Its Not All Work At The Show

It's the last weekend of the show and things are winding down.

But its not all work. This kids "Fishing Booth is set up every year, and was always a big hit with our children. Isaiah has fished every year since he could hold a pole & this year was no different. Hes been patiently waiting allllll week.

A man with a mission....He's happy boy, still waiting....
I know they want it....

YES!! SCORE!!

In between rounds of straightening trailers I did accomplish some knitting.

I started a large pair of Sheepy Pants using one of my handdyed yarns "Wine & Roses," on Louet Riverstone. I've had this ready since this summer and have not had the opportunity to knit them up. I Love this yarn, It just sucks up the color and is super soft. I should have them completed tomorrow.

So whats on your needles?

Let The Thaw Begin, with STK Longies!

I had a random skein of Plymouth Galway Chunky, it was one of those, ohhhh, I love those colors! Anyway its still pretty cold outside so this was my afternoon knit, STK Capri's for the Bumpette's summer wardrobe. Stash BUSTING!! The thaw has begun! I walked out to get the mail this afternoon and enjoyed some of God's art work! Beautiful, every thing looked as if it was encased in glass

The loud clunky cracking sound was wild. Think summer outside with ice cubes in your glass. That cracking sound? It was all around me, awesome.

The shaded areas will take a bit longer to thaw. It was one of those views you wish you could hold on to forever.....but have warmth!

Hope you find joy in your day!

Baby Bumpette Coming Home Outfit Done, Sort of......

Baby Bumpette's Home Coming outfit is done...Sort of. I think it needs embellished. Its simple and sweet but it needs something. The button I know! I'll add that once we decide. I'm thinking of adding the design or something similar that is below. My cartoonish drawing, centered on the front & a bit on the hat? I'm open to and asking for opinions so feel free to let the ideas roll!
Another pair of Classic Booties. Have I mentioned I love this pattern?

As you can see I couldn't wait till tomorrow and can in to Walmart to buy a new charger. My cashier was one of possibly 20 employees there, working their Fanny's off! She looked so tired & very shocked when I said thank you for coming in today. At least she was smiling when I left.

Baby It's Cold Outside & NO Baby!

BRRRR, 35 of the last 37 hours of frozen precipitation! Sleet, Ice & Snow

Even my poor tree face is crying and needs a tissue!
We had a snow dump 2 days ago, beautiful to look at in the trees. Yesterday we had an ice storm that dropped 3-6 inches of ice/sleet on top of the snow…Roads & streets of glass…. Last night it started snowing and has not stopped. 6 inches on top of the ice! If the summer windstorm was not bad enough, we have over 376,000. Homes at this point with out power. The windstorm was a mixed blessing in a way; we have power and only lost 2-3 more branches. Our nearest neighbor had a tree branch (6inch diameter) fall on her van but it was so thickly encased with ice there was no damage! Another state of emergency for Southern Indiana & Kentucky!

What idiot plugs in the battery charger in the plug behind the stove? And then proceeds to cooks supper? ME! So, no photos until Larry replaces/splices the cord or, I get out to purchase more batteries which isn’t likely to happen any time soon. So, these are the last of the juice!

There has been a bit of knitting. I’m happy to say the knitting of the Baby Bumpette homecoming outfit is done. We need to find a button to use & I think it needs a bit of embellishment to the front. The same goes for the hat. For the booties I used the Oh Baby pattern from ADHD knitting. As I wanted them sized for a newborn & the Tara is considered a bulky, I altered the pattern a bit by only casting on 28. I also knit all but the last 2 rows in stockinette for a dressier look. I’ll still need to add a tie to the booties but overall, I’m really pleased with how it came out. Most importantly so is Erika!

Its Show Time! RV's & FO"S

One tired pregnant lady who would not miss a year! We nor the Dr. think she will make it through the weekend. She sure fooled us! (well, this is Sunday & the days just starting) SHE said Tuesday is a good day to have a baby.......guess we'll see!

Booth set up, well what you can see of it. I could not get a full shot but, here are a few

Isaiah, "Surfing" on the carpet, the last burst of energy before we took him home.

I Finally seamed the booties to match Moni's Elfin topper. Stash busting and a finished item! What could be better!

Friday evening,I started getting knitters A.D.D. again. Wading through the stash, looking through Ravelry at all the patterns. Every thing I wanted to make I would need to purchase a pattern.

And, another DUH! moment....use one of the 20 books you HAVE!! So I settled on Erika Knight's ~ Simple Knits For Cherished Babies, Classic Cashmere Booties. Super quick knit, had this pair completed in 2 hours. I used a washable worsted weight which put them off gauge but they will work wonderfully for 3-6 months.

Erika has decided on a coming home outfit for Baby Bumpette. Another Sweet Mama~Small Sugar Kimono Jacket For this one I am using GGH Tara in White & will add a Pink border. It's a bit pricey but, feels & knits like a DREAM! Perfect for a newborn.

I should have enough for a Hat and another pair of Classic Cashmere Booties.

We are heading back to the show this afternoon & I should finish it there. Have more pics tomorrow!

Rachel Up Dates..Prayers Answered!!!

Just received this from Rachel, she was at work and could not call so.................

HI ALL!!

Wanted to pass on the latest update from the doctor…are you ready?? First, I have to say that I’ve been waiting a long time to write this (over a year in fact!!) but as of Wednesday, January 21, 2009, I am officially in REMISSION!!
I’ve been dying all day waiting to hear from them-and they finally called to give me the news just after 3! They said that the biopsy they took on Wednesday looks great and while the cells aren’t the healthiest, there are NO MALIGNANT CELLS! As of right now, we are going to start tapering off the radiation treatments w/them ending in March; I will still have to 2 chemo pills for at least 3 more months. (The doctors think that I’ll have to be on them for 6 months, but we’ll revisit it each month and decide). I will also keep going every month for checkups for at least 6mo, just to make sure that everything is still all clear and then will hopefully drop to every 2-3 months after that.

*I want to thank everyone for all your prayers and support- they’ve meant so much to both Adam and I.
Rachel

Feel Free to join me in the HAPPY DANCE!!

I Really Have Been Knitting

I really have been knitting.....But its time for the annual RV & Boat Show & this is set up week! 14,000. ft of show space, 29 trailers hauled to Louisville, Signs & banners hung, electrical hook ups, carpet laid on 3/4 of that space, 29 trailers cleaned inside & out, 29trailers decorated, 4 offices constructed.........hardworking employees, those that help set up and those that hold down the fort back at the dealership, wonderful customers & friends that volunteer to help! Its been quite a week! The show opens this Saturday and will run thru the first weekend in February. I guess I need to become a morning person if I want to see my husband!


On the knitting front, I finished the Sweet Mama~Small Sugar Kimono & longies set. I have not had a chance to block the sweater yet so the sleeves look a bit wrinkled. I LOVE this pattern. It was more than worth the cost. I know I have 2-3 more planned. I'm not sure of the button yet....

Car trip knitting to and from the show, an Elfin topper for the Bumpette. The colors are actually softer than they appear here.

And, last but not least the Simple Sweater in Green. This one I started before we knew it was a Bumpette. It's a bit blah so, I will be adding flowers along the front!

I'm on a kind of mental overload right now trying to decide what to make next.....booties, hats, blankets.......

Well, thats what I've been up to, whats on your needles?................Debby?

Define Love

Rachel Sent this to me today, it was just to good not to pass on. Should we all retain the inocence...................................

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, 'What does love mean?' The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think. '

When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love.' Rebecca- age 8
'When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.' Billy - age 4
'Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.' Karl - age 5
'Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs.' Chrissy - age 6
'Love is what makes you smile when you're tired.'Terri - age 4
'Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.' Danny - age 7
'Love is when you kiss all the time. Then, when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss' Emily - age 8
'Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.' Bobby - age 7 (Wow!)
'If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,' Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet)
'Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.' Noelle - age 7
'Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.' Tommy - age 6
'During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore.' Cindy - age 8
'My mommy loves me more than anybody You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night.' Clare - age 6
'Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.' Elaine-age 5
'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.' Chris - age 7
'Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.' Mary Ann - age 4
'I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones.' Lauren - age 4
'When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you.' (what an image) Karen - age 7
this one .....'Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross.' Mark - age 6
'You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.' Jessica - age 8

And the final one The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, 'Nothing, I just helped him cry'

I HAVE A MEAN CHILD!!!!

I have the meanest, torturous child that has ever lived! She's just MEAN!! Erika had a Dr.s appointment today, they did another ultrasound to see if the baby has turned.........she knows what it is! AND WON'T TELL ME!!! They are taking us to supper tonight to tell us........... The meanness? She gets it from her Dad. Its going to be a loooooong time to supper.
Updated to add It's a GIRL!!! Pink Prayer YES!

2009 Goals!

This year I did not set any "New Year Resolutions" instead, I set some goals. Whats the difference? Well for me, a lot. I look at a resolution as a a concrete unchanging plan. And, when I fail to meet them I just feel awful! A goal is a set intention that is a "frame work" of intent. Resolutions are set in concrete, Goals in sand. I think as we work toward a goal our plans, wants, needs change. We grow and learn, priority's change so a "resolution" no longer fits, while, a goal can change and fit our growth & needs. I'm big on visuals so for me its the paths we choose .....in our lives, you have a planned path you want to follow but, along the way you may find it branches out to something even better & the original course no longer fits.


So, with this in mind, I've joined a few "stash Reduction" groups in Ravelry. One of them is 52 in 52. Easy to define, 52 FINISHED Projects in 52 weeks. I've added the count in my 09 completed projects bar. I'm not looking to eliminate my stash, just get it under control.
I need to see if I can find a meter to add, anyone have an idea where I can find one?

My goal is:
1. to have/average 2 UFO's in the stash basket completed a month.....until they are done. And, since I have reached S.A.B.L.E. (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy)

2. I'm going to get my stash logged into Ravelry!! I'm about 1/4 of the way thru.

3. Reorganizing my queue of planned projects to set priorities. Gifts, wants & needs.

4. Knit from the Precious Shrine of Yarns (or my version of it)

5. Knit some for ME! ( I have yet to decide these items)

6. Learn at least new 1 thing a month, stitch, trick

7. Random acts of knitting kindness (RAK), I've been so blessed to have a stash, I need to share, I don't like to say "Charity Knitting" Lets say "Love Knitting." There are plenty of single Moms & families out there that could use a extra blanket, hat or sweater.

8. Contact the local women's half way house and see if anyone would like to learn to knit. Some times when life/bad decisions knock you down, any positive accomplishment can make a difference.

9. HONESTLY list all UFO's on the blog UFO bar

10. Figure out where I can find the progress bar "thingies" for my blog

I think its all "doable", stretching a bit for me but, doable. Any help or direction in finding the progress bars would be greatly appreciated!

Slacker Weekend, Free Baby Sweater Pattern

Its been one of those lazy laid back weekends. Erika & I spent the day running around in fabric stores looking for baby things. We found some really cute flannel, fleece and Minky for blankets. Its been a few years since I've sewn, and was very impressed and happy to see how the baby patterns improved! Now just to break out the sewing machines and serger and see if they still work!

On the knitting front, I've been slacking. Hopping from one project to the next with nothing completed. You know how you have those days where your mind just jumps from one thing to the next? I guess its a form of knitting A.D.D.!
Candi from Candi's Corner sent me a U Tube link, to teach me knitting the legs on 2 needles. I figured it out but, it will take some getting used to. At least I won't have to count the rows for each leg to ensure they are even!

And I cast on some Longies using some of my Cascade 220 stash. They will be cute but just wasn't quite what I was looking for so.....

I cast on a sweater for Baby Bump. With all the woolies I have been making, Erika asked for a machine washable sweater. I found a free pattern (I'm all about free) called "Simple Sweater" on The Complete Fabrication Blog. A sweet little sweater that will be great for a boy or girl. Since she wanted washable, I dug in my stash and decided to try out the new Vanna's choice. I've heard so many good things about it, & have a few skeins I'd picked up a few months ago.

This one is Seaspray Mist a fresh soft green. I just hope it turns out as good as its touted to be!

I just love stash knitting!

Erika Knows Me SOOOOOOOO Well!

After starting a new diet I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of goodies. I felt this was no accident, so I prayed ... "Lord, it's up to you, if you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery." And sure enough, on the eighth time around the block, there it was!
God is so Good!

MySuprise!

I forgot to show you my suprise!
There I was sitting at home feeling yucky, looking at the yucky outside, dreaming of spring, gardening & lots of other fun summer activities......Just having an all out pity party. Then I head a knock at the door, and the usual result of a knock at the door....Buddy our Golden Retriever (who thinks hes a toy poodle) starts barking like crazy, then Puga the Parrot starts yelling BUDDY!! BUDDY!! The more the dog barks, the more the parrot screams, the more the parrot screams the more the dog barks......(takes about 5 minutes to calm them down.) I opened the door to the laughing mail lady. She thinks its a hoot they play off one another like that. We have a perfectly good mail box at the end of the driveway but packages she usually brings to the house if she knows I'm home. She loves to hear them & says its the bright spot of her day. I think its her payback for all the packages I have coming and going! Shes a sweetie, I need to make her some mitts. Anyway, I opened the package, (the order was better than I had anticipated )and found in the bottom is a little bag with........................
New stitch markers! The nice long style that I LOVE!! Thank you Candi! I needed that pick-me-up today! I love the jewel tones! Using one tonight!

BRRR, Nice Suprises & Completed Longies!

You know, I have no problem with the cold.......As long as we have some thing to enjoy like SNOW!

Freezing and no snow, our pond is frozen, the grass is brown, to cold to play out side. At least with snow we could enjoy the view! I know I'm whining! It's just one of those blah days.

I played in the dye pots again last night.

"New Life" Makes me think of fresh spring green grass, new baby leaves breaking thru in the garden with touches of yellow.

Radical Rocker longies are done! Size small with black seed stitch cuffs and ties.

The Sweet Mama~Small sugar Kimono is almost done, just need to complete the sleeves. Bad focus & coloring but here is a sneak peak! I can't get over how quickly its working up. I have only about 2 hours of work in it!

There will be plenty left for longies and hat

My Mojo is back! Longies & Color Play

I've been slacking in my knitting, gotten way
behind. Just could not get in the mood. To motivate myself I started getting organized, (well, kind of) rewriting the plan for dyeing & projects. I started getting itchy fingers and "startitus," here is the result of one evening left alone....with out supervision. LOL

My Etsy Shop is looking a bit empty so
I'm working on re-stocking Longies.

The current WIP is, "Radical Rocker" Longies. Size small, not very much of it so these may have Rocker boots!
Shades of Red to Black,... think Harley and Black lace up boots!








Started the Sweet Mama-Small Sugar Seamless Kimono last night. I Love, Love, LOVE this pattern. I've made quite a few kimono jackets but, the shaping of this one is a bit different. The jacket tapers & crosses the chest, sets higher to eliminate the sag and gaps many have. I'm not sure if I like the colors, well I like the colors but I'm not sure if they work that well together. Since I'm allergic to frogging, we'll see what it looks like when I'm done.





Played in the dye pots last night & I can't wait to knit these up. This first one I call "Tropical Goldfish." A blend of Navy, Turquoise, Orange & White. Having trouble creating a photo with the true colors but, you get the idea.










The second is "Gimmie Grape" a mix of Lavender to deep Purple with a touch of wine.












Oh, and be sure and stop by Candi's Corner and check out her "Veggie Garden" longies. They are awesome! And Moms, many of you will have a " been there done that" moment with her post today!

Elfin Topper, Free Pattern

I realized last night that I had not completed the 3rd baby Hat & Booties set for my friend Moni. She works in a Dr's. office & it seems half the staff if pregnant! I believe the boys outnumber the girls at this point!

This pattern has so may versions, and every one has one! Here is mine.

This Elfin topper with it's rolled brim is always a quick fun knit. No mater what you make it of, its just darn cute.

As this Momma wants a washable yarn I used "I Love This Yarn" purchased at Hobby Lobby.

Using size 6 needles I cast on 64 & joined in the round

Knit 5 rounds, switch to size 8 & continue until body is approximately 4 inches. Knit 1 round placing markers every 16 stitches. The next 2 rounds K2tog decreasing at each marker. From this point on I decreased every other row until I have 20 stitches. From this point decrease every other stitch. In other words, knit 1 k2tog, k1, k2to to end of row.

Repeat until you have 4 stitches. Knit I cord for approximately 1 inch & tie off. Make tassel and attach!

Takes just a little over an hour. Larger sizes can be made by increasing stitches in multiples of 4

Gone Camping Sheepie Pants

Last night I completed the 2 tone Green Sheepy Pants. They lay on the table, just..... blank. I kept seeing camping.

It's not quite as I envisioned but, embellished with
Purple mountain range, & a sunny day camping by the lake. But what would be camping without a camp fire!














When I saw these in my dream last night there were a few other items but, I need to brush up on my embroidery skills.
I wont say how many years its been but, lets just say...awhile and leave it at that!

What Was your Knitting DUH! Moment?

This morning I started another pair of Sheepy Pants. I usually knit one leg then the other. This time with the color change I decided to try knitting both legs at once.
But, my yarn kept crossing over and tangling. I got a bit frustrated and stuffed on ball inside the leg out of the way.........HELLO! Light bulb went off...tuck the balls inside the legs!! No more tangles and its going much faster.
How silly is that, a simple thing that makes such a big difference! Bet it would work for knitting 2 socks at once also.
Everyone has little tricks or tips they have picked up along the way, what are some of yours?

Baby Bump & Ruffles

Baby Bump Longies! With ruffles! As they were for a newborn I just wanted a bit of a ruffle so I added a small eyelet row and then 2 rows of ruffle.
I love the way they turned out.
They look great with the t-shirts.
So small after knitting so many pair of medium & larges! Those little legs look just...well so tiny! Can't wait to use them. You will be sick of seeing photos! The Pink really pops in these. If it's a boy I'm not sure what we will do!
Power of PINK Prayer!





This is "Its a Jungle Out There", the 2nd colorway for the baby. I found the cutest pattern for a Kimono Jacket. Its by "Sweet Mama-Small Sugar" . She has some photo's of this knit up in various colors...love them all. Be sure and check out her site. You can also find her on Ravelry.
The thing that I love about it is, the cross over front is not short or low across the baby's body, and its SEAMLESS! (you know I just love seams). More of a double breasted Jacket! I can't wait to get started. I'm going to use the Sheepy time Knits pattern (of course) for the longies & this pattern for the Jacket. My plan is to use the deep Teal color for the main body. I'll use "It's a Jungle Out There" as trim on the sleeve, body & edging. Should have plenty left for a Baby Bump Hat also. This should work for a boy or a girl.
What do you think?

TreeHugger Shorties Completed at LAST

I LOVE these shorties. Sarah at Babylonglegs has some of the best colorways, her fibers are just so soft. I bought "Treehugger" last spring, and hated to use it. Just one of those you want to keep stashed and pet once in a while. I cast on the waist about 6 weeks ago & set it aside, I just did not want to knit this up, It's that soft!








These are Medium Shorties, I used Cascade 220 for the trim and finished in a seed stitch cuff. Wonderful for heavy wetters.
Be sure and check out her other colorways, I have a link to her website on the side bar. If your on Ravelry, look her up & say hi!






After looking at all the t-shirts and onsies again today, I decided I'd better get it in gear and start knitting for the new Grandbump. We're at the count down with 6 weeks to go, if Erika lasts that long! I played in the dye pots this weekend and came up with 2 colorways that will match ANY of the shirts made at the Baby Shower.
This one we call "Baby Bump."

Finally Longies for our own little Critter!

Sweet Comforts & A Baby Shower

A Mom can brag, RIGHT??
Our oldest daughter
Danielle & her best friend Katie have had the official "Kickoff" of their new company
"Sweet Comforts"
For years they have coordinated weddings, (I can't tell you how many), Wedding & Engagement Showers, Birthdays and Graduation parties. Baby Showers...Get the idea? Each is unique, from the Cake to the guest gifts they do it all.




For Erika, Sweet Comforts hosted a "Baby Shower" As I said before each is unique and this one was WONDERFUL!




At one point, each guest was given a Onsie or T-shirt, paints and brushes. You should have heard the I can't paint/draw/I'm not crafty/creative etc.









Look at these designs! Those fibbers, they turned out great. What a wonderful idea. Most can be used for a boy or girl.



They used sizes newborn to large so she will enjoy these for quite some time.








Some are more ornate than others. I can't get over how cute they ALL turned out.
You can bet I'm already planning longies to match the t-shirts!