My How Time Flies!

I can't believe it's been a (little over) a month since I've blogged! Time is flying by. It will be Christmas before I know it, and I've just barely started making gifts! I've been working a ton, too, though, as we have 21 night shifts open, and day shift is short several days, as well. I've been asked to interview for the Cardiovascular Unit at another hospital. I'm considering it very much. I have a new dishwasher arriving this week, as GE notified me that our existing one has some defect that makes it a fire hazard if you've used rinse aids in it (which I have). It was either a free service call or $150 towards the purchase of a new one (duh...it's a 6 year old dishwasher!).

Well, I'm off to the grocery store before it gets to the 95 degree mark today. And then it's back home so I can wash down the house and dream about owing one of these:

More about that next time! :)

Time for some catching up!

I finally had time to take some project pictures, so get ready for some serious catching up!



Desert Poncho - The Desert Poncho is about finished. I ran out of the Mocha Lion Suede as I was binding off the final row. I went to several local stores where I had seen the yarn over the past several months, and none could be found, so I found some online. I'm ready to finish the bind-off and then do the fringe, and it will be done. I wanted to make this poncho a "little big" because I want to wear it on cool evenings in the fall and spring when we're camping or sitting outside. Ummm...can I just say that it's "definitely big". I will have no trouble with it being long enough to really keep me warm! It's almost a dress! Another lesson in checking gauge for me!

The Fiber Trends Lace Leaf Shawl is finished, and I've given it to my friend Jill as a wedding gift. It was my first true attempt at a lace project (and blocking), and I'm very happy with the outcome.


















Garter Ridge Cardi
I've also made good progress on my first cardigan that I've mentioned in previous postings. It's made out of the same yarn as the Lace Leaf Shawl...just in different colors. I've completed the back and both sides and have them sewn together. I'm going to have to take one side off and resew it, though....the pattern doesn't match up exactly on that side, and it's very distracting when you're looking at it. I'm about half done with the first sleeve. After the sleeves are done and sewn on, it will be time to sew on the border around the neck and the front, and do the buttonholes and buttons (another first for me). Here are pictures of the progress so far on the cardi and a picture of the detail of the pattern:

The pattern is easy, and it really looks nice. I'd like to try it again with some of my homespun sometime for a winter-weight cardigan. This particular cardi is going to be very light-weight for spring (hence the yellow and green, which remind me of my daffodils that I can't wait to see coming up every spring!).

A new hobby that hit me out of the "blue"
My hubby and I recently attended a civil war re-enactment. Mind you, I've always felt like I was born in the wrong century, but I now have an outlet for that! We're going to be participants in the re-enactments! We joined a local group of local Northern recruits, and I can't wait to get started! The hubby's clothes can all be purchased for a reasonable price, but buying mine pre-made would be very, VERY pricey...so....I'm learning to sew. So far I've made my pantalettes (bloomers), a chemise ("shimmy") and a petticoat to go over my hoops, so they won't show through my dress. I did go ahead and purchase a set of hoops and a corset, because I'm not sure that my sewing skills are up to boning or stays yet. I also have purchased the pattern for my bodice and skirt, so I'll be starting on them before long. My momma was wonderful help in getting the petticoat pinned up to the proper length for hemming so that it doesn't show underneath my skirts (Thanks Mom!). Being a civilian while the hubby is fighting the battles will be fun (and hot with all of those layers of clothes!), but I'm also looking forward to the dances and good times that the groups have after hours when they all get together. I've always been fascinated with the Civil War, so this is a perfect fit. Unfortunately, it also means that I will have to leave my metal knitting needles at home and remember to grab the wooden ones so that I can stay in character!

Well, that's about all of the updates I have for today. Back to laundry, picking some wild blackberries & raspberries for freezing (or a pie), and working on finishing up the current knitting projects. I think Sunday (tomorrow) may even be a day for spinning!

Lace Leaf Shawl

Well, the lace leaf shawl is done and I'm blocking it. I'm just waiting on it to dry. I'll get some pictures up tonight after it's dry. It's made from Kraemer Yarns Little Lehigh Pebbles DK weight in "First Tooth" color. Now it's back to my cardigan. I'm working on the right front side.

Running a bit behind

So much for my extra time...I've been working a ton and not getting to knit much. Between long work hours, graduation, getting the DD a new (used) car to replace her totaled one, I just haven't had much time lately. I'm working on the lace-leaf shawl pattern from Fiber Trends. I had to take a break from working on my cardi because my friend (who the lace-leaf shawl is for) is getting married in August...and her shower is tomorrow...and the shawl is not finished. I had another late night at work today, so I'll have to try to work on it this weekend. She knows she's getting it, and she knows it will be late. I hope it will be worth the wait for her :)

I'll try to post some knitting pictures on Sunday.

Finally knitting!

Well, school is all over but the walking...graduation is in a couple of days! YEA!!!! I've been working on my Garter Ridge Cardi..I'm waiting on my camera batteries to charge so that I can take a picture of it and post it. I've been working on the house, trying to actually clean. I've been spot cleaning and depending on my daughters for help for so long during school, that I am really enjoying thoroughly cleaning my house! So I've not been knitting as much as I'd like, but definitely more than I was able to a few weeks ago. It's nice to be able to sit down, pop in an audiobook, and knit in peace (i.e. without having to feel guilty that I'm not getting homework done!). I'm already planning my next project after the cardi is done...it will be a lace shawl (my first attempt). Hopefully I can pop in Hobby Lobby and pick up another skein of Lion Suede tomorrow so that I can finish my Desert Poncho this weekend, too. Then I can get pictures of it posted. Maybe my Mom will model it for me while she's here for a visit!

I actually filled my birdfeeder with seed, and filled my hummingbird feeders the other day...poor birds probably thought I'd dropped off the face of the planet over the past couple of years! I'd be sitting out on the deck enjoying watching them right now, if I weren't working on dinner as I type this. I can't wait to plant flowers and go camping and go fishing and....oh....sorry...I got a bit excited there for a minute thinking about all of the things I've missed so much! Especially spending time with my family; that has been my first priority for the last week that I haven't had any homework. It's so wonderful being able to spend time with them. I'm even caught up on my daily devotionals for the first time in a long time... :)

OK...the camera batteries are charged...Here is my progress on the cardi...

The second picture is a closeup of the garter stitching (every 6th row is a pearl row) and the edging. I'm doing the borders in yellow to give it a "springy" look. This will be my first attempt at doing anything with button holes. I'm about an inch away from finishing the back and then I'll be ready to start on the front sides. I have some old, old buttons in a button box that was my Aunt Mary's...I played with all those buttons as a child. It'll be nice if I can find enough of one kind to do the buttons on this project.

Well, I'm sure that my loving hubby will be in any minute with some delicious grilled pork chops. I need to get the eggs peeled and get the rest of the dinner together.

Working on a new project

I'm working on the Garter Ridge Cardi on page 20 of the May 2006 issue of Creative Knitting. It's going to be awesome. I'm using Kraemer Yarns Little Lehigh Pebbles DK. The border will be in yellow and the main part in green. It's very springish! :) I'll try to get a picture posted of my progress this weekend.

A non-knitting post...sigh

My 17 year-old DD totaled her car on Monday morning; she is OK, thank the Lord, but her car isn't. She got her tires off the edge of the road, and overcorrected, then hit a tree and flipped over. God was definitely looking out for her. Here are the scary pictures...You can click on the pictures to see them bigger if you want. I'm just very, very thankful that she's OK.

The cabled socks

Here is a picture of the finished cabled socks. I gave them to my mom yesterday when she was here for a visit. She was excited. :) Her other pair was beginning to wear out.

Moebius Scarf

Another project from EZ - a moebius scarf. This was made from Inca Alpaca wool - the color is partridge. The border is an I-cord border that was applied after the scarf was finished - the wool for that is some chocolate brown Rambouillet homespun that I did from fiber I bought from Rowan Tree Woolery. It's a joy to spin, and I can't wait to have time to spin some more.

The finished hat

I'm posting pictures of my recently finished projects. Here is the first...This is the hat that I was diligently working on when I last posted a picture. It's my first attempt at two-color knitting - and a pattern I made up myself (not like it's anything complicated)...but I did it :) This yarn is Galway.

Will try to post this weekend

I just wanted to check in and post so I don't have to go back to the que on the ring. I will get something posted this weekend for sure. I have some new pictures of my moebius scarf and my desert poncho. Things have been crazy at work...working a ton of hours this week. Here's looking forward to the weekend!

I'm so excited!!!

I've taught myself to knit Continental style (albeit slowly), and I have managed to do this with my newfound skills (a hat out of EZ's Knitting Workshop book). I also bought a new pattern today from my friend Dani at Knitty Paws, along with some yarn to make it with. The pattern is for the Fiber Trends' Leaf Lace Shawl and the yarn is Maggi's Linen - I chose the natural color so that I could wear it with more when I'm finished. Dani has already started making one in another color, and it's going to be gorgeous. This is my present to myself for another special surprise that I got today! My college called me today to let me know that I have been selected as the Chancellor's Scholar Award winner from the local campus for this year; that means that I have the highest GPA of anyone graduating this May!!! I can't believe it! Speaking of I can't believe it, I have GOT to get off of here and study, or they may take my award away due to my Chemistry grades (note the knitting lying on TOP of the Chemistry text - which I am working on studying to prepare for Monday's exam...really!) :)

Mock Cable Sock Progress

Well, I did find some time to knit last night, after working very diligently on my Chemistry all day. Here's what one of them looks like so far. I think I like the self-striping yarn for the heel. It brings out the color flecks in the rest of the sock. I had problems getting the heels started on my circulars, so I ended up taking this sock off, working on the heel, and will do the same with the second sock - putting them back on two circulars once I get to the point where I'm just knitting 'round and 'round again. I'm not sure where I messed up while trying to start the heels with both socks on circulars, but that's OK...it's been a while since I've knit socks on DPNs anyway (since I learned to do 2 socks on 2 circs).

Oh, by the way...here is my 5 month old Boston Terrier, Piper Ann. She is the second Boston Terrier rescue we've had. She's smart as a whip, spoiled rotten, and a case in point of why Boston Terriers are often nicknamed Boston Terrorists! She's a handful (but in a good way). Our other Boston Terrior, Wilma, is 10 years old and getting pretty arthritic. We also have a 2 1/2 year old Miniature Pinscher named CJ.

Heck...might as well put in a picture of them, too. There's never a dull moment around here with two of them chasing each other constantly. Wilma sometimes joins in, depending on how she's feeling. There is definitely some sibling rivalry going on...you can't have one of them on your lap unless you want all three...makes knitting difficult at times, unless there is someone else sitting there to help give some attention out.

Well, back to Chemistry, laundry, and working on my socks!

A late birthday gift...

My present to myself - Elizabeth Zimmerman's "Knitting Workshop" DVD and book - arrived in the mail yesterday. I'm diligently working on homework right now so that hopefully I can spend some time looking at it today. I knitted for an hour or so on my mock cable socks last night while watching a movie after dinner with my DH and DDs. I'm about ready to start the heel flaps; (I'll put up a picture of my progress so far once my camera batteries are charged). They are made from Knit Picks' Bare - Superwash/Nylon/Donegal Fingering Weight yarn. It's the first time I've used it, and I really like it. I think I'm going to use some of my leftover self-striping yarn for the heels and toes...just to see what it looks like. I may end up frogging those parts if I don't like how it turns out.

I haven't touched my Desert Poncho for a couple of weeks - and probably won't for another couple of weeks, at least. It may be Spring Break before I can work on it again. As long as I have it finished in time for the County Fair, that's my goal. DH is going ice fishing, DD #1 is going to work at 5 pm, and DD #2 is watching Piper Ann (our 5 month old Boston Terrier puppy - another rescue). I'm off to try to get the homework finished so I can try to knit on the socks while I'm studying for an exam (re-reading notes is much more pleasant when one has a knitting project in hand!).

Happy Valentines Day/Birthday To Me!

My loving hubby did so well today! He got me a Yarn Meter, so that I can figure out just exactly how much leftover sock yarn I have (dare I start another pair) and how much homespun I have created; he bought me the Yarn Harlot (Stephanie Pearl McPhee)'s Knitting Rules book, AND he had Dairy Queen make me an ice cream cake and pipe an icing ball of yarn onto the top - all in my favorite color of purple! :) It's no wonder that man is the love of my life! He's so sweet! I wasn't able to get a picture of the cake before it was cut, so I'm out of luck on that one. I also got in the mail from Wool-Tyme my 4 skeins of Apple Pie yarn. I've heard that it's wonderful for socks - very soft, yet durable. I can't wait to knit it up. Unfortunately, my Chemistry homework has to be caught up first, and I have to finish the current socks I'm working on, so that I can have my size 3 needles! I'll get a picture of the socks currently in progress up within the next day or so.

My friend Susie gave me a Gooseberry Patch cookbook, some fried apples, and some honey from Cracker Barrell (YUM!). Thanks Susie! She (also as my boss), said I should plan to take tomorrow off, too! YEAH! I didn't feel like I could, because of all of the work to be done...but I have to follow the boss' directives, right?!

Well, I need to get busy...tons to do so I can get to knitting!

Socks for me!

Here are the socks I finished for myself. I'm still working on the Desert Poncho - I've got about 50 rows left to do (but I increase by 4 stitches on every other round, so it takes longer and longer as I get closer to the end! :) I'm also working on another pair of socks for myself. I have some leftover yarn that I'm going to use in the heels and toes, along with the Donegal yarn from Knitpicks. I'm not sure exactly how much of each type of leftover sock yarn I have, so I can't wait to get my present from my hubby - a yarn meter (also coming from Knitpicks)! :)

I'm still here...

I haven't posted in a while, but I'm still here. I've been knitting, but not spinning. Still anxious for school to be over with so that I can spin and knit much more! I'm starting on my last semester of school today - YEAH! I've also become the manager of the Emergency Department, so my time is a bit busier because of that. Since my last post, I've completed several projects, which I neglected to take pictures of. I knitted a sweater for my mom (off white with country-rose colored stripes, neck, and cuffs), cotton wash cloths in a feather and fan pattern for my nieces and my friend, Vicki, green socks in Shetland wool for my mother-in-law...I think that's it. Right now I've got two projects on the needles. A Desert Poncho from Lionbrand (my fair project for 2007) and a pair of socks for myself (an actual pair of socks for ME!). I will try to get pictures of their progress up in the next few days. I'm sure the progress will slow way down now that school is back in session. But I'm almost done!!!