TLCknits

Stranded

2010-02-17T16:29:00.004-05:00

All these long 6 yrs.. of my knitting experience.. Once thing has stayed constant... ONE COLOR. I've never used more than one color in ANYthing...and yes... it was because I'm a big fat chicken. Kim has been doing her mitts like all get out and I would gawk in awe..All the talk about dominant yarn and hold it in the correct hand, and trapping, etc. etc.. so I stayed the hell away from that blooming chaos... til last Friday.. I decided that I WAS GOING TO DO TWO COLORS, and no stripes.. but good ole stranded knitting.. So, I used yarn I had in my stash and sat down w/a couple of great knitting friend's home for the opening ceremony of Olympics 2010... Course, I never GOT A CHANCE to cast-on b/c my current project was using the needles I needed for the cast on!... so I quickly finished another RoseRed, in a beautiful IceBlue... (matches my ski jacket - and no I don't ski - so I guess I should start referring to it as my puffy coat)...

Yarn is Sublime Angora Merino 2 skeins

Needles are sz4 and sz6

Mods - after the last cable twist, I k2, p2tog p1. then did a 2x2 rib for an inch... this made for a grippier band.

Anyhow, I cast-on a little later that night..

and behold... BEAUMONT!

Yarn is Berrocco Ultra Alpaca

Needles are sz4's and 7s

Course it looks ok from here.. but I SEE you lil mistakes..

So my Ravelympic project is complete.. I DID IT... I really thought this was going to take me the entire duration.. I am over my fear..I'm a little proud of myself. I tried to toot my own horn and explain to hubby that this is a new accomplishment for me... and he just cocked an eyebrow, and asked how I was coming along with his willywarmer...

Have a great week !

Damned if I dont

2010-02-07T17:23:00.003-05:00

I know its been months since my last post.. I have been busy with all things knitting.. just havent had much to say 'about' the knitting.. I've finished up the 'shawl of doom', which I plan on wearing this Saturday night to my first Fireman's Ball. Drifted Rubies in a beautiful deep red Alpaca, the Burberry Cowl was all in the blocking, as was Scrumptious Cowl.. in yummy Naturblassen (you must try this yarn!!!!). I saw Jared's Grove mittens and had to make a pair. Of course, they were gifted away, so I must make these again, for me! There's was a baby on the way for friends of ours and I had to try a baby sweater and the sweetest of all Baby Dresses... Plus a new hat for C.. which she loved so much her friend wanted one also.. and then finished off with a most beautiful yarn that Kimmy gifted me.. The yarn was perfect for this lovely shawlette... I had exactly 10inches left after cast-off... 'Phew...'..

I apologize for all the links.. I got a new laptop.. and well, the photos are only now visible in Ravelry.

Take care.

Happy November!

2009-11-08T17:33:00.005-05:00

This past weekend, I spent a day shopping with my Mom, Sis and Aunt...My mom just turned 65 yrs old last week.. I love my family and wouldn't trade them for anything... It was fun.. LOTs of laughs.. A lil background.. My parents were divorced when I was 4 years old... I grew up with my Mom and Sister along with somewhat yearly visits from Dad (unfortunately we weren't close as a result of this- tis OK, water under the bridge).. Anyhoo.... My Mom and Sis are famous for just saying things off the tops of their heads, no real thought... Now, they're not ding-bats or dumb asses...They just move and talk REALLY fast... Who would have thought someone could speak faster than I???? Anyhow... Due to this personality trait, it makes for VERY FUNNY TUMMY-HUGGING TEARS STREAMING LAUGHTER...

Mom was in Shmanera bakery (deli) ordering her lunch..

The boy behind the counter took her order.. and asked what she heard as:

Teenage Boy: "Would you like a quickie?"

Mom: "A quickie? What's a quickie?" (she said this VERY LOUD)

Teenage Boy: "Would you like a COOOOKIE?"

Mom: "OH, no thanks!"

Aboard a plane bound for Aruba, Mom and I are sitting there, HER with headphones on watching a movie... It must have been a rather loud part of the movie, therefore, my Mom, at the top of her lungs ' HEY TRAY? CAN YOU SEE MY MUSTACHE? I BLEACHED IT LAST NIGHT, DOES IT LOOK YELLOW?' I crawled under the seat

When coming out of SHmop and SHtop, my mom flew open the driver side door, hopped in and threw her purse across into the passenger seat and hit a little old lady sitting there.!!! The little old lady yelled. My mom yelled!...Needless to say.. my Mom then went to go and find HER car!

My Sister was driving and her hubby following her in a van... They are pulled up side by side at a red light... My brother in law, puts his van in reverse and makes his van slowly roll backwards.. Whereby.. making my sister feel like HER car is rolling forward, and she was pumping that brake like all-get-out and yelling!!!!!!

I know these stories may not be all that funny to you.. I"m writing them down just so I DONT FORGET.. ;0) So.. in the event, they don't make you smile...

here's Laurel in Reynolds Revue..

The color truly is bright Orange as it's C's favorite color at the moment... Used 2 skeins.. Size3 and Size 7 needles... and its HUGE!.. It's fits MY HEAD...

I have to sew some elastic thread in to bring it in, so she can wear it more easily.

here's a quick glimpse of Drifted Pearls.. My version is better seen here.. I've made 2 and will make a few more as I think these will make beautiful Christmas gifts...

Have a good week...

not a problem....

2009-10-26T17:50:00.005-04:00

Went to Stitches East this Friday afternoon with Kim... and saw this cute needle felting kit.. Thought to myself. 'Hmm.. I wonder if I can make that???'... So I tried.. and. .hey this stuff is kinda fun.. "looky there.. I made a pumpkin."Ok.. lets make one more.. and add some color...

and then just a few more...

C got into and she got hooked too .. and here we are!!!!
Talk to ya.. going to make me more pumpkins... I really DON"T have a problem... ;o)

Friday - random thought....

2009-10-16T08:08:00.003-04:00

Why.. why why... is eating cake for breakfast frowned upon.. ? but a muffin is perfectly acceptable...
Both are accomplished by pouring batter into a tin pan...!

Have a great weekend!

Snapdragon

2009-10-14T17:51:00.003-04:00

Cashcotton - 1.5 skeins.

Sz6 needles.

Made the medium..

as my friend would say, "It's YUGE!"... I have a GINORMOUS head.. and the medium was big on ME... MAKE THE SMALL everyone!

Have a great week.. I'm starting Drifted Pearls tonight.. I CAN'T WAIT!

'You know your Friday is going to suck when....

2009-10-09T09:38:00.001-04:00

you go to DD at 5:15 AM, order a coffee, drive to window, pay.. and drive off w/o coffee and don't realize it til you're more than 1/2 way to work!

Question: 'do you turn around?'

Um... pardon?

2009-10-05T14:45:00.004-04:00

Since the beginning of September, September 7th to be exact (Labor DAY) til Oct 2nd, I have been to a doctor, ER, or specialist, 11 (ELEVEN).. times! On Oct 2nd, I've pretty much had it with medical professionals.. Nora - Please don't take offense.. I'm just plain worn out...and this is my way of venting.. ALL my kids are back at school, some still on meds.. but almost 100% healthy.. Me? I'm home sick.. I think 'stress' sickness. more than anything...my body's release that its OK, for me to now fight.

Last Friday, I boarded yet another elevator to the pediactricians office w/one of my almost 14 yr old sons wearing this.

Complete Elevator Stranger: "So what is that?"

Me: "Um, pardon?'

Stranger: "What are you wearing? What's that called?" Did someone make that FOR you? or did YOU make it?"

Me: "Um, I guess you could call it a wrap or poncho and yes. I made it, Thank you"

Stranger: "Hmph... it's nice." and the lady walks off the elevator...

Me: "Thanks??"

Son: "OH MY GOD!!! - YOUR knitting is SO embarrassing!"

So... this left me thinking.."Hey Rach - Does my wrap SUCK EGGS??"

Here's RoseRed!.. I LOVE LOVE LOVED this pattern.. and I think these WILL be the xmas gifts of choice this year!!!!

I used Sublime Angora Merino - 2 skeins for the Largest hat.

I think I have atleast 1/2 a skein left... It's a quick knit. the yarn it pretty w/a lovely halo. I've used it before.. and may have complained about the eating/inhaling/blinking it out.. but I didn't have that problem this time around... Back to the wrap from hell.. until I buy more yarn... to make

Sugar Maple Shawl

2009-09-12T09:19:00.006-04:00

This was a very quick knit.. took me a lil over a week. I ran out of yarn. I knew I was running low.. during the last 2 rows.. so I omitted one row.. and still ran out at the BO.. so I just psso for the remainder of sts.. nobody would know.. cept me...

4 skeins of Sheep Shop Sheep One - next time. get 5!!!

sz 11 needles

READY?

2009-09-09T07:27:00.003-04:00

C: READY ON THE LEFT?

TEAM: READY!

C:READY ON THE RIGHT?

TEAM: READY!

some random thoughts

2009-09-03T12:14:00.013-04:00

No matter what direction I attempt to open a Yoplait yogurt, it shall spit on my shirt. One exception, the Whips (frozen) - hehe I beat you Yoplait!

If you get a phone call, and you suddenly notice the clickety-clack of typing has stopped?, the cubemate next to you IS eavesdropping!
Watching your daughter play pop-warner football is both "you go girl! show those boys who can put them on their @ss"... and "omg omg omg.. is she getting up? I can't look" {Secretly, the best part, is when we walk across the field after the game and the helmet comes off, and the blond hair falls past the shoulders, all the opposing teams' players and parents w/ their jaws on the ground! - PRICELESS} it's like a movie, man! just need a little backgound strutting music!

MOST of people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook are people that I do know, but I choose not to be friends with
I will never try nor learn how to properly fold a fitted sheet...

Onto some knitting...

Twisted Vine Neckwarmer

1 skein Great Northern Yarn - Mink/Cashmere

Porom by Jared Flood

2 Skeins Queenland Kathmandu DK

Sugar Maple Shawl

4 skeins Sheep Shop - Sheep One

I'm almost 1/2way thru the body of this already and I just started this 2 days ago..... It's a VERY quick knit!

Meet Tink!

2009-07-11T15:01:00.006-04:00

Hi!

My name is Tink!

I was rescued from a local hotdog stand (by this really nice lady (C's godmother), when I was just 5 weeks old.. I'm a big girl now (almost 8 weeks!) as soon as I saw this little girl, I knew she had to be my new mommy!... I love playing with my toys and having my belly rubbed.

YAY! Twins!

2009-07-01T19:11:00.002-04:00

My next door neighbors had a set of twins.. Boy and girl... This is for Chloe... Yarn is Punta del Este - Lava Space dyed.... working on the boys.. in the same yarn just in muted blue tones.. :)

Happy 4th of July!

feelin loopy

2009-06-24T14:55:00.003-04:00

The Loopy Lace Scarf

Pattern called for sz4 needles and Frog Tree Alpaca Melange.I started and got about 3inches into the start.. and it was resulting in such a tight fabric. So, I frogged and upped the needle size to sz6s... and started again.. STILL to tight.. not lacey nor loopy...
Lastly, I upped to sz8s for the honeycomb pattern throughout the scarf.. HOWEVER, for the keyholes (yes, there are TWO of them)... I used sz4 needles, so that it tightened up and had clean neat lines... I think I'll lightly block it...but I'll leave it up to LYS Judy to decide...

Have a good week all!

2009-06-11T08:14:00.011-04:00

I know I know.. it's been like FOR-EVAH...I've been teaching a Domino class at the LYS. This is a first for me... As Kimmy politely said, 'Just don't yell at them'... LOL!

My next post I hope to have pics of each students project!

I have been busy completing some FO whilst watching this lil lady...

Camillia

Berrocco Comfort Chunky - 5 skeins

Sz 11 needle

The #13 Dropped Stitch Scarf from VK ( just waiting to be blocked)

GGH Cadiz -5 skeins

Sz 5 needle

and

Springtime Bandit.

Classic Elite Inca Alpaca - 4 skeins

Sz 9 needle

Have a good week all!

Fallen Leaf Scarflette

2009-04-12T21:01:00.004-04:00

Yay!!! I finished this...

I wish I could say it was fun...Let's just say...it was a bit challenging..LOTS of yo's...and the mohair was a bit tricky using nickel plated needles and sticky when you have to rip out a few stitches... but I'm happy with the end result.. It will make a nice gift.

Used Sz 6 needles.. and one skein Madil Yarns Kid Seta that was gifted to me by Judy! a doll.. in a pale pale pink, of which I had less than one yard left!

2 days left

2009-04-10T08:51:00.004-04:00

So.. This whole Lent thing...

When hubby and I were married, he asked that our future children be brought up Catholic. I didn't have a problem with it.. I had MANY a friend who were and they turned out OK (mostly).. ;).. and afterall I was marrying a Catholic... So, this year, I tried to set a positive example and sacrificed (gave up) something for lent... What that was? BUYING YARN!.. I decided for the next 40+ days.. that I shall ONLY knit from what was in the stash.. ONLY!!!

Here's one stash buster

Ishbel

Size small

Alpaca with a Twist Socrates - less than one SKEIN!!!

Sz6 needles

2 MORE DAYS.. well really.. 4.. since... I can't pick up what I have on 'hold' til Tuesday.. AHAHAHHHHAH

Bang head HERE

and HERE

HERE

Happy Easter ALL!

GOD this is funny!

2009-03-27T16:13:00.002-04:00

Take a potty break and THEN click here and read..

FULL PICTURES!

2009-03-25T20:21:00.006-04:00

here you go Rach!!!!

Berroco Ultra Alpaca in yummy Couscous

epaulets to add interest

and the PERFECT leather buttons from Kim

pattern will be available soon.........

Breakfast Mitts

2009-03-22T19:57:00.003-04:00

Kimmy gave me these beautiful distressed leather buttons a few months ago.. As soon as I saw them, I knew they had to paired with Berrocco Ultra Alpaca Couscous.. Just didn't quite know what exactly.. Yesterday, I was just fiddling and this is what I came up with... well the 1st of the pair that is...

Yarn: Berrocco Ultra Alpaca (color: couscous)
Needles : sz5 for cuffs, sz6 for the body of mitt

Onto the second mitt!

Heroine is done... but she's not savin' anybody!

2009-03-16T14:41:00.002-04:00

It's done. but looks like poo ON the bod.... ugh...

and ANOTHER!!!! YAY!

2009-03-13T07:45:00.001-04:00

HAPPY HAPPY Birthday Leslie!!!!

Happy Birthday to Kim!!!!

2009-03-10T19:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday KIMMY!

2009-02-22T18:58:00.004-05:00

Heroine update....I ripped out the sleeves 4 times.. til I was able to get them to fit in where the sleeve 'should' go.. let's just say THEY FIT...... spent the afternoon sewing it all together.. but its going to get felted.. and I'm going to felt living crap out of it.. so as to cover as many mistakes (if any - b/c quite honestly I don't know if there are any) but hopefully in the end I"ll have a nicely felted jacket.. or SOMEONE else shall.. if it doesn't fit me... and not owe my Mom a new washer in the making! so tomorrow's lunch hour shall be action packed, people!

In the mean time, I started a pair of socks.. toe up, waffle stitch pattern.. not a big deal really.. just been wanting to get something done to with this sock yarn... that I can actually fit on my feet.

Sooo...? Let's say it's April 19th...

2009-02-18T09:44:00.003-05:00

I have to eat these BEFORE my lunch hour at noon ??? :oP

PB & D

2009-02-16T12:00:00.003-05:00

PB & D
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

Dakota has a peanut butter problem.. and just to give you some perspective on how big this dog really is.. He weighs approx 100lbs.. and that jar? is the BIGass jar.. the one you get from the BOTTOM shelf at supermarket! I think he may be the next featured junkie on Intervention! Although he is MONSTROUS.. he's the most gentle freight train to ever mow you down (b/c you know.. a 100lb retreiver canNOT stop on a dime!)in the street whilst wizzing like a sprinkler just to show you how excited he is to see YOU...

And I attempted to sew up the Heroine.. and well.. it's CUFFED.. :) and I threw in corner.. Sinatra's made use of it.. for now.. I'll just recycle it, when he gets up...

Further, I finished the Fan Neckwarmer.. I like it.. VERY simple pattern...

Fleece Earflap Hat

2009-02-12T18:52:00.013-05:00

This was THE best instant gratification project to date...Took me one day!.. and the knitting in of the fleece was fun and different.. The fleece from Marvelous Merino's Etsy shop is WONDERFUL!!!!... you have to try it!...incredibly soft!!!

Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande

Fleece: Marvelous Merino's Natural Top (undyed)

Size made: Youth

The last two pictures were taken BEFORE I beat the fleece (ahem felted, the fleece w/a brush.) and trimmed it up.

C likes it.. I still have a good amount left of the fleece.. I'm guessing enough to thrumb some mittens, so the remainder WILL get used.! Love this stuff!

BAMBO update

2009-02-01T13:07:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know.. No animals were harmed in any anyway in the posting of this message. Bambo and friends still pillage the neighborhoods' bushes.. (Just not at my house).. :) Problem solved = wrapped all bushes in birdnetting..:)

Holy Crap.. its Bambo!

2009-01-30T10:13:00.003-05:00

You had a full day.. .You worked all day...You go to your twins' parent meeting at the high school, because they're going to be freshmen next year.. (how did that happen?) You get home, clean up the mess in the kitchen that the family left for you..whilst cursing under your breath.... You're exhausted.. and go to bed.. you're asleep within 5 min.. Then, you are startled awake around midnight by what sounds like someone walking around the front walk of the house and the driveway with what sounds like they're wearing snow shovels for shoes! No, I don' t have super sonic ears.. ok.. well, I do... BUT I ALSO HAVE a shitload of ice all over my driveway and walkaway.. FYI - Please don't come to my house as I'm sure I will lose it in court, once the UPS guy comes to deliver some package and slips... In fact.. I'm thinking of posting a sign in my yard stating for all packages to be delivered up the driveway via the curling method as seen in the Winter Olympics. Prizes may be drawn from mailbox, take any bill you like.

Anyhow, back to the 'HOLY CRAP, who's outside!!!?'... b/c they are REALLY freaking loud.. you try to peek out blinds, but you can't see anything. So you creep down the stairs and look out the little window adjacent to the front door...and still nothing.. so you open the door slightly.. and what do you see???a big ASS deer!.. I don't mean a little doe..... I mean A BIG ASS DEER w/ ANTLERS (it's freaking BAMBO!!!) and he's got 3 of his friends with him...( I think one of them was smoking)... Anyhow, I quietly SHOO them all away.. no problem.. it'll only take about an hour for my BP to regulate.. and I fall back asleep.. and then wouldn't you know it...the SOB +3 came back again. Which I promptly thumped hubby and asked that he take care of it...so.. he creeps down the stairs and slowly opens front door.. and yells 'HEAYAH!' I think one of them ran straight into the side of my neighbor's house...
Tonight...? LOCK and LOAD, baby.. beebee style

Domino Scarf

2009-01-08T20:44:00.008-05:00

Completed my Domino Scarf..
Domino Scarf
Yarn: Classic Elite Princess, #3438 approx 325 yrd
Needles: US5

Scarf constructed with each block/triangle picked up and added on to previous block/triangle....

Have a great weekend all!

Please please please

2009-01-07T08:07:00.007-05:00

Let there be no school today... I just don't think I could cope today!

I want to stay home w/Mommy and make these..

2008 FO's

2009-01-01T19:12:00.001-05:00

Happy KnitYear!!!!

2008-12-30T21:46:00.003-05:00

I'll be all cozy in my chair w/my newest project for the next few days...... a scarf in gorgeous Classic Elite Princess.. via Domino Knitting Technique complete w/pompoms! LOL..

Happy KnitYear to ALL!

Happy Happy Joy Joy..

2008-12-29T19:38:00.002-05:00

It's finally complete.. atleast the knitting part...

I just need to pickup some buttons tomorrow...

and I wanted to share the special note that was taped to the inside of my bedroom door when I awoke Christmas morning..

MIL Cowl

2008-12-15T15:25:00.002-05:00

My mother-in-law bought some yarn last year at the Georgia State Fair, which she later gave me for Xmas... I've started and frogged SOO many projects with this b/c I just didn't know what to do with it.. Today, I finally figured a cowl for C to wear around her hood when she's sledding.. to keep the snow spray from going down her neck.

Hmmmmm

2008-12-14T17:48:00.002-05:00

I'm on the fence... Flower vs. NoFlower...

I guess I'll ponder while wrapping.

NYC say wha?

2008-12-12T16:03:00.005-05:00

So I finished another Scarf. I really love this color.. It's Malabrigo's Vermillion.. It's a tone on tone.. Dark Red with a lighter red tone.. NO PINK...

My back is on the mend.. I've been doing nothing but popping pills and laying flat for the last 2 weeks or so. I couldn't even knit... I threw my back out by taking polish of me toes!!! WTH? So when doctors state that the reason why I have back issues is due to weak abdominal muscles.. BULL SHIT!... Fact is.. I have a bad back... and will always just get pedicures. period

Any how...

This past week, I had a business trip to NYC.. Now, I had my trip all planned.. Wednesday, I would leave class at the normal time 4pm... get to Tender Buttons, then onto Purl... OK.. so my class didn't get out til after 5 , took me 15 min to find a cab, then traffic and $$ later.. I got to TenderButtons late and they closed early.. onto Purl.. and I missed that too!.. I was so upset.. went back to my hotel and sulked..

Couple of tidbits from my trip.. My instructor chewed food with his mouth open.. I don't mean ajar.. I mean lip smacking open with every chew... I could hear this from 15 feet away... I had to leave the room...

Then the next day, my lab partner. During lecture, slowly rips about 1/4 page out of training manual, slowly crumbles it up and EATS it... Chews on it for about 20 min and then it was gone... Once I picked myself up off the floor I just stared and stared some more......

I just couldn't help myself...

Have a good week.. Mine can only go up from here!

Rufflicious

2008-11-23T16:41:00.003-05:00

This was a very fun & fast knit... I have to say the fastest scarf I've ever done!.... The alpaca is VERY soft. So much so, that I'd recommend using bamboo needles as using addi's or options was a little 'too' slippery...

CaMITTment

2008-11-19T18:40:00.008-05:00

That's the last of the xmas mitts for gifting... These were VERY fun to knit.. I would definitely make these again...

Palm side of hell!.. no really.. I just used a cable needle.. b/c well.. I'm a knit-tard when comes to twisting stitches or cabling w/o a cable needle.

Aran Island Mitts

2008-11-16T21:09:00.005-05:00

Almost there...I made some mistakes .... but the non-knitter recipients of pretty much all my gifts would never know it... and they still shall do their part on keeping the hands warm... I may just keep these for myself and make ANOTHER pair... They are really fun to knit..THANK GOD the chart is all-in-one for the front and back, so that I may knit two at time and not completely mess it up..And I think I may have dipped into this skein prior from the dog sweater.. so I'm not entirely sure if I'll have enough to finish.. stay tuned.

Another one of Those Mitts

2008-11-11T19:43:00.013-05:00

Last year, one of my friends received a pair of Fetching for Christmas. This year, she had asked (ok, begged/whined/stalked) for a pair of longer-ish (cover more of my wrists) fingerless mitts... This year, she's getting Leslies' Those Mitts....

I made a slight change where I extended the thumb gusset just to give her more of the coverage she was looking for...

On the flight down to Texas, I started some Toast and promptly finished.

I started on a hat to match my nephew's mitts while there.. and promptly ran out of yarn.

I picked up the Aran Ruffles and put it down... B-O-R-I-N-G.... I guess I'll pick it back up...

Have a good week all..!

Howdy paht-nah

2008-11-01T09:58:00.013-04:00

I finished lil Sydney's sweater..

I can't wait to give to my Aunt and Uncle..

I'm so pleased with it. I have to say the pattern is wonky.. The US version is flat out - WRONG.. so I ended up following the UK version...quite frankly, having to follow 3 separate charts... well. just plain sucks... but the outcome was worth it.

It's so soft and squishy and cuddly... Cables in the UltraAlpaca just transform it to another level. If I could stretch this over a 100lb. Dakota head ...I would...

And I did make both Filet Mignon and Chicken Cordon Bleu for my boys who became official teenagers yesterday!... and they ate BOTH and ALL of it....I'm off to Texas (Dallas area) for the next 6 days.. Have a good week and see ya in one!

a bit overwhelmed

2008-10-24T13:57:00.006-04:00

Rhinebeck was spectacular!. Truly. I was finally able to put a face to Leslie , see Rachel and Tammy again.. and have lunch w/a new friend Barb who is VERY funny!! While as much fun as I had, it was ALSO very overwhelming, and wicked freaky cold. We got there by 8:30am (didn't officially open til 9am).. Fortunately, they let us in. Kim took many animal pictures where I kept my distance. (over-sensitive sense of smell have I). I don't do well with poop smells, no matter WHAT animal its coming from... I did find some pretty red cashmere, that I think I'll treat myself to Leslie's toast pattern.. for ME...an obscenely soft tweedy alpaca..(that I HAD to buy b/c it was 300+yds for $11 which = 'IT"S ON SALE!'... no idea what I'll do with it.. but 'IT WAS ON SALE!' and some super soft sock yarn... where I'm planning on knitting me some socks... just for ME and ONLY ME... I'm feeling selfish when it comes to these last purchases..

So this weekend was a blur.. in fact I don't believe the weekENDED.. but just poured into this week.. The twins' went to a party at a friends house where 15 boys went off the local amusement park for the Haunted Graveyard... and I waited ... and waited... for the call to pick them.. that call came at 12m! Saturday was at the football field for 9:30am... then to softball field for 11:30 am for a double header... got home around 4pm and C was off to a Halloween Party. I then logged into work b/c Microsoft decided to 'CUFF' with my weekend, and announced a critical security vulnerability which means = Tracy has work all freaking night!... Sunday was a complete mental meltdown, b/c one twin could not find his game pants, and the other was missing a hip and butt pad!!!! OH and get them to the football field for 11:30.. that's 45 min away!... After a very intense game, THEY WON!... and on the drive back to our home town to meet up with other team players for some pizza and WINE! I then ask the question.... " So boys, what would you like me to cook for your Birthday dinner?" (they are Halloween boys)...
and I hear

M says... 'you know.. that stuffed chicken thing? can you make that?' = aha... ok...yeah.. that's Chicken Cordon Bleu!!!!
J says... 'um.. .How bout that really tender meat w that stuff wrapped around it..? = OMG!. Bacon wrapped filet mignon!...

you think I can talk them in to meatloaf? I make a mean meatloaf!!!!!

Two

2008-10-16T16:57:00.009-04:00

I was completely floored after I finished tackling the mailman for the box..! Although I think I did scare the poor man...

So when I opened the box.....

It's absolutely beautiful!.. I can't thank you enough Theresa...

It is truly stunning...

Have a great weekend all! 2days til Rhinebeck! Woohoo!

Six

2008-10-12T08:24:00.005-04:00

6 days til Rhinebeck!.. Yayyyyyyyy Me!!!!!!! (quoting a character from one of my daughter's TV shows) and Kimmy! :).... LESS than a week... I can't wait to at long last, meet Leslie and see Rachel again!

See you soon Ladies!!!!

In the mean time.. I've been working on Those Mitts... with some Ultra Alpaca in a rich chocolatey brown.. I don't know if I want to give these up..

Toast

2008-10-10T17:42:00.004-04:00

Toasted
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

I will be if I don't get started/finished on all the other xmas knits!!!! and we can just ignore the little mess up on the cuff....(which I shall name the 'ffuc up') darn magic loop! atleast with knitting these at the same time, BOTH were ffuc'd equally... Have a great weekend...

Ugh... MEN!

2008-10-09T12:52:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I was told (by a MAN) "You're too young to be knitting..."
I said... "As opposed to watching you yell/cuss/run plays with 18 boys, and smack the other coaches on the ass? ".Hey, I think I'll stick with these balls of yarn here, THANK YOU VERY MUCH."

EvangelineRed

2008-10-05T19:34:00.001-04:00

EvangelineRed
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

I finished these off.. started back on the Aran Ruffles and finished up the back... will cast on for the front tonight.

in an attempt to get ahead

2008-09-27T17:49:00.006-04:00

So, I'm thinking..... I need to get started on all those xmas gifts already!!!.. Last year was a big hit w/all the neckwarmers.. and I knit ALOT of them...!!!

This year... i'm going fingerless.. I've made about 4 pairs of these so far..

Next pair? in what else? Christmas Red!

so when I start to get bored working on this...

I'll start to pick these up .. .Thanks Leslie for the pattern! :)

Voila! I give you Pamelia UPDATED

2008-09-23T13:56:00.008-04:00

I'm pretty happy with it... It was nice to see it hanging in the LYS... and nice to overhear others commenting on how pretty it looks...w/o them knowing I was the knitter... lil ego boost :oP

Pictures courtesy of Kim.. Thanks Kimmy!

Got my leather buttons for the Trellis and will sew them on tonight...

Just finished.. Trellis just needs to get wrapped up.

Story behind the sweater

2008-09-16T06:43:00.005-04:00

OK.. so I stated I'd tell the story behind the sweater.

In April of 2007, one of my twins' classmates was tragically killed. This was THE kid in school who everybody wanted to be friend with. He was the cool kid, the nice kid, the athlete, the friend to all. But, he was a kid...He was riding his bike in the driveway w/his friend and overshot the ramp, and accidentally went into the street. Meanwhile, an impatient driver was passing another vehicle and was in the opposite lane, and struck the boy. It was learned later that the man was driving 82MPH.!!.Body armor isn't going to protect anybody from that..

In death, this child brought together my community like I've never seen in real life. They erected a skatepark in his memory in my town, and it was such a great celebration of his life..

and NOW, almost 18 months later, his Mother, will be giving birth to another boy. This sweater is for that little guy, who will always have a big brother watching down over him.

So, it's blocking as I write this, and I'm going to purchase some leather buttons today.

Have a great week.

Can't think of a snappy title

2008-09-08T08:04:00.005-04:00

Finished these

Took a better lighted pic of this.. but not necessarily a better pic aesthetically..

and started this... another Trellis...(there's a long story behind this sweater that'll I'll write about when I complete it).

Breathe...

2008-09-03T07:11:00.001-04:00

Habitat
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

I finished the Pamelia, it's being sewn up by LYS
I finished the Habitat..

I'll finish the 2nd half of Evangeline tomorrow.. and going to cast on for some Nutkins. :)

Not exactly a flower child

2008-08-29T07:41:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, we went to hubby's company (ESPN) picnic... they hold it at the local amusemnet park...So, C gets her face painted...

no not flowers...

no not rainbows....

and definitely NO unicorns..

nope.. she goes for the skull!

I'll get some photos posted soon on the knitting progress...As far as that goes, I've finished 1/2 of a pair of Evangeline fingerless mitts, and 3/4 of the way completed on left frontband of the Pamelia. Just need to get that and the right side completed and then get it sewn up...

Have a great LONG weekend.!

Harvest Mittens

2008-08-22T14:30:00.001-04:00

Harvest Mittens
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

Here's the 1st one... that we'll keep... my first attempt on sz8's that pattern stated, made a very small childsize mitt... These were made on sz9's .. Much better... :) OK.. time to cast on for the second one.. Have a good weekend all!.

tis a sign....

2008-08-21T07:08:00.002-04:00

6 2 66
Originally uploaded by TLCknits

When the coaches passed out the game jerseys.. I never gave it any thought... til I saw them on the line... NEXT TO EACHOTHER!... MY BIRTHDATE.....

new for me

2008-08-15T08:03:00.006-04:00

I decided that I needed a new knitting bag...

I had been using a Vera Bradley bag for so long (rather BRIGHT one too)... that it's showing is wear.. well more like it's showing its dirt... dirt that WONT WASH OUT!...Besides.. time for change..I completed the second sleeve of the Pamelia...

LYS Judy is piecing the body up for me.. she's a doll!.. so that I can then pick up the front bands and finish this baby up...

Casted on for the Harvest mittens...in Manos.. a gift from Judy!.. LOVE IT!!!!

Rags to Riches

2008-08-07T13:19:00.003-04:00

When i saw this idea from Leslie, I knew C and I had to make them... the only issue was picking out the bandanas...

Pamelia body

2008-08-07T07:41:00.003-04:00

I know 2 posts in 2 days!

Update on Pamelia - starting on the sleeves today....

I seem to be getting alot of knitting done of late.. this football thing is working for me...pretty much guarantees me 2 hours of knitting every night.

Although, I do get the occasional raised eyebrows.. and the comments/questions:

'Whatcha making?' and 'is that crocheting?' and 'oh, I'd never have the time!'.. This time, I snapped back.. 'Really?! no time? seems to me you're sitting here doing nothing, but watching a bunch of dirty, sweaty kids run around'.. Ok.. so, I never liked that mother anyhow. There's history there...

Seriously, tho, what else is there to do whilst sitting there watching a bunch of 12yr olds practice tackling each other and a gadzillion Up-Downs...!. And I'm not kidding.. EVERY NIGHT... EVERY Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday!!!!..For the entire MONTH!... that's 10 hours/week of progress!!

I can't do anything but knit each night..? OMG!.. the horror!:)

Have a great week!

BLOCK ME BABY

2008-08-06T18:16:00.005-04:00

OK. I can honestly say.. I 'm finished.. I AM done w/ my part..

LYS is going to block for me...

Close up of shell buttons

Need to get the Pamelia done.. so I can CO for some mittens.

Fanny and Pammy or Pammy's Fanny?

2008-08-03T16:01:00.009-04:00

Just need to find a fab button or buttons...to then finish crocheting the button loop/hole/etc...

The neckline looks a little floppy when laying flat.. but not so across me! Just need to find THAT button(s).. and BLOCK!

I completed the right front of Pamelia

started on the back. So far.. I'm really like this. Only down side is you can't knit this outside.. just TOO DANG HOT.. and this sucker is going to be WARM come the Autumn/Winter.

Here's an up close shot of the back slit..

This sweater is going to need SERIOUS blocking...

Curling all over the place... but oh.. so worth it...
Have a good week all!

Good things can come in THREE's too...

2008-07-18T10:43:00.005-04:00

made some progress on this... just need to pickup all around neckline.. as it's just TOO wide...

finished these up for my nephew...

and I started Pamelia

and w/it so hot... I think I may need to start some socks..

OK... apparently, I lied

2008-07-14T08:23:00.004-04:00

OK...remember the last post.. when I said.. I'm done!... yeah well. NOPE.. I'm not.. I took the sweater with me to LYS... why? b/c I hated it on me.. I knew it needed blocking and was going to have THEM do it for me.. So I got there put it on and looked at the LYS lady.. and said.. "well?".. and you know you're screwed when you get a reply.." Can I be totally honest and not hurt your feelings?".. which in my mind = '$#!&!!!' .. of course I say "ABSOLUTELY!".. anyhow... bottom line.. I ripped out both button bands and re-did one much WIDER.. in the middle of the other now.. and then going to modify the neck line.... so.. I"m not done.. I don't think I ever will be. and further.. once I finished I think I'll just mail it to Rachel, so it can join her 'where knitting goes to die' bin.. OR I guess I can start one of my own.. :(...

F&F completed

2008-07-07T10:03:00.005-04:00

OK.. so I finished this last Friday.. and still have NO pics.. WHY? b/c my hubby won't let me use the camera! :(... WHY? b/c the iMAC (the bearings on the hard drive) was acting up last week and when I brought it to get it repaired, the so-very-smart techies NOT!!! - didn't move the data including (ALL MY GD PHOTOS!!!!) over to the new drive... so hubby is trying to look into getting what WAS on the memory card, somehow restored... So.. bottom-line.. no photos as of yet...So, in the interim, I'm knitting up a quick pair of fingerless mitts for my nephew B.. who requested they be done in ORANGE...which I can take a documented pic w/my cell phone...

I can't take pics of the sweater.. as my camera phone isn't THAT good!

Almost there......

2008-07-02T07:04:00.004-04:00

I'm on the buttonband!. WOOHOO.. almost there... I've been knitting SOO much. .that I actually have carved a little piece of me out of right index finger.. from the needles.. there's a first! a true knitting injury.. oh well...I'll get there... I should have pics of completed F&F cardigan in couple of days...

Wednesday woes..... Why when you open a yogurt top (ANY/ALL brands), they pop and spit a blop at you, no matter what direction you open the dang thing... Even if you open it pointing away from you, it backflips onto your shirt/blouse AND always in an awkward area? Thus, creating a visual beacon to stare at my goods.!..

Have a great 4th everybody!

The HORROR!

2008-06-28T07:33:00.004-04:00

Order of events
5pm - girls (5 of them) arrive for sleepover b-day party
5:30 - pizza
6:00 - leave for movies (WALL-E)
8:30 - cake
8:34 - swimming
10:00pm - setup up family room as bunkhouse
1:30 AM!!!!! - turn off TV, and tell the girls no more SCREAMING, RUNNING, and HIDE/SEEK.

6:30 - (they're all still sleeping)
7:00 - put out everything for b-fast and clean up some paper plates/cups from them eating AGAIN after 1:30AM!... you find wet socks in the downstairs bathroom and the backdoor UNLOCKED! where I, myself locked every door in this house early evening.. and double checked at 1:30AM!
and what do I find when I open the garbage can? WHAT DO I SEE?
OMG!!OMG!!!!!!??? They threw out one of my skeins of yarn!!!! IT was a tangled MESS! but.. COME ON!. The one of two that I JUST bought this past week to knit up some fingerless mitts for my nephew that HE requested...
OK.. - and first off...WHO UNLOCKED THE BACKDOOR? AFTER 1:30 AM???? and they were sneaky b/c I never really slept last night and didn't hear anything.. and believe you me! I was listening w/my eyes!... TOO many 'what-if's' to contemplate.
so now - ALL the other what-if's - what if I never opened the trash bin and never saw it lying in a heap. THANK GOD, there was no melted cake or anything nasty near it!... what if I never found it and was about to start the project, and where the heck is the second skein? it was right here in my knitting basket!... and WHY were y'all even NEAR my knitting basket.. do I need to make a sign? "STEP AWAY from the BASKET"

I'm so upset..I just want them to stay sleeping til 10am, and here take your breakfast to go...for the ride home... C and I will be having a long talk today... a REALLY long one...

8:05 - (they're all still sleeping) - i need another cup of coffee..

May your weekend be filled w/obedient children who don't toss part of your stash!

PS. I've gotten about 7" of the lower bodice done on the F&F cardi... :).. I ran out of yarn! but Kimmy is a gem, and picked some up for me!.

Salad? who the hell wants that?

2008-06-20T10:47:00.009-04:00

me: "Hi, my name is Tracy and I'm a fatty...
crowd: "Hi Tracy!"

So.. my co-workers convinced me (um yeah.. they dragged my fat ass) last week to WW. I reluctantly signed up. .b/c let's face it.. we've tried everything else, including this too..I've been there SOOO many times in SOOOO many different towns. WHY? because when you're a fatty, you don't want the townfolk to KNOW you know you're a fatty. Sounds logical, right?

Anyhow...At this week's meeting they're all discussing that weightloss is a journey..
blah blah blah.. it was a good discussion.. somewhat...
During this, some of the 'ladies' are discussing on what they order at diners, restaurants, etc.. w/regard to salads.. I listen. (annoyed)
Why? I really don't care for salads.. I like the veggies that go into a salad.. but mix it all up, and 'nah...no thanks, I'll pass..." and NO, my food CAN touch on my plate.. I just don't like salads so much..
AND Hello???....
if I really LIKED salads I wouldn't be here in the FIRST PLACE!"

Double Digits

2008-06-20T06:46:00.004-04:00

My baby hit the double digits yesterday! My the years.. has flown by... and this is what she's been doing for the last 5 yrs...every spring and now every week (sometimes 2x or more) from April now until end of July. I'm going to have permanent bleacher butt!

F&F Cardigan Update.. Following along (b/c I'm a follower - ok, well, sometimes I am) from Leslie, I've done the math...lower bodice is approx 90 rows... each row takes me 10 min = 15 hrs of knitting.. course.. that's UNINTERRUPTED knitting.. (putting my ProjectMgr hat on and add 40%) which now that'll equate to more like 21 hrs...So... I might have it done by late July.. if I don't get bored(that 40%!) ...which I will probably sneak a Shedir in there or some socks...

Phffffst!

2008-06-15T20:55:00.004-04:00

I finished the Lace Ridged Cowl.. The yarn is divine...Very soft... Very pretty... Very fuzzy. Gets in the eyes, and other facial orifices... But OH.....so worth it..

I had every intention of starting the F&F cardi back up.. took it out of the bag... realized.. OMG... this is work.. to figure out where I'm at.. I need to wait til I'm home alone.. w/no distractions... so I can count.. and get back on some needles.. etc...

Feelin' SAUCY

2008-06-09T05:57:00.006-04:00

Completed the saucy socks...

I need some instant gratification.. and here it is!...The Lace Ridged Cowl... I'm using Sublime Angora Merino #41 as suggested by LYS Judy!. Absolutely Luscious!

And then I'll go back to F&F cardigan. Have a good week all!

and with each year.. they get better and better.

2008-06-04T06:50:00.006-04:00

So, Monday was my birthday. I turned 42! So...For the last 15 yrs. I've been married to this guy

who left my present on the counter b/c he had to leave for work.

Within that wrapped packages was this

For those of you who don't know.... THAT, my friends is a spanning wrench... and yes.. it's pretty heavy!

I haven't seen him since Monday night since he works nights and I've been and shall be at the softball fields all week.

Therefore, look for my name, picture and my last seen whereabouts, Thursday night on

Dateline NBC. You'll find hubby probably lying on the floor w/ the wrench nearby along with another gift given some5 yrs ago to me for Xmas, a book called 'How to become a Domestic Goddess' crammed in an [yet to be determined] orifice. No worries he'll still be breathing...

WOW!

2008-05-29T06:39:00.007-04:00

I've been eyeing these for months and months... ever since Kim got them and had been raving about them... so much so ... that she presented me with my very own set for my, um... um....wearing matching socks? flossing? having makeup applied to BOTH eyes? shhhhhh... birthday

This is one of those gifts that just floored me!... I'm so jazzed.. I can't wait to use them!..

Thank you again Kimmy!

PS... LYS Judy offered to frog the F/F cardigan... back to the end of 2nd sleeve.. so that I can fix my (insert curse word here) mistake. She's a gem... I would have sat there and cried whilst doing so. I'm not giving up... I just won't get to wear it til say.. oh... AUGUST?

Saucy

2008-05-26T16:28:00.006-04:00

I just tried on the Feather/Fan Cardigan. Thank God I was alone in my bedroom when doing so, I would have made a truckdriver blush! I have NO idea how I completely and utterly messed it up.. but I am REALLY pissed...and there is NO way to get around it without frogging the WHOLE lower bodice, ripping out the bindoff that joins the two upper bodices, and 1/2 of the right bodice.. Unless of course, my left boob completely deflates and maybe it would not be as noticeable... I'm so mad at myself.

Here's some pics of the first sock..

and the pattern repeat

and the eye of partridge heel (I really love the texture it adds to the heel). - too bad I don't wear clogs :(

I'm about to start the 2nd one shortly..

Going Pro

2008-05-22T12:16:00.007-04:00

I'm back... I get to sleep in MY OWN BED tonight!.. YEEEHAWWW!!.. Seriously.. I haven't slept in my own bed in 13 nights.. Yes I counted..! 13 !

Florida was exhausting... I had a great time w/just hubby and I. I really did.. But there were a few pangs of guilt when I saw sweet little kids caught up in the awe of Disney Magic.. and then there was the kids screaming bloody murder, and the guilt was gone!!! :)

But I did feel like the lady in that joke (who when her husband asked her what she wanted for her b-day, she said she wanted to be six again.. so he dragged her to every amusement park? but she really wanted to be a SIZE 6 again..).. Anyhow, That was me!... I've seen EVERY INCH of ALL the Disney parks. It was fun.. Next time, I have to make sure that a month before, I train on the treadmill at the gym and not the elliptical..!!! My calves were screaming! Anyhow, it was much fun...

Hubby got to drive a race car around for 8 laps.. Look at the "THIS IS SOO COOL!" smile

He looks all NASCARy!!It's a guy thing!

For Hubby's b-day this year, the kids and I gave him a 'BASS fishing excursion' on one of the Disney lakes... So, off we went... and I had to be a big girl.. b/c wouldn't you know... the fishing guide was a girl !!! GOSH DANGIT, I couldn't play the 'ewwy yucky fishy thing' part... I had to suck it up!!!... and I did.. and caught ..1-2-3-4-5! FIVE fish!...and um, hubby? well.. he, um, kinda um, only caught one.. and he said it was too small to photograph - and yes, Leslie and Rachel - after letting this big guy go, I did indulge in a Purell hand bath! I'm thinking of going pro.. haha.. NOT!

It was really fun.. but OMG, did I ever get sunburn where I missed w/sunblock, or it just wore off, not really sure.. but my shoulders are still molting...

On the knitting front.. I'm back on the cardigan again.. I didn't want to cart that project to FL w/ me.. I finished one of the saucy socks this past week while away on biz trip, so I'll go back to the cardigan ( I NEED TO FINISH IT)

Anyhow, Kimmy !!!!I'm back, and I'll be surprising you tomorrow... by going to your office.. well. it's not really a surprise now.. since I'm sure you'll see this before I get there.. Have a good week all!

Walking on Sunshine - yeah yeah

2008-05-08T06:23:00.005-04:00

I've been slowly moving along on the lower bodice of Feather/Fan Cardigan.. I 'should' be able to just cruise along... but alas, I am unable.. The soy yarn can and DOES split very easily.. so I have to take the extra care with each stitch.. UGH... takin' too dang long...

Friday, my in-laws arrive from Georgia for the week to spend quality time with the grandkids..
Saturday, Hubby and I leave for sunny FL!.. yes.. just the TWO OF US!... for 7 WHOLE DAYS!...ALL BY OURSELVES.. That hasn't happened since BT time (before twins).
We get to go fishing on the Disney Lakes ! - "EW! Live bait! YUCK! Honey you're going to need bait my hook. And if I catch anything? yeah, you need to take it off for me too."
We get to go do the Richard Petty Experience ! (for those of you who don't know Nascar - you get to drive a race car around a racetrack!!!) "Ah, yes.. I want to spend my day watching cars drive in circles. I'm sorry, OVALS..."
We get to go to the Rose/Crown Pub, and drink beer! "Ah.. let's see.. yeah..I may have mentioned this before... I DRINK RED WINE!
I plan on visiting the spa AFTER the Nascar experience... as god only knows what all that exhaust/noise/did I mention NOISE is going to do to me..

For my trip, I'll be working on the saucy socks using beautiful yarn that Kim gave me last year for my B-day!. I tried the monkeys and I just got annoyed and ripped it out.. but the saucy's are coming out beautiful. I'd LOVE to take pictures to show you.. but the twins borrowed the camera, and I can't find it now.. and when I walked into their room this AM, I gagged and ran out.. Smelled like an old gym lockeroom... I need to go back in there to find where that smell is coming from... armed with goggles, clothespin and tongs.

Kimmy's request

2008-04-30T18:30:00.003-04:00

Here is the WIP

And I completed the Bainbridge... finally.

Hardy Har-Harlot!

2008-04-30T12:00:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday, Kim, LYS Judy and I travelled (light speed - as I drove) up to Northhampton (aka. WEBS). It was crazy fun..bought a couple pretty hanks of sock yarn. I met a bunch of great ladies.. Especially Madmad - of which I am so grateful to finally meet.. I just wish we had more time to BS and drink the red!.I also had lunch with the talented Persnickety Knitter, LilyPotter, Suburban Correspondent, Amy and others that I just can't remember everyone... It was great fun.. Of course, I was also entertained by Stephanie as well. A very good time!

On the knitting side.. both sleeves are complete, sewn up, and bound together to make up the upper bodice, I've started knitting the lower bodice ( about 2" so far), which is a SLOW moving.. as 250+ sts on sz5 needles.. is painfully slow... have a great week all!

It's THURSDAY and it's QUIET? :)

2008-04-23T14:15:00.006-04:00

So... Today is Thursday... and 'Ssshhhh... can you hear that? can ya? Yeah.. me neither!!!!!'... The Snippety Clippety has left the building FOR-EVAH! I no longer have to sit in my cube, and listen to THAT anymore!... Now, if I can manage to sneak in and superglue the scroll wheel of the guy's mouse on the other side of the wall, I'm GOLDEN!. Seriously, I really don't have 'sound' issues... I have 3 LOUD kids at home who pretty much 'demand' to be heard ALL AT THE SAME TIME, and a hubby that can rock the house w/one SNEEZE! ... which, seriously, I have no problem tuning out after I've asked "Is THAT really necessary?".. :o)

On the knitting front, I have about 1" left on the 2nd sleeve/upper bodice, and I can then join and begin the lower bodice... I'm SOO looking forward to trip to Webs on Sunday w/ Kim to meet Rachel.! and oh yeah.. meet the YarnHarlot.. too... Have a great week all!.

Hairy Hares

2008-04-14T07:00:00.005-04:00

C: HEY Mommmmmmmmmmmmm?

C: Can I get a bunny? Huh? Huh? please? can i? pretty-please?

Mom: Hmm.. Well....? Hmm...um NO!

C: Why? you let me have Skittles (a hamster)!

Mom: I know.. and then Harry and then Gary.. all 3 ended up in HamsterHeaven..It's not a good idea..it's just a MONTROUS Hamster in my eyes.

C: Aww man...snot fair

Mom: Sorry hon.. no matter how fluffy you think it is. It's still a rodent.. and Mommy has rodent issues.

(All this while thinking - where the hell did that hat come from? it's not ours! OMG! OMG!.. LICE! TICKs! Now I have scour her head to make sure there no bugs on her now)

Knitting news.. I'm still on the 2nd sleeve the CE Fan/Feather Cardigan.. I took a break this weekend and finished sewing Kimmy's #2 Flower Scarf... Back to the sleeve!.. Have a good week all.

sunday serene

2008-04-06T07:50:00.003-04:00

As I contemplated getting out of bed making mental notes on what I had to get done today (finish Hubby, C's and mine laundry, then start twins laundry - b/c I 'm mean and make the twins fold their own and put it away, grocery shop AND...knitting!) .. I noticed something very ODD in my home.. It was quiet!.. I mean really REALLY quiet.. That NEVER happens. N-E-V-A-H!!!! There is always a TV going, the iMac and the Xbox on the inside and a constant drumming of basketballs outside...Today I lifted my head to see clock... 8:21.. ! OMG! I quietly sneaked around the house and found EVERYONE... EVERYONE asleep!.. YEEHAW!!!! then I looked at downstairs clock 7:35!! DOUBLE YEEEHAW! My clock upstairs is from 1998 and has the old programming from DST, so it rolls forward/back on the wrong date now.. I just haven't gotten around to getting a new clock when my old only get's 'wonky' 2 Sundays a year...

Some of you may not understand.. but I'm NEVER alone.. I take that back.. I"m alone when I drive to/from work everyday.. but then most times, I'm on the phone w/some FROM work.. b/c something's broke...oh well.. NO more complaining.. GOOD news=I have another 1 hour of silence...:)

Onto knitting accomplishments.. Well.. the CE Fan/Feather Cardigan has been somewhat of a challenge for me..That's being civil.. b/c my real impression I'm leaving every cuss word I can think of out of this post. I mean BIG TIME.. I need a 3rd hand to count the number of times, that I've had to rip back b/c of errors.. this pattern is a PITA.. I mean a real PITA.. I've actually doubted myself with this.. and I've OVER-THOUGHT with it.. and when it states work 29 st as established.. I thought that meant work the next 29 sts.. what it REALLY means is work as est until you have 29 sts on the right needle.!!! Which for this pattern is TOTALLY different! right? or am i just a complete KNIT-ARD? Anyhoo, I did get past that.. and am on the home stretch of the 1st sleeve. I should finish it this morning.. and then plan on sewing a few things for Kimmy. Have a good week all!

Movin on

2008-03-28T06:26:00.003-04:00

OK.. so I'm past it... I got over the math... with Judy and Kim's help. I was over-thinking it.. Just follow the pattern.. just follow the pattern....as my hubby will remind me, 'Stop questioning everything'...
Just in case you haven't caught that character trait..
Here's an example:
Twins come home from their 1st day of 1st grade, many years ago. They have one homework assignment... 'Cover the book'... My eyes go wide.. I start muttering( in my mind)... "OMG, how in hell are we going to read this entire book? Are the teachers nuts? WTF? This is totally unacceptable".. Hubby then comes home.. and I start on my second tangent - out loud... he makes me sit and calm down and (with hand motions) pantomimes covering the book...! I then turn seven shades of red/purple, throw a roll of brown craft paper at him and go and sit in my bedroom for an hour. It's not that I don't think... I just ALWAYS seem to think TOO much... Ugh....

I NOW hate math

2008-03-24T06:28:00.005-04:00

the beginning... quite possibly the end..

Of Course, I got all A's in school and college even Statistics!.But worked my tail off to pull C's in English..hence my poor writing skills.. Sorry Madmad :) .

But, can I do the add/subtract basics w/regard to figuring out this pattern? Hell NO!. Something is wrong.. I can't figure out where the hell to add the next repeats in... UGH!...

I've ripped this out so many times... I'm getting where this isn't fun anymore....

Please stand up

2008-03-19T20:50:00.003-04:00

Ok.. I couldn't find the camera!.. so I ended up taking my pic w/the iMac... I'm not used to new Mac thing, at all yet.. and I couldn't figure out how to you know... chop my head off... :) I've only had it a week...and have to fight off the kids to get on the dang thing...

Will the real Tracy please stand up!

So... yep.. this is me... and my new scarf.. which I can only wear around certain peeps, b/c I know my family (mom and sis) will eye and it'll disappear!... It was fun to knit..and the crocheted edging was a fun treat. I haven't crocheted in years?... um... decades?... um over a score? YIKES!... C likes making faces at the Mac... yeah.. we REALLY need softball to start soon! :o)

ALLL in a day

2008-03-08T15:34:00.005-05:00

Well, today I took C for her first knitting class at the LYS.. I know.. I know.. I probably could have taught her.. but to be honest, I don't think I knit the conventional way.. but my own lefty contemporary way.. not exactly American style.. and Val was so patient with C!!. where C now LOVES it!...Anyhow, she's a natural..! After 1 hour, she can cast on, she now knows, garter, stockinette, rev stockinette, and ribbing!!!! OMG.. I learned to knit almost 4 yrs ago, and I think it took me 6 months to get past garter st. Course, I have to spoil my kid, and give a set of bamboo needles and some Malabrigo !!! Me? I learned on plastic needles w/ some acrylic!..

Here's my start on the Morning Train scarf... and I'm off to run some errands in the torrential rain!!! Have a good week all!

Thoughts

2008-03-05T11:48:00.003-05:00

I'm all alone today in my office, as the team that I share this office space is away at training for 3 days. All except for 1.. Anyhow, alone... some thoughts...to share...

#1 Good lord, she reuses TINFOIL! I think she washes it! well.. that's probably a good idea.
#2 She clips her nails on Thursdays...OMGosh... I'm going to be in this office tomorrow!.. and it's
it's Toenail Thursday!.. she should clip on Tuesdays... Toenail Tuesday sounds more jazzy AND I'm never in this office on Tuesdays...win/win
#3 has anyone ever eaten more than ONE Activia in a day? is that like the equivalent to Peach flavored Drano?
#4 -you can never scrape ALL of the mashed potatoes out of a Smart Ones dinner w/ a fork... think anybody would notice if I used my tongue? Course, I'll probably end up w/gravy dripped on my boobs.. but dammit I'm hungry.

March Madness

2008-03-05T10:55:00.003-05:00

I have my own version...! The last few weeks (I think it's been weeks? hmm maybe longer - sure feels longer) have been freaky.. My entire family has been sick... in some form or another... C had strep, J had flu, and currently, both hubby and M are home, with the flu, now. (M's eyeballs hurt! OK? that's a new one)... All I want to do is stay at work.. and away from all that is germy... I've resorted to walking around the house in my robe, donning a can of Lysol in one pocket, and the other contains well, Lysol disenfecting wipes...combatting all that is potentially covered/filled/coated w/ germiness... I even swiped down my needles, in case someone may have walked by and the germs fell off and onto them.. let alone, good lord, what if they touched them??!! So.. I've been busy knitting up a pair of Merry Jane booties.. awaiting the arrival of Classic Elites new spring book and Soft Linen to arrive at LYS so I can get started on the Fan and Feather Cardigan... the waiting is KILLING me.. I'm not a patient person...I expect split second decisions and actions! With that.. I'm going for a walk.. around my building a couple of times..

Happy Anniversary

2008-02-25T18:33:00.003-05:00

Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary

OK.. so I completed it.. It's pretty to look at... but a total P - I - T - A to wear..

Next on the horizon..? I have NO clue... well I have some...(Classic Elite's Fan and Feather Cardigan) but I have no pattern nor yarn in hand.. so I've got the fiber DT's. Darn.. I guess I have no excuse to go clean something now... ugh... nah.. I'd rather watch Hannah Montana w/C.. OMG.. I AM desperate... Need yarn... will look tomorrow....

Blah Monday

2008-02-18T09:31:00.003-05:00

Rainy:Foggy:3 kids cooped up in house that smells like wet Dakota...and a car that won't start... Drat the luck...The type of Monday to just curl up w/blanket and watch "chick-flicks" all day long... Started the VK Anniversary Scarf... I'm liking the little flowers... just need to get to the bead shop to see what I decide upon for the centers... Here's the start..

Loose Ends

2008-02-15T07:21:00.004-05:00

I finished up the last of my projects, last night... the VK Cable Hat ...

and a requested neckwarmer for my Mom...

Onto the VK2007 Anniversary Scarf!

Sacrifices

2008-02-13T07:07:00.003-05:00

The last week has been a trying one... My resolution for 2008 was to set a better example for my kids... So, I've been going to the gym 5 days/wk (M-F) which equates to 3 of those days circuit training and 20 miles/week on the elliptical and on top of that.. (Sat and Sunday are my days off) . Mind you.. I'm still a chubbalub...just when I think I'm starting to get in better shape, I twist the wrong way, the back goes out, and am stuck on my back for 2.5 days. I have not watched one TV show when it actually aired.. Always on DVR or onDemand...some weeks later. I try and listen... and listen.. and listen some more to the kids.. Where now, when one of my kids say "This one time..." and I no longer say in my head "at band camp"..
AND to make the ultimate of sacrifices.. "I've given up Diet Pepsi" for Lent.. (and I'm not CATHOLIC, but my kids are) again.. positive perception... I'm hoping to go longer... I cannot begin to tell you how difficult this has been.. "Hello, my name is Tracy. It's been 6 days since my last Diet Pepsi." So, it's been water only for me.. ok. and morning coffee but that's it.. Which I now ponder if withdrawals of Nutrasweet can be attributed to an increase in stress, thus the outcome of my crippled state.. Hell, who knows... I just know it's time to quit the stuff when you realize your consumption would be calculated in liters.. On the knitting front, I did finish the Quickie Cowl (b/c my Sis took my original) and another Neckwarmer for my Mom who requested on in blue.. and I'm 1/2 way done with the VK Winter 2007/2008 Cable hat #12. Ok.. I'm off to fill up my water bottle... Have a great day all!

what to say what to write

2008-02-08T14:20:00.001-05:00

Last night I attended my first evah SnB.. in Cheshire. It was fun. I met a nice bunch of ladies. A few of those folks that you see/read up on Ravelry, I was able to meet.. Nice to put a face to a name..I'll definitely be back. I finished a hat for C...

I'm onto making another Quickie Cowl as my sis stole my first one!.. Then onto making a neckwarmer for Mom as she requested another in a blue.. So I selected the Malabrigo's Blue Jewel. That should keep me busy for the next 2 days.. .Have a good weekend all!

Coffee Table

2008-02-05T17:12:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share my experience with Kloter Farms in Ellington, CT. A couple of weeks ago, I described how my twins 12yr old boys ripped the door off of my coffee table. So.. that following Monday, Hubby drove the hour each way to see if they could repair/replace the door... He left it with them, whereby, they were going to call us to see if they could... About a week later, I received a box in the mail.. containing what appears to be a brand new door...! NO CHARGE!.. They have a customer for life!

Pompoms

2008-02-02T15:20:00.000-05:00

I competed Livvy's hat( Kim's Hats from Last Minute Knitted Gifts)... I KNOW this will fit her.. b/c well.. it fits my noggin too... Here's C modeling.. which it's big on her..

BUT.. good news is.. C loves this hat!..
so she asked that I make her one too..but she has two requests.. It HAS to be knit up in Malabrigo.(THAT's my girl!). She loves the softness of this yarn... and it has to be green... So I'm hoping I can find it in colorway Lettuce... Have a good weekend all!

Cobblestone's Complete

2008-02-01T12:13:00.001-05:00

Well folks, here it is...

and here

and lastly

Last yeah I knit up this for my neice Olivia. IT didn't fit... Last weekend I knit up this for her... IT didn't fit... So, I'm knitting Kim's Hat from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. using Malabrigo Worsted in Fuschia (it's a girl thing) I'm going to make a women's circumference and the length will be between womens and mens.... and I'm going to MAKE IT FIT!

I'd like a Friday Fix, if I may...

You come home early from work (ice storm) to a messy kitchen counter. WHY? b/c your husband gets kids up and puts them on the bus and they nor he wipe it down...You open the cabinet under the sink to get the cleaner, SCREAM at the top of you lungs run down the hall, and up the stairs... yelling "EW EW EW EW EW EW".... So the big question is... Do I donn the safety glasses, hazmat suit and oven mitts covered with double ziploc plastic bags, to dispose of what hubby set the trap for!!!!? or do I wait til he comes home (which is normally around 8pm ) keeping in my peripheral vision that the cabinet door never creaks open.. what if it's 'playing' dead? OMG OMG OMG...

Another Day.. another couple hundred dollars

2008-01-21T12:27:00.000-05:00

So... I have not posted in a while only b/c I've focused.. Trying really hard to get this sweater done.. I've made some good progress.. I think Hubby, tho, is viewing me as one of those lil ole knittin ladies.. b/c every spare moment, I'm up in the bedroom, working on it...

I've found that I can't do so in my family room, as my kids view that room as more of a Jungle... and I find my knitting usually on the floor in a heap. Which makes me go a lil postal...

Hence, the title.. Hubby is currently on his way to KloterFarms in Ellington to see about replacing the door to one of these.. or at the very least inquire about replacing it entirely.. I'm not happy... My twins got into a scuff about helping me unload the groceries from my car... and the next thing I know, the door to this was just hanging... yet another item to add to the list of broken, bent or destroyed all together.. Don't get me wrong.. I LOVE my boys.. but I grew up in a house with just my mom, sis and I... We didn't bust up things.. maybe an occasional doorknob going thru sheetrock b/c the door stopper wasn't in place.. but no real damage... just alot of slamming doors in my youth... We just recently fixed a 2'x3' (that's FEET folks) HOLE in between two windows where the initial story was "Mom, I slipped and fell backwards into the wall" where now the REAL story came out.. that his brother threw him into the wall... UGh... So... all those Moms' out there with their well-behaved 12yr old boys... i ask... "What is the secret? PLEASE... please... please tell me what the secret is.."

Spa Day

2008-01-09T10:52:00.000-05:00

So yesterday, after work, I had an appt.. you know.. a little maintenance appt at the spa in town...
I took C with me, well... b/c I can't leave her alone w/the twins. They might eat her...They are 12 and folks, can anyone recommend one of those meat/freezer plans...?
Anyhow, back to the story... so, last month she decided that she was annoyed (her words) of certain kids telling her she had an 'unibrow'.. Folks, she does NOT... she has a couple of stray hairs...and they're so light blonde.. Heck, I had to practically get a spot light (soon to be used on my next trip to Shmollister- by the way) on her to see them.. Anyhow, there we were in the parking lot of the establishment.. and I mentioned how she would go first and then she asked "Can I stay in the room, after I'm done?"..I said 'No.'.. C asks "how come?"...and I said " Well, b/c I'm having more than just my eyebrows done".. and she asks again.. 'like what?" and I say " umm... it's called a bikini wax".. and she is very inquisitive.." what's that?"... and i explain very HIGH level here, folks..... Then her eyes got as wide as Big-Y coins and says...'You let her look down there!???"... I laughed and choked so hard.. heck.. I'm still laughing...Have a good week all!

2008-01-08T08:40:00.000-05:00

Soo.. a bloggy friend sent me a quick note.. "How come I haven't posted lately?"....and I responded well.."I'm in a mood" and my response is below... which she simply stated.. 'well, that's a post'.. and that my friends is why I like her.. ! :)

My typical weekday.. I get up at 3:40am.. to get to gym by 4am.. (noone would ever consider me going to a gym - I'm, ahem, rather bodacious - yes- well there's a nice way of putting "that b!tch is packin pounds, man!").. Hell, I'm trying.. right?..
so then I come home, shower and off to work from 6:30am - 3pm.. drive home, help w/homework... ad-hoc laundry (like somebody's gym uniform,etc. ) cook dinner, then if it's
T-W-R, I have to go to either the twins' or C's basketball game at some point between 5:15 and 8pm......
then yell some more at kids to hurry up in the shower for the next person, and to please RINSE the soap OFF when in the shower, or your hair will be nasty!
.. then they'll tell me they need something for school the next day.. you know.. like 1.5 yrds of cotton fabric, 1 yrd of 1" elastic and mercerized cotton thread, so that I then can trudge off to Walmart at 8:30pm..(b/c I can't get across 2 towns to Joann Fabrics by 9pm!) dragging a 9yr old w/wet hair complaining she didn't get dessert !!!
I, apparently, am the worst Mom ever!
So.. hopefully.. as I close myself in to my bedroom (what my sons' call the 'womens sanctuary'), light my candles (kim - stop giggling) I hope to finish the Cobblestone for hubby. (got the body and one sleeve done!)

A new year

2008-01-04T07:52:00.000-05:00

I made another pair before this.. for a xmas gift.. and wrapped it up and sent it off before taking a picture... Apparently, I was feeling a little rushed.. Anyhow, I modified pattern slightly... no picot edge (curled WAY too much).. and made the body a few (like 3) rows deeper... thus the need for a 2nd skein.. which I then trudged back to LYS to get.. and bought 2 more.. b/c well, I can't have TOO much left over ;)

Another Tudora knocked off.

Close up of button, brought to you by Kim :)

Tooooooooooooodora

2007-12-21T06:38:00.000-05:00

This was a fun knit... Took less time that I thought... took less yarn than I thought..as pattern (Tudora) never did state exactly what was needed just what the picture shows... Kim, you were right, I had plenty :).. 1 skein was enough...

and now the Cobblestone is calling me back.. almost done with the body...

and I just wanted to say yet one more Thank You - Thank You - Thank You To Kim for my Christmas present!.. as it's the best Xmas present evah!...

I'm a real basketcase!

2007-12-10T06:51:00.000-05:00

So, my 3 friends and I took a day trip up to Deerfield, MA... This weekend was The Yankee Candle Basketfest.. where Longaberger basket Co. came out from Ohio and set up shop at The Yankee Candle Factory.. You got to make (weave) your own basket.. Here's mine...You cannot screw up.. they won't let you! :) - I can't dress it up yet, as it's still drying...

I've taken a couple trips out to Ohio (3), and this will be my 5th basket that I've made...It was fun, the weavers you work with were very good and patient folk!... I'm a lefty, so everything I do is bass-ackwards anyhow... when someone is trying to teach me something...and Poor Kim had to teach me to knit! :) Anyhow.. I am somewhat a collector (actually, hubby calls me a cult-member) as I do have a few (10.. 20... 30.. ok last time I counted over a year or so ago maybe over 68 ) baskets.. placed around the house.

In all fairness, they have a functional purpose... like this one... a lamp AND.....

.. do you realize how much stuff I can hide in each on of these!!!???

and OK.. so I bought this one.. I had too.. I was just calling me...

because.. well I just had to have it.. ! I figure... white wine chillin in it will be functional enough.. Granted I don't drink white wine... but it now has a purpose.

There were many laughs, on the bus up there.. They eyed my dashing mitts, and had no qualms asking for them right off my hands... I laughed at one friend who announced "They're so nice...!.. really really nice... like YOU didn't make them!".. I looked at her, with WIDE EYES, and simply said, "say that sentence again in your head, ya ding-a-ling.".. :)... she did, turned beet-red, when she realized how that came out. Fortunately, I know what she meant ( they were neat and even stitches) and how nice they really are ! ;o) b/c my hands were nice and warm.. and also able to knit on a chilly bus!!!! Have a good week all!

TLCknits

Stranded

Damned if I dont

Happy November!

not a problem....

Friday - random thought....

Snapdragon

'You know your Friday is going to suck when....

Um... pardon?

Sugar Maple Shawl

READY?

some random thoughts

Meet Tink!

YAY! Twins!

feelin loopy

Fallen Leaf Scarflette

2 days left

GOD this is funny!

FULL PICTURES!

Breakfast Mitts

Heroine is done... but she's not savin' anybody!

and ANOTHER!!!! YAY!

Happy Birthday to Kim!!!!

Sooo...? Let's say it's April 19th...

PB & D

Fleece Earflap Hat

BAMBO update

Holy Crap.. its Bambo!

Domino Scarf

Please please please

2008 FO's

Happy KnitYear!!!!

Happy Happy Joy Joy..

MIL Cowl

Hmmmmm

NYC say wha?

Rufflicious

CaMITTment

Aran Island Mitts

Another one of Those Mitts

Howdy paht-nah

a bit overwhelmed

Two

Six

Toast

Ugh... MEN!

EvangelineRed

in an attempt to get ahead

Voila! I give you Pamelia **UPDATED**

Story behind the sweater

Can't think of a snappy title

Breathe...

Not exactly a flower child

Harvest Mittens

tis a sign....

new for me

Rags to Riches

Pamelia body

BLOCK ME BABY

Fanny and Pammy or Pammy's Fanny?

Good things can come in THREE's too...

OK... apparently, I lied

F&F completed

Almost there......

The HORROR!

Salad? who the hell wants that?

Double Digits

Phffffst!

Feelin' SAUCY

and with each year.. they get better and better.

WOW!

Saucy

Going Pro

Walking on Sunshine - yeah yeah

Kimmy's request

Hardy Har-Harlot!

It's THURSDAY and it's QUIET? :)

Hairy Hares

sunday serene

Movin on

Voila! I give you Pamelia UPDATED