Bringing back the Oldies.

Remember this???? The shrug I made for the Grey's Anatomy KAL.

Well, I dusted off the cobwebs and finally finished the other sleeve.

In case you don't remember, I wasn't happy with the sleeves, but I

dug it up and finished it anyway.

So, now it's done. I tried it on. Thought to myself ...Hmmm, it's O.K. and
I might? wear this in public. Took some more lame photo's of myself for
the blog. Wah- Lah! More bathroom mirror shots.


Then....
Armando "What's that?"

Me "A shrug."

Armando "A shrug?????"

Me "Yeah....."

SMIRKS and looks away!

Armando "That looks like something an Old Lady
would wear ."
I was horrified....I don't think this will ever see the light of day.

Which way to the Flying Monkey Bar?

Blurry, but finished! Wicked is Done!!!!! I am now a proud member of SKC;) Hotcha-cha-cha! And now here is the breakdown. My Wicked "666" history. This took me about 6 days to complete, not counting the waiting time for the additional yarn to arrive. Knit on size 6 needles. I used 6 balls of Rowan's Cashsoft DK in "Clementine" for size 40-43" Large and I used EVERY last bit of this yarn. I wanted 3/4 sleeves, but running low I stopped knitting first sleeve at the elbow and then had to recalculate yardage when I ran out of yarn 20 rows into the second sleeve. After an evening of frogging and praying to the Knitting Gods to show mercy on my Wicked Soul, I had sweet success;)
The ever popular Bathroom mirror shot....Sorry.

Phew, stick a fork in me, cause I'm DONE!

Now I need a beer:) Cheers!

Wick-id and Sick kid.

I have to admit that I was feeling a little nausea when the pattern for Wicked called for knitting sleeves on 2 circulars. Starting to feel warm, I found a tutorial HERE. My fever broke and as you see I'm recovering nicely. Wow, those knitting fevers can really send a girl into a panic. I love the web. I would be so lost without it. Anyway, I hope to complete Wicked by today or tomorrow. I had a full knitting day yesterday, because............................

"Sarge! We have a man down! Repeat, Man Down!"

My poor baby. Sick with the flu. I will spare you the details. They aren't pretty. But here he is, asleep on the couch....Pink cheeks and all.

Still not quite himself, but doing much better today. Yea!!! More knitting time for me! (Is it wrong to be happy?)

*** Don't answer that;)

If the pieces fit.

This was a labor of Love! It looks deceptively simple...Easy chart to follow, only 4 colors, single crochet....................DID YOU CATCH THAT????????? Yes, I said SINGLE crochet. Which translates to "This blanket will take you FOREVER to finish!!!" Can everyone say "Claw Hand"?
I'm not sure if it had something to do with the hook size. (pattern uses J hook) but this blanket took me soooo much longer to complete than I anticipated;( But, now it's done, just in time for Ethan's 1st Birthday...And it was worth it in the end.
Trying to show scale...on my bed (Queen) so I'd guess good for a twin size. Perfect for a one year old!
Teddy and blankie together just before getting wrapped up and sent off to Ethan's house.

***used Lion Brand Chunky USA yarn (now discontinued).

I just wanna be.....Your...... Teddy Bear.

READY....................................................................

STEADY..............................................................

TEDDY!..................................................................

Specially delivery for Ethan's 1st Birthday............pictures of adorable recipient coming soon!

Just to tease you..............

Thought I'd give you a closer look, because....well, Enough said.

Wye Sue is My Sue!

Here is my loot & booty from The BEST Pal ever, Sue from the Wye Valley. (near the border with England & Wales) Sue has been an amazing Secret Pal and spoiled me so much I am ruined for future exchanges! he he he.
Snack attack! Yummy goodness with sweets & salt. Armando devoured the Mr. Porky's and has saved the package so I can order more online! My favorites are the shortbread cookies and Jakey of course loves all the chocolates. And look, there is MORE..........................................
Sue sent me a teeny, tiny sock blocker key chain. Wouldn't that make cute Christmas ornaments....hmmm...better get on it. Also was a photo disc and brochure for "the Knitted Garden". Sue created the Mole & Squirrel up the bird table. My Sue is a "Knitting Star" who lives near a Colinette Mill ....AND.....drum roll please.....gets paid to knit for them! Now is there a more perfect job out there??? I think NOT!
And...a super cute Robot key chain for Jake.....which I am trying to get my hands on. I'll have to bribe him eventually I'm sure.
Tah Dah....scrumptious, yummy yarns in unbelievably beautiful colors! I told you I have the best Pal in the world! Sue is not only overly generous with her gifts, but also with her heart & time. Over these 3 months I got to know her through our emails and I could tell she was someone special. After reading her blog, Sue really is a remarkable woman. Selfless, kind and unconditionally giving of her time, I am truly lucky to have met her. Thank you Sue. I look forward to continuing our friendship......(You are not rid of me so easy...he he he). You have been a wonderful Pal and I'm so very glad to have met you.

Some Bunny Loves Me.

Little Neveah and Mama Sharlene all smiles. Grandpa Alex says Neveah has "Summer Teeth".....some are here and some are there;) Pretty Baby all dressed up for her Birthday. One year old and looking gorgeous!
Cheeeeeese Pleeeeease! Sammy & Jakey stealing Neveah's thunder.
Dontcha just want to squeeze those little cheeks! She is sooo Yummy! And of course, every baby I am related to or otherwise must be gifted with a Bunny hat! Happy 1st Birthday Neveah!

Decisions...Decisions....

Look what came in the mail today....he he he. Back in business Baby! This is the second time Yarnmarket has saved my butt;)
AND...."Buttercup" from Julia arrived also.....ohhhhh the temptation!
Lastly, my current project with the mohair "Pomegranate", still chugging along.....

the Sock, the Sweater and the Scarf.

Alrighty, here I go again. The first item that was started, and stopped was the sock. One down, one to go. Yes I believe we have SSS here...But I am loving the way that sock yarn goes with.....the second item started, then stopped. "Wicked" from the Sexy Knitters Club KAL. Now this one was stopped because I ran out of yarn. I was stash busting & used 2 balls of Rowans Cashsoft in Clementine that I purchased a while back. And don't worry, I have learned my lesson and made sure to order more yarn before the project even began. It is on it's way from here right now. Lastly is the scarf, which I started and am currently working on. It is knit with Colinette mohair in Magenta and the pattern is Pomegranate from the Colinette pattern booklet Arboretum....which was gifted from my Wonderful Secret Pal....Who btw is still a secret;)
Close up of short row heel. Sock yarn was purchased from Etsy shop called Ruby Sapphire Yarns. They are a Mother/Daughter business and have beautiful sock yarns. Check them out.
Close up of neckline on Wicked. I can't wait to get back to this. The yarn is Heavenly and so is the color. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I used the correct size. I fell in between, so I went with the larger to be safe......We'll see.
My spiders web mohair. First time EVER knitting with mohair and it seems so delicate, but is surprisingly strong. This color is gorgeous...I love my SP! I'm really enjoying working on this.

"N" is for NO SCHOOL!

No school = Trip to Disneyland! Freezing cold temps (in Southern California that means high 50's days and mid 30's nights - We are thin skinned & not use to this. Note the snow attire!) -But a Holiday none the less! We headed off to "The Happiest Place on Earth".... And if waiting in long lines and paying too much for EVERYTHING makes you "Happy" ...Then, This is Your place Baby!
My favorite picture! Having a blast on the tea cups in Fantasy land.....And Dad was Very proud as we managed to get him on the Indiana Jones ride...That is considered a big boy ride & he just made the height requirement to get on. We actually managed to get on quite a few rides. The crowds weren't out because of the cold so it was a pretty good time to go.
To infinity and Beyond!!!! Getting ready to blast off on the rocket ride. Jake managed to pick every ride that was outside, so it's a good thing we were bundled up;) Oh and by the way....We had such a great time, I let him play Hooky from school today to recuperate. Yeah, yeah, Bad Mommy, I know, I know.

Double cable scarf Finito!

Ha Ha!!! I didn't run out of yarn:) Very close call & did start to sweat when nearing the end.

This was a total "guess-ta-ma-tion" on my part and let's just say I am some what challenged when it comes down to figuring yardages & such. The knitting God's were smiling on me this time because it worked out perfect...equal number of cables, check it out!

And how much do I LOVE this yarn. So incredible to knit with. I MUST make a sweater with it. So squishy soft and just enough elasticity to hold shape beautifully and showcase stitches.

Rowan's "Calmer". Get some if you haven't tried it yet. You will not be disappointed.

From one stash to another

While I was reading Kate's blog the other day, I discovered Julia's blog and she was in the process of "destashing" and selling this kit. Soooooooo, I bought it.

Promise to post pics as soon as kit is received and actual knitting has begun.
Thanks to Kate & Julia for supporting the habit;)

If I give you enough rope???

Inspired by my Secret Pals MAD knitting skills on an Aran sweater she recently knit (in record time!) for her SIL.....I present....The double cable scarf from One Skein.

I'm using Rowan's "Calmer" for this project.

I purchased a single ball of this yarn over the summer from my LYS because I loved the color and it is Super Duper soft;)

I'm using size 7 needles although the pattern called for 9's & chunky yarn....So my scarf is waaaaay skinnier (is skinnier a word?) and since it's not complete I'm not sure about the length yet.

Anyway, it's a drop in the bucket to the cable work my Pal conquered. But she definately inspired me.

Hunka, hunka Happy Birthday!

Celebrate The King's birthday........Eat fried peanut butter & banana sandwiches and dance with your blue suede shoes.

8 years today

I can hardly believe that it has been 8 years since my Mother, Joanne lost her battle with cancer. The anniversary of her death has never been too difficult for me. Not like her birthday, Mothers Day or Holidays without her. I think it might have something to do with the fact that it's also my Niece's birthday and that has always been a pleasant distraction. After we celebrated Analiese's 13th B-day we visited Holy Cross Cemetery....or as my Son calls it....the park where dead people are buried.

We got to "the park where dead people are buried" an hour before closing. It was so peaceful. Usually there are lots of people and it was nice to be somewhat alone this time.

My Grandmother is also buried here and after my Mothers death, my Aunt bought a plot there also.

I think I would like to be cremated and my ashes scattered. My Mom was very traditional so it was very important for her to be buried in a Catholic cemetery. I hope she is sewing/knitting/crocheting/painting/embroidering/crafting up there with Mary and JC. I love you and miss you so much Mom!....and I promise to teach that little maniac of mine to be crafty if it kills me!

Analiese turns ..... 13!

Well, well....look who's a "Teenager"!
Analiese turned 13 today. Here she is modeling the hat (complete with skulls!) I made her. Below is Jake with the hat, because I never know if I'm going to get a good shot of my handy work. He is sometimes a reluctant model, but he works for free, so I can't complain. Notice Alex's expression.....she asked for one for her birthday...(but not the same as Analiese's, must not be the same as her sister...God forbid!)
Birthday cake with the Family.....Sisterly Love....Not!!!!! But how cute do they look??? and cousin Jake waiting patiently for his piece.
All the trouble makers together again. From front left.....Adam, Jake, Jayson, Sammy, Alex, Ava & Analiese.
We had Dim Sum for lunch and cake @ Grandma's house. It was a fun day for the birthday girl. She was a little pooped out, having spent Saturday @ Knotts Berry Farm!!! Even at the ripe old age of 13 she still wants to celebrate with her family. Very Sweet.
Happy Birthday Analiese!!! We love you.