A Baby, A Preschooler, and Knitting, Oh MY!

Need a parenting board?

2006-01-28T12:20:00.000-06:00

I just launched my own parenting community. Please PM me fore more information!

Michael's Yarn Event

2006-01-28T12:19:00.000-06:00

http://www.michaels.com/art/online/static?page=yarn_event

Looking for someone to take over my rings

2006-01-22T14:41:00.000-06:00

Okay, I've been less than faithful to these rings, and due to mom's cancer and things so up in the air, I'd like to turn the rings over to someone more responsible. If you are a current ring member and are interested, please contact me with your ring address, and a short little blurb with why you'd like to do it.

Mom has been in the hospital twice during the past few weeks, and things have been very scary. You can keep up with me on my girls blog: thegirls.in-focus-graphics.com.

Sobbing

2005-11-29T15:29:00.000-06:00

I just spent the past 30 minutes curled up on my couch in a ball. I don't know if I was trying to cry or trying not to. The chemo is really hard on my mother. She's only had two IV treatments and is miserable. She has various stomach problems which disrupt her normal day and sleeping patterns, her mouth is raw and hurts to eat, and she wants to sleep all the time. She is already showing signs of infection (high fever) and started antibiotics on Sunday. It's so hard because we don't know if she's sick because of the chemo, or because she's dying. What happened to the "quality of life" the doctors spoke of? Is mom doing this for us? Is it fair to want her around if it makes her this sick? How long will she have if she gives up? How much time is this really buying? I guess if there were an end in sight, and we knew this was doing some good it would be different. Because chemo is cumulative, it'll be worse each time. She has another treatment tomorrow, then she gets a week off. Even if the chemo IS working, more tumors will show up somewhere else. Dammittofuckinghell. I hate this and the idea that there is no happy ending. I have to stop now because I'm crying so hard I can't read the words I'm typing.

Disheartening

2005-11-17T12:08:00.000-06:00

Mom found out yesterday the liver tumor has grown from 2cm to 5cm in the month to month and a half since it was discovered. The one on her lung has grown as well, but not as much as the liver tumor. It's been a rough time since finding out it grew so rapidly. We're all just in shell shock and more disheartening news just rattles us to the core. I heard the anxiety and uncertainty in my mother's voice for the first time, yesterday. I worry about her as it's the first crack in the brave front she's projected since the diagnosis. I know she's remaining strong for all of us, which isn't exactly fair, either. My father is just reeling, and I believe he's dealing the worst out of all of us.

On a good note, she was assigned a new doctor yesterday after she told them she was not planning on following her current doctor when he moves to another hospital next month. This doctor is as knowledgeable, but has the human quality that mom's previous doctor was missing. He explained everything in detail, and for whatever reason, some of the stuff we already knew finally clicked in mom's head. The stress of the whole situation has been keeping her from comprehending all of it. He even asked if he could hug her before the visit was over.

While receiving chemo, she was in a large room with other patients. That was hard to accept as well. However, she did meet a woman who had metastacized breast cancer who has been fighting it since 2001. She said the chemo all but erradicated the tumors many times, but as it's in her blood, they always come back and the treatments start again. Mom told her she didn't think she could handle that. The woman told her that facing the alternative was much worse, and to take it one day at a time. Be greatful for the good days. She also said she has to keep living, because every year medical knowledge grows, and who knows...maybe one day there will be a cure.

On a knitting front, I've been knitting in ss because my mind just can't handle a whole lot and I'm taking out more than I'm knitting. Here's a sweater I'm working on for my 4 year old. I plan to make a matching one for my 1 year old.

And so begins the hard process...

2005-11-05T23:45:00.000-06:00

Mom had the visit with her oncologist on Friday. Here's what we learned:

* There is no cure for breast cancer once it has spread. Mom's chemo is intended to prolong life without making her too sick to make it worthwhile.

* Mom's cancer is moderately aggressive.
* They hope to get a central line put in next week and mom will start chemo shortly thereafter. They are aiming for the first treatment by the end of next week.

* Mom will start Taxotere and possibly an experimental trial of Gleevec. Gleevec is an oral chemotherapy medicine which has not been approved by the FDA for metastasized breast cancer, but it has proven to be somewhat of a miracle drug in treating CML (leukemia). The trial has been around for a while, but mom hasn't decided if she wants to take part in the study.

* Mom will have one treatment a week for 3 weeks, have one week of rest, and then another 3 weeks of treatments. After the end of the first stage, she will have a CAT scan to see how well the tumors are responding to the chemo.

* She may or may not have the side effects of chemo: hair loss, fingernail changes and loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, etc. Everyone reacts differently.

* There is no way of knowing how much time we have. It may be as little as months, or as long as years. We just have to take one day at a time.

I ask that you please keep my mother (Janice) and my family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank your for your support so far. You have no idea how much it means.

On a knitting note, another hat, modeled by my unsuspecting computer game playing husband:

It was knit with eslsebeth lavold angora designer's choice in Misty Blue on size 7s using this free pattern.

Window paints and glittery hats

2005-10-26T22:46:00.000-05:00

Mom's favorite holiday has always been Halloween. It's one that's all about the kids and is just fun without all the other holiday pressures. I painted her front window last night. It's kind of juvenile looking, but I had lots of fun doing it and mom just loved it.

I also knit her a cap, as she meets with the oncologist on Tuesday. I used the The 'No-Hair-Day' Hairy Chemo Cap pattern and Adriafil Stars to create it. It's great--lilac and glittery, and mom loves it, too.

Sigh

2005-10-25T13:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, first the good news...The ENT doesn't think the tumor on the tonsil is cancer. He thinks it's a sinus that's dropped?

The bad news. The liver biopsy showed it was breast cancer that's spread. They think that's what's on the lung, too. The one on the lung is right on top of a coronary artery and no surgeon will touch it. Not that they think surgery would do any good on either tumor. She still has to meet with the oncologist, but the surgeon/breast cancer specialist today used phrases such as:

"quality of life"
"comfortable"
"not much to do"

I asked mom if we're talking weeks, months, years and she said definitely not years. They're thinking about chemotherapy, but only if the pros will outweigh the cons and there's going to be a significant change in outcome.

I.am.completely.devastated. Please keep us in your prayers.

On a knitting note, I'm about 2 cm away from the sleeve shaping of a simple sweater for Adelaide. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

Why why why why why?!?

2005-10-20T14:40:00.000-05:00

I'm angry. I'm upset. I'm devastated. I'm confused. I'm hopeful. I'm scared.

This week, my mother's doctor called her to say she has three new cancerous tumors--tonsil, lung, and liver. This is her THIRD bout with cancer. She had Hodgkin's twenty three years ago and breast cancer last year. She had two good mammograms. The 3 tumors were discovered when she had a PET scan to look at a nodule on her lung that had been discovered during a hospitalization for a blood borne bacterial infection. The nodule turned out to be nothing, but the three tumors showed up. I'm mad at the world and very depressed and anxious.

Additionally, my grandmother fell down on Monday night and we were at the hospital with her until the wee hours of the morning. She's 83, 84 at the end of this year and is insulin dependent and has alzheimer's. My grandfather hurt himself trying to catch her.

What a crappy week.

Miss me?

2005-10-03T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been a bad bad ring manager. I ask for your forgiveness. Rather than give you some long drawn out pity story, I just ask for understanding that sometimes things happen that are bigger than you and family comes first.

That said, I've done some housekeeping. Those without links on their blog have been temporarily removed. If links have not been replaced in 2 weeks' time, you will be removed from the queue and must reapply.

There's been little development on the knitting front. I FINALLY received my handpainted yarn from the coop I joined. It took about 5 months and loads of emails. It's here, and I'm not sure I like it. LOL

So.....thanks for checking in. Hope all of you are well.

Sad Update

2005-08-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

I haven't updated in a while. Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers. Grandma passed away on July 30th. Her memorial service was beautiful, although I'm pretty sure we confused a lot of the Sunday School ladies she's known for 50+ years. Oh well, it fit Grandma perfectly.

On a knitting note, I think I'm adding to the frog pond more than I'm knitting. I can't seem to concentrate very well. In addition to Grandma's death, my youngest just turned one and is working on her first molar. Sleep is a luxury that I haven't experienced in a while. I'm making up a little purse out of the Filo & Fili I got from Elann a while back. I'm also scouting yarn and patterns to start working on sweaters for my husband and the girls.

Thanks for checking in. I hope to not be away so much.

Grandma's DNR

2005-07-28T20:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my grandmother's cardiologist came by and visited my grandmother. They have a wonderful dr/patient relationship. He has entertained calls from my Aunt Katie (who is a nurse) from Europe at 2 am. He has been quoted as saying that he treats my grandmother as he would his own mother. He is just devastated by this. Anyway, he came by and read every little notation in grandma's chart and sat down Katie for a talk. He said that there is no happy ending, barring a miracle. He said the temporary recussitation order that was in place, though he understands why, was not what she would have wanted. He said it needed to be lifted immediately and a DNR put in its stead. The family members who were in town, including my grandfather, agreed. The DNR was issued this morning.

I've been so completely depressed all day. I've spent most of it in bed. Bryan is a sweetheart and stayed home today. We went up to the hospital about 5, while my parents kept the girls. It was so hard to see her in that bed. She is now fighting for air. Though she didn't open her eyes, she squeezed my hand over and over. I talked to her for a bit, but couldn't talk to her for too long as it just broke my heart. For the first time since grandmother had her stroke, I finally cried today.

Another update

2005-07-26T19:41:00.000-05:00

was just over at my parents, and have come to the understanding that the grandma I know and love is gone. I saw the CAT scan and it's just freaky, the way one side of her brain looks normal and the other side looks just like someone Photoshopped all the creases out of it. You can even see where the brain has started to swell.

Knowing my grandma, she's shaking her head at all of us carrying on. This is the woman who used to want the Fisk Jubillee Singers at her funeral. Now she just wants Bryan to sing "On the Road Again." She made him promise a few months ago that he would. She swore if he didn't she'd be singing at his bedside every night, just to haunt him.

I hope that Grandma is not trapped in her body. I hope that she's not painfully aware of all that's going on. It's so hard, because we don't know if she'll make it through the night, die of the swelling in a few days, die of infection/pneumonia/etc, or pull through and spend the remaining years dealing with learning everything again. She was a true Southern Belle, and I don't think that's what she'd want. I love her and miss her already, though she's still here.

Update on my grandmother

2005-07-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, I don't have a whole lot of news. There was a family meeting with the doctor today. They've done another MRI, and it seems there is nothing on the left side of her brain. I've seen it, and there are absolutely no wrinkles/creases where there should be. It's freaky looking. He says that the next 24-48 hours are critical, to see if she survives the stroke. He is unsure if she will. However, he says if she does survive, she will have use of her left side, POSSIBLY her right leg, but not her right hand or arm. Her speech, if present, will be halted and slurred. He explained to them that with stroke patients, they like to keep their blood pressure about 150-160 to push through any of the clot/particles. However, if it rises above 180, they have to administer more of the meds she received yesterday. The family and the doctor have agreed to heroic measure for the next few days, to see how she's going to come through this. If she is to be put on a respirator, it is only to be for 3 days. They agreed that if it doesn't look like she's going to have a reasonable quality of life (ie no use of her limbs, etc), then they're going to allow her body to shut down on its own. So, it all hangs on the next few days and whether or not she survives the stroke.

PS--It's doubtful she'll ever return home. My grandfather asked all the hard questions. He's so lost without her. The dr said that if she makes it through, she'll require LOTS of rehabilitation and will probably need the care of a nursing home.

My grandmother

2005-07-26T00:27:00.000-05:00

My maternal grandmother had a mini-stroke a few weeks ago. They ran a battery of tests and said there wasn't much they could do that they weren't already doing.

My mother called this afternoon to say that my grandmother just blacked out and fell over while at the lawyer's office with my grandfather.

It's not good. They think it was a clot. She has no motor function on her right side. It's gnarled and contracts involuntarily. She has no speech, and only opens her eyes for short periods of time, but cannot focus. She is very agitated, but makes no noise. Her blood pressure was 210/56 at one point tonight, and they've put her on something which has temporarily lowered it to 154/76, but she can only be on that for a short while. She is in the Neuroscience Intensive Care. The doctor said he will know more after 72 hours. At 72 hours is when the brain starts to swell.

It is so hard to see her like this. She is 81 years old and takes better care of herself than many 20 and 30 year olds. She walks several miles every day, eats well, and loves to putter outside in her garden. This is not what she would have wanted. She is probably screaming that everyone is seeing her like this and making such a fuss.

Please pray for her. If you don't share my Christian views, please send positive thoughts her way. Her name is Evelyn. She is a proud mother of 9 children. My mother is right in the middle.

Another RAVE about Elann and the beginnings of Lucky Clover Wrap

2005-07-09T12:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, so now that I've figured out that I'm just bored with my current projects, I am back into a knitting frenzy. I dug out the Austermann Mirabelle I ordered from Elann for my birthday and was all ready to plunge into a new project. However, my house seems to have eaten the free pattern that Elann sent with it. After scouring the internet to find a free pattern I liked that used fingering weight yarn, I gave up and emailed Elann, asking if they had an electronic copy of the pattern, and included my order number.

As I was about to give up and settle down to watch some tv (empty handed ) with my husband, my eye caught the Stitch n Bitch books I'd checked out from the library. I was very tickled to see the Lucky Clover Wrap used fingering weight and started right away. Here is my progress:

Then, when I checked email this morning, I was so tickled to find that Elann had sent me a .pdf version of the pattern I had lost. Woo hoo!

Tired of all my incomplete projects

2005-07-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I've figured out I'm no longer inspired by my current projects. My lace aran is too difficult to work on while the girls are awake. (I lose count from all the interruptions.) I'm too tired to work on them when they've gone to sleep. The blanket is currently a mess because you have to have no less than 3 live skeins at one time, and my 11 month old (YIKES) decided to help me by partially unravelling them, and I think the shawl for my mother is just ugly, tedious, and monotonous. So, yesterday I was just pure evil, in thought and in some action and was in serious need of some calming knitting, so I went backwards and starting knitting some dishcloths. Here's what I've accomplished since yesterday:

It felt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good to cast off!

We've had several new members join our webrings over the past two weeks. Please take a second and check them out.

I think I have commitment issues...

2005-07-02T22:06:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I haven't knitted in a while

1. Because life's been so busy
2. Because I've lost interest in my projects.

I've fallen in love with several new projects, however. LOL I am trying to make progress on the three I have on the needles, however.

Here is the latest.

It is Baby Ribbons from Soft & Sweet Baby Afghans by Leisure Arts. I've swapped the colors to fit the baby boy my SIL is expecting. I have until the first of October to complete it.

I've also fallen in love with the
Baby Fruit and Veggie Rattles on Jimmy Beans Wool. I have a baby shower on the 23rd and I'm debating if I have enough time.

I received my Fall 2005 IK!!!! HOORAY! There are several patterns in there that have caught my eye. However, I'm trying to be good for now and focus on my current projects...

So, that's all that's going on in the knitting realm. Thanks for checking in.

MIA

2005-06-20T00:20:00.000-05:00

I'm so sorry. I haven't updated in ages. I'd like to say it's because I'm too busy knitting, but here are some of the things going on in my life. I'll go in reverse order, because that's the way I remember them:

*Today was Father's Day
*I went to a family picnic Saturday evening
*My ILs came to visit this weekend
*I had a garage sale Friday and Saturday
*My 7th wedding anniversary was on Tuesday
*My best friend has been admitted for a prolonged stay into a physical rehab center for her MS
*My grandfather was admitted for a heart attack. I am very close to him and also have power of attorney for his accounts. I have been spending more time than normal with him and helping him get his affairs in order before his medical procedure on Wednesday.

That's a week ago, and it's all I can challenge my brain to think of right now. I have managed to get a little bit of knitting in. I've put down my sweater for now and have started a blanket for my SIL, who is due late Sep/early Oct. Thanks for checking in!

Nana Sadie Rose Tote, LAP Progress, & My Cute Kiddo

2005-06-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hooray! Hooray! My Nana Sadie Rose Tote arrived! It's BEAUTIFUL! I love it so much that I've given up on using it for knitting and am using it as my purse instead. Here's why:

Isn't it beautiful!? Here's the inside:

And proof you can't pick this up at Bloomingdale's, Kohl's, etc:

If you're totally in love, please visit her blog and tell her ThriftyKnitsGal sent you!

On a knitting note, it's amazing how much harder I work now that I'm a SAHM. I would LOVE to find the time to sit on the couch, watch soaps, and eat bonbons! Even if I had the time, someone would be crawling in my lap wanting to know what I was eating. LOL Even still, I've made some progress on the LAP:

As for Adelaide, I'm really going to have to watch that girl. Earlier this week she told me, "Mommy, I ate my popsicle. Then I shared Emma's." She's such a booger! She's liking Emmaline more since she's figured out how she can get away with so much more. Today my mother told me that Adelaide's been breaking into the piggy banks, taking all the quarters out of Emma's, and putting them in hers. That girl....

Not so stuck

2005-06-02T08:25:00.000-05:00

I have to RAVE on Helene Rush. I was so upset and frustrated that I emailed her the night before last. She responded the next morning! I was so very impressed. I just had to say something here.

Here is my progress, now that I'm a little more confident. If I can keep the girls away from it, things should go a little better. The photo doesn't do it justice as the stitches are kind of hard to see, so I've marked it up a bit:

I am anxiously awaiting the mail this week. I've joined the Crafter's Choice Book Club, and have a Nana Sadie Rose tote on the way. My IK finally arrived, but wouldn't you know it, there isn't a single pattern that I'm just totally in love with.

So....that's all for now. Thanks for reading!

Continue as established?!?!?!?!?

2005-05-31T22:24:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO stuck on Helene Rush's Lacy Aran Pullover. Well, first let me show you the pretty picture:

Oooooh! Isn't that pretty? Oh wait, then you look in a little closer and you see the top edge is all funky. Well, that's because I've picked up 89 stitches and then frogged all the way back down to that point about 3-4 times.

Out of desperation, I've put a post on Knitter's Review. As I'm typing this, someone has replied, so I'm off to try again. Wish me luck!

On a personal note, I'm the freebie queen this week! I've procured a play kitchen, a little tykes car, and a sand table for the girls!!! I've only spent time (and a little bit of gas). Go me! Go me!

My garden is finally taking off. I hope to get some pictures up soon. I've planted tomatoes, cucumbers, yellow squash, zuccini, green beans, lima beans, cantelope, corn, carrots, bibb lettuce, and okra!

50% off online purchases @ J o A n n

2005-05-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

1/2 price coupon at J o a n n s.c o m

Use promo code M A Y E 5 5 0 in your online shopping basket through Wed., 6/1*.

Take out the spaces. I just didn't want to show up on searches.

This isn't what you want to wake up to!

2005-05-26T21:03:00.000-05:00

No knitting news today. I was hoping to try out a new LYS (while my wallet was empty--safer that way), but the day got away from me. Instead, I put Miracle Grow on the garden, ate lunch with my mom, and helped her find a place that would monogram shirts and hankerchiefs for my father's birthday, which is tomorrow. Emma isn't liking cutting back on the nursing as she is used to grazing all day long. Adelaide was a bit of a bear as she's got yet ANOTHER cold. Anyway, I leave you with what I saw out of my front window this morning. Scary, considering I live on a suburban street that dead ends!

Land of Blaaaaaahs

2005-05-25T11:27:00.000-05:00

:sniff, sniff:

:looking pitiful:

My IK magazine still isn't here. So, in need of satisfying my need for knitting related reading, I headed to the library. Well, that's not 100% true. I also had some stuff due that couldn't be renewed. I found Stitch 'N Bitch, Stitch 'N Bitch Nation and The Urban Knitter. I haven't gotten to peruse them in detail, but there are some patterns that have caught my eye. Additionally, the Knit Picks new catalog came in a few days ago. Yummmmmmmy! I'm also thinking of joining Crafter's Choice Book Club. LOL It'll be a miracle if I EVER complete anything!

In the meantime, here is my progress on the OPS capelet.

I'm on the 3rd skein of the Wendy Lux DK. This is also the first time I've attempted a Russian join. I have to admit that I really like it! As for the capelet, I'm not so sure I'm thrilled with it. I don't know if it's lacy enough as I'd want. I'll keep going, but this may end up in the frog pond.

On a non-knitting note, I visited my grandmother on Monday. I was thrilled when she told me I could pick as many of her roses as I wanted. She even supplied the vase!

Wanting to try ribbon yarn but afraid of it's price?

2005-05-22T11:10:00.000-05:00

Check THIS out!!! You can bet when dh gets paid on Friday I'll be making an order! Now I just have to find a pattern I want to try....LOL

Some Tahki Stacy Charles Free Patterns

2005-05-20T11:34:00.000-05:00

Ah....the honeysuckle is just thick in the air. I love this time of year. It's not to hot yet, but you can break out all the warm weather clothes. I know knitting is not as big during the summer, but I'm hoping to knit some tops to wear over my tank tops and such.

I was skimming through my Interweave Knits magazine for the umpteenth-millionth time, as I'm still waiting for the first issue of the subscription to be mailed. My notification and thank you said it's scheduled to be mailed on the 22nd. I hope it comes soon, as I just want to run out and buy it! Anyway, their was a special expandable section that featured some designs for TSC over the past few years. Then I noticed that it said "instructions available online." So, in case any of you missed it, here is a link!

The OPC is progressing well. I've finished the yoke and am about 3 rows in on the body. I'll take pictures when there's more to show. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Why the crazy days with a 3 year old still make me laugh

2005-05-17T21:37:00.000-05:00

despite the fact I have pulled all my hair out and have a permanent eye twitch! LOL It's the funny little quirks she has and the surprises I find after I go to bed. One conversation we had today went like this:

Adelaide: What happened to Grammie's rug?
Me: She rolled it up.
Her: Why did she roll it up?
Me: Because she's going to clean it.
Her: Why does she need to clean it?
Me: Because it got dirty from people walking on it and such.
Her: But where will I dance? Where will I find a velvet carpet?

Now, mind you that is an oriental rug and I have no idea where she heard about a velvet carpet. She cracks me up. Then, after bed, I went into the kitchen. I was making cinnamon rolls and couldn't find the cake pans. So, I looked under the sink (which we keep mostly empty so the girls won't get into things) and found this:

I just started cracking up. My husband thought I was crazy since I went in there alone. She's just so funny and just sooooooo herself.

On a knitting note, I've made some progress on the capelet:

Clapotis is finished!

2005-05-15T09:19:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo! Here it is, modeled by my lovely (freshly shorn) daughter!

I have also had to rearrange yarn in my yarn tote. I have already almost outgrown my first plastic tote, much to my dh's chagrin!

I'm now continuing work on my mother's poncho, plus I've started the Ostrich Plume Lace Capelet.

And, on a personal note, can I just whine, moan, and bitch about how much vertigo and ear problems SUCK!?!

Edwardina Scissorhands strikes again!

2005-05-12T11:40:00.000-05:00

Well, we thought we had all of the scissors safely hidden away. Boy were we wrong. This is the face that greeted me after her quiet time:

She had managed to sneak into the kitchen and retrieve the kitchen shears. You know, the kind that are used to cut through chicken bones and such? Thank God she didn't cut skin! I took her to Great Clips to see if there was anything they could do. It took 3 hairstylists to come to the conclusion that we could buzz it or she could just wear hats. I went with the hat idea. They did try to console me with the thought that hair grows approximately 1/4" per month. Waaaaaaah! They were very surprised that she did it with scissors. They said it looked like she'd gotten hold of a razor. At church we were comforted with many a "been there, done that" story from the more experienced parents.

Speaking of bald, does anyone else think the new model of Tutankhamun looks like GI Jane? That was my first impression, anyway.

Anyway, as this is a knitting blog....

I am still working on the decreases of my clapotis. I've decided not to bleach it as it would weaken the fibers and could produce unwanted results.

For Mother's day I bought myself Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge, two skeins of Crystal Palace Kid Merino in blush, Adriafil Stars in Cyclamen, and 3 skeins of Wendy Supreme Luxury DK mercenized cotton in white. Wasn't I nice to myself? LOL

Thanks for reading. I must now think of something creative for my daughter to do before she hacks away at something else!

Emma's first haircut

2005-05-08T23:28:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when your husband lets you sleep in on Mother's Day and your 3 year old decides your 9 month old needs a haircut:

I'm si-i-i-i-i-i-i-ck

2005-05-03T23:59:00.000-05:00

So...the cold my 3 year old brought home has now reached my husband and I. Unfortunately, we don't get to sit on the couch and watch cartoons like she did most of last week.

Anyway....Elann order came in. I've also started a pink mohair scarf for my mohter. I'll take pictures soon. In the mean time, here's my clapotis progress:

I am thinking about bleaching it, but I'm not sure. I have the decreases left to do.

And here's some pictures I took recently, should you need some non-knitting eye candy.

Chemo Cap for Nora

2005-04-29T11:19:00.000-05:00

One of our good friend's mother just was given horrible news. She has stage iv ovarian cancer. She also has cancer on her lung, colon, etc. We are very close to this friend and her family. It is heartbreaking. She started chemotherapy this week. She's in a clinical trial. She has already had 3 drugs on 3 days and is done for 3 weeks. I made her this, for when her hair falls out:

It was knit with Cascade Fixations Yarn (I'd originally bought to make socks for Adelaide) on size US4 dpns. I made the pattern up as I went along. It is ss, with purl stitch rows surrounding eyelets for a little bit of eye candy. My dh was gracious enough to model. LOL Does anyone know how to get rid of the little space left when changing dpns? I've tightened it is much as I can, but I always have that little space. :(

My three year old has been sick with a stomach bug and cold, so this is all I've gotten accomplished this week. She missed school on Tuesday and Thursday and the Y and church on Wednesday.

My LYS doesn't carry the Vittadini patterns. I need to call another one in town. Otherwise, I'm going to have to order it online. Speaking of online orders, I used the Elann gift certificate and ordered Filo and Fili India in Mocha Mania and Austermann Mirabelle in Jade Palace.

Well, kids are destroying things. I'd better get off this pc....

Bad manners?

2005-04-27T11:42:00.000-05:00

Okay, my 3 year old just kills me. She has me in stitches on a daily basis. Today's funny? It goes something like this:

Her: Mommy, can I have some tape?
Me: No, you don't need any tape.
Her: Yes, I do!
Me: Did you just talk back to me?
Her: I don't think so.
Me: Good, because that would be what?
Her (as serious as can be): That would be painful.

Asthma sucks!!!

2005-04-24T22:29:00.000-05:00

Okay, first off I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO in love with the Lace and Ruffle Cardigan from Adrienne Vittadini!!! I am going to order the pattern book when a little money is freed up as I like several of the other patterns. Granted, I won't be paying $100 in yarn for it. I'd rather have food in my babies' mouths. LOL

Second, I apologize for not updating in so long. I discovered this week I have asthma, only to have numerous attacks. The allergist has put me on two inhalers and some antibiotics. Blech.

We've started preparing the garden this year. However, it will not be in my backyard, but rather at my parents' house. Adelaide just can't resist the temptation to pick things and there is a little chihuahua next door who likes to eat things. My parents just live about 5-10 minutes away. Bryan tilled the soil today and we worked in some organics. I have bought the following plants: tomatoes, mini tomatoes, bell peppers, zuccini, yellow squash, and strawberries. In the house, I have started seeds for lima beans, spinach, green beans, and bibb lettuce. I have lots of little sprouts! I'm starting some seeds tonight for sunflowers for Adelaide. Once they're big enough, I'll transplant them to my back yard.

I still haven't used the Elann certificate, nor have I gotten very far with my knitting this week. I think I've only completed 6 drops on the clapotis and haven't touched anything else. Hopefully, this week will be more productive.

Also, I'm looking for a pattern for a lace sash/belt with beads if anyone knows of one.

Clapotis progress and notecards

2005-04-18T16:08:00.000-05:00

Well, the clapotis is coming along nicely. I don't know why, but when I say, write, or think "clapotis" I keep thinking of the name Cletis, and it tickles me to no end. So, instead of a nice shawl (klah-po-teeeeeee), I think of some toothless redneck. LOL Anyway, enough of my drivel. Here's my progress:

Also, my mother was out and about and saw these notecards and immediately thought of me:

I have a center pull ball winder in my cart, along with a 50% discount code applied at Joann's. I am still undecided, so it's been sitting there since about 2 this afternoon. LOL I also got a Knitpicks catalog in the mail. That fact, combined with the release of two new yarns has me dreaming. On the other hand, I still haven't put that gift certificate to Elann to use. Someday....

My progress on Knitty's Clapotis

2005-04-14T22:54:00.000-05:00

Birthday, frogging, and wine

2005-04-14T10:38:00.000-05:00

Well, I am now officially that much closer to the big 3-0. My birthday was earlier this week. Well, no....that's not in order. Let me start again.

On Friday, I had completed the frill part of Variation on a Frill from Knitty and had gotten a few rows of the openwork done. I decided that I didn't like the way it was turning out, so I frogged the entire thing. Plah! (<--That's Adelaide's made up cuss word. LOL)

My little girl left for Florida on Saturday. She has been having a ball. She informed my parents that she didn't want to come home and asked if she was good if she could just stay there. LOL I'll have to admit that I don't miss her as much as I thought I would. It has been nice not to have fought my temper these past few days. Still, I've talked to her every day and I will be so happy when she comes home tomorrow afternoon. This picture just melted my heart when I saw it:

That's Adelaide and my father on the beach. Aren't they cute?!?

After dropping her off with my parents, the remaining three members of my family headed to the MS Walk. My best friend was diagnosed almost four years ago and we've walked every year in her honor. Last year she was in a wheel chair, and this year we walked the four mile course!!! She's been working with a personal trainer and it's really made a difference.

Lara (the trainer), Gwen (Ang's co-worker), me, Angela (my best friend)

I celebrated my birthday at Olive Garden. It is one of my favorite restaurants. Truth be told, I go as much for the salad as anything else. I also treated myself to a glass of wine, though I'm not anything close to a connisseur. I loved it so much, I bought a bottle and am going to drink it with my extended family this weekend!

It was the Secco-Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena. I call it YUM!!! I didn't do much else for my birthday, other than buying some makeup at Origins and ate ice cream at Maggie Moos with my sister and Emma.

Back to the knitting front, I have rolled some of my salvaged/dyed yarn into center pull balls and have jumped on the Clapotis bandwagon. Truth be told, I haven't gotten very far. LOL I'll take more pictures when it's picture-worthy.

Speaking of salvaging, don't forget, the KAL officially kicks off tomorrow!!!

Non-knitting rants and raves

2005-04-08T13:44:00.000-05:00

Coke with Lime. YUM! I'm addicted, and I'm not usually a Coke drinker. It's bad, because I don't need all the empty calories.

Dark chocolate M&Ms....jury's still out on this one. Not immediately a huge fan.

Lastly, why is it that you only run into ex-boyfriends and bad times? Last night a guy I dated through my senior year and two years after that saw me for the first time in about eight years. Of course, I had no makeup on, my hair wasn't done, and I was walking around with Trix ground into my shirt. Not to mention that I'm about 20 lbs heavier than back then, thanks to birthing two beautiful children. But, I shouldn't feel too bad. He's gained weight, too, and was bald like Gorbachev, despite the fact that he won't be 30 until the fall of this year.

Red stained hands and a birthday present!

2005-04-08T10:11:00.000-05:00

Isn't it funny how you can think of a million things to say, but when you finally sit down at the computer your mind just draws a blank? All week long I've been thinking, "Oh, I need to put that on my blog." Now I can't remember half of it! LOL

So, does anyone else have problems completing projects? I've started yet another project, but haven't managed to complete any since starting this blog. :sheepish grin: I've started Knitty's Variation on a Frill. (Side note...I'm THRILLED that the new Knitty is up! Here's my progress:

I'm using Sugar n' Cream in strawberry and size 7 needles. I've got 3 more repeats to go and then I can drop the stitches! I can't wait!

I've also been very busy on our KAL. I went to the Salvation Army and Goodwill stores on Tuesday and got a couple of things. Two sweaters didn't really work out. One was 100% cotton, but had pilled enough that the stitches were hard to frog. Another was a 100% wool sweater that I was hoping to practice some felting but the stitches were so tight that I ended up cutting the yarn more than the stitching. However, I did have two items that were a success! The first is this top:

Out of it I was able to salvage this!

I paid $5.99 for this top. I haven't measured the yardage yet. It's an acrylic gauze/ribbon.

Then, I also bought this for $2.99:

It is a ramie/cotton blend so it frogged very easily. I then dyed it with food coloring. I started with Kool-Aid but hated the sickeningly sweet smell and I didn't have enough concentration of color for the amount of yarn the sweater yielded. I'm quite pleased with the results. Here is one of the skeins:

It produced a neat varigated pink yarn. Plus, the dying was as much fun as the knitting will be! Two days later and my hands are still red/pink in some spots. I'll have to wear gloves next time. LOL

On a side note, I've ordered some wool from the coop and a tote bag from knitnana. I'm anxiously awaiting both arrivals.

My birthday is this week and my parents gave me a nice gift certificate to Elann. I've played on the site but haven't decided what to order.

On a personal level, I should be doing laundry and packing right now. My 3 year old is going to Florida with my parents for a week. I can't wait! I'll miss her terribly, but it will be a vacation for me as well. So, I'm off. Thanks for reading!

Happy April Fool's Day!

2005-04-01T11:39:00.000-06:00

Guess who was a fool to leave her purse within grasp of her 3 year old while feeding the younger one? ME! She got in to 3 or 4 colors of lipstick! It was EVERYWHERE--on her, on the floor, on her nightgown, etc. I still haven't been able to get it all off her eye area as every time I try to clean it, she squishes her eyes shut!

Finished the socks!

2005-03-30T21:19:00.000-06:00

Ta-da! I haven't gotten much more done as the girls have had me hopping!

Shame shame shame!

2005-03-28T16:46:00.001-06:00

Okay, as the creator of the Thrifty Knits webring, you'd think I'd be able to behave myself. Thanks to Melanie, I decided to try a pair of socks. You see, my 3 year old is always wearing mismatched socks on purpose. So, I thought if I knit her a pair of not-quite-matching socks, she'd wear them more than the other hodpodge selection she's been choosing. I can hope, right? I was shopping around to find some good cotton yarn, because my daughter has horrible eczema and we have to be very careful with anything that will touch her skin. Okay, with that knowledge, imagine having a horribly stressful week (dh was gone for 2 days, parents were out of town, daughter was out of school, and other issues) and then picture running off to the LYS. Oh, not good! I came out with Skacel dpns, Cascade Fixations yarn, an unknown yarn (my 8 month old got to the skein and wrapper), and a pattern from Knitting Pure & Simple. Eeeek! I LOVE LOVE LOVE both the dpns and the mercerized cotton. I swear I could hold the project by the ball and spin it around without worry of a needle launching from the project and putting an eye out!

So.....the weather was too beautiful this weekend (even though it's all cold and wet again) for me to get much done. So, here's what I've accomplished so far:

I had to go and get back the one completed sock back from Adelaide. She loves it and had run off with it. I found it in her purse. LOL

My free magazine from Creative Knitting arrived today. I've only glanced through it, but here are the projects from this issue. I've checked the ones I'm eyeballing:

I'm sure there's more to say, but I'm so worn out. Dh is putting Adelaide to bed and Emma is already there. Hopefully I'll get a few rows in!

Thrifty KAL

2005-03-25T19:05:00.000-06:00

Okay, thanks to Heather, I've decided to kick off a Thrifty KAL. We'll start it on April 15th. For those of us in the US, that will provide something more fun to look forward to instead of tax day! The guidelines are such:

The knit-a-long will start on April 15th and run as long as there are people interested. However, for those that start on time, we'll have a vote starting on May 15th and ending May 20th for the most creative, most resourceful, and best overall project. Winners will receive special buttons for their blogs and maybe a small prize. (Please contact me if you want to donate a prize.)

Projects may be whatever you like, but for materials, you must recycle a thrift store find, a project to be frogged, or an awesome sale find from eBay or such.

Maximum spent on yarn, buttons, or the like must be $10 US. Needles do not count towards the total.

Email me if you would like to participate so I can give you the password for the forum. An EZBoard membership is required to post (but not to view), and is free.

Keep us updated with your progress and questions.

Be creative and have fun!!!

For reference, please refer to the Knitty Gritty episode on Refashioning Knits.

Here is a button for you button-blog-o-philes! Don't forget to mind your manners and host it on your own site!

Is it the weekend yet?

2005-03-24T22:13:00.000-06:00

Argh! These kids really got to me today! I spent the day cleaning, vacuuming, steam cleaning, poop patrol, etc. But....enough of the whining....and back to the knitting....

Here is the progress on the sampler afghan. I twisted a cable the wrong way on the other square and got frustrated and just frogged the whole thing. Here's where I've progressed on the new one:

Here's where I've progressed on the shawl:

The rings are growing! We're up to 12 members on TK and 3 on KPofYC. The TK forum is slowly getting started and I need to set aside some time to get the KPofYC forum up.

I've joined two Yahoo groups, YarnCoop and YarnYoga. I haven't really gotten into either, yet.

Anyway, I'd better get some knitting in before I fall asleep or the littlest wakes up for another feeding.

Look what Adelaide brought me

2005-03-22T23:13:00.000-06:00

Adelaide brought these to me today. They're my favorite. Isn't she a sweetie?

Birth of the Knitting Parents of Young Children Ring!

2005-03-22T15:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, once again I'm trying to fill a niche. I know there are other parents of young children out there who are trying to count rows and stitches, all the while trying to raise the best little human beings. It's quite a challenge. Heck, even as I type this, I'm trying to feed/wrestle/cuddle my seven month old while placating the 3 year old who wants dinner at 4 in the afternoon! So, join me! Here are the rules:

1. You must be the parent or main caregiver of a child under 6.
2. You must have a knitting blog. This can be hosted on a variety of sites, but the main subject must be knitting.
2. You must post about challenges, resources, problem-solving, etc pertaining to knitting with a small child in the house.
3. Your blog must be active for a minimum of one month, with at least one post per week.
4. Keep it clean! Be friendly and courteous. This means no major attacks or profanity. No adult humor or pictures will be accepted.
5. The ring's "Next," "Join," and "Previous" links must be present, working, on your main page and easily visible.
6. Use of our community forum is suggested, but not required.
7. Please have the links in place before applying. KPofYC's button image must be hosted on your own server space.

These rules may be amended/appended at any time, upon my discretion. Those who fail to follow the rules will receive notice that they are temporarily suspended. If they fail to rectify the offense within 72 hours, their blog will be permanantly removed from the ring.

Join now!
Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments.

Here is a button for you to use. Don't forget to save it and host it on your space!

Free Knitting Patterns I'd like to try

2005-03-22T13:14:00.000-06:00

This will be an ongoing list of free knitting patterns I'm contemplating, should the girls give me time enough to knit!

Accessories:

"Cozy"--lace shawl

"Clapotis"--scarf/stole knit on the bias

"Variation on a frill"--combination stole that can be dressed up or down

Booga Bag--felted striped structured bag

"Easy Lace Scarf"--light, soft, silky, and one skein!

"Reversible Lace Ladders Scarf"

For Her:

"Blaze"--zigzag inspiration cabled sweater knit entirely in the round

"Aran Knit Cardigan Sweater"

"Zigzag"--inspires itself from the gansey tradition with its split garter welts and horizontal patterning at the upper chest

"Tina"--sleeveless sweater

"Lucy Lu"--cardigan

"Cleo"--backless halter top

"Cotton Colori Textured Sleeveless Top"

For Him:

"Leo"-- a sweater that he would actually wear

Men's Pullover Irish Knit

For Kiddies:

"Zippy"--Zippered cardigan

Which flock do you follow?

2005-03-21T23:16:00.000-06:00

Which flock do you follow?

this quiz was made by alanna

What kind of knitter are you?

2005-03-21T18:14:00.000-06:00

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer. You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Ouch! Now to learn adapted knitting!

2005-03-19T22:39:00.000-06:00

So, yesterday my three year old was playing outside. I had raised the storm window so I could hear her better. I was inside, on the other side of the door with my 7 month old. My 3 year old came and pushed on the screen and pushed hard enough that the spline came out. I reached up to push it back in. The storm window latches must not have been fully engaged because -WHOOSH- it fell on my finger. I don't think it's broken, but it's black and blue and swollen pretty good. I have about 3 places where the skin is broken and the fingernail has already turned black towards the fingertip. So.....I'm still knitting, but without my pointer finger!

If you want the truth, ask a child or a drunk...

2005-03-18T19:08:00.000-06:00

My three year old was waiting in the car with her sister and my mother while I faced the crowds all in the name of cough syrup. We've all got the funk and it's making its rounds. Blech! Anyway, My oldest daughter gets bored and starts taking off her shoes. She also succeeds in taking off her socks. My mother tells her that she really ought to put her shoes back on. My winsome daughter replies that she doesn't WANT her shoes back on! My mother told her that I was on the way. My daughter thought about it for a minute, and then replied, "Okay. I'll put my socks and shoes back on. Maybe then mommy's happy voice will come back!" :O

What happens when a 7 month old gets a skein of yarn?

2005-03-18T14:55:00.000-06:00

This:

Oh well. I think it's salvageable. I haven't gotten much more done on the shawl. Somehow amidst the chaos that is my life, I managed to get one stitch off, so I ended up tinking the whole thing and starting over. Here's my progress:

I haven't even TOUCHED the aran afghan in a while. Oh well, it will still be waiting for me. I am glad the webring seems to be growing, and I hope the forum will do the same.

How does anyone ever get a project completed. By the time I buy all of the supplies and get a new project started, I'm already thinking of others I'd like to try. I'm very interested in trying to knit with beads. I'd love to get my hands on Knit and Crochet With Beads. I saw the author on an episode of Knitty Gritty. I have a birthday coming up soon. Maybe I'll have to strongly hint! LOL I went to a LBeadS today with my mother. The woman who greeted us was so extremely rude there today, I didn't even buy a thing! I couldn't believe it. I spent over $100 there on beads for Christmas ornaments in the month of December and even have a frequent shopper savings card. I bet it's because I had both girls with me today. She was downright snotty. I came home and wrote a curt email. We'll see if I get a reply.

Thanks to BluFELICIA, I'm very curious about TKGA. I may have to look into that more. I also need to say thank you for all the knitters you sent my way!
That's all I really know right now. Thanks for checking in!

Our Forum is UP!

2005-03-17T17:47:00.000-06:00

Okay, all....for now our forum is on EZBoard. If we grow big enough, I might think about hosting it on another site. Woo hoo! I'm so excited. I never expected so many people to join so quickly! Thanks to bluFELICIA for all the referrals!

Birth of the Thrifty Knits Webring and Forum

2005-03-16T19:01:00.000-06:00

As a SAHM on a limited budget, I was desperately searching for others out there who just can't fathom spending $100+/- on one sweater....just on yarn alone. I don't know about you, but my budget just can't handle it. I was disappointed to see there wasn't much out there. So, I decided to create my own. Here goes!

Rules:

1. You must have a knitting blog. This can be hosted on a variety of sites, but the main subject must be knitting.
2. You must be partial to bargain hunting, sales snooping, and being resourceful. Sometimes the only time we know about a great buy is by word of mouth or dumb luck.
3. Your blog must be active for a minimum of one month, with at least one post per week.
4. Keep it clean! Be friendly and courteous. This means no major attacks or profanity. No adult humor or pictures will be accepted.
5. The ring's "Next," "Join," and "Previous" links must be present, working, on your main page and easily visible.
6. Use of our community forum is suggested, but not required.
7. Please have the links in place before applying. TK's button image must be hosted on your own server space.

These rules may be amended/appended at any time, upon my discretion. Those who fail to follow the rules will receive notice that they are temporarily suspended. If they fail to rectify the offense within 72 hours, their blog will be permanantly removed from the ring.

Join now!
Please feel free to email me with any questions or comments.

Here is a button for you to use. Don't forget to save it and host it on your space!

Trip to the LYS was a no go....

2005-03-14T14:27:00.000-06:00

Okay, so I chickened out. I didn't get brave enough to go buy "real" yarn. Instead I headed to my local Joann fabrics. I was excited to find a Harmony Guide that had some windowpane stiches in them. I used the 40% off coupon and only paid about $6 for it!

I picked that up, thinking of the shawl my mother would like me to make.

I also picked up some cotton yarn, and some fun fur to match the sweater I'm working on for my oldest daughter.

Can you tell I have two girls? LOL I'm hoping to create matching sweaters out of that. LOL If not, it'll fluff up my yarn stash.

I haven't made any progress on my sampler afghan. I'd post a picture, but I had to tink as much as I'd knit, so it's hard to tell I went anywhere! That's what I get for trying to do cables around a 3 year old!

Even though I bought the new stitches book, my mother decides she wants her shawl done in the seed stitch! Argh! LOL But, considering the yarn she picked out, it's probably a good thing. She chose Lion Brand Jiffy in El Paso. I'll have to steer her in a lighter weight and color next time. So, I've cast on and gotten about 4 rows done:

So, I am now in pursuit of recommendations for budget yarn. I'll let you know if I get any good recommendations or sources. Thanks for reading!

Did Pandora's Box Have Knitting Needles?

2005-03-12T02:17:00.000-06:00

Wow. Boy, if I knew it would be this addictive, I'm not sure I would have started! Okay, yeah, I would. ;) As a SAHM of two children not yet in school, I needed something to divert my attention and give me a little bit of yoga-like therapy. I have some crafting experience, but had never picked up a pair of needles before. My sister was knitting some things for my girls, and I decided to give it a go myself. I started around late January/early Febuary. For the longest time, I thought I just wasn't cut out for knitting. I ended up tinking so much that the yarn unravelled. Finally, I got smart and went out and bought a pound of the cheapest acrylic I could find. I also tried an easier stitch. When I screwed up, I just slid it off the needles, broke yarn, and started over. Finally, my first successful project was this:

It is a two rectangle poncho in the butterfly stitch. It is knit in worsted weight acrylic.

The next project I attempted was a blanket for my expectant neighbor, who is due late this month or early next. I tried playing with color for this:

It is knit in bulky weight yarn on US 11. Unfortunately, I didn't take pictures of the final blanket.

I also made her a hat:

And a bigger blanket:

She almost cried when I gave them to her. She was so thrilled that I took time to make something. She's such a sweetheart.

In between the blankets and hat, I started a sweater for my daughter:

It's a pattern from Rowan Junior that I adapted to make a little more funky. My daughter has a lot of spunk and I wanted the sweater to show that. I knit two rows of the ribbing in Lion Brand's fun fur before continuing in the main sweater color. I still have a sleeve and a half to go. The girls got ahold of it too many times, and I ended up tinking it so many times that I got tired of it, and decided to try something else for a while.

My oldest daughter told me she wanted "oven mitts." So, I found a free pattern for two needle mittens and found some yarn that was clearanced out for $1/skein as it was Christmas stock. Here are the results:

As you can see, she loved them!

Next, I decided on a hat for my dh. He wore his hats too big and had too much extra fabric on his head, so I adapted a rib hat to suit my tastes. I used Lion Brand's Wool-Ease, so it's not as warm as he'd like. I'm still a bit nervous to try "real" yarn.

My current project is an Aran sampler afghan. So far I've completed one square:

and am working on another:

Not too bad for my first attempt at cables, huh?

As I was taking the picture, my daughter thought I should take a picture of her: LOL

Isn't she a hoot?!?

I'm finally feeling brave enough to delve into natural fibers. I know they're a little more expensive, but I've got feelers out for some good bargains. I'm going to my LYS with my mother tomorrow, who wants me to knit her a shawl. I'm so excited! I don't dare go alone, as I know I'll spend too much money! I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you for reading. I must now crawl into bed before my husband gets too mad. He fell asleep on the floor and is now in bed with our youngest daughter, who usually wakes for her 2-3 am feeding and stays in bed with us.