Doro-Crafts

Playing around

2012-01-31T10:31:00.003-04:00

Ever get an idea in your head ... and it just won't leave?
That happened to me yesterday. But then it spread to hubby. OH DEAR!!!

I was telling him about square knitting needles. Showed him some pictures. Looked at a youtube video about turning 2.75mm knitting needles (hoping that would encourage him to turn me some needles ... it didn't)

Then we went to the basement (where his workshop is). About an hour later I had a set of 3mm square double ended needles. Have about 2" of a sock knit on them already.

We also made some 3.75mm ones; going to get some knitting friends to test them for me; give me their opinion on them.

Have pictures, they are on the camera ... hope to get them off tonight.

And the winner is ....

2012-01-29T20:31:00.003-04:00

Barbara. :)

Only two entries. So I took a pair of dice and rolled them. Barbara was evens and Lexa was odds. I rolled snake eyes (maybe I should take up a career as a craps player???). So, total of two dice was 2 ... an even number ... so Barbara won.

Your pattern will be gifted to you by Joy (the designer) since the coupon code refuses to work for me.

Happy Knitting!

In my knitting front, I have made a Barbie poncho and a Barbie skirt ... that's it. Knitting mojo is hibernating :(

Actually, I hurt my pinky a couple of weeks ago, and after knitting for any length of time it hurts. Haven't been able to start the test knit of the vest I was supposed to be doing. Can't do chunky yarn yet.

A Contest :)

2012-01-25T09:55:00.001-04:00

An easy one to enter as well :)

Go to this Ravelry Store and pick out your favorite pattern.
Leave me a comment with the name of which one you would like to have "gifted" to you on Ravelry.
On Sunday I'll do a random draw to choose a winner, and will gift the pattern that evening.
Easy Peasy :)

Special Olympics Scarf

2012-01-20T10:48:00.003-04:00

Next month Alberta will be hosting some very special people ... the Special Olympics are happening there.

A call went out for people to knit scarves to be handed out to the Canadian Athletes. The colors were white and light blue, with a splash of red thrown in.

I wasn't going to do any, because it would involve mailing them to somehwere; and we all know how horribly expensive it is to mail stuff with-in Canada.

Then one day at knitting group one of the ladies mentioned that her grandson was going to compete in the games. This lady is recovering from a stroke, and is not afraid of trying new stuff. She has been working on socks, hats, a curtain for her window, and mittens. She is such an encouragement. If she makes a mistake, she takes it out and re-starts. So, an idea was born. I said I would knit him a scarf. Then another lady offered to knit him a pair of mittens. (she's doing a pair for him mom as well) She was so happy we would do this for him. Heck, of course we would - he's an awesome boy!!

Andrews Scarf

Happy New Year!! (picture added)

2012-01-13T11:01:00.004-04:00

They say in a new year you should set goals and make resolutions. So, I'm trying.

I'm going to an exercise class on Monday nights, and as long as Friday night classes remain free I'll go to them as well. I plan to start walking more.

I also decided that this was the year to do some "test knitting" for people. I've done the Sylvan Cowl, it's bocking now, and pictures will be posted here and on my Ravelry project page ... hopefully later today.

I'm working on a pair of fingerless mitts as another test knit. But can't share pictures of that. Going to be published in a book, so details are secret.

And I'm on a holding pattern right now for test knitting a vest.

All this on top of my regular knitting.

Must get Katie busy with the camera!!

Happy December

2011-12-06T07:36:00.002-04:00

So, it's December. How many of my knitting friends are working their fingers to the bones trying to get presents finished??

I have to get my daughter to do some pictures for me. But, I do have some finished projects to show off. A hat and scarf for my BIL, a scarf for my SIL, a shawl. Think that's it.

We went to the city yesterday and did a lot of our shopping. Most of my list is done. A few people left - and I have no idea what to get for those people.

Our 4-H Club decided to sell home made chocolates as a fund raiser. Holy Smokes!! Before expenses we raised $1600!! Took us 5 hours on Sunday, and about 2.5 hours last night to make them all. FUN! Already planning ahead to next year. Yes, Barbara, if your club wants to do this, I can give you details :)

Have a great day!!!

hoping to win my wish list

2011-11-11T12:51:00.001-04:00

Knit Picks wish list

Anyone have a way to get more hours in the day?

2011-11-09T05:48:00.002-04:00

I have come to the conclusion that I need more hours in the day. Seriously! Since the time change I've been waking up at 5am; and it does seem to help out a bit having that extra hour in the morning. But man I'm getting tired!!

On my needles
- a faux lace shawl that I am really enjoying working on.
- a pair of socks.
- a pair of mittens. Double knit? Not really sure what the technique is called, will have to get a picture of them. FUN FUN FUN though!!
- miniature monster (a Rebecca Danger pattern) for a swap ... so can't post pics of that.
- 2 other shawls (sort of hibernating)
- finger puppets
- dishcloths
- think that's way too many!

Have a good day!!

Hello

2011-11-03T08:46:00.004-03:00

Yes, I am still in the land of the living.

Had a long rough hard summer. There was much sadness in it. A friend passed away (stroke). My MIL passed away (brain tumours). A young man from here was killed in a car accident. A college friend died from ALS.

Did some knitting, but don't have any pictures. Need to get better at the picture thing.

This was my Halloween costume:

This is the partridge that flew into a window. We kept it comfy till it died. (sense a theme here??)

Monsters

2011-07-21T05:59:00.003-03:00

This is Tulip (tall with the pink ears), Herb (green guy) and Daffidil. Tulip came to me in an exchange from Texas, Herb came from Alberta, and I knit Daffidil.

Have a good day!!

What's new???

2011-07-16T15:24:00.002-03:00

Well, let's see. Not much :)

Since my last post I've been to a WWKIP event in Lockeport. That was a fun time. About 25 of us at the Lockeport beach centre knitting away. My horoscope that day said I'd be spending time around people with a similar interest as me, and that I'd make a new friend. Did both :) Found a new hair dresser too. (she sells Opal sock yarn!!)

I had my b-day. Hubby gave me a gift certificate for a shampoo/cut/color and 2 balls of sock yarn. My friend gave me a book (House Rules by Jodi Picoult - good book so far) and an earring/necklace set. My SIL gave me a book, jam and bath stuff. One of my lilies came into bloom that day as well.

Tomorrow is Troys first car show with his mustang. He and dad have been washing and polishing it. He bought a little tool kit to keep in the car.

My friend Mary Anne introduced me to a nice scarf pattern this morning. I think it's called the one row scarf ... something like that. See "Miss Wooly Knits" over there in the side bar ... click it, go check hers out. She has the pattern linked (which I am too lazy to do at the moment LOL), plus she has some pretty amazing pictures on her blog to look at.

Guess that's it for this quick update. I really really mean to post more ... but there's that lazy thing again :)

A quick update

2011-06-04T06:53:00.001-03:00

Sorry, no knitting pictures. They are on the computer .... somewhere. I can't find them :(

But, this is a picture of our son, Troy, and his b-day gift from my sister and her friend.

It's a '77 Mustang. V-8 302 engine, dual exhaust. And that's all the techincal stuff I know about it :) It's loud. It's a muscle car.

I've been busy. I got a temp full-time job at Lockeport Elementary School as a PSA; 6 weeks of work. But this working full time thing is tiring me out.

I haven't felt like knitting much ... hope that changes!! I've got a pair of tow-up socks on the go, some scrap dishclothes, a purple shawl and a peacock colored shawl. Not liking the pattern I picked for the peacock colored shawl ... going to take it out and look for another one. Think I need one without a lot of pattern in it, the yarn is quite busy.

And, I ordered The Big Book of Knitted Monsters for myself. I'm in a Ravelry group for these monsters, and have knit the three free patterns and liked them. I got one of the "real" monsters in an exchange, and love her. OH, I know where there is a picture of me and Tulip

Off I go, time to get ready to go to the Farmer's Market.

When will Spring come???

2011-04-06T17:19:00.002-03:00

Here it is, April 6th ... and it's still not sunny and warm out :( Sunny and cold, yes.

This Sunday the 4-H club is hosting An Afternoon With Neville as a fundraiser. Neville MacKay (of My Mother's Bloomers in Halifax) is coming down, doing a talk about how he got a start in 4-H and his career as a florist. Making arrangements as he goes. Then, he'll auction off the arrangements for us. $10/ticket if you want to come. Starts at 1:30 on the 10th.

Today I got some yarn I bought off eBay. Silk, dyed a peacock color. 300 yards of it. Trying to decide on a shawl pattern now - that's the hard part.

Finished the shawl/stole I was knitting for the lady in the knitting group. She was very pleased with it when she got it on Tuesday.

There are pictures of that on the camera. Will take some pictures of my silk yarn, then post the pictures later. (bug me if I don't do that)

I also have 4 balls of Knit Picks Palette in Aster to decide what to make with. Oh, and a skein of Fleece Artist sock yarn in greens. (might have a skein of it in reds too ... if I don't use it all on my Holden Shawlette)

So, what have you been knitting??

On my needles now

2011-03-23T09:15:00.004-03:00

is this project.
Knitting it for a lady in the knitting group I go to. She started it, but was having a hard time with it. I wanted to knit it; love the pattern ... but it's not something I would wear... so I'd never knit one for myself. So, I offered to knit hers for her.
I'll post pictures of hers when I get a chance :)
Forgot to tell you, it's the Waves and Ripples Shrug in Knitter's Magazine Spring, 2010. I'm using 4.5mm needles, and a 2ply yarn; not sure what the yarn is, there were no labels with it when I got it. 282 stitches/row

(picture taken from internet)

Introducing

2011-03-04T16:11:00.002-04:00

The Frozen Leaves Shawl :)

Today is was finally non-windy enough that I could get a sheet of styrofoam home to block the shawl. Well, most of the way home ... it did break :( But the piece that survived was big enough to block the shawl on. Then I sat it in front of a nice sunny windown to dry. I'm quite pleased with it :)

And looking forward to the next one. The next one will be a shawl for an exchange .. then Northern Lights is calling to me.

Tomorrow a friend and I are planning a Frenchy's shopping trip. Looking forward to that.

Have a good weekend

It's Done

2011-02-27T15:50:00.002-04:00

40 minutes ago I cast off the final stitch of the Frozen Leaves Shawl.

Now I need to find a place to block it.

No pictures yet, because right now it doesn't look like much. Pictures once it is blocked, I promise.

Next on the needles will be a shawl for the shawl exchange I am in on Ravelry. Can't post any details of it though, because my partner might decide to snoop at my blog. I hope she will like it.

Still working on thrummed socks, and my socks.

The knitting group I go to is knitting clothes for Groovy Girl dolls, and for teddy bears. Once we are done we will give them to the Library where we meet, and they will sell tickets on them. One of our members has created some really neat clothes for them. So far I haven't made anything. Now that the shawl is done I'll make something.

Have a good day

In trouble again

2011-02-21T11:30:00.002-04:00

Well, seems to mee I'm in trouble for not posting enough. So, here it is, a posting :)

I'm laid up today. My right knee hurts a lot. Was to outpaitents last night, and the doctor thinks it is arthritis. I think I want to see my own doctor and get his opinion. I know I won't be putting up with this pain for long!! I'm not happy hurting so much that it's hard to walk.

But, on the plus side, I'm knitting on the Frozen Leaves Shawl. 22 pattern repeats in each row. Right now each section has 28 stitches in it. Yup, 616 stitches in the last row I did!! And it's still slowly growing!! Only 20 rows left to go though. Looking forward to being finished ... so I can start a new one :)

I joined a small shawl exchange online, in a Ravelry group. Looking forward to working on that one. Think I might use beads on it. Not going to tell too much about it, incase my partner in the swap decides to read here.

I'm also working on 2 pair of thrummed socks/slippers that were ordered, and a pair of socks for me.

Have a good one!!

Happy Day After Groundhog Day

2011-02-03T09:45:00.003-04:00

We're still shoveling out. So much snow. And the snowblower isn't working :( Hubby was able to get out the driveway to go to work this morning. I was working on the mailbox area when the guy came to plow across the road from us. Got him to do a few swipes of our driveway ... for $5. Most people would charge $20 for that. I was a happy lady.
But, on the down side ... I did do a bit too much shoveling, and hurt my shoulder a bit.
I have finished a pair of socks this year - no pictures yet.
I'm still working on the frozen leaves shawl; really enjoying it.
We've got a new item that we are selling - hand crafted wooden toboggans.

Sigh

2011-01-05T08:32:00.001-04:00

Today I frog the Pretty Maids shawl.
I've got that mistake in it that I mentioned before.
Last night I put in my life line ... and missed a stitch when doing that. It unravelled past the point of an easy pick-up. So I decided to frog it all and either re-start it or the Frozen Leaves shawl.
Starting to feel a bit like an unworthy knitter. :(

But, on the plus side ... my kids are back to school today :)

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:06:00.003-04:00

They say that what you do on the 1st you'll be doing all year long. Looks like a year full of laundry for me :(

Been working on the Pretty Maids shawl. Using some fleece artist yarn that hubby gave me for Christmas. Just two pattern repeats to do and I'll be done. Think I've got a mistake somewhere ... but I'm going to finish it anyway. So, when I post a picture, and you see the mistake ... shhhhh ... OK?

Since Christmas I have knit a bunch of dishclothes (finished off 2 1lb balls of cotton I had on the go), three Barbie dresses and a Barbie hat. The knitting group I go to is going to knit a Barbie wardrobe and then sell tickets on it - the money will go to the Library where we have our meetings. So I'm ahead of the game on that committment :)

Hope you all had a nice New Years Eve. We spent it at a friends house; playing U Draw on the Wii and a word game that I can't remember the came of (catch phase??). Nice way to spend the evening. I did not, however, enjoy being woken up at 2:30am by fireworks. There is a time for those ... and it's not 2:30 in the morning!!

That's it for now

Merry Christmas

2010-12-20T14:10:00.002-04:00

It's the 20th; 5 days to Christmas.

Are you ready? I think we are. Think!!

Hubby should be home soon - he went to the valley to pick up our daughters boyfriend; he's coming down to visit us for a few days.

I've been knitting, but no pictures to share right now

I'm fighting a cold and a sore back. Not happy about either.

Merry Christmas!!!

I'm home

2010-11-11T08:13:00.003-04:00

and still tired :)

Had a good trip. Learned lots, met lots of new people, had fun.

What stuck with me?? "If what you are doing isn't working, change it", "If you move the body you move the mind", "Get out of your box"

At our 4-H general meeting the other night we played rock/paper/scissors. With a twist. You play one person. The loser then cheers the winner as they go on to play someone else. The loser then joins the cheering squad for the winner as they go on to play someone else. And so on. Until there are two people playing and everyone else cheering them on. At least that's how it was supposed to work. We had some who refused to join in. :(

I got off the plane, and was waiting for our shuttle and said "I'm in the same city as The Yarn Harlot" The lady walking beside me (total stranger) said "It's a good thing, isn't it?" LOL She was a knitter too. She wasn't part of the 4-H conference though.

I did buy myself a 100m hank of 2play homespun alpaca yarn from a booth at The Royal. It's green and beige. Very pretty, soft and ohhhhhhhhhhhh. Wish I had gotten more, but they only had the one hank of that color. There was a nice mohair skein there; but I couldn't spend $65 on yarn! There were several booths selling llama and alpaca yarn. Oh the softness of it all. One booth had the corner piled high with bags of roving; I asked if I could curl up in and go to sleep for a bit. Lady said I must be a true knitter :)

While in Toronto we went to the CN Tower and a dinner theater. FUN. We went to the John Deere plant and Niagara Falls. FUN. We got to see a $250 000 tractor. I got to go to the Hershey store :) They had a whole corner of the store devoted to Reece's Peanut Butter cups and pieces ... sweatshirts, t-shirts, pillows ... need more money if I get to go again. And we got to spend an afternoon at The Royal. FUN FUN FUN Lots and lots of stores/trade booths ... was there 3 hours and didn't see them all. My room mate found a booth selling gluten free mixes and bought me a treat - I didn't even see that booth; apparently there was a whole section that I missed out on. :(

Now, a challenge for you. Can you put a straw through a potatoe? I can. Picture proof later

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

2010-11-02T17:06:00.003-03:00

Heading to Toronto tomorrow morning.
Going to the 4-H National Leaders Conference.
Will be home on Sunday.
Hope hubby and kids make out OK without me for a few days :)
Happy knitting. I'm being a chicken and not taking any knitting with me ... too scared they'll take my bamboo needles from me.

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T21:06:00.003-03:00

Pumpkin my hubby carved

Troy as a Scarecrow

Katie as a Zombie Princess

Happy Halloween!!!

Shoulder update

2010-10-28T16:38:00.003-03:00

Went to see my doctor today. He says I have tendonitis in my shoulder, not a torn rotator cuff. That's a good thing!! My range of motion is almost back to what it was before, certain movements still hurt.

I have turned the heel on the second thrummed sock, and on the second sock for Katie.

This time next week I'll be at the CN Tower :) Leave for Toronto next Weds at 11:05am. There'll be 10 4-H leaders and I forget how many 4-H members on the flight. (I think they go on the same flight as the leaders)

What do I take to knit on the plane?? Do I take anything? Wish I had a big ball of cotton yarn - I'd knit dishcloths. Suggestions??

Pictures when the socks are done, I promise

Knitting on Hold

2010-10-25T08:28:00.002-03:00

I have the second sock for Katie ready to have the heel started.
The second of the thrummed socks is started.

But, knitting has been put on hold.

Somehow I managed to tear my rotator cuff on Saturday. Am on anti-inflamatory pills and muscle relaxer pills now. :(

I am going to attempt to knit on Katie's socks today; they're small and light. In my mind it should be OK ... we'll see how it goes.

My space bar has something under it ... it's makes a noise everytime I hit it. Most annoying~!! MaybeI'lltypeallmywordstogethertoavoidusingit???

15 Day till Toronto :)

2010-10-19T15:55:00.005-03:00

It's getting closer and closer. My flight goes at 11:05 on the 3rd (think that's the right time - my e-ticket is here somewhere) So what am I doing? I'm watching MayDay ... all about plane crashes. Silly me.

Been knitting. Have made a pair of Briggs & Little Tuffy socks (with a mystery wool yarn for the heels and toes) that were ordered.

One half pair of thrummed bedsocks that were also ordered. One half pair of socks for my daughter.

I still have plans to make some thrummed mittens for an upcoming craft sale. And hopefully some socks for Christmas gifts ... my fingers had better get busy.

Oh, I'm also working on some sewn mittens; made from felted sweaters. None finished yet because I'm having a difference of opinion with my serger at the moment. Might have to give in and do them on my regular sewing machine. Hope to have a pair of them to take to my roommate at the conference.

And today I received a RAK from Heddy in the mail. Thank you very much! I like it very much!! It's proudly displayed in my living room.

So, what do you think of the new blog colors??

some knitting pictures

2010-10-02T17:24:00.004-03:00

Figure since this is a knitting blog, I should put some knitting pictures on here.

Goomba hat and a pumpkin hat for my friend Karen.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

4-H Pro-Show

2010-10-02T17:24:00.003-03:00

What a weekend.
Drove to Truro yesterday. Set up our booth, got the horse and chicken settled in, waited forever for them to finish judging, then moved all the judged articles to the booth. Got to bed around midnight.
Today Katie had showmanship - she got 6th place in a class of 13. The judge was the man who judged our Shelburne Exhibition in '08 ... she was happy about that. It was nice to see him. And he remembered her.
In Western Equitation she didn't get a placing. Dee was not being a good girl.
In Western Pleasure she got fourth place. That made us very happy. :) So proud of her.
In Jr. Western Reining she got .... are you ready .... FIRST PLACE!!! WooHooooo So very very proud and happy. Then her friend Kaleigh won in Sr. Reining. Kaleigh went on to be the grand champion - Katie was third place in that.
Poultry showmanship didn't go quite so well. But oh well, it's experience :)
Now we're at the hotel for a rest. Heading back later for the fashion show and possibly tug-of-war.
Got to meet Barbara today :) Another good thing that happened today!
And I judged the vegetable prep competition ... another first :)
Yup, need a nap!

Sept 20th

2010-09-20T09:44:00.002-03:00

Three months and 5 days and it'll be Christmas!! OH my!! Where has the year gone?? I do have a couple of presents done - including one knit one.

Been sick this weekend - sore throat, no energy, no voice. Feeling a bit better today though.

Cast on a sock for hubby Sat night, finished it last night. But, before I cast on the second one I cast on a pumpkin hat for a friend. That means I have three projects on the go (also have a shawl on the go) Will have to take pictures of all these things to share.

My kids don't have school today, but the elementary kids do have school, so I have to go to work. Thursday I'm in Lockeport for the day :)

Heading to the "Nu-2-U" this evening, it's my night to go down there and put out new items for people to buy. That's the hopsitals second hand shop. Not as big as Frenchy's ... but much better prices :) We usually have fun there when we work.

Have a good one!

Barbara asked for an update

2010-09-17T15:49:00.002-03:00

but I think it was only because she has updated her blog ... after a long break from it :)

47 days to Toronto, think those are the right numbers. Looking forward to it. Hersheys store at Niagara Falls :)

Been working on a shawl for a friend for Christmas. Knit a pair of socks, have a hat on the go. Have 2 hats to knit, but don't have the colors of yarn that I need for them.

Been doing some "canning". Have made pickled beets, gluten free mustard pickles and salsa sauce. This weekend I'm making spaghetti sauce, and maybe more salsa sauce (if I have enouth tomatoes) The urge has hit ... kinda scarey! Perhaps I should think about making some jam next year?

Two more weekends to 4-H Pro-Show. Looking forward to that. Hope to meet some new friends there. Have a RAK to deliver :) OH yes, I have knit a .... fooled ya ... not going to tell you what it is Barbara!!

78 Days and Counting Down

2010-08-18T07:24:00.002-03:00

Found out yesterday that I am making a trip in November.

I'm heading to the 4-H National Leaders Conference in Toronto. :) Expenses paid :)

Leave on a Weds, come back on Sunday. Will be attending seminars/talks/sessions while there. Meeting new people. Hopefully making new friends.

Will also be going the the CN Tower, the John Deere plant, a dinner theater and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. I could be exhausted when I get home!

Exhibition is over - next up Pro-Show

2010-08-17T07:46:00.002-03:00

Remember in that last post where I sillyingly posted that we didn't have to take our horse to Pro-Show. I was WRONG! The two girls who got to go on to Pro-Show decided that they don't want to go. So now Katie is doing Showmanship, Jr. Western Pleasure, Jr. Western Equitation and Jr. Western Reining. I'm hoping we'll be able to trailer with someone else. We have 2, possibly 3 horses going from our club. If only 2 go, I'm good to go with her, but if 3 go ... I have to haul the trailer ... which means asking hubby to go with me.

Oh well, I'm happy she gets to go.

No suggestions on what to do with that llama fleece if I am lucky enough to get it.

A question

2010-08-13T06:25:00.002-03:00

If you were given a llama fleece ... where would you take/send it to be washed/carded/spun into yarn? How much yarn do you get from one fleece? Would it be worth my time?

Exhibition is going well.

Katie's shirt that she made in 4-H is going to pro-show. Which is OK with her (now) since she doesn't have to take the horse to ride there (again) this year. She does go on for showmanship - but has wisely decided it wouldn't be wise to haul the horse to Truro for one show. Lots of other 4-H items from here heading to Pro-Show. So impressed with our club!!

Katie hasn't been doing as well as she hoped to be doing in the riding classes - but she has some tough competition. She's enjoying herself, and that is what matters.

Exhibition Week

2010-08-10T05:13:00.002-03:00

It's Tuesday morning, 5:15am ... and thanks to thunder and lightening I'm up. Not fully awake, but up. UGH!

In about 2 hours Katie and I head to the exhibition grounds. Today is day one of the local ex. She has some horse events to do today, and some 4-H events to do. And possibly a parade tonight ... they won't have it if the rain doesn't let up.

By the sounds of the rain coming down out there, there can't be much left up in the sky to come down!! (Oh, on netbook ... battery operated ... not using computer in the lightening)

Yesterday was our 4-H Achievement Day. Plus 4-H light horse events and dog events. Today the kids will do their various competitions, and th poultry kids will judge and do showmanship.

It's going to be a long and busy week. Hopefully it'll be a good week though. I just wish I could get more sleep.

Meet Ginger

2010-07-31T19:05:00.003-03:00

This is our new puppy Ginger.
She's a 9 month old Australian Cattle Dog.
This picture was taken this afternoon when Dan had her out for her first canoe trip. They went in the harbour, to a small island, where she was able to run off leash. I think she had fun. I know she had a nice long nap when they got home.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-07-11T07:00:00.002-03:00

It's my birthday.
I have no special plans - other than a bananasplit at some point today.
Just the way I like it - no fuss :)

Have completed another shirt. Supposed to be for Katie, but the sleeves are too short. Hopefully I'll be able to sell it. Will have to post pictures of it later, I'm on the netbook, and apparently can't access the pictures on the "big" computer :(

Maybe I'll have that banana split for breakfast??

a sewing project

2010-06-19T08:02:00.004-03:00

This is something I made the other evening. My daughter modeling it, but it belongs to her friend.
We put the "rhinestones" on the cuffs and collar ourselves.

Mother's Day is coming

2010-05-03T21:25:00.002-03:00

Just so you don't forget!! :)

What are you doing exciting for the weekend? I'm heading to Truro with the 4-H Light Horse Project kids, their leader and one other parent. It's 4-H weekend, and the girls are making up 2 teams competing in the Horse Classic. Good luck to them!!!

There's also going to be demostartions and speeches being done by other kids ... a busy and fun time for all. A boy from our club is in the Host Competetion; good luck to him too.

There's a big "4-H Night in Nova Scotia" thing going on on Sat night; but we aren't staying for that. We'll be heading home after the horse classic stuff is done. Which means I won't be there to find out if I'm one of the lucky leaders who gets to go to Toronto this fall. But that's OK, I'm sure they'll let me know if I was so lucky.

I'm knitting on a shawl for myself. I knit a prayer shawl for my MIL with the same yarn, and liked it so much I had to do something for myself with it. Fine grey yarn, no idea what it is made of. It's kind of hairy.

We've got roughly 1000 puppets towards our next delivery.

TTFN

Puppet update

2010-03-10T17:02:00.002-04:00

1357 fihished puppet :)

Home with a head cold today. I fought it ... I fought it hard ... but it won. Have spent my day watching TV, sleeping and knitting puppets. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!!!

Puppet Tally

2010-03-03T17:27:00.001-04:00

1062

Yup, 1062 puppets. And, you know, technically the Olympics aren't over - there's still the Paralympics to happen from the 12-21st of this month. Who knows how many we'll have done by then!!!

Puppets ... we have puppets ...

2010-02-24T17:35:00.003-04:00

We have lots and lots of puppets. 792 as of this afternoon.
Sister has more at her house to be added to the box.
I'm enjoying the puppet knitting.

On the news front - on Monday I start a temp full-time job as a PSA (or TA) with a little boy in grade 2. Could be a couple of weeks work, could be a job until June. I'll be working at the elementary school in Lockeport - about a 25-30 minute drive. Looking forward to it!

Frustration Level? HIGH

2010-02-20T08:07:00.002-04:00

I got the skirt part of the sweater coat all knit, thought it looked big, but thought it had to be right because I had gauge in my swatch. Decreased for the waist ... and it's still big. Huge in fact. Big enough to fit my 13 year old daughter ... way too big for a 2 year old.

So I broke the yarn, left it on the needles and found another pattern to knit.

Cast on a little girls swing coat (too lazy to do the link thing right now) ... got most of the bottom part of that done, and just am not feeling the love for it. It's a cute jacket ... but I'm just not feeling it.

So I'm now knitting finger puppets. Gonna knit as many as I can before the Olympics are over. They're simple, they're fun ... and they're what I feel like doing at the moment.

So much for the Ravelympics. Oh well, maybe in 4 years time.

Ravelympics Starting Soon

2010-02-12T20:24:00.007-04:00

Yup, it's true ... the Ravelympics are starting. What's that? A lesser known than the real olympics events where you choose a project (or several projects) to complete while the Olynpics are on TV.

I'm knitting the Snow Queen Sweater Coat It will be a gift for our niece Emily for Christmas. Hope she won't read my blog and ruin the surprise ... highly unlikely :)

My plan is to take pictures more often than I do now, and show my progress on here.

The worst part about it ... can't start until the opening ceremony .. which is 10pm my time.

Katie thinks we should have gone to visit with Mary Anne for a couple of days. Some of the events (speed skating??) are happening in her little part of BC. But, you know something ... I wouldn't have gone to watch the events ... too many crowds for me!

Go Canada!!!

2010 Winter Olympics Countdown

So, plan two??? Finish off socks that are in my knitting bag. Why not work on the sweater? The cable on my needle broke!! :( BooHooo Anyone close by who has a 3.75mm 16" (or longer) needle ... please let me borrow it. Oops! 4.5mm, 24" ... not 3.75

Snow storm

2010-01-02T15:47:00.002-04:00

Second day of the year.
Second snow storm of the year.
YIPPEE 2010 is off to a rip roaring start!!

I've finished the blanket I was knitting. Patons Divine, 5 big cables in it. Will post pictures later - camera is in NB.

Started a pair of socks for myself. Using Fortissima sock yarn my hubby got for me a while ago.

Hubby is in NB for the weekend. He left here yesterday before the snow started, and had good driving all the way there. He went up to be there when his mom came home from ON. Hopes to be able to come home tomorrow - we'll see.

So far we've had 11 inches of snow fall. YUCK!! I'm keeping the steps and deck clean, that's about it. My brother will come up when (if!) the snow ever stops and roads are fit to drive on again, and use his snow blower to clear us out. Such a nice brother :) Maybe he needs a pair of socks???

Hubby bought some yarn for the jacket I want to knit for Emily. Baby blue color he said. That will be my project after my socks are done ... or while I'm working on the socks as a second project?

So, the kids and I are stuck at home. Roads aren't fit to go on, and if they were I wouldn't be going anyway. The truck has no snow tires or extra weight. My sister was nice enough to go to Sobeys and pick up a few things for me. They are outside playing in the snow right now. Good sliding ... too bad we don't have a bigger hill for them.

An Update

2009-12-29T09:17:00.002-04:00

Since Barbara requested it ... and since she has an update on her blog ... here you go.

Nothing exciting to share.

Finished a pair of not cable cable socks for hubby on the 26th. Started them sometime in the fall. Got side-tracked by knitting thrummed mittens.

Now I'm working on an afaghan that I had started in the fall. Patons Divine yarn. 5 rows of big cables going up it. Quite pretty. Will put it in our exhibition next summer, then someone will get it for Christmas.

Have yarn to knit a pair of socks for me, that'll be the next project ... possibly.

Oh, knit a pair of thrummed mittens that someone ordered in the 10 days before Christmas. And the shop that I had 4 pairs in only has 1 pair left. So should try to get more made for there.

Also have hopes to make this for my niece Emily. We'll see.

I had more typed, and lost it :(
Happy Holidays!

Pay It Forward

2009-10-29T15:30:00.001-03:00

I recently agreed to take part in a Pay it Forward exchange. It's a pretty neat idea: you can receive a personal, handmade gift from a talented crafter, and all you have to do is "pay it forward" by agreeing to do the same for three people.

If you would like to receive a handmade gift from me, and are willing to make and send a handmade gift along to three of your blog readers, please let me know in my comments. Once you accept, you will receive something from me within 365 days. In turn, you will have 365 days to fulfill your end of the bargain.

Fun stuff - giving and receiving!

Barbie and knitting

2009-10-20T09:47:00.002-03:00

I've decided to knit my niece Mary some Barbie clothes for Christmas. So far I've done one poncho and 2 purses. Barbie needs more of a wardrobe than that! :)

I've got clothes patterns in my craft room. And have a couple of sites bookmarked. But am wondering if anyone who reads this might have a favorite site for free online Barbie clothes patterns. If you do, please put a link in my comments for me.

And,if you have nothing else to to do, and you want to knit some to do in her box ... I'll let you.

Another Update

2009-10-15T09:33:00.002-03:00

Pro-Show is done, and went very well. We were home mid-afternoon on Sunday - not too bad. But did it ever rain hard Sunday morning!!!

Katie got 2nd place with a leather belt she made, 1st place on some tatting, 2 place in junior poultry judging (we aren't sure how she did that well yet LOL), and 8th place in poultry showmanship. I'm proud of how well she did, considering this is the first time she's had anyone to compete against.

Our whole 4-H club did very well! We had 1 girl go onto the grand championship of judging competition, another go onto the grand championship of showmanship competition, and one of our horse kids got grand champion in 2 events. Unfortunately we weren't in the top 10 clubs point wise ... but we had FUN!

Katie has her team for the Curl for Cancer event on the 7th. Herself, 2 other girls, and my sister. Calling themselves The Fabulous Four, wearing purple tops and pink fuzzy scarves. Now the donation collection for that begins.

I'm knitting on thrummed mittens still. Have the thumb left to do on my second pair. Two craft sales coming up to get ready for.

Also trying to gather up things to put in a Fall Gift Box that the 4-H kids are selling tickets on on the 25th. There's a cruise ship coming in, and there's a whole bunch of stuff being planned for our water front area. Anyway, was looking for a box or basket to put all the goodies in ... when I had the bright idea to ask the prop guy from Moby Dick for a box. So we have a box from that set :)

Busy busy busy ... that's my life in a nutshell!

time for another update

2009-09-30T11:18:00.002-03:00

Not much going on.

Nova Scotia provincial 4-H show (4-H Pro-Show) starts Friday night. I'll be in Bridgewater for the weekend. Should be fun. Katie has to take Chester the chicken with us, she has to do showmanship with her. Plus she has to judge chickens, and judge crafts.

I've been knitting on thrummed mittens, and pink fuzzy scarves. Got a bag of 10 balls of yarn for $5 at WalMart a bit ago. One ball makes one scarf. Was going to give them to the high school to put in their "doing it right" store, but Katie has other plans for 4 of them.

She is hoping to put together a girls team for a local Curl for Cancer event in Nov. There are 3 girls she knows who curl, and she's supposed to be asking them today if they want to form a team. $10 per team member to register, plus they raise donations. Hopefully they'll want to join her. She's asked my sister to be coach/back-up player.

Today

2009-09-14T13:46:00.002-03:00

Katie turned 13 today.

She woke up to a wall of balloons and streamers in her bedroom door. Outside were 13 metalic fishies, more streamers and balloons. In the horses feed bin were some helium balloons.

Her friend had a sign to put on her locker. Her brother had a card to give her at lunchtime. It was announced on the CKBW birthday list this morning. Hope she had a good day at school.

After supper (pancakes, her request) we are having some friends up for cake.

Then we have to go see my brother, cause it's his birthday too. And then we have to go see my BIL, cause, yup ... his birthday too!

I'm knitting thrummed mittens.

Terry Fox Run

2009-09-12T16:47:00.002-03:00

Katie is taking part in a Terry Fox Run at the high school next Friday. If you'd like to sponsor her you can at this site Thank you!!!

Busy busy busy that's my life lately. Tell you about it later.

Have a good one!!

Things that make you go "huh??"

2009-08-19T13:59:00.002-03:00

I'm sure that if our neighbour was to look at my clothesline right now she'd swear I was crazy!
I'll have to post the picture later, cause I'm not sure how to get it off the camera - but I have a washed sheep fleece hung on the line to dry. Looks pretty funny!
The guy I got it from had a llama fleece for sale, not sure if he still has it or not. If you'd like to find out, let me know, and I'll give you his name and number.

My peacock feather shawl got first place in our local exhibition, in the category of "any other article, knit". I was hoping it would get best knit article in the show, but an afghan got it. :(

I had some other knitting entered as well, as did Katie. I must get pictures of stuff!!

Baby Budgie

2009-07-23T11:31:00.003-03:00

This is the oldest of the two baby budgies our pair hatched. Hatched July 8th. Getting noisy and busy!!
(think I might take some knitting pictures next LOL)

I'm trying to get some things knit to put in the exhibition here this summer. Have about 5 things to enter so far. I knit 2 yards of a narrow edging ... what fun that was!! I've made a pair of kids mittens, and am working on ladies mittens now.

Have a good one!!

Flowers

2009-07-21T09:07:00.004-03:00

Thought I should post something. And since my flowers are oh so pretty right now, they are being shared.
My Super Dorothy rose bush. B-day present from 2 of my friends a couple of years ago. Absolutely beautiful!!

These are pictures of my lillies. Not sure what type they are ... but what a lovely sea of yellow in the garden! See that branch, it's just at the height of the top of my head, to give you a bit of a sense of how tall they are.

And final shot - hungry fishes :)

Just a short one today

2009-06-17T09:13:00.002-03:00

This is my hubbys site, thought I'd share it with you ... since I think he is doing an amazing job on it!!
Canoe Shelburne

I'm still here!!

2009-05-07T11:34:00.002-03:00

I've got a horrible case of "start-itis"!!!! I just want to start new projects. Wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to start something, then have someone else come along and finish it for me!! Anyone want to come and do that???

I've started the Ten Stitch Blanket (Ravelry link). I'm using scraps of sock yarn to knit it. I will have to try to get a picture of it to show you. I'm going to need lots of sock yarn to finish it, so if anyone wants to save sock yarn scraps for me, I'd appreciate it :)

I've also got some pocketbook slippers on the go, rebuilding my stash of them. They are a fairly quick and simple knit. I've got 2 slippers done, and am working on a third right now. Will have three of that color - but that's ok, because if one wears out quicker than the other, I'll have a spare. And if not, someone can wear an odd pair :)

I'm going to be knitting another saddle pad cover for Katie. This one is with nice bright colors of yarn - 2 different oranges, 2 different reds, a yellowish color and a beige. It's going to be a slight variation of this pattern

I'd like to start a feather and fan blanket out of some brown patons divine (deep earth) that I have in my stash ... but think I probably shouldn't start another project.

Oh, and I have dishcloths that I am working on. Great for these rainy days when we are on inside duty at school.

My flower gardens are coming along nicely so far. Hubby bought me 2 Arctic Willow bushes to go in the front garden. They will be on each end of the garden. On one end we moved a smoke bush to make room. The smoke bush got seperated, and is now on either end of a new flower garden we are creating.

Gee, no pictures, but lots of links for you to follow today :)

What else?? Katie has decided to do some tatting as one of her three 4-H craft items. Have a nice simple pattern for her to do. Sorry, no link to a pattern for that, couldn't find one. But, I did find this site that I want to go back and take a better look at! OK ... so I just spent 15 minutes over there looking around ... what a bunch of creative ideas!!!

have a good one!

Can it be done???

2009-03-24T17:48:00.002-03:00

I've got a thought in my head ... and it won't get out!!

Is it possible to knit around a piece of cotton cord? You can buy it in stores, not sure what it's meant for ... something upholestry. Anyway, I'm thinking, if you can knit around one, it would be a neat way to make unique lead lines for Katie to use with her horse.

Don't know why I thought of this ... but I did. And now I know I'm just going to have to go to TimBRMart and buy a piece of the cording so I can try it.

I thought of I-cord, but there's no way to get the cording inside of it. And I-cord alone would be too stretchy (tried to knit a dog leash once). How awkward will it be to knit on 4 needles with the cording in the middle??

Perhaps if I go bang my head on the wall really hard a few times while yelling "GET OUT" the thought will go away???

Felted Bunny

2009-03-18T15:40:00.003-03:00

Is that cute, or what?? I've got Bunny #2 in the washer. #3 will soon be going on my needles. The pattern is from here

It's March Break here, and so far things are going pretty well. Katie is still recovering from pneumonia, so has been keeping somewhat quiet. She and her friend had plans to get together lots over the break - but it's not happening so far. Friday we're going on a shopping trip. This afternoon she went skating with Aunt Nancy and Mary. Troy and I watched.

Guess that's it for now. I lead such a boring life!

pictures

2009-03-11T16:22:00.005-03:00

At long last ... a couple of pictures!! :)

This is the order of 4 pairs of thrummed mittens and one hunting hat that I had. Showing the inside of one mitten as well.

Now I'm working on knitting 2 1lb balls of cotton yarn up into dishcloths for the ladies aux. group. Plus I want to start a pair of socks for hubby. And have 3 more pairs of thrummed mittens to do. (they are girls mittens .... looking forward to using pretty colored wool)

Sorry this isn't more exciting.

I don't really like using the roving in them ... gotta find some raw wool or something to use ... any suggestions??

Just an update

2009-02-24T10:12:00.002-04:00

I've been knitting. Had an order for 4 pairs of thrummed mittens and a wool hunting hat. Have the last mitten on the needles. Then I have 3 more pair ordered.
Plus my niece asked me to knit her a Where's Waldo type hat for her friend for her b-day.
You'd think I'd be nice and get the camera out and take some pictures. I will when the mittens are all finished. Promise!
Still working on a 2nd saddle pad cover for Katie. It got put on hold because of orders. But, it goes to curling with me, and sometimes gets worked on there a little bit :)
Had a job for 8 days packing up the Bargain Giant store that closed here. That was an interesting job. Lots of counting and writting, and box packing. Supposedly a The Bargain Store is opening in a few months to replace it. There's not many places to shop here now! You want new undies ... gotta go out of town!
Well, now you know I'm still in the land of the living.

I just discovered

2009-01-29T17:40:00.002-04:00

that my first blog post was on Tuesday, Sept 28th. Darn ... forgot to look at what year that was. 2007??
Must try to remember that when Sept comes around again ... have a blogaversary party.

Sadness

2009-01-24T08:14:00.002-04:00

This is a sad and hard post.

As some of you know, before Christmas my Mom had a heart valve replaced, at the QE2 in Halifax. Complications set in from that, and she was put on a ventilator. Two weeks ago she was transfered to Yarmouth, hoping that in a months time or so she would be transfered to Shelburne.

On Thursday she had a turn for the worst. And in the very early start of today she passed away.

I'm sad, I'm going to miss her. I'm most likely going to knit lots ... or none.

Happy New Year

2009-01-02T16:32:00.004-04:00

Let's start of the first post of the new year with a picture that our daughter took yesterday morning. Just beyond the horses fence. We saw 2 deer there later in the day. Collective "Awwww" moment :)

Mom is doing a bit better each day. She has been sitting up, and breating on her own a bit. Slow but steady.

I'm still fighting my cold. My friend was home from NB for Christmas ... and this morning I managed to spent 2 hours with her. Barely. Wiped me out for the rest of the day!!

I've crocheted a big granny square afghan. And knit some bookmarks. No pictures because I'm lazy. :)

Does anyone happen to have the book Greetings From the Knit Cafe? I'd love to have the pattern to make this I think it's about 200 sts, with an aran weight yarn, a 11 stitch chevron repeat ... but what I can't find by looking at various pictures online is ... what size needle, and is it single or doubled?

Merry Christmas/Happy New Year

2008-12-26T12:43:00.002-04:00

I hope that whoever is reading this had a very Merry Christmas yesterday, and that the New Year will be a very happy one for you!

Last week my Mom had a valve replaced on her heart. Complications set in, and she is still in ICU in Halifax. She is showing signs of improvement every day. But, it's been a hard holiday season for me. She's 2 hours away, and even though family is going to see her, I can't go, because I have a head cold.

My MIL came and spent Christmas with us. We had an early dinner yesterday, and she went back to Moncton. Tomorrow she heads back to Florida for the rest of the winter. She gave us a Wii ... the kids and hubby are thrilled!

My SIL had my name, and she crocheted me an afghan. It's my second favorite gift. My favorite is "Murphy" I've had him for about a month now ... and he made the Christmas baking a breeze.

I had someone stop me at the mall the other day and tell me how much they loved my purse. Barbara ... you're a star :) My daughter wants me to knit her one ... so I may have to break down and order some yarn from B&L; or buy some white and dye it myself.

On my needles now are a pair of socks for my hubby. A blue yarn that self stripes - too lazy to get up and go see the name of it. The pattern has a simple cable running down each side of the leg. Yup, cables ... I've become addicted to them. I've also knit myself a cabled neck warmer, that is still waiting to be ... what is that word ... you know, when you get it wet then stretch it into shape and let it dry... darn!!! Hate it when I can't think of a word.

Have a Happy Holiday!!

WOOHOO

2008-12-01T15:16:00.003-04:00

I've been PIF'ed!!!

Now I just need to get a picture of it to share with you. Got the most beautiful green bag from Barbara in the mail today. It's green (said that already, didn't I??), cabled ... cables galore!!, felted, lined with horse fabric, has a little pocket inside (where 2 finger puppets and some stitch markers were hiding). Simply beautiful!! I hugged it!

Now I guess it's my turn to PIF. Whom shall I pick?? Must give this some serious though ... and I'm open to suggestions. :)

Will post a picture later.
OK, taking the lazy route ... since Barbara has pictures on her blog, go check it out.

A new day, a new post :)

2008-11-25T10:15:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd share a link to some amazing Christmas lights. Someone with too much time on their hands. Or hired help to do it. Pretty just the same.

Got an email from my friend who lives in Fredericton. She's coming home for Christmas :) Asked her for some gift suggestions. She said "Mittens, because gloves just don't cut it up here". I had found a pair of thrummed mittens I had started, so they are being finished off for her. One is done, and I just put the stitches on a holder for the thumb on the second one. :)

Was knitting my mom a sweater for Christmas. Think I'm going to scratch that plan, and finish off a shawl/shrug thing I was working on for her instead. It'll get finished much quicker. And keep her shoulders warm. No word yet on when she goes for her surgery.

I knit a fish last night. Found the pattern on Ravelry last night. Quite cute. Think I'm going to knit two the same, sew them together with catnip inside.

Went to Barrington with my hubby this morning. Fell in love with some yarn there. What was it called?? Wait, let me look at my phone - took a picture of it :) Mode Dea in the cherry cola colorway. $8.50/ball They also had the stretch sock yarn; $5.99/ball.

Now I'm off to do housework - isn't that exciting? Might get hubby to bring up the Christmas decorations tonight. Maybe.

Have a good one!

Haven't posted in a while

2008-11-24T13:39:00.002-04:00

and Barbara is starting to bug me about that ... so here's a post :)

I gave the socks to their new owner ... and realized several hours later that I forgot to take a picture of them when they were done. Sorry.

I've knit a pair of blue mitt envy mitts; they are going to one of Katie's friends tomorrow for her b-day gift.

Had a craft sale on Saturday. Woke up to lots of snow, and knew my little car wasn't going to make it out the driveway, so called and cancelled my tables. Then a friend called and insisted she was picking me up, so I got ready and went to the sale. One of the best sales I've had in ages. I've been busy like crazy sewing lately - made 7 pairs of kids pj bottoms, and some Christmas runners, and some small gift bags. Didn't sell a single one of them! Did sell a bunch of suet feeders we had made, and some spurtles. The number of sellers was way down, but the attitude was good. And, my friend taught me how to make cinnamon stick and wire stars.

My mom is waiting to go to Halifax for some heart surgery. They are going to replace a valve, and then hopefully she'll start to feel lots better.

For those of you who save AirMiles, did you know that you can go to the airmiles website and print off a coupon for 25 bonus miles if you buy 5 our compliments products? Only good till Nov 30th. (and, it won't print for me, so I wish you luck!)

Not much has been going on here. Nothing exciting to type about. The same 'ol same 'ol. Yawn. No good knitting to take pictures. No cute puppies to take pictures of. No exciting down town to share pictures of. Boring. Sorry.

PIF's and RAK's

2008-11-07T08:25:00.002-04:00

Barbara mentioned that she got a PIF yesterday, showed some nice pictures on her blog. She also teased me by reminding me that she has one in the works for me.

Got me thinking. We need more PIF's and RAK's in the world.

But first, we probably need to know what they are, right?? :) PIF - Pay it Forward (remember that great movie with the very sad ending??) RAK - Random Act of Kindness

There, now you know what they are ... go do some!

Yesterday afternoon I started a pair of blue mitt envy mitts, finished them this morning. Man I'm getting fast at them!! They were going to be for one of Katie's friends for Christmas. Now I think I'm going to give them to the high school to put in their "Doing it Right Store". The kids get "coupons" if they are caught "doing it right" - wearing pink on Weds, red on Friday, doing something nice for someone, things like that. Last year they put all the names in a box, and drew out names for small prizes. This year they decided to change things, and today a store opens that the kids can cash in their Doing It Rigth coupons for products. I figure the mitts might be just the thing. Maybe I'll do a couple more pairs?

Off for my volunteer time in the elementary school library. Have a good day!

Mary Anne - hope you get mail today. Happy Birthday tomorrow!

invisible mitts

2008-11-05T09:15:00.004-04:00

Pretend you can see the picture of my latest mitt envy mitts. They are heather green wool from B&L. Very warm.
I altered the pattern. It says to go until there are 21 sts for the thumb; I only go up to 15. That's skipping repeat 3 of the pattern. Either I'm using thicker yarn/bigger needles than the pattern calls for ... or I have small hands. It means there are 4 cables in my final mitt rather than 5.
Of course, on this pair I meant to do one more cable repeat before I did the fingertip ribbing ... but I forgot.
And, because this picture is invisible (for the time being) you can't see where I messed up the rib on the right mitten. Not bad - 4 pairs and I only messed the cable up once!
Pair 3?? Oh, I can't tell you about that pair. Shhhhh
Pair 1 is purple, for Katie, pair 2 are green for her friend, pair 4 is for me!
Going to a friends house for coffee later - looking forward to that.

pictures

2008-10-30T18:24:00.019-03:00

fingerless mitts knit for a friend of Katie. Mitt Envy is the pattern. Fun easy knit .. nice introduction to cables for me. Forgot to say that I left out one of the pattern repeats, found that the mitt was too long with all the ones that the pattern called for in there.

socks I knit for me. I was wearing them when taking the other pictures, so I figured "why not?".

Socks that I am knitting for the father of an online friend. The second one is now down to having about half of the heel flap knit.

a dishcloth. MIL is getting a bunch of these for Christmas. 2 done ... many more to go. Have a 1lb ball of the yarn.

And that, dear readers, is what I've been up to.

My mom has asked me to make some tatted bookmarks for her. Have to look to see if I have the paper I glued the tatting onto or not. If not, I might have to send hubby hunting for it ... heaven help me!

hummmm

2008-10-29T14:46:00.002-03:00

Yesterday I put on here that I was Kermit. And my blog went all funny looking. My right hand side was at the bottom. I was not happy!! So I deleted that post, and it cleared up. Just take my word for it .. I'm Kermit!!

I did take some knitting pictures last night. I still have to take those pictures from the camera and put them on the computer; that's my project for this evening. So, Barbara, I promise that some pictures are coming!

Have a good one!

Just checking in

2008-10-27T17:27:00.003-03:00

Darn it!! My post went away!!! that's they way this day has been.

Just told you what I'm working on -
wool socks
dishclothes
slippers
mice
and looking for needles to start a sweater for my mom.

Nothing exciting going on. Pretty boring. Sorry

What's up??

2008-10-19T16:28:00.002-03:00

Today we went and picked up 17 little bantam chickens. 16 hens and one rooster by the looks of them. One hen escaped, and if they are able to catch her we'll get her too. But, they are new :) Hopefully the rooster won't be a crower, the lady we got them from says she has never heard it crow. They are tiny compared to our other chickens. Four of them look like little versions of Chester (our black breasted red phoenix) .. they may be these Could be fun trying to figure out what they all are. Some she said were "frizzles"; only ours are grey/brown. I'll have to get pictures over the next few days.

Mary also came to spend a few days with us. I'm not used to having an active 2 year old around!! She and Pooh are cuddled up having a nap right now ... I'm amazed how easy it was to get her to nap ... cause I hear my sister saying how hard it is to get her to nap. PHEW! (Jennifer, if you're reading this, I'm sure it's just beginners luck!) I'm looking forward to spending the days with her .. should be an experience!

Guess that's it for now.

Birdie on a Mission?

2008-10-14T22:41:00.002-03:00

This afternoon the kids and got to witness a birdie on a mission. Not a very smart mission, but a mission. His purpose ... we're not really sure.

I was standing at the kitchen sink, getting a drink of water (you know how important it is to drink lots of water, right??) when I noticed a bird flying towards the house. Coming at a pretty good clip. Said to myself "Humm ... wonder if that is going to miss WHAM " .... well, so much for that question, guess it wasn't going to miss the house. Flew (almost said "ran"LOL) right into the dining area window. Kids jumped "What was that??" "That", I said "was a bird", as I headed out the basement to be sure it was ok.

Sitting on the ground, wings spread out, was a hairy woodpecker. Looked at it, it wasn't moving much, so I picked it up. Katie brought out her camera and got a picture of it in my hand. You could see where he had flattened out the tips of his beak a bit. We brought him inside, put him in an empty bird cage, and left him to rest. After about 15 minutes he revived himself, and let it be known that he wanted OUT NOW! Took the cage outside, opened the door, and off he flew. At least he chirped a quick "Thank you" as he flew away :)

Dan asked me how many wild birds I have held. There's been a woodpecker, sparrows, a chickadee, a robin, and probably others. My favorite of all was the hummingbird that I held once. It got caught in behind some stuff in a very sunny porch. Couldn't find it's way out. Heard this weird humming/buzzing noise ... and eventually curiosity got the best of me and I had to go find out what it was. You know, you can hardly feel a hummingbird, they are so light.

Once I get the picture off her camera I'll try to remember to post it.

On the knitting front - I got a Briggs & Little sample pack today. Their new Soft Spun looks really nice.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-10-13T06:58:00.001-03:00

WOOHOO!!!

2008-08-30T17:13:00.002-03:00

Two things to celebrate today.

1) It's National Toasted Marshmallow Day. Our big marshmallow roast starts at 7:30. Wanna come??

2) the Peacock Feather Shawl is done!!! Still needs to be soaked and pinned to dry - but boy am I ever happy!!

See, the shawl in it's finished state :) blocking on a flannel sheet hanging between two poles in my living room. 82" X 41"

Aug 25th .... humm, what to title this post??

2008-08-25T08:22:00.003-03:00

Tomorrow is a big day for hubby and myself. Tomorrow celebrates 19 years of marriage.

19 years ago we spent the night in a friends cottage beside the river. They promised us that in 20 years we could spend the night there again. In the mean time they have torn down the little cottage we stayed in and built a much, much, much nicer one. I mean, this cottage is way better than my house! And, yes, the deal to stay there next year still stands :)

No special plans. Think we will make up some cards that say something about it being our anniversary on them, and go geocaching, leaving the cards in the ones that we find. I did pick up some lime and ?? marinated steaks from Sobeys last week to cook for our supper. Will make rice and veggies to go with them. (and hotdogs for the kids)

Shawl update. I'm on row 211 or so of 250!! It's getting there, slowly. It takes me about 45 minutes to do a pattern row and a purl row.

Started a pair of broadripple socks. Re-started a pair of broadripple socks. Re-started a pair of broadripple socks. Got past the heel on this attempt ... and just noticed a mistake in the pattern on the top of the foot. You know what?? They're for me .. the mistake is going to stay!!

Hope to read some new posts from those people over there in that blogs I visit colume :) Heddy has been having lots of fun with Mr. Bruce. And Donna is having fun with Maggie and Gunni. They are almost making me want to look for a dog ... almost! :)

Have a good one!

Perhaps I should call this post "my lucky day"?? I just bought a HP laptop for a very good price, seems to work great, has the programs on it that I use ... already thinking of using it when we go to 4-H Pro Show the end of Sept.

Update

2008-08-17T08:38:00.004-03:00

Nothing much has been going on.

Took about 2400 puppets to the IWK on Monday - they were thrilled to get them.

I'm plugging away on this. I'm down to where the bigger feather start. Last night I knit one row, and it gave me a whole bunch of trouble. Took me 45 minutes!! I'm on row 167 of 250 or so. I'll hopefully get a picture of my progess so far later on today. Doesn't look very nice all bunched up on a round needle :)

Our computer has been acting up, and we had to replace the hard drive. So now I'm slowly rebuilding my favorites and email addys. If you haven't heard from me, drop me a line, please :)

Have a good day!

ARRGGHHHH Made a mistake, and need to go back to the life line that I put in; 18 rows! Thank goodness I put that life line in though!

PHEW!! This morning I was able to take another look at the shawl, and was able to find where I had dropped 3 stitches. Picked them up, and was able to finish the row with no further problems.
It all started when I accidently purled a knit row ... and a whole row that had to come out. And being as careful as I was I dropped some stitches. But, thankfully I ended up only losing 3 rows of knitting ... much better than 18 rows!! I'll be putting in another life line before I go any further!

Pictures

2008-08-12T07:56:00.002-03:00

Katie and the chair that she won for having the most points in her age division.

The rest of the pictures are Katie and Dee in the halter class we held as a fundraiser for the Epilepsy Association of Nova Scotia. People paid $5 to go in the class, plus we collected donations from the people watchings. $160 was given to the two ladies who came down from Halifax for the afternoon. I'm very proud of our horse club for doing this. (now to come up with a group to support next year)

In other news, I finished a pair of socks for hubby last night. He's gone to work with them on his feet or I'd take a picture of them. After I finish the peacock shawl I have a another "big" project in mind - gonna knit a saddle pad cover for Katie.

Have a good one!!

Exhibition Week

2008-08-06T06:46:00.002-03:00

Means I'm busy busy busy!!

Katie and her horse went in the parade last night with a Red Green theme - didn't go over as well as I hoped it would :( But I think she looked darn cute!! Will post pictures later.

She had all her 4-H light horse classes on Monday; had fun! Yesterday she had a halter class, and got 6th place in that. Today she rides in10 classes - busy day!!

Gifted

2008-07-30T18:03:00.005-03:00

Not me, I'm not gifted. (or at least not in a good way LOL)

My cousin, who is down from NB visiting has been telling me on past trips about this great craft shop that she goes to; things are extremely cheap. Like sock yarn for $2.00 a skein. Yeah, I didn't believe it either!
So ... today she came here for a short visit, then we went to the hospitals second hand store looking for treasures, then back to my Mom's (where she and her hubby are staying). And she gifted me with 3.5 skeins of this. Yup, discontinued Lion Brand Magic Stripes yarn, in color 202 - shades of blue. She now has instructions to buy me some whenever she sees sock yarn there, I'm not fussy about color.
(Picture shows the On Your Toes that I got for my b-day, and the yarn I got today)

This is a picture of our mare Dancer - we just sold her. She went to her new home on Thursday. In this picture her new Mom is on her back. I swear that the girls smile could not get any bigger - this was taken her first time on her back.

Oh, and Barbara, I'll be trying to post more, and that includes more pictures :)

This is a bouquet I picked from my gardens this morning ... first time doing this. It's all Neville's fault, him and his "pick your flowers, take them inside and enjoy them" on BT every second Weds finally got to me!

Shelburne County Exhibition

2008-07-28T10:59:00.002-03:00

It's coming closer and closer.
It's a week earlier than last year, and I seem to be having no time to get ready! Of course, I do have a full year, and I do know that :)
Each year after exhibition week I say "Now I need to get started knitting for next year" ... and it never happens!! This year I have to make it happen.
I WILL have the Peacock Feather Shawl done to enter in competition next year.
I WILL have socks, mittens, slippers and other items knit to enter.
Have a good one!

oh, you people who are listed over there on my list of blogs I go to .. you need to post so I have some new reading material :)

Things that make you go "hummm"

2008-07-24T17:47:00.002-03:00

I'm having a "hummmm" moment.

All my life I've thought shingles were
A) the things on the roof, and
B) a form of chicken pox that old people got.

So, why does my son, who is 14, have them?? Doctor didn't give him any medications for the pain - the one that his little "book" told him to give DS is already on - it's one of his epilepsy meds. I thought that was kind of funny.

I've been working in the kitchen at our church's DVBS this week. I've knit 1.5 scarves so far.

I've also been working on the peacock feather shawl - I'm on row 124 or so of it. So far, so good. There's a few mistakes ... and if you see it and point those mistakes out to me, I'll stomp on your foot!!

Today we sold one of our horses. We delivered her to her new home in Yarmouth this morning. Then this afternoon I took Katie into the exhibition grounds so she could ride for a while. Then I was home for a bit, then took Troy to get groceries and to see the doctor. Now I'm just waiting for my sister to call and say she's ready to go make cotton candy.

It's Founder's Days here this weekend, and the fire dept. ladies aux. has a booth. We make the cotton candy up ahead of time and store it at the firehall. Makes it quicker and less messy on the waterfront.

Oh, if you happen to know what Barbara is working on, don't be mean and tease me!!

A funny thing happened to me

2008-07-17T16:10:00.002-03:00

while I was on the waterfront today.

We went to watch the first round of a Nova Scotia Town Criers Competition. Kinda neat! Before it all started there was a lady taking lots of pictures. And a CTV camera. (if you happen to see a lady with a peach top and a pony tail on CTV ... that's me, or a boy witha blue & yellow hat, or a girl with a blue/brown/teal/white shirt, or a little blond in a stroller)

Anyway ... the lady with the camera was pointing the camera behind me and down low. Thought maybe she was taking a picture of the town criers behind me, but no, no view of them; too low anyway, especially since the guy right there didn't have nice socks on. Humm ... look around while trying not to look around ... what is she taking a picture of?

Of all the things!! There were my monkey socks peering out over the top of my sneakers ... and that's what she got a shot of.

Good News!

2008-07-16T17:01:00.000-03:00

Emily is going home on Saturday!!!

Happy Birthday to me

2008-07-11T07:21:00.003-03:00

It's my birthday. The day that I dreaded so terribly last year. This one isn't so bad. Guess that's because I'm already in the 40's.

Katie made me a bracelet out of some beads. Very pretty.

Not sure what hubby is getting me. Says it won't be here for a week or so yet, and won't tell me what it is, or give me any hints. Meanie!!!

I'm off to a craft sale at the firehall in town for the next 3 days. My sister and I organized it for the Loyalist Landing 2008 group. 71 tables booked for tomorrow, a few less for today and Sunday. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Hope you have a good day!

Birthday Presents

2008-07-03T16:18:00.002-03:00

My friend Linda is home from Fredericton for a week, and brought me my birthday present just a little bit early. (b-day is next Friday, not dreading this one as much as last years!!)

She gave me a birthstone cherished teddy, and a copy of "The Lacy Knitting of Mary Schiffmann" by Nancy Nehring, and Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls" by Martha Waterman.

Now I really need to get my peacock shawl done so I can play with things from these books!

She and I took my kids and went to Lockeport to walk the beach. Water was cold; but once you numbed your feet to it it was quite nice. Lovely morning to be on the beach. Took a bunch of pictures, but I don't know how to get them off the new camera, so that'll have to wait until hubby is home.

We went for a walk on the waterfront in town as well, another nice area to walk. Found a few pieces of beach glass. The museum is selling little beach glass inukshuks ... they are really sweet. Turns out my niece (who works at the museum) is an inukshuk maker :) Took pictures of some of them as well.

Knitterpuddlians, would you mind if one (or two) extra knitters showed up on July 9th? Just let me know where and when. My hubby is off that week ... I'll tell him it can my my b-day present from him to go :)

TTFN

finished Mary Jane Booties

2008-06-23T11:41:00.003-03:00

I just finished off the cutest little knit booties. The Mary Jane Booties I did them in some left over sock yarn in pink/red/white with black specks through it. Going to be taking them to Emily Faye on the weekend. (and if you're reading this and know my SIL, don't tell her we're coming!!)

We will be, in a few hours, the proud owners of a new-to-us 2005 Aveo. No more huge gas bills in the truck. Mind you, we are keeping the truck, still need to haul a horse trailer around. But we will be driving "Murray" more than the truck.

I'd show you a picture of the booties, but yesterday our camera had an accident. It decided to see if it liked swimming ... it didn't. Thankfully we have been thinking of getting a new camera, because this one wasn't acting quite right.

I just realized that Weds night is Katie's graduation, and we don't have a camera!!! YIKES!!

We're going to a friends house for supper tonight. Need to buy and cook a squash to take with us. I can handle that. She's cooking a turkey. YUM :)

TTFN

Yarn Shop Closing

2008-06-20T08:01:00.002-03:00

Hi,
Just saw this on kijiji, and thought I'd share. Perhaps some of you other knitters out there will be able to get to it.
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-hobbies-crafts-Knitting-supplies-30-off-sale-W0QQAdIdZ57300167

Baby Emily is doing great. She's drinking up to 12cc at a time now, and there is hope that she will be off the IV early next week.

Service for Baby Madison is next Friday. :(

Been knitting dishclothes, will try to get a picture of them one day soon.

Troy has no school, Katie only has school until 1:00. It's their field day. Tomorrow is our graduation party/marshmallow roast

Baby Emily Update

2008-06-13T11:28:00.001-03:00

Just talked to my SIL, and Emily is doing much better.
They've been told that there is a 90% chance that Emily will be going home.
She's starting to drink expressed milk :)
WOOHOO!!

Sad News

2008-06-12T08:41:00.001-03:00

Early yesterday morning my SIL had a c-section to deliver the twins.
Sadly one of the little girls (Madison) passed away shortly after that.
Emily is still hanging on, but not "out of the woods" yet.
Send prayers, supportive thoughts, etc.
Thanks!

No WWKIP Day in Shelburne this year

2008-06-07T12:04:00.002-03:00

I've been sick for the past 2 weeks with a head cold, and just haven't had the chance to get together with Jane to plan anything. Plus she has a film crew showing up at her place at 9am on the 14th to film a re-enactment of the Loyalist Landing. Just too much life happening.

But ... we have decided to have kick-butt event next year! Book your day off now Lexa!! :)
I'm thinking the kids and I might make a road trip to Liverpool that morning; hubby will be working.

On Ravelry I'm boobearns. So creative :) Or it could be Dorothy that shows up.

Katie and I spent 2.5 hours in town this morning trying to sell cotton candy for the 4-H club. Made a few bucks more. It's town wide yard sale day ... and boy is it ever busy in town!!

Still trying to re-size the garden pictures, perhaps later today?

kick in the butt

2008-06-03T09:03:00.004-03:00

Thank you to Barbara for the kick in the butt to get posting again :)

I've been knitting dishcloths. Some will be a moving away gift for friends of ours. Not sure what else to get them ... I'm not very gift creative.

And we've been working on the yard and gardening. I have a huge garden (10X10') of tulips, pinks and purples. I'd share a picture of them, but everytime I try to edit it it goes all pixel-ly on me. Will have to ask hubby about that later.

Speaking of hubby. He and 3 friends went on a 6 day canoe trip down the Shelburne River. Inspired by The Tentdwellers book which is celebrating it's 100th anniversary. They had fun. But were tired when they got home. This is a picture that hubby took somewhere along the way.

Myself and another wife went to pick them up on Saturday, and got lost driving to Low Landing. Lots and lots of dirt roads, thought we might have to drive over a wooden bridge with no rails ... then we saw a little sign that said "Lake Rosignol" and we found the guys.

Back to the gardening stuff. I had a 4-H leaders meeting here last night, and almost every lady commented on our gardens :)

Had a call from the school phys ed teacher this morning. They are having a speed stacking competition at the school on Monday. Our daughter tried for the team, but didn't make it. :( But, this tournament is for grade 6 only (if I heard him correctly) and he was calling to see if she would be on the team. DUH!! That fell in the category of stupid question!

And, take a look at the puppet total.

Have a good one!!

Puppet Update

2008-05-05T21:13:00.002-03:00

My MIL arrived today, and with her she brought my SIL with her baby belly :) Oh, and 700 finger puppets!!!

Hubby just pointed out that baby should probably be plural .... babies belly?? Nah. Baby belly. But, it's a double baby belly :) Maybe I'll sneak a picture of it tomorrow.

700 puppets people!!!!

Plus 100 that aren't faced yet! She's a crazy lady ... she makes little pompoms for each puppet. That means she has made 700 tiny tiny little pompoms!!!

WOOHOO

2008-04-16T08:23:00.002-03:00

Got the offical word yesterday.

Dan's sister is having girls !!

that's it for today.

Hummm

2008-04-05T18:12:00.002-03:00

I want to make this sweater, but the thing is, I'd like to use a different pattern on the shoulder/arm. Thinking something like the pattern in the monkey socks might be nice. And, oh yes, the color will not be yellow!
But first I have to finish the sweater I'm knitting for Katie; have the back and front done, and have both sleeves on the needle now. Think I mis-measured and it might be a bit on the small side. We'll see.
Here's hoping I got all those links right!!

Stuff

2008-03-19T16:01:00.002-03:00

WWKIP Day - World Wide Knit In Public Day. Sorry for the confusion.

This is a video of Katie and myself with one of our horses, Dancer. She's the one we're hoping to sell. Anyone want to buy a horse??? :)

Been knitting on socks for myself. Finally got the thrummed mittens finished. Still have to call the lady and tell her they're finished though.

I'm making a pair of the monkey socks now; slight adaption to the pattern because I had to add more stitches to it. Hopefully it'll look OK when done. Thanks to Purly Whirly for letting me that those weren't cables, and weren't too hard to do :)

Been working in the school library all this week. Working on dishcloths there; took me two days to knit one. They'll be going in a "dishwashing stash basket" for a dutch auction here on the 28th. (6:30pm at the Lower Ohio Community Hall, in support of the Roseway River 4-H Club ... if you want to come)

Guess that's it for today.

WWKIP Day

2008-03-08T08:42:00.003-04:00

Does anyone know when the official date is? Going by past years I'm assuming it's the second Saturday in June; which makes it June 14th this year.

There is going to be a small event in Shelburne. Location and such will be announced later on. So far we know there will be tea, coffee and food. Hopefully some local knitters will come; there'll be 3 of us there for sure :) And some knitters from "afar" ... hey Knitterpuddlians - consider this your formal invitation!!

At the same time there will be specical displays set up at the museums about the Loyalists in Shelburne - it's our 225th anniversary. Lots of events planned throughout the year.

I updated the finger puppet count. And a delivery was made this past week. I didn't count them, just filled three bags full and sent them on their way. The daughter of a friend of mine was going in for some surgery on Thursday, so they offered to deliver them for me. Finger puppets, and 24 cast socks. :)

Have a good one!!

Snowing again

2008-02-22T18:44:00.002-04:00

It's a pretty snowy evening out there. Both in the fact that it's snowing pretty hard, and that it looks pretty.

I finished the wool socks for my friend. And am now working on hubbys socks. And the thrummed mittens are there ... but not being touched right now. Not in the mood.

I worked 2.5 days in the school library today. This working all day stuff is exhausting!! Fun, but exhausting :)

Nothing much else to tell you, I lead such a boring life.

Oh!! Another thing I've been knitting a few of - cast socks. Not using this pattern, but made up my own. My friend Robyn has been knitting them, and I've done a few to help her out. Her daughter has to go to the IWK next month to have some leg surgery, she'll be in a cast from hip to toe when finished ... and will need some cast socks to keep her toes nice and toasty warm. Robyn is making some for her daughter (and I did a fuzzy pink and purple one for her), and soem to give to the IWK. She'll also be taking a delivery of puppets to them for me. Oh, I updated the puppet count.

Take Care!