Yarnhoardinmama's Knitting

A Belated Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

So I know Christmas was yesterday, but we were off at family celebrations on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I hope everyone who celebrates had a wonderful Christmas, and for those who don't celebrate, I hope you had a fabulous day. Here are a few highlights of the yarnhoardinmama family Christmas.

What, no bickering between sisters?

A fun game for everyone.

Lucy got a new bed, complete with a bone toy and a fleece blanket.

A new outfit for her doll.

Let me defend my mom from that evil camera strap!

It was not all about the gifts, but of course that is what we took the most pictures of. We enjoyed times with both of our extended families as well.

In other news, I'm working on knitting up a new toe-up sock design of my own. The pattern is just going through the tweaking stage as I re-knit to make sure it came out clearly. More news coming soon!

The free shipping sale is over at my Etsy shop, but there is still so much great handcrafted stuff for sale, that I think you should still check it out. And that concludes my shameless self-promotion.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-14T13:13:00.000-05:00

We all know it is that time of year, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or none of the above. My family and I went to the West Michigan Whitecaps' home, Fifth-Third Ballpark, to see the Nite Lites Christmas light display. It was really cool. We drove our Blazer through over a mile of Christmas lights displays, many of them animated, and we got to go through it twice for one price. The kids adored it and my husband and I enjoyed it too. These pictures don't do them justice.

Another pair of socks off the needles today, this one being Repeat Performance by Michelle Hunter. Love these toe up socks! Pattern is easy enough to follow but not boring. These are in Shelridge Farm Soft Touch Ultra. Very nice.

Just a reminder, it is not too late to take advantage of the free shipping in my Etsy shop, good through December 24. You can still order in time for Christmas if you live in the U.S. ( I don't think many international orders would have time to arrive before Christmas.) Enter code SHIPONME11 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

What is a large pot of avocado trees good for?

Giveawayscout.com and adorable kitty

2011-11-17T13:21:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to let everyone know about a cool site that lists freebies from any kind of place you might like. The site is giveawayscout.com and I have my free shipping offer for my Etsy shop listed on there. I thought I would share the site so people could find deldel other giveaways that interest them.

I leave you with a gratuitous cuteness pic. Our newest kitty, Rocky, who showed up under our house one night in the freezing temperatures, and cried (LOUDLY!) until we rescued him at 2:30 am. He was about 4 weeks old, and decided that my non-lactating Jack Russell (Lucy) is his mom and best playmate.

Free shipping in my Etsy shop!

2011-11-05T16:04:00.000-04:00

Now that Halloween is over, a lot of us are thinking about Christmas and holiday gifts. I am providing free shipping in my Etsy shop now through December 24, 2011. You MUST enter this coupon code at checkout for this offer to be valid: SHIPONME11. I will ship purchases directly to gift recipients upon request. Now for sale are several soap and washcloth sets, many types of dog biscuits made fresh to order, chainmail bracelets, PDF knitting patterns, woodworks, and handknitted garments. Come on over and check it out! Happy shopping!

Emergency sale for new transmission

2011-09-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

The transmission went out on my truck yesterday. I am having an emergency sale at my Etsy shop and my Ravelry pattern store. I am also selling some handmade soaps for $4 each plus shipping, or if you buy 3 or more, they are $3 each.

Also a set of handmade erasers, 5 in a set, for $5 plus shipping.

Thanks for shopping! If you are interested in anything on the blog, leave me a comment with your email and I will get back to you.

A new family member

2011-07-17T18:30:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, it has been FOREVER since I last posted. I started a job in May that wound up being 7 days a week, although it is not 8-hour days. I planted and am watering and weeding the flowers in a local city's parks and downtown area. Those flowers don't know it is the weekend; they still need water. lol

In other news, we have a new family member, a baby bunny rescue. You can see how little he is compared to the guinea pig, who he has adopted as his mama, and he has already about doubled in size in the week we have had him. Of course, the girls adore him, as do I, and he is doing well being a little house bunny. And now I must tempt you with adorable bunny pictures.

American Girl Kanani doll giveaway

2011-02-23T13:59:00.000-05:00

This is a bit off topic for me, but I wanted to let everyone who loves American Girl Dolls know about a Kanani giveaway. Kanani is the new Hawaiian doll, with hazel eyes and gorgeous long brown hair. I have three young daughters, and they are all in love with these dolls. If you know someone who loves these dolls, even yourself, you may want to enter this giveaway. It is open only until February 28, 2011 for U.S. residents. Check it out!

Etsy sale on chainmaille bracelets

2011-01-17T13:04:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to announce a sale in my Etsy shop. All chainmaille bracelets are currently $10 off regular prices. Sales prices are as listed. These prices also apply to custom requests on chainmaille, such as colors or sizing requests. While you are there, take a look at my new line of handmade soaps! Happy shopping!

What to do with the extra frosting?

2011-01-09T13:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we decided to use up the last of the candy canes from Christmas by making these cupcakes. Ok, ours don't look as perfect as the Soap Queen's, but the girls and I had fun and they turned out pretty good. No need to adjust your television set, the candy canes really were blue. I omitted the peppermint extract from the frosting and just made it vanilla because there was already peppermint in the cupcakes and the candy canes.

So we had these yummy cupcakes, but we also had a ton of leftover frosting, and well, we can't let all that creamy homemade frosting go to waste now, can we? What to do? Today we made these lemon drop cookies, added lemon extract and a tad of yellow food coloring to the vanilla frosting, and glazed these tasty cookies. Very messy dripping the glaze on warm cookies, but so much fun. The waxed paper under the cookies contained the mess.

Be aware that a 9-year old may enjoy dripping the glaze so much that it may start pooling around the cookies. lol We are not all about appearances here, we just enjoy the taste.

Thanks for stopping in, and don't forget to take a peek at my Etsy shop. I have added some new soaps to go with the chainmaille bracelets, handmade wood products, and knitting patterns and knitted objects.

Etsy sale from now until Christmas

2010-12-07T12:29:00.002-05:00

Ok, we all know the Christmas shopping season is well underway. From now until December 25, I will be offering a 30% off coupon code at my Etsy shop. Enter code DEC2010 at checkout to receive 30% off your total purchase. Happy shopping!

Cyber Monday sale!

2010-11-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

What? You didn't get a chance to take advantage of the Black Friday/Thanksgiving weekend sale in my Etsy shop? Well, then here is a new coupon code for Cyber Monday, November 29, starting at midnight and running 24 hours Eastern Standard Time. The code is CYBER2010 and it is good for 30% off at checkout, regular and sale-priced items included. Now go shop!

Thanksgiving Weekend Sale on Etsy!

2010-11-25T18:11:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to announce that I am having a Thanksgiving weekend sale on my etsy shop. Most items are already marked on sale 20 - 25% off. If you enter coupon code TURKEY2010 at checkout, you will save an additional 15% off the sale price. This sale runs from Thanksgiving Day, November 25, through November 28, 2010. There are knitted garments, toys, and chainmaille bracelets on sale. Or, choose a non-sale item like PDF patterns or woodworking goods, and use the coupon code, and you can still save. Check it out!

Cooking in the yarnhoardin' household

2010-05-06T10:43:00.002-04:00

We have been doing a lot of cooking here lately, both me and the girls. Emily loves to cook, and last night she insisted on watching a cooking show on tv. So today, she was putting on her own cooking show. She was narrating which 'gredients she was adding to make 'ssert (dessert lol), and she also made soup and I'm not sure what else. She made sure to announce each ingredient as she added it from a separate bowl, just like they do on tv, mentioning how many grams of each item (grams? that's her own thing lol) and describing how to mix them. And yes, she does like to pose for pictures. Can't you tell?

Last night, Maddie wanted to make butter. We found this great book at the library, 50 Science Things to Make and Do. It called for filling a jar half-full with heavy whipping cream, a pinch of salt to taste, and shaking it for 15 minutes or so. Who knew it was that simple? Ok, so a lot of people did, but I didn't. lol It doesn't look like much, but we have this fresh, spreadable butter in the fridge, waiting for me to make a fresh loaf of bread to go with it.

As for me, I have been working on clean eating, trying to cut out white flour and sugar and man-made chemical additives in my food. So I found this recipe for snack bars made out of dates and nuts, and the kids think they look like dog poop, but they are very tasty. I used pecans instead of cashews.

And finally, for those interested, I have been doing some knitting. My Coraline cardigan is in time-out right now, for daring to let me mess up the first row of smocking on the yoke, and not noticing until I was up to the neck. I ripped back almost 40 rows. So there she sits, in time-out for now, and I'm working on the Krista tee with some friends. Here is the back so far:

Oh, and while you're here, don't forget to click the link towards the top on the right for Eat.Sleep.Knit. I'm collecting yards in the yarnathon and I get 5 yards each time you click! ;)

Help paying to finish college

2010-04-18T16:39:00.002-04:00

I am less than a year away from finishing my bachelor’s degree in accounting, and have run out of federal student loan availability. I do not qualify for private student loans, as we had a foreclosure a few years ago when I lost my job and the ARM loans started going crazy for everyone. I can’t even qualify with a co-signer. I’m trying (desperately) to find scholarship/grant opportunities. I am supposed to start a new class in 2 weeks, but I have to come up with $1,675 first. My new Pell money comes in June or July and will help somewhat, then I’ll be a few thousand short of the rest of my program. Any suggestions on help for the meantime? Any benevolent benefactors out there who just want the satisfaction of seeing a mom finish her degree and return to the workforce?

Cassie is home safe!

2010-04-16T13:40:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to update, the missing girl (Cassie) was found and returned home safely, thanks to a good Samaritan who spotted her with the help of the media and many bloggers/Facebook members who posted about her.

Please help find this missing girl

2010-04-10T20:12:00.003-04:00

Hi, I am posting this for an online acquaintance, a fellow Raveler, whose daughter has gone missing. Here is a link to her blog to see the whole story, and a picture of Cassie. She left New Jersey and is possible heading for Virginia, so the more people that see this, the more can help spot her. Thanks and God bless.

Easter eggs and monkeys, Jack Russells and knitting designs

2010-04-06T12:04:00.006-04:00

I know it is a few days past Easter, but here are the blondies tie-dyeing Easter eggs last Saturday.

And here are the finished eggs. Very nice. Our fingers looked much like the eggs.

This is one of my first designs, the Swingin' Summer Tank Top pattern, which is newly published and available from Knitpicks.com for only $1.99. This knitting pattern has sizes for 12 months, 2T, 4T, and 6. I'm very proud and excited to have this up on the Knitpicks website. I would be fully grateful for any purchases anyone makes of this. You can't beat it for $1.99.

For Easter, I whipped out 3 mini sock monkeys in 3 days. The pattern is the Funky Sock Monkey (not one of my patterns this time lol). This is Froot Loop.

This is Grapes.

And this is Bananas. The girls named the monkeys themselves. lol

We also made a special bunny cake for the family to enjoy after Easter dinner.

Lucy had a blast at Grandma's for Easter. Her best friend Mocha lives there.

She moves so quickly, it's tough to get a picture!

I hope you all had as nice of a holiday as I did.

Dances, birthdays, and paw prints

2010-02-09T16:48:00.005-05:00

Seems we've been busy around here the last few days. Last weekend, two of the girls had a date with their dad to the Father-Daughter Dance. They love dressing up and going out, and Mommy gets to stay home with only one kid for a bit.

Today is my youngest's fourth birthday. We made a cake together, which she changed from a Barbie cake to a froggy cake just before pouring the batter in the pan. Ok, so the frog's leg broke off coming out of the pan and was stuck back on with frosting. So, we didn't have the mini Oreo's for the pupils, we used sprinkles. And oh, of course we had brought home chocolate frosting, so we had to quick mix up some vanilla frosting with green food coloring. He's not pretty, but she loves him, and requests to eat his eyeball after supper.

Here are a few pictures of the birthday girl with her favorite gifts. Notice the doll needed an outfit to match hers.

To top it off, our three year old next door neighbor gave her a Valentine today, a bit early. Check out this adorable box of chocolates, from a little boy to a little girl.

How cute is that? And finally, I'll leave with with a picture of what the coffee table is really meant for.

New design-- funnel neck cardigan

2010-02-03T11:17:00.004-05:00

Well, I finally finished my newest design, and I'm ready to unveil it. After multiple revisions, the pattern is now available for sale. You can't beat it, a women's sweater pattern in 5 sizes for only $1.99! Soon to be available from Knitpicks, thus the fabulous price.

New design in progress

2010-01-28T13:19:00.003-05:00

These are in-progress photos of a new cardigan design I'm working on. I purposely left them a bit rough so I didn't give much away! The pattern will be part of Knitpicks Independent Designer program once it is completed, hopefully, in the next few days here. The sleeves are almost ready to attach to the body and then there is just the yoke and collar to complete.

The gingerbread train

2010-01-04T11:54:00.003-05:00

Well, I made the girls wait until after all the Christmas cookies and snacks were mostly gone before we put together the gingerbread train. This was a lot of fun, and it looks so cool! lol

Enjoy the view, keep warm, and check out my two favorite online yarn shops, Eat.Sleep.Knit. and The Loopy Ewe. The first rewards purchases by the yard (see the Yarnathon) and the second rewards by dollars spent. Woohoo! Rewards for buying yarn? Why not? I'm off to shop...

Happy new year!

2010-01-02T12:49:00.003-05:00

Happy 2010, everyone! Let's hope this new year brings joy and goodness to us all. To start, if you are reading this blog, chances are you like knitting or crochet and love yarn. Well, Jeff here is having a contest on his blog, and he is giving away cool stitch markers and gift certificates to Eat.Sleep.Knit. My fave online yarn shop! So I thought you all might want to check out his blog, although if you don't, that means less competition for me. Mwahaha! Just kidding. Go check it out and enter this cool contest for yourself.

Gingerbread house

2009-12-06T18:23:00.007-05:00

The girls and I made a gingerbread house from a kit today. It was a sticky good time.

The girls barely let it set before demolishing half of it.

Now they want to finish it off, because we also have a kit for a gingerbread train. I am definitely saving that for another day!

A new cowl

2009-11-02T09:29:00.002-05:00

Ok, so here is that cowl I was talking about. It's called the Versacowl (Rav) (nonRav) by Michelle Miller (aka Fickleknitter), and it is the first cowl I have made, owned, or worn. I love it, it is so warm and comfy, and I like that it can be worn three ways. Michelle is awesome, you should check out her other patterns as well, I have knit several of them.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T14:18:00.005-05:00

Well, what is cuter than a goofy little Jack Russell in a Halloween costume? My youngest daughter dressed as a cowgirl, and she needed a horse....

I was planning to post more, like about this really cool cowl I finished that can be worn three ways, but Blogger is being temperamental and refuses to upload more than the one picture. I'll try again later.

My loveable, loopy Lucy

2009-09-20T11:05:00.004-04:00

I haven't actually been silent for 2 months, I just decided to delete the whole negative drama of not getting the puppy from my neighbor as promised. We did, however, find a 6 month old Jack Russell pup a month ago, and she is a great fit for our family. It takes my kids to keep up with a Jack Russell and it takes a Jack Russell to keep up with my kids. lol We take multiple walks daily, lots of playing, and she is a little snuggly lap dog too. Here's my Lucy, doing her "Please pick me up!" look.

In the meantime, we have built a new deck, which is all railed in and gated so we can let Lucy sunbathe off leash, and we have a place to grill and relax. I have been busy designing knitting patterns and still taking classes for my bachelor's in accounting, so it has been a busy summer. The girls are glad to be back in school, although their little sister misses them when they are both gone all day. I have been working on a hoodie for little Lucy to wear as the weather cools. She has a very short coat and shivers if it gets to be 50 degrees F or below. lol

Oh, did I mention that we rescued a litter of four kittens, and their mama, who was left outside without food all summer to have her babies? Three kittens have found fabulous, perfect homes, and the last kitten and his mama are going to a great home together today. Gratuitous kitten pics:

This little girl went to a home with a very kind man and his son, where she will be the only pet and loved and spoiled.

This little man goes to a home with his mama today.

This little man went to a fabulous home where he is spoiled and has a "big sister" kitty.

Finished projects

2009-07-19T16:14:00.006-04:00

Two days ago, I finally finished the Olive Branch Yoga Hoodie (nonRav) (Rav) I've put aside for almost a year. Poor thing, it is so comfy and turned out great; why did I let it wait so long?

Then I did a quick little crochet project, a blankie for Milo. Edited to add that my crazy neighbor gave us the dog for a day and took him back. sigh. More to that story, but I won't go into it here. I'll give the blankie to a rescue. sigh. Oh, and here's Milo, he'll be 9 weeks tomorrow:

New pattern-- clover fields lace scarf

2009-07-08T09:20:00.005-04:00

Here's a new pattern I've been working on. It is a PDF that I will email to you within 24 hours of payment receipt. The pattern is for a pretty lace scarf, done in fingering weight yarn, and reminiscent of a clover field. The lace pattern alternates rows of flowers with rows of three-leaf clovers. It is very easy to knit; all you need to know is yarn overs, ssk, k2tog, and psso to make this one. If you are interested, you can purchase it now from my blog for $3.75, using the "Buy Now" button from Paypal, below.

Book destash

2009-06-23T16:36:00.002-04:00

Hey everyone, I am selling some good books here, all are new or like new. Each book is $15 including U.S. media mail shipping. I accept Paypal.

Knit on Down (House of White Birches)

Brand new, $15 includes US media mail shipping.

Alterknits
Very good condition, $15 includes US media mail shipping.

Glorious Rubber Stamping
Brand new, $15 includes US media mail shipping.

Thanks so much for looking! Leave me a comment with your email address or Ravelry user name and I'll get back to you.

Free dishcloth pattern-- gingham reversible dishcloth

2009-06-22T11:00:00.003-04:00

Here's a freebie, a reversible-patterned dishcloth/washcloth I am offering free. It is knitted with U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) needles and less than one ball of Peaches n Creme worsted cotton.

Gingham Reversible Dishcloth
by Jennifer Rice

This simple dishcloth pattern is reversible. Makes a great dishcloth or washcloth.

Needles: U.S. size 7 (4.5mm) needles
Yarn: One ball of Peaches n Creme or other worsted dishcloth cotton
Cast on 45 stitches.
Row 1: *P5, K1, (P1,K1) twice; repeat from * to last 5 sts; P5.
Row 2: K5, *(k1, p1) twice, K6; repeat from * to end of row.
Rows 3-6: Repeat rows 1 and 2 twice more.
Row 7: P1, (k1,p1) twice, *P6, (k1,p1) twice; repeat from * to end of row.
Row 8: *P1, (k1,p1) twice, K5: repeat from * to last 5 sts; P1, (k1, p1) twice.
Rows 9-12: Repeat rows 7 and 8 twice more.
Repeat these 12 rows 4 more times. Bind off.

Swingin' Summer Tank Top 2T knitting pattern

2009-06-12T11:34:00.003-04:00

Ok, so my most awesome friend (and designer extraordinaire) Michelle bought this tank I knitted, and an inquiry from her friend prompted me to put it up for sale. I have never done this before, but it's very exciting. If you would like to buy a copy of the PDF, click the Paypal button and it will link you directly to Paypal. I will email the PDF within 24 hours of payment receipt.

New and improved Etsy shop

2009-06-01T10:54:00.002-04:00

Hello, everyone, I just wanted to give a heads up that I put all new pictures on my Etsy site, and some new items. If you are looking for toddler or kid knits, or maybe a scarf and beret for next winter, check this out. Also, my husband has some gorgeous woodworking stuff on there, and my parents-in-law have some adorable handpainted vegetables for sale. Thanks for your interest!

A beautiful weekend at Silver Lake

2009-05-25T21:02:00.004-04:00

Well, we just got back from 5 days at Silver Lake. The weather was perfect, warm but not hot, sunny with a breeze. I did some knitting on my friend Katt's Leap Frog Socks (Ravelry link) (Etsy link). They are the cutest cabled kids' socks. My 8 year old loves them and my 5 year old is requesting a pair next.

Ah, back to reality, but here are some pics from the trip.

Emily and her daddy on the dunes

Me and Maya by the camper

Maddie, Emily, and Maya on the dunes in front of the buggy

Wow, Maddie sure is getting big now that she is 8... She celebrated her birthday up at the campgound and this is her basking on the dunes.

Just a quick little bit of humor...

2009-04-25T15:14:00.002-04:00

This is a picture of an actual sign posted on the brick wall of Campbell's Pharmacy in Plainwell, Michigan. It looks completely normal, unless you really read it and notice there are some things we just don't rent and return for use by others!

Enjoy the laugh.

Easter eggs, crazy faces, and sweaters from afar

2009-04-14T17:20:00.005-04:00

Here is the appreciative face of an almost-8 year old, wearing the handknit sweater she just received all the way from Tasmania, Australia from my friend Katt. You should check out her Etsy shop, she is the bomb. Good prices and great quality.

This is what happens to a three year old after candy, cake, and ice cream at Grandma's. She has not yet perfected the headband.

I hope everyone enjoyed Easter. My kids love dyeing the eggs, especially Emily now that she is three and old enough to join in. She's pretty good at dyeing her fingers too.

Emily's 3rd birthday party

2009-02-08T15:28:00.003-05:00

My little baby is three now, or she will be tomorrow. We had her party over the weekend. She received three Barbie Mariposa fairy and friends dolls, a big Tinkerbell doll, a stuffed spider monkey from Diego's Animal Rescue, a Little People princess horse and carriage, and well, here is her favorite gift. This was her immediate reaction upon opening it, this is not a pose.

A miser in the making?

2009-01-28T11:17:00.002-05:00

I got tagged by Katt. :)

Here are the rules:

Link to the person who tagged you.

Mention the rules.

Tell six quirky yet boring, unspectacular details about yourself.

Tag six other bloggers by linking to them.Go to each person’s blog and leave a comment that let’s them know they’ve been tagged.

1. I love animals. Lots of animals. Right now, we have a guinea pig, a cockatiel, some fish, and three cats. This is a small number of pets for us. lol

2. I'm addicted to Super Mario Bros. We have a Wii and I still play Super Mario Bros.

3. I used to be a vegetarian, for 7 years, and then my boyfriend at the time (now my husband) left a Hot N Now cheeseburger in my truck one day, and well, I'm not a vegetarian anymore.

4. I'm a BIIIIIG Harry Potter fan. I've read the books multiple times and have all the DVD's that are out so far. Expecto Patronum!

5. I like dragons. I'm not into Dungeons and Dragons but I like dragons in general.

6. I must have Diet Cherry Coke. I cannot substitute a different kind of pop if I run out. I NEEED Diet Cherry Coke.

Ok, now I'm tagging Trish, Nele, Michelle, Erin, Jussi, and Melissa.

I won! I won!

2008-12-06T21:10:00.005-05:00

Ok, so now I'm this famous blogger being linked from the Mason Dixon Knitting site...(check out the December 2, 2008 post, I'm a wiener! LOL) No, but really, I entered the blog contest to get a yarn kit for the Emma Peel dress, and I won! I'm so awestruck... My daughter keeps asking me when I'm going to make the dress for her. I have to wait for the yarn.

I also just finished a test knit for Michelle Miller. It's called the Hollywood and Vine and the pattern will be out soon. It's an easy but not boring knit, in the round from the bottom up. Very comfortable, feels like wearing your favorite t-shirt but looks nicer (you know what I'm talking about, our favorite t-shirts are usually pretty ragged and worn). Here's a very rare picture of an elusive knitter (me, lol) that is actually being posted online.

Take a good look, folks, you won't catch many pics of me on here... Oh, and disregard the date stamp on the pic, we forgot to reset the camera.

Cooking, Exercising, and Sale

2008-10-25T15:54:00.004-04:00

Well, it looks like the cooler fall weather has brought on a new passion for me. All of a sudden, I want to bake bread and cook fabulous casseroles. So in light of this, I purchased two new cookbooks. The first is Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. I have been using my breadmaker to make bread from scratch, and our family of five eats a 2-lb. loaf in about 2 days. This book is sort of an extension of that for me, making the dough and refrigerating it to bake later. A friend of mine has been blogging about her experiences with this book, if you'd like more information.

The other book is The Best Casserole Book Ever. I'm trying to get back to the all-in-one-dish, nutritious but cheap meals. Everyone is feeling the effects of the economy lately, and I am no exception, so I am trying to get the most out of my dollar. Not to mention how easy it is to throw a casserole together.

I have also decided, after all my life of hating it, that I like to jog. I am not a hardcore runner, I have just started, and it is because I'm looking to improve my fitness level. I have been a brisk walker for years, but my 2 year old egged me on from the stroller the other day. She kept telling me, "Faster, Mommy, faster!" as I pushed her through the colorful leaves on the sidewalks. So what do you know, I jogged, and it was fun. I was out of breath afterwards, of course, but not unbearably so, and it felt good.

Last on the agenda today, I have had slow (read "no") sales on my Etsy shop as of late. I was recently asked by a previous buyer to custom make a sweater, and when I agreed, she never got back to me. It has been about two weeks and I sort of gave up on that one. But if anyone is looking for gifts or stuff to get ready for the fall and winter seasons, take a look at these.

Knitting, Accounting, and Toys

2008-09-26T19:17:00.007-04:00

Wow, I just realized how long it has been since I wrote on here. Chalk that up to school starting back up for the kids, continuing my online accounting classes, and of course, knitting. Here's a bit of what I've been up to.

I struggled and agonized over my final exam for my last accounting class. Just when I was about to give up, I reworked one section and I ACED my exam! I was so shocked, LOL, and then I wound up doing a little victory dance. Sorry, you don't get to see a picture of that!

I have been working on test knits, this one is for Justine Turner. I just love her designs. Here is Maya modelling her new cardigan, the Roaring Meg.

I have also become strangely addicted to Cartoon Network's Johnny Test, now that I can't seem to find Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends anymore.

I also made knitted toys for each of the girls.

Ok, this one is crochet, but this poodle is for Maya, from a Lion Brand Yarn free pattern.

This is a bunny for Emily, from Fuzzy Mitten's pattern. This is my interpretation of the Easter bunny, who is naked because Emily wouldn't let me hold on to it long enough to make him clothes.

I would love to call this my masterpiece, but it is not my pattern. LOL This is Maddie's Hedgy, a Huggable Hedgehog from the Fiber Trends pattern. He turned out so cute, and he is well loved.

Now maybe I can get back to my poor hoodie that has been neglected, or my socks that have been impatiently waiting...

Sneaky Little Monkey

2008-08-16T17:56:00.003-04:00

The other day, I came out of the bathroom and only saw 2 of my 3 daughters. I asked the older two where the 2 year old was, and they pointed me to the kitchen. I still didn't see anything. I opened the pantry cupboard, and there she was, hands behind her back and telling me, "I don't have nothing!" She had climbed up the drawer handles into the cupboard, shut the door, and ate ALL the cookies. Ok, there weren't a ton, but a dozen is still a lot for that little girl to eat by herself. Check out how proud she is of herself.

Adventures in Camping

2008-07-16T17:39:00.010-04:00

On the weekend of July 4, we went "up north" (a Michigan phrase) camping. We travelled to Mears, Michigan, to camp near Silver Lake. It is a given that we took the dune buggy; to DH, that is the whole point of the trip.

Here is Maddie hanging out at the campsite.

This strangely reminds me of the See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil monkeys. Maddie, Emily, and Maya in a giant Adirondack chair at Mac Woods dune rides.

Here are Dave's buggy and Bill's buggies the bottom of Test Hill at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes.

Here is the top of test hill. If your vehicle can make test hill, you can ride the dunes.

See how small Emily looks running down the dune?

This is at the beach with the lighthouse. We fell into a timewarp here; apparently our Nextels were receiving off Wisconsin towers across Lake Michigan, because the clocks on the phones were suddenly reading an hour earlier. Maya and Emily were trying to get away with splashing in this puddle.

Oh, and let's not forget: I leave you with an actual picture of me smiling. I have been told it is a rare occurence lately. What can I say, I was smashing other people in bumper cars with Maddie by my side, it was fun!

Test knits, horse herds, and health

2008-06-27T18:25:00.006-04:00

I have spent the last 3 days knitting a herd of horses. I was testing a knitted and felted horse pattern for Katie Startzman. I have three horse-obsessed daughters, and of course, I had to make one horse for each of them. This pattern is very quick; I was able to knit, sew, felt, and finish each horse in one day. Which is a good thing when you have a cute little kiddo staring you down until you are finished... LOL So I have knit a small herd, and the standing horses are already well-loved enough to have wobbly legs.

On a personal note, I had to have my insurance health screen done this morning. My cholesterol is down 55 points since this time last year! Woohoo! I have been working hard on eating healthier and exercising more, so this was a great reinforcement, and also a great motivator to continue to improve my health.

The Miracles of the Post Office

2008-06-23T13:48:00.003-04:00

Wow. This year, I have had 6 or 7 packages of yarn, patterns, books, and other knitting notions disappear in the postal system on the way to me. I actually received a package today that was shipped priority mail from Arizona on 3/4/08. The person I bought it from was even nice enough to refund my money when I told her the yarn never showed up (hi, Erika!). I JUST got the yarn today, where has it been sitting for 3 1/2 months? Who knows, but I guess filing a complaint with the USPS over a missing package may be worth it after all, even if it takes 3 1/2 months. I am so excited, I've been wanting to try some Trekking, and now I can. So I am posting the yarn today to show off what I waited so long for, and to thank Erika for her patience and understanding, and be sure that I am paying her back!

Horcrux socks

2008-06-22T18:14:00.003-04:00

I finished my Horcrux socks, a pattern from Susan Pierce Lawrence for the yahoo group, Six Sox Knitalong. Anyone can get these patterns free by joining the Yahoo group, so check it out. There is a corresponding group on Ravelry. These socks worked up quickly, and it is a cool pattern, even if you are not a Harry Potter freak like me. I made these 2 At a Time style. This is my new favorite way to knit socks, so don't mind me plugging Melissa's site. LOL

These socks were a great break in between assignments for my online Financing class, which is a huge pain. When I thought my brain couldn't take anymore, I'd work on these socks for a bit to relax.

Finally, 2 at a time socks!

2008-06-09T21:00:00.003-04:00

Well, I finally tried it. I finally made my sample toddler socks from Melissa Morgan-Oakes' book, 2-at-a-Time Socks. I love it. I'm completely addicted. I will always enjoy knitting socks on dpn's, but not doing them one at a time. I can see making exceptions to this statement in certain situations. The method was actually pretty easy to get going, it wasn't nearly as hard as I was expecting it. So Emily gets a new pair of socks, which of course, she lost one before I could take a picture! I know, you're thinking I cheated and did one at a time, but I SWEAR, she lost it already! LOL Now I have cast on my second pair of 2 at a times, a pair for me. More about that once there is enough to show off. I'm barely past the cuff right now.

Escalator Socks by Ruth Greenwald

2008-05-30T16:52:00.002-04:00

Hello, hello, just an update on what I've been working on since the test knits are finished. I'm making myself a pair of Escalator Socks (Ravelry link) by Ruth Greenwald. The link goes to her Ravelry pattern store (sorry if you're not on Ravelry at this time). I'm using some Regia sock yarn I got from a swap, from my friend Jill. I started using this yarn for a pair of Grumperina's Jaywalker socks, until the first sock was down to the toe and I realized the pattern wouldn't stretch over my foot. Now don't get me wrong; the pattern looked fabulous and I wanted to wear it so badly! But instead I got mad and frogged it, and put the yarn in a time out. You knitters know what I mean about yarn being in a time out... Then I dug it back out and it swore to behave for these Escalator Socks.

Corn Yarn, test knitting, and iPod technical difficulties

2008-05-17T17:26:00.004-04:00

Hey, most of us knitters and crocheters know they are now making yarn out of corn fibers. But have you seen this stuff? It is fantastic! I'm currently working on a test knit market bag out of Kollage Yarns Corntastic. You have to see it to believe the vibrant colors. It is very soft and multi-plied, kind of like a mercerized cotton with less shine, but it is also lighter than the cotton. It is supposed to be machine washable and machine dryable. How can you resist that? More on the test knit after the pattern has been published, but it's a good one. :)

I also did a test knit for Knit Fit Knitting, and her yarn is fabulous too. I used some of the hand painted sock yarn, and it is some nice stuff. Great colorways. Again, more on the pattern once it has been published, although my idiot self forgot to take a picture before sending the sock back.

Anyone out there know how to sync an iPod from the Windows Media Player? Dumb question, I know how to download iTunes, but I ripped some stuff from CD's for my sister, and now I can't get the Media Player to detect the iPod to sync with it. C'mon, someone is more tech-savvy than I am, I know it!

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-24T10:47:00.002-04:00

Today is my 35th birthday. There are many people older than I am that would say that is young. There are also several moms at my daughters' school that would say, "Wow, you're 35? I didn't know you were that old!" This is a double-edged compliment, right? Thanks for saying that I look younger, no thanks for calling me old. I have to laugh about this because I don't feel old, and my parents are in their 60's, and this doesn't seem old anymore either. Age is definitely relative to where we are in life. I seem old as a returning college student, young in the span of life. All I can say is, I will be enjoying lots of sunshine and warm weather today, and knitting as much as possible. Happy birthday to me!

Spring at last!

2008-04-06T16:54:00.004-04:00

Ah, at last, spring weather has come to Michigan. Knowing this state, we are not yet done with the snow and cold, but at least for now, it is sunny and 60 degrees. My mini daffodils bloomed yesterday, I've started walking again, and life is good.

I've finished one out of two socks from 2-At-A-Time Socks by Melissa Morgan-Oakes, the Be Mine pattern. Yes, I know, the title says two at a time, but I did it on dpn's because when I attempt this method, it will be on simple socks and not fancy heart socks with cables. The yarn is Kitty Knits Sock Wool in pansy, which you can buy here from a good friend of mine. The wool is unbelievably soft, with just enough give to stretch comfortably but still keep its shape, and the colors are just gorgeous.

In honor of spring, I'm also working on a flower washcloth from Creative Knitting Magazine. I will be back on later to post photos.

A friend of mine has introduced me to the Loopy Ewe, and I am now totally addicted. The products are awesome, the prices are great, and the shipping is very quick. Go take a peek; you won't be sorry.

Fabulous toddler cardigan

2008-03-09T16:56:00.003-04:00

I finished another test-knit for Justine Turner, this time the Spirited cardigan. This pattern is beautiful. The aran stitch pattern is definitely not a mindless one, but it is worth the effort, and is no more difficult than knitting and purling. It's worth the purchase, as are all her patterns. She also has some free patterns up. Take a look!

felted slippers

2008-02-18T17:03:00.002-05:00

Wow, I have actually knitted something for my hubby that he likes. If you only knew what a miracle that was. He said he would never wear hand-knitted socks (he's never tried them!), but said he MIGHT like slippers. Ha! He loves them! Thanks to Julia K. Kehew for her cable guy felted slippers pattern!

Liam sweater by Just Jussi

2008-02-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Ok, here it is... the sweater I test knitted.... the Liam sweater from Just Jussi! A very nice pattern, all in one piece with a bit of intarsia on the front. I love love love this pattern!

Currently on the needles

2008-01-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

I've been busy lately with test-knitting, so my own projects are temporarily on hold. I'm waiting for word from the designers before posting pics of my test knits, but so far I have done some baby booties, some ladies' socks, and I'm currently working on a toddler sweater by Just Jussi. It is an adorable design! I love the variety of patterns people come up with; it's half of what makes testing patterns so much fun. Hopefully, I'll get that permission soon, so I will have more pics available.

Otherwise, there hasn't been much going on over here. The kids are getting over colds and so am I and my hubby. Makes for a slow and grumpy household. :)

First lace-from-a-chart attempt

2008-01-14T12:56:00.000-05:00

Another finished project! I dared myself to attempt knitting lace from a chart, and guess what, it wasn't so bad! Go figure. These are the Embossed Leaf Socks by Mona Schmidt, found in the book Favorite Socks by Interweave Press. Beautiful design, and now I have another pair of hand-knit socks! On to some test knitting now... I've got three test knits lined up, so I'd better get going!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T16:58:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it through another year. Hopefully, 2008 will bring great things to us all. Another round of Christmas knitting is finished, and now I can work on things for me! Selfish, I know... I don't have any pics to post yet, but just wanted to wish everyone a fun and prosperous 2008, and put in another plug for my Etsy. LOL I desperately need to sell to make up for Christmas overspending!

knit lobster

2007-12-22T14:26:00.001-05:00

Well, I test-knit this pattern, and got permission from the designer to link this. If you are interested in knitting this realistic lobster, click here. Have fun! Three days until Christmas and I still have most of the wrapping to do...

iPod pocket

2007-12-20T09:58:00.002-05:00

I love quick knits. I sat down and improvised a quick iPod pocket with neck strap last night. That is the last of the Christmas knitting for this year!

Finished the kid socks (Riblets)

2007-12-19T11:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I finished my oldest daughter's ribbed socks. Thanks, Katt, for the awesome pattern. My daughter is flaunting the socks at school today, even stopping to show them to the crossing guard.

Pattern testing (knitting)

2007-12-17T17:27:00.000-05:00

If anyone out there is creating a knitting pattern and needs it tested, let me know! I have tested for a few people on Ravelry and it has been a lot of fun. I promise not to post your patterns or my finished objects without your permission, but I could always link to your selling site if you wanted!