Busy is a 4 letter word

Why is it, when we need things to be a little less busy the crazier it gets? I'm guessing it's because our perceptions change when we get under stress. I know that when I'm under stress my judgment on time alters. Like in the movies when they show a clock and the hands go around super fast. That's kind of how I have felt this last week, and I am guess until I get a grip on it, the next few days will too. Maybe its just the stress of getting ready for a short trip to TN again? But, with all that said, I have gotten some knitting done.

I finished Kira's bunny hat. The photo stinks, but I gave it to her this morning, and you would have thought I had given her a brick of solid gold. The child was speechless. (which I have never seen happen with her before). LOL. The hat is black worsted weight and the inside of the ears are a fuzzy pink (her two favorite colors). The pink is Moda Dea Dream, Waterlily. You can adjust and shape the ears pretty much any way you want, which I thought would be fun for her. If Kira could come back as anything, it would be a bunny. LOL.

Yesterday I had a demo at Hobby Lobby. I love doing those. One of my students came with her knitted goodies and we had a great time, knitting and talking to everyone. I started the Irish Hiking Scarf while I was there. She is starting cables all ready and so I thought that, the Irish Hiking scarf pattern would be good for her to learn with. So I started one too. I am guessing that she probably has it done all ready. ;-) Here is a picture of what I have started so far. Since I didn't have anything in the stash that I wanted to knit, I bought a skein of yarn at Hobby Lobby and just started the pattern while there. It's Red Heart Super Saver in Dusty Teal. I know it's not fancy yarn, but the color looked so pretty.

This morning I put the zipper in my bag, so it's finished now and being used. Yesterday I had several of the young girls that work there at Hobby Lobby wanting to buy my bag. It was funny. If they had made a little higher offer I probably would have done it. So here is the zipper. It surprised me how easy it went in. The last time I put a zipper in a knitted garment I swore I wouldn't do it again. (Warning: be careful what you say you will never do). Anyway, I really like this bag. Next time I'm going with the bigger one. As you can see from the photo I've got it a little loaded which is making it hang to the left here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and got to do everything they wanted.

Bag Pattern

Several people have emailed and commented about the pattern I used for my bag. It is out of this book. On page 16, bag #5 called Three For The Road. (because you can make it in 3 sizes). The Market Squares bag is in this book also ;-)

The Bag

Last night at Hobby Lobby after my class I walked past the area where they have all the supplies for making bags. And there I found the handles for my bag. The photos aren't really good, but I wanted to get them up on the blog. I used some yarn from my stash. I tried something, since I had a little of the "Surf N Turf" left from the multidirectional scarf I did 3 rows with it just to add a little color. I kind of wish now I hadn't but, what they hell, my next one I'll do different. That's what is great about knitting. Every time you make something it's always new and original.


Now the funny thing is if you remember the whole reason I made the bag was because one of my cats projectile vomited in my purse, on my purse, table, chair, floor, etc. WELL while I am taking pictures of my knitted bag, another one of my little darlings came over to check it out. I'm sure they are making plans for this bag as I write. I'm guessing it's pay back for bringing Gunther into the house. They liked him when he was small. LOL.

Private lesson

This morning I had a private lesson that was one of those times where I should have been paying her, instead of the other way around. We talked about family, community, doing the right thing just because it's the right thing, quietness, accountability, boundaries, and consequences. It was one of the most spiritual and relaxing times I've had in quiet awhile. All the time were talking she was knitting, we reviewed the cast on, the knit stitch and how to fix a few errors. She caught on beautifully. In just a few minutes of talking with her, you know she is a woman of compassion. When it was time to leave, I felt renewed. On the drive home I was thinking about how amazingly powerful knitting is. I'm not a big "people" person, I love my private time, I've never enjoyed the world of "tons of friends." But, knitting has the power to bring people together and to open their hearts and minds. Knitting has brought so many people into my life that I want to be around.

Knitting has become a many faceted diamond.

Play time with Gunther

Out of all the photos I took today of Gunther playing outside, this is one of the better ones. He had been running across the yard and then suddenly stopped, turned and that little ear flopped right over. LOL. But, here he is, totally focused on the tennis ball. Thought this was a better image than the cat vomit. LOL.

Speaking of the cat. I have found a digital altered picture of the little darling. I used this photo in my photography portfolio.

Ok, so the cat threw up IN my purse

Yes, the title is true. Tuesday night around one in the morning I was awaken to a very sick kitty. She was pretty ill and of course throwing up, made it all better. And I was so glad for her till I went searching through the house to find the mess and clean it up. Then there it was. On my purse and IN my purse. Thank heavens for rubber gloves. I tried very hard not to be angry and to be understanding, but the best I could do is cry, as I pulled vomit soaked items out of my bag. After about 20 minutes, I thought a glass of wine was definitely over due, so I poured myself a nice glass and proceeded to continue the clean up. If I had know the extent of the clean up I would have called the chemical spill specialists and let them take care of it.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for awhile, you know that I can initially be pretty upset and then within a few minutes, calm down and look at the whole picture and try to find something good out of it. It's the only way I can stay sane. Kind of like explode, and then go through the fall out hunting for treasures. Well my treasure for the purse/vomit situation is this, I had a 20% off coupon from Barnes and Nobles, along with my 10% membership discount, I could get any book for 30% off. So after getting about 3 hours sleep, I took off to B&N and purchased Bags-a Knitter's dozen. For some time I've wanted to make some bags, but another knitting project (knitting book) got in the way. This time I had a mission. LOL. I found a bag that I had the right size needles and enough in the stash to make, and so now I'm knitting me a bag. One that can easily be thrown into the washer when needed. LOL. The cat, she's fine and eating like a little pig.

I finished Ella

A few posts ago, I showed you all a picture of a hat called Ella from the book Hip Knit Hats. Well guess what I did this weekend. (actually Sunday). I made it. I used Moda Dea's Cashe'. It's a thick and thin bulky yarn. It worked up pretty well. It's 75% wool, 22% Acrylic, 3% Polyester. The only thing I did do differently is, I added a small bow to the back. I have several berets, traditional Scottish berets that have this little added touch, so I added one too.

Messing Around

This morning was pretty busy, I ran over to the dog trainers and registered Gunther for his next phase of training. When I got back one of my neighbors was walking his dogs (3 out of his 6 rescued dogs). I hadn't got a chance to talk with him since Shadow passed so I talked with him for awhile and of course he had to meet Gunther. Come to find out some new people on the other side of the subdivision have just got two, yes 2 great dane puppies. I'm excited about that. And then I had time to knit. So I closed my eyes, reached into the stash and decided that whatever I pulled out was going to become a Branching Out scarf. One that I could use as a sample for my students. I'm using a size 8 needle and some acrylic yarn that I got for free because it didn't have identification with it. Cool. So here is what I have so far.

Tonight I will have TONS of time to knit. We are headed to the North side of Atlanta, so Sara can attend an Open House at a Cosmetology/Make Up Artist school. It's right by a huge mall and there is a Starbucks, so you know where I will be and what I will be doing. LOL. Coffee and knitting. I don't care where it is, that to me is a winning combination. Well, knitting and "drinking" period is a winning combination. ;-)

So have a great evening, click the sticks together and make something beautiful.

Last Night's Knitting Class and Teaching Update

It's been 24 hours and I'm still pretty excited about last nights knitting class. There are 7 ladies, varying in experience and I hope they had as good of a time as I did. The brand new knitters got to cast on and knit, and the experience knitters worked on projects they brought or started there. I can't begin to tell you how nice these ladies are and how much I am looking forward to knitting with them. Before class started I had a call from one of my students from last month that she, her daughter and two grand daughters wouldn't be able to make it, but would be there next week. I think they will really enjoy the new ladies. Another woman brought her grand daughter last night and that was really wonderful. I love it, when that happens. I also have another mother/daughter "team" in there. They are so funny.

I haven't really posted much about the classes and the private lessons I teach, but today just seemed the day. Yesterday, Hobby Lobby called me and said that they have an opening in the schedule and I can now have day classes ALSO. (yesterday, was happy dance day, LOL) So I think that set the tone for the rest of the day.

My Monday morning student is progressing so fast. I have met with her 3 times now, 2 hours each and she is ready to start the Branching Out Scarf. I gave her some choices and it looks like this is going to be just what she needs to take her to the next level. She has all ready made a Multidirectional Scarf. She is a real go getter and tackles knitting with everything she has. She's made several scarves for family members and I think the Branching Out scarf will let her learn the first steps in lace, and yet, keep the project small that she can finish it in a reasonable amount of time.

My Tuesday morning student just got back from a cruise. She left the day after Christmas and celebrated New Year's on the sea. I'm so jealous, I've never been on a cruise. This is her 6th. She is absolutely wonderful. We get along so well. I love just talking with her, she is one of those kind of ladies that you feel you have known her all your life. Today during her lesson I talked with her about coming to the new day classes in Feb. and I think she is going to. Her progress has been slow and steady. She knows enough that she can tackle some pretty good projects. I can't wait to see where she goes with her knitting.

So that's the update. I have some new things on the needles. A bunny hat for my daughter's best friend. She is so into bunnies that it is scary. So I found the hat in the Stitch N Bitch Nation for a baby and converted it for an adult. I am about 1/4 way done with GT's Saxon Braid scarf. And I've been messing around with different ideas in knitting bandana's for Gunther. Now you know I can't leave him out. LOL. Speaking of Gunther, I'll be updating his blog tomorrow afternoon. My little boy is 5 months and about 75 pounds now. Ok, bragging over.

Have a great night, knit until you are relaxed and smile.

Coming To A Head Near You

In the mail today came my new book. Hip Knit Hats. To be honest I ordered it because of the hats on the cover, and I have several students that are interested in making hats a little more advanced. So from reading the reviews I thought this book would be good. As I opened it and started looking, I am now on the hat obsession. OMG, the hats in this book and the information is fantastic. The page below shows what kind of hats look good on what type of face structure.

Very Cool.

So as I go along I came across this picture. This will be my next hat. Oh yes, I am crazy over it. Ella on page 104. An entrelac beret. I've been hunting for a hat like this and decided that someday I would find the right pattern, patience wins once again.

This morning I finished a little hat for "Lizbeth". She and Bridget are home and doing well. I have a box packed with goodies for her and plan on shipping it out Monday morning.

Everyone have a great weekend, stay warm, knit a lot.

A New Baby In The Family

Wednesday, January 4th, 2006, 7:30 pm

my cousin Bridget gave birth to her first child.

Sarah Elizabeth Lyons

7 lbs 1oz, 19 inches

Baby Sock

Last night while we had hail the size of golf balls and tornados touching down, I decided to get the purple Cotton Ease that I got from my Secret Santa out and made a baby sock for Sarah Lizabeth. The second one is on the needles now. I also found an adorable baby jacket made from Cotton Ease also. I can't wait to start that. 

Knitting in the New Year

It's been said that what you do when the New Year comes is what sets the tone for the New Year. So I knitted as I watched the ball drop. I finished the Polar Spun baby blanket and then made 2 earwarmers and a rolled brim hat. The earwarmers and hat were for me, but the colors looked horrid on me so they are either going as gifts or ebay. LOL.

Warning about Polar Spun yarn. I found it to be difficult to knit. Using size 11 alum. Circulars I thought would be ok, but nnnoooo. They yarn catches on itself so when making stitches it doesn't move smoothly. Just a heads up for anyone who has this in their stash.

New Years Eve day I had a wonderful time visiting with Gunther's breeder. We met at Starbucks and he brought Gunther's dad, Sarge. OMG. The two of them together was heaven. Since I didn't know Sarge was going to be there I didn't have my camera with me but. We are going to get them together when Gun turns 6 months and get "family" pictures. Gunther looks so much like his dad. It's like a little miniature Sarge.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their New Years and is ready to tackle 2006 with blazing knitting needles.