Not Pretty To Watch..........

I have been knitting, really!

2010-01-23T09:13:00.011-05:00

****HEAVY PICTURE POST AHEAD********

I love to knit- I really really do. But lately, I start a project, and half the time, I don't finish it- it either has a problem, or I don't like it anymore, or I wish I had dome "X" differently. I dunno. It is like a slump, but I am still knitting. I just hope it passes soon! Here is a sampling of my latest endeavours.....

Hat for my sister-free pattern from Twist Collective-Lang Millecolore

Scarf for a friend- Lang

Hat for me- Alpaca Hand Paint Chunky (I also made a neck warmer)

mitts for Annie- Noro Kureyon (I just used the other end of the ball for the stripes and checks)

Hat/hood for a friend-Lavold wool angora-I used a pattern for a guide (http://carissaknits.blogspot.com/2008/10/heelhead-scarf.html)

A baby bonnet-a variety of sock yarns-based on a pattern on the net (I don't have it here- but I will quote it when I find it)

Baby Uggs-Berocco Suede-again- pattern is free on the net

A small triangular shawl- my own pattern- Impulse of Delight BFL fingering

A cowl, my own design, from a gradient dyed yarn- again- Impulse of Delight

So you see, I really have been knitting, just not finishing everything! I am heading to Montreal on February 6th to give a workshop on a scarf I have designed-more on that later-I think I have enough pictures on this one!!!!!

I am going to go and try to finish something. See ya.

Happy Holidays!!!!

2009-12-24T18:25:00.004-05:00

Just a quick moment to wish all a happy holiday, a safe time, and a sweet time with family and friends. And knitting. Of course!

All presents should be knitting related, right? Or maybe some of them. Yeah, that works.

Good night- gotta go wrap more presents. And finish knitting that hat, yeah, the one for tomorrow morning.

Some Sunday Morning Pictures

2009-11-08T09:21:00.006-05:00

Since I haven't posted ANYTHING for awhile- here are some pictures.......

First of all- this is a moebius cowl out of some beautiful gradient dyed BFL by the lovely Ruth from Knitting on Impulse. This particular one was a sunset type of colourway. I used maybe 2/3 of the skein-it was a gift for the long suffering school secretary.

Secondly- what the hubster does on the weekend-no, not chain saw dueling (can't you just hear the banjo music playing????) But helping a friend clear cedar from his property. You can see the house under construction in the background. (By the way-Sean is on the left in the red)

And Halloween food..........

With a devilish side.......... (amazing what one can do with dip and a bit of ketchup on a toothpick)

And, of course, a gratuitous shot of the Bear. Looking sad. I was going to work and he was trying to demonstrate his displeasure.

By the way- he puts his feet up to his ears like that. He often does that and then puts his head down under his hind legs!

I'm alive!

2009-11-07T07:58:00.003-05:00

I swear I am- just really busy. I guess it is because I didn't really take time off this past summer (well, except those 5 days I took off-I worked all summer on a Ministry writing project), but I am finding it difficult to recharge. I am also working pretty hard at school. And what is all this insanity about the flu virus? I tend to believe the saner, wiser heads that say, "Yes, H1N1 can be bad. But it isn't as bad as it is hyped up to be. So just do your best to keep healthy."So far, the most kids I have had out are 5 (out of 25-but not all were flu related). I haven't been to an H1N1 virus vaccination clinic yet. Around here, the people who are supposed to go are those in the high risk groups. So- HERE IS MY SOAPBOX RANT....What IS it with people who are perfectly healthy but absolutely insist they have to step ahead of the high risk groups and get their vaccinations????????? I know of many seemingly normal people who have decided that the health of someone who has an ongoing risk (which could be quite serious) is not important to them. The only thing that is important is getting the H1N1 flu shot BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. Stupid stupid stupid. I realize that some people are saying there may not be enough to go around in this round. So- I am healthy- I will wait until the next round. But what about these others? The people with severe asthma, or wee babies, or people with other ongoing health issues. What about them?

I really don't get this strange phenomena-step on anyone you want in order to get what you want. but soothe your conscience by saying "I am only doing it for my kids". Hey- I am teaching my child how to keep herself healthy. When she was 3 1/2 years old, she was blindsided by a severe virus that tries to shut her liver and her pancreas down. Not something I would ever want her to go through again. However, she is healthy now. She is strong, eats the right foods, and has learned the lessons of "Wait your turn." and "Take care of your fellow man." Other parents have taught their kids "Push ahead of everyone." and "It's right if you get something out of it."

Makes me worry about the future of the human race.

Onto knitting news, since I can rant about this all day!

I have knit a hat and mitts for a newborn to be (scheduled c section for mama is the 18th) We know it is a little girlie, so the set is very pink! (Pictures to come) This wee baby also has a sister-who is 2. We got her a tutu skirt from Old Navy so she can dance for her new sister on the day she is born.

I have also been knitting hats and mitts and Christmas ornaments (they are over at Wool Tyme in Kingston- go and see!) And I have a couple of sweaters on the go. I burned my right hand fairly badly-so until all the peeling is over, I won't be knitting too many things!!!!

And that's about all for now!!!!!

Sunday morning fun

2009-09-26T20:19:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow, I plan on making a trip up to the WILTON ROAD MOTEL to the Woolen Mill, for their annual OPEN HOUSE~~~~fiber and yarn and demos and even some alpacas!!!! Hand dyed yarn, curly locks (dyed in fabu colours) for felting or thrumming, lots of specialty spun yarn. Maybe even some lamb chili.
It starts at 10:00 and goes until 4:00-just at the turn off to the 401 in Odessa.

Be there or be square.

By the way- go on over to bea's blog, admire the most beautiful Abby and Gus, go and visit her etsy store (I have a bag or two- LOVE them!!!!!!!) and enter the contest (only open until tomorrow- in all the craziness at work- I forggot all about it!!!!!-Sorry Bea and pups!!!!) Mosey on over to here http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/

This kind of says it all

2009-09-23T19:21:00.004-05:00

Mr. Bear is not exactly thrilled with everyone going back to school this September.

Enough said.

My baby is growing up!!!!!

2009-09-07T08:46:00.006-05:00

My baby (well, she is all of 11 going on 22) went out and babysat for an hour yesterday. The "babysittee" is a sweet little 2 year old neighbour. Her daddy was out in the yard working, and mommy had to run some errands, so Annie was called into service. Sean and I were here if she needed anything. Anyhow, she came home very happy and very proud of herself. She said she didn't want any money for it (that will change, I am sure). I asked her how everything went, and she said, "Mom, I never got how important wet wipes were, Until today." I said, "A diaper incident?" She responded with,"And how." Well, her first real diaper (she took the babysitting class last year at school. One of the teachers offered it for 10 and 11 year olds, to get them ready for taking the "real" class and getting the certificate). Then Annie said," I am going to thank Madame (the teacher who gave that club) for that class. Boy! Did I need it!!!!!" So, all is well.

And other news-my husband has long been a fan of Princess Auto. And lookee lookee-He got into the flyer!!!!! He is a tech teacher at Napanee District, and he had his kids build a bio-diesel chopper!!!! (He rides the bikes around the block- I swear it is a "guy magnet"-the men kinda swarm around them!)

The flyer date is September 1st to 13th, if you wanted to check it out yourself. (The Princess Auto flyer goes across Canada). (You can click to make it bigger)

I am pretty darn proud of him.

Onto knitterly news- I started the "Travelling Woman" scarf/shawlette (Ravelry project). I used some BFL fingering from Impulse of Delights in the "Dancing Moss" colourway.

I swear this colourway is made for being happy. I now want to make a LARGER version- using this yarn. Ruth doesn't have any left in stock. BUT-if you have some and want to sell or trade-leave me a note. It is Impulse of Delight's fingering BFL, in the "Dancing Moss" colourway.

Off I go to spend a lazy Labour Day. We had a salmon BBQ last night with some friends-it was a hoot. So today is lazy day.

Have a happy Labour Day, whatever you do!

Where did the summer go?????

2009-08-30T10:17:00.005-05:00

I swear I was just saying good-bye to my class of really sweet Grade 6/7 kids in June! I cannot believe the summer is all over! The writing project was rather long and arduous, but I learned an awful lot. I have written curriculum items over the years, and I have, of course, developed a lot of my own classroom stuff. But this was more structured, and drew from using the Curriculum Planner (a Ministry of Education product). It was really quite interesting. And I have never written a storyboard for a professionally done video ever before. The people I worked with were really spectacular-top drawer all the way. All in all, although it ate up a lot of my summer, I would recommend it to any teacher who needs to revitalize- get charged up-make a difference. The new technologies that are accessible to classrooms are amazing. I would LOVE to have a white board set up in my room (anyone out there willing to foot the bill????) I know that there are many people "out there" who believe that teachers have a hard job and do their best. But I also know that there are people who believe teachers have a free ride, and are being paid to do very little. Elementary teachers work hard-think about it. I don't get to school for 9:00 am and boot out the door at 3:30, nor do any of my co-workers. I bring work home just about every day, and, if I am sick, I have to write down everything I was planning to do in minute detail for someone else to do. But I am not complaining- because this is the job I chose for myself when I was about 11 years old (Annie's age!) and have been doing for 28 years. I love the job. It is exciting, invigorating, frustrating, rewarding, thankless, fun, sad, wearying, tiresome, exhausting, satisfying, challenging...what can I say-it is all things at some time of the year.

The challenge this year will be dealing with the so called "second wave" of the swine flu. It is difficult for me NOT to touch-to pat a shoulder, or shake a hand, or "high five" a kid. But apparently, touch is dangerous-both to me and to the kids. Some schools have decided to "touch elbows" as a way of showing acceptance and reward. Is your kids' school doing anything about this? I think it will be an interesting year!

This is a picture from last year, but I think it says it all. It was a quiet summer. Hello, Fall!

Knitting and Kidlets

2009-08-27T15:58:00.005-05:00

What does one do with a stash of bits and pieces of sock yarn?

ONE MAKES A SOCK YARN AFGHAN!!!! That's what! (actually, there's more that this done on it now-it is rather addictive, you know!)

Speaking of addictive- this is the shawl I made Mom, in progress. It is now done, (has been for quite some time) but I haven't taken a picture of Mother and shawl together. It was for her 80th birthday, and has 80 diamonds (my mother is a real gem).

And what does one do on a lovely August afternoon before school starts? Why, you invite your neighbour over for a Creamsicle in the pool......

And you turn into MUSCLE MAN when you puff up your Skins shirt (it is a way of keeping her protected from UVA and UVB).

Man, it must be nice to be a kidlet.

Annie's Sheep

2009-08-25T13:06:00.004-05:00

Annie loves to draw-or sing- or dance-or play piano. She is just one of those arty kids, ya know? So when she thought she would like to make me a picture for my blog, I suggested something with sheep in it. Here it is......

Hmmm- is that me knitting the sweater off of some poor sheep?

Hair of the Dog, and the Writing has been a real DOG!

2009-08-17T14:07:00.007-05:00

Oh Good Lord! I haven't finished that writing project yet- I have worked almost everyday ALL day-but I am getting close. And now, next week, I have to go into my classroom to get ready for school! Where did the summer go?

I haven't even really been doing much knitting. The few things I have worked on aren't really worth talking about, or taking pictures. However, I HAVE been knitting on a plain sweater, knit out of beautiful yarn. The yarn is the heavy worsted from Impulse of Delight (you can go here and see what she has http://www.impulse-of-delight.com/store/index.php). That Ruth is quite amazing- she takes photos of things she loves, and then manipulates them on the computer to get the pure colour out of them. I saw she had taken some pics of her beloved Irish Wolfhound (whom they lost, sadly, quite recently). She called the yarn colour "Guinevere", after the dog, of course. I just fell in love with the colour- a rich variety of greys, bordering on a taupe a "greige" as they call it-right down to a near charcoal. The sweater is a simple cardigan-seed stitch borders, and one button (I actually have a lovely antique mother-of-pearl carved button that will be quite nice). Sorry about the blurry picture- but it was the only one that came close to capturing the colours in the yarn!

What I wanted to do was line each front edge with a piece of brocade ribbon or braid- but do you think I could find any locally????? If anyone has a Canadian source for wide brocade braid or ribbon- leave me a message!

Anyhow-I am so close to the end of the writing I can almost TASTE it-so off I go while it is quiet in here-

I am writing

2009-07-23T19:25:00.003-05:00

And writing. And writing. And not really knitting. Just writing. And then second guessing myself. The way I write for kids is well, playful. I try to make it sound like we are having a conversation. And well, this is school stuff, I don't want it to bore everyone. But I am second guessing what the boss wants, as well as whether or not my style fits in with all the other writers (there are 10 of us total). Because if mine is the only playful one, it would be easier for me to change than for everyone else to change. Right?
And so it goes.................................
(just a hint- my writing is on a science unit called Structures-form and function; I called it.....
"Structures will wobble but they shouldn't fall down." )
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Well, I survived!!!!!

2009-07-10T15:22:00.002-05:00

I met the other 9 writers on the team. And they were great. I had a few "deer in the headlight" moments (okay, maybe more than a few), but I think I am on the right track. Because this is a pilot project, it is hard to gauge how much or how little to give us, or whether the deadlines are realistic, or...? On the way up to Toronto, on Monday, we were just ahead of the "parade" of the repatriation of a fallen military man. Yesterday, we watched the parade go up the other side of the highway (for the two helicopter pilots/passengers). Very, very sad. Each overpass had at least 30 people, often more, standing and waiting-police officers, firefighters, vets, civilians, ambulance attendants and paramedics, and concerned and interested citizens.
Annie and Sean spent some time together in Toronto- riding the subway (Annie said- "Hey-I saw a transvestite! White skirt and a five o'clock shadow!") and they also went all the way up the CN Tower. That was a great thrill for her (the CN Tower, not the transvestite-I think, anyway) ;-)
So tomorrow-off I go to Peterborough for my inlaws' anniversary get together. Bear will be going to his favourite Nanna!
I hope to knit soon-

Off to a new adventure.......

2009-07-06T18:49:00.006-05:00

I agreed to a bit of a job- in Toronto and at home- to do some professional writing for the summer (and yes,get paid for it). So here I am, in a hotel room in Toronto- feeling a bit lonely. It didn't help that I got a phone call from my daughter saying she really really missed me. Or that hubby and I got into quite a spat last night.(I hate that). And the one and only restaurant in the hotel is closed-so I had to eat in the bar (listening to business men in the bar trying to out talk each other in terms of showing "their" women where they belonged (note to self- find out where these women are and tell them to run run RUN AWAY). So I will be here for 3 days- and then Sean and Annie will be back to get me.

OY. I am bored. But I am a bit excited about doing some writing again.

And tonight-I am going to do some knitting in that huge king size bed, with the TV on (hopefully there is a movie or something good) and not think about my troubles.

Oh- I am knitting a jacket from the "Knitted Jackets" book by Cheryl Oberle (very very good). It is the "Three Sisters" design, and I am knitting it out of some Red Bird Knits' aran weight Wensleydale Longwool-dyed by the Fleece Artist lady-in a lovely mottled warm olive- much like in the picture.

Isn't it pretty??????????????

By the way- still not sure of the sweater from the last post. Still doing my research on "Yvonne".

PS- I was over at Knitobsession- and she directed her readers here-http://wanderingcatstudio.blogspot.com/ to a contest. This lady has some beautifulkll colours of hand dyed yarns- and she has opened up a contest. Go and see- it is open until the 13th (? I think)

Thinking upon making something....

2009-07-03T09:52:00.002-05:00

But I was wondering if anyone knew anything about Cocoknits. Here is what I am considering- http://www.cocoknits.com/knit/garments/women/yvonne.html I have some absolutely luscious Blackberry BFL dk from one of my favourite indie dyers (Ruth at Impulse of Delight-go check out my sidebar- you will love her, too). I am also going to go over to Ravelry (another highly addictive thing) to see if anyone has comments on that sweater!
Ta for now-

New computer, Canada Day, and Cascade Fixation baby duds

2009-07-01T13:53:00.009-05:00

Guess what? I will be doing some writing for the Ministry of Ed. this summer, and I was afraid that they would all laugh at my elderly laptop, so I decided to buy a new one. It is really pretty- very slick, with a huge screen. It is a Hewlett Packard (which my buddies in the industry tell me is a reliable brand). And a battery that can be recharged (unlike our elderly Dell). The Windows Vista is pretty slick, as well. But here is a strange thing- the Bell security, that we pay for, is not compatible with the 64-bit operating system that this new puter has. Soooooo-what's up with that? The computer did come with a free 30 day trial of Norton, which is probably what we will end up purchasing. But I am still shaking my head.

I just got the local Wool Tyme newsletter, and Anne is featuring a pattern that I designed years ago (when I first discovered Cascade Fixation)-a wee baby hat. It is a freebie- go and see it here- http://wtkpatterns.blogspot.com/2009/06/childs-frilly-hat-of-cascade-fixation.html It makes a great ruffled baby hat (that stays on)-and takes one ball.

I "borrowed" this image-since I do not have a picture of the finished thing. I also designed a ruffled bikini for a baby (I did it in leopard print- but you can make it plain or striped) on Knitty. I called it "Jane of the Jungle". Go and take a peek- http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEsummer03/PATTjane.html

If you do use either of these patterns-send me a pic of the finished item-I would love to see them!!!

Oh- and Happy Canada Day! In a new tradition (I always do this with my friends, I just haven't put it up on my blog)- the reasons to love Canada-

Great medical care

Education at all levels is top notch!

Fresh water- we have lots of it, and I, for one, want to preserve it

Fresh air-nothing smells better

Four distinct seasons-all beautiful

Tim Horton's (I do love me a decaf coffee and a "tractor tire" doughnut (yes, we Canadians spell like that)

Canadian spelling, for that matter

David Suzuki

French and English

Burton Cummings

Tortiere and cretons (ya gotta know Quebec to know those two)

Add your Canadian loves- join a good thing!!!!!!

Yeah, I'm not dead

2009-06-25T19:38:00.003-05:00

But close. The kids are now done, after spending an overnight at Fort Henry and then dragging around all day!!!! Luckily, I am "allowed" to take my class with another teacher, and then I stay late, but not overnight (too many arthritic issues). But all that walking still makes a girl kinda sore.
The trip was cool, I must say. The only down side was a double booking(on the part of the Fort)-an Austin Healey "convention", in which the kids were kind of rushed through some history, told to get off the parade ground, then watched while drivers from all around the world brought these cars in, then had a "shooter race" (yes, drinking), and then got back into their cars. Hmmm- what is wrong with this picture?
The good news- got myself a little job doing some writing for the ministry of ed. The bad news- takes some time away from the summer. But it will all work out- a little extra money won't hurt.
Anyhow- here is a bit of a funny- my daughter is 11. And she gets some pretty funny notions. She asked me, when we were on the way to work, if it was true that daddy didn't wear pjs. I said, well, that was true. She countered with - "I don't think he wears underwear." I responded with no, he did not. She turned to me, with great care and concern, "Oh you poor thing. Having to put up with a naked man in your bed when you are just trying to sleep."
I almost drove the car in the ditch.

Happy summer holiday.

Lookee!

2009-06-12T19:27:00.003-05:00

My husband, bless his fuzzy little heart, has been working hard on a program with kids who, basically, weren't doing so well. He has them for three periods in a row- and he builds choppers with them. Not just any choppers- hand built and finnished bio-diesel machines- made form old motorcycles annd bits and pieces of all kinds of things. The bio-diesel is made from the French fry oil from the cafeteria. Check it out! http://www.ckwstv.com/index.cfm?page=news&id=797 He will also be on CBC Radio (Ontario Morning) on Monday.
Isn't he cool?
Love ya, baby-
PS- If you go to YouTube-andn then channel, type in kitplanesolutions, you will see other "old man" videos. Used to be airplanes, now, well, one never knows!!!!!!!!!

How do I hate writing report cards......

2009-05-31T09:51:00.001-05:00

Let me count the ways.......................................................................

Star Trek-yes or no?

2009-05-17T06:42:00.003-05:00

I thought to myself- how could they reinvent Star Trek AGAIN? How could "they" change who played Kirk? And Spock? Is nothing sacred in the world?

So, going to the new Star Trek movie was a big question mark- how where "they" going to pull it off?

And I LOVED it. Lt. Uhuru, unbeknownst to the rest of us, had a "thing" for Spock. And Spock let his human side hang out to show how much he hated Kirk. But James T. Kirk- with that big chip on his shoulder-was too funny! Bones was a scat- the actor portraying him "borrowed" a few of the original's best lines- with great success. Scotty made me laugh. Even Sulu and Checkov, while not quite what I had expected, had their moments. And it worked- the whole package of new faces/old names, an original character with the new updated version, and the age old quest involving bad guy with a grudge needing to be overcome by the shiny bright good guys.

Yeah, I loved it.

Star Trek lives!

Catchin' Up

2009-04-13T07:39:00.011-05:00

I don't know why I am having such a hard time updating this blog. I used to love sitting down and writing up something, usually only of interest to me. But lately? well, there seems to be other things to take over my time.

On to other news- Easter was fun. At school, on Thursday, we hid Kinder eggs in the classroom and let the kids find their "one egg each". This is Grade 6/7, and you would have thought I had given them gold. They ate their chocolate right away, and then built their toys. And then the trading began! What a hoot! My daughter does not believe in the big bunny, but we still get a giggle over the "Clue Hunt of Ahab the Bun Rab". You see, the deal is, Mommy hides little prizes all over the house, late Saturday evening. Then the notes begin. The first one is outside her bedroom door in a basket, giving her a clue as to where to look. The second clue is attached to that first gift/surprise she has found, and on and on..... I originally started it as one more way to get her to love reading, when she was about 7 or 8, and now, well, Annie says it is tradition! It is fun to see her roar around, I must admit. On Friday night, we went to the block Easter Egg Hunt/Potluck supper that a neighbour hosts. She has been doing this for years, so, again, an Easter TRADITION. And Annie is all about traditions- she loves to keep doing things the same way, year after year, building up her own traditions, often based on some wacky thing I thought I would like to try. Hmm. That might be how traditions start anyway.

Last night was another potluck/BBQ to welcome back some neighbours who have moved to Newfoundland. They are here on a visit, but I suspect they might be returning to the area (they've been gone a year, but I don't thinks things turned out as well as they had hoped).

And now for some knitting pictures-I truly HAVE been knitting!!!!

Let's see- I will be teaching an entrelac workshop at Wool Tyme (in Kingston, Ontario) this weekend. So I thought I had better make something to leave as an original pattern. Sooo- enter a gorgeous skein of yarn- Impulse of Delight's BFL, fingering weight, in "Mountain Sunset No. 2". Oh my, she is one talented lady with her dyeing. (just see the list of blogs on my sidebar for contacts). Anyhow, this will be a soft cowl, in entrelac, with lace inserts in the top squares of the cowl. Hmmmm. Somewhat industrious, yes, but I think it will be quite pretty. It will also be a wonderful way to use a beautiful skein of yarn, when you don't want to make socks.

Mom's shawl is nearly done. Because she turned 80, the shawl has 80 squares in it (domino knitting, not entrelac). I used Noro Silk Garden Lite, 9 skeins for a reasonable size. The edging is next- I am going to use is Lana Grossa Meilenweit (fingering, part wool, silk, polyamid and cashmere) in a light grey, almost a silver. I want to do a few rows of eyelets and then a garter stitch saw toothed edge. I think it will look quite smart.

And now for yet another project- this is my knitting bag (felted Lopi). (I made it years ago- it was actually my first felting project-I couldn't believe how much I had to knit! It was like a slipcover for a car!)

Open it up and see all my ends of sock yarns- mostly mine, some from friends, some from Mom- but I am using the same concepts from Mom's shawl and making a rectangle- sort of a lap robe/afghan- depending on how much yarn I have and how much momentum I will have.

This is where I am at, so far- it's a travelling project, for now. The good thing- it isn't a heavy afghan that turns into a sure fire way to get tennis elbow, and can be folded up. The down side- this is either going to be really neat, or it will be an eyesore. Don't know yet.

And my February Lady Sweater is coming along. I LOVE it. I am making it out of Araucania Nature Wool in a striated indigo (very posh looking). The buttons are a gift from my friend , Ruby- they are hand made glass- and too stunning to believe.

And that's about it- except I just got a call from my SIL-my nephew (Grade 7) had a bad accident- he was out skateboarding and fell, and drove his finger into the gears of his buddy's bike. OW. Surgery, stitches, a pin and a tendon reattachment- looks good now.

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!!

the results.....

2009-03-23T17:19:00.003-05:00

Nope- she didn't catch the leprechaun...this time. The dog, however, had green sugar on his toes and his face. The milk was green. AND- the bait (Lucky Charms, OF COURSE) WAS GONE! But he left some neat things. A book about dragons (with green writing, of course) some green gummies, and a green original Hex bug (look 'em up- http://www.hexbug.com/ -they are way cool). Soooo-we will plan for next year. I am a bit surprised that bear didn't catch him- but perhaps he DID- hmm- are leprechauns made out of sugar, I wonder???????
The Break was good- not much relaxing, though! We took Annie to "The Wizard of Oz" up in Ottawa (it was spectacular- how Toto got all of his cues without any problems or false starts is beyond me!) And we had some visitors (Hi Larissa and Hayley and Nat! Hi JoAnn) and some shopping (gotta love that Beadapalooza!). And then we had my mother's 80th birthday celebration. (I had fun )
And now- back to work. And from here on in, it is like we are on a slide-pretty soon, it will be June!!!!!!!!
But I almost finished my mom's birthday present- I have some time tonight......keeping my toes crossed- need my fingers to knit!

Top of the Mornin' to You!

2009-03-17T06:21:00.003-05:00

Yes, it is St. Patrick's Day. And at our house, that means a trick or two from a little green guy (like the milk has turned green, or the water in the toilet is green, or,..........) As well, it means that A. builds a "leprechaun trap"-an assortment of boxes and tape and some strategic planning. You see, leprechauns love shiny things, and "Lucky Charms" cereal (the perfect bait), and natural objects (like twigs and pretty stones). If you leave a direction for him (such as "No leprechauns allowed" or "Do not enter") he will do the exact opposite. And if he doesn't get caught, he leaves a few trinkets, since he appreciates a good try.

Enjoy your green day, whether you can claim Irish heritage or not!

what's happening these days....

2009-03-09T17:37:00.009-05:00

Report cards. They suck the big one. I hate them-I hate them-I hate them. There the truth is out. Local teacher hates report cards. It takes time away from lovely, lovely knitting. Or from goofing around. Or from reading great books. Watching movies. Doing all that stuff I sooooo enjoy.

I happened to get my hands on some fabulous yarn from Ruth at Knitting on Impulse (she's on my list of blogs that I read). She is dyeing up a STORM! Anyhow this is sock weight in a perfect rainbow. And I am playing around with building a lovely circular entrelac cowl. There is also another mountain sunset-and it is greys and purples finished off with golds. That one is going to be a lacy cowl for someone at work. And then thee is another sunset one for me- greys and purples finished off with a burst of reds and pinks and fuschias. Very smart! I tried to take pics of the yarns, but they just weren't working out with my little camera. Just go one over to Ruth's web store and check out the fraternal twins, gradient dye jobs- OOOOOOOHHHHHH LLLLAAAAA LLLLAAAAA!

In the meantime, some gratuitous shots of family-

This is Mr. Bear with Daddy's new hat on (no, I didn't make it- but I wish I had!!!!!!)

And this is my two sisters- the younger one is in the middle and the older one is on the right. And yup- that big smiley one on the left is me.

Yeah. Not much family resemblance. And no- no one is adopted.

Passing on the love......

2009-02-23T21:23:00.005-05:00

I found this on Sarah Peasley's blog- a person I have never ever met but think I would really enjoy talking to. (you can check her out here- http://www.handknitter.sarahpeasley.com/) Anyhow, I jumped in, and here you go-

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.

- What I create will be just for you.

- It'll be done in the next 12 months.

- You have no clue what it's going to be.

- I reserve the right to do something unusual.

The catch? You have to put this in your blog as well. Pass on the love!

Designing

2009-02-22T07:14:00.004-05:00

As some of you are aware, I dabble a bit in designing knits. At first, it was out of necessity-I like to dress a particular way, but many of those designs (say, fifteen years ago) were out of reach for those with (ahem) a more Rubinesque figure. So, in order to get what I wanted, I learned a whole lot about fit and drape and design (lots of failures along the way, too).

Occasionally, one of my designs gets published (which is really a big thrill- it is like a big gold star on that English essay- a confirmation, one might say). And I do realize that there are times when designers think alike. I remember a few fiascos when it was hard to determine who created first. But I do have a question-but first, a few details. A few years ago, I came up with "Big Blue". I had some Fleece Artist Silk Stream (which is still my all time favourite yarn to design with), and not a clue as to what to do with it. Soooo- I started playing, and came up with this-

This is the picture I have in Ravelry-not the greatest pic, but I didn't want to give away all my secrets, since this is a design I might try to flog.

Although this particular picture doesn't show it as clearly, the jacket is a tunic length modular knit, with a contrasting pink diamond on the back, and the same pink diamonds all around the bottom (you can see just the tip of one near the bottom edge of the photo).

So, this morning, I was looking around, and found this picture, from a well known company. True, it is a full length coat, as opposed to a tunic length. I can't see the sleeves- I used a chevron stitch all the way down each sleeve. I felt the diamonds would look too heavy. But it is possible this designer figured out a way to make it work. i just can't see the sleeves to make out that detail.

Anyhow, whoever thought about it first is not going to be answered here. But the question is- just how much does one share on Ravelry? You want people to notice your designs. And it is a point of fact- there are only so many things you can put into a design, so some features might repeat themselves over and over again (for example- high waisted sweaters are everywhere these days-I wouldn't be able to come up with who thought of them first). It wouldn't surprise me to hear that designers use Ravelry as a "source book" of designs and trends. The question then is- has the line been crossed? Does such a line even exist (the "line" being that point at which a design is distinctive and unique). I don't know. And I also don't know if the commercial design is the first or if "Big Blue" is the first. Ravelry can certainly show what is perceived to be your intellectual property (based, I guess, on how long one has a posted design).

There are differences between my coat and this one. It looks like there might be two blue colourways and two pink colourways in the commercial design, for example.

What do you think?

NAH!

2009-02-12T21:46:00.003-05:00

I had to go to school on the bday. There WAS some freezing rain- just enough to cause an annoying "indoor recess" kind of a day, but it was all cleared for the end of the day. Oh well.
But when I went out to the car that morning (to go to school), there was a card on my car from one of the neighbours. How nice- I thought. And when I got home after school, another set of neighbours were there with a card and a $50 certificate for a local restaurant ($50 for 50 years!). Extra nice! And then yet another neighbour came by with a handpainted scarf for me (with a POODLE on it, of course!). All extra special because they were totally unexpected. These neighbours really made my day.
And the day was made even more special because of all of the birthday wishes from my web friends.(thank you, all of you)
Way cool.

What are the chances?????

2009-02-09T21:01:00.002-05:00

Hey- I just checked out the weather forecast for tomorrow. It seems to suggest that freezing rain is on the way. Hmmm- what are the chances- a snow day on my birthday??????

I leave my car alone for a minute........

2009-02-08T12:21:00.003-05:00

And the next thing you know I am getting an email from a friend's computer. This would be my husband (in the passenger seat) and his buddy touring around the backroads with the top down!!!!!!!! (they look like they're having fun, though, don't they?)

We went out for Sunday morning breakfast with the Flying Club gang- and we took the convertible (we are thinking of calling it Sammy- it is like a sleek black seal). A number of people actually thought we were joking around when we told them that this is what I got for my birthday (which is actually on Tuesday, Feb. 10). We took the top down for the ride home. Got a few looks from other drivers, but MAN! was it ever cool. (and not just cool in temperature) I do love that car!!! And I can hardly wait for the warm temperatures to go and drive around!

On to other news- knitting type news-I have been working on Mom's domino wrap- I have about 46 squares, so I am well on my way. I am teaching an entrelac workshop on the 18th of April. It is meant to be a workshop for people who are quite comfortable knitting (as in everything from an adventurous beginner and up) who would like to learn entrelac. I thought I would make up some samples with self striping yarns (I have a sweater made out of Noro Silk Garden), as well as gradient type yarns and solids with each square knit with a textured patterns. But I wonder what people would like to make? A scarf?

I've got this started- it is a rayon that was dyed in rainbow- "parrot" I think was the colourway). I thought I would show that knitting in straight stockingnette with this yarn yields something that isn't very attractive, but it looks great in entrelac. I figure a scarf would be the best bet, or else make a facecloth/handtowel in entrelac, as the class project. It isn't very hard to learn, but it does help if you can purl backwards. We'll see if there are enough people interested. Let me know if you want more details!

I need to go and mark papers now-drek, I tell ya- so I had better be off. Mother is cooking me my favourite meal of all time for my birthday (roast turkey with all the trimmings, and graham cracker crumb cake with seven minute frosting-HEAVEN!) so I don't even have to worry about what to make tonight.

See ya!

It's here!!!

2009-02-02T04:54:00.011-05:00

I came home from work this week, and noticed that my driveway had an extra "somethin' somethin" in it!!!! My new car!!!!!!! I love it. I really really do. It is all black, inside and out (hubby thinks we should call it Sammy, as in Sammy Seal) and very slick. I still can't take it to school- it needs to get licensed and safetied and all that stuff. But with the weather these days- holy cow- snow city!!!!!!

But we did take some pictures.........................................

And I did drive it around a bit on its trip permit- just to make sure everything worked and all. It did (AND HOW). I have never had a car with leather seats before. And they are even HEATED! (How I love heated seats) And it has a 6 CD disc changer, and an awesome sound system, and just everything is perfect. I figured, in the spring, we can put Bear ( a white standard poodle) and William (a neighbour's black standard) in the back seat and see how many times we can get our picture in the local paper!!!!!!!!

I really love it. Thank you, Sean.

And on to the dilemma about mother's present-I have decided to make her something. To tell you the truth- because we both knit, I usually give her yarn, not finished items. So, I have decided to make her a wrap/shawl, out of Noro Silk Garden Lite, (colour 2013 B)using domino knitting. The tie in to her birthday is that I will make it out of 80 squares. Some squares will be bigger, of course, but it's a start. I will post a picture when there is more to show.

edited later: I added a poor picture- the colours are true in the swatch (above) I don't know what happened to the colour in this picture.

It gives you an idea of what I am up to. Whaddya think?

And now for a gratuitous Bear pic- This is what I think he was dreaming about, night before last. The old legs were just flying, and the face muscles were twitching, but he was fast asleep.

Funny thing- when we first got Bear (he was a neglected animal), he didn't dream like that. Now he does. In fact, one night, he even got his howler working- and yes, he was fast asleep.

Mom's Birthday

2009-01-25T16:16:00.006-05:00

I have a bit of a dilemma. My mother is turning 80 soon. Now, 80 for some would be quite elderly. But "elderly" is NOT in my mother's vocabulary. She still pokes me at grocery store lines to let the "older ladies" in ahead of us (I know for a fact that one such "older lady" had just retired from teaching, and was about 64). She lives on her own, is very capable (in fact, takes care of me when I have had my many knee surgeries) (I'm up to over a dozen now, by the way, on both knees), and certainly does not need anything. But what to give her?????????

I thought about making something for her (she is, after all, the source of my knitting abilities). I thought about the log cabin wrap made from Kidsilk Haze in the "Color Style" book. I was thinking of the colours, however- I think a palette of purples and mauves and greys and pinks and creams would be perhaps more fitting. Because I love to see a bright centre, I would make sure to put a bright pink in the beginning squares.

But then I thought- where would she wear it? She made herself a Koigu shawl (another gift from my sister and I) and has never blocked it (said she just wanted to know if she could do it). I gave her enough cream cashmere for Xmas to make a large wrap (over 1300 yards of fingering/sport weight), so that will probably be her wrap- she doesn't need two.

She makes afghans like it is going out of style- she has one on each couch and in each room. When she and dad retired, she actually made a granny square one (with the bright colours and the black for contrast) out of mohair (very very beautiful, let me tell you).

This is my mom, taken last summer (she was only 79 in this one) Ya see what I mean? Hey- if I could be so darn lucky to age as well as she has, I would be a happy person! She loves colour-never wears brown (apparently a brown corduroy winter coat from her childhood comes back to haunt her)- she has many interests-knitting, quilting, cooking, volunteering (her time mostly- she is always knitting for charity), her grandkids, her great grand baby, travelling (although she hasn't travelled too much since her travelling partner died), she also loves theatre and movies.

Any suggestions? Ideas?

Give up?

2009-01-10T23:18:00.004-05:00

Hmm- something black and sexy?????

Scroll down to see what my dear sweet husband has decided to give me for my 50th birthday................................................

A BLACK SEBRING CONVERTIBLE! Just like this!

Oh I do love that man..............

IT WORKED!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-08T05:13:00.008-05:00

And all the buses in the county were cancelled! Thank you to all those dancers out there-your combined efforts pushed the weather gremlins right over the top!!!!!!! I did have 9 kids, but it was a pretty relaxing day.

And I have some news! I will be turning 50 next month, and my husband announced what I am getting for my birthday. I'll give you a hint-it's black and it's sexy!!!!!!!!!

And speaking of birthdays.............Today is my husband's birthday!!!!!

Happy Birthday, sweetheart!

It didn't work yesterday, but.....

2009-01-06T19:03:00.003-05:00

The evil weather urchins are getting rather rowdy. It seems the storm warnings are up again for tonight. Hmm- SHAKE THAT BOOTY! WORK THAT MONEYMAKER! MAKE ME SOME FREEZING RAIN! (but then, after the buses are cancelled, please return the weather to something nice)

Okay, here's the plan.....

2009-01-04T18:30:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow is the first day back after the holidays. It seems the weather gods are playing fast and loose with some freezing rain. So, in order to allow this girl to have a few extra sleepy minutes in the morning, we all must do the "freezing rain dance". Shake those hips, wiggle those arms, implore the weather gods to sprinkle a little more ice into the mix. You know ya wanna.

This has been an unpaid service announcement from teachers everywhere.

News from the front.......

2008-12-31T14:52:00.008-05:00

I think Bear is getting over being afraid of my mother's dog Elmo. This is where Elmo sits when he has been sort of mean to Bear and Bear has taken some action against him. Bear doesn't bark or growl at him- he simply "corrals" Elmo until Elmo takes refuge behind the entertainment stand. And when he is behind there, he kind of reminds me of the "Puss in Boots" on Shrek- with those "sad eyes". Then, after a while, Bear lets him back out (after patrolling the front of the entertainment stand for 20 minutes or so). It is quite funny.

Bear keeps a pretty good eye on him. Note the paw on the floor. He's just letting Elmo know how quickly he can move.

But let's talk creative processes-here is the backdrop I designed and painted for the school concert.

It is a huge snow globe with a scene in it. I was asked if it was a real scene (as in-"Is it a real place?") It isn't, but I would like to believe that it would be my gazebo at my cottage, on the lake. You see, I would spend summers and Christmases there, after I win the lottery. (my other home would be somewhere warmer, but I do like snow at Christmas. Otherwise, snow should be something one can order in when wanted.)(which isn't bloody often).(Okay, heavily into dreamland here).

I also have been working on my "February Lady Sweater" (I get such a kick when it says it is sized for a "big assed lady") (which, of course, I am). See the progress?

On the sweater please. Not on my ass.

The blue is actually daker than in these pics- I played around a bit with the colour to get some stitches showing.

We had a wonderful visit with my sister-in-law and family. Annie gets along extremely well with the two kids. They play games that require imagination, not electricity. Love it.

Christmas was wonderful- I got a new chaise lounge, and 5 new knitting books. Tonight, we go to a neighbour's house for a wee party. All is well in my world.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-28T11:31:00.006-05:00

Oh what a wonderful time we had!!!! Annie was a bit worried about Santa Claus- whether or not he was going to make it. But her faith in the big guy has been restored. What she really wanted for Xmas was a Nintendo DS ("Aw Mom-all the other kids have them- even their little sisters!!!!") And, since we don't particularly care for the electronic game mania, she was really surprised when one appeared under the tree!!!! And her comment? "Now I know there really is a Santa, because you guys would NEVER have bought one of these!"

Bear also had a fine Christmas- he got a large stuffed Santa- which he loves dearly, sleeps with and spends some "special quiet time" (umm-that's what we call it, but it just is quiet snuggle time when we want him to settle down after a wild play)(although it does sound somewhat naughty, but it isn't. Poor Bear does not understand "naughty").

I got some knitting done- I made an angora hat for the neighbour's little one. I will get a pic of her with it on-and describe it then as well.

Right now I am working on "Loppem" a Norah Gaughan design. I have some cherry red Lavold Angora- luscious stuff! And had planned on making one of her own designs with it. But to tell you the truth, I looked it up on Ravelry, and the various projects that were made showed quite a range of disastrous fitting errors. So I rethought my ideas.

I have more yarn than needed for this one, so I may rework the sleeves- go for a longer, 3/4 sleeve? We'll see. I also have 4 skeins of the yarn in a cranberry, so I may put the two together for a hat/mitt/accessory something.

Tomorrow, I am expecting Sean's family-so now I have to go and think about what I am serving for lunch.

Hope all of your celebrations have been happy-

So....

2008-12-23T15:11:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty sure I have bought all I needed to buy, and am in the process of wrapping everything up. The house is starting to look like civilized people live here and the tree is up. I even made the tortieres! The knitted things I wanted to finish by Xmas are all done. And so, what could go wrong?
Picture this- I have a series of shopping bags on my bed. They hold unwrapped gifts. I also have a great big white dog on my bed. He starts sniffing around the bags. In one bag, full of clothing for gifts, he stops and pauses for a moment.

Just long enough to puke in it.

EEEEEEUUUUUUUUUUWWWWWWWWWW. (let's say it all together now....)

I just hope everything fits, because I won't be able to take anything back after it has been washed. Right?

Merry Christmas, and I hope nobody pukes in your bags.

Teacher presents.......

2008-12-17T19:47:00.009-05:00

As in "cadeaux", not as in the teacher is presenting something........

By the time kids get to about Grade 6 or 7, the notion of "teacher gifts" is moot-the kids don't usually want to show that they like their teachers (egad! a fate worse than death!), and that they (the kids) are sooooooo grown up that they don't do these babyish things. And, in times like these, that works fine for me (being a teacher of Grade 6/7). Until this school. This is a school with a very strong family feel- everyone has known everyone else since they were babies and their mothers took the same pre-natal yoga classes, or the kids went to the same ballet classes and sailing school in the summers. The families are generally "old" families- have been in the area for years-and many of the mothers do not work (or, if they do, they are doctors who share practices with other mom/doctors, or else they teach piano in their homes). Don't get me wrong- there are other families with two working parents, or families who have split up, or families that look a fair bit like mine. There just seem to be more of the first kind. As well, all of the teachers with school aged children who work in this school have registered their own children as students in this school. The place is almost magical-the families support the place and work hard to ensure their children have the best education.

So-the first year I worked in this school, the kids didn't know me very well, and I was only teaching half time-and I was teaching Grade 7- so I was not all that surprised that I received only a few modest gifts. That was about 5 years ago. Since then, and since I have gone back to working full time, I have to say I have been almost embarrassed by the gift giving. It has been , well lavish. And many of the gifts come with hand made cards telling me why they wanted to give me something (worth their weight in gold). The gifts are usually useful, thoughtful, interesting, and unusual. And I always feel a bit guilty- after all- I work, I receive a salary, is a gift really necessary? And I do so appreciate how the kids are trying to pump me for info about my favourite things- like, " Oh, Mrs. W., what do you think of such and such a store? I hear it has many art supplies-is that where you like to buy your art supplies?" Or....."I see you like coffee-my mother says that such and such has the best coffee. Do you agree?" They are really quite sweet.

But here is my dilemma. My child goes to this school. And I, of course, am responsible for the teacher gifts for them. And this year, she has 3 teachers- the homeroom, the teacher who teaches 3 afternoons every week, and the french teacher. I work with these ladies. So this year, here is what I did-

The hat that Annie is modelling is a French beret for the-yes, you guessed it- the French teacher. Made out of Rowan Polar (so sad it is discontinued-LOVE that yarn).

The second gift is for her homeroom teacher- a lovely lady whose favourite colour is blue. I used Noro Silk Garden (another favourite)-I really like the wavy edge of this scarf and the colours- certainly not really caught in my blurry photo.

The third is another Noro scarf-Kureyon this time- for the third teacher. She is a kind of outdoor/sporty girl, who wears a fair bit of brown and olive green.

I plan on putting some candy in with the gifts and a note. But I hope this is enough? I went with the theme of "yard duty" for each of them (we have a large flat schoolyard just a couple of blocks up from Lake Ontario)(and the wind really blows hard up there). But none of the ladies are "crafty". They appreciate what I knit- all have made comments on my projects, but...?

I just don't know. I find selecting teacher gifts really quite difficult.

Onto other news- at school today, the floor was a slick- wet with melted snow, and I had a fall. I hurt my knee and my hip. So I am going to go and put said leg up and see if I can get it back in working order.

On that note- good night!

2008-12-08T07:52:00.003-05:00

Nope- I haven't died, or run away (tempting, but...) I have been doing REPORT CARDS! And for some reason or other, I had more difficulty writing them this year. I second guessed myself. I fought with them, and then I fought again. But...

I'M BAAAAAACCCCCKKKKKK!

More later.........................

A letter from Bear........

2008-11-25T20:39:00.007-05:00

Dear Abby and Gus,

I was so happy when I saw the package come to my momma's door. It smelled soooo good. I knew it was from my (girl) friend and her live in playmate. And I had to chomp my new bone-ee-o. And my snuggle puppy!!!! I do love a teddy for me to snuggle and chomp and play with. And you guys and your momma remembered me!!!!!!!!!

I love you guys.

Love, Bear

And yes, there was a lovely parcel-and in it, some treats for Bear (see above) a bag for Annie, a bag for me, some lavender sachets (great for keeping your knits fresh and free from um, visitors), some stitch markers, and a skein of luscious yarn- dyed by YarnPig herself!-Petunia sock in Forest Path colourway. Way nice. And why the riches in the mail??????? Because Bear won a contest run by the YarnPig- Bea from
http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/ . Bear was able to predict which of the pups would choose which treat to coincide with the American election. (that Bear is a clever one, isn't he???)

See the face on my new snuggle puppy! He's roadkill!!! I love him so much.

Thanks, Bea, and Abby and Gus. It was one fine package!

I don't know how or why

2008-11-16T07:30:00.011-05:00

I am truly at a loss to explain how this big dog could possibly be comfortable sleeping like this, but since he does this all the time, I guess I am going to have to admit he must be comfortable.

I just don't see how!!!!

I have actually been doing some knitting. The "snake scarf"- a freebie online-see it here- http://www.string-or-nothing.com/PermaLink,guid,08a5d2d5-438b-6079-92d7-0007e96ddfa0.aspx-is a project that I have had bookmarked forever. I liked the way it was wavy, and well, kind of sexy. Annie has two teachers this year, and one of them is going to get this scarf. I made it in Noro Silk Garden (LOVE that stuff!) in a bright blue/green mix (it was a a leftover from an entrelac jacket I made for a friend). All I have left to do is the blocking.

Annie's other teacher apparently likes oranges and browns. So- I have the pattern booklet from Berroco for this-

It is a Berroco booklet- Norah Gaughan 3- and the booklet is packed with really nice patterns. This scarf is actually paired with a sweater- it has a bodice-with a straight seam sort of above bust, and then a very gentle A-line shape, with the design detail from the scarf (the leaves) down one side. Very smart. I think I have some chocolate brown or maybe even some mid brown tweed to do it in. Yeah, the tweed might be smarter. It seems tweed is very "in" these days.

I think I am going to have to get my black armband out again-yeah, the snow thing, but EVEN WORSE-Needful Yarns has gone bankrupt, and Filatura di Crosa is also in financial trouble. I swear I am doing my very best to keep these companies going, but c'mon! I can't do it all by myself! One of my most favourite yarns is by Fil di C-it is called 127 print. It has this long run of solid, luscious colour, interrupted by a tweedy/stripey/mixed up colour band. It is a self-striping yarn, but not like Noro, which has lots of stripes. It just is a very sophisticated version of self- striping yarns. In sweater quantities, I have it in red (now a sweater- my so called "boyfriend sweater"), and in black (still undetermined), have ordered it in dark brown, and I have a half dozen balls or so in the lilac. Go find yourself some- it is a dreamy treat. AND, I just recently bought some Needful Yarns London Tweed--a big sweater/coat is going to come my way in the teal, and I have sweater amounts in black tweed. The stuff is like butta.

Go get yourself some, before it is gone. Forever.

Added later: I was asked how many balls of Silk Garden for the scarf- I used 2 balls, with a 4.5 mm needle.

Aaarrrrgh

2008-11-03T05:40:00.002-05:00

It doesn't matter if I gain an hour or lose an hour. Time changes just mess me around.
I can't sleep. And because I was trying to get back to sleep, I wouldn't turn on the light. So I didn't even knit!

Things that make you wonder why you are getting up

2008-10-29T18:16:00.005-05:00

Okay- I am finally posting. Work has been somewhat crazed lately.

First of all, something good. The lovely Bea at BaaBaa Black Sheep has a contest. She has great prizes, so go on over and see her. She is here- http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/2008/10/presidential-race-abigail-and-augustus.html You will have to select from some choices as to whether or not her beautiful dogs can help foretell the election. Could be fun! Make sure you tell her I sent you!
Here's some of the weird stuff.

I sent Missie Annie off to Guides last night, and was all set to curl up with a book, or maybe some knitting, and then, IT HAPPENED. A power outage. Like a serious one. We were out for about 45 minutes (hubby went to pick up Annie, but the Guides were having a Halloween party and they figured it was all part of the fun!) (Surprisingly, Sean was the only parent who went over there to pick up a daughter. Wouldn't you think a good parent would?) So, we finally got power back, got Annie back, and I settled in again for a bit of a lazy. AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN! The power blipped, and then out for an even longer time!!! Poor Bear was in the bedroom when it went out the second time, and the poor dear- I think he was getting scared (and confused). All I could hear was this sorrowful "AAAaaaaaaarooof. Roof?" So once I saved him (I had to go and get him with a lit flashlight). I was the only one up when it came on again (I wanted to make sure the clocks were all set properly).

And then, another reason to wear a black armband...........

THIS is what greeted me when I put the dog out this morning! (pardon the pool equipment-we had taken things out to dry them out so as to be able to store them) And then it SNOWED. Enough to stay on the ground! NOT GOOD.

And I am bored with what I am knitting and I want a new something to knit. I am turning into a knitting slut.

This can't be good.

New project

2008-10-19T23:35:00.007-05:00

It is certainly fall around these parts. Not only are the mornings cool and clear, and there has been frost on the ground, and the colours of the trees are spectacular- BUT- I know it is fall because I want to knit sweaters. For me.

I had started a sweater a while ago- out of some kettle dyed yarn- so it would be a bit streaky (the yarn is a deep indigo blue "Araucania Nature Wool Solids") This is really interesting yarn-I quite like it. Anyhow, I started a pattern out of Green Mountain Spinnery- an aran patterned gansey style thing, with a deep, patterned "skirt". But the yarn wasn't right- the streakiness looked "off", and the dark colour hid the textured patterns. So....what to do with this freshly frogged project? I went into Ravelry,, went searching for freebie patterns- and came across the "February Lady Sweater". Pamela Wynne took the baby sweater pattern from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Almanac, and altered/rewrote/whatevered until she had a big sweater! And nit is really something! I am on the lace part-it is a top down construction, so you start with the bodice. I think this is going to be the kind of sweater that you can pop on over dress pants and a Tshirt and look "put together". Or wear it with jeans and look casual and comfortable.
This is much nicer than a sweat shirt.
But not much to photograph at this time!

Thanksgiving Day.......

2008-10-13T12:47:00.004-05:00

Thanksgiving Day- makes me things about the things I am truly thankful for.

First of all- my family. Sean is healthy, gainfully employed, as cute as the day we married-he is "da bomb" as they say. And Annie is healthy, and smart, and artistic and musical, and has all the things that we can give her. Bear is a great pup-I was so worried when we first dragged him home that we were bringing home a whole lot of trouble- but nope- we have a wonderful, loyal dog that I love dearly. My mother is 5 minutes away from us, and, at 79, can still be mistaken for a much younger lady (some even still want her to prove she has hit the 65 mark to get the discounts!!!!). She is healthy, full of p and v, and a good friend.

I have enough to eat, enough to knit (well, for now, anyway!!!!), a place to sleep (with a low mortgage that won't keep me up at night), and no feeling that will change in the future.

This Thanksgiving, I cooked about half the meal for my mom, brought it all over to her house, and then had supper with my mom, my husband, my daughter and my two sisters and their families (slightly incomplete families, but most were there). My dog was there, my younger sister's new puppy (a delightful long haired miniature daschund puppy (9 weeks old) named Winston-all 4 pounds of him!) was also part of the entourage, as was my mother's older dog, Elmo (he is a sometimes cranky, very spoiled ShiTzu). So it was great fun- lots of talking, eating, catching up.

So -all's right in my world. Until I have to go back to school tomorrow and face a certain person. The bright side is that I have a top notch student teacher-Hi, Jennifer!- makes the job a whole lot easier.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Canadians-go out and count your blessings.

Today is the day

2008-10-04T08:04:00.001-05:00

That I teach my beginner lace class. Any final words? Things I should do? Maybe things I should NOT do?

Advice anyone???

Now what????????

2008-10-02T18:10:00.002-05:00

Earlier this week, I sent my daughter into the garage to get some meat from the chest freezer that we keep in there. She came back out, with the meat in her hand, saying, "This meat is squishy. And the freezer smells."
Seems the husband unit knocked the plug out when he was moving around in the garage LAST WEEKEND-so everything was thawed and sitting out in room temperature for days.
OOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEEEE UGH.

I know, I know......

2008-09-29T03:33:00.007-05:00

I haven't been a very good blogger lately. Sorry. I guess the situation at work has been more trying than I thought. Hopefully, I can get how I feel about it under better control.

Anyhow- about what I have been up to in the knitting world. You know how, when you knit a baby sweater as a gift, the parents will love it (of course!!!!) but once baby outgrows it, well, that is it. I have started making tiny "replica sweaters"- same style, same yarn (although I had to split the plys to make a finer yarn), but tiny-no more than the size to fit the palm of your hand. Make a little wire hanger, and voila! A keepsake at Christmas-a wee ornament for Baby's First Christmas! I thought it might look smart to have a little bit of ribbon tied at the top (still have to get that part!) What do you think?

(Sorry about the blurriness- I love my little camera, but it DOES have its limitations!)

I have also been putting together my lace workshop (at Wool Tyme, Kingston, this Saturday). Because I know that some of the participants also read this blog, I will keep that part "under wraps" for now.

The other "big knitting job" has been working on the top down sweater made out of Fleece Artist Ottawa (very nice stuff to play with). First of all- I have never ever made a top down sweater before. And I don't have a pattern for this one- just an idea in my head. I wanted the "bodice" to be ribbed, a high waist, and then a lacy "skirt" below that. The sleeves will depend on what I have left at the end! Because of the "thick and thin" nature of the yarn, it was difficult to find a lace pattern . I took a simple eyelet based stitch pattern and modified it.

Hmm- what else is new? Oh- we have decided to install hardwood in the main living areas of the house. We are just in the initial phases-we(by that I mean- "the husband did it and I watched") had to remove tile at the front door. We wanted a bigger area of tile there (too tight when people were trying to come in and take boots off) but, of course, couldn't find any matching tile. And, of course, the Big Giant Poodle Head wants to help out (he is, of course afraid of loud noises).

So he just cuddles up to his own "Big Doggie" and supervises the work. (Yes, that is the "teddy" that he sleeps with. He attached himself to one that Annie had- dragging it into his bed and lying on it (and occasionally shaking the hell out of it) I guess he figures it is like sleeping with a brother- I don't know- but he is very attached to it!)

Wow!

2008-09-21T07:05:00.012-05:00

I know I haven't been a great blogger lately-life is getting in the way of the pleasure of just writing something down for the heck of it. Anyhow- it seems there are some people who do understand, because I got this-

It seems that Bea at http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/ decided I was worthy of such an honour. (And thank you, Bea-it really couldn't have come at a better time).

Bea is one of those bloggers I found through a contest, and kept on reading, because she has really cool projects, an interesting "voice" (both interesting and interested in other people), and, best of all, she has DOGS!!! (Abby and Gus, and I really think my big Bear would love to go and play with them. Too bad they are in Texas!!!). Bea also made me a gorgeous sock knitting bag. I had seen some sock monkey fabric. She searched it down and found some great banana fabric for the lining. (Her etsy shop may be just the place you are looking for!!!). And best of all, Bea keeps her blog interesting, and regular (yes, I am jealous!)

Now- for the 4 blogs I would nominate for this award.............Hmmmm-tough one. These are really not in a numerical order, these 4 are tied for first place.

First up is a friend I have found on blogland- Ruth of http://impulsivearts.typepad.com/knitting/ She was one of those people I found when I was looking for some fancy, schmancy jewellery for the hubman to give me for a birthday present. Then I found her knitting. AND now she has a business dyeing yarn. Multi-talented. Smart. Thoughtful. And someone I would like to call a friend.

Second up- Diane from http://yarntails.blogspot.com/ . I don't really remember how I found her, but I have continued to read and to correspond with her. Excellent sense of humour, and a really good sense of "equalizing" (and by that, I mean she seems to be able to see past bull***t and focus on what is important. I like that. Oh, and she has a DOG! (the handsome Gypsy).

Thirdly-http://froggiemeanie.blogspot.com/ I have some very good friends, who happen to be from Newfoundland. In fact, they have recently moved back. But I love their sense of humour and the way they look at the world. And she captures it beautifully in her Froggie Meanie blog- plus she has the most beautiful little girls ever!!! (well, except for my own, but, ah, well, I am biased). No dog, however!

And Fourth-Robyn at http://redbirdknits.blogspot.com/ Robyn, I got to "know" through her store- redbirdknits. She is a fount of knowledge, a talented designer, a skilled knitter. As well as a musician. And just way cool.

So there you have the 4 I would like to nominate. There are many more I love-for many reasons. NOw- I have to inform each of my winners, and then they, in turn, need to nominate 4 of their own and write a post about them. Cool, eh?

Thank you

2008-09-15T06:55:00.002-05:00

A million thank you's to your supportive comments and emails. I do find that there are some people who find it difficult to accept that if one is disabled, then one is also "not faking". I guess it is like this- if a kid has to wear glasses, are we going to take the glasses away from him and then tell him "if he really tried" he could see the board? Or are we going to try to find a loophole of some sort to try to work around it, so he is still expected to see the Board, just not all the time?
On to other (happier) things-
I have started back on sweater knitting- I just find knitting wool sweaters in the summer is a no-go. Too hot. Too heavy. I also knit something way cool. But I am on the way to work- I will try to take photos later and post them to show you!
Cheers-

Yeah, I'm here

2008-09-12T20:50:00.003-05:00

Just totally and completely bummed. There is no other way to express it. See, it's like this. I work full time in a physically taxing job for me- I teach elementary school. I am also disabled. The biggest issue is chronic pain. I also have mobility issues (I walk with a cane) and I fall over with the least provocation. Most of the time, my bosses have accepted that I have some limitations, but my current one does not. And I am getting grief about it. I won't go into detail, but it has proven to be very tiring. And it is really taking the fun out of teaching, I tell you.

Why is it that some people misuse their authority in such appalling ways?

How will I ever manage?

2008-08-31T08:40:00.004-05:00

Hey Babies- It looks like this here summer is pretty well done-so this is Bear, stretching as much sunshine into my day. Yup, pretty soon, all my people(my staff) will be going back to work and school. I will have to learn to be an independent doggie again-no people to cater to my every whim and wish.
How will I ever manage?????????
Bear

PS (from Deb)- To Carrie and Diane- I haven't sent your gifties yet- having a hard time narrowing it down- I will email when they are on the way!

PPS (also from Deb)- There are still a couple of spaces in the Lace Knitting workshop I am giving on October 4th at WoolTyme. Go and sign in before it is full!

A funny

2008-08-27T07:35:00.002-05:00

We were at the soccer game last week, and, of course, had to bring the bear along. Sitting next to us was a little boy (maybe 2 years old) and his parents. He pointed to the dog and said ,"Puppy?" I said ,"Yes. His name is Bear." The little guy got this sort of scared look on his face and grabbed his dad's hand and said, "Dat's a bear?" So, of course, his dad decided to be funny and commented on polar bears and such. Then the little guy gets way confused and comes over to Bear and quietly asked if he wants to be cold.
Kind of cute.
I have been knitting (honest!) but don't really have much to show for it. I can't seem to keep my interest on just one thing lately, and it shows up in things like my knitting, and all the other little projects I keep working on. And then, of course, there's school. Gonna start soon. Hate that guy who sings, "It's the most wonderful time of the year...." Wanna stop him.

Well Done!!!! A+!

2008-08-22T07:14:00.007-05:00

http://www.twistcollective.com/ What an amazing magazine! Well thought out- lots of " nerdy gimmicks" to make reading this mag easy. Wonderful wonderful patterns. Great size ranges on most. Interesting articles. A free sock pattern by the amazing Cat Bordhi. And the yarns...oh the humanity.......

It is absolutely perfect. Go and see for yourself. Start with the contents page to orient yourself. (notice I did not say "orient-tate" which makes me incredibly insane when I hear it on the news or out of the mouths of supposedly educated people).

Now....to figure out which pattern(s) I want for myself.......Linden? Bonnie? Gnarled Oakwoods?

Hmmmmmm............................

from Bear

2008-08-19T13:18:00.004-05:00

Hi. This me, Bear, coming to you from Alison's cottage. There was this lounge chair, all by itself, looking specially lonesome, so what is a poodle guy to do? My momma was acallin' me and I was being all quiet, and she came down by the water (huh- she thought I might go into the water?? Silly momma) and there was little me, all curled up for my afternoon siesta. Gee, it is tough being a poodle. (Even though your momma laughs at you and tells you to consider getting down. Hmm. Not me. No sirree)

The two ladies who wons some fluffy stuff from my momma are here-

Carrie said "Daddy, this is the last time I play Lassie with you" and Diane had one, too- but it is saved on the other puter and I is way too lazy to go and open it up. My momma tells me I is sloth, in person. Wouldn't that be sloth, in dogdom?

Well, if you two ladies could send my momma an email with yer addresses, she will sendee you some stuff. Kay?

Night night. I go sleep now.

The contest

2008-08-14T05:52:00.002-05:00

I am down to a choice between 2 captions- if I can't decide- there will be TWO winners!!!
I am right now getting ready to go to "Wicked" in Ottawa-more when I get back!

Deb's Big Adventure...and a CONTEST

2008-08-08T06:30:00.009-05:00

Oh man- I had the most amazing day yesterday!!!!!!! The night before, a friend, Rachel (also a teacher) called up to see if I wanted to join her on a big adventure. "Of course!!!" I said, and off we went. Our first stop was to visit an amazing artist- Loretta Moore-in the Westport area. (She doesn't have a website, but this is a snippet from the upcoming Fall Studio Tour http://www.artatwork.ca/westport_studiotours/fall-colours/FCstudio2.htm ) What an amazing lady!!!! She brought us into her home (which was "Home and Garden" amazing), gave us a tour of her studio, and then gave us a mini lesson on rug hooking. I gotta tell ya, after seeing her stuff, I wanna be a hooker!!!!! (Geesh- wait until the search engines get hold of THAT little turn of a phrase- I should get some, um, interesting visitors who are going to be some disappointed). She has kits- beginner and up. But her studio- wow- yards and yards of hand dyed wool fabric-she has a little "thing" about beiges and sage greens-and she also has many of her kits made up and ready for sale. My choice? The one Rachel got, actually- a "primitive" sheep- I loved it!!!! I did not buy anything, by the way- mostly because I really do have to tidy up some other projects first. But that doesn't mean I won't try it at some point!!!! But all in all, an amazing lady.

And today- the start of the Kingston and Area Sheepdog Trials (see it here- http://www.cityofkingston.ca/residents/recreation/events/sheepdog/activities.asp)

It is always a great place to go and see the dogs (who are, by the way, amazing) and then look around the crafter's market. Today, however, is raining. And I love the whole thing, but not when I am standing in the rain. Puh-lease!

Another "must see" this weekend is a show called "Women's Work", curated by Carolyn- a fellow Kingstonian and also amazing designer. She talks about it on her blog- here- http://theartofwool.blogspot.com/ . Since that one is inside, it might be the right thing for today.
My sisters are taking my mother to Westport tomorrow- I wasn't invited (hey-- I'm not bitter) (just confused).
What else? Oh yes- Bear has been progressing with his swimming lessons. Sean takes him into the pool, carrying him under his arm, until Bear starts to move his legs in normal "poodle swimming" motions, and then lets him go. The Bear makes a beeline for the stairs (of course), but hey- at least he is swimming!

You can click for BIG.
Check out the look on Bear's face-hey! I've got an idea! Send me your caption ideas (to debDOTseanATsympaticoDOTca-replace the words with the dots and such)-and if I like yours the best, I will send you something yarny!!!!! Please include your snail mail addresses in your entries! As to what the yarny goodness will be, I will negotiate with the winner (or winners- who knows?). And let's put a deadline on it for, say, Monday, Aug. 11th, at 5:00 my time. Let's get those entries rolling!

Not much new....

2008-08-05T06:35:00.006-05:00

(I know I have had this shot up before, but I just love it)
Sometimes no news is great news. The household goes on holiday mode at the beginning of July, and we stay that way until the third week of August. Because we are teachers, we get to have a great holiday, and spend time with our daughter. So, while her buddies are off to day camps, Annie is splashing in her pool, or playing her piano, or reading, or goofing around. With us. Some may feel they need to pack in all kinds of experiences into their holidays. We do take Annie to different places-we just don't get all caught up in the "have to, must go, gotta gotta" kind of craziness. For example, next week, we are taking her to "Wicked" in Ottawa. But we have spaced things out a bit. It makes for a stress free, fun summer. Sunday night, she had a sleepover with a friend. We ended up giving over the living room to "sleep over central"-because it has the bigger television, and more space. I went in at about 2:00 am-they were still chatting and playing with their glow necklaces and bracelets, and telling secrets and being 10 year old girls. Bear grumbled a bit at them- I think he felt he needed his beauty sleep!!! This week, Annie is taking pottery classes. She is very "arty"-she draws and creates and comes up with new things all the time. (but isn't knitting ....yet!) One of the students in my class last year, a lovely, lovely girl, asked if she could take pottery classes as well-so the two girls are off every morning this week. It is kind of an introductory class, taught by a very caring, very talented lady.

This week, a family on our street (with whom we have gotten very close) moved back to "The Rock"-they haven't lived in Newfoundland for over 15 years, and wanted their children to "feel the love". We are really going to miss them-they are great neighbours, wonderful friends, and absolute riots. Bear, however, has already gotten over missing them-because the family that moved into that house has TWO dogs- a chocolate lab and a big black standard poodle (named William)(but say it with a French accent-WIL'yam). Bear is OVERJOYED. They have only met "over the fence"- not yet face to face-but he is quite excited.

And since this is a knitting blog-I have finished my "boyfriend sweater"- and I LOVE it. Sean will take photos- but I am going to wait until it is a bit cooler-it is 100% wool in an aran weight, after all. I am now working on a top down sweater, knit with Fleece Artist Ottawa-in Woodland (I think- it is all greens with a touch of taupe and tan). I want to incorporate some lace in the "skirt"-it is ribbed from the high neck to the high waist (just under the bustline) and I will either make a lace skirt, or do a modular thing- or hey-maybe lacy modules- I don't know. Speaking of lace- go on over to http://badcatdesigns.blogspot.com/ and hook into her lace course-to make a sampler shawl.
Happy summer!

Sorta Secret Project......

2008-07-30T08:48:00.003-05:00

Well, I was asked to proof a kit for a friend of mine-and, of course, I jumped at the chance. I can tell you it is a sock kit. But from there on in- lips are sealed. I CAN tell you that this yarn is "like butta". The colours are really wonderful- warm, shade on shade of colour-very, very appealing. So that is going very well. Annie is in heaven today-as is the big Bear-Sean's sister and children are coming for a visit. The kids always have fun together. And I am going to get in some knitting time! And Ruby- da package is in da mail!!!

What is happening chez ici.

2008-07-24T17:58:00.008-05:00

One day, Bear found some interesting looking big black things out in his yard. "Hmmmm-," said he. "I wonder what the Daddy Man is up to today."

So he looked up on the roof, and, lo and behold! There was his beloved Daddy Man! "Whacha doin' up there, Daddy Man?" he asked in his most precise Poodle-ese. DaddyMan hollered down- "Yer Ma wants a warmer pool. So she's going to get a warmer pool."

"Far out," said the Poodle.

Later in the day, the "little sister who must be avoided at all costs unless she has food" said-"Hey dad. The pool temp is 85 degrees F."

(Please ignore the crazed look in the eyes and the attachment of the hand to a water gun. They are both figments of your imagination. And the picture taker did not get THAT wet)(Although the kidlet was told to walk away from the water pistol. Quietly and without any sudden movements.)

Even the gigantic dragonflies seemed to like hanging out with the new warmer temperatures in the pool.

Gee, solar heating for the pool is nice. 85 is such a nice number.

I love these questionnaires.....

2008-07-21T15:48:00.003-05:00

you are turquoise
#40E0D0

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

I found this from Wanietta's blog (see sidebar)-and of course, it is soooo true to life (yeah, right!!!) But I do get a kick out of them anyway!

My knees and hips are killing me today-I usually don't let it get to me, but wow- it is a real problem. I have housework to do and all matter of things to finish- but what am I doing instead? Oh, knitting and watching old movies. But it does make my joints feel better- truly it does. So knit I will!!!!

For my friends, Abby and Gusmeister

2008-07-18T06:03:00.005-05:00

Dear Gus and Abby,
I was starting to look too shaggy- kinda like these guys........

And da Big Bear was getting too hot!

But I is way too tired to show off my new do.

I is dreaming of romping around with two bulldog peoples. I promise I play nice!

Love,

Bear

PS- My momma says I is way too big for this girlie little rocker, but I promise- I very comfortable!!!!

Musings......

2008-07-17T07:31:00.007-05:00

There are times when I wish that I either 1)didn't sleep at all (I already sleep shortened hours-much less than anyone I know); or 2) had 6 arms so I could knit multiple projects at the same time; or 3) had a magic wand so that the boring parts could go ever so quickly and I could concentrate on the fancy shaping/design parts. I am almost finished my Filatura di Crosa 127 Print sweater. I LOVE this yarn. It is soft, lovely to knit up and has surprising colour changes to keep things interesting, but long runs of solid colour to keep things flattering on this body. This yarn needs to be knit in solid stockingnette stitch, or else the patternwork would get lost.

Please excuse the poor quality of this photo-but it is to try to give you an idea of the beauty of this yarn. I used the same yarn (in the wine colourway) for the sweater in Big Girl Knits-this is from the book.

I am very proud of this sweater-it isn't showy, but it has some very flattering elements in it for larger ladies-and it also demonstrates a way to use self-striping yarns in a different way. The centre panel is knit in cables, in the traditional bottom up. Then side panels are picked up and knit towards the back (back panel is plain, with ribbing at the waist to cinch it in a bit, although one could simply knit another cabled panel). There are gussets in the armpits to give extra "give" in the bust area. There are also instructions to add short rows to the hip area, should one need extra space there. And a funnel neck is so much more tailored than a cowl. (one needs tailored with so much else going on!) I have 20 balls of this yarn in black, and I was playing around with a short row design (thinks lots of triangles that fit together). I really am not sure what it wants to be yet. But the red (above)? That is going to be my "long, roomy, wear with leggings on a Saturday or on a dress down chilly day" kind of sweater. I considered purling all of the coloured bits to make them stand out, but I didn't. (although I think it would have looked very neat). But an extra set of arms or a magic wand would be great to zip through the finishing, or the plain bits, or the blocking. I am also working on the Goddess Knits Mystery Anniversary Shawl KAL- great fun.

Now to go and grow that extra set of arms.....maybe I need to go hang out at a nuclear waste site..........

Lace Class

2008-07-14T07:26:00.002-05:00

My LYS has asked if I would teach a lace class, in the fall, and, of course, I said yes! I like teaching (good thing, too- since I have been teaching full time since 1981!!!) But teaching knitting is a bit different. I understand that the class is going to be made up of newbies, some middle of the road knitters- the ones who knit very well, but need a little push to get started on a lace project, and probably some veteran lace knitters. Soooooo-what to teach to that group??? I will probably have 2 hours-enough to intro the stuff, talk about different types of lace, demonstrating usual symbols on charts and a typical cast on-but they might want some kind of hands on activity. But in 2 hours????
Anybody taught one of these workshops, or have been to one and can suggest ideas? (or flame others?)
Email me (debDOTseanATsympaticoDOTca -just change the words to symbols- you know what to do).

Woolmeise

2008-07-11T15:16:00.004-05:00

Okay, it's official- there's a new kind of crack cocaine in town. It comes up to you quietly, slinking into your neighbourhood without too much excitement. They call it Woolmeise. Yeah, I'm sure you've seen all the craziness on Ravelry-why is it so addictive, so smooth, so rich in colouration, why oh why do we want it so?

Be prepared- the images following are not for young children, faint of heart, or those weak willed in the audience (ask me how I know that last one). I got up at an ungodly hour, I started the vigil to the posting of the yarn, I had my Paypal and credit card all lined up and ready.....and ......and....and....one week later, I have the makings of a beautiful shawl/wrap, or else I have a lovely "reach out and touch me" display-if I don't ever get the right nerve up to crack open one of these babies- and please, keep in mind, that my camera does not like to catch "red" in its images, so multiply the beauty of the yarn that you can see by about 72 jillion (that's a technical knitting term)-
And yes, the blurriness does exist- but it is the truest colour of all my shots. (These babies, by the way, are resting comfortably on yet another red loveliness- my Filatura di Crosa 127 Print "Boyfriend Sweater"- for me. It still needs a sleeve- but it is truly an amazing yarn, in an amazing colourway.)
Why not go over to the Wollmeise website, click on the different yarns, and go and drink in some yarny goodness. Ya know ya wanna.

The Homestead......

2008-07-09T16:24:00.008-05:00

Lately, we have been working like crazy to tidy up and clean up the yard. I have noticed that now that we have a pool, there are many more requests for visits. Oh well- that's part of having a pool. I just want to make sure the yard looks nice. I don't have a bright green thumb, so my gardens will never be spectacular. But we manage. See for yourself! (sorry about the weed eater lounging on the swing-there should be a cushion there instead!)

I have taken on a challenge- the "Goddess Mystery Anniversary Shawl Knitalong". It is a circular pi-type shawl, and I wanted one with a bit of weight for the winter (love the look of a wooly shawl wrapped around one's coat!)so I went with Fleece Artist blue faced Leicester 2/8 (sort of a light fingering weight)in a hot pink/blue/greeny colour- I think it might be "Jester" or a forerunner of it (it has been marinating for quite some time in the stash!!!) But I am almost done Clue 3, and Clue 5 comes out on Friday. So I had better get cracking!!!!

I am not sure how to properly take a photo of it- I might take it off the stitches after Clue 5 and put it on a thread- just to look at it. I will take a photo then.

Looks Can Be Deceiving.........

2008-07-06T13:36:00.002-05:00

My next door neighbour is having a birthday-and I made cupcakes.
These are the cupcakes (No kidding!!!)
All instructions are in a great book called "Hello, Cupcake!" by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson. Worth a look!!!

Bear says he no like dem boom booms

2008-07-03T09:29:00.005-05:00

BOOM BOOM! Ta Ta Ta ta BOOM!

We, however, really did. We went over to RMC and watched them over the water. Great Canada Day!

This is our "group".

And our view (isn't Kingston lovely?)

And THIS is the amazing basket that I got from a student. I just LOVE it. It is lightweight, large enough to carry a book or two, some knitting, the telephone- whatever! And I could even put a picnic in it (as it was meant to be).

And today is the day to sit and knit a bit until the rain stops, then go out and weed!! (should be a major job)

14 Years ago today......

2008-07-02T12:00:00.004-05:00

I was out buying a pair of shoes and finishing off a headpiece- I think I even cooked a couple of things- for the big event that changed my life (for the better!!!) I married Sean.

We got married in the evening, in his parents' backyard, with about 40 people. We didn't have a head table, I had new white Birkenstocks, the weather was fabulous, Sean wore a tuxedo (whoo baby-what a hunk!), and we both cried (I would have been okay, but he started first- and well, that broke me).

Here's to another 14 years, at least!

I love you, honey!!!!

Happy Canada Day!!!!!!!

2008-07-01T09:32:00.002-05:00

And here it is again- a beautiful day, weather-wise, I am on holidays, life is good! And here are 10 best reasons to love Canada (courtesy of sympatico) http://lifestyle.sympatico.msn.ca/100+reasons+to+love+Canada/Living/NEWContentPosting_HM?isfa=1&newsitemid=258711&feedname=TRANS-HOMEMAKERS&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=False
Interestingly enough, the tenth good thing is actually Tim Horton's!!!! (Since I am a teacher, there are always gifts at the end of the year-I feel kinda funny taking them, but at the same time, quite honoured. Anyway-this year, I got $35.00 (!!!!) in Tim Horton's gift cards (among other things) Oh my! I usually start the day with a thermos of coffee-I guess the kids were paying attention!)
I also got the neatest thing- it is a storage basket-given to me as a picnic basket-and since I can't seem to get Blogger to insert picture here- you will have to wait until Blogger is over its hissy fit!
Off for a swim-Gee I love summer holidays!!!

Summertime, and the Living is Easy........

2008-06-30T10:03:00.010-05:00

First of all, Guides is finished for the summer, school is over (hurrah! hurrah!!!!!)(Annie's report card was good, thank you very much)

And my class built their solar cookers-we all cooked hot dogs on the second last day and had lunch. That was pretty cool. Sean had come in last week and taught the lesson and got them all started building the cookers.

The pool is now open- still a bit cool for my tastes (but the solar heating will go on it this summer), but you can see that Bear is slowly improving his stroke (still can't swim very well, poor dear).

And I finished up a little baby hat- the pattern is on line-email me/leave me a message if you want it. I made it out of a heavy dk/light worsted that had been gifted to me on a swap. The baby is a boy, and the mom didn't have any blue things, so I felt obliged to make something very blue. Great pattern, by the way.

And this is what happens around here when Bear wants to watch TV (I think it was an "Air Bud" movie- the crazy dog is simply mesmerized! Just like a little kid!)

And me? I got a new hair cut (along with relatively new glasses) I love the haircut, but you can imagine what my naturally wavy/curly hair tries to do!

Now- off I go to finish my housework, so I can work on the mystery shawl KAL! (I will try to post a picture when the shawl looks more shawl - like!)

Happy Summer Holidays!

Another one bites the dust.........

2008-06-27T06:34:00.003-05:00

Yup- I am now getting ready for the last PA Day of the season. There will be meetings most of the day, a bit of cleaning up at the end (might have to go back next week for the rest of that), but otherwise- that's it! The Grade 8s cried when they left yesterday- they were the "Dream Team"-a real powerhouse of kids. And my class got a bit weepy as well-as I knew they would. But now I get to stay home! And paint! And knit! And swim in the pool! (that is, I will swim in the pool when we decide to put the solar heating in, or until it gets really warm in the nights- i do like me a warm pool).
Off I go-more later-

Ler's count now......

2008-06-24T22:23:00.002-05:00

How many sleeps left until all of those kids go home for the summer.....??????????? Tomorrow is Wednesday and then it is Thursday...............................YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

well, well, well

2008-06-16T16:35:00.002-05:00

Yes, a deep story. The report cards are in-I am waiting for them to be proofed and then returned. And I really tried to go out for KIP day- had my bag packed and everything. BUT, a friend of Annie's wanted to go out to the movies, and I was called upon to be the driver. Sooo- I didn't get to go. But I was there in spirit!
The kids at school are driving me batty. But summer is coming. Soon. But not soon enough!!!!
I have been working away at the sweater (from Ole- see a few posts back) But there are problems with it- the top is not doing well at all. I don't know- I might have to can this particular pattern- it is just not right! I wonder if there is an errata up somewhere- I should go and look.
More pictures later-

I'm DONE!

2008-06-13T16:32:00.008-05:00

No more flippin' report cards until next year! Yippee!!!!!!! I still have 2 more weeks of school left (the high school kids are done as of today). Man- I do not much like writing those damn things. BUT they are over-for now. So for now, I am going to take my knitting bag

and my LaFuma chair and go sit out on the deck and knit for awhile.

Until Mr. Lightning arrives.

Attention K Mart Shoppers....

2008-06-03T20:32:00.005-05:00

We interrupt this rather spotty blog to announce that Deb is currently in the throes of report card writing. Anyone with a fool proof plan to get through them without crying, screaming or drinking heavily, are invited to submit their ideas to the comments section. We will resume regular programming when the damn things have been put to bed. And so, we bring you, King Bear, Ruler of every little bunny and squirrel and duck he finds in his backyard, Emperor of All That Is Fun And Silly In His World, and Provider of the Best Giant Poodle Snuggles in the Known Universe.

All Hail King Bear!

My new project

2008-05-24T08:29:00.003-05:00

This is a sweater from the new "More Big Girl Knits" book- I just LOVE it!!!!! The designer is Tara Jon Manning, and it is just a wonderful design. The yarn called for (Crystal Palace Creme) I did not have access to, so I went into Wool Tyme (here in Kingston) and found what will probably be my new base yarn (to me, a base yarn is one that I use to design with-my other one is Fleece Artist Silk Stream-it always looks great). Anyhow, this one is Stahl Ole. 51%Pima cotton and 49% fine merino. It actually reminds me a bit of Rowan Wool Cotton (another fave) but without the price tag (this is very reasonable). Ole has similar yardage to the Wool Cotton (difference of a metre I think) I can't seem to find it on the net- but trust me- a really wonderful yarn. It would work for kids' clothes, as well as adults. The colour I bought is a rich magenta pink- with a touch of purple in it instead of the "too bright" tone it sometimes gets. Anne had a pink (like a bright one) and a purple in stock. It has a really nice "hand" to it.

Anyhow, the deal with the sweater is that you knit the band sideways, then pick up stitches on either long side to knit the top (bodice) and the bottom (skirt). Since I am bigger on top, I am knitting the larger size for the top (I just knit the smaller size for the band, picked up the stitches for the smaller size for the top, then increased in the bustline area, with a few more centre back, to make up the stitch count for the next larger size). And then the skirt part will be the smaller size, not adaptations- except maybe length. We'll see.

Off to the Quilt Show with Mom- Ta!

Just in......

2008-05-23T12:26:00.002-05:00

Anne Woodall, over at Wool Tyme in Kingston, has just confirmed that the Harlot will be here, in Kingston, on June 4th at the local Chapters. Anybody care to join me in a Harlot sighting??? What will I wear? What will I knit????????

Joseph and Beast, and another Beast (Bear)

2008-05-19T07:09:00.005-05:00

Ahhhhhh! Victoria Day Weekend! This is when you are supposed to put in your new plants, and do the yard work and go to all the yard sales (maybe have one of your own). That would suppose it would be warm enough, and dry enough, to do all of those things. This morning, when I got up, it was only 6 degrees Celsius!!(That would be about 42 degrees Fahrenheit for the non metric). And rainy. In fact, it has been rainy all weekend. So I have used this opportunity to do, well, very little. AHHHH! I do love a holiday!
Om Friday night, the whole family went out to the local production of "Beauty and the Beast". It was put on by the Kinsmen, in the newly renovated Grand Theatre. I had a BLAST!
Which brings us to another theatrical extravaganza..............
Last week, the Grades 4 to 8 students at our school just put on a performance of "Joseph and the Technicoloured Dream Coat". It was pretty awesome. This is the backdrop I came up with. Initially, the director wanted something all beige and cream coloured sand. I talked her out of it when I asked her if the pale students in the mostly white costumes would show up against that backdrop. So I got my way, pink sky and all! To put on a spring show was an awful lot of work, and I am getting very worried about the math part of the EQAO testing for my Grade 6s (I teach a split 6/7). So, for the rest of the month, I am going to teach mostly math and language to them, and then after the test, I will teach the social studies and science. I just hope it all works out!!!!!!!!

And Bear is always around to give me a giggle and a good dose of reality. Her he is with his "lips"-basically a set of stuffed lips with teeth and a tongue and a squeaky. He runs around here with it stuck in his mouth, and I know he thinks he is damn cute (which he is) because he goes out of his way to come right up to you and make "huff, huff" sounds (which I think means laughter). Bear is coming along well- in fact, last week he did something he has never ever done before. I was out in the front yard with him, and a friend drove up to the drive and stuck his head out of his car to chat. Bear got in between the car and me, and barked!!!!! He has never EVER protected me before (usually he will bark, but from the relative safety of behind my skirt!) So he is coming along well. He still won't eat if I am in the kitchen (he WILL however, stand there, drooling furiously, but I guess I am his "alpha", since he expects me to go to the food first and then decide to (if?) leave him some.) So I usually have to go to the living room or dining room and sit down for him to start to eat. Hmmmm.
And this is supposed to be a knitting blog, right????? Okay-I have been knitting-but I can't seem to settle down to do one thing, or finish anything. So when I finally do something worthwhile and worth showing-I will let you know. I did get Cat Bordhi's new sock book. Amazing feats of engineering, those socks. And so very, very tempting.............

New Spring Colours

2008-05-11T18:31:00.003-05:00

I was cruising around the blogs and found a reference to the new spring colours. A bit of searching and voila! The new colours. Hmmmm. There are three colours I can wear in the lot- the rose, the olive green and the dark slate. That's it.

It's going to be a LOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGG season.

Good thing I wear what I like, not necessarily what is in style! It is just difficult if I need to go and buy an outfit if the colours are locked in to what is "stylish".

Added later: LISA!!! I am so sorry- I forgot to add your name to the lovely ladies of Montreal!!!!! (serves me right for being interrupted-by my 10 year old- repeatedly-so I lost what I was doing) No excuse though-you are one of the lovelies of the Montreal Guild!!!!

A relationship meme

2008-05-08T16:45:00.003-05:00

From Steph, at "A Little Bit of Happy"
Relationship meme
1. Where did you meet? Well, we first met at his sister's wedding, but he was with a , um, person of questionable integrity (okay- tramp. I said it) so I didn't stick around. But then, a year or two later, his parents, who were friends of mine, invited me over to supper, and then got their coats on and left me with him! (he was trampless at that point) 2. How long did you date?Officially? Two weeks before we got engaged. Then engaged for 6 months. Then married.3. How old is he? 46. Yup, younger than me (of course, I am only thirty nineteen, but...) 4. Who eats more? Him. 5. Who said “I love you” first? Simple- he did, but not from my lack of hinting.6. Who is taller? He is 6 foot 2. I am a Shetland pony. 7. Who sings better? Well, I think I do, but he plays a mean guitar! 8. Who is smarter? We both are smart, but in different ways. He builds stuff. Amazing stuff. Like airplanes. That fly with passengers in them. I am NOT kidding. And, he can fix ANYTHING (and I do mean anything- we have never called a repair man since we got married) And I have a head for book stuff. But we are both teachers, so learning is what we do.9.Whose temper is worse? There'd be a tie on that one. 10. Who does the laundry? In order to have regular coloured laundry, and not the pink kind, I am the laundry person. 11. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Him. Always has. 12. Who pays the bills? Me! He has to ask if there is enough money in the bank to buy things that are 50 dollars!!!!! (he has NO idea) 13. Who cooks dinner? Me again. However, he does all the BBQ- I get it all ready, mind you, but he cooks it.14. Who drives when you are together? He does, but that way I can knit. I suppose I COULD knit and drive, but I don't think anyone would want to see that. 15. Who is more stubborn? Him. Couldn't be me. Oh no. No way. 16. Who kissed whom first? He kissed me. And then he, well, let's keep that part private!!!!!!!! 17. Who is the first to admit to being wrong? He would NEVER admit he was wrong. Ever. So that falls to me, if I want to keep the peace. 18. Whose parents do you see the most? My mom- she lives about 5 minutes away. His parents are about an hour and a half drive away. 19. Who proposed? He did. after he had cooked a delicious spicy stuffed chicken dinner (his own recipe!!!!!) for a bunch of my friends. He even got down on one knee!!!!!! 20. What’s his best physical attribute? Forearms. Strong, muscular, "working man" forearms. Oooo baby. 21. Who has more friends? Hmm- we both have a lot of acquaintances, but few friends. 22. What are you most proud of him for? For giving me his high school diploma for a wedding present. It took a whole lot of guts to go back to school and get it. 23. Who has more siblings? We're even at two. He has a brother and a sister, I have 2 sisters. But I have 64 first cousins!!!!!!!24. Who wears the pants in the family? We each share a leg. And those pants go on one leg at a time.

So if anyone wants to play tag, please grab this meme- but I send out a specific challenge to Diane at Yarn Tails, and to Bea at Baa Baa Black Sheep, and to Ruth at Knitting on Impulse. It is spill time, ladies.

Oh- and last night, after my husband got the computer repaired (love you, honey), we thought the old girl (the computer! Not me!) needed a little boost for being so good. So we bought her a new 21.7 inch slimline monitor! Hoo hah!

My weekend......

2008-05-04T14:59:00.005-05:00

The ladies of Montreal........ (and my mom)

Oh man- what a weekend! It was incredible fun! Hello Shirley, Cathy, Barbie, Barb, Ruby of the Montreal Knitting Guild! In these shots, we are at the Wilton Road Motel, where they have a small, but very efficient, spinning operation (that's Paul, one of the owners, at work). They take mostly local fleeces, and spin them into whatever the owner's specifications, and then they return the farmer's own fleeces back to them. They are very careful about that part-a farmer is proud of his/her own product, and would not be pleased to have another person's wool returned to them. So, there is wool, and alpaca, and chiengora (there was a huge pile of Samoyed fur that had been brushed out of the dogs waiting to be mixed with merino and spun) and angora, as well as sea cell and silk and bamboo. Then we went into the store that they have-great fun!!! (I should have taken a picture of all the things they have!) Tracy, who works at the mill, was a living doll-great tour guide.

Yesterday, we went to a local store, WoolTyme, for coffee and muffins and spending. Later, after lunch, we went on a trip to the Wool Room, owned and operated by Mabel, who has been around the sheepdog trials and the wool business for quite some time (she is doing her retreats again-this time in November)(ugh-report card writing time for me). Then the group went off to other things, and I went off homeward to go and make sure my family recognized me when I came into the house. (They did!)

The ladies were just great- told many stories, listened to others-I certainly had a great time!

Off to grocery shopping, making supper, and then marking papers-(Blech-I'd rather be knitting)

Cheers!

And more updates....

2008-05-02T22:59:00.006-05:00

We (mom and I) just spent a lovely evening with 5 members of the Montreal Knitting Guild-ah, who am I kidding- we had an absolute BLAST!And tomorrow, we will be joining them again. First stop, Wool Tyme. Then Mabel's Wool Room. Then a trip to a rabbit place. Then supper. And tomorrow morning- we go to Jan's shop-at the Wilton Road Motel in Odessa-she has a custom spinning mill there. Oh what fun this is all going to be!!!!!!!

While getting ready for the evening, didn't I roar around and trip a bit and slam my poor little toe onto a chair leg??? I think I broke it. It hurts like heck and it has a big patch of blue on it. But what can the doc's do? It's my baby toe, for heaven's sake!!!!

And for fun, go and see what my crazy husband is up to these days.......

http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=crazy+old+men+and+a+mini+chopper&search_type

Check out the crazy old men and a mini chopper. Oh my

updates........

2008-04-27T18:02:00.004-05:00

I think I am actually becoming an adult. Why? Because I went out, after many months of deliberation, and started to buy dishes for everyday. And, no, for those smart alecks out there, we don't eat off of slabs of wood with our fingers. We are much more civilized than THAT! We eat off of a variety of plates- some from a garage sale (well, a barn sale, actually) and some I had from before we were married. And of course, the collection of plastic IKEA plates from Annie's babyhood. (C'mon- you know the ones- they look like petalled flowers) Anyhow, I have fallen in love with some Portmeiron everyday stuff, by Sophie Conran- see it here- http://www.robmcintoshchina.com/store/merchant.ihtml?id=2572580&step=2 The stuff is "hand-made looking"- slightly irregular shaping-nice and thin, however (I hate thick mugs, as well as mustard glasses and peanut butter/Flintstones jars to drink from). I bought two place settings to start-a biscuit and a sage. What I would like to do is collect two settings in each of the four colours-white, sage, biscuit and Eldon-with a variety of colours in the accessory pieces. And then, when I set the table, I'd like to sort of mix and match. Some people may actually prefer all of one colour, or maybe a plate in biscuit and a cup in sage or whatever, but man- this is very beautiful dinnerware.
We went up to Carp today, just Sean and I. Sort of a date. He went up to help a guy with his new homebuilt (Sean was the test pilot, as well as inspector). Annie and Bear stayed with Nanna. It was kinda fun to get out on our own for the day.
And yes, I am knitting-more later................

Danger Will Robinson

2008-04-23T20:46:00.002-05:00

Yeah, danger for sure. I am currently on the laptop, because the big computer has had a period of iffyness, and now, the power source is f*cked. In other words, you can ppppooooossshhhhhh de button all you want, but it won't turn on. You get that satisfying "click", so you think something has happened, but zip, zilch, nada.
So posting will be even more sporadic!!!!
But you will NEVER guess what happened yesterday!!!! I came home, to walk the dog, and, as I was rounding the turn to home, I noticed a rather scruffy looking couple in front of my house. They were early 20s, dirty looking, a man and a woman. Pushing a grocery cart, with a backpack and a duffel bag in it. (in this neighbourhood? Weird) They saw me coming, so took out cigarettes, and made a big show of smoking them. But they didn't light them!!!!!!! So, when I was nearing the couple, I said the Bear, "Now Buddy, don't even think of doing anything-The last time you bit a stranger he needed all those stitches......" (Meanwhile, in Bear's eyes, there was a look of Who me? Bite anyone? Ech. Disgusting) And then I kind of eyed these two, and they started to walk along (after putting their cigs in a bag) I went into the house, locked everything up, went back to work. And, as soon as I got to work, walked in and called the cops. I am glad I did, because a squad car was sent out (good) and the officer I spoke with at the desk said that the description I gave sounded a lot like a couple of thieves who have been casing the neighbourhood, and breaking ion to houses. But get this-the grocery cart is their GETAWAY VEHICLE!!!!!!!!
UNBELIEVABLE.

Bear is a big flirt and shawls

2008-04-17T17:32:00.002-05:00

Greetings. Still feeling way sad about little Noah. Just a sad, sad thing. On to other things. Bear is such a big old flirt- it is unreal!!! Here he is trying to figure out how best to charm me so I can offer him a cookie or a piece of dehydrated liver. Hmmmm

In June, we will be going to a wedding, as I have mentioned before. I figure I need a cool looking pantsuit- maybe in that slinky stretchy polyester stuff -you know the kind that doesn't need any ironing and hides a multitude of sins (miracle stuff)- anyhow- I thought I would try to make a wrap/shawl. I have a skein of Helen's Lace (Lorna's Laces) in the silk/merino- about 1250 yards of lovely lace weight- in Gold Hill (sort of brick and mauve/pink and gold) Any suggestions for shawl patterns that are a bit on the bigger side (I can't stand skimpy)??????

So sad.....

2008-04-12T10:10:00.002-05:00

We have a very dear friend-she has been the daycare provider for Annie since she was about 3 years old. And she treats her "daycare kids" like they are her own! The day Annie started, I was asked what her favourite toys were, so M. made a point of buying a new version of whatever it was, so that Annie would feel at home (and believe me- this lady has LOTS of toys!!!) She stays well informed of new trends, developmental stages, and so on- so she also teaches "her kids", so they are ready for school. In the summer, since they have a pool, she teaches the kids how to swim and be safe. All in all, an absolutely AMAZING woman. She even has birthday parties for each child, with gifts and cake and balloons-utterly amazing. Anyhow, a couple of years ago, her son (she has 3 grown kids) and his long time girlfriend, decided to get married. Oh, much merriment. These two are so well suited for each other! Then, last fall, we heard that they were expecting!!!!! M. and her husband were beside themselves!!! (In fact, they even wished for twins, so that they wouldn't have to take turns with one baby!!!!) Pregnancy going well- mommy was well, all was going along just fine. The due date was around Easter, but, as with first time mommies, new baby wasn't co-operating. So, finally, after 2 weeks, baby started to make his entry into this world. But, mommy wasn't progressing, so a c-section was ordered. A healthy (or so we thought), although smaller than expected baby was born, and he was given the middle name of his new grandpa. That night, some problems. A trip to Sick Kids in Toronto. And the diagnosis- baby's bowels were too twisted and perforated, there wasn't even enough healthy tissue to try a surgical intervention.
Little Noah lasted 2 days.
My heart is broken for this family-if any family should have lots of babies, well, this is the one.
Hug your babies today.

Suggestions, anyone?

2008-04-06T08:59:00.003-05:00

I am considering selling off some of my stash (culling the herd, so to speak) and I need some advice. Do people generally look for oddballs ("one of" luxury yarns to experiment with)? Or small projects with ideas for what to do with the yarn? (Like scarf/mitt/glove/whatever with ideas either on line or in books) Or large project stuff (like sweaters/wraps) Or sock yarn? Or...? Is it that people just see a photo of something and lust after it? Or is it just a search for a bargain? And shipping. Cheapest? Or with a tracking number? Or should I just scrap the whole idea and put bags of stash at the curb and get on with things?

I have stash items that I will never in my lifetime knit up. Or the colour doesn't work. Or I thought such and such a yarn would work with such and such a pattern- but, no, unfortunately. And I tend to buy nicer stuff- no acrylic (unless there is something very special about it) in interesting colours.
Pictures are a MUST when selling yarns-I wouldn't be able buy anything for me, sight unseen. So that is a must do. Quantities (yardages incl.), as well as weights-also a must do. What else?

Now, onto yet another request. I am going to a wedding early June. What does one wear to weddings this spring/summer(late afternoon with an evening reception)? Suggestions from the fashionistas out there? Annie is going as well-she is 10.

Help.

AAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!!!

2008-04-02T18:14:00.004-05:00

This is the wee man I made the Mission Falls vest and hat for. Isn't he darling????? I work with his grandmother (this is a first grandchild for her, and he is all the way over in England!). Anyhow- here he is, in all of his self importance- he is 4 months old in this shot- I swear he looks like he is about to chat! But he sure is cute.

Thank you to all of the well wishers on my "day of rest" yesterday. My knee is still complaining-I swear I have started to walk like Lurch

You remember him??????

Yeah, I feel pretty.

I am bummed

2008-03-31T18:57:00.002-05:00

Maybe it is this need for me to see something other than white stuff on the ground by April. Or perhaps I don't enjoy this nasty turn my knees have taken (as in swollen and OW) so I think I will do myself some intensive therapy. First of all- booked a sick day for tomorrow so that I can give my knees lots of ice and elevation. 2-get my knit- knit projects together and my movies (this is "TV Turn Off Week in our city- so having a 10 year old who would benefit by no TV/more activity is a GOOD THING. But I feel I have to watch tv in a sneaky, undercover way so that I am not teasing her)(and I have that last Stargate movie just calling me- I haven't been able to watch it all the way through- so tomorrow, Bear and I are going to watch it) and 3- forget about my worries and just kick back for a day.
Sounds like a plan, eh?

FO!!!!!

2008-03-26T18:32:00.003-05:00

This is a pic of the vest I just finished. The yarn? Tahki Donegal Tweed in teal. I love, LOVE this yarn- the colour is richer and deeper than in the pictures (my camera wants to wash out the richness of the blue-green). I didn't really have a pattern- what I wanted was a garter stitch round neck, garter bands and garter around the bottom. I liked the black matte rectangular buttons- they look very sophisticated against the tweed. I even designed a little element in the back to allow for an increase around the bustline (gotta get the boobage taken care of). It is just a simple "vee" of eyelets to add some stitches. See?

Yeah, hard to see- but trust me- it IS there. So, I blocked each piece before I sewed it together- and ...it's TOO BIG. I guess I over estimated. Luckily I have a friend who really likes my errors, since they usually fit her!!!!

I am totally pooped today-just a really long day. I kinda feel like Bear does in this picture.

Doesn't he look comfortable? (That is his favourite toy-the gorilla gets a stiff beating every other day or so, but then he gets loved deeply).

By the by- Bea, over at http://bea-blacksheep.blogspot.com/ is having a contest- you might want to go over there just to see her beautiful babies- Gus and Abby- yeah it is so worth a look!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!!!

2008-03-24T08:45:00.004-05:00

This is my mom.

This is my Mom. And today is her birthday! People who have met her usually give me an incredulous look when they realize how old Mom is-she was just turning 30 when she had me, and I am 49. So do the math!!! (and this is a recent photo of her). Mom only admits to 39, but that kind of fell apart after I turned 39!!!! Mom lives on her own, and takes care of herself-and her house (although she finally succumbed to hiring someone to mow her lawn-a huge corner lot-and plow her drive). But she is amazing!!!! She cracks me up when we go shopping together, and she spots someone "older" in line behind us. She always suggests that we let the "older lady" go ahead of us (the "older lady" is usually younger than her!!!!!!) Mom sews, quilts, knits, crochets, and cooks up a storm!! (in fact, at Christmas time, she made the fruitcake, the shortbread and a few batches of cookies for me, because I was too busy to make them! Isn't that awesome???) When we go out clothes shopping, I "make" her try on all kinds of clothes to entertain me (the two of us end up laughing like fools). Mom used to travel all over the place-Barbados, California, Florida, -all kinds of warm spots-with a friend (who has now died). She tells tales of sitting on their balcony in their nighties drinking rum!!! (Yeah, she will kill me if she knows I put that little tidbit on line) (and I may get some way kinky google connections from THAT one).

But my mother is really one in a million. Happy Birthday, Mother!!!! We love you!

First, Spring Officially begins

2008-03-21T15:03:00.002-05:00

It would be Ahab the Bun Rab Time again.

A question...

2008-03-19T18:56:00.003-05:00

How is it that I had all last week off, and I am only working 4 days this week, why do I feel like I have been run off my feet? I just feel like this is the never ending week (The Groundhog Day of school days) It's like I have already worked the week, and I am still not done. Today was indoor recess all day. Boy howdy is that a treat. I finally gave up at about 3:00 and played games with them (I have a theory that the brain can only take in what the seat can endure) .

I have been knitting- a gorgeous teal wool tweed (Tahki Donegal Tweed) (tres Yummy) in a vest pattern. It actually is a mix of about three vest patterns (so what else is new?) I am currently on the armhole finishing, and also on a search for buttons. I was hoping for large buttons with "personality", since the vest pattern is quite plain (garter stitch borders, plain stockingnette otherwise) So I will go have a look on Easter weekend. Suggestions welcome for on-line purveyors of fine buttons, by the way.

Annie is off to Toronto on a school trip in the morning-so I had best go to bed for a little bit of shut eye (it is currently 4:15 a.m.) I started this entry last night-too sleepy to finish it, and now I am wide awake!!!!!! AAAAARRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Later.....................

My March break projects.....

2008-03-15T09:46:00.007-05:00

I got a couple of things finished over the past week-as you can see. The shawl is not very big- more like a shoulder scarf, really. I had two skeins of Persimmon Tree Farms wool and mohair-the colours are not showing up as well here, but trust me- really lovely- a mix of rose and a yellow- gold and a fresh green. I think it may go to an auction that a coworker has every year. The other is a wee hat for Aiden- I made it out of less than one ball of Patons SWS (soy and wool). It is extremely easy and very very soft. The pattern was a freebie on line. And you can get it here http://www.woollywormhead.co.uk/userimages/WW042FBabyJesterHat.pdf In fact, there is even a hat pattern for adults like this!!!! Way easy- cast on, join in a circle (I started with dps and ended with a short circular) Increase stitches at three corners until you have x (whatever) stitches. Then I did a three needle bind off on each "corner"- and bound the three centre stitches off as one- and that was about it! I still have to make a little doggie hat for Aiden, and then I will be done. Remember this one from last October? It's a free pattern on my blog-

And then I can knit for me (and like, maybe actually FINISH something???)

Oh- I also got a new book- Folk Style, from my in laws for my birthday. Wow- what a great book!.

Colour Me Beautiful!!!!

2008-03-11T17:46:00.005-05:00

That Ruth (over at http://impulsivearts.typepad.com/knitting/) does some amazing things with a few rocks and a length of silver chain!!!!! Oh I had better not get cheeky-I will tell you the set up of this gorgeous thing. Twelve tourmaline teardrops, paired in matching doubles-in rich vibrant colours- dark spruce, fresh leaf, honey, maple, pink blush and rose-purple, with a stunning carved amethyst drop (scored with tiny squared facets) on a length of silver chain. A thing of beauty, don't you think? I wore it today- at my husband's insistence-this is a gift from him, you see-and I got compliments like crazy! People stopped and asked me where did I get such a thing- one woman even asked if it was a heirloom piece! I explained that it is one of the early heirlooms-to-be, for Annie. It feels so warm on my neck- like it was meant to be there. And I love it. You may recall my other gift from Sean, last year, that Ruth played a huge role in-
the necklace only, not the earrings. I have worn it, loved it, and plan on wearing it some more.

I have been knitting, as well- pictures tomorrow when they make more sense.

By the way-B.G.P.H. (Big Giant Poodle Head) is in absolute wonder and joy as to why he has his whole family home!!!!!! This morning, we happened to all be up and dressed early (going out for breakfast)-and Bear sat down sadly, looked us all over, and, with a loud sigh, clomped over to his bed and flopped himself down. When we came back from breakfast, however, well, there was dancing and general merriment! So he's happy. In fact, I took him around the circle today for a walk, and ended up taking his lead off for most of it. The sidewalks have been so badly cleared that I was afraid Bear would tug and I would be down on my knees- so I asked him if he could just walk along side me. No problem, apparently. He acted like the lead was still there- only going as far away from me as the lead would normally stretch. Hmmmmmmm.

Added later: The new Knitty is up- I have to say, Laminaria is a much see-I have a wedding to go to early June- I wonder if I need a shawl for it???????????

March Break

2008-03-10T07:40:00.003-05:00

Husband. Snowblower. Kingston, Ontario. March Break Weekend.

Enough said.

In the meantime, this is Day 4 of the March Break-so far, we have gone shopping, Annie went to a birthday party (at that Chuck E Cheese place-man is it ever LOUD), and, well, see above for the rest of the time. Oh yes,

and Annie made her first cake................

TA DA!!!!! (Yes, isn't that a lovely shade of toothpaste in the icing???)

Apparently, this will help her on her way to the Guide Cooking badge.

It is International Women's Day

2008-03-08T16:29:00.002-05:00

And.....
Being a woman doesn't pay - labour congress says men still make more
THE CANADIAN PRESS
March 07, 2008
OTTAWA - A new report says women are still getting paid less than men, regardless of talent, education or experience.
And the report by the Canadian Labour Congress says women who put off starting a family so they could earn a degree and build a career over the last 10 years are actually worse off than they were before.
It says the wage gap between them and their male counterparts has grown.

So what do you think about that. Hmmmmmmmm.

And don't forget to SPRING FORWARD an hour tonight at 2:00 a.m-Yeah, even the government takes a little tax out of my March Break holiday.........

OMG!

2008-03-06T16:40:00.003-05:00

It's done, it's done!!!! My husband wanted to get me a nice piece of jewellery for my birthday. We got to thinking that, since Annie and I share a birth month, it might be nice to start getting pieces of jewellery that I could leave her. Right? And so, I asked Ruth over at Impulsive Arts (she made my necklace last year) if she had some ideas, and so we came up with a custom piece!!!!! Go and see it here- http://impulsivearts.typepad.com/knitting/ And then come back and tell me what you think!!!!!!

Oh- and my reports are ALL DONE and the kids are ALL HOME and I am now on MARCH BREAK holiday!!!!!!!!
YEEHAW!