell transfusions:-) You are the best prayer warriors!

She is still very tired and not up to visitors as of yet, but I will let you all know when she is.

With everything going so well, I am going to take some time for myself this weeknd to get out to the Sheep and Wool Festival. I'm trying not to feel guilty about going and enjoying myself, but some time to refresh my spirit can't be a bad thing. Thoughts of lamb burgers and sheep cheese are already dancing in my head. Anyone wanting to catch up with me will find me knitting near the Sheep to Shawl competition.

My BFF is coming to town to finish wrecking/ I mean redecorating my condo this weekend. The living room and kids rooms will look great, but something tells me I need to spend some time in my room (where she is throwing everything she doesn't want in the rest of the house). She is amazed by how much yarn she keeps running into :-)

Thank you again everyone for your thoughts and prayers- especially the crew from Grace Community Church who have gone above and beyond. We feel so much love from all of you. Thank you all.

Happy Sheep and Wool Festival!

2008-04-28T16:27:00.002-04:00

Today we needed a platelet transfusion and we felt the effects of the platelet shortage here at Hopkins. Platelets are removed similarly to red blood, but they are fragile and need to be removed here at the hospital. We had heard of the shortage before this, but this was the first time we have been effected by it. We use platelets more than any other blood product, so this is going to become an issue for us. Anyone out there wanting to help supply Hopkins with this much needed blood product can call (410) 955-8951 to schedule an appointment for donation.
On to 'Knitting For Me' Monday news, I am done with her pedicure socks (lots of time last night with the cardiac monitor going crazy). This means that Wed. night will be pedicure night! This also means that I can knit my toe up socks today. These would be the same toe up socks that I wanted to have done for the Orioles opening day since the colorway is... 'Opening Day'. I have more to do on the leg, and then need to go back and do my first afterthought heel. This could be one of those second sock syndrome socks, since I'm not feeling the need to do another one of these anytime soon. Too much thinking is involved for me under the circumstances.

Happy Knitting and Platelet giving!

2008-04-27T12:17:00.004-04:00

This is my first hat for my balding kid's head. Her hair loss has stopped for now, so I don't think she will lose it all.

The yarn was from Sheep and Wool Festival two years ago. I lost the tag, so I can't even share any of the info on it. I was a new knitter then and didn't realize the importance of such things. Silly me.

Large Marge finished her pink bucket hat for her and it is so cute! I'm thinking I might knit myself one for the summer months.

Yesterday, my daughter had an operation to remove her central line. This was installed to help her receive her medicines and transfusions, but it has ended up giving her blood an infection. She now has a pick line in her neck that is painful right now, but we will hopefully be able to get rid of the infection now that the line is gone. The grea news is that she has not thrownup since she got out of surgery. This is a long time for her! Yeah! She even has had a couple Capri Sun's that her bible study group brought for the families on the hospital floor. The group brought all sorts of goodies for the families. What a wonderful way to show love and compassion!!!!! Miss Robin, you and your family are such a blessing.

Thank you to Knitini for dinner and entertainment last night, and Knit Glit and Large Marge for joining in. Also a big hug goes out to thank Knitini for the yarn. Thank you to Miss Shannon for the yummy Mexican Tortilla Bake we had for lunch today. Miss Kathleen makes the world's best meatloaf cupcakes (trust me on this folks!) and veggie lasagna. Aso thanks for the relaxation package! Miss Katie is making my waist not fit into my pants with the best brownies ever. (The staff at Hopkins has nothing but love for you!) We are so blessed with good cooks for friends! We are eating better now than we usually do :-)

Everyone's prayers are being felt. Thank you for all of them. Please pray for her infection to clear, for her lungs to clear, and for her heart activity to return to normal. All of these would help her to not go through the white cell transfusion.

Keep knitting through the tough times kids. Our love goes into every single stitch, and those we knit for can feel the comfort of our work.

2008-04-26T10:23:00.002-04:00

Things are taking baby steps in the right direction. Yeah!

Muchos Gracias goes out to the guys and gals cutting their hair short for the summer in support of my gal who's hair has seemed to stop falling out for right now. You all are so awesome!

Many thanks also going out for the hat making army that has formed! I finally finished my first hat. Took me long enough. I realize it is the perfect project for me right now. It goes in circle like a sock, only it takes alot fewer stitches:-)

Finally, so many thanks for the [rayers. We know that is the difference between yesterday and today. Please keep up the prayer chain and show those doctors I'm not crazy when I look them in the eye and say, "It will work. People are praying." They always give me that crazy woman look, but we knitters are used to that look:-)

We missed Christmas knitting yesterday. Looks like we are going to have a Christmas in July to make up for it. Details later....

Happy Knitting.

2008-04-25T18:00:00.002-04:00

Things can go downhill pretty quick around here, and they have.

It's weird to think that just one week ago we were talking about the possibility of coming home. We are now discussing the possibility of a white cell transfusion the middle of next week.

All prayers are accepted

2008-04-21T22:01:00.002-04:00

This is our view from our window. We are allowed to venture out of her room and go to the grass you see below only if she puts on her protective gear. She will not put on her protective gear. We have never set foot on the grass. I hear that there is a lovely statue of Jesus behind that building. I wouldn't know since the child does not like the fact that her protective gear outfit is yellow and she does not "do" yellow. OK.

Thanks to all who are checking out the chemo caps she picked out over on my Ravelry que. She picked out a diverse group and I can't wait to raid my stash tomorrow night when I finally get home and start on one!

I have to follow up yesterday's story about my job closing it's doors. Those of you who know me know that I am blessed enough to work for two businesses in the same company. This means that even though the one job is now no longer there, I still have the other. The problem for me right now is that the other job pays about one third what the other paid. When you are down to working one day a week, this is significant. So I still have a job, I just make a lot less. I can't imagine another company working with me and allowing me to work only one day a week so that my daughter does not have to be alone at all while she is in the hospital. I am very sad to lose out on the great friendships that I have made working at the job that has closed. I helped to open that location, and have many great memories from the employees and the customers.

As for today's medical update, things are on the downhill spiral. First the fever has been flirting with that 38 degree Celsius again. Then the appetite went, and today was spent in bed resting all day. Now tonight we are above the 38 degree, and doing the shake and bake while vomiting blood. Let's not forget that the hair is coming out so fast we had a hair stylist arrive PDQ so that we could make it more manageable while it comes out. We had some wigs ordered for her that are VERY cute (I want one) and we even got a cool little headband that has a sprig of hair for when she is wearing hats. All of this takes a back seat to the green moster my daughter has become. She is literally a weird green. My poor baby.

I thought I would address either the ants that are invading my kitchen or the leaking refrigerator when I go home tomorrow, but I think I'm going to sleep. A lot.

Happy Knitting.

2008-04-20T17:50:00.002-04:00

This is Chester.

Chester teaches us how to flush our central line (the one on the left).

One of the many fun props we have encountered here at Hopkins.

I think Chester needs a sweater. He's looking a little chilly :-)

So, I got a phone call this morning telling me that the job that I am currently down to working only one day a week has closed it's doors forever. Now, I realize that sometimes God wants you to get out of your box, but I'm thinking he has already sent my box to the recycling bin. Good thing we have a sense of humor around here!

This would also be the day that the hair has started to come out. My daughter has been in deep denile of this, so things are a bit shocking for her.

Thanks to Javajem for planting flowers in my flower box and quickly stepping in to hang with my son yesterday! A big thanks goes out to Storm Moon for being the only one to get a hat done for my daughter before the hair started to come out! (Once again, I'm getting mother of the year for not even starting my hat for her)

I'm following bunnysquirrel's advice and putting all of the cool hats my daughter would like to have knit for her on my Ravelry Que. My Ravelry name is NittanyKnits. Just leave me a message is you decide to knit her one so that I can take it off of the que. She is requesting bright spring colors to keep in line with her usual clothes she will be wearing them with. Thanks so much to everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Knitting!

2008-04-18T12:30:00.002-04:00

Here is proof of both knitting and theme night at Hopkins. This would be the finished pedicure sock (the other one is about half way done with the leg). Those cool toes would be the result of a pedicure manicure night. The nail polish was given to her by her church group leaders, and I must admit that is is sooo cool that I myself have done my toes in it as well :-)

Rumor has it the kid could get sprung from the hospital sooner than they were letting on. Keep your fingers crossed!

Big thanks going out to tons of people, hope I don't forget anyone. Miss Jenn for cooking awesome food for us and gifts, Miss Jean for gifts and smiles and hugs, Poopsie for your gift, Tinknits for almost getting to knit with me, Miss Beth for gifts and encouragement, Mr. Mike for hugs, and as always Large Marge for giving up her own life to run mine. You've done such a great job that I am kicking you out and returning you to your own family. You may visit once a week, but other than that I want you bonding with your peeps. With that news, everyone can start calling and e-mailing me instead of Large Marge to give her a well deserved vacation. Keep in mind that e-mails are more likely to be returned than calls, as I am never home.

One week until we knit for Christmas presents. I know I will be knitting for everyone on my list this year, and need to get those needles clicking :-)

Happy Knitting!

2008-04-16T17:39:00.002-04:00

It's official, our best case scenario for leaving Hopkin's is the beginning of May. We have been pressuring the doctors for some sort of time frame and they finally gave us one today. I'm glad we at least have a goal.

I'm putting on a movie for us and kniting since it's guild night. I might be knitting a plain sock instead of the entraloc, but at least I'll be knitting :-)

Remember, the 25th of the month is fast approaching. Start thinking about you Christams projects. We were all very forgetful last month, and we have some knitting to do.

Happy Knitting!

2008-04-15T21:03:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Large Marge and photobucket we now have images from Hopkins. This is the handmade quilt I was telling you all about. That blob underneath of the quilt would be my daughter sucking on a popsicle.

Thanks to Miss Beth for dropping by everybody in our house's favorite food, Berger Cookies! We had no idea what these were until Miss Beth introduced us to them, and now the kids refer to her as Miss Berger Beth. I do not think that there could be higher praise for anyone. ;-)

My daughter and I went on to Ravelry together last night, and she picked out a hat she would like me to knit for her when she loses her hair soon. This is a big step since before she was not even discussing the option. The hat is (I think) the Pi hat, and is the first hat you find under patterns for chemo caps on Ravelry. She had a house call from a yarn shop and picked a lime green 'Dark Hourse' yarn to have it made out of. Now that is what I call service!

The boy child is not being forgotten, and tonight was great bonding time for us both. I love the one on one time I get to have with him, and he loves the fact that I am not constantly asking about his school work since I am officially a bad mother and have given up asking. We have bigger fish to fry right now. Cop out I know. But it is what it is.

More pics tomorrow. Happy Knitting!

2008-04-14T19:40:00.002-04:00

Here's why every knitter should have a great friend who does not knit...you can call them to come and hang out with your sick kid so that you can go to Sheep and Wool!

It is true, if all goes well I will make it at some point to the 2008 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. Yeah me, and thank you Kristen for not liking knitting when I tried to teach you.

On to the goings on at John's Hopkins... things are looking up. The girl child has a ton more energy than 2 days ago and even ate a tiny bit of jello and some teeny peices of fruit. Big news! It's a good thing, since Knitini stopped by with some restorative chicken noodle soup for her to eat this week. It seems she stuck her hand up a chicken's butt in order to make this soup, so the child better be well enough to eat it :-) For those wishing to see photos of the child, link over to Knitini's blogpost today. She doesn't look sick to me, how about you?

Large Marge sent mini brownie bites for the doctor to try to bribe him into letting the child get sprung from this joint quicker. From the look on his face this morning during rounds, I'm not sure it will help, but hey it couldn't hurt!

Another great sunset tonight marks the 26th day in various hospitals. I can't even count the number of blood transfusions my daughter has had in those 26 days. I did want to thank everyone who gives blood to the red cross. Without donors like you, she would not be alive. For those of you out there who think of giving blood but haven't, you might want to think about my daughter the next time you see a blood drive.

Happy Knitting for you Monday! Knit yourself something nice today.

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

Yesterday was the last of the high dose cytoxan. It was a very trying day for all involved in the process, and we feel that things have got to go uphill from here. (Everyone, knock on wood as you read that last sentence)

My daughter's father has a permanent girlfriend, and her mother made my baby the most wonderful quilt! I am so green with envy over this handmade gift of love. It even has a matching carrying case that then becomes a pillow cover! I have a picture, I just need to get my dail-up and flickr to repair their relationship.

After talking it over with my daughter, I have decided that this year for the holidays, I'm going to get her a good sewing machine. She has such an amazing eye for color (I do not, that is why all of my knitting is either solid or self stripping) and an interest in sewing brought on by Large Marge and Javajem.

I am finishing her second sock today and starting her first sock. Wow, that took me next to forever. I used to do a sock a week in the busy season, and this darn thing has taken me three weeks. So much for the myth that you just sit around in hospital rooms. I hope I can bounce back in time for SockWars 3 which starts next month.

Have a happy knitting weekend!

2008-04-10T11:24:00.002-04:00

We had our first 24 hours in a week without a fever over 38 degrees celcius. Woowho!!!!!!! This is big news because even though she is still feeling like the bottom of a barf bucket, she can at least sleep in between trips to the bathroom. A night without shaking and baking is good stuff!

In celebration of such events, there was a wonderful sunset last night! We have a great view of the city from our room, and the colors were spectacular last night.

I am hoping to figure out my flickr issues by this weekend so that I can show some pictures . I have a ton of them, I just am having trouble uploading them to flickr so that I can share them with you all.

A big thank you to Javajem for stopping by last night to add some flair to PeaceandLove's blog and dropping by much loved presents.

2008-04-08T19:49:00.002-04:00

A big thanks goes out to those many knitters who have been e-mailing and leaving me messages about my daughter. Two such gals have a great new blog about their booth at Sheep and Wool this year. I recognize the photos of the cute animals from Mannings Spinning Seminar last year. Am I correct?

My daughter was impressed that her mother and godmother loved her enough to spend last night with her instead of dumping her and running off to the Yarn Harlot. I always told her that I did in fact love her more than yarn. I think she might believe me now.

My sweet girl has been having a really tough time of things lately. Temperatures continue to rise with no clue as to why, and all of her blood counts are rock bottom. With this information, the doctors have decided to start treatments immediately. Please pray for her during this time!

Birds are chirping outside the window bringing signs of spring and new life. Here's to remembering the wonders of the life the Lord has given to all of us! Happy Knitting.

2008-04-06T19:08:00.002-04:00

Last night was Rock Star night! Since I haven't gotten a chance to hang much with my son with everything else going on, I decided to make a night just for him. People got together at work to buy the kids Guitar Hero for their new Wii. (How awesome is that?) Last night in honor of my son's first time playing it, we made him a rock star and did all sorts of fun things. His aunt and I dressed up like groupies (we have photos, the outfits were BAD), got him six packs of bottled root beer, picked out only blue M&M's for him (rock stars do that!) and even brought in extra little groupies who made signs telling him what an awesome rock star he was (thanks large marge and her family). What a great time! He even signed autographs for the young fans! Awesome!

Thanks to all the knitters out there sending me links via e-mail for great wigs for the girl child in case the hair comes out. She is convinced that it won't. I am too busy thinking about everything else to argue the hair.

I did get to finally turn the heel of her sock, so there is hope that I will one day get to knit again. It would be a good thing, considering that I have a Knit A Thon to put on in 6 months. Time will fly and it will be here before we know it.

Hope everyone has a great time at the Yarn Harlot's book signing tomorrow. Think of me often. Happy Knitting!

2008-04-04T15:50:00.002-04:00

The word came back today that The Girl will not be getting a bone marrow transplant from her brother since he is not a match for her. There's shocking news. They have been completely different since birth, why would they be the same for this :-)

This means that her treatments start Monday or Tuesday and will be high dose cyclophosphamide. Lots of poosible side effects, but the only one she hears is the possible hair loss.

So with that in mind, anyone know of some great funky wigs? I'm talking RockStar pink, Hannah Montana Blonde, etc. She has always been fashionable, and why shouldn't she do this the same way! I doubt she would let us knit her a wig.

Looking like I could turn the heal of her sock tonight. Here's hoping :-)

2008-04-03T10:18:00.002-04:00

So much for going home.

We are still at Hopkins. After signing the discharge papers, my baby girl started to spike another fever. There went any ideas of home. Too bad everything was already packed in the car, which if you know anything about Hopkins- the car is approxamately 5 city blocks away.

I did still have knitting, but everytime I try to knit, my precious child has me do something for her. It is officailly on purpose, since she just downright said yesterday, "Mom, I don't want you to knit" when she couldn't think of something I needed to do for her. OK then!

If I can't knit to relieve stress, I'm in some trouble here. Maybe I'll hit her with a tranquilizer gun to get some rows in :-) I have already taught her how to knit, and she doesn't like to do so. There went family bonding time. Oh, what would the Harlot do?

Speaking of the Harlot, she needs to stop coming to the area. Everytime I get excited about going to see her, major health issues break out. Last time I was going in for surgery the next day for malignant melanoma, and now this when she arrives on Monday. I give up! She puts a health curse on me and my family. (I love her anyway though)

The princess is calling- I must go

2008-04-01T21:20:00.002-04:00

My little cherub face gets to come home for a couple of days!

If she doesn't spike a fever now that she is off of antibiotics, she will get to come home until the test results all come back and we get a solid treatment plan in place. YEAH!

I did get to knit two rows of my 'Opening Day' socks on Opening Day yesterday. Too bad the Orioles looked as bad as the weather felt. ICKY! If my socks keep getting knit up at this pace, the Orioles will be in the World Series by the time they are finished. That my friends, is a long time!

Many thanks go out to three knitters in my life. Tink Knits for bringing by cards to the Hospital and very useful parking passes (that were put to immediate use I might add). Storm Moon for the emergency sock yarn to make me feel better. And last, and never least, Large Marge for swinging by tonight to help out when she was totally beat. Thank you!

Happy April Fools Day! I hope no one got hit by the pranksters too hard today.

2008-03-30T19:14:00.002-04:00

Things that happen when your daughter is visiting Ireland with her father and is diagnosed with aplastic anemia after an emergency plane landing on her return flight to the states:

You call the best person ever, and put her in charge of getting you an emergency passport as well as a flight to Ireland on (of all days) Good Friday. She, in turn, does all that without smacking you silly , dispite your need of just that.

You fly your first international flight and rush to find your only girl child so that you can begin breathing again.

Once breathing has begun, you say lots and lots of thankful prayers for getting you to this point!

Five days later, you and her father fly her back to the states and get her to the best place possible. The place that happens to be in your back yard. John's Hopkins pediatric oncology/hemotogolgy department.

And this is where we are.

I did knit on the flight back to the states, but have come to the quick realization that I can acheive nothing more than a knit stitch in the round. I had been doing a simple knit 3, purl 3 sock. It is kicked to the curb and I am am now just knitting in circles. Baby steps.

I have to thank EVERYONE for the prayers. Every single prayer has been so appreciated by us!

We have a tough road ahead, so please keep her uplifted in your thoughts. Check out her new blog PeaceandLove and leave her possitive comments to keep her going along the way.

Again, thanks to you all for your love and support!

PS- I missed Chistmas Knitting on the 25th. Did anyone else remember?

2008-03-19T00:14:00.002-04:00

Thursday March 20th is not just the first day of spring. It is also 'Won't You Wear a Sweater Day' in honor of Mr. Fred Roger's birthday. Being a Pittsburgh girl (or didn't you read that last post) I am very fond of Mr. Rogers and am looking forward to wearing my sweater.

I have been having trouble with posting my yarn store pictures of my trip to Pittsburgh, so I will have to get back to telling you all about my favorite mew Pittsburgh yarn store 'Bloomin Yarns' in McMurray,Pa. I hope to see the gals at Maryland Sheep and Wool.

Looking forward to seeing so many of you again at the Central Maryland Knitting Guild meeting! Happy Knitting!

2008-03-17T21:14:00.002-04:00

What better way to start out St. Patrick's Day than with 'Kegs and Eggs' at Molly Brannigan's in Pittsburgh, Pa? The fun started at 7 am this morning. The sun was not even up when we got there!

After some early morning festivities, I was back to work on my 'Angry Leprechaun Socks' so that I could wear them today. I got alot of knitting done on the last sock during the Big East Basketball Championship games this past weekend.

Some info on the 'Angry Leprechaun Socks':

Yarn- Neighborhood Fibers in the Sheridan Circle colorway

Needles- Addi Turbo 1

Pattern- My own

I've decided that they would be great at the Christmas season as well, all I would have to do is call them the 'Angry Elf Socks' instead.

I have already started some toe up socks for the upcoming baseball season. I'm not sure I like the pattern I'm doing, however. I'll have to work a couple more inches to see if it grows on me before I take any photos of them.

I hope you knit yourself something green for this St. Patty's Day version of 'Knitting for Me Monday'. Happy Knitting!

2008-03-13T23:23:00.002-04:00

Check out the pictures I took with my NEW camera today. Yes, you read that last sentence correctly. I have made a major electronic purchase. I went with a Cannon and got it 40% off after it was on sale, I used a coupon, and I got a display model.

The first picture is my fiished 'Greenery Hat'. The second picture is the 'Angry Leprechaun Sock'

These were the first two pictures taken with the new camera, so I still have to learn to take good photos with it. For now, I'll settle for having any photos of my finished projects.

Since I will not be posting again until after the weekend, have a happy and safe St. Patty's Day. My mother was pleased to tell me that she hunted down some green wine for me for the occasion. This could be very interesting. Doesn't 'Mad Dog' come in funky colors???????

Happy Knitting!

2008-03-11T19:43:00.002-04:00

'Top Chef' Rules!

Tomorrow night's debut episode of Season 4 'Top Chef Chicago' has a new interest for me. I joined a Ravelry group that puts a new spin on an already great show. Sixteen chefs compete on 'Top Chef', so sixteen people are placed into a 'Top Chef' Ravelry group. Each knitter is assigned a chef. The knitter who has the winning chef gets knitting related goodies from the other 15 contestants. How much fun is that?

My chef is Lisa. Go Lisa Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In other knitting related news, The Greenery Hat is finished and awesome. I will photograph it if I ever invest in the camera that I saw and love. It's a new Cannon, and it sure is purty! Too bad I go into a fit everytime I think of spending that much money on something beside yarn.

In other knitting news, I think I have yet ANOTHER yardage emergency on my hands. The 'Angry Leprechaun' socks are looking like they are going to run out of yarn before I finish foot #2. Looks like I'm going to have to cut off some toes! What is up with me this month?????????

Road trip news! I'm off to Pittsburgh on a weekend getaway. They have a new yarn store open, so I of couse will have to go check it out! Let's hope I can control myself, or that camera I was discussing earlier is history.

Happy Knitting everyone!

2008-03-09T13:18:00.002-04:00

So, I'm thinking that holding a giant yard sale the weekend before Sheep and Wool is a great idea.

Sat. April 26th, we get rid of all that stuff around the house that we never dust anyway since we are too busy knitting, blogging about kintting, or on Ravelry. This converts to yarn money for the following weekend. Genius, yes?! These times of economic hardship in our great country will NOT keep me from my fiber!

Who amongst you are up for some extra sheep and wool cash?????????

Happy Knitting!

2008-03-06T09:20:00.002-05:00

Today I am showing off my new Schaffer Yarn in the Catherine the Great colorway. It is my last new photo until I get a new camera. I'm still shopping around, so keep the suggestions coming in. Thanks to all who have already given me some great advice!

This wonderful yarn is going to be pulled out once the temperatures start to soar. I have always been a heat whimp, and now I downright melt at the sight of sun so I am planning ahead.

It is going to be the Undulating Waves Scarf pictured to the right. This particular photo came from the Schaffer website. I can't see myself wearing such a delicate fashionable scarf, but I couldn't resist the colors of the yarn and my first big bead project. Who knows, maybe I'm more fashionable than I think.

In other yarn news, I big thanks goes out tho the hero of the month. Miss Sarah dragged her first born child out last night to do a yarn emergency trip for me. I have the Frog Tree Merino in my possession and the Greenery Hat is back in action! Sunday is supposed to be chilly, so let's see if I can get it on my head by then. Thank you thank you thank you Miss Sarah!!!!!!!

Also, the first Angry Leprechaun Sock is almost off the needles. I might have to write up the pattern for this one.

Last bit of news, I won tickets to tonight's Steven Curtis Chapman concert at the Lyric Opera House. I have never been to the Lyric, and I hear it is wonderful. Let me know if any bloggers are going as well, we can meet with our knitting.

Happy Knitting!

2008-03-05T08:33:00.002-05:00

Just in time for the warm weather, my margarita glass is done! I picked it up from 'The Pottery Stop' this weekend, and had no idea how margarita like the weather would be this week. Now to get me some fixins.

You will notice the lovely background once again in this photo. The grren chair is actually Large Marge's, and so is the camera. I was kid sitting for her on Sunday and took some photos while I was there. You see, my loner camera has finally bit the big one. No mas. I thank Large Marge for the time I was able to use it. Now, it appears it is time to purchase my own camera. I'm not big on the high tech front (as my dial up internet connection will attest to), so this is a big step for me. Heck, I still wouldn't have a cell phone if it wasn't for Large Marge's husband getting me one for Christmas three years ago. I still have no I-pod. I'm in the technological dark ages.

I hear good things about the Cannons. Anyone else haveany good feedback for me? I don't need this thing to cook me dinner, I just want to take good point and shoot photos.

Happy Knitting everyone!

2008-03-03T18:20:00.002-05:00

Since today is 'Knitting For Me Monday', I thought that I would show off my new sock that I am working on.

This is my 'Angry Leprechaun' sock as of yesterday afternoon. I turned the heel last night and I'm still trying to figure out my swirls on the foot. The sun was so bright that the dark green yarn didn't show up against the green plastic chair (nothing but the best for my photo shoots!). This is my first time knitting up Neighborhood Fiber yarn. The colorway is 'Sheridan Circle'. I wanted a sock for St. Patty's Day, and after I started working with it I realized it was a little dark and stormy looking for St. Patty's Day. This is not kelly or clover green. It reminds me more of an angry leprechaun. Hence, the name of the sock.

I'd better go supervise my children. The twelve year olds are making Brownies unattended. AUGH.

Happy Knitting!

2008-03-02T21:51:00.002-05:00

Well, here it is. The unfinished 'Greenery Hat'.

I hit up six yarn stores yesterday trying to get some more of the Frog Tree Merino. Everyone sells the Alpaca, but very few deal the merino. It's a shame because that means very few of you know how very yummy this yarn is. It is like butter! So many of the yarn shops recommended using a different yarn to complete the hat. Then they felt the yarn and realized the error of their ways.

I do have a lead on a skein of possible yarn for me, though. I ran into Miss Sarah who used to work at the Celtic Knot, and she thinks she may have the yarn in question. What a gal!!!!!!!!

For those of you wondering which six yarn stores I hit I shall list them in order:
A Good Yarn in Fells Point
Lovely Yarns in Hampten
Woolworks on Falls Road
Woolstock in Glynden
Clover Hill in Catonsville
The Celtic Knot in Ellicott City

I also know that All About Yarn in Columbia does not sell this yarn either. Bummer.

I am having tons of fun knitting up a new sock while I am hunting down hat yarn. I am calling the sock my 'Angry Leprechaun' sock since the Neighborhood Fiber yarn I am using is darker shades of green. It is totally fun and getting lots of "Hey, what's that?" from knitters who have spied it.

Don't forget that tomorrow is 'Knitting For Me Monday'. Enjoy a little something for yourself!

Happy Knitting.

2008-02-28T17:08:00.002-05:00

I was in Annapolis yesterday for a meeting, so I headed over to 'The Yarn Garden' to see what was going on. I had not been to this store since the first time I had visited it over four years ago when I first started knitting.

Since I was there I asked if they carried any Frog Tree Merino. (If you don't know why, see previous post) I was told by a very nice woman that they had the alpaca, but not the merino. Hey, it was worth a shot. So as I'm looking around the shop, what do I come across? Frog Tree Merino. Not the color I am looking for of course, but this is no longer the point. There were about 15 skeins of it sitting in it's own little spot, not even hiding amongst other yarns. Hummmmm. Curious.

I forgave the major flaw of not knowing your own stock due to the fact that the color I needed was not present, and the fact that they were very friendly during my visit. Since no Frog Tree Merino was coming home with me I adopted two skeins of 'Happy Feet' in red, and they are currently enjoying their new home.

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-26T19:53:00.004-05:00

SO.........

Once upon a time there was this gal we'll call Storm Moon Knits. This gal knitted a really cool hat we'll call, let's say, 'The Greenery Hat'.

Alrighty.

Like the little follower I am I say, "I want to knit that hat." I go and get the yarn (Frog Tree Merino in Cream) and begin knitting this hat.

All is right with the world. The yarn- yummy. The cables- yummy. The happy knitting mojo- super.

Then reality comes crashing in! I quickly am running out of yummy yarn with lots of hat left to go. "I'll make it," I lie to myself. (Denial just ain't a river in Egypt my friends!)

Then it happens. Just when I am about to start my decreases at the crown of the hat, I run out of yarn. Off to the yarn store which sold me the yummy yarn.

Enter once again the gal we'll call Storm Moon. She happens to be working at said crack house, I mean yarn store. I quickly run to the yarn and clutch my heart. No more yarn in my color!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Storm Moon mocks me as I put the unfinished hat on my head with the end of the yarn dangling in my face. Not funny from my perspective, but I can perhaps in twelve years see hers.

I tell her this is all her fault. She giggles, not even trying to deny it. I tell her that "Something Wicked This Way Walks" and it's name is Storm Moon. She giggles again. No guilt this one, must not have been raised Catholic.

"How will I finish this hat before the spring thaw?" I wail. Unmoved, she stares at me and says, "I could swear I put that I used over a skein of yarn on my blog when I posted about that hat." OK, yeah. Like I can read the fine print like yarn requirements when staring at awesome finished cabled hats.

As for the hat, it's now living in a corner of my house somewhere. I can't see it without shedding a tear.

I'm weak. I'm going to go fondle some sock yarn to make me feel better.

2008-02-25T20:02:00.002-05:00

Ok, we are back to pixel flickr! Why, oh why?

Today was both Knitting for Me Monday and The 25th of the Month Pre-Christmas Knitting Day. I satred my day off by finishing my Storm Moon Twilight Socks in the "I Kissed A Girl" colorway. The heel is the Criminy Jicket's Band Heel. This particular heel is worked so that no decreases are done after the gusset stitches are picked up. The result is a weird square box on your heel. It looks funky, I'll have to let you know how it feels when I'm walking around on it.

The second half of the day was supposed to be used finishing the flower washcloth I started last month on the 25th. I found the project, but can't find the right needles to finish it. Augh! I might have found the needles if the ENTIRE second half of the day had not been all about my son's homework. Why is my enitre life revolving around my son and his homework???? How do other kids get their homework, and sports, and church groups, etc done? He can't even get homework done. I am sooooooooo frustrated. I can't even imagine how he feels. Six years of this has drained every ounce of energy out of me. Every night is a struggle. EVERY NIGHT! Th last two months have been the worst by far. I have no time to knit anymore. Just me and the middle school homework issue. AAUUGGHH!!!!!!

I'm done venting. I wish I could knit.

2008-02-22T22:16:00.003-05:00

Hey, my flickr is working today!

We took some time out this evening to paint pottery while the guys went off to some Monster Truck event. My daughter loves to paint pottery, and she mangaed to finish three pieces while I only got one done. This is my margarita glass in progress. Picture it with more dots and swirls, and you've got the picture.

The lovely pear plate was Javajem's work of art. Is there anything this gal can't do?

Last night's sit 'n knit at the Lakeside Cafe was just Tink Knitz and myself, and we ended up having such a lovely night. Thanks for the great night Tink!!!

Don't forget that Monday is the 25th of the month. This means it's time to find the corner you kicked that Christmas present you worked on last month. Let's dust off our projects and try getting some Christmas 2008 knitting done. Where did my project go?????

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-20T16:44:00.002-05:00

Why are some of my flickr photos fine, and others are all pixeled out?

Anyway, this is my mother's finished cross stitch neck warmer. However, you can't see it. The same thing happened with her finished socks. Maybe it's just the stuff I knit for my mother that we can't see.

Guild is cancelled tonight, so maybe I can get moving on that Greenery hat that has been half finished for a week now. Here's hoping!

Remember, this Monday is the 25th of the month which means it's time to work on our Christmas knitting. It is also Knitting for Me Monday. Looks like we have some decisions to make. Hummmmmm.

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-19T10:18:00.002-05:00

Sunday afternoon was spent in Baltimore at the National Aquarium where I managed to get some knitting in during the dolphin show.

Later in the day, we headed over to Large Marge's Daytona 500 knitting party. Since I have never been a race fan, I was going for the knitting and the food. To my surprise, I got into the race. Early on, I decided to pick a random car to support to make it more fun, and my car ended up winning! Go Randy Newman! I must admit, I picked him because of the blue car. I later come to find out that he has an engineering masters degree from Purdue. Go Big 10!!!!!!! Perhaps I'm going to have to kill the time between football Sundays with a little go fast, turn left knitting.

Remember, this Wed. night is the Central Maryland Knitting Guild meeting at 7pm. Hope to see you there.

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-17T21:16:00.002-05:00

Knitting around DC.

With out of town guests visiting this weekend, it was off to Washington DC on Saturday. Being President's Day weekend I thought it appropriate that I add the pictures of the Lincoln Memorial, as well as the Storm Moon sock I am working on visiting the Washington Monument.

The best part about traveling around DC is the metro. Tons of knitting can get done while traveling on the metro, and we ran into others knitting as well. (Further proving to my non-kntting friends that knitters are taking over the world)

While in Dupont Circle, I discovered the bead store 'Beadazzled'. I had been to their store in Baltimore with no idea that they had a location in DC. How lucky for me! I popped in and picked up some lovely beads for stitch markers.

Another stop in Dupont Circle was a wonderful book store where I picked up my copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I joined the Ravelry group that will being reading 19th century books every other month and knitting items related to the books. I'm so thrilled to be getting in to this group at the start. I had heard of similar type reading groups, and now have one of my own!

My last bit of knitting news is the arrival of my very first copy of Cast On. I have just become a member of TKGA this year, and so I was exceited to find out four copies of the magazine Cast On was included in the membership.

My next post will show me knitting around Baltimore.

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-15T20:10:00.002-05:00

Free the Grapes!

The above link takes you to a website promoting Maryland Bills supporting legal, regulated wine shipping which will be voted on Mon. Feb.18th.

What does this mean to you? If it passes, it means a much better selection of wines to sit at home and knit with. Good, Yes? Then head on over to the site so that you can let your representatives know that you want a better selection of sit 'n knit wines available in Maryland.

Wine and knitting go hand in hand. Free the Grapes!

2008-02-14T19:22:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you , whether you are a couple or a single. Today is a celebration of all types of love!

My Valentine's Day socks are not finished yet due to the kids being home for two days this week. I thought I would make up knitting time with my car going into the shop for some repairs, but no such luck. My daughter did make me matching earings for the socks, however. She loved the Storm Moon colorway I'm working on, and whipped me up some awesome earings to match.

By the way, those repairs have put a huge dent in the yarn fund my Uncle Sam sent me. DRAT.

I have non-knitters visiting me this weekend. I'm going to have to explain that dusting is something only non-knitter do, and if she wanted to visit a clean home- she would need to give me back that awesome hat that I knit for her this past fall. Those who knit awesome things have no time to do such things as clean!

Happy Knitting to you all!

2008-02-12T14:34:00.000-05:00

Sock Wars 3 is upon us!

Sign ups begin Feb. 14th for the battle which begins May 9th. This year's battle is being sponsered by South West Trading Company Tofutsie Sock Yarn. I'm not sure why we need a two and a half month sign up period, but at least the battle date has been set!!!!

Happy Election Day to all of you in the Potomic Region. I got my sticker, did you?

2008-02-11T09:28:00.000-05:00

Much fun was had on Saturday when Miss Cathy, Large Marge and myself took off for Hampden for a visit to Lovelyarns.

As soon as we entered we were greeted by fresh baked goodies. Now that's a welcome! I blame their hospitality for making me fall off the stash appreciation wagon and purchasing some sock yarn and a t-shirt. The sock yarn was a must, it was called 'Opening Day' and was an Orioles colorway. (Hello training camp!) I also found the long sought after Berrocco sock yarn in purple and red for my mother, who thinks the Red Hat Society is a hoot.

Men and women filled the shop, and it was great to see so many guy knitters! The shop is adorable and it gave me lots of inspiration to knit my bedroom decor. All in all, a great trip.

Later in the day I got a chance to show Storm Moon how her 'I kissed a girl' sock yarn is knitting up, and she loved it. Turns out the girl never gets to see her stuff knit up. I'm using her yarn for my February Sock Knitters Annonomous socks. This month's socks are to use a new heel turn, and I chose to try out the Band Heel. When you are finished turning the heel and picking up your stitches, there are no decreases to be worked. It's very cool, and I'm so glad that CrackRavelry has paid off for me and I found this group!

I'm also working on my Greenery Hat and loving it as well. Hope to have finished item photos soon.

Happy Knitting for Me Monday!

2008-02-06T17:01:00.001-05:00

A great idea came to me last night...

Yarn Pawn Shops!

Ok really, stick with me here.

You are two days out from just having *really* overspent at the local yarn shop sale or big fiber festival. Yarn fumes took over your wallet and now you cannot afford Oodles of Noodles. (Don't lie to me- you've been there!) There seem to be a couple of impulse purchases you are regretting.

Now what?

The Yarn Pawn Shop, of course!

You get rid of said yarn below cost, and can eat! Someone else loves that crappy yarn, and buys it for a steal. Win, win!

It's like a permanent yarn swap, for a price of course.

Brilliant!

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-05T08:22:00.000-05:00

CrackRavelry is taking over my life. The dozens of Avenues you can be sucked down by just searching for one innocent little thing is amazing!!!!!!

I have, however, found the most amazing knitting manger scene pattern by Jean Greenhowe that I can't wait to get started on for next Christmas! Just what I needed... another project.

Today is Fat Tuesday, so live it up! Tomorrow (Ash Wednesday) starts the stash appreciation lenten season. Of course, after hitting up all the sales this weekend, my pocketbook is applauding the lenten season's arrival.

Happy Knitting!

2008-02-03T23:13:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the New Jersey Giants on defeating that evil, cheating New England team that shall not be named.

Let's not forget 'Knitting For Me Monday' tomorrow. Make time for you and your knitting!

2008-02-02T11:22:00.000-05:00

You have won... I am officially on Ravelry.

I tried to hold out as long as I could. I have limited time to knit as it is, and I am still using dial up for my internet connection. In a moment of weakness, Bunnysquirrel pounced, and now I have even less time to knit, and my interent connection is still just as slow.

You can find me at NittanyKnits. Leave me a message and I'll be sure to get back to you.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-29T19:54:00.000-05:00

It's tax time!

Uncle Sam apparently does not think that I have enough yarn, so he is sending me money to be put away for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival in 3 months and 5 days. How nice of him!!!!! Maybe I'll even use some of that money on some lamb burgers and sheep milk cheese. Yummy.

Too bad I can't think of anything to knit for that Uncle Sam to thank him. Maybe I'll just buy some of the flag sock yarn for myself instead. Perhaps I'll even have to have those Ravelry girls look into some patriotic knitting projects for me.

In the mean time, I'm going to have to make a dent in that stash of mine or there will not be room for yarn from Uncle Sam's money. Isn't there always a catch!

Perhaps I'm really supposed to buy another cedar chest with that money. Yeah, that's the ticket! Then the cramped living conditions my yarn has been subjected to by their 'slum lord knitter' could be alleviated. Oh, the options.

I must knit some to clear my head. Happy Knitting!

2008-01-28T09:02:00.000-05:00

First up, a finished item photo. This would be my daughter's foot as she poses in the freezing cold one morning. Mommy told her that she could role her eyes all she wanted to, her eyes were not going to be in the picture!

I was lucky enough to run into the Miss Storm Moon herself this weekend and let her know how loved these socks are. I believe she was pretty grossed out when I told her the duration of time the child wore the socks for, but was flattered that many 'tweens' are now coveting her yarn.

Moving on to works in progress, Friday was the start of our Christmas Knitalong! I did not finish my project on Friday, but I did get a lot done. The evening was spent at Javajem's house with the guys kicked back playing video games, and my daughter and Javajem sewing. I didn't get a picture of the finished project, but my daughter whipped up one cool bag thanks to Javajem and her sewing lesson.

Saturday was the annual Bull and Oyster Roast. Many knitters were in attendance, but no needles were going (although many finished projects were being worn). It was good to see people that I do not regularly have time to hang out with very often.

Yesterday was 'Mansfield Park' on Masterpiece Theater's complete Jane Austen series. I don't think much knitting is getting done during these programs, but I am enjoying them!

Remember, today is 'Knitting for Me Monday', so take some time out for you today and knit yourself something wonderful!

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow starts our Christmas Knit-A-Long! Every month on the 25th we are knitting up Christmas presents. This gives us a head start on those last minute woes.

Remember, knitting something you might covet for the next 11 months is probably not wise. We all know that we as knitters have no will power (if you are doubting this, take a look at your stash right now). We are not knitting our Christmas presents on these days, we are making our lives easier come next December!

Leave me some comments about what project you are planning to knit. This might inspire others who are looking for ideas.

My first project is a simple Flower Washcloth from Melanie Falick's book 'Weekend Knitting' that I will wrap homemade soap in. (Homemade in someone else's home, of course!) This is perfect for favorite teachers, youth group leaders, etc.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-23T18:04:00.000-05:00

She has been wearing the Pretty in Pink socks for 53 hours and counting. Including the 2 hours in rental bowling shoes.............

On to the next pair of socks. 'Miss Cathy who talks to Alpacas' gave me the most wonderful gift for my birthday. Sock Yarn. The same sock yarn we both were after when we were cruising the Delaware yarn stores together and stopped into 'Sea Needles' in Bethany Beach. Thank you, Thank you Miss Cathy! I'm hoping to turn the heel tomorrow.

It has been calculated that if I knit a pair of socks a month it will take me well over 5 years to use up my stash of sock yarn (you do the math). For this reason, it's time to up the sock production to two pairs a month. After all, Maryland Sheep and Wool is only 3 months and 11 days away. We all know I'll be buying sock yarn there!

Off to hang with the kids, Happy Knitting!

2008-01-22T19:19:00.000-05:00

The Washington Nationals have just e-mailed me to assure me that they were indeed having another Stitch 'N Pitch this year at their new stadium! Yeah!

If you did not attend last year, you missed a REALLY great time! Free stuff, lots and lots and lots of knitters, beer and stadium food, Krispy Creme donuts as we left, and a hot/ funny cop escort us to our vehicle. Is there anything more in life? I ask you, is there?????????

The date has not been finalized but I will pass it along as soon as I get it.

For those of you who did not TEVO the Jane Austin movie on Sunday night 'Northanger Abbey' and were watching the big football game instead, you missed a sheep filled classic movie. Congrats to all you knitting Giants fans out there. I know there are a ton of you.

See you all at the Lakeside Cafe on Thursday night.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-21T19:59:00.000-05:00

Happy 12th Birthday to my wonderful children!

And for those of you following along, yes the girl child has the Storm Moon Knit Socks in the Pretty in Pink colorway on her feet. As a matter of fact they have already been in rental bowling shoes!

Enough said.

2008-01-20T15:09:00.000-05:00

This week in knitting:

*Sunday Jan. 20th 9pm- The Complete Jane Austin on PBS knitting group This week's movie is 'Northanger Abbey'
*Monday Jan.21st- Knitting for Me Monday
*Thursday Jan. 24th 6-8pm Snow Day for the K1P2 Sit 'n Knit second birthday party at the Lakeside Cafe.
*Friday Jan. 25th Christmas Gift Knitalong

Is everyone ready to start those gifts on Friday? Only five days until we start. Spread the word!

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-17T17:19:00.000-05:00

I got to use my new felted mittens to clear the snow off of my car after work today. Yeah! I'm so glad that I knit those.

My second sock is ready to have it's heel turned just in time for my daughter to swear that these must be being knit for her birthday coming up very soon. She, who is a great knitter but does not like to do so, even picked the darn things up to knit a round. I'm starting to think the kid has a point. But can I really give the 'Pretty in Pink' colorway to someone who doesn't even know that this was a movie- and is still too young to see said movie?????????

Only eight days left until we start to knit for Christmas 2008. The 25th of every month will be dedicated to knitting gifts for the upcoming holidays. We all know what a bind we get into at the last minute, so lets get a jump on those gifts together! Pick your pattern and yarn this weekend so that there will be no excuses for not being prepared next Friday.

Enjoy the snow, and Happy Knitting!

2008-01-15T12:10:00.000-05:00

Sunday was the start of the Complete Jane Austin on PBS Masterpiece Theater. This of course means one thing to a true Jane Austin knitting fan- Sit 'n Knit time!

'Persuasion' was the movie being shown this past Sunday and it was wonderful! It was so good that I must admit that I didn't knit at all at the end because I was on the edge of my seat. I had to find out if Anne Elliot would get her man, the hottie Captain Wentworth!

I love the line Anne Elliot delivers, "The one claim I shall make for my own sex is that we love longest, when all hope is gone."

Next up is 'Northanger Abbey' this Sunday at 9pm. How exciting!!!!!!!! Grab your lace and your socks and turn it on to PBS.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-14T18:48:00.000-05:00

Friday night at the National Aquarium in Baltimore is the best time to go. They have a program called 'Friday After Five" and they reduce the admission to only $8 after five o'clock. Considering it is usually $18 per person to get in, most families in the area attend on Friday nights.

I had a non-knitting house guest breaking my measuring tapes and causing general disruption, so off we went to the Aquarium on Friday night.

We were greeted by this awesome fish sculpture outside the Aquarium. I know the fish is supposed to be wrapped in a net, but it looked too much like a ball of yarn for me to pass it by without a photo.

Once inside we got to see great animals (some of them were celebrating the weekend by getting a little busy and bring on the bow-chicka-bow-wah). One of the best non fornicating animals of the evening was one I knew the knitters would appreciate.

This fish is called a California Sheephead fish. It not only has a great name, but a great story. Turns out this fish starts out a female, and after about 7 years it turns into a male. Yep, you read that correctly. Now every female that was in attendance was very shocked by this info, and many considered becoming shark bait prior to letting this occur. I think that point of view might be a bit harsh. Why not change first, and then decide whether to become shark bait?

I must recommend the area below where the sharks are for knitting. They play very relaxing music where the sharks are (I couldn't tell if it it was to calm the sharks or the visitors) and you can hear the music where the benches are. You also get to watch the stingrays in this area. The only downfall is the lighting is not great, so I wouldn't work on a dark project.

Remember that today is 'Knitting For Me Monday'. Hope you are knitting yourself something great!

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-12T17:35:00.001-05:00

It's picture time!

First up is the first finished project of 2008. The Old Shale Scarf.

Next up are the Felted Mittens. I doubt with the winter we are having that I'll get to use these anytime in the near future, but a gal can hope.

These are the amazing Storm Moon 'Cyndi Lauper' socks I've been drooling on. How fun are these?!?

Last are the work in progress Storm Moon 'Pretty in Pink'. Horrible last minute photo, but I'm loving every stitch.

Yeah, I finally posted pictures! See, I actually do finish projects. Hopefully, if I keep up with photographing all my knitting I'll actually know what I knit at the end of this year. I couldn't tell you at the end of 2007 what all got done because almost all of it was stolen from me by those non-knitters

Off to knit more of my socks!

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

Everyone who has seen me knitting the Pretty in Pink socks from Storm Moon have all said the same exact thing to me. "That would make awesome fingerless gloves!"

Now, we are talking a great deal of non-knitting people here! Considering that I was going to do just that with the yarn in the first place, I am feeling the need to acquire more of this yarn so that I can indeed make some fingerless mittens out of this yarn. Because let me tell you, I am NOT denying my tootsie toes this great yarn experience.

Already the girl child is circling the knitting. I knew I should never have let her see it!!!!!!!! I have warned her that she could have them only after prying out of my cold dead hands. She does not seem impressed with this threat, and looks willing to test the theory. I feel a battle ready to be waged. She's going down! It will bring a whole new meaning to the term Sock Wars!

Check back tomorrow, I hope to post finished project 2008 pics tomorrow night.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-10T17:37:00.000-05:00

I'm on fire!

Not only did I finish my Storm Moon Cyndi Lauper socks yesterday (and took a picture of them), but I got straight to work on my Storm Moon Pretty in Pink socks that my knitting fairy (insert Miss Sheila without her own project to knit) started for me. I am using the 12 inch circular Addi's for the first time and I am digging them. My double pointed needles are much faster, but the circulars are easy to pick up and drop quickly, so I was knitting a bit at work today. Heeeeeeeeeeeee!

Here's hoping my finished pics will get posted for all to see this weekend!

I was very excited yesterday when I not only finished my socks, but I also rearranged my sock yarn. I have every single skein for socks in one piece of furniture now! Granted it's five drawers worth of yarn, but it is at least all in the same spot. My joy was quickly squashed when Large Marge asked me how many socks I had ready to knit in my stash. After I counted, even I was a bit shocked and amazed at the tremendous volume of sock yarn I own. So much for the joy of containing it in one area!

Off to welcome my house guest. After my knitting yesterday, I will have to explain why the house is not as neat as it could have been if they were staying with a non-knitting muggle.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-08T10:20:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Knitting for Me Monday. Not only did I knit for myself all day long, but a knitting fairy also knit for me. Yes, they do exist!!!!!! I'm almost finished with my Storm Moon Socks and the knitting fairy cast on another pair of Storm Moon for me and did quite a bit of my two by two ribbing. Go Fairy!

Since Knitting for Me Monday has been such a big hit, I am throwing in one more knitting day this year. Every month on the 25th day is from here on out to be reserved for knitting all of those Christmas presents that we need to knit. Perhaps with these extra 11 knitting days throughout the year, we won't be so crunched next Christmas. This month the 25th is on a Friday, and it's only 17 days away, so let's get digging around for patterns and yarn so we are ready to knit our first present!

My second finished project of 2008 are felted mittens (thank goodness I have them ready for the 71 degree weather today!). I took a great photo of them with paper snowflakes my kids made, so that the winter feeling is at least in the photo if it isn't in the air. Until my computer learns to upload my photos to photobucket, however, you will just have to use your imagination.

The mittens are knit out of periwinkle 'Stockbridge' from Valley Yarns(WEBS). I got the yarn and free pattern at the 2006 Stitches East, and the project kept getting passed by until the Cabin Fever Sit 'n Knit on Sunday. Stash Appreciation at it's finest.

I'm off to do some spring cleaning. A last minute guest is arriving Thursday, and my house still looks like Christmas threw up. So much for finishing those socks today....

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

My knitting is smarter than I am!

I really did have every hope that I could master that Brioche neck warmer in the round. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After many hours of staring at my work in progress last night, I have given up the ghost. I have always been of the theory that if you can read you can knit. This pattern has proven otherwise.

I felt a lot better today after heading off to A Good Yarn's sit 'n knit today and the owner Miss Loraine announced that she too thought twice about the same project as it was in progress, and gave up the ghost on hers as well. Suddenly I don't feel as bad.

Now I have to hurry up and find a new project for the Cabin Fever Sit 'N Knit tomorrow. Perhaps I can whip out that Kristin Knits book I've not used yet and find something fun and colorful to work on. Hummm

Off to deal with stinky little people. One is much stinkier than the other. I can't wait for tomorrow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-04T18:15:00.000-05:00

I did live up to my new year's blog resolution and take a picture of my first finished item of 2008. My photobucket hates me, however, and will not upload the picture from my computer. Just when I thought I would have photos to prove that I do knit with the yarn I buy.

The finished object is a feather and fan scarf for me to go with my camel long coat for winter. I was really not into knitting it in the end, but once it was off the needles and on my neck, I remembered why I started the project.

Tonight I'm going to start my project for Sunday's Cabin Fever Sit' n Knit at the Daily Grind. It is a pattern out of Melanie Falik's book 'Weekend Knitting' that is a Brioche neck warmer. Time for me to go stash diving and find some colors to play with.

Happy Knitting!

2008-01-02T18:35:00.000-05:00

I'm not one for resolutions, but I think this year I might have to make one for the blog. I do hearby announce that I will attempt to take more photos of my finished projects and actually post said pictures to this blog. ( Notice the word attempt)

Thank you to Large Marge for my wonderful Mongolian CASHMERE that I received for my birthday. Yummy goodness.

Looking forward to a great couple of knitting days coming up. The Lakeside Cafe is on Thursday night. Saturday I might get down to A Good Yarn for the first time in many months, and Sunday afternoon is the Guild Cabin Fever Sit 'n Knit. Also, if I play my cards right, Monday might be a knitting day as well! Good thing, too. All this new yarn, and I haven't knit squat over the holidays!

Happy Knitting New Year!

2007-12-30T13:41:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!!!

Today marks the last thirtieth birthday for me, and it has been a wonderful weekend with my family. I even received sock yarn this year from both Miss Cathy and my Mom. Thank you so much! Also, a birthday wish goes out to fellow knitter Javajem.

I'm looking forward to spending the next year with my old and new knitting friends, and planning one heck of a 40th birthday party.

Just in case my birthday and the impending New Year aren't reason enough to celebrate, there is only four months and 5 days until the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival begins!

Party on Knitters!

2007-12-25T20:59:00.000-05:00

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa!

I received yarn for Christmas. Not just any yarn. Smooshy yarn! It's a sock yarn from the company 'Dream in Color' from Australia. My mommy rocks. She went to a yarn store for me! I must have been a very good knitter this year.

Merry Merry Christmas fellow knitters. It's back to work bright and early tomorrow morning. Don't forget that Thursday night is our knitting Christmas gathering at Cosi in Columbia. See you there.

2007-12-23T20:33:00.000-05:00

So much for 'Knitting for Me Monday' tomorrow. I work all day tomorrow, and still magically have not finished all of my gift knitting yet. Pretty funny since I started out not having any gift knitting this year.

So.... 'Knitting for me Monday' is being moved to 'Knitting for me Christmas'. Think about it. After the presents have been opened and the food has been consumed, you have tons of knitting time. Besides, you will have to occupy your hands so that you don't try to use them to strangle your dearly beloved who didn't listen and ignored your plea for knitting related items as Christmas presents.

Enjoy your Knitting Holiday, and may your knit stockings be filled with yarn!

2007-12-20T20:38:00.000-05:00

Knitters are such wonderful people!

I was running around work today when an old friend from my church came in. She was with her daughter who... is a knitter. The excitement flew as we talked knitting (I felt so sorry for those non-knitters around us!) and I gave her contacts for some of the local knitting connections. Before I could say a proper goodbye to my new knitter friend she was gone, and I felt so bad that I did not get to send her off with a proper holiday greeting.

Much to my surprise, the duo came back soon afterward with a Christmas present... for me!!!!! A knitting book that contained the very pattern of fingerless gloves that I was admiring of hers! What a very wonderful gift that touched my heart!!!!! I am treasuring my new gift and my new knitting friend. Thank you so much!

What a lovely story of how the little things mean so much to those in our lives. I hope to make a difference in someone's life this Christmas season the same way I was touched today.

Happy Knitting this Christmas season to you all!

2007-12-19T21:03:00.000-05:00

Christmas from Blue Moon.

My last package from the 2007 Rockin' Sock Club arrived in the mailbox today. I was anticipating holiday colors, and I was once again wrong. This month the colors are inspired from the sea. Kinda of summer like if you ask me, but what do I know. The pattern is by Cat Bordhi, so it's yet again toe up.

I will miss getting random yarn in the mail, but I can't say I would ever do this particular club again. Perhaps I am finally admitting that my sock stash is just out of control. I mean- come on. My sock stash has it's own four cabinet storage unit, and it is not even close to fitting all in there. Besides, we have such great sock yarn being produced right here locally that I would rather do a Storm Moon or Neighborhood Fiber sock club.

I was very happy to get the package today, since it was a very emotionally challenging day. I picked up the Blue Moon package on my was to a funeral, which I left and then went to Large Marge's oldest child's birthday party. I can't say I ever had my social calendar work out quite that way before, and I was glad to have some Blue Moon to get me through from one to the other.

Let me just say goodbye to 'Uncle Bob'. He was part of my life before knitting was. This of course means that before fiber was the way I made it through the day, I would call on people like 'Uncle Bob' who were in my life to help me muddle on through. Let me just say, there was alot to muddle on through. Coincidentally, around the time I started knitting was the time our friendship drifted apart. I will always be thankful that I he was part of my life, and I hope to have a beer with him on the other side!

2007-12-16T20:15:00.000-05:00

So there's a reason Hot Toddies have long been taken when people have cold symptoms!

I had three, a nap, and a hot bath yesterday- and I'm good as new today. Good thing since I worked like a fiend today. (All without a sniffle I might add)

So what's the miracle cure that has me back to new. 1 oz. brandy, 1 teaspoon sugar. Dissolve sugar, then fill tea cup with hot water. I kept forgetting to add some lemon to my drinks, but they were yummy anyway.

This means I'm back to Christmas knitting. I finished that darn hat for my mother. To answer the Thursday night knitters, yes it fits. It's just really ugly if you ask me. I made an old shale pattern hat that does weird pointy things at the crown that I just can't envision on my mother.

I thought that this was the end of the gifts. Wrong. In comes the girl child again. She was checking out the huge flower cotton washclothes that I knit to go with handmade soaps. Very cute gifts. Too cute. She threw a fit that these lovely gifts were not for her. Usually I can ignore this, but I do love when she covets my hand made items. This means it's time to cast on another washcloth.

Don't forget that tomorrow is 'Knitting for Me Monday'! Stay firm knitters. Remember that you need to knit for yourself or you will start putting bad vibes into your stitches for others.

Happy Knitting!

2007-12-15T16:25:00.000-05:00

Just when I thought that my Christmas knitting was coming along nicely (despite working in a high stress environment 6 days a week, having twins with 'I need you' issues, and sickness and death amongst friends and coworkers) I woke up on my last day off before Christmas with a cold. So much for knitting.

I have, however discovered Hot Toddies. Yippie. I can always give gifts of January 6th, the day a lot of cultures celebrate as the Feast of the Three Wise Men.

Happy Knitting!

2007-12-11T22:01:00.000-05:00

As I work on a hat today with leftover Brooks Farm Harmony yarn, I am reminded why I hated knitting the coordinating scarf. This mohair makes my eyes itch like a beast! AUGH! The things we do for our Mothers.

While I was at the Daily Grind today for my weekly knitting while the kids are at youth group, I mentioned to the owner that the Central Maryland Knitting Guild meets right down the street from her coffee shop. She instantly came on board the membership card bandwagon, and now all card carrying members of the guild will receive 15% off all food and beverage purchases at the Daily Grind in Maple Lawn, MD. Awesome. She also is interested in hosting a sit 'n knit for the guild, and will even extend her hours just for us if we would like the place closed to only the guild-rent free (as long as we promise to buy at least one cup of joe). How cool is that?! I'm really looking forward to showing local businesses that we knitters do have a buying power in this community!

Off to tackle some more of this beastly mohair. Happy Knitting!

2007-12-10T18:19:00.000-05:00

I hope you all are remembering it is "Knitting for Me Monday". I know every time I turn around I keep thinking of all of things I need to do for Christmas. Perhaps a night of knitting instead of shopping, cooking, baking, addressing, or wrapping is the answer. If so, I'm going to have to leave my house because the guilt I get while sitting on my couch knitting instead of doing the holiday things staring at me is too much!!!!!!!!!!!

I never never never say this, but perhaps Starbucks is the answer. Perhaps I've lost my mind. I can't believe that Starbucks would ever be the answer to anything! However, my Christmas cards can't tell me to address them if I'm at Starbucks. My boss can't keep calling me if I 'forget' my phone at home. Certainly no one would every dream of phoning Starbucks for me (with good reason!).

Let's face it, as tempting as it may be- I just can't go to that place. Let's just hope that I can successfully lock myself in a room in my home that does not contain Christmas guilt and enjoy my knitting. I might have to pour a drink to help me along with that one!

Here's hoping your 'Knitting for me Monday' is easier than mine!!!! Happy Knitting!

2007-12-05T16:47:00.000-05:00

The new Knitty is here, the new Knitty is here!

It feels like I just wrote this same blog not too long ago! Is it me or is my knitting just getting more and more backed up?

I need me a pair of those kilt dress stockings. I know they are for guys and kilts and all, but I think they would be awesome snowy day socks. Maybe that's because today is Maryland's first snowy day, and I have snowy clothes on the mind.

So many great patterns and only but two hands to knit with. AUGH!

Happy Knitty viewing to you all.

2007-12-04T19:30:00.001-05:00

Is it me or did 'Knitting for Me' Monday feel really good after all this holiday knitting? I started a scarf for myself, since it always takes until the really cold weather for me to figure out that I have no scarf for my dress coat. It's sad really. All this knitting, and nothing to show for it.

I managed to stop off a the local wine store today and get a bottle of Boarding Pass Shiraz for tomorrows predicted snow. I'm sure there won't be so much as a flake since I am properly prepared with yarn and wine, but here's hoping!

Boy child says, "Hello" to all the knitters out there in knitting land.

Happy Knitting!

2007-12-02T20:47:00.000-05:00

A 'Fetching' mitten hanging out in my Christmas tree. My camera seems to like the tree more than the cables. I made them out of Meunsch yarn 'Bel Air' and was pleased to have them finished so quickly. My son, however, wants to know why there isn't a scarf to go with the mittens. There's always a critic!
I finally finished my mother's 'Old Shale' scarf made out of Brooks Farm 'Harmony'. She found out that I was knitting the mittens for someone else and told me that she would love a hat for Christmas. Think I could tell her to wrap it around her head and pretend that it's a hat? Probably not. Back to the drawing board. Now I need to knit a matching hat. Good thing there was a ton of yarn left over!
This is the Storm Moon sock I was working on when these last minute Christmas demands started pouring in. The second sock had been started and I had thought that I would make tons of progress on it this weekend. HA! I have a feeling this poor, lonely sock will be single for a little while if this is a sign of the Christmas season I have before me.

Remember to knit for yourself tomorrow since it's Monday! Holiday or not, you need some me time.

Happy Knitting!

2007-11-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

The weekend is finally here!!!!!

Another 6 day work week has me very excited for a weekend of knitting. I got the kids LOTS of movies so that I can sit on the couch with them and work on my second sock of the Storm Moon Cyndi Luaper. I had time to work on them at the Central Maryland Knitting Guild meeting on Wednesday night, and I finished the first sock that night. Since then I have to admit to hobbling around wearing one sock. I love it so much!

Miss Beth has inspired me to make a pair of Fetching gloves for ane of my Christmas presents this year. Someone had requested a pair of gloves and a scarf in red, and I immediately thought of the yummy item Miss Beth was working on Wednesday night. Thanks for the idea!

Hope everyone has a great knitting weekend!

2007-11-26T19:15:00.000-05:00

Monday Night Football with the Steelers playing and Knitting For Me Day all at once! What a great night to snuggle on the couch with my socks that are turning out to be very cuddly. These Storm Moon Cyndi Lauper socks may be my new favorite socks. I think I say that every time I knit a pair of socks. This time it could be taking over favorite sock status from my Online Monkey Socks, which are technically my daughter's socks. They are still my current favorite, though.

Sunday is looking like a knitting day for any of those who are interested in getting some holiday or other knitting done. Let me know if the weekend 'Knitting For Mental Health Day' works and you are interested in joining in. It could be my last until it is officially winter (Meaning January)since I am in the busy season. Perhaps the 'Daily Grind' in Maple Lawn for something new?

Hope some of you can join me! Happy knitting!

2007-11-25T19:58:00.000-05:00

And so begins the official start of the 2007 Holiday Season.

To some of you this is the most magical time of the year. You love to shop. Not just for fiber related items. You have that gene that I am missing. You shop in malls- and you like it!

I am missing that particular gene, except when it comes to yarn. Specifically, sock yarn. Shopping and shopping malls depress me. It's just too much.

One of these years I am just going to throw a crafty old fashioned Christmas. Everything I give will have to be made by my own two hands. I have a job that kicks into full gear this time of year, so to be ready for a craft Christmas I would have to start crafting in January. I keep saying I'm going to do it, but I never do.

Perhaps I just need to start a 12 months of Christmas knitting group. Every month we meet and work on Christmas gifts. Couldn't turn out any worse that my attempt to make the Great American Aran Afghan!

Here's hoping we all keep the reason for the season ahead of all the commercialism and hype, and come out the other end with our sanity.

Remember, tomorrow is Monday. Knit something for yourself! Happy Knitting!

2007-11-24T20:58:00.000-05:00

Can you belive my daughter made that yummy Pecan Pie?

I stayed at my sorority little sister's house the night before Thanksgiving. I was feeling all sorts of snuggly Thanksgiving morning, so I put on my socks from this year's Sock Wars. After breakfast, my sorority little sister and her husband notice the socks and ask if they are hand knit. I answer proudly that they are, but I did not knit them and proceeded to launch into the story of Sock Wars. I end the story by explaining that the socks on my feet were knit for me by a knitter in Florida, and that it was my second year participating in this event.

My sorority little sister's husband walks up to her, taps her on the back and says, "I sooo do not want to hear another word about how weird my friends are!!!" She shoots back a glare and says, " Your one friend is a Wiccan!" He responds, "Yeah, and this is definitely weirder!!!"

OMG! How is Sock Wars stranger than being a Wiccan?????????????

I decided to research this Wiccan thing to see exactly how weird an outsider views Sock Wars. Wikipedia tells me that Wiicca is the religion based upon practicing magic and that the members identify themselves as witches.

I get the fact that I am a sheltered Christian woman, but how is Sock Wars stranger than this?

Darn those nonknitters! They just don't understand.

Of course there is probably a Wiccan out their saying, " Darn those nonwiccans, they just don't understand!"

Happy Knitting!

2007-11-23T11:08:00.000-05:00

Snow!!!!!!!!!!

I'm visiting family, and we actually have snow on the ground as I write! Everyone here is underwhelmed, and say it's nothing. They do not understand that this mistake of a flurry activity is more than we got all winter last year in Maryland! Silly Northerners.

This has been a weird knitting trip for me. The first offense came in the form of a snobby yarn store worker. I wandered into a yarn stor that I had never been into before and was ingnored. OK, I can deal with that. However, upon attempting to purchase a skein of sock yarn I was greeted with, "Is that it?" I was thinking to myself that they were lucky I was buying the sock yarn, but I kept my cool and smiled and announced that that was ideed all for today. This was met with a cold glare over the top of her glasses as she asked, "Have you knit socks before?" I tried to control a fit of giggles errupting inside of me, and the answer that I have knit more socks than she has skeins of sock yarn in this upitty store, but kept the answer to, "Why yes I have." This was not the answer she was looking for apparently. She then wanted to know why I wasn't in her database if I was capable of knitting the almighty sock. I answered that I wasn't from around here. Her look up and down my person indidcated that this was the first statement that she actually believed that came out of my mouth. Tough store!!!!!!!!!!

I'll leave my next story for later. It's even scarier!

Happy Knitting!

2007-11-17T22:55:00.000-05:00

I finished my son's socks, so now I can get back to the sock I had wanted to knit for myself. Storm Moon Knits colorway Cyndi Lauper! YUMMY! It is a dream to knit with and I could just lick it it's so pretty.

Too much work, kids, and life have left me with very little knitting time this week. This means I will not be finishing my Tilted Duster in time for my reunion. This also means I have to shop for an outfit. Ick.

So I'm shopping for an outfit at a local boutique and a gal tries to sell me a $128 knit poncho. She tries to tell me how wonderful it is because it's hand knit. It wasn't even a good quality yarn. $128?????????? I didn't even think ponchos were still a trendy item! What do I know?

Happy Knitting

2007-11-12T18:10:00.000-05:00

Once upon a time there were some knitters with a dream. These knitters had heard of special cruises devoted to nothing but knitting. These knitters, however, had lives. You know- jobs, kids, bills. There would be no 10 day cruise after flying across the country for them. Who had ten spare days, let alone the money?

And then it happened. The seed was planted. The knitters could indeed have their cruise. They just needed to modify it a bit. Shorter trip, closer to home. Yeah, that's the ticket!

The Lewes, DE to Cape May, NJ Ferry would work! All we would need is a weekend, a place to stay, and we would be set for a 'Redneck Sock Cruise'!!!!!

The idea was a fine one indeed, but as we stated before, these rednecks had lives. Getting a free weekend took a LONG time. Their patience was finally rewarded. Urleen's mother had a condo we could use to celebrate Darleen and Urleen's birthday weekend. Yee- Haw.

Off we went in the pouring down cold rain to a place where it was always five o'clock.

The 'Sock it to Me' was the drink of choice Friday evening and it was served redneck style in mason jars.

The next day was overcast and presented our band of travelers with choppy waters for the cruise. With little to no discussion, our plans were quickly altered and a yarn crawl was planned instead of a cruise. First stop was Bethany Beach to a shop named Sea Needles. Next up was a trip to Rehobeth and Knitty Gritty. Last on the tour was Ginger Moon in Lewes. We would have never found the last stop if it wasn't for Darleen's birthday present Francesca the GPS. Ginger Moon is hidden in the back of an antique shop with little to no signs of yarn to the person strolling by.

After we made sure we would not run out of yarn or needles, we headed back to Fenwick to work on our projects and have a good old fashioned pj movie night. Lots of socks were finished, a cardigan was pieced together, and even a coaster was made.

The trip home on Sunday found the rednecks crossing over the Bay Bridge the same time a Royal Caribbean cruise ship was crossing underneath. It's lights blazed as it headed to sea, and I for one was glad to have chosen the 'Redneck Sock Cruise' instead!

Happy Knitting for yourself day!

2007-11-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

What happens when four women take off for the shore for the weekend, assume new identities, and do nothing but laugh, knit, shop, eat, drink, and laugh some more?

Just ask Darleene, Urleene, Miss Kitty, and Flo the members of the '2007 Red Neck Sock Cruise'. Warning: No boats were harmed in the making of this adventure.

I'm off to catch up on vital sleep, and then I'll fill you in on all the Delaware Shore yarn shops tomorrow.

Happy Knitting... and remember tomorrow is Monday. Knit for yourself!

2007-11-08T20:11:00.000-05:00

The most unthinkable thing has happened... I have swatched not once, not twice, but three times for my new duster. That's not the only thing... I have achieved the correct gauge. Good thing since I had to use size 7 instead of size 10 needles to get it!

What has caused me to use two words that I find to be knitting cuss words? Vanity!

I want this garment to look Fabu! Therefore, I am sucking it up and swatching and gauge watching and all the other things knitters do when they want their sweater to actually fit for a change.

Shocking, I know.

All of this is due to my new Monday knitting policy. Yeah, me.

Happy knitting

2007-11-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those times when you feel like you are only knitting for other people? Between charity projects and gift knitting- I am coming to the realization that I might not even get to swatch that wonderful duster of mine before my reunion that I was supposed to wear it to! Don't get me wrong, I like knitting for others. Right now I just feel like that's all I have been doing for a very long time! Right now I have my son's socks on the needles, but needed to put that aside because I had to finish a hat for a friend that I didn't have time to knit at the end of last winter, due to knitting things for other people. I'm staying at her home soon, so finishing it is somewhat of a priority. Then I get to go back to my son's socks while knitting up brown bag items for the guild, and then do a teddy bear sweater for the guild. My question is...when do I get to knit my socks or start my duster?

Perhaps we need to start a 'Knitting for Me' day once a week. In this time of gift knitting, we need to remember to knit for ourselves occasionally.

Henceforth, Mondays will now be referred to as 'Mondays are for Me' Day.
Here are the rules:
If you want to knit something for yourself, put those other things down and knit for yourself. If you want to desperately finish an item for someone else, then finishing it is doing something for you.
Think of how great the timing of Monday is for this day. Sheep and Wool Festival or Stitches East ends. Well look what day it is! It's 'Mondays are for Me' Day! Monday Night Football Game? It's 'Mondays are for Me' Day! (GO STEELERS!)

Go ahead and treat yourself to some knitting time for you, because today is Monday!

Happy Knitting!

2007-11-03T11:27:00.000-04:00

I can't believe I didn't read my newspaper on Thursday! I was calmly catching up on world events last night when I read the 'Today' section of Thursday's Baltimore Sun. Page 5C had an article about a woman who weaves together music and knitting called "Orchestral Apparatus for Musical Knitting", and was perfoming Friday night in Hampden.

Friday night that had both little people at slumber parties.

Friday night that had me watching movies on TV instead of checking out the performance!

Also in attendence was Sabrina Gschwandtner who read from her new book 'KnitKnit:Profiles+ Projects from Knitting's New Wave'.

Did anyone out there go and check this out?

2007-10-30T19:26:00.000-04:00

A Safe and Happy Halloween to you all!

This also means that you have less than two months until Christmas. How's that holiday knitting going for you? Better get crack a lackin' come November, because it's all down hill from here folks. This is just my way of adding some knitting scare to your Halloween!

Happy Knitting!