knitting, boys & life

Busy

2010-03-27T09:14:00.000-07:00

Now that the weather is finally starting to head toward spring, I have been a little busier outside. Yeah! Even though I haven't posted for a while, I have been busy with the crafting. I found a "new" fabric store. Quilter's Exchange is a recycled fabric store where you can bring in fabric you no longer want and she will pay you by the pound and then she resells it to others. I bought 2 lovely fabrics and the first one I turned into a variation the JJ Blouse from Burdastyle.

I left off the ruffles on this one as well as the sleeve bands and lengthened them just slightly. I used pearl snaps instead of buttons. One of my least favorite things to do is make buttonholes. I'm not sure why because I don't really have trouble doing them, but I like snaps so much better.

Here is a close up of this fabric that I find slightly retro and a little bit Japanese. This is one of my favorite tops right now. I recently purchased a black cardigan on clearance and they go together nicely.

I also tried my hand at dyeing just before St. Patricks Day. I found a silk/cotton blend cardigan in my wardrobe that I have only worn a couple of times because it was a very boring tan color and just wasn't a very flattering color for me. It is now a fabulous green that was perfect to wear to work for St. Patty's. I have already worn it twice and been complemented on it both times. More of this is in my future for sure.

Baby Gifts

2010-03-08T11:36:00.001-08:00

I have been making baby gifts lately. Seems like everyone is having babies these days. The Fleece blanket and hat is for hubby's boss. I bought a kit 50% off after Christmas and the blanket was way too big for a baby so I cut it down in size and was able to make a matching hat from the extra. I still have more left and hope to make hats for the 2 big sisters as well. The sweater was for a coworker and I used The Einstein Coat pattern. All garter stitch and very easy. The recipient loved it. So much fun to craft for girls. My teenage boys just don't appreciate it. I finished the blouse I had cut out from the last post. As soon as I get pictures downloaded I will show you. I used the JJ blouse pattern from Burdastyle with a few minor changes. This pattern fits me well and I think it is a very flattering shirt for me. Makes me feel good. That's what it's all about, right?!

New Store

2010-03-04T09:14:00.000-08:00

I had some time to kill before I had to be at work the other day so I stopped at a new store I noticed recently. The sign said Quilters Exchange. Inside I found the most pleasant lady and lots of beautiful fabric. It was all folded into coordinating piles on shelves. Some were already measured into fat quarters and some you could buy by the pound. All of it was recycled from someone else's stash. I love the concept. You can take in the fabric you don't want anymore and she will weigh it and pay you for it. It is a little more costly than your big name branch store, but I would rather support the little guy and buy recycled. Of course I had to buy some fabric and I already have a blouse cut out of the one. I hope to get it sewed up today and then I will post a pic. The best thing is she will cut you whatever you want from a couple inches to yards if it is available. What a find.

Am I ready?

2010-02-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

The same day our Cinder was injured, Enza was surrendered to the animal shelter. Is it fate?

The boys think she's a keeper, hubby is still grieving, and I am not so sure i am up to dealing with a puppy. She is only 4 months old and look how big she is. She is awfully good for a puppy. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

On to refashioning. I have been rummaging through my refashion pile after getting some ideas. Still wishing I had a dressmakers dummy to help out with proper proportions, but I'm making do with what I have. This one is 2 t-shirts that I hadn't worn in quite a while. The pink one I was just tired of and the grey one was too short in the arms and the torso. I just added long sleeves and added a band to the bottom and then tried my hand at reverse applique. I've aready worn it to work once and I like it alright. I'm a little thicker around the belly and hips than I want to be and I have to pay attention when adding to the bottom of shirts so it isn't too tight at the bottom. It will receive a few wears I'm sure. Not in love with it but that's o.k. I was just in the mood for something "new". The cold winter is dragging me down so "new" clothing options are wanted to help perk me up.

This one was a short sleeved mock turtleneck shirt my mom gave me. It was pretty shapeless, so I used another shirt that I like the shape of and took it in on the sides and cut off the mock neck and turned the raw edge under. I took a button down shirt I had made a few years ago, that was just a hair on the tight side, took the collar section off and added to the top. I then added the sleeves and the shirt tail to the t-shirt and there you have it. I also wore this to work yesterday. It will also receive a few wears. I have a few more in the stash that will receive some type of treatments. Not sure what yet.

Trying to play fetch with the puppy at the same time as typing isn't easy. She can't decide between the squeaky toy and the tennis ball. She keeps trying to figure out how to carry both at the same time. Hilarious. I think today maybe I will try to finish knitting a pair of socks. I am in the mood to snuggle under the blankets so that is what I will do. Maybe tomorrow I will get to the sewing room. I really need to get the mojo to make some new pants. Stay warm and creative.

RIP Beloved Friend

2010-02-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

We unexpectedly lost our beloved protector and hubby's best friend. We are all in shock. When the boys were younger and hubby and I were both gone, they would let her in the house with them and they would feel safe and secure. She was such a special member of our family and we are so glad we had this winter with her and let her spend it in the house with us. It is so hard to believe she isn't here with us anymore. Just as unexpectedly we have already added a new member. A coworker of hubby's was at the animal shelter and they had just had a German Shepherd, 4 mo old puppy surrendered to them. The boys and I went to pick her up and bring her home to see if she would be a good fit for us. I think she has helped the boys tremendously with the hole that Cinder's passing left. Hubby is another matter. He is not sure he is ready for a puppy and just wants his dog back. It has been a hard couple of days. Today he spent time with Enza and I think he will feel better about her soon. He just needs a little more time.
Then she did this, just like Cinder used to at the time the boys usually come home from school. It was a little freaky. I wasn't looking to get another puppy right away, but she needed a good home and the boys already feel like she belongs here. Her paws and legs are huge, so she may end up being quite big. She is only 4 months old and already this big. The other 2 dogs are not thrilled, but seem to tolerate her so they will be fine in time. Say a prayer to help heal our hearts.
I will save my recent refashions for the next post.

Sunshine!

2010-02-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

Yeah, the sun is shinning and it makes my mood waaaaay better. I have had a terrible cold, thus the blog silence, and I finally feel among the living again. I finished knitting another baby sweater and only have to sew the buttons on so I can gift it tomorrow. I will post that pic soon. I haven't finished my cardi yet as I seem to be working on smaller projects instead. most of them are finishing up so hopefully I will get back at it soon. Made a few more pair of underwear and repaired a few items. Not very exciting but needed to be done and is also productive. I have some new refashioning ideas from wardrobe refashion site and can't wait to give them a try. Can't seem to get up off this chair and get busy though. Bean and ham soup in the crock pot and I need to get bread dough mixed up to go with it. We'll have to wait and see if the boys eat it. I will leave you with a picture of a sock doll I made recently-no one to gift it to yet but now there is one ready if I need it.

PJ's

2010-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

My rework pile just got a little smaller. Last week I was thinking I needed some new PJs but then I remembered I had some very lightly used ones that just didn't fit the same after being washed a couple times. I hate rolling over at night and feeling a draft up my back because the top is too short. Or how about when the flannel pants shrink 3 inches after being washed? I had some fleece and knit scraps in my stash so I added a few inches to the bottom of the tops and let the hems out at the bottom of the pants. I also had 2 pair of flannel pants that were just a little too tight after being washed to be comfortable. I unpicked the side seams form the waistband down about 6-8 inches and inserted a wedge of fleece. I now have 3 new pair of pajamas. There are still 3 sets waiting in the pile, and hopefully I will get those finished tomorrow.

The top on the left is a t-shirt material and I wear it with some pants from another set that the top has some "lace" on it that didn't wash well. I cut the bottom off that top and added it to the yellow one. Now it coordinates with the pants. Perfect. The set on the right is flannel and I added strips of fleece to the top and the pants to lengthen both. So glad I have these as they are telling us another cold air mass is headed our way at the end of the week. Here is a close up of the cute snowmen and cats on these PJs. Aren't they cute? Purple is one of my favorite colors.

Since reading about refashion on the blogs, I have amassed quite a stash of clothing items waiting to be re purposed or altered. I think hubby is getting a little concerned about what I am saving all this stuff for. Some items have turned out better than others, but all have been wearable. Most have been tops/cardigans. Unfortunately I have gained a few pounds this past year and I need to take the time to sew up a few pairs of pants. This is a more involved undertaking and I can't get myself going on this. Hopefully soon. I have one pair almost all cut out and several yards of fabric for other pairs in my stash already. I need some days off without hubby home. Tomorrow is such a day, so we will see what I accomplish.

Promised Sweater

2010-01-27T12:46:00.001-08:00

Here is the sweater I promised to show you. It is a crochet design that I found on Ravelry.com. It isn't as fitted as I was hoping, but I still like it. It took a few tries to get the closures where they needed to look correct. It is a grey cotton/ramie blend from a recycled men's sweater I bought second hand. It took a while to unravel it and get it wound into balls, but I am glad I did now that I have used it. Now it is time to get off the computer and finish a sock I am crocheting to keep my feet warm. Nothing like a handmade pair of socks.

Sunshine!

2010-01-27T12:25:00.000-08:00

We finally have sun. It is so nice to see and does wonders in improving the mood. Here are a couple landscape shots from today.

This is what it looked like just 3 days ago. These are really the same views as above.

It was an ugly, blizzardy day. I attempted to go to work, but changed my mind when I got to the end of our lane and couldn't see a thing. Kind of scary. So I stayed home and crocheted. I am so ready for this winter to be done. I need to kick it in gear and get m cardi knitted so I can wear it yet this winter. Here is a close up of the yarn I am using. I was correct in the name of it being Snowflake from Hobby Lobby. It has so many flecks of color in it and I will be able to wear it with so many colors. Back is finished and the left front was started yesterday. It really goes very quickly when I sit down and work on it. I just have so many projects started and so many I want to start. I have to stop myself and finish what I have going right now.

Another Blizzard???!!!

2010-01-25T19:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know how much more winter I can take. I'm getting worried about calling in to work again to say I can't get there. Hubby tried to go to work early this a.m. and ran into a road blocked with a(big) snow drift. A few hours later I drove to the end of the lane, intending to go to work, and could hardly make out the mailbox a few feet away. It was scary enough trying to turn around and drive back down the lane. It's the worst we've had since we moved out here 9 yrs ago. Already called the boss and told her I didn't know when I'd be able to get there. Hope I don't get fired. Aside from being stressed, I almost completed one sock. I searched Ravelry for a crochet pattern and have adjusted numbers as I go along. For some reason crochet is faster than knitting for me and I have been into that lately. I am also in the process of knitting a basic cardigan I found online. I completed the back in just under a week and that is all the farther I have gotten. I used a wool blend that I purchased at Hobbylobby and it washes up nice and soft. It is a soft celery green with small flecks of color. I really like how fast and nice it is knitting up. I believe it is Snowflake, but I am too lazy to get up right now to go get the ball band. I really need to get back at it as it sounds like the temps are back into the teens this next week. Hopefully I will have more progress to show next post. I will send you off with another winter photo. Stay warm and safe.

When The Boys Are Away

2010-01-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is what Cinder (a black and silver German Shepherd) does when the boys leave for school or when hubby leaves. She has been sitting on the cedar chest and looking out the window towards the road. She will wait until they come home or wander around the house whinning. It is really pathetic. She is only content if they are all home and under her watch.

Lately she has been shedding like it was spring. We do not keep our house at an ungodly temperature. It is usually about 64 degrees. This is what I got the other morning when I brushed her. Do you see the full grown cat next to the pile of fur? I joked with my husband about saving it and spinning it into fiber. It really is soft. Don't worry, I threw it away. She leaves clumps wherever she lays. I am soooo tired of vacuuming multiple times a day.

Sweater Refashion

2010-01-21T07:32:00.000-08:00

I had taken some outcast apparel from my mother a while back and the following sweater has been languishing in a tote since then. I finally went through the tote yesterday after organizing my sewing room. Here the the first refashion in my new space.

BEFORE

It was you basic over sized pullover sweater that was very unflattering. I am sure it is from the 80's. I started by cutting it up the middle, thinking I would just make a basic cardigan. Then I decided to cut the ribbing off the bottom and slice it horizontally a few inches below the arms. I reattached the ribbing in the middle, hemmed the bottom and zigzag stitched the front edges for a lettuce finish.

AFTER

I added one button at the ribbing and I am quite pleased. When I put it on this morning to wear it, there wasn't as much definition at the waist as I wanted, so I took it in about and inch on each side and tapered up to the armholes and down to the hem. Now I will where it and feel it is a flattering fit. Love the lettuce edge! Such an easy refashion. Give it a try.

Ice Ice Baby

2010-01-20T13:42:00.000-08:00

This is what it looks like out my front window. That is a sheet of ice people. I am sooooo tired of using my vacation time at work for this crappy weather. At this rate, I won't have any left when the weather gets nice. This is also one view of my "new" sewing/craft room. I, surprisingly was able to convince my hubby that it was a much better use of space. You see, my other space was upstairs and measured about 7'x9'. Very small and not user friendly, not to mention I just didn't go up there. Instead my stuff was usually spread around the dining room so that I could do laundry and other chores in between sewing etc. We also use a corn stove to heat the house, and with the cold weather we have been having, we hung a blanket at the bottom of the stairs and in the family room doorway to help heat up the main living space. We haven't really used the living room and the family room since TV went digital. We all watch programs together in one room so the family room was just sitting there not being used. I still can't believe he let me have the room. It took a lot of talking and convincing him that we could move the computer and weights out of Hathead's room so he had more space also. That is what convinced him. This has lead to multiple trips up and down the stairs to get everything moved. The boys had to be bribed with pizza to get this all done. Whatever it takes, right?! It took us two days, but things are finally organized and I am so excited to start on my many sewing projects. Oh, and I said I could make some money with my projects and that helped win him over too. Now I have to get busy. Here are some more pics of my space.

There is a large closet that holds off season clothes and jackets/blazers. There are shelves to the left and right of the hanging clothes as well as two full length shelves above the rod. I have a small bookcase beside the desk that holds my patterns and 2 larger shelves to hold books, accessories, sewing baskets and some of my fabric stash. The rest is in the closet as well as my yarn stash. In the middle of the room is a drop leaf table for cutting and work space. I can't describe the excitement I feel at having this space to use. I am so thankful to the men in my house for letting me have this room. I promise to use it and try to keep in in some semblance of order. I have multiple things cut out already waiting to be sewn. I can't wait to expand my wardrobe and do more refashioning. I am so lucky!

Jack Frost

2010-01-15T19:55:00.001-08:00

I really hate driving in the fog, but it also produces beautiful frost clinging to everything. That includes the long winter hair on the horses.

This pictures doesn't look as cool as it really looked. The tail was the best part, but I couldn't get a good picture of it. They all kept thinking I had a treat for them so they just followed me around. You'll just have to take my word for it.

Now on to yarn news. I made to hats when we went through our deep freeze weather. One was knit and one was crocheted. I am enjoying crocheting again. I think it is faster.

Knit

Crochet

I am pretty sure these are both on ravelry. They were both quick projects. The knit cap was to be a gift to someone, but it came out too big. She has a child size head I think so I have to make her another one. I will keep it to gift to someone else in the future. The cloche is for me and I love it. It is also slightly large for me, but I still wear it. The boys laugh at me and tell me I look like an old lady, but as you can see I was able to get them to model the hats for me (after a lot of pleading). These were both made from some inexpensive acrylic yarn, but the cloche is made using I Love This Yarn and it is quite soft and works well. Next post I will show you a sweater I crocheted and completed in a weeks time. I hope to wear it soon and then I will get a picture. I have a dress that I shortened today that I think will look just right with it. I'm trying to decide if I can get away with wearing it to work tomorrow. I work in the medical field and it isn't typical for people in my line of work to wear anything other than scrubs. When I do, they think I am one of the providers (that's what we call the doctors). I wish I made that much money, but I really wouldn't like all that responsibility. I'll stick with being ancillary help. We'll see if I am brave enough because I like to wear dresses. With the much hated weight that I've gained, they are just more comfortable. I'll let you know what happens.

Cold start to a New Year

2010-01-07T18:59:00.000-08:00

More snow and bitter cold temperatures, thanks to a north wind blowing down on us today. The snow is one thing, but the cold is just brutal. It does make for nice fiber time. Right now I am in a crocheting mode. I have been feverishly working on this sweater using some recycled cotton yarn from an x-large mens sweater I got at a thrift store. It has 4 or 5 strands twisted together that are in various shades of grey. It took a little time to dismantle the sweater, but I think it will be worth it when the sweater is done. I am probably going to add some length to the body and do the sleeves in HDC with only a few rows of the shell stitch on the end of a 3/4 length sleeve. I would really like to have it done to wear this weekend. We shall see if I can accomplish that. I hope to make it to work tomorrow and with the lovely weather we're having I think it will be a long 12 hours so maybe I can get it completed.

Happy New Year!

2009-12-31T21:15:00.001-08:00

It is still 45 min. to midnight here but I figured I wish everyone a Happy one now. After this post I am off to bed. No exciting party for me. I just realized I have had this blog for over a year now. I posted pretty regular at the beginning and then slacked off quite a bit once the weather got nice. I hope to be better this year. I am getting better about taking pictures and knowing how to download them and get them to where I want without having to ask the boys every time. I just finished knitting a hat for the eldest's girlfriend and hope to get a picture soon. I also crocheted myself a cloche during our stormy Christmas and will post that as well-- before the weekend is over. I find that crochet is still quite a bit faster for me so am on the hunt for some cardigan patterns in crochet. We shall see. I have at least 3 knitting projects on the needles now with a good many in the much wanted cue using some Christmas stash enhancement.. I also have at least 1/2 doz. sewing projects cut out and waiting to be sewn. Now I want to add crochet and I haven't spun since last winter I think. Everyday life just gets in the way of creating. I will leave you with a couple pictures from our Christmas snowfall.

Ready for Christmas?

2009-12-20T10:21:00.000-08:00

I don't think I am ready for Christmas. I feel like I have run out of steam and of course I wait too long to start some of my gifts. I freezer paper stenciled some t-shirts for my nephews, but I don't seem to be able to find the pictures on my computer. That's what I get for having the b oys download them for me, you never know where they're at. I also crocheted what I called monster balls for the younger nephews. They were a hit. Just round, soft balls with legs and a face, but the boys loved them. I will post pictures when they are located. I am working on a couple of baby sweaters and I am in the mood to try and crochet some socks. I am so much faster with crochet so maybe I can get a pair completed.

Sorry for the disappearing act

2009-10-28T10:20:00.000-07:00

I have done alot of refashioning lately. I hope to show you a few here. I have made some more underwear and have 5 more pair cut out ready to sew. I used a thrifted sheet to make scrub pants for work. You should have heard them at work when I turned in the $4 receipt for reimbursement. They wished everyone was so thrifty. I also purchased a fun cowboy/western themed sheet that is cut out and ready to sew a scrub top. I hope to get that one done today so I can wear it tomorrow. This top I made from fabric I got at the second hand store. I have gotten a lot of comments on it. I have been keeping up with reading wardrobe refashion site and have gotten a few ideas for sweaters now that it has been colder outside. I'll take pictures as soon as I can. I'll post some pictures for you of my flowers when it was still warm out. I hope to make posting on here more of a regular thing this fall. Enjoy!

Summer is flying by

2009-07-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is the middle of July already. I need to add at least one more month to the summer before the kids go back to school. I just looked at the school calendar last week and the boys go back to school on Aug. 21st. It makes me slightly upset. That is during the week of a local county fair. Not the county we live in but the county my boys are in for 4-H. That means they will not be able to participate in some of the things they would normally do. Is there a reason we need to start that early in the year? I think not. My husband feels a little differently, but I will be letting the school board know how I feel. This also makes me feel like the rest of the summer will be rushed. Not very relaxing.

Onto some recent fashions. I knit this cute little sweater for a coworker who was expecting her first child. Obviously she knew she was having a girl. I also knew she would appreciate a handmade garment and she loved it. It is small toddler size so I will have to wait a while before I get to see her in it, but I know I liked receiving gifts that I could save for later. I know I should link the website where I got the pattern, but I am too lazy to go search out the pattern. It was a free pattern and if you really want it jut leave me a comment and I will find it for you. I was very happy how it turned out. It was fun to knit something small and girly. I don't get to do that much.

Next post I will show you some of the new additions to our animal family. Enjoy your summer!

Still here

2009-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence. Between a busy life and computer issues I haven't been around. There has been a lot of sewing and a little knitting going on around here. Unfortunately, Maggie is no longer with us. Her medical issues compounded quickly and we had to put her out of her misery. She was a good dog and protected her boy as much as she thought she should. We miss her but know she is out of pain now.

Here my first BSJ. I say the first because I am sure there will be more in the future. The recipient loved it and said it was perfect for her little guy. I did not put buttonholes in it, instead I sewed on elastic loops for the buttons. I like the way it turned out.

Next up is one of my favorite wardrobe refashions. If you are of a delicate nature you may want to skip this one. I took some really soft t-shirts that weren't getting used as much as they should.

I made a pattern from my favorite pair of ready made underwear and cut up the t-shirts. I took some other underwear that were in my drawer that didn't fit right and cut the nice elastic off to use on my handmade ones. I have a total of about 6 or 8 pairs and rarely wear any others. They are so soft and fit me great. I plan on making more in the future as needed. Try it, you'll like it.

I will try to post more regularly in the future.

Dog update

2009-04-04T06:26:00.000-07:00

Maggie is still limping along, only it's the left leg that is giving her trouble now. ( For those of you, I ran over her on Friday the 13th) I noticed yesterday that she has some lumps on her right hip, but they don't seem to bother her when I press on them. I don't know how much longer I'll let her keep struggling. She just has so many issues and I don't think it's fair to make her suffer. We have had a few nice spring days and she has enjoyed those by laying outside in the sun.
On to knitting updates. The socks are still a UFO. The reason for that is I started a BSJ finally. Two girls I work with are due to have babies this spring so I figured it was the perfect time. So far it is going well. Yesterday was very productive on the refashioning front. I recently cleaned out the closet and took out a few t-shirts that had shrunk in length. Perfect for making some new underwear. I also cut the elastic off of some underwear that had just been sitting in the drawer because they just didn't fit right. Voila! 4 new pair of underwear that fit me great and are so comfy soft. The t-shirts I used had some lycra in them so they are perfect for this application. I used an existing pair that I liked and traced a pattern from them. It has worked well and I now have 6 pair I love and a couple others (my first attempts) that are wearable. I will post pictures soon, I promise. I just didn't have time to download the pictures this morning. The boys have solo band contest this morning and then I'm off to work.

Friday the 13th

2009-03-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

Wow! Time really flies. I don't even know where it has gone. I thought the day (for a Friday the 13th) was going pretty well, until this evening. I went to pull my car in the garage and I ran over one of our dogs. I think she's o.k. but I feel sooooo BAD. She already has enough problems. she's old and the others started picking on her so bad we had to bring her in the house. Her back right leg is pretty sore, but looks normal. She is stiff and has a hard time moving as it is and now I have to help her get up on her legs and then she can start moving. Morning is going to be rough I'm afraid. We had a couple of really cold days after freezing rain and moments of blizzard like weather but things are finally warming up. Our garden seeds arrived in the mail the other day and I need to start planning the garden. I am so ready for spring and everyone had better help with this garden. A nearby town is having a freezing and canning seminar at the community center and I happen to have the evening off. That means we need to purchase a much needed freezer. Maybe with our stimulus money. Won't get started on that. I really want to get the boys to eat better and I haven't been a very good example. I love vegetables, but I didn't make the kids eat them after they started on table food. I'll just keep offering them and when they are fresh from the garden, even better.

I have been knitting, but no FO's. Working on socks with a Chevron pattern, trying a knitting loom and making a rectangular shawl, and a difficult to describe shawl/sweater based on one a coworker was wearing. I'll leave you with a kitty shot. They love each other. The black one is named Tux, because he has a patch of white under his chin and on his belly. He sticks to himself and doesn't seem to require much from us. The orange one is Cosmo and he got sent back to the barn this week. He was spraying and I could never catch him at it but we knew it was him. Now Tux is around and wants to lay by us more. I think is enjoying not being tackled by Cosmo everyday. He is blind in one eye and I don't know if he will be as good a mouser as Cosmo. We'll see. Have a good rest of the day.

Wardrobe Refashion

2009-02-28T09:21:00.000-08:00

I love doing refashions! With the state of the economy, this is essential for me to feel like I have a "new" wardrobe. Most of my ideas have been seen elsewhere on the net (lots of surfing). Sometimes at work there are used scrubs that people are tired of or are not the right size anymore. A while back there was quite a large pile of x-large and 2XL tops. I like the prints and figured I could just size them down to fit and be a little more flattering.

Here are 2 that I did using a uniform top pattern I had already. The purple one had set-in sleeves so I cut them off and reattached at the appropriate size after removing the excess fabric. I also added a piece of elastic on the back to bring is in at the waist to make a more flattering shape. The floral one I just took in the sides all the way up and into the sleeve as it was all one piece. Then I took some bias tape and attached it for an empire waist and also put a couple tucks underneath it to take in a little more of the fabric. These tops were FREE and took very little time to resize. They are some of my favorites as they have more of a shape than my store bought uniform tops. I have made a couple of scrub tops using the Ellinor pattern from Burdastyle.com. I added inseam pockets and sewed the front center seam a little higher at the neckline. I used elastic at the empire waist. I really like these tops except that the upper sleeves are little restrictive. Does anyone have a tip to fix this problem? The darker one is my favorite as it is Tinker Bell. Fun scrubs are allowed at work and we do not have to match each other as I am the only tech in my area. Gotta love Tink! Hope this inspires someone else to do a little wardrobe refashioning.

Alpaca

2009-02-28T07:24:00.001-08:00

I hope you can see this yarn. It is my handspun alpaca/silk blend. It took a little net surfing to figure out how to spin this soft fiber. As I've said, I'm a fairly new spinner and had only worked with wool until I acquired this fiber. It was a whole different experience. At first I was a little frustrated and wasn't sure I'd made a good purchase. Then I found a some info and spinning from the fold. That was the trick. I was still a little unsure of the end product I was achieving. Well, after I plyed it and gave it a quick soak, it bloomed and plumped and I love it. I was pretty proud of the end product. I got approximately 145 yards of 2ply out of 4 oz. I'd guess it is between a sport weight and a worsted weight. I haven't done a wpi yet, but i did make my own yardage measure that doubles as a "spool" holder for plying. I only have a drop spindle right now and then I wrap my fiber onto empty toilet paper rolls. One full wrap around the outside pegs is one yard. When I want to ply, I place each roll on a peg then they spin freely so I can ply. I have only done 2 ply so far, but I hope to acquire some more fiber soon and I will work on trying to spin finer so I can maybe try 3 ply or if I'm feeling brave, maybe Navajo ply for some sock yarn. We'll see what happens, but I need to finish the alpaca and am planning on knitting a wrap with it. Did I say I was proud of myself? I soooooo am. This could become a major obsession. It is so transportable to take to work to do during downtime.

Socks

2009-02-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

I have sock yarn in my carry around bag that has been there for 2 weeks and they still aren't started. I have been obsessed with spinning. If I could afford to buy a spinning wheel I would have one, much to my husbands regret I'm sure. He's already cranky about the yarn stuff laying buy my chair as it is. I have only been spinning since Christmas and it is all I can think about. It just amazes me how I can do this and I'm getting happier with my results.

Back to socks.

These 2 pair actually both fit me. The green pair is very stretchy and are very cushy and comfy. The other pair was supposed to be superwash but seem to have felted and shrunk a little since I took this picture. I guess I will have to hand wash them in the future. I hope they still fit. I really love wearing my own homemade socks and need to get busy and knit a few more pairs. I only have 5 pair with one being a bulky slipper pair that I am wearing right now. They were the first pair I knit using kitchen cotton. Unfortunately my husband doesn't understand my pride and is embarrased of the colorful socks. Maybe I will knit him a pair and then he will understand. Not sure I'm ready to put the effort in not knowing if he will appreciate them. We'll see. My times up since I have to share the computer. More later.

Going digital

2009-02-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

Well, we hooked up our digital converter box, which only cost $9.95 after the government rebate. It was the amped up antenna that cost $40 that was the kicker. But, I tell you what, it really makes a difference, even if it looks like something from outer space. http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A0642818&cs=19&c=us&l=en&dgc=SS&cid=39715&lid=1003762We get several PBS channels and I'm hoping that one of them will have Knitting Daily TV on other than at 3am. I would really like to catch an episode. Tonight I plied some of the alpaca/silk blend I have been spinning. I love how it turned out. It is so light and soft. I did some research today and found out a little about having a balanced twist. I think I did a better job than the wool I plied this weekend, though I am very happy with it also. I need to get some more so I have enough yardage to actually knit something with it. I should have enough of the alpaca/silk for at least a small wrap. I can't wait. It will probably be warming up before I get it done. I'm not even finished with the first 4 oz. yet. I'm really enjoying spinning it. I promise to get pictures posted as soon as Technoboy helps me with the hard drive.

Finally!

2009-02-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Finally it's friday. It seems like this week took forever. i had 3 very late nights and I am feeling so fried. I don't know how much I will get done today. I would like to just go back to bed, but I'm going to try real hard to not do that. I do have to go out and fill the horses water tank, but someone left the hose out so it was all froze. Do you know how heavy hoses that are frozen are? It was a workout just to get it rolled up and hauled into the house to thaw. I think it is thawed enough so I should probably go do that. One of the boys is having a friend over tonight so it will probably just be a pizza night. I want to construct a piece so I can measure out my handspun yarn and also be able to put my toilet paper wrapped rolls on to attempt to do some plying. I have the dowels cute thanks to Hathead, but I need to find an appropriate length of 2x4 to drill holes in to insert the dowels. I will post a picture when I get it constructed. Unfortunately I am having issues accessing my back-up drive so I can't post any pictures right now. i will have to wait for one of the boys to help me out after school. I'll just leave it at this for now.

Socks- Finished

2009-02-03T12:46:00.000-08:00

1 more pair of socks finished. Since I can't surf the net at work as much as I used to, I knit during downtime. That makes a total of 5 pairs. I know it's not very many, but I love them. I have 2 more pairs in the que. I hope I can get at least one more pair done before it is sandal weather. I also finished the last pair of 4 sleep pants I promised the boys from Christmas. I'm not sure what took so long. It wasn't like it takes very long to sew up sweatpants. I'm glad they're done because that means I can sew something for me next. I do have a couple of presents to get sewn, but I think It's my turn next so I can keep up the momentum. I think this jacket is next. I have a blue linen look material with yellow and maroon floral pint to use. I wanted to get it done today, but I don't have it cut out yet and it is already 3pm. We'll see how much gets accomplished. Not much if I don't move away from the computer. I'll post a finished picture soon.

Like I need Anymore!

2009-01-29T12:20:00.001-08:00

I went to Hancock Fabrics on my lunch hour today, just because it was convenient to some of the other errands I had to run. Well, Butterick patterns were on sale for $1.99 and I looked at the book. Like I need anymore patterns. A coworker just gave me about 10 from the 70's and I have purchased probably 6 others in the last 6 months alone. I am sure I will never have time to make all of them even though I probably have enough fabric in my stash to make a good attempt. Anyway, I have some fuchsia sweater knit type fabric that I was going to use another pattern for a jacket that I have already used twice before. I like the pattern. It is fairly easy. I just thought it was time to try something else, so I went looking and came up with this. View A&B are using a sweater knit fabric and I would like to make the longer version if I have enough yardage. I don't recall if I purchased 2 or 2 1/2 yards. I also like view C&D only with a straight hem. Of course, I also purchase this one. I think I would like to make one of the tops using some of the fabric from the kits I blogged about a couple of posts ago. The solid fabric is a nice double knit, but I don't know if there is enough yardage. This will probably cause me to purchase new fabric. Millend Textiles did send me some coupons for 60% off one cut. Might have to use that. So much to sew so little time. Too bad I can't afford to be a stay-at-home mom so there is more sewing and knitting time. Such is life.

What a Crock!

2009-01-29T05:02:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the IT guys at work. Most of the websites have been blocked on the work computers. I can't read any blogs, watch any videos, movies or TV shows. I know, I know, I'm supposed to be working, but there is quite a bit of downtime some days during my 12 hour workday. I am so bummed. I like to catch up on all the blogs that led me to wanting to have my own and now I have to try and find time at home. That leaves less crafting time. Not fair! I also can't catch up on the shows I miss while working evenings and weekends. What a crock! I'm hoping maybe it is only temporary because the computer wasn't working quite right today. I guess I will just have to work on my socks instead. It was just nice to have the background programs going on while I knit.
On to more interesting stuff. Here is a small sample of some of my first spinning. A little overspun, but not bad for my first attempts. I can't wait to finish up and knit with it. I thought I would also share with you my boys. These were done while we were on vacation this last summer. We spent a fun week at Okoboji with my family. This is a series of small lakes in northwest Iowa. This is Bud. He started playing the drums his senior year in high school. You can only do that in a small town. He is kind of a natural. I'm proud of him. He gets this nickname from when he was little. My dad always called him Bud said like on The Cosby Show from the 80's.

This is Technoboy. I decided to nickname him this because he is the one I always go to if/when I have a computer question. He seems to always be able to figure it out for me and is patient in showing me repeatedly how to do the same thing over and over again.

This is my youngest ( by a few minutes), Hat head. He usually has a Denver Bronco
cap on, except for this day. He was in trouble and his punishment was to not have his hat for the day. It almost killed him, I swear. That is the only reason he doesn't have it on in the drawing.

Hathead and Technoboy are identical twins. I enjoy looking at these pictures because the artist did a great job of showing their differences. I see them everyday, but when I see them in photographs I see the likeness they have. Sometimes it is tough to tell them apart in photos except they have different taste in clothes and I can usually remember who wore what. Hathead is very picky about what he wears and only has a few specific things he'll wear. He will wash a small load of his clothes every couple days just so he can have his favorites. If he wants to do it, more power to him.

Well I am being harassed again for the computer. Thanks for letting me rant and share.

2009-01-29T04:44:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a while again, but like I said, I need my own computer. It's awful trying to share with 3 other people. Hubby has a control issue especially when it comes to the laptop. So, I will finally show you the last 2 hats I made for Christmas presents. The first is a stranded colorwork (my first) Thorpe hat.

The second is the one for Bud's girlfriend. As I posted before there were numerous false starts before the final product. It looks huge, but I tried it on as I went. I'm not sure if she likes it or not but she picked out the pattern.
I think it's pretty cute. She has quite a few hats so I hope it goes into her rotation. I have been working on her sweater but the last couple of nights have been unproductive. I seem to be in a little bit of a slump. I think it is my winter depression. I need some sun and outside time. It happens every year about this time and I feel like winter started early and it is lasting forever. I shouldn't live in the midwest, but here is home. I'll make it. I always do. I did do some sewing the last 2 days. I made Hathead's pajama pants and have Technoboy's second pair cut out and ready to sew. I also purchased some linen type fabric with a larger floral pattern on it for $1.29 a yard. I spent time the other night going through my patterns and chose a nice 3/4 sleeve jacket to make from it. I hope to have that done before a surprise birthday party for a good friend in a week. It will have to wait until after the weekend because I have to work again. Speaking of, it is time to leave . Have a good day.

I want my own computer!!!!

2009-01-22T13:56:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to get computer time at home so I can catch up on my blogging. First, I had to wait my turn so I could download the pictures I had been taking. Second, hubby says he needs to check on something. Then, it ends up back in the hands of the kids. UGH! Hubby doesn't understand the whole blogging thing I started. I'm not sure I can explain it to him. Between working, kids and the commute there just doesn't seem to be time (or money) to really keep up friendships. I work with some great gals and we get along good and have nice chats, but it rarely goes outside of work, mainly because I live 35 miles from where I work. I know, make a little effort, but that means valuable time and usually money. Gas was terrible a few months ago so I didn't do anything extraand now I'm in the habit and a fraid the prices will skyrocket again.
Unfortunately, we live paycheck to paycheck and we own horses. That takes a good size chunk of our income. I wouldn't give up watching my boys ride and it is the one thing we do as a family when the summer comes. Back to the topic, I really don't feel i have any close friends that share my crafty interests. Like I said, we have horses and the kids are in 4-H so there are those families we enjoy in the winter. They are all at least 45 min away from where we live. We did try to sell our house last year so we could move closer to where these friends live, but after a year on the market we called it quits. That was not a fun year. Very stressful.
I read blogs in my spare time at work and knit on my breaks, but there isn't really anyone else who shares that passion with me. There are a couple of dablers, but they are the garter stitch scarf makers and that's it. I've tried to steer them along, but they aren't interested really. I enjoy being at home and sewing and knitting. Gardening and horses when the weather is nice. But, that still doesn't include other people. My husband doesn't like to go places much and I get lonely. I need to express myself to other people who will understand and hopefully not judge. I guess that is what I hope to gain here. I don't know if anyone has found my blog yet, but I am enjoying getting myself out there and maybe in time someone will find me. There is so much i feel I have to say and share and would like to try. I don't think he gets that. He has a good buddy that drives truck, so they are able to talk on the phone during the day quite a bit. I can do that with my sister and my mom, but they are a few hours away. I seem to be more comfortable with the computer talking thing. I am able to use the computer at work but the pictures are on the laptop at home and some websites are blocked at work. It's not the same. I hope to get some computer time at home tonight. I need to list some things on ebay and share some photos with you here. Thanks for listening.

I'm Still Here

2009-01-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

It's amazing how fast the days fly by. I can't believe it is past the middle of January already. We have had a lot of snow and freezing temperatures. I think we had quite a few days of below zero temps. 20F feels warm after that.

I went to our local Savers thrift store before Christmas and picked up to of these packages that included 2 different knits along with matching ribbing. I think there is enough for a nice top in each of these. they were only $2.50 each. Solid knit is what I think would be considered a double knit. It is nice and heavy. There is a little more yardage of the stripes which is a thinner knit. I need to just find the right pattern for these now. I have a few patterns I also picked up that day for 75cents each. Then a gal I work with brought me several of her mother's after they cleaned some things out. Most of them are from the 70's and a few from the 80's. I was really excited about them. Now if there was just more time in the day to work on my project list. I will show you a picture of my sewing desk later. I have been doing a little shopping on ebay and purchased 4 nice sweaters a week ago for less than $20 including shipping. I have to stop looking as I just won a lot of 11 tops for $15. I need to list some items that I took pictures of last night to support my habit. There is only one probem, I don't have a scale to weigh the packages so I can say how much shipping will be. I need to invest in one. I usually just weigh myself at work and haven't needed one at home. I hope to get these things listed by this weekendso I can have a little cash. I will leave you with a parting shot of a some of our pets. Here are Daisy, Reba and Cosmo.

2009-01-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

It was another ordinary day, and that's o.k. I spent the day getting ready to go house sit with Bud for some of the best friends anyone could ask for. He will take care of the horse chores and I will help take care of the cats and dogs. They are needing some time together. He drives truck and she is going to go out on the road with him for a few days. They put up with Bud and all his anticks. He has pretty much lived with them off and on for the last few years. He has been helping them out this winter since she is alone a lot and that is tough. Especially when you have 20 horses to take care of and everything else that goes along with living on an acreage in the winter especially. This means quite a few nights of knitting time for me. Yeah! I hope to have some FO's to show you at the end of next week. I also plan on doing so spinning during the next week also. I'm really addicted. I have to tell myself that I need to complete the house cleaning first and then I can spin. It's terrible. I can't wait to get it all spun so I can knit something with it. It's a vicious cycle. Well, I better get the boys to help me get our chores done so I can head on over to our friends.

I'm Addicted!

2009-01-04T12:27:00.000-08:00

I got a drop spindle for Christmas and I am hooked. I finally got a chance to sit down and spin a couple of small skeins last night. I'm hooked. I puchased a drop spindle and roving from Annie Mae on ebay. She might have an etsy store also. I also purchased some roving from etsy. I will find the store and post it with pictures of my itty bitty skeins. I am so hooked. Now I need to investigate how to ply. I think I might stick to some single ply knitting for right now and work of the plying later. My hubby will distressed to know that I will now have to stock up on more fiber. Like I said, I am now addicted. If anyone out there knows of a good site to help me better my spinning skills and learn to ply, I would appreciated it.

Dreary Day Perfect for Crafting

2009-01-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

It is another dreary, grey day. Perfect to stay inside and work on the long list of projects I need to complete. First, another Christmas present. I made a pair of soft shoes for my youngest nephew. Unfortunately I don't remember where I came aross this pattern and had lost the assembly instructions. I managed to work my way through it on my own and I think they came out well.

The soles are cut from an 80's bomber jacket that I had. It has had lots of use by me, then by Bud and then by Hathead(that's my youngest-never without his hat). I am disassembling it to be used for, hopefully, many of these soft shoes. The tops are a fine corduroy and lined with a fun cotton robot print. I had also used these same 2 fabrics to make his older brother a messenger bag for his birthday this past summer. I, of course, do not have a picture of that fabulous bag. It has inside divided pockets and an outside back pocket. I wanted to make sure it had a place for all his games and necessities for his PSP.

I finished Bud's GF's hat yesterday after 4 false starts. I had to keep ripping back until I got the right circunference and then I crocheted even until I got the right length before adding earflaps. I will post a picture after I have given it to her. Hope it's what she was expecting. I will give you all the specifics in that following post.

Well, I best get a little laundry and cleaning done and then start on that long project list.

New Year!

2009-01-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

I can't wait until this weekend. I need a nap and it is only 10a.m. I ended up working on New Years Eve even though it would have just been hubby and me at home for a nice quiet evening, but the boss lady needed help and made an offer I couldn't refuse. Not to mention, I felt I owed her since she ended working for me when I was sick awhile back and then had to get coverage for me during a snowy day on a weekend to boot. Soooo, I worked and was home in bed by 11p.m. Exciting I know but I had to work New Years Day as well. That is one of the holidays I chose to work this year. Now if I can just get through today I plan on sleeping in tomorrow. Work was very slow yesterday, so I caught up on a little blog reading and restarted Bud's GF's hat for the third time. It was coming out too big (no I didn't swatch) and just wasn't looking right. It was a free pattern from Lion Brand so I signed on and only then did I realize that the pattern stated that the picture was shown from the crochet pattern. No wonder it wasn't looking the same. Well, since I didn't have my crochet needles with me I had to call it quits. I watched a movie on Hulu and watched the clock until I could go home. It wasn't until I was laying in bed that I remembered that I had a sock in progress in my bag that I could have been working on. Bummer! I have been wishing they were done so I could keep my feet toasty warm and then I forgot all about them being in my bag. I swear my brain is losing cells by the second these days. Completely fried! I also plan on starting back up with the exercising tomorrow. The elliptical is being moved back up from the basement and put where the Christmas tree was (yes we took it sown already due to the cats insisting on playing ring-around-the-rosy under it) so it is staring me in the face. I think I will start with my mini-trampoline first and work myself up to the elliptical. I feel very fat and out of shape and think I need to start small. Of course I need to quit eating all the Christmas goodies that are left. One step at a time. Wish me luck!

Survival

2008-12-29T16:06:00.000-08:00

I feel like I could use a few days to recover from the holiday. There just seems to be so much to do when we get together with my family and the time is so short. We like to play games, video and card as well as other games. It can get pretty loud and crazy at times depending on which game is on the table. Always lots of fun and an abundance of food. My SIL likes to bake so there was a wide variety of goodies including fudge, pie and a variety of cookies. I think I will wait to step on the scale for a week or so. The handmade gifts were well received. I was a little worried. My MIL liked her shawl made out of Malabrigo. This was the first time I used this yarn and now I know of which the resst of you speak. I hope I can afford to make a sweater out of it sometime in the near future. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of it. I did get a picture of the hats I made for my nephews and brother.

I have one more to make and that is the 2 colorwork pattern which is a first for me. It is coming along quite well. I am a little proud of myself. Next up, I will try to tackle cables. I made the mistake of letting Bud's girlfriend go through my patterns and pick out a sweater she would like. She picked a zip-front cardigan with cables. It is probably the most difficult pattern I own. It is very cute, but I hope I can accomplish it. Of course, she also picked to have me do it in black. UHGGGG! Nothing like a challenge right?! I guess I won't be done with Christmas presents for a while yet. Well, I better get back to knitting. I'll post more Christmas pictures next time.

Presents......Done!

2008-12-23T11:33:00.000-08:00

The Christmas shopping is done. Most of the extended family are getting handmad gifts. That didn't leave much time for me to think about knitting for the boys. I don't think they will be too disappointed. I do plan on making them all something after Christmas. With the way this winter is going, there is still plenty of knitting weather left. We have had nothing but snow and wind every other day, I swear! Needless to say, I hadn't bought a single gift for them, until yesterday. I made a trip to town with a list in hand-that hubby and I had agreed upon-and got it all done in a little over 2 hours and with one stop. Yes folks, that's right. I only went to one store. Walmart. I would love to support the small town shop owners, but I can't afford them most of the time and they don't have what I want. I couldn't even find a pair of winter gloves for Mr. T anywhere in our small town. That is just ridiculous. It's December people! I was pretty proud of myself and Mr. T liked what I bought, even if he wasn't thrilled about me going a little over budget. But seriously, $20 was for taxes alone and then I spent $20 on him and replace my snow boots that lost a zipper pull in the storm this weekend while I was taking care of chores. They are fake Uggs and are distressed silver. He thinks they look funny, but he's a guy and not that up on current fashion trends. Plus, they were cheap($12). Of course, that left the wrapping to be done, all by myself on top of doing all the shopping, by myself. Granted, I like to shop, but I don't like to wrap so much and hubby really dislikes gift bags. That is all done also and I am glad. I think the boys were beginning to wonder if they were going to get anything. They were extremely goofy last night. Since I did all of that, it leaves the housecleaning to him before his mother comes next weekend. We'll see how he does. I work a 12hr day today and then the boys and I head to my sisters early tomorrow while hubby works. No time to clean if I had to shop and wrap by myself. Sounds fair to me.
Everyone travel safe for the holidays and enjoy the ones you love!

Gusty with Gusto!

2008-12-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

I was supposed to work the entire weekend, but Mother Nature had different plans. The winds are really starting to get to me. Today was bitter cold on top of things, but I finally made it to work late this afternoon. I did get some pretty pictures of the snow that I will post when I get them downloaded. There were pluses and minuses to be stuck at home. I was able to finish my Christmas presents and get them wrapped, but I have to use 25 hours of my vacation time to get my full paycheck. On top of that, the heater in my SVU can't keep it warm when it is below zero. I wouldn't have never gotten out of our driveway if it weren't for said SUV, which I love other than the heat issue and the low gas mileage. I guess there are trade offs with everything. I am glad to have my presents finished. That leaves tomorrow for cleaning the house. So much fun!
I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas andHappy Holidays and I will, hopefully, have pictures to show of the handmade gifts when I return after Christmas. Stay safe and God Bless!

Winter

2008-12-17T14:08:00.001-08:00

This is what it looked like at my house yesterday. Other than it being freezing cold and blowing like a banshee, the snow that was falling was beautiful. The flakes were so fluffy and HUGE. I don't mind the snow, it's just the cold and the wind that makes it miserable. Today is above zero with much less wind, but I think tomorrow is supposed to snow again and the temperature will drop.

As far as knitting goes, I just finished a scarf for a friend for Christmas. It is the Chevron Scarf from Scarf Style. They have some really cute accessories in this book. I recommend checking it out.

I hope you can see the stitch definition. It is hard to capture black yarn accurately. I wanted to use a really nice yarn, but the budget didn't allow so I found a nice acrylic, yes I used acrylic, called Love This Yarn. It was less than $3.00 and comes 355yds to a skein so it took just one skein for a decent length scarf. She is a shorter gal so I think this will be just right. I have been trying to make as many gifts as possible for this Christmas. It has added a little stress, but I have to finish knitting one hat and add some fleece to the inside. I will hopefully have a picture of my 3 nephews in their Thorpe hats at Christmas. My oldest- he'll be known as Bud- said that they needed a tassle on top, so I will be adding that, hopefully, this weekend along with their linings. I hope I get everything done and wrapped in time. I do need to knit one more, the patterned one, but that one doesn't have to be done until after Christmas. I wish I had more time. Don't we all.

Good luck getting all your presents done in time for the holidays.

BRRRRR!

2008-12-15T16:43:00.000-08:00

That says it all. I don't think the temperature reached zero today. My car doesn't like this cold weather and I felt like a popscicle by the time I got to work. My car just can't seem to warm it up much when it is that cold. It doesn't sound like it is going to be much better the rest of the week and they are talking snow tomorrow. Yesterday we just cuddled up in the family room and lit the fireplace. I love sitting in front of a blazing fire when the wind is howling outside. I felt sorry for my hubby (let's call him Mr. T) who had to go out and take care of the horses and chickens. We didn't even let the horses out of the barn this morning because they really don't have any shelter where we keep them in winter. So they got to spend the day in the cozy barn until the boys got home from school and then they let them out for a couple hours, until Mr. T got home from work. I have to work a long day today (8:30 a.m.-9p.m.) so I am keeping my fingers crossed and saying my prayers that the beast starts when it is time to go home tonight. It is not happy to sit outside all day in this frigid climate. I was going to try and figure out how to download pictures from the camera so I could add some to my post, but the computer seemed to be running extremely slow and with the boys home, I am lucky to get 5 min. on the thing. It is easier to just wait until the rest of the family is gone. That will be tomorrow. I have only the next 2 days to get the house clean, presents wrapped -after they are finished-and maybe some cookies backed before the kids and I head to my sisters for Christmas. Mr. T has to work so we will celebrate with him and his mother the weekend after Christmas. I don't know if the house will stay clean that long. Hubby said he would help and he does have that friday to tidy things up while we're driving home and before his mom comes on Sat.

I did get the scarf knitted for a friend that Mr. T works with. I forgot to see if he remembered to take it with him this morning. I did get a picture of it along with the Thorpe hats for my nephews. Pictures to come I promise. My mom so graciously loned me one of her digital cameras to use through the holidays. I'm still trying to figure everything out on it, but things are going well. Hopefully I will be able to get the computer to communicate with it and not have to ask one of the boys to help me. We'll see. Check tomorrow's post to see how I did.

Weather

2008-12-11T09:37:00.000-08:00

Things have been a little bizaare on the weather front lately. Earlier this week we had a little snow. All pretty and white but I hate having the commute to work. I drive roughly 30mi one way. Yesterday morning the temperature was a whopping 10F, which is a little chilly for this time of year typically. By late afternoon it was 35. This morning they were talking about the possibility of rain. By the end of the week they are talking lows in the single digits. I wish Mother Nature would make up her mind. I prefer things a little warmer with just a light dusting of snow on Christmas Eve. The freezing cold can stay up north if I had my way. It is tough to get the horses to leave the barn in the morning when it is that cold and of course the dogs don't want to leave the house in the morning either. We have to purposely ignore the scratching at the door to be let back in or they wouldn't stay out long enough to complete their business. I promise I will get some pictures on this blog soon. If you are like me, a little color is nice to have with the reading. Like I said yesterday, I am still trying to figure this all out. I'll learn.

Stay warm!

Welcome!

2008-12-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my new blog. I have been a blog reader for quite some time and finally decided it was time to enter this blogger world. I hope that I have enough to share that will keep you interested. I am not very computer literate, so bear with me in my travels through this world and as I learn all there is to learn about blogging. I'm sure I will be having to ask one of my boys how to do things quite frequently as they are much more knowledgable than I am. You will be hearing about them quite a bit, i'm sure. My oldest is 18 and a senior in high school. He tries my patience the most, but has a kind heart and is not always aware of the stress he causes me. At 18 he doesn't think I should worry about him so much. That is not something us mothers have much control over, is it? My other 2 boys are twins and they are 14. They are identical but their personalities and interests vary quite a bit. We never treated them as "twins". They have always just been "the boys". I think that has taught them to be individuals. More about them in future posts. I live in South Dakota with my husband and several pets. You will be hearing about our dogs and horses on this blog and I have been pestering my husband to start a new adventure and obtain a couple of alpacas. This stems from the knitting side of things of course. Who wouldn't want to raise their own fiber I say?! I think that is long enough for introductions. I will try to upload some photos and things to help introduce myself and the many projects I have going on right now. Busy time of year and I am trying to make as many of the Christmas presents myself as I can. This is causing a little stress, but hopefully we'll all pull through.