I'm officially a Camper

My husband literally fell off his chair when I announced that I was officially a "camper". I'm far from the camping type with way too many squirmish non-camping ways about me. But this year I will be a camper, in the Meg Swansen Knitting Camp way. I just received my email to say that I was in (and my friend Linda-my roommate). I'm so excited. I read the newsletter about what we'll be doing and I think I may have danced around a little and air punched in excitement. I then read what we should take, and repeated above self-congratulatory exhibitions.

In reading the newsletter, I saw that we are supposed to make a nametag to wear during camp, so my mind is racing already with some ideas.

In hopeful anticipation of acceptance to camp, I had purchased some Guernsey wool in navy and am knitting the child's pattern from the latest wool gathering (and dvd). I'm loving it. I'm particularly enjoying this because I grew up close to the Channel Islands and visited there a few times. My parents owned a fish and chip shop and I would go to the Fish Market at the dock with my dad sometims and you would see the fishermen in their guernseys, so the connection to that is making it also quite fun.

I haven't posted in quite a while, so I'll give a little update on the knitting front.

I'm knitting away on the Icarus Shawl in Misti Alpaca in sage green. I started it last week and have been flying away (until the guernsey yarn showed up).

I bagged up tons of my other projects that were just staring at me making me feel very unmotivated to knit. The guilt of unfinished projects can really drag me down.

I have began a very thorough cleansing of the yarn department in my house. No, this time I'm getting it done.

I'm also going through the patterns and magazines and seeing which I want to keep, what I'm interested in knitting and what needs to be 86'd.

I ordered last Thursday at 11:30am the yarn, and dvd for the guernsey and it was here the next day. Now, I know I live close to Schoolhouse Press, but come on, that was impressive turn around. I remembered my mothers advice to always be grateful, and called and said thank you to them.

I'm registering for Stitches, but am definitely not taking the number of classes like last time. jae and Marji will agree, schedule overload last year. It's less than a month after camp, so I'm not sure that I'd want that full of a schedule again also.

Chinatown is completed, and shockingly for me, sewn together. I am in the process of weaving in ends and will then attach buttons. It looks great. I'm very pleased with it.

Any advice??

I've been having very sore joints of my hands lately, especially when my hands get cold, and then I can't seem to get them warm and they ache. Strangely the movement of knitting seems to help them, but I was wondering if anyone has any advice?

I'll try to snap a pic of the guernsey and post it shortly (I'm trying not to wake EB up from a nap - Marji knows how desperately I need EB to nap after our phone conversation on Saturday)


A couple of items for sale

Rowan Magazine #20 OOP $20 - SOLD
Rowan Magazine #22 OOP $20
Rowan Magazine #31 OOP $15 - SOLD

Email me at knittinbrit at charter dot net if interested

Quick Catch Up

Just a quick update on what's been going on. Sorry, I don't have any pics today but will get some together for next post.

1. Both hats were finished, worn by recipient and greatly appreciated. I don't think Declan has taken his off since I made it.
2. Steve used the hat when he went camping last weekend with Caleb. Yes, in the open, no tent, in minus 25 windchills. Apparently when you move to Wisconsin you become insane. I'm sure that I married someone more intelligent than that. They had a blast, although Caleb did manage to catch his snowpants on fire while trying to warm his behind against the fire. Fortunately, he has mastered the drop and roll technique.
3. I've completed the knitting of the sleeves, both front sides and back on Chinatown, and have started to seam it together. The project is set aside for this week as I've got a major deadline to complete before I can finish this. I'm really looking forward to it, it's beautiful. I highly recommend this knit.
4. One and a half socks have been knit in Cherry Tree Potluck yarn. I love this yarn. They were my travelling knitting project, hence the progress.
5. Enjoyed a couple days stay in the hospital after a cyst ruptured and was too drugged up to knit. Well, I self imposed that rule of no knitting, Publishafter I managed to knit an enormous knot in the front of Chinatown while in happy pain reduced land. Am feeling much better now, and have added yet another reason why I'm convinved that men have things so much easier than women.
6. I'm working on a project for Tess Designer yarns that I'm enjoying, although I'm going to have to knit fast to get it finished and shipped out in time. It's in 100% silk and a beautiful stole. I'll have to show pics once it's been sent off to the Stitches show. So, I plan on getting it finished and sent by Monday seeing as Stitches is the 22nd.

Hats Off to Me

Yes, Carrie K, I did cave in and whip out the hat for Steve. I modified it a little to make it more of a fit for his style.
I picked colors to match his snow gear. It's knit in Cascade Yarns Bollicine Dolly - 100% Merino. It feels so soft. I did the inside of the hat in black and changed the pattern around (refer to previous posts showing Dec's hat for comparison). He liked it.

Ethan was sick this weekend, so I didn't get any knitting done on Chinatown, as what freetime I had was in making a special dinner for Steve's birthday last night,getting Caleb's stuff together for his camp out at the School Forest and holding Ethan while he wimpered in my arms (poor baby).

E has double ear infections, but seems to be feeling a little better than he was. I plan on grabbing a book, sitting down and getting some knitting done this afternoon. Okay, I may throw in a batch of laundry or two, but otherwise it's knitting time.

I did a little bit of digging through one of the Stash Bins today. I'm always shocked at some of what I find in there, yarn that I bought thinking I couldn't live without it, only to shove it in the box and forget about it. It seems like such a waste to have this beautiful yarn just sitting there.

I'm posting some of it on Destash for Cash later. This is the first batch that's going up:



7 balls of Rowan 4 Ply Cotton - 50g 186yds Col SH118 Lot 2418 (olive green) mrsp $6.50 (45.50)
4 balls of Rowan 4 Ply Cotton - 50g 186 yds Colr white - 1 ball does not have label mrsp 6.50 (26.00)
2 balls of Rowan Fine Cotton Chenille 50g Dark Navy - 145 m - one ball does not have label
2 balls of Anny Blatt Angora Super - Blue Variegated116 yds mrsp 21.00 (42.00)
1 wound skeins Donegal Tweed Olive Green - may have been swatched with mrsp 10.99 (10.99)
2 wound skein Donegal Tween Dark Green - may have been swatched with MRSP 10.99 (21.98)
2 wound skeins Donegal Tweed Dark Blue - may have been swatched with MRSP 10.99 (21.98)
2 wound skeins Donegal Tweed Medium Blue - may have been swatched with MRSP 10.99 (21.98)
4 skeins Great Adirondack Frills yarn in Black Violet Colorway 100 yds each MRSP 10.00 (40.00)
1 wound skein Great Adirondack Frills yarn in black violet colorway - may have been swatched MRSP (10.00)


In total, this lot would be over $240 to purchase. I'm selling the lot for $100.00 plus actual postage. or will sell it individually for 50% of the MRSP.

I've gone back and forth with getting rid of some of this, but I feel a greater need to declutter and reduce the stash to only what I love. I keep feeling guilt when I look at it and quite honestly I've got other projects in mind that I'd like to knit, so I'm moving on.

There's No Dilly-"Dale-ying" Going On Here!

Quick Post! Here's a quick pic of the Dale Hat for Declan. I've just got the crown to do and sew down the hem, and weave in ends. It's always sounds like so much less work that it is.
I still haven't decided whether I'm going to attempt to get Steve's hat done for Saturday. I'm trying to be realistic about how long it would take. Although I did enjoy whipping up this hat, maybe it's because it was a small project. Besides, I'm anxious to get back to work on my Chinatown jacket. We'll see!

I couldn't help myself!

One of the reasons that I rarely post pictures is that my camera is never near by when I'm knitting and then I'm too lazy to download the pics from the camera, blah, blah, blah. Pitiful excuse - I know! However, yesterday afternoon as I was happily knitting away on Chinatown, I stopped to measure my progress on the armhole. I had to move my Treo out of the way so that I could lay it out. I was happily smiling away at my work and thinking how wonderful knitting was and maybe I should wander out to the street to find someone else to admire my handiwork, when I thought better of it and decided to snap a picture, you know, for posterity's sake. Now understand that I am never without my phone (Marji and Jae could tell you that from Stitches) and I often use it for snapping quick pic's of the kids and emailing them to my Mum and Dad. Why on earth, has it not occurred to me to take pictures of my knitting with this handy little device before. Any suggestions? Anyway, the point is... here are a couple pics of Chinatown. Isn't she pretty?
The cording was so easy and fun to do. Sometimes it's the simple things in knitting that impress me the most. Like turning the heel on a sock. My husband gets tired of having to clap and cheer at the amazing heel that appeared out of nowhere.


I doubt that I'll make a lot of progress today on this though, as yesterday I ran in to the yarn store with Caleb (11) to pick up the rest of the yarn for Chinatown and he fell in love with a hat that Beth (owner of Black Purl) had hung up. It was a Dale Hat from the 1999 Vail book. I'll snap a picture later and post it. Beth loves Caleb (what's not to love about a boy who a) has wanted to be James Bond since he was 4, b) is fascinated with politics and would actively debate winningly with most adults, if it was the polite thing to do; and c) has informed Beth that whenever she needs help she is to call him and he'll gladly help her wind yarn, take out the trash, attach photos to hundreds of patterns) ... and so, she gave it to him. Despite my protests. He loved it and proudly wore it into the house, which immediately prompted Declan to fall in love with it himself and ask me if I thought I'd be able to knit one for him by Saturday when he is going to the Polar Cub Scout Camp up north. Obviously, these kids have supernatural powers of persuasion (or just incredibly cute eyes) that made me say "well, I'm sure I could". So, today I stopped by the yarn store and grabbed some yarn for the hat to knit for Declan. He would like it knit in Chicago Bear colors (remember this is Wisconsin, and this could get the kid beat down at School, but he is very loyal and understands the price you pay to support greatness!!! Go Bears!) I been working on it this afternoon for a little while and I feel like I'm in the Knitting Olympics again.

P.S. Steve asked me to make him one today as well, so that he could have one to take Declan to the Polar Camp. I bought him a North Face one instead. I doubt he'll know the difference. I'm pretty sure that I couldn't knit two before Saturday - I have too much to do; besides, it's not like my name is Marina. She could whip out two fair isle hats in her sleep.

I'm It!

Marji tagged me so that I'd finally get a post on the blog for the new year. It worked!

Before I get, here are five things I've never revealed on my blog before (at least, I hope I haven't and I'm too lazy to go back and check, so forgive me if these are duplicates).

1. When I was 10 years old I was taken to the emergency room stuck in the splits. I was at a disco, and a nasty little boy thought it would be funny to push down suddenly and hard on my shoulders (sadistic little pratt) and see what would happen. Apparently, there is only so far that your legs should be able to go into the splits, my body freaked out and my muscles cramped up and I needed to be taken to the emergency room in the splits, where they gave me a muscle relaxer before I was able to resume a normal position. Conclusion: Music can influence your actions negatively. The song Fame was playing (obviously this was a fairly traumatic experience, so I recall it quite vividly) and I thought I was Irene Cara.

2. I've met Queen Elizabeth. Well, I've been in front of her (but that's closer than most), I'm sure it was more memorable for me than her. When I was 11 I was in a Majorette Band. Our team was pretty highly ranked in Southern England and we were invited to march at the Queens Birthday celebration that was being held at Windsor Castle. We stayed in the Barracks and performed the next day.

3. I've met Poirot (okay, David Suchet who plays Poirot). When I was in college in Torquay, England, I worked at the Pizza Hut Restaurant (it was more of a restaurant in england than a fast food place). He was one of my customers and was there with his family. He was very nice and polite and tipped well.

4. Although I grew up in England and didn't move to the states until I was married, I have no English accent (fortunately I don't have a wisconsin accent either). I didn't try to lose my accent, but I'm from a tourist town in England, the English Riveria (yes, we have one- fake palm tress and all) and it's a melting pot of people from all over the place, so I don't think it was ever the most defined of british accents. However, when I get nervous, angry, talk to my mum and dad, or meet someone for the first time, my english accent pops right out without trying to. As I relax, it disappears again. This can be a problem when having to give a presentation, as over the course of the speech my accent changes from british to american. It's very embarrassing, as people think I'm putting it on.

5. I love Cereal, and would happily eat it for every meal. BUT, only after I've nuked it in the microwave for a minute or so. Yes, we're talking cheerio's, rice crispies, frosted flakes, everything! It doesn't matter if it's winter or summer. I like my hot cereal. My favorite is 3 Weetabix loaded with sugar, with Vitamin D milk and some heavy whipping cream poured on top, nuked for 1 1/2 minutes. All soggy, warm, fatty and lovely. Obviously, I can't eat this every day else I'd be the size of Shamu, so I settle for usually heated cheerios or wheaties with some banana's on top.

Now, I'm supposed to tag 5 others, but am struggling to come up with five other people who haven't been tagged already (obviously I have a very small circle of internet friends). We'll see who I tag. I'm going to have to think about this one.

Update on what's been happening since last post.

The holidays were lovely and not too hectic. We didn't have the usual crowd of visitors from across the seas, so we enjoyed spending time together as a family. It was very nice and relaxing, although I was grateful for everyone to go back to school so I could have some peace and quiet.

I've knit about 3 pairs of socks, finished a scarf from the stash that was started years ago, have dabbled with a dale sweater that I need to finish, but am having a hard time being motivated with. I'm quite frantically knitting away on Chinatown (a design by Black Purl) right now in Cascade 220. I'm doing it a little different colors and different yarn. It looks great and is fast and easy to knit, so I'm able to read while knitting. The back is almost finished and I predict that I'll be done within the next 2 weeks as I need to keep plugging along on the sleeves for the Dale in Sisik that I started a couple of years ago.

I have decided to sell some of the stash and am going to begin posting it on Destash for Cash. So, keep an eye out.

Thanks Marji, for the push to get a post on here.

To end, here's a picture of the cute kids from Christmas.

Want vs. Need

I haven't posted any pictures for a long time. Here's one of the munchkins just before they ran out the door Trick or Treating.

I'm still digging through the stash and deciding what to do with it all. It's amazing how much we acummulate and then promptly forget about. As I opened one storage box of yarn, I could not even remember where some of the yarn came from. I'm sure that when I bought it I was sure that I couldn't live without it and envisioned myself casting on as soon as I got home. Not so. Some of the balls/skeins were lucky to have even received the attention of a swatch.

It all comes down to our perception of what we need and what we really just want.

Steve and I decided this year, that our kids were becoming too materialistic and seemed to appear as though they were "entitled" to tons of toys, gifts, presents. It's easy to want to give your children so much more than they need and then we wonder when they turned into Veruca Salt (remember Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory). We came to the decision to limit their gifts this Christmas to three. They will receive their Santa gift (generally, the gift that is too large or awkward to wrap) and gifts from friends and family, plus their stockings, but we will only be purchasing them three gifts. One will be a gift of love (this could mean a toy that is something they really wanted or for the younger ones, something cuddly), a gift of learning (a toy to learn with, maybe educational, computer or dexterity related), and a gift of fun. There may end up a few extra gifts here or there, and we usually do one family gift (this year we were thinking of either a vacation somewhere the week after christmas or new snow shoes for all the family - we're still not decided). It's not that we couldn't afford to get them more, actually it's quite the opposite - because we COULD buy them more we feel we shouldn't. They initially were not overly fond of this idea, but we reminded them of the story of the Christ child and that three was enough for Him.

We felt this would help them not feel so overwhelmed on Christmas; would help them feel the spirit of the holiday a little more; would help us not be so frustrated at toys strewn throughout the house; but most importantly, they would learn to be content with less. Once we had presented the plan, the kids took to revising their christmas lists with no encouragement. The lists went from 3-4+pages to 5-6 items, with one marked as the most desired gift. We also have had them find 3 toys that are in good condition to donate.

Because we want them to learn to plan for things and save their money for things they desire rather than buy what they can't afford, we have a family meeting scheduled for January 1 where the kids are to present a larger priced item that they are interested in acquiring. They will then work out a plan to earn the money for it and the jobs/chores they will complete to earn the cash to pay for it. The gift of controlling desires/wants, and managing budget will be one of the most valuable gifts we can give them this year.

Now, if I could just find someone to help teach me that I don't NEED to have that extra skein of yarn to go with the 200+ others lurking around the house. It seems so much easier to teach them a skill that I don't possess. Maybe they'll also be receiving the gift of Hypocrisy this year.

Can't see the Forest for the Trees

Okay, I'm not dead, but had just fallen off the edge of the knitting blogland for a while. I've been incredibly busy, but haven't we all. Here's a quick update of what's being going on in the D household over the past 6 weeks.

• I had my Lasik Surgery! I can see. It was so easy and painless. I would strongly recommend this to anyone considering it. It was well worth it.
• Baby E caught a bad strain of Strep C (yes, usually it's found in animals - last time I checked I have no animals in my house, just children - maybe that's the same thing). He had a fever of 106F and they couldn't get an IV started on him - 9 tries. Poor kid! It also took 3 tries to get a catheter going and that caused more pain and discomfort for him over the next week than any high fever of ear and throat infection could of. This happened 3 days after having the lasik surgery, so I looked particularly strange, stood in the emergency room at 3am with sunglasses on, so that the bright lights in the ER wouldn't bother my eyes. He's doing great now, although he does have a fear of the doctor's office since those traumatic few days.
• Many PTO activities have taken place that I have organized - installation of climbing wall, book fair, Fall Festival, Blood Drive, purchasing DVD players for all the classrooms, bake sales. Along witht he ridiculous amount of drama that some mothers want to cause. Word for the wise: Avoid positions within the PTO like the plague. My kids love seeing around the school though and having me so involved, so that makes it worth it.
  
• Purchased a new site for dh's new clinic and started construction. Still trying to decide on what colors are best for dental offices. dh did look a little put off, when I suggested that it didn't matter what color the walls were, nobody actually liked going to the dentist office.
• I've been doing a big clean out of all the cupboards in this house - we have stuff stashed everywhere. I always get a big case of spring cleaning right before the holidays, as I know that more stuff will be entering the house.
• I'm preparing for some afterschool classes I'm teaching at the Elementary School, one of which starts today. I'm teaching teamwork and problem solving using the climbing wall with the 3rd-5th graders.
• Reading - I have been reading alot. I read Jean Plaidy's Victoria Victorious and highly recommend it. I then purchased the A&E/BBC mini series Victoria and Albert to watch - loved it. I read the Alchemist - I'm still trying to decide if I liked it or not. A bunch of fun quick reads - Richard Paul Evans Finding Noel, The Sunflower. Not the best literary works, but the reading equivalent of knitting a scarf or dishcloth for a fast fix.
  
• Knitting - has been rather limited, but has started to pick up again. I did whip out a bunch of dishcloths (I know, not the most interesting, but necessary, and it was nice to have a FO after an hour). The weather finally started to turn on us and I have been knitting some socks - which I'm thoroughly enjoying. The sock draw was looking pretty empty, and I've fallen in love with Mountain Colors Bearfoot yarn (thanks to Marji - from a summer project colorswap) and have purchased some more skeins in different colorways. I've decided to try out some different sock patterns to experiment with.

I have noticed a recurring theme on many blogs that knitters are feeling a little overwhelmed with the stash they have and many yarns that they don't think they'll ever use. I have been feeling a strong need to basically start fresh and have been strongly considering eliminating all my stash and basically starting anew. I haven't knit like I normally do lately because I feel bogged down by this excessive stash. So watch for a huge cleanout in the next few days. I am considering combining it into 3 lots and getting rid of it.

Any thoughts? I feel like I can't see the forest for the trees. I can't get into a project for all the balls of yarn falling all over the place. We'll see!!!

To some of my favorite bloggers out there - missing you and hoping you're having a lovely holiday season.

Flying By..

Things I've done since posting last...

1. Attended three different meetings regarding various PTO activities.
2. Knit one block in Noro Kureyon for Lizard Ridge (loving it)
3. Watched one of the kids Pop Warner Football game
4. Ordered my thanksgiving turkey
5. Attended a cooking class
6. Attended a roundtable scout meeting
7. Missed a wedding - I'm an idiot what can I say - I wrote it on the calendar on the wrong day
8. Spent a few hours with the whole family at a corn maze and pumpkin farm - it was a blast
9. Took 3 kids to get their teeth cleaned
10. Started and almost finished an Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Jacket
11. Bought some new clothes
12. Bought some new Le Creuset dishes for the kitchen
13. Viewed some building lots to buy
14. Signed papers on building a new office building
15. Cooked an amazing Pork Pot Roast with navy beans and dried cranberries (see cooking light issue - most recent)
16. Knit another ball on the Michael Kors Cable Tunic
17. Received the new Knitters Magazine and promptly gave it away, as it was complete crap.

I did more stuff, but having four kids plays with the mind so I don't recall what else I accomplished, but I'm sure that many loads of laundry were somehow involved.

Well, I'm off to cub scouts, I guess I better figure out what I'm doing with the boys tonight.

BTW, winter has arrived in the Northwoods. It snowed this afternoon for an hour or so. It didn't stick, but gave us a taste of what we can expect to see over the next few months.

Fuzzy

I had the pre-op appointment today for Lasik. So, that means that I can hardly see a bloody thing due to an over zealous application of dilation drops by the technician. So bad, that I couldn't knit. Once applying the drops they had me sit in a small room and watch some dull "informative" video about the procedure. "Perfect opportunity to sit and knit", I hear you say. I tried to knit. I tried, but my arms got tired of holding the knitting directly in front of my nose so that I could see the stitches. I couldn't see anything but a blurry distance with glasses and very close up without, and nothing in between.

You can tell the blurriness was bad, when control freak chef Kim, suggested that Caleb (10y) help chop the vegetables and read me the recipe for Clam Chowder. He was very helpful and it turned out lovely - we even adapted the recipe to use White Rice Flour, so that it was Gluten Free for Declan. Teamwork.

Steve just walked in the room laughing, as he saw me trying to type with my nose pressed against the glass of the computer. It's ridiculous! Although I am very excited at the prospect of not having glasses slide down my nose, non-poking of eyes while inserting contacts, and actually being able to see my hand in front of my face.

I did get some knitting done last night on the Kors Cabled Tunic. Did I mention I love this pattern and yarn? I'd like to knit on it tonight, but am certain I would screw it up with not being able to see what I was up to.

Fog Free Post

So, finally, a post without the haziness of my medicine in my system. I'm in a rush, but have realized that one of the reasons I stall on posting is because I feel the need to post these huge indept and extravagant blogs. Ain't Happening? Reality is.. I'm the mother of four young kids. So, short stumpy posts is what you're going to get. love it or leave it.

Anyway, point of the post is ... I finally decided on a new project and am in love. It's the Michael Kors Cabled Tunic from the fall Vogue Knitting. It's lovely and a pleasure to knit. I'm using Classic Elite's Wool Bam Boo in a silvery grey color, which I'm thoroughly enjoying knitting with. It glides through the fingers.

I checked out the new preview for Vogue Knitting Magazine yesterday and there are a few items I'm interested on knitting. Don't you find that's always the case? You can't find anything to knit (I know this never happens to Marji or Jae, but for some of us it does) and then once you start something, there's tons of projects trying to tempt you away.

Take the blanket in Noro on Knitty - Lizard Ridge. I'm fighting the urge to pick up some needles and start knitting this. I'm not sure I'll be able to resist much longer. I just don't know how to be monogamous to my knitting. I'm a dirty dirty yarn slut. There. I've said it. I'm the Meredith Gray of knitting (ref: Gray's Anatomy) However, I'm not ready for a 12-step program yet. I think I'm ready for a 12 project on the needles program, so am off to abandon my reserve and get nasty with some Noro.

note: See Marji - apparently it's not the meds that make me send out strange posts. I'm naturally that way.

Is it really better late than never?

You Deside! I'm late blogging. I'm really behind on blogging. Yet still only a shorty span of time to chat.

Quick TTP update:
Mum and Dad did visit
No blood was shed while they were here
All but Mum and Steve becuase ill with the flu - nasty
We took turns, as one was feel better the other would get sick.
I've cleaned up lots of vomit and still have never found the most effective way to handle it.
Kids are bag at school - all three of them this year, Calebs in 5th, Declan 3rd, and Madison Kindgergarten. They love it and are having agreat time. I'm their new PTO leader and it's going to be fun (I keep telling myself), but am looking forward to how the kids feel when they see me involved in their lives at school.

Now here's the big confession, I'm not really knitting anything. After stittches I became in such a funk that what I knit I have to love and so have stalled on everything. I've swuatched and played around and I need to nail it down to a project. This would be a good time to come up with suggestions. Names will be drawn from a hat for each realistic suggestion. Winner will get something fun that I haven't kicked up yet, but it will be cool.

Shout OUt to the following - Marji and Jae - my fun stitchers pals, I have recently abandoned you and am begging for our closeness to return.

Shout out to marina, carrie, deeann, and all the other buddies I've met online. I appreicate reading your blogs and you comments to mind.

SO to my Secret Pal - Amy Proto. The ladies amazing. I can't find the camera and want to get the phots uploaded of the last stash she sent me. It was, as usual, pefect.

I want to chat more and fill you in on what's beeng going on, but I doubt you really need the detaisl, just remember to wash your hands and brush your teeth afterthis read. Then you too, can avoik, the creeppy pedi bugs that are happily invading our lives.

Well, I'm a little out of it. The medicine kicked in fast today and I'm afraid if I continue I'll share private details with you and cry about it in the morning.

So until tomorrow - yes, I think that tomorrow is a realizatic goal - knit some more and email me with what you think the next project should be. Enter as many times as you want and get your name entered in the box with each suggestion

Whirlwind

I'm trying to get a thousand and one things done, and am suffering with guilt for not posting. So here goes, fast to the point (well, as much as I can ever be with my waffling problem), and as much as I can type in 3 minutes.

• Have been busy with getting kids ready for school. I will have 3 kids in elementary school as of the 5th of Sept. K, 3rd and 5th.
• Did I mention that I am also the new PTO co-president, so have been running around trying to get everything ready for the open-house (31st), booklets printed, magnets made, directory info gathered, and forms designed and handed out. Not the mention, the meetings.
• I am also on the Cub Scout Committee, and have been busy planning the kickoff for this school year. Again, meetings.
• Caleb started his second year of Tackle Football last week, and I have been running him to practices. Getting gear fitted and mouthpieces molded.
• "E" decided to hit the terrible two's a few months early and has been tearing the place apart and destroying all in sight. e.g. managing to open sippy cup with chocolate milk in and pouring all over expensive sage green italian leather sofa (do not ask why with four children we would possess such a thing - I can only say in defense, that I believe that the smell of play-doh must be toxic and has permanently damaged our brains)
• Squeezing in four kids worth of doctors appointments and shots before school starts
• Shopping for school - finding the perfect backpack - not to big, not to small, sturdy enough
• Same as above, but for shoes for kids
  
• Declan's 8th birthday - involved an unplanned trip to Mall of America. No shopping took place (except for a cute Hanna Anderson dress for Maddie, but that doesn't count). We rode more rides than my stomach or back could handle. Admired the sharks in the aquarium and petted some sting-rays.
• My parents are coming to visit from England on Friday. This means that I turn into a crazy person. Cleaning out every cupboard I own and dashing things off to Goodwill, washing down closet, reorganizing items (my mother critics everything in a way that causes me to act like a bratty teenager, so I try to counter that by having everything look lovely - it never works. But I try.
• Friends birthday lunches .
• Swatching. I have dug out some Dale Sisik yarn I had in the stash and have been busy swatching with it trying to figure out what I want to make out of it.
  
• Last week I also received my new book "Aran Sweater Design" by Janet Szabo and Twists and Turns Newsletter that she publishes. Love it. The book is fantastic, I highly recommend it if you are an aran knitter. Check out her site - BigSkyKnitting.com
  
• While at Stitches I discovered that what I really loved was more textured knitting, mainly with cables. The first item I ever knit was an aran as a child. My grandmother thought they were the perfect item to learn how to knit with.
• I have discovered in all this cleaning out that we have over 10 knitted arans in our house. Some by me, but quite a few from my mother for Caleb when he as a baby. They are still in perfect shape and have been used by each of the kids. Ethan is set for this winter with over 5 sweaters and cardi's ranging from traditional cream to blue and green.

That's it for now. Gotta run. Happy Blogiversary to Marji!

We were in Stitches - Part 1

Laughing was a large part of Stitches. It all started with Lily Chins class - Darting the Issue. Jae, Marji and myself had her class all day on Friday, and it was excellent. I think we all felt that we learned alot from it. I feel very comfortable with adjusting any sweater I'm knitting now, to add darts, especially shortrow ones. I know, you're impressed. Me, too!

However, I wasn't sure by the end of the day that I could handle Lily talking about her "Boobies" one more time. To be quite honest, I didn't actually think anybody really used the word "Boobies" anymore. By 4pm, I was about to stand up and ask her to call them a different name but thought it might be rude, so quickly slipped out of the class when it was finished.

She did an excellent job of handling the variety of knitting skills possessed by the students. By the end of the weekend, I was a little frustrated at the inability of people to read a class preview/description and what level of knitter one should be before signing up. Apparently, some people feel that if they've knitted one scarf in fuzzy lion brand yarn on size 13 needles, then they're an expert, despite the fact that the class description suggested that they be advanced knitters who have knit at least one sweater of their own design and one aran sweater.

Jae was apparently the muse for every teacher, and found herself being singled out because of her slender (no darts needed) figure. She even had teachers have the class point out why her shirt was too short, the wrong color and wrong pattern, and yet, still came out smiling. She was high on lace knitting though, so that might explain her constant smile.

Lace Knitting seemed to be the "in" thing of the weekend. More than one time, I almost had my eyes poked out with lace blocking pins. It was refreshing though after all the funky yarns of last year and many poncho wearers.

Marji and Jae made the weekend perfect. It was amazing how we instantly clicked and chatted away as though we had been friends for years. My biggest regret is that we didn't spend enough time just sitting, knitting and talking. Next year, I'll skip one of the shows, and some of the classes just to hang out and stitch with the girls.

Well, this has been a rather disjointed post, but I'm hurrying. It's Declan's 8th birthday tomorrow and I've got to get some stuff together for him.

BTW, marji has pics on her blog of our fun time together. I would like to note though, that I don't usually look (at least I hope I don't) so grey and blahh looking in real life.

More to come with details of yarn purchases.

Knackered from knitting

For those of you who don't speak "english", you'll have to google the meaning of the word knackered. It's an excellent word. One of the few true english words/terms that I have never been able to forget since moving to the US. For the record, some of the others are torch instead of flashlight, bap instead of hamburger bun, rubber instead of eraser, and calling the person driving the car that cuts me off a wanker instead of .... Well, a wanker is really the best word here.

Anyway, back to the topic of being knackered. I should really say that the discussion of knitting theory has me knackered as there was little kniiting that happened at stitches much to my frustration. I loved meeting marji and jae. We had a blast. We knit swatches. We laughed. We shopped. We discussed knitting. We all discussed what a total pratt (yes, another english word to google) that rick mondo-inappropriate-dragon is. He kept going on about drugs and lsd. I'd wager a guess that all the drugs he did during the 80's destroyed his ability to filter his inappropriate thought. He kept needling two little girls about smoking.

Other than that, I loved our time at stitches. Next time i'd take less classes and knit more, but am looking forward to the reunion next year.

I'm posting this from my treo and will have to post much more tomorrow with details of the classy marji and the amazingly good sporting jae. Not to mention the yummy shopping.

'til then - hugs to marji and jae (hope you feel better soon, jae).

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Stitches I Go

Oh I'm sorry! I know it's a bloody lame title, but it's the best I could do while trying to run around and get things done before I leave. I'm not actually leaving for Stitches until early Thursday morning, but have been helping my friend, so I have piles of laundry (anyone who has read my blog before, knows that this is a constant battle in my house), cooking a couple of gluten-free meals and snacks for my son, Declan, while I'm gone, and getting ready to go.

For the record, Steve is completely capable of cooking for the four kids, but admittedly he isn't used to cooking GF meals for Declan that the other three picky eating kids will like, so I decided to make it easier. It was that, or write out step by step instructions for Steve and it was easier to just whip up a couple meals.

I'm so looking forward to my classes, shopping and meeting Marji and Jae. It's going to be fab.

You know... there is still time for you all to get tickets and come play (yes, Carrie K, I am talking to you).

Friends and Angels

Yesterday morning, I received a call from my friend that she had gone into early labor (she was 32 wks). She has 6 children at home ranging from 12 months to 11, and no family lives in the state. She said the kids were okay at home, but I picked up 3 of them (my other friend) took the other 3. I live pretty close to the hospital and one of her children, Maeli who is 5, has severe diabetes and had just had a new pump inserted and her sugar levels are all over the place. She is often on the border from going into a diabetic coma, so she has to be extremely closely monitored. So, it was a crazy day, checking her blood, having to quickly contact her dad and give her insulin/pump, snacks when her levels plummeted. I was nervous taking care of her, but she is truly such an angelic little girl. That sounds a little over the top, but if you met her you would understand. As I was checking her levels and poking her fingers and giving her shots, she would say "thank you Kim for taking such good care of me", "you're so nice to help me", "I like you Kim One-in-a-DeMillion (cute variation she has made up of my last name). She was being sickly sweet or putting on a show, this is how she is - all the time. As she is getting a painful shot in her stomach, through the tears she smiles and says thank you.

My friend had her baby at 4:15p and she is doing remarkably well for being 8 weeks early. She weighed 4lbs 4ozs and is incubated but stable. I'll admit to being a little more concerned about my friend who is in her early 40's and has a lot of health problems due to the pregnancy risks.

Before you think her too reckless, she was told she would never have children due to terrible scar tissue that had formed when she was in a near fatal car accident. 5 of the children are adopted, 3 having come from the same family and she was asked last year if she would take all 3 because they obviously didn't want to split them up and one of them had serious health issues. No sooner did they adopt them but they found out Mitzi was actually pregnant, and carried the baby to full term. Then 5 months later - she's unexpectedly pregnant again. This women is amazing and accepts everything that comes her way so gracefully. She is the epitome of unconditional love and is a bundle of energy.

When I first met Mitzi, I remember thinking to myself, that she was too hyper/nice/sweet and that people aren't really like that (I'm more from the bitchy/snarky/sarcastic garden variety). But I couldn't help but like her and enjoy her company, her perkiness was contagious.

After talking to her yesterday when she called in the middle of labor to check on the kids, she was her usual self (although understandably very scared for the baby) and actually was worrying that I was doing okay. See what I mean?!

I tell you all of this, because I'm grateful to have a friend who inspires me to be a better person and for the opportunity to spend time with such a family. I hugged my kids a little closer last night and felt more grateful for what I had. I feel that having friends in your life is such a blessing and you can never have too many of them. Especially not too many of ones like Mitzi, who make you want to be a better person.

She was lost, but Now is Found!!

Originally posted late Thursday night August 3rd.

NOTE: This post has been edited from the original, as I was apparently out of mind when I wrote that last night. A day at the fair and taking meds that night, didn't help in my clarity of thought and ability to filter information. For those, who read the initial post, you'll know what I mean, thanks for bearing with the crazy ramblings.

Also, to anyone who received a strange comment to a posting on their blog - oops! sorry. I will try to be cleared of mind when commenting next time. Please forgive me.

Kimmmm's Back!!!!!

I've had the slew of tests and retests done, only to receive the diagnosis that I thought it was all along - Fibrosis. But now, at least, I have peace of mind.

The cysts are still hovering around and we're debating taking something to help reduce the size of them, but it's nothing to worry about. If they don't reduce in size, they'll perform surgery to remove them. I've had this same surgery a number of times now and find it pretty easy to bounce back from.

I took the kids to the Wisconsin Valley Fair today at 4pm for what I thought would be an 1 hour and a half - of course, that meant in reality, that we didn't leave there until 9pm. It was obviously longer than I planned, but the kids had so much fun. They got to go on tons of rides (as it was wristband day) and are still of an age that they enjoy seeing all the animals. They particulary enjoyed the poultry house, which freaks me out for some reason. Ever since I saw the movie "The Birds" I've been slightly paranoid that they're going to peck my eyes out. Ridiculous! I'm sure they're lovely little things. I even owned a budgie when I was a kid named "Joey" and he was a delightful little pet. So, I was trying really hard to act cool, calm and collected while walking through the poultry house, although I'm not sure I pulled it off, as I about jumped out of my skin when half of them started crowing and making a fuss. My kids just laughed, at the birds and me. At least I'm comic relief for them.

Steve doesn't like the fair at all, but acted much cooler than I did. He even took them on the ferris wheel. I think the motivation of Pork Chops on a stick helped in his eagerness to play superdad.

Caleb was at a friends house, so it was just Declan, Ethan, Madison and Celeste (Maddie's friend). I know it still sounds like a lot of kids, but they were very well behaved and made one of my least favorite activities almost enjoyable. Overall, it was very long, hot and humid, and I was desperate to go home and wash my hands, face and feet (especially feet - note: do not wear sandals to the fair next year). The music wasn't too bad - the band "Little River Band" was playing and were pretty good. I would have preferred to hear tomorrows music act - Chris Cagle.

I was amazed to hear that people go to the fair every year, for each day of it. They say that it's a family tradition to gorge on fair food all week. Ugghhh! Tons of unsupervised kids, lots of litter, it costs a fortune for the crap you get. It's definitely not quite my cup of tea. Yet, the food is very interesting, if not always edible:
Pork Chops on a Stick
Barbequed Turkey Legs (think Henry the VIII size)
Fried Dill Pickles on a stick
Cheesecake on a Stick
Cheese Curds
Fried Twinkie Rolls
Funell Cakes

I have lots to update, but am truly cream crackered so it will have to wait. Before I forget 7 days to Stitches - Woo Hoo! What? Do I sound excited? Knitting got slowed down quite a bit while waiting for results, but I did find my gift from my One Skein Secret Pal truly invaluable. After sitting in the hospital having tests all day monday, plus a couple of follow up scans over the next few days, it was a lifesaver. I sat and listened to a book I'd downloaded that was hilarious. I wanted something light and funny to distract me, nothing heavy, so I chose "Can you keep a secret?" by Sophie Kinsella. The fact that it's british helped in my comforting, as I thought of home and mum and dad while listening. The only side effect was that my english accent would return briefly after listening and started asking the kids if they'd fetch a nappy (diaper) so I could change Ethan's bum. The techs at the hospital did find it funny when I was laughing my head off while having a pelvic ultrasound. Big hugs out to OSSP for such a thoughtful and insightful gift.

Well, I desperately need to go to bed - I'm knackered. So I'm back on the blogging track and will post tomorrow with updates.

Love to all those who sent me well wishes while awaiting the news. It meant alot to know others cared. Love to all the knitting buds I've met and I look foward to many more time with you typing keys and clicking needles

You're the Apple of my Eye!

This morning started off pretty badly with a doctors visit and some fairly scarey news. I dashed from the doctors appointment to drop Caleb off at his golf lesson. Dashed off to run some errands, and then it was time to schlepp (not sure if using this word correctly) out to the golf course to pick up Caleb again. Grab take out (I hate take out) for the little ones and decided to drop some lunch off to Steve (he works so hard and wanted to let him know I appreciated him) and then hurried to get kids home to eat their lunch before they devoured nasty takeout in "Black Beauty" (aka my surburban). My mind was pretty full of what had transpired at the doctors that morning and I was trying to remain positive and be cheerful for the kids sake (after all, it is their summer vacation and they seem to gauge their moods off mine). As I pulled up to the house, one of the kids told me that a package had been delivered in the morning while I was out. I LOVE packages - they make me feel like a kid at christmas, and I especially love packages that weren't expected. I quickly threw the food at the kids and settled down to open my package.

Wow! One Skein Secret Pal - You're the Apple of my eye!

Inside, was a skein of deep green Manos (I've mentioned before how much I love this yarn); a skein of Noro Transitions (again, Noro is a favorite of mine - although am very excited to try out Transitions for the first time); a box of Chocolates (I started testing them right away, not surprisingly); and ... wait for it ... an IPOD Apple. My secret pal sent a note explaining their package and yarn choices, and that they had read on my blog about my troubles with our computer recently, and that they were a die-hard Apple fan, and felt that I should have something Apple. They thought I'd enjoy music to knit to, and knitting podcasts.

Oh ... my ... gosh! What a great pick me up. Now, before I continue, let me state for the record that I am not as some may suspect purely motivated by material items - but let's be honest - yarn and such thoughtful surprises like this are bound to make the most cold hearted of knitters smile.

OSSPal - what can I say? Thank you. I was busy with the kids the rest of the day, but got a few minutes before taking Declan to his soccer game to load the software and take a peak. Unfortunately, it appears that my USB connection blocks the ipod from connecting fully, so I need to run out in the morning and get a USB connector that will work. But that hasn't stopped me from smiling and acting rather giddy, and taking a look at the iTunes Website and marking certain files that I wanted to download such as knitting podcasts, music and some audiobooks.

For a while, I actually forgot about my dr's appointment. I did take pictures of the lovely package and will load them tomorrow (blogger was not cooperating and I can't be buggered with it tonight).

Now, don't be worrying (as knit bloggers are the kind and caring worrying kind) - my dr's appointment wasn't anything too terrible. I have ovarian cysts and need to have a large one removed (I refuse to have the surgery until after stitches and kids go back to school though - my doctor looked confused when I mentioned Stitches - obviously he is not a knitter). But, while I was there he also did a routine exam and as we were happily chatting away and discussing the 30lbs that had been nice enough to drop off my backside the past 3-4 months, he asked me if I had been doing my breast exams lately and if I had noticed anything out of the ordinary. I told him, I had sort of, and no, I hadn't noticed anything weird. He then guided my hand to a lump which is a little smaller than a quarter and asked me if I had felt that before. Now, knitters, I'm not that big in the milk-making department and have always been pretty sure that before I felt a lump there, I would be able to see it. But, how the hell did I miss this lump. He then wanted me to have a mammogram scheduled and an ultrasound the next day. Unfortunately, the kids have things going on Thursday and Friday and I wanted time to process everything (stall), so I scheduled the mammo for Monday and the ultrasound for Wednesday. The weird thing is, is that I'm not really worried - okay, I'm a little nervous, but I'm 95% sure that it is just a fibrous, grizzly lump or fat and nothing to worry about. One of the few illnesses/diseases not listed in my family is breast cancer, so again that makes me feel pretty calm about the whole thing. What bothers me, is the possibility of huge changing depressing info like that - plobbing itself down on my quite lovely life. I'm quite a risk taker (note: I did move to the US when only 19 without even breaking a sweat). But, this makes me uncomfortable. The thought of my families happy little life being shaken up like this is bloody annoying. Again, let me state that I'm 95% sure that this is nothing - really. I did get really ticked off though, because I didn't think to buffer this info from the doctor to Steve (whose mother had a rough bout with breast cancer a couple of years ago). I just blurted it out on the phone and was very blaze (again, not sure if that's the right word) about the whole thing. I scared him. This man is so kind and loving and gives me the world. He tiptoes around my feelings (with the exception of bday cards - read prev blogs for explanation of this comment) and I stupidly was so insensitive to how he may take this. This bothered me, and still does, the most. Here I was, claiming to worry about how my family would feel about this, and then I go and make Steve feel like crap. I know that Steve doesn't read my blog so I won't take the time to publicly apologize here, but am deeply sorry for being such a cow.

Anyway, I'm not going to knit tonight. I want to go snuggle up next to Steve on the couch.

Again, OSSP, thank you for the lovely package. I think I need a chocolate before I settle down on the couch.

Bag Lady

I don't have a picture of my Bobbles Everywhere bag yet, as I had promised. It's sat at the Black Purl for others to admire for the time being, as I'm waiting for some handles to arrive.

Talking of bags, I did get a new knitting bag (apparently, I have a thing for knitting bags) from Lantern Moon, called City Lights. It's beautiful. Not very big, or probably practical, but it is a way to take along small projects on evenings out and still look dressed up, rather than toting around some hippie chic/suitcase sized bag.

I've been busy working on some of the WIP's, but seem to have lost my ability to get Gauge on my Dale Agave project. I've ripped out the body twice now. I have both of the sleeves completed and am trying to "get 'er done", but I had to play around to get the correct gauge (I forgot to notate what needle size I used for the sleeves, and the usual down one size didn't seem to work.) That's what you get for taking so long to finish a project.

I've also been whipping out some slippers/mukluks for Caleb today and seeing as they're turning out so fast, I'm going to make some for Declan and Ethan too. It gets a little cold in the Northwoods in the winter (which last 6 months), so I'm trying to get a head start on them. Actually, the boys asked me to knit them some slippers, so while they'll still wear handknits (before they reach teen/tween ages) I decided to take advantage of their fondness for the warm and fuzzy slippers.

I had to admit... I feel like a child counting down for Christmas. Maybe someone should put together a "Stitches Advent Calendar". I'm really looking forward to the classes I'm taking, meeting Marji and Jae (and if we can convince Marina to come see us), and all that shopping. I had to hunt down the book "Poems of Color" for my Bohus class. It arrived yesterday. It was worth the hunt - it's a really interesting read and the patterns are beautiful. It made me all the more antsy for the class, and I'm fighting the urge to call Kimmet Croft and order a Bohus Sweater Kit. I must show some willpower and at least wait until I've taken the class.

I ned