To Heck with New Years Eve. THE BOYS ARE PLAYING TONIGHT!!!

Sorry, but when your football team plays their rival at home field advantage you tend to forget about things. Yes that's right Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears The Packers (7-8) travel to Chicago to take on Lovie Smith's 13-2 Bears tonight at 7:00 PM.
This could be a very interesting game for me. You see my best friend Deanna was born and raised in Milwaukee WI, I have forgiven her many times for that she couldn't help it her parents didn't see that it would have been better for them if they lived in Chicago vs Milwaukee. I love Deanna very much but when it comes to our teams the only thing we agree on is it doesn't matter who the boys are playing as long as they beat the Vikings. I am going to Machenrys tonight to celebrate New Years Eve, to listen to Free Whiski to be with friends to bring in the New Year. Deanna and I will be watching out teams play against each other while our husbands watch us so that we don't get too excited. This could be the last game for Bret Farve, I know it will be emotional for Deanna. I just wonder how she is going to keep entertaining from the stage while watching the game. She may not have to watch the game she may just have to watch my reactions. D you know I love you... but GO BEARS!!!

New Years Eve 2006

Sighs.... It's good to see this year come to an end. Being laid off, having a monster kidney stone, almost loosing mom. I am happy to see it go. I did get to meet new people that have become very dear to me this year. I got to know my niece a little better and feel closer to her than I have in a while. The dreams about Daddy still concern me. We shall see what will happen. I am still waiting to hear about the job I interviewed for, I was told the longer I don't hear from them the better. They don't make offers until after they have received back ground checks. So I sit. I wait and I knit. I no longer make resolutions. Resolutions sound so final. I have goals that I establish. There are two right now that I can think of other than working. One is to loose 11 more pounds so that I can get down to the weight I was when I got married and maintain it. The other is to knit a cabled sweater. I think those are reasonable.
I frogged the Fiber trends ruffles and ridges shawl, it was totally off center. Could I live with it??? Nope. So into the frog pond it went. I'll cast on those 1095 stitches again in 2007. I will also post pictures probably on Monday of the other items I have finished. I start my first KAL on January 1st. I have one more sweater (with long sleeves) to cast on before I start knitting short sleeves and sleeveless for me. It will be that time of year again soon. If I don't get the cardigan done to wear for this Winter/Spring it will always be ready for next winter.

Leftover Ham Casserole

Well it was a smash hit. They loved it. Now trying to decide what to take to the pre New Years Eve party tomorrow night. I guess it's onto allrecipes.com to find something fabulous to take to the party. I did finish the Vilma sweater, just in time for New Years Eve. I will post photo of the completed one soon. Now onto next item on the list.

Holidays

The holidays were wonderful. Time spent with family and friends. Wonderful presents. Yes I did finish all the last minute Christmas presents. I didn't get a photo of Deanna's finished one yet, but as soon as I do I will post it. I want to finish Vilma this week,I would like to wear it for New Years. I really don't want to start on a new project until after the new year.
My goal of having the Bella finished by New years well... that's not going to happen, I have finished the 5 pattern repeats to join it to the top of the shawl but, I now have to continue the pattern repeats all the way up to the shoulder, across the shoulder down the back and even with the lace at the bottom.... If it's ready by the end of January I'll be lucky.
I did have an interview last week Thursday with an actual employer. They are demanding in the amount of work they require however, because of how automated they are the demands are possible. They do pay well and they have a bonus structure that compensates very well for the extra work done. I was told by the person interviewing me that the more time that goes by without hearing from them the better, they will not make an offer until after background checks have been made. I don't know if this will help or hurt me but the second person that interviewed me was someone I worked with in the past.
I don't know about you but I am tired of left over ham for lunch and dinner, so I have concocted a casserole for dinner, chop up 2 cups of ham, mix in left over potatoes au gratin, peel and slice thinly 2 extra potatoes, take left over stuffed mushrooms, and left over mushroom dumplings, add 2 thinly sliced carrots, sliced into circles not long ways, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and 1 can of water from the cream of mushroom soup, mix it all together, cover with aluminum foil and bake for one hour at 350 degrees. I'll let you know how they like it. I think I will call this, leftover Christmas Ham Casserole.

IT'S DONE!!!

5:30 AM Christmas morning and Deanna's shrug comes off the needles. The last Christmas Present done for this year. Someone remind me in June of 2007 to start knitting Christmas presents. Now onto finishing the Vilma so I can wear it for New Years.

4 and 1/2 inches left to go

I stayed up knitting Deanna's shrug last night I want it done to give to her on Christmas day. right now I am looking at 4 1/2 inches left to finish. So here I sit, watching the history channel something about the Real Pirates, drinking the Cherry Lambec she gave me on Thanksgiving. I am exhausted, after hair cuts today came home, did 3 loads of laundry, made the mushroom dumplings to put in the red beet borscht, made the potato, onion and cream cheese dumplings, made dinner today, mad the chocolate almond cream roll. I 86ed the chocolate chip cookies with nuts for now. I feel like a zombie right now. I could use a long deep foot massage.
Traditionally Christmas Eve for me growing up was meatless. Now, my husband is a Texan, and even though he understands and respects tradition, I do not subject him to a totally meatless Christmas eve supper. For appetizers, I am making spinach dip served in a bread bowl, something we called a pine cone, it's a mixture of cream cheese, blue cheese and onion, formed into an oval, and covered in almonds made to resemble a pine cone, cream cheese Penguins, which is a pitted large black olive, stuffed with cream cheese, a small black olive on top of it, carrot slices with a triangle cut out to resemble feet, the triangle becomes the beak and there you have Penguins. I am using a cream cheese mixed with chives. stuffed mushrooms, pickles, and olives. I have made a hot buttered rum batter yet another all recipes find. I love this one because I don't have to have a huge pot of hot buttered rum brewing for hours. I will make the borscht tomorrow, the mushroom dumplings aka uszka are already made, and boiled. All I have to do is add the hot soup to it. Someone is bringing fresh baked bread, I am serving stuffed shrimp wrapped in bacon, a honey baked ham, potato, onion and cheese pierogi, (yes made them too) someone is making potato augratin, sweet potatoes, 3 bean salad, green bean casserole Dessert consists of , wreath cookies, cresant cookies, jam filled butter cookies , almond shortbread, lemon shortbread, orange spice short bread, chocolate almond cream roll,cheesecake, creamy pumpkin pie, and someone else is bringing some other sweets. Ok does that make at least 12 different things? Twelve to symbolize the 12 months of the year or the 12 apostles. There are several other traditions including the empty place setting. and extra place is set at the table, some believe it is for the unexpected guest, some a prophet, others to remind us of family that is no longer with us.

I could writer more but, starting to fall asleep. Happy Christmas everyone!

Evelyn

Monday night we watched a lovely movie titled Evelyn. Netflix summery of it is "sometimes heroism finds it's ambassador in the simplest struggles: a father's fight to raise his children. Based on real-life events, Evelyn follows the story of Desmond Doyle (Pierce Brosnan), whose wife has left him and whose three kids -- Evelyn, Maurice and Dermot -- are taken away from him and placed in orphanages. Although Desmond vows to reunite his family, he faces the formidable Irish Supreme Court as his foe." I loved it. I could label this as a Christmas movie because the wife leaves him on Christmas and it ends on Christmas. But I do wonder if that really was Pierce Brosnan singing in the pubs. I guess I will have to look for the sound track to see if it really was him.

Update on the Bella shawl... well the lace part that I had to knit with the pattern repeat is done, now all I have to do it attach it and knit the pattern a gazillion times to the front and the back of the upper part and it will be done, but don't think it will be done by New Years Eve, maybe by end of January?

In the mean time I am still working on the last present that has to get done before Christmas. I have finished the left sleeve and left side now working on right sleeve, close to done but not yet. Today I am going to bake Wreath cookies again another recipe from allrecipies.com. I don't know how I would survive without allrecipies.com.

Knitters Twas the night before Christmas

I saw this on aonther's blog and had to share it with you.

A Knitter's Night Before Christmas

~Author Unknown~

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me

Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care

'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds

but I had not finished the caps for their heads.

Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,

And the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,

I put down my needles to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash,

Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow

Reminded me how much I still had to go.

Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,

I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.

And though I was tired,my brain was a bit thick,

I knew in a moment,it must be Saint Nick.

But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,

For not a name I heard was what I had expected

"move, Ashford; move, Lopi; move, Addie and Clover

Move, Reynolds; move, Starmore; move, Fraylic--move over"

"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.

Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!

I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,

I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,

Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.

And then,in a twinkle, I heard at the door

Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,

And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe

And his clothes were handknit from above to below.

A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,

and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,

A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.

The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a mile,

And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,

And suddenly on one I spied a small label.

SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,

and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"

He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,

I learned how to knit when I was a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,

And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,

And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap

Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;

For the first time I thought I'd really get through.

He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks

While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,

That he was all finished by quarter to two.

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,

And over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon

"Next year start your knitting sometime around June."

-Author Unknown

Dinner

Since I am budgeting money to have enough for Christmas Dinner, I have been cutting some corners. like for dinner tonight, Taco bake.
1 can crescent rolls
1 lb ground beef
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 lb processed cheese (like, Velveeta)

Brown the ground beef, spray the inside of a pie pan with cooking spray, line it with the crescent rolls, yes all the way up the sides, add the taco seasoning plus 3/4 cup water to the ground beef, bring it to a boil and let it simmer for about five minutes, add the seasoned beef to the pie shell, cut the cheese into cubes and sprinkle on top of the seasoned beef and bake it in the oven for at least 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

And it's dinner, quick, and good.

Getting to know me

I want to put a new twist on this old game. With each person that send and fills out the info, think of a question to add on at the end. Add the question and answer it yourself, then forward to your friends. Friends, if you sent the questionnaire out earlier, take a moment and answer the new question(s)…

1. What is your occupation? Wife , Housewife, Daughter, Aunt, Great Aunt, Sister-in-law,Friend, Organizer, Instigator, and a few more

2. What color are your socks right now? Socks??? it's 77 degrees here in Tx

3. What are you listening to right now? cars on the street, smudge purring, xena snoring

4. What was the last thing you ate? salami sandwich

5. Can you drive a stick shift? Who me???

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Purple with green swirls

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? Tim

8. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes and I love her too that would be my niece Rene

9. How old are you today? Old enough to sit back and watch others asking myself did I do that at that age?

10. Favorite Drink? right now Kool ade made with Splenda

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? I only become interested in football in December, other than that if Tim is watching the Strong men contests will sit and knit to watch with him.

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? Yes, right now, it's to hide the sparkles that keep coming out.

13. Pets? dog, cats, Koi, goldfish, snails, the outdoor geckos and in summer the sphinx moths.

14. Chips or cookies? Love both for different reasons but try not to indulge too often… but chips not so much it's more pretzels
15. What was the last movie you watched? I watched, National Treasure again.

16. Favorite day of the year? I don't have a favorite day anymore, I do love Spring and Summer

17. What do you do to vent anger? Yell, stomp around, slam doors, drive,

18. What was your favorite toy as a child? I don't remember having a favorite toy, my sisters used to tell me it was my Thumbalina doll and my Cuddly Dudley stuffed dog.

19. What is your favorite fall or spring? Spring

20. Hugs or Kisses? both, but no sloppy wet kisses.

21.Cherries or blueberries? Blueberries

22.Do you want your friends to email you back? Yes.

23. Who is most likely to respond? EVERYONE!!

24. Who is most likely not to respond? No one would blow me off!

25. Living arrangements? husband for over 10 yrs

26. When was the last time you cried? Last week, Tim and I had a misunderstanding. Yes it happens occasionally

27. What is on the floor of your closet? shoes, hamper,

28. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending this to you? Rene

29. What did you do last night? Went to party at friends house, stopped at Wal-Mart to find out how much they wanted for their hams, and then came home and knitted.

30. What inspires you? looking at a ball of yarn and thinking what can I make out of that and for whom.

31. What are you afraid of? Dying alone

32. Plain, cheesy, or spicy hamburger? Cheesy burger with maybe one slice of jalapeno in it, but have to have bread and butter pickles

33. Favorite dog breed? Corgis, they are the cutest silliest, smartest dogs I have known.

34. Number of keys on your key ring? A bunch

35. How many years at your current job? I was at my last one for 3 yrs.

36. Favorite time of day? When Tim comes home

37. How many states have you lived in? 3

38. Favorite Holiday? I don't have a favorite, I like them all

39. Ever driven a motorcycle or heavy machinery? Nope, does moving van count

40. Favorite Song? Anything by John Denver, it reminds me of my love.

41. If you had 24 hours to live, what would you do? Spend time with people that would miss me the most.

42. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? The inability of not being able to have a child.

43. What one piece of advice would you give to a young child? Live your life without regrets.

44. Did you learn to do something new this year? If yes what was it. I learned to knit and now I am completely obsessed with it. Tim says that if I wouldn't be knitting he thinks I would be smoking. My response, knitting is much healthier.

It's Official

It's offical I just got the email.

Congratulations Knitress, Your website Decisions Decisions Decisions has been approved for membership in the Bad Ass Knitters netring.

I am an offical memeber of the Bad Ass Knitters netring!

What's planned for this week???

Well last week I did finish another project, I finished the MultiDirectional scarf, just in time too yes, it's a Christmas present. So that's three projects done. In addition to looking for a job this week I would like to start and finish Deanna's shrug. I have actually already started it and am close to finishing the left sleeve. I would love to have it finished for so that I can give it to her for Christmas. I have started on Tim's sweater right now all I have done is the back ribbing. I am starting the last repeat of the lace pattern for the Bella shawl once, I have it finished, I can attach it to the finished upper part of it and start finishing it. I would love to have either the Bella shawl or the Vilma sweater finished for New Years Eve. Nothing big planned just spending time with friends. This week I have a few cookies to make, go out and get things for Christmas Eve Dinner. Thank goodness the holiday falls on a Sunday this year that way Tim can help me prepare some of the traditional foods. Speaking of foods. We went to a Christmas Party today, and I was asked to bring the Pineapple Cheese Casserole. Well it was the hit of the party. It out did the freshly baked yeast rolls. Here is the recipe straight from Allrecipes.com

Pineapple Cheese Casserole
Submitted by: KerriRated: 5 out of 5 by 35 members
Prep Time: 10 MinutesCook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 40 MinutesYields: 12 servings
"Pineapple chunks baked with Cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery cracker crust."
INGREDIENTS:
3 (15 ounce) cans pineapple
chunks
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar
cheese
8 tablespoons pineapple juice
8 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
30 buttery round crackers,
crushed
1/2 cup butter, sliced
DIRECTIONS:
1.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2.
In a large bowl combine pineapple chunks, cheese, pineapple juice, flour and sugar. Spoon into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with crushed crackers and butter slices.
3.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes.

I had this a long time ago at a work party in North Carolina. I had been holding back this recipe from Tim for 8 yrs. A wife can't let her husband know all her secrets all at once... we have to keep them guessing. Well my pineapple loving husband loves this. What he doesn't know is that I substitute Splenda for the white sugar.

If I don't get to slip back into here before Christmas, I wish you a very merry Christmas.

Do I tempt fate?

We all have heard several superstitions, wives tales about knitting. Don't knit a sweater for your boyfriend, you'll break up with him before you finish it. Don't knit socks for a boyfriend, he'll walk away from you. If you knit your hair into a project that binds you to that person. Well I have one that says Don't cast on a new project on a Friday, you will never finish it. I have two new projects to cast on, one a shrug for a best friend and one a sweater for my husband. Do I tempt fate and cast on anyway or do I go to another project that has already been started and keep working on it, and cast on the shrug tomorrow??? Let me know what you think.

something cute

I saw this on another blog and wanted to share

Another project completed!!!

The Jarwall Socks are finally Completed!!!!!! There was much joy and rejoicing in the land!!! This is the first pair of socks that fits!!!... All the others didn't because the person that taught me did not give me two key pieces of info, I found a book with instructions and followed them and now I have socks that fit!!!... I must be a snob of sorts... the only socks that keep my feet warm enough are the socks I knit for myself. The only socks that feel wonderful on my feet with the exception of the World's Softest Socks. I now can start knitting socks for Tim after Tim gets at least 3 pairs, I can knit socks for friends and family...

I finished the back of Vilma, now only the front and just sew it together and I'm done!

I have made some progress on the large lace for the Bella. It's about half done. I need to knit the lace pattern 5 times before I can attach it to the shawl, right now I have about 2 1/2 I will remember to take a photo of it and post it.

I did find a source for the recycled Sari Silk that I need to make the shrugs for Deanna and Rene. The Wool Peddler. They are very courteous, very efficient, and very prompt in not only email, but in shipping also. I already have the yarn, and I've got it wound into balls already. Will be starting Deanna's later this week.

I also have one other source for the yarn for Heidi's sweater, I should be getting the samples any day now. With this source I can have them dye the yarn for me any color that I want even the darkest purple that Heidi loves.

I have been learning/practicing cables by knitting wash cloths. I am hooked... I have never felt anything so soft. I am going to have to knit some more of these up.

I didn't believe I was spoiled by natural fiber yarns until I went to Hobby Lobby last week and looked at the three isles of yarns that they carry...I saw a handful of cotton, a bit over priced and the rest was acrylic blends... I kept looking for the natural fibers... none! I am so very lucky that I have found sources for it that are affordable.

The first of my swap is almost ready just waiting for the coffee and I can send it off. I hope she likes it.

Oh by the way the Ruffles and Ridges shawl that started out with 1095 stitches.... it's now down to 285...I only have to get it down to 15 before I can bind off. I did take it off the 60 inch needles and am now on 40 inch... I am going to have to change needles again soon to a smaller one.

Heidi you decide.

This is the first choice I picked for Heidi's sweater. Just as I was going to order the yarn. I stopped. Again for the third time I hesitated. Something is telling me it's not right for you. Maybe I just need your ok on one. This one is called Tribeca vintage sweater girl cropped sweater. The designer on this is Lily Chin.
Now we have the second choice. This one is called Shaped Ribbed Sweater. I was and still am going to make this one for myself. I know the designer. She's a lovely woman Leslie Wilson.

This one is a design that appears in the book Knitting Nature. It's called Turbulence U-neck Pullover. The designer is Norah Gaughan. I was a little weary of the pattern at first because it has a cable in it, but it is not that long of a cable and not very difficult. So if you choose this one, this will be my first cabled sweater.

Now if you don't like any of these patterns I can go back and keep searching.

A post script to today. I cracked Tim's bull whip 20 consecutive times. I am pretty impressed... yes I still popped my arm and hand, nothing bad. just a little red spot. I still have work on how to hold my hand, arm, where it's supposed to be during the 90 degree angle, and to tilt it out away from me that way it will not come back on me but to the side of me.

End of November begining of December.

Wow... December already. Thanks goodness. This has been a difficult year. I will be happy to say good bye to it and start 2007 It will be better. As far as knitting well lets see the Vilma sweater is coming right along, the back is almost finished, I just have to knit the sleeve, then it will be half done, I have to knit the front identical to the back.

The Ruffles shawl... well the ruffle part is done. I think I am now at 250 stitches compared to the 1095 I started out with. It's an easy pattern to follow.

Mom's shawl, also about half done, there will be a pocket on each side, just big enough for a Kleenex and her rosary. It will keep her warm it's 100% wool and it's washable.

Now the socks.... I am about an inch and a half away before I start decreasing for my toes. And guess what... another surprise... I broke yet another Brittney needle while knitting these. Supposedly there is a life time guarantee on these needles... who's life time I guess Brittney only knows. I decided to try out the double pointed nickle plated double points from Knit Picks. Very reasonable in price, I like the way they feel .... I guess I will know how they feel with yarn on them as soon as I finish the Jarw0ll socks... The next pair of socks I am going to make are for T. He's been waiting so patiently. I just didn't want to knit a pair of socks until they fit me right. Now that I know where the errors are I can knit socks in confidence.

Faina's scarf... coming along slowly. I don't have even a quarter of it done. I am glad it's not for anyone for this year's Christmas. It will have to be for next year.

And finally the dog "fur coat" for Nancy's dog. Hey don't blame me for the color... she said she wanted pink welll.... she's getting pink.

After searching for the right yarn for H's sweater I finally found it. It's Andean Silk 55% Super Fine Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Merino Wool. Now H, I know your reading and you said no to wool... this has only 22% wool. Fine Alpaca is not sheep's wool, in my opinion it's much softer, lighter and warmer then sheep's wool. It's also got silk in it. It too is very affordable on Knit Picks. The color is Sangria. I should be able to order the yarn within the next week or so. I'll probably start on it some time after the holidays. Also the pattern says the sweater is cropped... not to worry I can make it longer because I know you prefer it longer.

D not Cousin D but D saw my completed sari silk shrug and told me that I better be careful because it would disappear. Yes I am going to make her one. And R said she loved it also. And would love to have one out of it. Hey, maybe I should make these and sell them. I am making progress on the Bella I have to knit 5 repeats of the pattern... 32 rows, 61 stitches each row. Well I have managed to knit 2 of them, need 3 more before I can start attaching it to the poncho itself. Yes I am making mistakes in it but you know what, you really can't tell. I will post a photo of it shortly.I just forgot to take a picture of it tonight.

I have joined a swap. It's a coffee and yarn swap. I have been contacted by my secret pal, the only clue I have is that the email address is a hotmail UK account. I have found out the person I am supposed to send to has a blog and have read it, I have several great ideas for her package, all I need to do is to get the coffee for her, then I can send it off.

I did get one rejection letter from all the resumes I sent out last week. That's ok I keep pushing on. This week I have to start making shortbread to sell... hummm maybe I should send my secret pal some home made short bread.

Stay warm everyone.

SNOW? ICE? BELOW FREEZING???

November 30, 2006.

We yes here in Texas had our first snow, ice and freeze today. Yes I said today Yes I realize it's November. We normally get our ice snow and freeze the same time the as the stock show. This is weird that it is starting so early.

The Last Knit Video

I found this link on another blog. Let me know what you think.

The Last Knit Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6ZjMWLqJvM&mode=related&search=

Old unfinished knitting project???

Passing this along from the office of Kristina Wong, thespian and performance artist:
---Dear Knitters,Got an old knitting project that you don’t plan to ever finish? Half done socks? Five inches of a scarf? Now they can be part of a touring theater piece!Help performer Kristina Wong demystify the knitting circle and unravel the deep psyche of the master crafter in her new solo show “Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Your donations of unfinished knitting pieces from around the world will be included as part of the set for a live serio-comic exploration of maintaining sanity in times that seem almost fictitious.All contributors will receive “set construction” program credit for the life of the show. (Please forward this notice to all the knitters you know)Your friends in crafting,The Cuckoo’s Nest---For more info on Kristina Wong, visit http://www.kristinawong.com.For submission guidelines, email: k [at] kristinasherylwong [dot] com
Posted by Zabet Stewart in art_is_life at 14:02 Comments (0) Trackbacks (0)

Thanksgiving week

This week filled with sending more resumes out. There is not much out there now because it's the slowest time of the year. but I am hoping that there are allot of refi's of the ARMS that were underwritten. So I have not lost hope. Still nothing but I keep pushing on someone out there wants to hire me. Smudge doesn't appear to be to effected by all the knitting I am doing. I made progress on the Vilma, have the left sleeve and left side done, no starting on the right side and to end with the right sleeve. I am getting closer to the end of the front.

Lots of progress on the socks, got the heal flaps and turned both heals. I was even able to try them on and they FIT! For the first time!!!! I think I found the right way to make them. Now all that is left finish the instep and the toes and I'm done!!! Then I can make T a pair of socks finally.

But I saved the best for last. The Himalayan Shrug.... It's done! That was quick, only took 3 days.I love the way it feels, It looks so light but it is actually very heavy and I am sure quite warm. D saw it and fell in love with it. I think I have to make her one. I will take pictures with it on me later, right now with this cold/sinus infection I don't want to take pictures.

I made some progress on mom's shawl. still no where even near half way done but it's an easy knit. Cousin D has not called or emailed me with what color on Luka's sweater so that's on hold. I will work on another dog sweater that I bought yarn for last year to make a sweater for a friends dog. The Bella lace, I am still taking a break on it. I will probably start working on it next week. I have already sent out some more resumes, so we will so maybe this week will be the week.

Sumation of last week

Well last week started quite well with me excited about an interview with a head hunter. I have been in contact with her over the last week and still nothing about an interview with potential employer. I sent out my resume to a few more head hunters and responded to a job posting today. It's hard to stay positive. Now as far as a temp job. I did talk to the owner of the yarn shop I used to frequent. Instead of just simply saying I don't have any openings currently she insulted me in front of a customer and another employee. She had concerns because whenever I come to the shop all I do is sit and knit and that I am very quiet. Well ... gee... did it ever occur to her that I come to the shop just to knit????? And as far as being quiet, how can anyone get a word in edge wise with her monopolizing the conversation. I told her those are not issues and not a problem. My concern was going to be if she was going to give me the few hours off to go interview that I would need. Oh no that's unacceptable. Well then I said there is no further reason to discuss this. She tried to continue the conversation and I said once again there is no reason to further discuss this. When later that evening she was told about my cast on of 1095 in one setting in one try, she said that's nothing what about my 400 cast on of this sweater. I had to do it several times.... I am done with her and with the shop. They will not get any more of my business. The woman insults customers, employees, bashes customers and employees. Hell I am sure she will have plenty to say about me, but I don't care, I won't be there. As she says karma. I don't have to do anything or say anything what is to be hers will be hers.
As far as knitting. Yes part of the Bella is done, but, I can't get the lace edging right there is always a mistake and I have ripped it out 4 or 5 times already. The first 3 rows are fine but as soon as I go into the pattern.... Mistake!!! On the other hand the lace scarf I am knitting is fine, I don't understand how one lace project can be fine and the other a mistake. I will keep working on the lace edging for the Bella. I did finish the one wash cloth with cables. I am going to keep working on the rest of my projects along with working on the Bella.
My next question where the feck do I find all the yarn swaps, sock swaps, scarf swaps? I have only found one so far. If anyone knows please tell me.
Oh shoot I almost forgot... Saturday it came!!!! The book I have been waititng for... a book by Jennifer Stafford...... drum rollll please....Domiknitrix: Whip Your Knitting into Shape Book discription from Amazon.com
"Whip Your Knitting into Shape
do·mi·kni·trix \"dä-mi-'ni-triks \ n, pl -trices [US, var. of dominatrix, re: knitting] (2005): a woman who dominates her knitting; broadly: a badass knitter
You have knitted your last bad piece. Let the DomiKNITrix show you the ropes. Yes, it may be painful to take the time to knit a gauge swatch, count stitches and fix mistakes. But just think of the pleasure you'll get when you knit a gorgeous, perfect sweater with no holes and no uneven stitches.
Learn the rules or else. Inside you'll find a no-nonsense, comprehensive guide to essential knitting operations and finishing techniques, including step-by-step instructions for all the basic stitches used in the patterns in the book.
Get your hands dirty. The book features over 20 spicy projects to satisfy any knitting appetite. For a Knitting Quickie, choose from one of the smaller projects, such as the Mohawk hat or the popular Snow Devil cap. If you want more of a challenge, try the L'il Red Riding Hoodie or the Big Bad Wolf icon sweater, The Slink or City Coat.
Want to be a whip-smart knitter? Let the DomiKNITrix show you how it's done"
It's a great book with step-by-step instrucitons. easy to follow. I recommend it.

Almost done???

Yesterday was a busy day. Went to interview with head hunter for one of two possible possitions. She wanted me to change my resume and email it back to her, once she received it she could send it out. She said I would know in about 2 to 3 days about interviewing with either company. In the mean time I made progress on the short lace edging on the Bella. Almost done with it then sew side seam, knit straight 6 rows, put the elastic in around the neck and then I get to start on the big lace pannels. I would say I am about halfway done.

Now on the rainbow shrug, I thought it would be done but. there is still about 3 inches of edging around it, and then then collar, and I think I will put some edging on the sleeves. I am hoping to finish it next week.

Weekend update

The Bella shawl is that much closer to being finished. I have the lace knitted all the way on one side and past the middle. Once I finish the lace here, I have to sew up the shoulder seam, and add six rows to the top part. Then the fun begins... I have to knit 5 panels of the larger lace... It's only 60 stitches and 32 rows in each panel. But I am allot closer to being finished than I was last week.

Vilma sweater is coming along just fine. I have finished the Left sleeve. Now onto the body

And lastly, the socks, the Heel flaps are done, now to turn the heel. I bet you didn't know that the average sock has approximately 17,000 stitches in it. That would be 34,000 approximately in a pair of socks.... That's allot of stitches. I am getting a later start on this today, I had an interview with a head hunter. She has two positions that she's going to send my resume to, I would really like to have a job at either of these two places. In the mean time I am also looking for a part time job just to have while I am looking for a new job.

I HAVE LACE!!!

I did it! I finally did it!!! I have the 311 stitches, and I have started working on small lace edging!!!! This part is not so bad yet. Still may be too early to tell. Small victory!!!

This is my other project to work on yesterday. It is from Fiber Trends and it is called ruffles and ridges.

I am making it out of Positano Ornaghi filati, the color is called Mardi Gras.

Now granted this does not look like much, however the instructions said, cast on 1095 stitches. Yes you read that right 1095. I started out using a #9 needle that is 40 inches wide, I got about 150 stitches and knew it would never hold the 1095. I was at Tuesday night knitting at Yarn Heaven, when one of the employees (who also got me to switch from straight needles to circular needles) brought me #9 needle that is 60 inches wide and on top of it, it was an Addi Turbo. YIKES!!! I have never used metal, the Addi's have a reputation of being quick but also it is very easy for the yarn to slip right off and you loose stitches. Within a quarter of the first row, I was in love I am switching over to Addi's, sorry bamboo, rosewood and ebony.... I love the way the yarn glides on these, no tugging or getting caught on the cable. L said that 1095 is the most stitches anyone has ever cast on at one time at Yarn Heaven for one project. She said she will tell T to put me in the news letter. .... If that happens, I will post it.

As for today 11-8-06, I will keep on working on the bella, and pick up my cardi wrap.

I talked to mom last night. Things are not too good with her heart she says. She says it's either pounding like a hammer, or so faint that you can barely feel it let alone hear it and then there are times when it stops altogether. To me these are just all more signs of the advancement of her health problems.

Progress for Monday

With each stitch I get closer. I am now at 301 stitches I need 311. I think there is an end in sight. I hope that I can start working on the lace border today.

My other project for today is this shrug the pattern was purchased from the Yarn Market it is called the Rainbow shrug. This shrug is made out of Recycled Sari Silk. I got some last year on eBay and have been looking for the "right pattern". (Yes I am clearing out my stash)

This is what sari silk looks like. About Recycled Sari Yarns: Recycled Silk yarn is undoubtedly the most unique yarn you will ever encounter. Silk sari comes from India's weaving mills are hand spun by women's cooperatives and cottage industries into gleaming silk skeins. Many of these women are refugees or have been abandoned or widowed with families to support. Using their traditional skills they are able to create vibrant, textured yarn in a endless array of colorways. Each Recycled Silk skein is hand spun creating natural inconsistencies and a rather scrappy nature; to make any project, no matter how simple in design, instantly charming and unique.

This is a very quick knit, I just started this yesterday and have the left side almost finished. I am using size 13 needles. The colors are outstanding. You can definitely tell where one skein ended and I started a new one.

Today, as I said I hope to get to start the lace on the Bella. My other project today is a Fiber Art's ruffled shawl.

Have a great day everyone.

Monday a fun day

The long awaited update photo of the Jarwall socks. I have started the heel flap. As I said this is a new pattern I am trying out. The pattern I have from the class I took .... well for me at least the socks don't fit, too baggie in the ankle so I am trying a new pattern. I can't wait to try them on. I am considering getting a pair of either clear clogs or clear boots so I can show off my socks... maybe I'll just put it on my wish list along with the rosewood needles.

272 Stitches!!!! so close but so far.... need 311 slowly getting there. Still doing it like I said, work one hour on bella and one hour of the project of the day. Speaking of project of the day.....

Sunday's project of the day a patter by Berrocco yarns named Vilma. I liked it because even though it's a loose fit, it still is slinkie. The pattern looks to be very easy it's knit in two pieces. You start at the left sleeve cuff and work your way across the back of the sweater to the right sleeve cuff. We will see

This is the "yarn" I am using it is also by Berrocco it's a ribbon yarn called Yoga.. the color name is Om. It's very different knitting with this.... have to keep the ribbon wrapped tightly.

The color patterns look pretty interesting. Definitely a tank top will have to be worn under this. The knit is very open.

This is the Fania scarf done in red alpaca wool. The purple lines are not part of the desing, they are my safety lines. I am finding out they are a livesaver when knitting lace. They will be pulled out later. Good to know since the rest of the bella shawl will be done in lace.

Progress report on the Bella shawal, Still moving along, a few more mistakes still fixable I am trying not to fret too too much about them. I am figuring out a few things to help me along with it. Like putting stitch markers in front and in back of the knit through the back loop and the yarn overs.

Friday Insanity must be setting in

For some reason this picture uploaded first onto the page even though I uploaded it last onto the page. I am going to start working on this scarf I have some red alpaca woo that I got off eBay when I found this pattern I knew it had be made out of the red alpaca wool. I know I am insane for working on two lace projects at the same time.

This is the progress I made on Frog's compression bandage, based on prior measurements it should fit his 27 inch calf. I hope.

And this is the progress on the Bella for yesterday. still allot more to go.

I am still looking for the Holz and Stein rosewood circular knitting needles. If I only knew how to speak and write German I might be able to order them from Germany. These needles are the Mercedes Benz of knitting needles. I only have one pair but I love them. I have put them on my wish list who knows maybe Santa will get them for me.

Progress for Thursday

The photo on the bottom is the progress on the dish cloth and practicing cables. There are a few opps but this is just practice. The Bella is to the top, the chain of yarn around the otter edge will be removed, for not it is needed because it was a chained cast on. Yes there are a few errors, mistakes... but at this point they are very fixable. I think I am at 163 stitches, and need 311 before I can move to another point. I would rather work slowly on it than try to race through it. More photos and progress updates tomorrow.

I have to remember

Some days I am forced to remember I live in Texas. Coming home from knitting on Tuesday I was forced into that. There I was driving along Arbrook , I was stopped at a red light. at Arbrook and Center to my right there he stood all by himself beautiful coat. Wild. No cages, nothing just standing there watching traffic. A lone Coyote. I blink. Oh that's right this is Texas. They are removing another wooded area for a strip mall. I don't think they bothered to see if Mr Coyote had a new home or not.
Another note, I know there are many people exacted about the colder weather... but not me. I hate wearing socks.... like knitting them but hate wearing socks.

Smudge!!!

This is smudge.... he was the runt of the litter, his fur stoodout on ends. he looked possessed. He is the sweetest cat on this earth. he will sometimes cross his front paws placing them on my thigh and looking up at me with those wee beedie red eyes

New Plan for Bella Poncho

I took a deep breath and started the whole thing over again. What I am doing different this time is working on it for an hour, stop take a break for an hour. Working slowly and counting everything. so far so good... Knock on wood, The good Lord willing and the creek don't rise. During the hour that I am not working on the Bella. I am working on dishcloths with cable. Hey a lace Poncho wasn't torture enough? Learn to knit cables at the same time. I wonder if H and T would like a wash cloth for their orange bathroom. I wonder if it's still orange.

Happy Halloween, Happy Samhain

All day yesterday I worked on my Cardi Wrap I didn't touch the Bella. I will post a photo of my progress as soon as T reinstall Kodak for me. You see I clicked the button to turn it on and it sad update available. I go through the motions and when it finally finishes it tells me there is an error and that the update didn't work. Ok no biggie let T figure it out when he gets home... well I removed the previous version of Kodak all I get now is an automatic update thingie. Yes I made a ticket to my IT guy. He will have to take a look at it when he gets home. Oh the joy of computers.

Back to knitting

As you have read the Bella poncho is on hold for the moment. I need a break from it especially since I have frogged the entire piece apart. I am going to work on my jacket. The pattern can be found in the October 2006 issue of Knit 'N Style. It is called the Cari-Wrap. They made thiers out of Caron International Glimmer I am making it out of the Touch Me yarn by Muench Yarn Company. The color I am using is a dark purple almost black. I am calling the color blurple.

Frogging!!!

Ok, the Bella poncho is on hold... I have been knitting like a mad woman, trying to have each part completed by the next class. Oh I get it done or nearly done but then I look at my work. There are so many mistakes all I am doing is back knitting. The instructor tried to encourage me saying it all can be fixed after with a needle.... But you know for a moment it made me happy.... Just moment. It looked like crap I would know the errors were there. So I ripped the entire thing out. I am putting the Bella away for a bit, I need to work on something else. No it will not get the best of me but I am going to take my time on it and it will be beautiful.

10 Years ago today

Ten years ago today I married my best friend. There are many things about that day I remember. That despite it being the end of October it was sunny, cool maybe in the 50's all day... We were married in Chicago. Waiting impatiently outside the church for the wedding before ours to finish. I forgot the ring bears pillow, Dark Rogue's hand shaking in mine when I finally got tithe alter. The race to get the unity candle lit and yes I got there anew seconds before he did. The surprised look on both our faces when Father Michael decided to use another gospel reading than the one we picked out. I don't remember the words that were spoken only the looking his eyes and the feel of the metal on my finger. Not all daughters can say their father gave them away and assisted in the actual wedding mass and ceremony (daddy was a deacon). The taste of the liquid Pepto bismal and drinking the entire bottle before church only to follow with a bottle of champagne .. the bride was very happy when she finally got to the reception. Explaining to T that when we got to my parents house mom would be there greeting us with a plate, with rye bread, salt and a shot of vodka. Rye bread so that we would always have something to eat, salt so that we would always have salt because it is necessary for life and vodka so that we would always have something to drink. The look of shock when my father was toasting us, Don't congratulate them today.... No don't... but wish them luck instead... in 10 yrs in 25 yrs congratulate them for their marriage.When I look back on that day, I hear these lyrics in my mind...


And I have to say it now Its been a good life all in all
Its really fine To have a chance to hang around
And lie there by the fire And watch the evening tire
While all my friends and my old lady
Sit and pass the pipe around
And talk of poems and prayers and promises
And things that we believe in
How sweet it is to love someone
How right it is to care
How long its been since yesterday
And what about tomorrow
And what about our dreams
And all the memories we share

Bella Lace Poncho Continued

I took the first class on Saturday. Boy am I in for it. it starts off with short rowing, I have to have over 3oo stitches on my needles by Saturday right now I have about 100, I would be farther along but I have to keep back knitting almost everything I do because I knit a few rows and find a mistake, unknit (or back knit) to where the mistake is undoing most of everything I just did and then knit it all over again. I have ripped (0r frogged) the entire piece apart three times now. I am also sewing T's halloween costume, vest is almost done needs buttons and thread check, wrap pants, still in progress, though all I need now is just to sew the cuffs I might be done by Saturday.

Longest six inches

I think that the longest six inches are the ones from the sock ribbing to the heel flap. I still am working on my second sock getting the six inches. We went to J's house this evening I started working on wash cloth with cables. I have to learn some time. It kinda looks crappy for now at least. I have not taken a photo of it yet but will soon. Oh update on the yarn shop in Duncanville. Still looks closed, there was a weed whacker, a bottle of weed be gone and a bottle of bleach by the front door, the store looks full I am clueless as to what is happening. I will have to check back next week.