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.

Nutcrackers & Muscles

Let me begin by saying my kid is into Robots & Toy Soldiers or Nutcrackers. Awww, that's very sweet you say??? Yeah, well try finding Robots (non collectible) under $100 bucks. Or where exactly do you purchase toy/wooden soldiers???? I realize Santa's elves cranked these guys out fifty years ago, but since then, they have updated their inventory, right? Well, it was a challenge. I did manage to find nutcrackers & some reasonably priced robots. But I am most proud of the shirt. He is after all, only six. I figure I have maybe one more year of sewing "cute-sie" themed shirts before he rolls his eyes @ my efforts. I found this fabric @ Joann's and couldn't resist. This was his Christmas day outfit....along with Levi's & brand new, bright red converse high tops. He appears to be yelling, but is actually saying "Merry Christmas"!
"Big Legs" as in "Here comes big legs"! He crams stuffed animals into his PJ's for the desired effect....struts around and flexes.

I don't remember ever dropping him on his head......I blame TV.

Spoiled again by my Secret Pal;)

Looky, looky @ all my goodies!
My wonderful Pal has spoiled me once again. Am I a lucky girl or what? It's difficult to see everything in the pictures, but there is a ton of stuff! Little Halloween buttons, a Huge chocolate bar (very pleased with myself for remembering to photograph chocolate before eating it!) Beatles tour maps of Liverpool. Yummy yarns & Colinette pattern book. Hand knit chain decoration...and Christmas stickers & dinosaur toy w/puzzle for my son!!!!
My Pal is the best! I hope she is getting spoiled by her Pal as well, she so deserves it!
A million Thanks!

MDK Warshcloths to go;)

I can't even begin to describe how much I love Mason Dixon Knitting.
But as you can see here, my addiction was so great, I had to share the love with others.

Here are some of the washcloths, getting all fancied up to be given away for Christmas.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday......I am still recovering;)

Christmas Wishes

My Christmas Wish is for more FREAK'IN time to complete all my WIP'S!



Baking begins next week, starting with this beauty!






Just because I haven't posted any knitting pictures, don't think my house isn't FULL of half finished projects everywhere. I'm feeling panic begin to set in as I try to figure out what is do-able and what is quickly becoming impossible. If I only had one more week till Christmas. (What's that? I have a week until Christmas???)
Let me start over.

If I had just TWO more weeks until Christmas......

Well, maybe three more.....Or never mind. I'm trying.

(my right eye is starting to twitch....Sigh)

Peace on Earth?

I remember when I heard about John Lennon's death on the radio. I remember, even at the age of 12, feeling tremendous sadness for his family.

Now, 26 years later, I feel that sadness again.

All we need is Love.






ttp://www.nysun.com/slideshow/lennon/


The Dakota doorman shouted at the shooter, Mark David Chapman, "Do you know what you've done?"
"I just shot John Lennon," Chapman replied, accurately enough.

Jack Frost nipping at your nose

Our budding photographer snapped this extreme closeup of one of his nutcracker ornaments.

I couldn't help but notice that's pretty much how my face looked the entire time I was knitting the "Snowdrop Lace" washcloth. The cloth looked harmless enough, But ended up taking way more concentration than I apparently possess....So I frogged it. TWICE!

Well, it's finally finished and there it is, in all it's washcloth glory. I feel like attaching a note that reads "For display only"...But I think that might be pushing it.


All these goodies are ready to be shipped out to New York.

I hope my Pal likes them.

Very Winter Wonderland-y.

Don't cha think???


Thumpity thump thump
Thumpity thump thump
Look at Frosty go...

Yeah, but let's see Frosty knit lace!

Downtown Disney Shenanigans

6 years old and already making political statements. I believe he is promoting Peace. That's right, make love...Not war. Atta Boy!

We went to Downtown Disney to look @ the lights and get into the Holiday spirit. The pics don't do it justice. It was really nice & there was Christmas music playing all over.

Hey look! Two Christmas hams;)

More Elvis Sightings.......

**** Just for you bashirs_momma!!!! ****
















Can you guess which one is the "Real Elvis"????? Yeah, I know, it's pretty tough;)



If you picked #1 - Good guess, but incorrect.
A woman actually squealed when I broke out this move in Las Vegas. Seriously, you can't make that stuff up.
I blame alcohol and friends that encourage me to embarrass myself whenever possible.

If you picked #2 - Ahhh yes, a true fan.....But can you really be sure?

If you picked #3 - You Win!!!!
At least this is the "Real Elvis" to me. My brother & sil on Halloween. I made the jumpsuit and he supplied the wig. Although I think with persistent teasing his hair would have reached heights that even the King himself would have been proud of.

Oh and don't think the madness stopped there. I have pictures of my son , age 3, as Elvis somewhere. Just waiting to be scanned and posted.

In case anyone is wondering what inspired this post.....I blame bashirs_momma. She started it!

Snow in Long Beach & a sneak peek

Just a little sneaky peeky @ one of the dishcloths I'm sending to my Winter Wonderland Swap Pal.

This is the "Twin Leaf Lace Cloth" and can be found @ smariek.blogspot.com
Isn't it pretty;) I knit up another in varigated Christmas cotton. I love the pattern and it knits up so quick.

I have a second cloth with a different pattern finished but not photographed. The infamous "Snowdrop Lace" pattern. Ugh, my hats of f to all you out there conquering lace. One forgotten wrap and you got crap!!!


Anyway it's finally done & I will post a pic of entire package before I ship it out.

Gotta go, I'm off to work;)







As promised.

The Boys.

In Snow.


In Long Beach??????

Those two trouble makers had a ball!

I just got back from my Cirque du Soleil focus group that was held at the beautiful W Hotel in Los Angeles.
It only lasted about 2 hours and paid $150.oo smackers -in cash!!!!
Well, anybody that knows me, knows that I LOVE Cirque du Soleil. So the fact I was chosen for this was very exciting. I won't blabber on and on about the discussion...But I think they (Cirque creators) are thinking of resort/nightclub ventures. Or possibly just new ideas for future shows. Who knows, but it was fun and interesting...and they paid me. Win, win situation from where I stand. Nice way to spend a Sunday morning right?
So the plan for the rest of the day??? We are thinking of taking the Boy to Bixby Knolls for a snow day.
What?? What??? SNOW in Long Beach?????
Well sort of. Let me explain. The residents of Bixby Knolls close off the street for the day, and with the help of snow machines, create a winter wonderland right in the middle of Southern California. The temp outside is 80 degrees right now, with strong Santa Ana winds....hmmm.
If we make down there and there is still snow, I promise pictures:)