Caution...long post ahead....

First off...I want to publicly apologize to Jennifer for not getting this post up sooner...she did an absolutely awesome job of "spoiling" me...I got her package last Saturday....I have no excuse other than it has been one of those weeks....

Jennifer did an incredible job of spoiling me in this swap...We exchanged long emails on a semi-regular basis...she sent me e-cards...I really got to know her and it made the swap a lot of fun...She kept me guessing the entire time...stinker...she made me think she was in the U.S...when she was actually in Canada...I didn't even catch it when she made reference to "claiming" value on the package when she mailed it...I am clueless, sometimes...

Come closer...look at all the goodies she spoiled me with....



She knit me not one...but...TWO dishcloths and crocheted me another ONE...How awesome is that...and...she used the dishcloths as wrapping paper..how smart is that????



She knit me a variegated one...the colors are beautiful and I love the pattern...the picture doesn't truly do it justice...the other one she knit is of a deer head, using the soft brown cotton yarn...I tried and tried to get a picture that showed the design...just wasn't happening....



The crocheted one is awesome - it has a unique pattern and the texture is really cool...again...the picture does not do it justice...



...and...this next item truly shows the thought that Jennifer put into this package just for me...anyone who knows me, knows I have a very soft heart....get emotional occasionally, okay, maybe a little more than occasionally...anyways... Jennifer crocheted this little klennex holder (complete with kleenex) for my purse...How thoughtful is that? Tissue anyone?



...and she sent me a set of stitch markers, sized for sock needles...I have made numerous sets of larger markers that I have given away - but none so tiny and none that I have kept for myself....I am thrilled...



..and speaking of socks...she sent this awesome skein of sock yarn...funny story....as you may or may not remember, Last Saturday, I went to the cities to pick Andy up for his spring break....on our way home, we stopped at numerous yarn stores in the cities...details to follow...anyways...I had this very same skein of yarn in my hand at one of the stores and put it down...thinking... well, when finances are a little better, I would pick it up someday for myself...this very skein.....How did she know????

I can hardly wait to start a new pair of socks...am thinking I should finish the pair I already have on my needles...



Here's a shot of the whole box...you can kinda see the brown dishcloth in the background...she also included a set of needle protectors in the shape of little socks...you can see them peeking out...the soap she included is lavender, smells awesome and is made in Canada about an hour from where she lives... the chocolate bar is ..well...lets just say...its gone...and it was awesome...



Thank you Jennifer!!! {{{hugs}}}

As I stated above, I did go to the cities on Saturday to pick up Andy...we explored five different yarn stores...and had a wonderful time...he even introduced me to Caribou Coffee...can you believe I have never been in a Caribou Coffee???? It was awesome!

I found Andy to be a perfect companion in yarn stores...he really appreciated the colors and softness of the different yarns...It was large fun....

I ended up buying yarn to make two projects for his girlfriend (Katie) and one project for him, along with a couple projects for me...

Let me show you...

It's a felted Blow fish...



Isn't it absolutely adorable? Don't you just want to smile? Andy and I decided that Katie needs one of these...doesn't everyone???

After a lengthy discussion on yarn color and complementary yarn color...we decided on this combination...



I also bought this yarn as a close second choice...may need to make up a second one...depending on how quick and easy the first one knits up...





Then, I found this yarn at a different store...decided it would make an awesome pair of socks for me...picked it up...was wandering around...decided I needed to go to the washroom...handed the sock yarn off to Andy...left him...came back and he had my sock yarn.... and this yarn...



It's Cherry Tree Hill (100% merino fingering weight)

There was a beret/beanie knit up...free pattern included with purchase...and Andy decided that Katie needed a new hat...but...we got to the cashier and they were out of copies of the hat pattern...I have searched around Ravelry and have not found the hat...it's called "Happy Feet" put out by Plymouth Yarns...I did find a similar pattern that uses worsted weight and am trying to figure out how to adapt it to fingering weight...any suggestions? I know I have to cast on more and use smaller needles...stay tuned to this channel for updates on that one....

Andy also decided he needed a "dice bag" for...well...his...dice...funny, how that works....

Anyways...he found a small drawstring bag made out of some very expensive yarn at one of the stores...I picked up a skein of suede yarn (can it be called yarn if it's suede?) and I am going to use Mandy's Candy Bag pattern to try and duplicate the bag he saw...again...stay tuned....




I did buy this beautiful yarn for myself...it is so soft. There was a scarf and hat made up using it. I am such a sucker for finished objects...most of the yarn I buy spontaneously is connected to a finished object in the store...I have no imagination to be original and figure it out for myself...

Anyways...I bought the pattern...the pattern calls for four skeins of yarn to make an eight foot scarf - decided I didn't need an eight foot scarf - so I bought just three skeinds...am anxious to get started...

I also bought two skeins of Lamb's Pride bulky weight to make mittens with...one in the same soft green color - and the other in a Grey/tweedy color...of all the mittens I have made and given away...I have none for myself...of course...it's going to be Spring here soon...I hope....

That was my Saturday in a nutshell...the week went downhill from there...

Monday night we got the dreaded 1:00 a.m. phone call...His sister had what they thought was a heart attack. Later we found out it was either a brain aneurysm or a blood clot - She was pronounced brain dead Tuesday morning...

Tuesday night we ran Andy back to the cities and home again all after school...still waiting word on His sister....

Wednesday evening was a combination of students staying late after school...confirmation class with Nathan...and lesson plans....still waiting word on His sister....

Thursday evening was a workshop after school for two hours (learned a lot...time well spent) and then my monthly Stamping Club...and...still waiting word on His sister....

She finally passed away Friday morning.....She lives on the other end of the state...so we will be leaving after I go to the dentist Monday....visitation on Monday and funeral on Tuesday....

...oh...did I mention I completely busted off my front bottom tooth on a piece of soft red licorice...that was last night...

I told you it has been a rough week....

A hint of things to come...

Defeat the Winter Doldrums package arrived.....yarn shopping......lost in the cities...does 35w northbound even exist anymore....

I promise to post tomorrow from school...pictures.....

Since you asked....

The yellow dishcloth is made using the Feather and Fan Dishcloth pattern. It is one of my favorite patterns...

As you know from previous posts...Andy was bringing the new girlfriend home from college for the weekend...I neglected to address that part of my weekend...

Let me assure you - She was as perfect as the rest of the weekend...She seemed to be a part of our family from the very start of the weekend...She fit right in - I even shared a bathroom with her as we did our "womanly" things before church....It was awesome having another female in the house and someone I felt so comfortable with....and...she will be welcomed back with open arms....

We are going to pick up Andy in the cities this weekend since it is his spring break. I contacted Shelly to give me some hints on some yarn stores to stalk...she came through with a whole list!!! I am hoping to stop by the one where she will be teaching and maybe meet her :) Stay tuned to this station to view the goods...hee hee

What the.....

..this was the view as I pulled into the driveway after running errands on Saturday morning....



...and ...we did have unseasonably warm weather...as evidence by the letter jacket laying on top of the roof...it was about 30 degrees out....



I picked up some self-striping cotton on Friday night - found a Ben Franklin store 20 minutes south of the school that I didn't know about....The picture is not doing the colors justice...the stripes of blue, combined with the ripples and waves remind me of water dancing....




Here is a belated picture of the two discloths I sent off to my Defeat the Winter Doldrums Partner. The snowflake on the blue one isn't showing up very well - It looked kinda cool...and I really like the ripple/fan pattern....

Check this out...

This is pretty cool... free radio on the internet

...and what is so cool about this site? Well...

...register using your email account...start by selecting an artist or a song.... and it plays similar music...all day long...until you tell it to stop...

The site gives you the option of streamlining your play list by saying either you really like or don't like a song or artist...

How cool is that?

Now, I know some of you are thinking...why bother when I can just listen to my personal i-pod type thingy...well, I don't have one of those - so this gives me a chance to listen to only the music I want to hear and commercial free....

It's right up there next to sliced bread in my world...really.

It was a good weekend...

...it all fell into place...doesn't it always?

The confirmation service was beautiful - The musicians were awesome....I cried through most of it....started with Amy Grant's Thy Word...gets me every time....

At one point, I looked down the pew to see my four boys, now almost grown young men, my parents, my ex husband and his wife, his parents, his brother and his family....It just touched me that after so many years of hating...we are finally able to co-enjoy our children's accomplishments....that's huge. I cried.

Here I am with my four "little" boys....Note: I am 5'8".....



Here they are, left to right Nathan, (15), Jeremy (22), Chris (17), and Andy (20)...Aren't they handsome young men?



...and Chris with the Bishop....



It was all good....

I felted the purse that I finished knitting...It turned out okay - I ran it though the wash cycle twice, hoping to get it a little thicker than how it ended up...but, no luck...again, not as excited about the yarn as I was...



I do like the colors - but am concerned that the handle is really going to stretch out with the weight of items inside...will have to see...

On second thought...

A couple posts back...I was contemplating making a sweater using Boku yarn...I went to my LYS and bought one skein - included with purchase was a free pattern for a small felted purse. I thought I would check out this yarn before I spend $75+ to make a sweater with it.....

The verdict: nope.

I did however, finish the small purse pattern. I have not taken the time yet to felt it...

I changed the pattern just a bit...the pattern says to knit for 16 inches, reserving enough yarn to make the second handle...well, how do you calculate how much yarn you need to make the second handle? I used the other end of the skein and started a second handle. I then knit across both pieces and then purl back across both pieces...thus, they are of identical length and I used up all of the yarn...I used a three needle cast off to create the bottom seam....



I thought the yarn was too light for a sweater. It also tended to fray and unravel while I was sewing up the side seams...I just didn't get excited about the yarn....

I promise to show pics of the finished purse.....

So...back to the drawing board...looking for a simple cardigan....help!

Defeat the Winter Doldrums

Weekly Topic #5

If money were no object, and the day was just perfect - not to hot, not too cold, sun shining, slight breeze - how would you spend a perfect day out that had been given to you in the middle of a cold and blustery winter?

Ohh...I know it would be at a beach...either one of our awesome lakes here in Minnesota or enjoying the sands of the Gulf of Mexico....All of my boys would be there...a couple friends....some who are now very far away (TNteacher)...and some who are still close....there would be sunshine, laughter, knitting, chocolate, swimming, good food, and comfy chairs....all smushed together into one awesome day.....

I am a spoiled woman.....

He showed up in my classroom yesterday at lunch time...bearing lunch and roses...

How absolutely awesome is that!!!!!

Tonight is the night...boys are coming home, along with the new girlfriend...I can hardly wait...

Those of you who have children away know exactly what I am talking about....

Lots of pictures coming soon....promise....

Happy Friday!!!!!

Still trying to clean house....

...off task - that's what I am...definitely off-task...

Chris is being confirmed next weekend...which means everyone is coming to the house...including the ex-husband, new wife, ex-in laws...and Andy is bringing his new girlfriend home with him from college...AUUGGHHHHH!

Breathe....

I am not totally concerned about all of the "ex"s...they were a part of my life for 15 plus years... they know me...and it's not like I am a total slob...I am just not a perfectionist when it comes to my house - it is lived in.

It's the new girlfriend that has me freaking out....I have met her - I think she is a wonderful girl and she compliments Andy very well - I want to make a good impression - I want her to feel welcome in my home.....

I am trying to clean my "craft room"/"computer room" /"I don't know where to put it so throw it in here and shut the door room". It is taking me forever. Every little item has to be looked at and pondered.....

It's going to be awesome when it's done and organized...but...right now...it's getting me down.....

It's still cold here - bitterly cold.

I am thinking about a different cardigan than the previous post - I'll post a picture when I have time - right now...I should be cleaning....off task....

...definitely...off-task....

Defeat the Winter Doldrums

Weekly topic #4

"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" for some of us we get the doldrums and others don't.

For the ones who get doldrums what helps you get rid of them?

For the ones who don't get the doldrums, what helps you keep them away?

January and February seems to just drag by...the weather is cold...the days are short...(although getting longer)...no days off from school....

When I am down - I eat...chocolate seems to help......Might be why my backside needs a "wide load" sign by Spring :)

I know I don't get enough exercise...I am seriously trying to figure out how to fit some exercise into my life. I also realize that once you start exercising, you gain more energy and it becomes easier - I struggle now just to find the energy to start....

Defeat the Winter Doldrums

Topic of The Week #3

Post a picture of your stash and your notions....



My stash.... OMG!!! I think I need to buy more...I hardly have any.....I was very surprised to see how small my stash has become...for a while, it seemed like I bought cotton every time I went to either Michaels or Wal-mart....

I need to have stash available when I get the urge......although, I may never run out of yellow, blue or the ugly variegated pink...what was I thinking??????



I usually use my short #8 metal straight needles. I have another pair...but they are too long - they hit the side of the rocker....

I snoop around the internet for most of my patterns. I do have these three books that I have used a couple times. I have a three-ring binder with all of my patterns in sheet protectors - that is truly my "source" for most of my dishcloths....

It's Pajama Day...

Ahh - the perks of being a teacher :)

{{{{{Momentarily forget about the chaos of the rest of Snow Week}}}}}

Along with the robe, I have on pajama bottoms and my felted slippers that I made myself...

Modeling with me is one of my bestest friends...Becky...

What I am doing instead of cleaning house....

I am looking at ordering this sweater from Patternworks.

Am thinking about this yarn...bottom left corner...forest




(I couldn't figure out how to just grab one square of the color...)

Anyone knit with Boku before?

I like the pattern in general - am not real crazy about the tie string closure - would probably eliminate that and add a couple buttons...I dunno - also - am not sure what the garter stitch edging will look like....

And...I still have my blue nightmare that should be finished sometime...

I have been looking for a simple casual cardigan to make - that can be worn with jeans....

Longing For Spring Swap

1. Do you knit or crochet? How long have you been at your craft?

I learned to crochet as a child from my Gramma - don't we all learn from Gramma? I picked up knitting in the last 3 years or so..a little obsessed with knitting....

2. What are your favorite yarns/fibers? What are your least favorite yarns/fibers?

I like yarn to be soft - I am not into novelty yarns - Don't really know a lot about yarn - due to being somewhat of a newbie at knitting...

3. What are your favorite colors? What are your least favorite colors?

Probably earth tones - greens...reds - subtle shades - rich tones - blues - not much into neon, artificial colors...

4. What ‘warm weather’ project are you looking forward to making this year?

I would really like to make more socks - and would like to try a cardigan - which isn't really a "warm-weather" project

5. What are you favorite scents? Least favorite?

I like light fresh scents...clean linen - scents that remind you of the outdoors...don't like heavy scents or peaches.

6. What is your favorite flower?

My favorite flower...hmmm.. am not sure - I love the scent of lilacs in the Spring...or the first Lily of the Valley that show up in the flower bed. I enjoy the colors of mums in the Autumn...I don't know that I have a favorite.

7. What are you favorite spring time hobbies/activities?

Being able to get out and walk - being able to walk around the yard and check for buds on the apple trees, lilacs along the back of the yard...checking to see if my "hens and chicks" survived the winter...shooting some baskets with my boys....

8. Do you have a garden? If you do, tell us a little about it. Do you like to plant flowers or vegetables?

I have a couple flower gardens that I would love to give more attention to than I seem to have time to...I generally just plant some tomato plants and green beans as far as a vegetable garden...I am in a hollow of sorts - surrounded by large hills - thus I get very little direct sunshine.

9. What are your favorite sweets?

Dark chocolate...chocolate and caramel....Easter brings black jelly beans and I absolutely love black jelly beans...

10. Do you collect anything?

Does knitting needles, patterns or yarn count? I seem to buy them whether I need them or not?

12. Do you have any allergies?

Maybe allergic to house cleaning - although it has not been confirmed - would have to participate in said activity to verify an allergic reaction...

13. Do you have any pets?

We live in my cat's house - don't all cat owners? She allows us to share her space...I also have a dog - cute Max...who tries daily to torment my poor cat :)