knitting-momma

New Site!!!!

2006-05-07T08:18:00.000-06:00

www.triquetraknits.com
Visit me there!!!

Just stuff - no knitting content

2006-04-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

Haven't had time to knit in awhile, and I am really bummed about that. I really wish that I had more time in the day! We have been taking the little to the pool almost every night... Right this very minute he is climbing on my back like a little monkey-boy... He really cracks me up! Other than that I have been trying to spend some time with R. because he has some time off work, and we rarely ever get to spend quality time together. We have been having alot of fun and not really doing anything but being bums together. It is really nice!
Still working A LOT... that eats up sooo much knitting and family time. I really just need to win the lottery so I can travel, and not have to work for the money - so hard for the money!
More later....

I think I can... I think I can... I think I can...

2006-03-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

I really do think that I can finish the socks... Am still working on them, and they are getting almost to the done point on one sock. Then I will need to start the second. I already have plans to make more. I think knitting the heel is an amazing thing - to watch it start to form... Simply amazing.
Things have been very busy here (at work, and at home). At work the season is just starting, and there are a million things to do at any given moment. I decided to take ten minutes and write this though... At home we have been having a great time with the little, but he has periods of crankiness every day.
The knitting list has grown over the last few days (things to knit)
-finish socks
-Finish HG scarf for DH
- Sweater for the little (Christmas)
- Cabled beanie for Kelly (for May)
- Socks for dh
- Socks for the little
- Socks for Cindy (for Christmas)
- Socks for Kelly (for Christmas)
- Hat for Tim (for Christmas)
- Cabled fingerless gloves with a thumb for me!

Notice I am at least thinking ahead for the Christmas rush. I would really like to get this done by July - yeah right!!!

My So-Called Scarf

2006-03-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

I finished the scarf this morning - Right before I went to my first sock class. I started a sock using the magic loop method. The class was great, and the other ladies in the class were great.

I must say I love this scarf, and I got compliments on it at the yarn store today. It is the first knitted thing that I have worn to the shop.

Gratitous baby shot -

Just a photo and a quick note

2006-02-19T10:22:00.000-07:00

This is 9 inches knit on size 10.5 needles = about on skein Lamb's Pride Bulky... Will knit more today!!!

Knitting Olympics...

2006-02-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Okay - I set a goal for myself of knitting two skeins on the felted bag today, and I just finished one. I realize that to finish the second one before I go to bed tonight might mean that I stay up late.... And I realize that I might not stay up late... I am tired already, and it is only 8:21. Maybe I will make a cup of coffee. I haven't had any today, and maybe if I do I can get that second one done. Will take picture in the morning and post it so as to show progress. Good Luck to ME!!!

Life gets in the way.

2006-02-17T18:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gets in the way of knitting. There is no other way to put it. I didn't get very much sleep last night - so little sleep that I have felt slightly sick to my stomach all day. As soon as I post this I am going to cast on for my felted laptop bag. I swear. No matter how tired I am I will get half of it knitted this weekend. Partly because I need it to put my new laptop in. This thing is BIG, and I can't seem to find a bag I like to put it in! They are all black... I wouldn't mind brown or green - but not black! Anyway, time to hit POST - and get casting on!
Oh, feel free to leave a comment to let me know that someone was here!

No knitting news

2006-02-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am in panic mode - I have knit a stitch on my knitting olympics project! Arrgghhh... have been to busy at home! R. is keeping me in stitches, being so very sweet, and I don't know what to say except I am grateful! I am slightly glad that he is working tonight. I need to get busy on my project! I still think that I can do this - I just might not sleep until the torch has been put out.
We took our little to see Curious George on Monday night. It was so much fun! I love the soundtrack to that movie! It is great... my fav part of that movie is the monkey. Love the monkey.... he is so much like our little! So curious, and so destructive! Love, love, love the movie - and our little loved it too. He sat on R.'s lap the whole time.
For V day R. got me the soundtrack from the movie. Talk about sweet! I love him! He also got me another cd and a Yankee candle that smells wonderful.
Will update tomorrow and let you know how the knitting is going. I hope that it at least IS going... Wish me luck!

Knitting Oympics

2006-02-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

I am going to be in the knitting olympics that starts in just 7 days... I am so excited I could almost pee my pants! I know what I am knitting - it is the felted bag that was in IK a couple issues ago. It was from a book called alterknits. I am going to make it a bit more challenging by adding a huge honking cable or two that run right up the middle of it.
Sorry for the lack of posts, but there have been some technical difficulties here on the ole computer. One is the keyboard keeps trying to put 20 letters when you just want 1. It just won't stop.
There is an event here in Durango called Snowdown... basically just a winter carnival that has a different theme each year. This year the theme is Disco do it. (Next year has something to do with pirates) Anyway, R. (the Big Man) won the bartending competition this year. His drink is the official drink of SNOWDOWN!!!!!! I am so proud of him! I helped him come up with the name - "Grandma's Wet Peach" - a little dirty, and a little cute at the same time... I came up withe the Grandma part because it has Grand Marnier in it... Mmmmm..... Goood Drink!!!
Right now I am knitting on my so-called scarf!!! It is turning out beautifullly -

A Belated Happy New Year.

2006-01-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

I started some new fingerless gloves on Saturday night, and I finished the first one yesterday. They are the Irish Walking ones - there is a knit a long for this scarf, and someone adapted the pattern for fingerless mitts. I love them. And I love cables. I think that I have found my calling as a knitter. It holds my interest really well, and I can memorize the pattern - If the repeat isn't too long. I think that I am going to start a felted bag based on the one in Alterknits - I think I am going to try and add a cable going thru the middle. Since it is knit in a big rectangle then sewn up I think this will be fine. I am wondering how the cables will fare once they are felted. Does anyone have any experince with this? I am also thinking of trying out one of the patterns on the knit & tonic site. They look great, and I think I need a new sweater. I don't know how I would feel about actually wearing the somewhat cowl, but I love the way it looks on her. I think I might just start with the striped sweater. Since I don't have a striped sweater this would be great. I wonder if she is going to design a sweater for her guy. I would love to see what she comes up with. I think her site is great. You should check it out if you want a really great read http://knitandtonic.typepad.com/knitandtonic/- and another one that I read alot is Sheep in the City - Love it!!!

Yet another Holiday

2005-12-31T21:17:00.000-07:00

One day, for the sake of my son, I will be better at holidays. Right now I just wish that they would all go away. I don't think that I can take another one right now... And the next - Valentine's day... That will be a diaster as well. My DH will be working that night too, I am sure. The one after that... Our anniversary - I am sure that will be a laughable affair. You see I don't really think that the problem is me. I think the problem lies in the fact that my DH doesn't really care. He doesn't see me right now. I think he did at one time, or he tried to. Lately it doesn't seem to me like he really knows me at all. (Example: One night a month or so ago I went to the bar where he works with a friend of his - When my DH asked what I would like to drink, I told him to surprise me. After all he is a bartender, and he should know what the woman he is married to would not find absolutely repulsive... And he gives me a drink that contains the one thing that I hate. Juniper Berries = Gin.... YUCK!!!!!) You might read that and think it is no big deal. To me it was and is a big deal, and in the end isn't that all that matters?
When I am sad I don't want to knit. I don't want to do anything, and I think that in the past few days I have somehow gotten worse and better at mommiedom. I don't know how to explain that. I love my son more than anything in this world, and all I want to do is make him happy. I want to be a great and wonderful momma to him. He is the best thing that I have ever done in my life. Somedays I think that he is the only good that has come of me. Other than him, there is nothing notable about my life. Isn't that sad.... I am doing the thing that no parent should ever do - make their child don their own hopes and dreams. How can anyone ever hope to live up to that. Instead, I just want him to be happy, healthy, and wise.

The Holidays are always blue to me

2005-12-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

I know that I am supposed to be feeling all Christmas-y, and I honestly tried. I just don't feel it. All I do feel is blah... I am glad that my son is so young, and I hope that in the years to come we can get better at this whole Christmas thing. My DH has to work Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and I feel like my heart is going to break. I am going to be alone again on Christmas. My little and I will have nothing special. We will have just another day without daddy. My DH and I have never spent a holiday together - including birthdays. Something always comes up - whether it is him working, or wanting to spend time with someone else - there is always something that keeps us apart.
I am lonely because he is not with me. Nothing else matters as much when he isn't here. I feel so alone in the world today. Can't I just pretend that there is no holiday this weekend.

2005-12-15T14:56:00.000-07:00

I GOT MY WISH!!!!! IT SNOWED!!!! (It is all melted now, but that is beside the point.) I woke up yesterday morning to about 3 inches of fluffy white goodness. It was spectacular. I shoveled. I scraped, I trudged, and I loved every minute of it! Then my little woke up, and I got to show him the snow… He calls it woah… He smiled and shivered when he touched it. The whole morning was priceless.

So, I have started my first cable project, the Irish Hiking Wrist warmers…. I really don’t know if I am actually doing this correctly. I hope that I am because I would really hate to have two messed up projects in a row. (the other one being the braided neckpiece – more on that later)

I also started my DH’s Ravenclaw scarf. I made it 10 stitches bigger than the pattern called for because at first I thought that it would be neat to know how many stitches I had done without having to really think about it… So, I cast on 100 stitches… now every row I know how many stitches I am at… I don’t like it at all. I think that it is sooooo boring. This is why I started on the cables. I thought that I was going to go out of my mind… Straight knitting is so very mind numbing. Last night I really needed something new, and cables definitely fit that bill.

Did I mention that I have to rip out half of the 2nd half of the braided neckpiece? The straps were much too long, and I know that I followed that pattern to the letter. I think the alpaca yarn that I used stretched way too much. I think that I am going to have to take out about 10 rows of the braids, but I am putting on hold for a bit because I am so disappointed. See th pic!!!

Yesterday we went to a near by town to do some Christmas shopping. (We just put the tree up two nights ago, and my little has not left it alone since- it is a good thing that we decided to not put any of the glass ornaments on the tree this year. We just bought some cheap plastic ones that are still fairly purty.)

Since I know how to do pics, I am going to show you the great stuff that I got from my secret pal!!! I still don't know who it was, but they were wonderful!!! Thanks again.

What is wrong with the weather?

2005-12-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

I am so confused... I live in Colorado, on a mountain, very near a ski resort... Where is all my snow? How am I supposed to feel Christmas-y when I have not seen a single flake of white stuff? How can I teach my little to build a snowman, or make a snow angel? I want, no need to have snow soon. I think I have reached my limit, December 10th without snow was too long!!! Now I am just cranky when I wake up and look out the bedroom window to see no beautiful white blanket covering all the dead brown crap left over from a perfectly lovely fall.... What is a girl to do? I think it might be time for a snow dance.
The loop d loop scarf just needs a couple more rows - blocking - weaving in the ends... I hope that I can get all that done tonight because I really want to wear this tomorrow... I don't know why, I am sure that by 10 am it won't even feel like winter at all. I am so disgruntled....
We have not even put up any decorrations yet- including the tree. What is wrong with us? We should at least do it for the little. Speaking of - he is getting into something. I better go see what is going on - or what he is destroying. (Did I mention that since he could crawl our secret nickname for him has been "Ronin the Destroyer?" Say it a couple of times... It really is funny.

Loop d loop scarf - the woes continue

2005-12-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I have finally figured out how to put pictures on here. I know this isn't a very good photo, but you try to take a pic when you havve a little running around. It really is very hard!!! I am sort of stuck here. I don't know what to do next. Should I cut the yarn and rejoin for the next strap, or try to use it from where it is?

Ssshhh....

2005-11-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

My secret pal has to be the greatest ever!!! I love the yarn she sent, and the knitting journal she sent is fabulous. I have never seen one like it. Even the dh was impressed. She (the handwriting makes me think girl) is awesome!!!!
I ordered some more yarn. - When I first started knitting I didn't understand how some people could amass so much yarn, and I had no idea why you might need a "stash." However, I have since filled a decent size closet with yarn - more yarn that I would need in 2 or three years, and I don't know how it happened! - The yarn that I bought is to make some Christmas/Winter presents. The reason they might not be done is they are both PoA scarves, you know the Harry Potter scarf.... So very long, and knitted in the round. Really the only thing that will even be a bit challenging is the fringe - I have never put fringe on anything, so at least that will be something new. I am really not looking forward to knitting them because it is aaallllll knitting... Not very exciting.
I had to pare down the Christmas knitting list because I just don't have the time to knit all the things that I would like to, and I really do want to finish my woven scarf. So many things to do, and it seems like so little time.

I'm Baaaaaack

2005-11-16T12:44:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time on vacation – I didn’t get to knit a thing… However, on the last day of our trip I did find a great deal on Brown Sheep yarn! 4.00 a skein for worsted weight! I bought 10 skeins! I could not believe that price. I really have no idea what I am going to do with the yarn because in my glee I bought all different colors. Maybe I will make hats for everyone for Christmas, or a multi-colored tote bag for me. I cannot decide. Any ideas?
I read a truly amazing book during the loooonnng car trips around California. Wicked – The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. Truly amazing. I don’t think I have read a better book in years. I am now on a mission to read all of the books by that author – If I remember correctly it is Gregory Maguire. I don’t have the book in front of me right now, so I really cannot be sure.
I still have not finished my loop-d-loop scarf. I did finish the first half of it the day before we left for vacation. I may have to put off finishing it for a bit because I am going to knit a matching hat for a scarf that I knit when I first started knitting. I made the scarf for My Little’s Grammie. She gave us a huge surprise because she decorated my Little’s room while we were on vacation. It went from a baby room to a toddler room! It is so adorable, and he loves it! He didn’t want to leave his room for about an hour. He spent most of that time laying on his new bed and looking around all while talking to his dog-dog.
More about the trip later.

VACATION

2005-11-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

I am leaving for Cali in a few hours, and I have not packed at all. So, this will be a very short post. Just to let everyone know that I am not around a computer for at least a week. I plan on knitting a Harry Potter scarf while we are on the road. Don't know how much I will get done because - well just because.
Disneyland here we come!!!!!!

Loop-d-loop scarf & my insane neighbor

2005-10-25T16:36:00.000-06:00

So, I have decided that my neighbor is nutzoid!!! The doorbell rings shortly after I get in and there is my neighbor standing on my doorstep with a package addressed to me in his slimy little paws!!!!!! Clearly with MY name, and MY address. Clearly what was inside it was not his concern... therefore I ask you - WHY DID HE OPEN IT?
Now, that I have ranted I would also like to thank MY SECRET PAL for the wonderful yarn ( I am sure the neighbor will be asking me what it was forever - he asked twice before I slammed the door in his face...) I adore the halloween treats, and my son loved *he already ate one whole bag* the SPOOKY COOKIES.
I am half way done with the Loop-d-loop woven scarf. I am making it out of misti alpaca, and IT is incredible. I cannot wait to finish it so that I can wear it. YUM!
Did I mention that the yarn My SP sent were a perfect combination of my favorites? It is beautiful. Cannot wait to knit it up into the scarf that came with it. Oh, and I also need to mention the cutest note cards that I have ever seen. They were adorable, and my DH said that they were pretty cool - Which is high praise from him!

Books

2005-10-07T22:01:00.000-06:00

Books are my friends, and I am alright with that. I have always been what some people referred to as a "bookworm." I could read all day long if I had the time, and something moderately interesting to read. There in lies the problem that I have been having lately - I cannot seem to just browse the library/bookstore and randomly pick up something that looks interesting. I like many different types of books, and I will read just about anything (although I am partial to mysteries, and camelot type stories).
What does someone do when they really don't know anyone that reads, and they want a reccomendation? I don't know yet, but if I figure it out I will let you know.
Thanks for listening --- whoever is out there.
I am lonely. I really need friends!!!!!

DH likes to HOG the Computer!!!!

2005-10-07T08:32:00.000-06:00

I would have posted sooner, but I really never get to use the computer at the house anymore. He has been playing this game called World of Warcraft like a madman. Can't seem to drag him away to do anything else; it's becoming very annoying. So, I am typing this at work, and I hate that because I actually do have work to do!
I still haven't gotten the sweater pattern that I ordered to do my little's sweater, but I have finished the hat already. It is so adorable (Now, if I could just figure out how to keep it on his head!).
Took some very cute pictures of him ripping it off his head - I should post them.

Sweater again

2005-10-02T17:05:00.000-06:00

I ordered a pattern to knit my son a sweater, and it should be here in a couple of days. Until then I decided to knit a hat for him. He doesn't have that much hair still, and it is already getting really chilly here.
I decided the Brioche helmet hat in IK looked really cute, and it could not be all that difficult. Boy was I wrong. I am sure for some people it just zips right off the needles, but I am having the hardest time getting the stitch down. I think it all stems from the yarn over. Now I am looking for a simpler pattern that I might be able to finish before the pattern for the sweater gets here. Hmmm... where to start?

Sweater class from hell!!!!!!!!

2005-09-30T22:24:00.000-06:00

Hope I don't offend anyone out there with that title, but I am not kidding! I didn't learn anything that I didn't already know, and she wanted all of to design our own pattern instead of having some simple ones to choose from. I know what you are thinking, maybe it is easier for most people to design one the first time. But, I was really looking for some guidance and help. Instead all I got was here is a drawing of a sweater - figure out your rows and stitches per inche and what kind of neck you want oh, and you will need to measure yourselves to know when to decrease for the sleeves. At this point I told her that I was making the sweater for my 17 month old son, and with that she finally looked at me and said "I don't do children." Nevermind that I told the LYS owner that I was making it for my little when I signed up. All they had to do was tell the teacher, and she could have phoned me and refunded my money. Now I still don't know where to start on the sweater, and I wasted all morning last Saturday.
More tomorrow....

Wow, another post - What is wrong with that?

2005-09-20T15:12:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here drinking Irish Breakfast tea while nibbling on a hazelnut truffle. My little is taking his nap, and today is the day that I am home early because my DH has to go to work early. I feel so indulgent sipping tea and eating chocolate in the middle of the afternoon.
I really need to find a sweater pattern for My Little before Saturday morning because I have a sweater class that I am starting. I really want to be prepared, but I am having such a hard time finding a pattern that I like for My Little Boy.
I also still need to find one that my DH will love - he is SOOOO picky!

2005-09-18T07:58:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that I am still alive, and kicking around. We had to move unexpectedly, and it was not fun at all. We are still trying to unpack and get arranged. We don't have interenet at the house right now, so I am trying to stealthly write this at work. Don't really think it is going well.
I will tell you that I signed up for a sweater class at the new yarn shop in town, and I am so excited about it! I am going to knit a sweater for my son, and after that I have to start one for my DH! Then maybe sometime in the spring I will have the time to start one for myself! Isn't that always the way? I am also thinking of signing up for a class on how to make sock on the "Magic Loop." Has anyone tried that? What did you think?
I also signed up for THE SECRET PAL 6!!!! I am so excited to try this again!
I don't have time to fill out the questionarre all the way right now so I will add to this post later today, and I mean that this time.

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?I love almost all yarn - it is the texture and feel that matters most. I don't like scratchy, hard to knit up yarn.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? Nope, but I would love to learn how to spin.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.) No allergies to anything that matters here.
4. How long have you been knitting? Almost two years.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I do have an Amazon wish list. Books are another passion!!!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I do have an affection for pumpkin-ey scents in the fall - gingerbread scents in the winter - lilac scents in the spring - and orange, ginger in the summer.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Well, you could say that all my teeth are sweet.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I love to garden - I don't know if that qualifies as a craft.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I love almost any kind of music (except some harder forms of rap).
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? GREEN is my favorite color of all time!!! I love blues, and I tend to wear a lot of reds, grays... Although I destest bright yellow with a deep and unabiding passion.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I am married and we have a 17 1/2 month old son. He is the absolute cutest thing I have ever met in my life. A smile that would melt the artic ice..... Beautiful, and smart... JUST LIKE ME! hehehe....
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) To be a great Momma, and always be there for my DH.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? So, far I lurv alpaca... So soft!
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Haven't really found any yet.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? A sweater for my little... and I still love scarfy type things. Clapotis, and Lady Elanor in Scarf Style.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? ????????????
17. What are you knitting right now? Sweater for my little - fingerless gloves for me - sweater for my DH.
18. What do you think about ponchos? I own one, but I don't wear it. I really don't have the right body shape for it.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Circulars... I love them. I try to knit everything on them.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? ALL
21. Are you a sock knitter? I am signed up to take a sock class next month.
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 weeks... I am a compulsive sort of person... I have to finish it once I start it.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I don't think I really have one anymore... When I was younger I loved the Smurfs. As far as animals go I adore tortoises and Asian Otters.
25. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas, followed closely by Halloween.
26. Is there anything that you collect? Books... I don't collect any sort of knick knack.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave Knits -
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on? The new one by Stephanie McPhee. The title escapes me right now...
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another?? A few fiber trends patterns (the sheep tote and the felted clogs)
ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like? I will get back to you.

LONDON!!!

2005-09-16T09:43:00.000-06:00

You Belong in London

A little old fashioned, and a little modern.
A little traditional, and a little bit punk rock.
A unique woman like you needs a city that offers everything.
No wonder you and London will get along so well.
What City Do You Belong in? Take This Quiz :-)
Find the Love of Your Life (and More Love Quizzes) at Your New Romance.

SEX (on the internet)

2005-07-08T10:10:00.000-06:00

I bought some wonderful yarn on Ebay you can see it here: beautiful!! I am going to use this yarn for my clapotis instead because I really don't like the Lorna's Laces for this. I got sock yarn, and I think I am actually going to make socks for everyone! I bought a lot!!!
I also ordered some yarn from Knit Picks that I am going to use to make a sweater for my son! I am so excited! I cannot wait until they arrive.
My birthday is Sunday, and I am planning on going out to breakfast, knitting, going to dinner, and knitting some more! That is if any of my yarn gets here by then.

So much work and so little free time!

2005-07-05T17:43:00.000-06:00

I finally had a whole day off with my DH and DS yesterday! I don't know when the next one will be because we both work full time, and our son is not in daycare. So, we are on opposite schedules for awhile. I hate it, and it seems to be sucking the life out of me!!!
I miss spending time together as a family. It is very straining on a relationship to never see the one you are supposed to have sex with.... How can anyone me in the mood when they are loney all the time?
No knitting news today... maybe later tonight ... Have to go get dinner ready for my DS....

I have been tagged

2005-05-14T18:19:00.000-06:00

Well. It seems as though I am going to be very busy this season. As I am working at a nursery and this is their busy season - I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off most days. Oh, did I mention that I know nothing about plants? I am learning things everyday, and it is a good thing that I am only doing the books. Although the owner has let me know that I am going to be adding on to my duties after I get the hang of doing their books. I am excited to go to work in the morning for the first time ever in my life.
Being this busy leaves me little time for knitting... When I am not at work I have been trying to spend some quality time with R & R. They are the loves of my life, and I miss them when I am away for so long.

On to the tag... I have been tagged by http://knittingat5337.blogdrive.com. I am happy! I have never been asked to do one of these!
Pick five and fill in the blank:

If I could be a scientist…
If I could be a farmer…
If I could be a musician…
If I could be a doctor…
If I could be a painter…
If I could be a gardener…
If I could be a missionary…
If I could be a chef…
If I could be an architect…
If I could be a linguist…
If I could be a psychologist…
If I could be a librarian…
If I could be an athlete…
If I could be a lawyer…
If I could be an inn-keeper…
If I could be a llama-rider…
If I could be a bonnie pirate…
If I could be an astronaut…
If I could be a world famous blogger…
If I could be a justice on any one court in the world…
If I could be married to any current famous political figure…

If I could be a gardener… I would have the lovelist (is that a word?) cottage garden. It would be tame and wild at the same time. There would be beautiful rose bushes along with wild flowers, and big maple trees. I would spend time loving tending the earth and enjoying the space I had created.

If I could be a linguist… I would learn to speak gaelic, and speak it all the time. I would try to bring it back from the brinks of extinction. It is a wonderful sounding language, and I think it deserves to be heard again.

If I could be a professor… Having always wanted to be a teacher - I don't think that I could be a professor of anything, but I think my time would be better spent with a younger crowd. Say around 5 to 8 years old. Think of the fun things that you start to understand at that age. How open your mind is to new thoughts and ideas - all of the concepts that start to click!

If I could be a writer… I would write a sort of love story. That is all.

If I could be a musician… I am a "musician." I play the violin. I should play more, but where does the time go?

Now choose three more people to tag.
I choose http://wooliemama.blogspot.com/ ; http://www.poormissfinch.com/ ; http://www.sheepinthecity.prettyposies.com/

Oh, I am still trying to cast on for Clapotis... It seems the hardest part for me is actually starting something. Once I start it seems to fly right along. I will keep you posted.

So many changes

2005-04-30T12:59:00.000-06:00

Do you realize that your life can change dramaticallyin only two weeks? I am just going to list the changes because I don't think I want to think about all this too much when it is such a lovely day outside.
1. My DH quit his job two Saturdays ago.
2. That monday I was laid off from my job.
3. Have spent the last two weeks sending out resumes, and having interviews.
4. Got hired as an office manager at a plant nursery making the same amount that I was at my last job.
5. Finished the Booga Bag, and yes I do have pictures... Just don't know how to post them.
6. My son turned one on the 27th - he had a wonderful day.
7. I got a lovely suprise last night when I checked my email (which I hadn't done in a week - depression). My secret pal sent me a 25.00 gift certificate for Knit Pixie...
8. I immediately ordered the yarn that I wanted to make my Clapotis with.
9. I have the best Secret Pal www.creativeone.blogspot.com.
More later....

Hating I-cord

2005-04-14T09:15:00.000-06:00

I really and truly hate doing i-cord.... This is the first time that I have done it, and I think that I have never dislike doing something more! I don't even know why I hate it so much. It just feels wrong, and I cannot think of another way to do the handle for the booga bag. I am stick doing this for another 5 feet or so. Arrgghhh. I just wanted to be done and felt the bag already. I suppose I don't like the i-cord because I thought it would go much faster than it is. Oh, well... It will get done, and then I am planning on doing the clapotis... and casting on for Christmas presents.
I know it is only April, but hey, I am a terribly slow knitter. If I truly intend to knit something for all the people that I want to I better start now!

The Infamous Booga Bag & more...

2005-04-13T11:07:00.000-06:00

So, I finished the bag part of the bag just a couple of days after I posted the last one stating that I was in a pickle... Had some help figuring out how to pick up the stitches, and then it zipped right off the needles. Today I am picking up some DPN to get the handle done... Very excited to felt it - Maybe tomorrow? Maybe this weekend.
Ronin has decided that he doesn't need to sleep - ever. So, that means that I don't sleep. I am so tired, and I haven't really knit anything in the last couple of days because I cannot decide what to do next. I think that I am going to have to something for my BF who lives in Alaska now. Bbhhhhrrrr.... COLD! I am thinking some leg warmer type things and a scarf with a matching hat.
What is the best way to make a scarf uncurl - tonight I will find out if washing it with conditioner will help at all... Will let you know.
Oh, exciting news.... I was added to the Mile High Knitters webring today (see the link in the sidebar)! No, I don't live in Denver. I actually live in the Four Corners area of Colorado. So, I don't get to go to the get togethers they have there, but I do love reading what fellow coloradoians (?) are knitting!
More later!!!!

The Bad BAD blogger returns

2005-03-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

Well, after getting back from vacation DH and I decided to make it official - we got married! I know in my post it says we are already married, but that is just how we consider ourselves. Have for the longest time. We did it for real on St. Patrick's Day. Both being Irish we thought this was just too great! So, my last name is now changed, and I love it!
On the knitting news, a couple of days after that, (when things had slowed down a bit and we got to unpack) I had a knitting get together! Really it was just one other girl and me, and we didn't even get to knit - we just got to know each other. It was a lot of fun, and I am going to see if she wants to get together and KIP for real this time!
I started the Booga Bag last night, and am done with the bottom... Am having a bit a pickle with picking up the stitches to begin knitting in the round... Don't know which ones to pick up exactly! Anyway, I was hoping to take it to the LYS today on lunch, but I left it at home. So, know that is out.... Maybe J. the KIP chic will come over and knit tonight, and she can explain it to me and we can knit together. It was her idea to start a felted bag... I just hope that she isn't upset I didn't start the one she picked... (she is already done with hers, and I just started mine last night). Oh, well... not everything goes the way we would like it to when our time is not our own (ie. when you have a child who is almost a year old, almost walking all the way, and always getting into everything that is not in his toy box!)
Post more later... I actually have pictures... If there is anyway that I can figure out how to post them you will see some scarves, felted shoes that were for Ronin, and the start on the Booga Bag... Will let you know...
Bye-bye from the BAD BAD Blogger!!!

VACATION

2005-03-09T08:04:00.000-07:00

Since we are leaving tomorrow morning for vacation this will be my last post until we get back on the 15th. We are going to Charlotte to visit the in-laws. I am pretty excited because there is a LYS there that I am going to try to visit. Hopefully, I will add to my small stash.
Also, since we are going to be in the car for three hours before we even get on the plane I am planning to take my knitting and finish two scarves, and cast on for another on for my mother-in-law. We will see how that goes. Hard to plan anything when you are traveling with a 10 month old that is cutting teeth.
Yesterday in the mail I got the best package from my Secret Pal! I opened while standing by the mail box. I got two knitting magazines that I had never read before, an awesome row counter that sticks on the needle so you can count rows right there, and this other little thing that looks like a tiny crochet. I am sad to say that in all my knitting inexperience I do not know what the heck this is. It looks fun. If you are reading this Secret Pal could you let me know what that is used for?
When I get back from vacation (yes I am sooooo excited - and I just can't hide it - you know the words!) I am going to do a knit along with a girl I met here. She is really experienced, and I hope that I can keep up! We are going to do a felted purse! Yeah, all girls love purses!!!! Cannot wait to finish and felt it! FELTING!!! So EXCITING!

Why do I love Quizzilla?

2005-03-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

You are bamboo.Warm, cozy, and thoughtful, you take your time and
enjoy how things feel, smell, and taste. You
love the craft and beauty of traditional
things, and you value the comfort and
experience of knitting as much as the results.
But while you are reveling in your warm cozies,
don't get stuck. Warm is wonderful, but so is
the whole wide world!

What kind of knitting needles are you?
brought to you by

Green is the color for me...

2005-03-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

Little work and lots of surfing make me a bit loopy. I feel like I am in a daze - there is only so much surfing the internet a girl can do before she completely loses her sanity. I think I may have reached that point today. Cannot be certain yet - Will have to test said theory in real world.
Am only working til two today and then it's home to play with the boys and some yarn. Knitting when they are awake is always an adventure because they both seem to think the yarn and needles are something that they can play with. I try to tell me it is MINE - But, sadly this seems to be a concept foriegn to them at this young stage in life.
Been reading loads of knitting blogs lately, and I realize what I long way I have to go. At the same time I know that I have taught myself many things on my own, and I am very proud of that. I am going to knit a little devil hat that I found for my son - It is knit in the round on a pair of circulars. This will be the first attempt at this, and I will let you know how many times I have to frog before I get it right.
I really want to get a ball winder - or a nostepinne. I have been winding the hanks by hand, and the balls never wind correctly (or I cannot get them to wind correctly) and they are sadly mishapen.
Just bought some green pants and I love them - Can't wait to get home and change into them!!!
Later...

Don't have to work tomorrow...

2005-02-24T12:23:00.000-07:00

so I am going to play hookie from home as well. I am going to go to the LYS and cast on for the fingerless mitts in Stich-n-Bitch Nation! I feel a bit bad about this because I know that I should be home with my son, but I really, really want to knit with minimal distraction for an hour or so. When I am home with all of the guys one of them always wants something, and all I want is some peace and quiet.

I am a bit Nerdy...

2005-02-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

Soooo Sorry!

2005-02-23T08:36:00.000-07:00

Things have been so crazy lately! I cannot believe that I haven't posted in so long, and there is so much to tell!
First, let me say thank you to my Secret Pal!!! What a way to brighten the day! I loved everything in the box. I wish I had taken a picture of it becuase I really should start posting some things on here... Maybe then someone will read this thing...
I think that is the other reason that I have been so lax about posting - I realize that no one reads this...
Second, the puppy that we got is taking up so much time. Not that I mind at all, but between taking care of my son, picking up after my husband, and now walking the dog I barely have time to knit and sleep let alone post.... However, I have gotten some knitting done!
I have finished another scarf (Promise to post a pic tonight) ! Woo-hoo... I think it is time to do something different!
Oh, so I found something else that I am in love with!!! Maryella a knitted & beaded bracelet on knitty.com - Well, back to work, hopefully I will post more tonight.

2005-02-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

There is this sweater that I have fallen in love (http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTbelleepoque.html )
with, (and I would love to knit it, but I am scared! I don't know if I have the skill to make it look like the picture. Also, before I can make it I need to make a scarf for Russ, something for Ronin, scarf for Ronin's Grammie (actually I just need to finish this one) and I really wanto to make the Sophie bag... Who knows when all that will get done because we just got a puppy last night!!!
Yeah, just thought I would throw that in. I have been begging Russ to agree to a dog since last year, and last night we just went and got one! He is cream colored mixed breed puppy with pale orange ears! He is the cutest thing! We named him Issac, and he loves to lick Ronin in the face (Ronin hates it, and it makes his face really red).

NEUTRAL???

2005-02-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

Which flock do you follow?
this quiz was made by

Knitting Class

2005-02-07T08:27:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I went to a knitting class at my local yarn shop, and I had the best time I have had in the longest time. It was soooo much fun. I am going to go again this Wednesday. We got homework the last time, and I am very ashamed to admit that I haven't even started it yet. I need to start it tonight I really want to have at least half of it done.
The reason that I didn't start was I have been working on a scarf, and a flower for the February Flower exchange.
Also, yesterday was such a nice day that we all went for a walk, and then when I woke up this morning it was snowing... What kind of craziness is that.
I really want to start adding pictures to this site, because I have some of a couple fo's and a very wonderful suprise from my secret pal that I want to share with anyone that is reading this site!!! Hopefully more later!

Secret Pals Questionare

2005-01-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer high- a nd/natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?I don't think that I am a yarn snob... but I do think that some yarn is better than others.
2. Do you spin? Crochet? I can crochet a little!
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)Lavender!!
4. How long have you been knitting? I have been trying to knit for about 6 months... Just now getting the hang of it all.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? Yes.. I will post a link for that.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I love the smell of stargazer lilies, and violets
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Oooohhh yeah! GIVE ME CHOCOLATE!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I make my own soap and bath products sometimes.... Now that I have Ronin it's just easier to purchase it at a store! I really miss making it though.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I like almost everything except really harsh rap.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? I prefer greens and blues.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? I have a son who is 9 months old, and my sweetie. We don't have any pets, but I really want a puppy.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know) I want to go back to school and get a teaching certificate. I have wanted to do that since I was in high school, and I really hope that one day I am able to.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I don't really have one yet, but I am sure that I will.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? There is this yarn that I bought to "practice" with, and it feels horrible, and it is the disgusting hot pink color! YUCK!!!
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Just learning is an obsession!
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I don't know yet, but I will tell you that I really just love knitting...
17. What are you knitting right now? A scarf, and I am about to start my first pair of socks. I have a sock fetish. I have way too many socks!
18. What do you think about ponchos? I have one that I bought, and I have a pattern for one that I want to knit.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? RIght now I like both for different things.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo
21. Are you a sock knitter? I will be.
22. How did you learn to knit? I taught myself.
23. How old is your oldest UFO? about 5 months.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? Favorite animated character is Crush from Finding Nemo, and favorite animal is a Sea Turtle!
25. What is your favorite holiday? Halloween
26. Is there anything that you collect? I love Sea Turtles!

Sickness Sucks!!!

2005-01-27T09:35:00.000-07:00

So, I am starting to feel better bit by little bit. I have had bronchitis, so that means I have not been knitting at all. There were days when I could barely lift my head off the pillow. And then there were the days that my son was sick. I think that was worse than me being sick. I felt really bad that I passed it on to him, but the doctor said that his throat was barely pink, and his lungs were clear. What a relief!
I am going to try knitting tonight, we will see how that goes. I am slowly regaining energy. Mostly I am still just going home and trying to take care of Ronin. The one good thing about being that sick was I gave up smoking again. I started after Ronin was born because I was stressed (hard labour=c-section=lots of drugs=no breast feeding=lots of depression). I am happy to say that I haven't had a smoke in a week, and I don't miss it a bit. Actually, it frees up a lot of time. Do you realize how long it takes to get bundled up, go out to smoke, come in and get un-bundled? Just leaves more time to spend with Ronin, and knitting!!!
I really need to start on my flower for the Flower Exchange. I feel bad that I have not begun to think about it, have not looked for a pattern, but as I said I was sick as a dog!!!
Happy knitting!!

Depressed

2005-01-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

I thought that I really liked my new job, but it turns out that it is the lonliest job I have ever had in my life. There is no one to talk to, because I am the only one in this office. I really miss having girlfriends that I could talk to. It seems that since I moved here I really haven't been able to meet anyone. First I was pregnant which made it difficult to really connect (go out) with people. They all thought that a pregnant woman should stay home with here feet up. Now, I have a son and I cannot go out to alot of the places that people like to go. Or, they don't think that I should take him to the restaurant with us. I just wish that I had a friend.

On the knitting scape - all seems to be going well on the scarf I am knitting. It is from Scarf Style, The Misty Garden one. I have to say that I chose it for my first project because the directions were not that complicated to follow. Although, there are so many things that I see in magazines and books that I would love to knit... I really want to try knitting that felted bag Sophie that I see all over blog land.

More later tonight... Maybe, depends if I am feeling any better.

What Kind of Girl I WAS... and STILL AM...

2005-01-18T09:06:00.000-07:00

Quiet Girl

What kind of little girl were YOU?
brought to you by Quizilla

What kind of knitter are you>

2005-01-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice.
You've got the basics down pat and you might just
be falling in love with this hobby. Big
needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the
name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't
experiment a bit, here and there. As an
apprentice, you probably fall back on other
people to get you through those rough spots,
and if you don't know anyone who knits, you
probably have a few books or online sources to
tap.
http://marniemaclean.com

What Kind of Knitter Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

on being a mother

2005-01-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love being a momma. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My son makes my heart full every day. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank the stars that we have him. I love his drooly smile, and I adore the mess he makes when he eats real food.
That being said...
I cannot remember what it was like before he was born? What did I do with all that time? I must have wasted more time than I actually spent doing something productive. I know that I get just as much done now even with taking care of him, cleaning up after him and playing with him. I devote more time to playing with him than anything else in my life. He still has so much to learn and discover about the world, and I love watching him figure something new out.
He has just gone to sleep, and I know that it is too early. He will wake up in the middle of the night, but he was too tired to be up any longer.
Now I am going to finish a scarf. Promise to post a picture tomorrow.

At work again, and nothing to DO!!

2005-01-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I am so bored at work that I feel like hitting my head on the desk! I have been here for an hour and a half, and I cannot think of one single thing that needs to be done. Alright, the boss just phoned, and told me to start working on a budget for this year. Wow, that sounds like fun. I really want to start on that. (Can you feel the sarcasm dripping from the screen?) I guess it would be a bit different if he wasn't phoning from his cell whilst skiing on the mountain.
Anyway, I did find a really interesting knitting blog called woolie momma. I had a lot of fun reading it, she has a very interesting way of voiceing her opinion. Made my morning just skimming it. I found when I did a search for "knitting colordao blog," but I cannot see where she says she is from Colorado. Oh well, I suppose the search for fellow knitter that lives near me continues.

Still going

2005-01-11T17:02:00.000-07:00

Alright, I am going to have to post some pictures because I have really gotten the hang of this. I am almost done with the scarf I started two nights ago, and I am planning on going by the yarn store to pick up some more yarn. I wan to make a scarf out of the Scarf Style book called Falling Leaves. In the book it is this very awesome green color, and I hope they have a similiar shade at the store. I need to bring the book with me so that I know which yarn to buy. This will be the first time that I have done this, so I am wishing myself some luck.

2005-01-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

I DID IT!!!

2005-01-08T21:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, I am so proud of myself! So, I didn't get to go to the Knitter's Guild meeting because we had a pretty bad snow storm last night, and the roads were horrible. Actually, there still are a mess, and it is still snowing! I just wish that we had snow a couple of weeks ago! (You know for Christmas?)
Tonight I sat down, picked up my needles, and I actually did it! I cast a row on. It looks just like the picture in the book. I know it isn't much, but it is more than I have been able to do before, and I am so proud of myself!
I cannot wait for Russell to come home so that I can show him that I finally did it! Ronin, our almost 9 month old son has just gone to sleep, and I think that after I read a few weblogs I am going to try to do a "knit stitch." I really do hope that I meet someone soon that knits so I will be able to talk to them about this.
I sometimes also wish that we lived in a bigger town (only one yarn store).

TRYING

2005-01-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Well here I go again... as soon as my son Ronin goes to sleep (which should be soon) I am going to try to cast on. I have been trying to teach myself how to knit for a couple of months, and so far I can barely do the slip knot at the beginning. It is very frustrating, and tomorrow I am going a knitting group to see if any one there is gracious enough to show me how to start. I just want to say that I went to the only yarn store in this town (in late September), and since I saw a sign that said "20 per hour for knitting lessons" I asked the woman when she would be available. She looked at the sign, looked at me and said "Actually, it is 40 an hour, and I don't know when I would have the time." Let me tell all of you reading this how much that turned me off to the store, and to asking for help. Now I am finally ready to try again. I am going to keep my fingers crossed that all goes well.