Brody Knits

It's been a while

2010-05-08T20:42:00.002-05:00

Well lets see... Halloween came and gone. I got some stuff knitted for Christmas. In December I got engrossed in the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon. Awesome series. I just finished the last book Thursday night. I am alittle depressed that I don't have Jamie and Claire to read about now. I'll have to wait about 1-2 years before the next book. It took me 5 months to read 7 books with about 1400 pages per book. Very good!!!

Back in March our computer quit. Couldn't even turn it on. We decided to buy an Apple. Love it! Hubby did fix the other computer. The power supply went out in it. Now we have 2 computers and there's no more fighting over who gets it first.

School is almost over and I can't wait. The end of the school year is like pulling teeth. I am so done with the whole going to pick the kids up and doing homework. I know the boys are ready. We are all just getting burnt out.

In 11 days is my 15 year anniversary. My hubby and I have been together since high school and we got married when I was 20 and he was 22. It doesn't seem like we've known each other for 20 years. It's amazing how time flies. I actually think that I love him more now then I did when we got married. Is that possible? He's an awesome father and husband. He's a great provider and doesn't complain about anything. He's a terrific man. Words can't describe the feelings I have for him.

Last month hubby's mom moved to Arkansas. We may go to visit them this summer. We will have to wait and see. The boys didn't do baseball this year. They both decided they didn't want to. So I can see the summer being filled with a ton of boys at my house. The only downfall to this summer is Brock's birthday is Father's Day this year. I wanted him to have a sleep over so it may have to be the Friday before.

That's about it for now. Knitting wise I am working on 2 baby blankets. They are both having boys so I have a lot of blue things coming. Actually one blanket is white because I didn't know what Bailey was having at the time I started it. The second one if for a friend of mine sister in law. They like the Chicago Bears, so Layne decided she wanted Bears colors. The blanket is looking good. Shawls have been put on hold til I get these 2 done.

Until next time...

It feels like fall

2009-10-26T07:50:00.005-05:00

This is going to be a very picture intense post. Things have been busy. Cody started Chess after school at the public Library on Monday and Tuesdays. It's a battle every morning to get Brock to go to school. He's only in 1st grade and he is already difficult. When will it stop?

This isn't the best picture in the bunch but it shows both of the boys' pumpkins. Brock's is the ghost with the headstone and Cody's is the other ghost. Cody did his all by his self and is mighty proud of it. We carved them Saturday night and Sunday morning Brock woke me to ask if we can light them. He's so impatient sometimes.

This bush is up by our house and every fall it turns a reddish-pink color. Hubby took this picture the other day because the color was so much more vivid than previous years. I love this bush and want to get pictures of the boys by it before all the leaves fall off. The trees have all finally turned colors and it is so pretty.

Cody's modeling this Chevron scarf because it is for his teacher. He picked the color because it's his teacher's favorite color. I loved the way it turned out. I hope she likes it. I am making the Old Shale Scarf for Brock's teacher but it isn't done yet. Soon though. I would like to finish several things for my nieces and nephews first.

I made this for myself of course. It's the Love Bites scarf. The yarn is the Twilight colorway and I plan on wearing it next month to see the New Moon movie. Hubby and I and a close couple of ours already have a no kid date night planned. Dinner then the movie. It will be the first time in over a year going out without the kids. Can't wait! Then the same friend, she wants to take her daughter to see it, so we will take the older kids after we see it first.

This is for my niece for Christmas. The Swing Thing. I started with the second increase as my cast on, thanks to some fellow Ravelers who recommended it. I then felted it because it was way to big. It will be a nice coat for Spring and Fall. I hope she likes it. I made the 2-3 year old size and like I said was way to big. Now I think it will fit her this Spring. I have one more of these to make for my other baby niece. It only took about 4 days to make so hopefully I'll start it soon.

I have a lot of projects that need to get done. I want something handmade for all my nieces and nephews and time is running out. I hope I can make my deadline.

All the patterns I've done are on my projects page. I didn't feel like linking today. I have things to sew for my dad and knitting to do before Christmas. So happy knitting!

Not Much

2009-08-28T07:26:00.003-05:00

School has started a week and a half ago and I've been so busy. I've been busy canning from the garden and helping a friend can since this is her first time. Also I watched another friend of mine's little boy. He is so cute and such a good baby. I will have him again a couple of times next week because they are going to be painting there brand new house and she doesn't want him in the smell.

Today, I need to do beans and juice my tomatoes. So another weekend of cooking tomato sauce is on it's way. With all this going on I've neglected the laundry and house work. Knitting has been a nightly thing. I have startitis really bad. So last night I casted on for the Best Friends Scarf in Malabrigo Silk Wool in Blackberry. I love the color. It's a nice dark purple. So soft. I was going to make it for one of my good friend's birthday (she love purple) but I still have teachers to think about. I thought about making scarves for the teachers but don't yet.

Well the kids need to get ready for school so I should go. Hopefully I'll have more next time.

So Long

2009-07-27T08:17:00.005-05:00

Boy, it's been a while since I last posted. So far this summer has been about lace for me. I don't know why, but it seems like every new year I start out knitting lace. Well this year it has stayed with me.

MiaBella I love. This shawl I knit with Malabrigo lace and have to say I am in love. This is the first time I've knit with this yarn and I won't quit either. It's so soft and yummy. The color in watergreen (I believe). I still have 1 skein left and am not sure what to do with it yet.

This last shawl is Spring Swirl Surprise. I knit it with Knit Pick Bare lace weight. I love this shawl. First time making a circle one. I think if I ever what to tackle this shawl again I am going to use worsted weight yarn and make a blanket. I love it that much. The edging took forever but it was well worth it.

On the home front, the garden is starting to come in. The green beans are unbelievable. I've frozen 10 bags of them so far. Good eat come winter. I have to register the boys for school next week. I can't wait. They are driving me nuts. The constant fighting is getting really old. Hubby is still working. He called me Friday afternoon to see if anything was going on this week because they wanted him to go to Wisconsin to check out a machine that is being built. So he will be home some time Wednesday night or Thursday morning.

That's about it. I need to go and work on the Victorian Romance shawl from Goddess Knits. It's okay. Maybe when it's done and blocked I'd fell better about it.

May Phat Fiber Box

2009-05-21T07:26:00.003-05:00

Can you say yarnie goodness. I love this box. This is the first box that has had more yarn in it than the last 2 months before. I can't believe what I got. Love all of it and can't be happier.
With this being the 3rd box I've gotten I still am not sure what to do with the samples. I may try making a sampler blanket with all the samples. I know the yarns are different weights but I think I could make small and big blocks and strategically place them. I will try to continue to get a box every month. They sell out in about 30 seconds and I can't believe how lucky and grateful I've been to receive one.

On the home front, school is starting to come to an end. With all the snow days they don't get out until June 10th. Today Brock goes on a field trip, which is the first time he has ever ridden in a big bus. He is very excited. Yesterday I went to pick the kids up from school and the librarian was sitting on the roof of the school reading books to the kids because they reached their 3,500th book. The competition was the principal (3,000 books) would kiss a pig which she did last month. Great motivation for the kids I think. Our school is K-12th grade with maybe 400 kids so for the younger classes to read that many books is a great accomplishment.

We (hubby and I) have been busy planting the garden and just loving the time together with the kids still in school. We know it is coming to an end but I really can't wait for summer vacation. We still haven't heard if he is getting layed off. June 1st-15th is the time frame. Of course they are waiting til the last minute. A couple of the bosses are going to try and keep him because they think he is awesome. That is really nice to hear.

Time to get ready for school. A girlfriend and I walk the kids to school and then we walk for about an hour everyday. Time to start losing the weight that the kids put on me when I was pregnant.

Things Going On

2009-04-23T15:42:00.003-05:00

Things have been hectic here. I finished several things and trying to prepare for our town-wide garage sale this weekend.

Brock wants to be Yoda for Halloween this year so I made him the Yoda hat. It felted like a dream but I need to decide what to do about the ears.
The next is a shawl that I love. For some reason at the beginning of each new year I get an itch for lace. The yarn is Kauni Effekt. It's nice yarn but very scratchy. I have one ball left but not sure what to make with it yet.

I've decided to do a garage sale this year. I told hubby that whatever is left to throw out. I can't keep this stuff anymore. Things just keep piling up in the basement and around the house. So hopefully I get unload a bunch.

VESS

2009-03-17T06:55:00.004-05:00

I finished this shawl a couple of weeks ago, but haven't had the time to blog about it. It's called the VESS short for Vernal Equinox Spring Shawl (I think). It was a knit along from Ravelry.
I used Knit Picks Bare Fingering weight yarn and size 6 needles. It is huge but I love it. After it was done I tried, for the second time to Kool-aid dye it with Cherry. Some spots are light pink while others are red. I like it. Hubby thinks I should do it again, but I think it gives it character.

I'm also working on the Lace Ribbon Scarf, Selune shawl (also a knit along) and the lace weight mystery crochet along 2009. I have been so into doing shawls but don't know if I would wear them. I guess I will have an array of choices when the time comes.

On the home front, I finished reading the 4th book in the Twilight series. I loved all the books and have the movie on order when it comes out Saturday. I also ordered Estonia because I've tried to order it from other places with no luck. Very popular book.

Spring is about here and we are loving the weather. I am going to be starting our tomato seeds today for our garden. We have bought plants in the past but it is so much cheaper to do them yourself.

The boys are still busy. Cody has a chess tournament after school today and yesterday. He really loves it. Hopefully it is something he will stick to.

Christmas Shawl

2009-02-26T07:18:00.003-06:00

I participated in the Christmas Shawl Mystery and actually finished it. I am proud of myself.
I believe I finished after clue 9 but I could have made it larger if I wanted to. But it turned out to be a great size.

The yarn is Knit Picks Jewel Heather. I've been trying to knit from stash without purchasing any additional yarn. So far I've done really well. The only exception is when Eat Knit Sleep is going to have their do over sale. I will be in that one.

On the home front hubby is still working but no overtime which has really hurt us. The boys are doing good. Everyone is healthy again. Brock is in Kindergarten and is starting to read simple books. It makes me sad to think of him growing up. I wish they both could stay little forever. Cody will be starting 4th grade in the fall and that is really depressing. I can't believe he is going to be 10. Where has the time gone? I just hope we are doing right by them. Cody has been on honor roll since 1st grade (when grades start to matter). I am so proud of him and his teachers just love him. They never have anything to say about him other than he is probably one of their best students. That makes me happy to know that they behave out side of the home. In the home they are constantly fighting. It drives me insane.

Overdue Post

2009-02-12T06:31:00.003-06:00

Boy, it's been a while since I last posted anything. Life has been hectic. First let's talk about things I've gotten done. My sister in law had her 3rd baby on January 23rd and I made a few things for the baby. A little hat that hopefully will fit her for the rest of the season.
I love this next one. I believe it's called Comfy Baby's Nest. I got both patterns from Ravelry. I hope that this will fit her. She was only 6 pounds when she was born.

Now I haven't blocked or taken a picture yet but I did finish The Christmas Special Shawl. It is the first mystery shawl I actually finished.

Life! What can I say. It's been filled with sickness and the not knowing about my hubby losing his job. I had a bad sinus infection last month then just got over having a cold. I didn't feel like doing much of anything. I would knit a couple of rows and had to quit. The boys have had their share of sickness.

Brock went to the doctor Tuesday and come to find out has strep throat and an ear infection. She went ahead and gave me a prescription for Cody to take so he don't get it.

On the job, it has been very slow as everyone knows. Hubby was working 74-80 hours a week 7 days a week and since the beginning of the year there hasn't been overtime plus mandatory shutdowns. They have layed off over 2000 people and the news said they expected to layoff a total of 20,000 people worldwide. So far he's okay but it is week to week now. I feel lucky that he is working compared to so many who aren't. It's very stressful and doesn't make sleeping easy.

Calendar Scarf 2008

2009-01-03T09:10:00.004-06:00

Now that the holidays are finished and life is getting back to some what normal, I finished the Calendar Scarf. (Ravelry link)
I didn't do days 18 or 19. I wasn't in the mood for cabling and trying to figure out the pattern for day 19. I really just wanted it done. I did try my hand at kool-aid dyeing and it turned out really good for the first time. I love it!

Christmas Program

2008-12-03T13:42:00.005-06:00

The boys had their annual Christmas Program at school last night. Cody dreaded being Santa and didn't want to do it 2 weeks before the program. The music teacher told him she couldn't find someone else. So I told him to suck it up and just do it.

He did a terrific job even though he sounded nervous. Brock told me that he wasn't scared at all and he had fun. He's only in kindergarten and had one song to sing. He really didn't look like he was singing but oh well.

The knitting front has been going slow. I had jury duty Monday and drove in the middle of a snow storm. I got there on time and about 3 hours later the judge called to say the person plead so the jury wasn't needed. I was glad because it was a criminal case and we could have been there 4-5 days. I wasn't sure if they allowed knitting needles in the courthouse so I didn't take anything to work on. But I did see an older lady working on a shawl while there. If I would have known that it was okay to bring I would have. Maybe next time.

Well the boys will be rolling in in about an hour and a half so I should get things done.

Intil next time!

Burridge Afghan

2008-11-25T06:50:00.004-06:00

I am finally done with the Burridge Afghan. It only took me off and on 8 months to finish. It turned out really good. I haven't put the border on yet but I don't really know that I want to. I still have time to decide.

This is a really bad picture. I was trying to take different angles to get all of the cables and it didn't work

The only complaint I have is that Caron Simply Soft says no dye lot color. But some of the yarn is a lighter shade of Bone. Very frustrating. I didn't know this until I started working on the second panel. But the way the shading is it looks like I did it on purpose. Hopefully it will be appreciated.

I am in LOVE

2008-11-16T07:02:00.005-06:00

First thing I love our my boys. I decided yesterday to try and get some Christmas card pictures out of them. The little guy was acting like his usual self and goofing off. But all in all I got some good pictures.

Second I finally finish C's pirate hat. It turned out way to big but I was able to shrink it and it fits like a glove. It is so think now that it shrunk that it should keep him really warm this winter.

The last thing that I am in love with is my new van. It's a Chrysler Town and Country Limited and has just about every option available.

We traded in the Honda Element (which I really didn't want to do) and the Pontiac Montana (that is a piece of crap). This baby has leather heated seats, navigation system, stow and go, both power sliding doors and the hatch is even powered. The only thing that it doesn't have yet is the dvd player. I go in Tuesday to get the 2 headrest dvd players. The boys can't wait. I can't wait. I am so in love with this thing.

Halloween

2008-11-04T06:49:00.005-06:00

The boys had their Halloween parade at school Friday. There were some amazing costumes. Everyone looked great.
Here's B wearing Commander Rex costume. His nose was smooshed in the helmet.

Here's C as a skull ninja. With him only being 9 and 5'1" it's difficult to find a costume that he really likes.

Halloween night was so beautiful. It was warm and no one needed a jacket. We trick or treated for an hour and a half. The boys got tired so we headed home.

Also it was hubby's birthday and we had steaks on the grill before we headed out. I love when he cooks out. He's the greatest.

The Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-20T20:44:00.004-05:00

We went to the pumpkin farm with the cub scouts yesterday and enjoyed a hayride and pumpkin picking. The boys really enjoyed it.

We had apple cider and popcorn. The farm boards horses and should the cub scouts a video about living on a farm. We even got to learn about Indians (they have a teepee). It all was very interesting.
The boys had to have their picture taken with this robot. Don't really think it's a robot but that is what they thought he was. All in all it was a good day.

On the knitting front, I am trying to finish C's hat this week. I am more than halfway done with it. It will match his scarf. Then on to mittens. B's spider mitt is still just one. But hopefully I will start that as soon as the hat is done. Next weeks temperature is only going to be in the 40's so that means hat and mitts.

We Have Spidey!

2008-10-13T08:15:00.004-05:00

My little guy wanted a Spiderman Hat and I made him this. I used Knit Picks Palette. It's a little big but I may try shrinking it per directions. I actually learned how to do a provisional cast on, which made the lining so much easier.

His brother had to give him bunny ears. Just typical things going on in this house.

The top I oopses but I don't think anyone will care. He loves it and I love it. I am making him mittens to match. I have one done and need to cast on for the other.

Big Guys 9th Birthday

2008-10-12T07:42:00.004-05:00

C turned 9 on Oct. 3rd. I wanted to have his party the next day, but one of his friends beat me to it. So yesterday we had his birthday party. He got all excited to open Star Wars Lego's. That is what we heard all the kids talking about yesterday.
The little guy is in the red shirt. He was just as excited as his brother.

I just realized that the candle is backwards. No one noticed. I made the cake and washed a couple of his Star Wars figures and stuck them on the cake. The 8 boys there kept asking if they could take the figures home and I kept saying no they are C's.

And this is C. So cute! Looks so much like his Daddy. See the gameboy in the background. One of C's friends brought his gameboy so my little guy had to get his out. They were taking turns playing.
Happy Birthday Big guy. I just wish you wouldn't grow up so fast. I love you!

Some Pics

2008-09-23T07:23:00.003-05:00

I've been meaning to post about the boys first day of school but have been so busy I haven't had time. C is in 3rd grade and B is in all day Kindergarten. I love them dearly but am so glad for the quiet time during the day.

These are some current projects that I've been working on. C wanted a skull scarf so I decided on making this. He likes it alot. So next will be a hat and mitts.
This is for me! Finally I've decided to be alittle selfish and make me a scarf. I love the pattern and it is so easy to remember.
For Christmas I'm making one of my nieces mitts. They are called paper doll mitts. I love them and hope they fit her.
Last is a fish blanket I hope to have done before Christmas. I am making this for someone but won't say. I haven't decided on the design on the fish yet. It depends on how much yarn I have.
So, I've been busy and things are starting to calm down. I did quit working the 1-2 days a week. C is keeping me busy running after school. He decided to join chess and cub scouts are starting this week. I feel like I have more time for knitting and keeping the house up. Life is getting so much better!

Things Going On

2008-09-11T07:11:00.002-05:00

It's been hectic here in the Brody household. The boys started school August 21st. I went back to work 1-2 days a week. Since the boys have been in school, I haven't home for part of the day. The house is chaotic and is driving me nuts. My mom just came for a visit Sunday and went home Tuesday. I love when she comes up because the boys love Grandma. They behave so much better when she is here.

We have 2 new additions to our family. Frogs. The story behind them is my oldest wanted a frog every since he went to day camp for Cub Scouts. They had a nature day and found a couple of frogs. Well one day I was in the garden and found him one. He was so excited. The next day it died. I called every pet store and found one open on a Sunday. We went and purchased the two. My little guy had to have one too. So one is named Boba Fet and the other is named Luke Skyfrog. They are definitely Star Wars nuts!

Well, I must go and get them ready for school now. Hopefully I will have some finished objects to show next time. I haven't really had the time to knit.

Out of Yarn

2008-08-19T09:29:00.002-05:00

Okay, I signed up for the WIP Wrestling and now I have run out of yarn for the project. I ordered 1 more skein but it won't be here before the Olympics is over. I am more than halfway through the border. So obviously I don't qualify for a medal. I wasn't doing the event for a medal but just challenging myself to get the afghan done. Once the yarn gets here I will definitely finish. I want it to be a present for the holiday season.

Ravelympics

2008-08-06T12:24:00.003-05:00

I have signed up on Ravelry about a week ago to do projects while watching the olympics. I have decided to join Team WIP. I am going to try and finish the Tree of Life Afghan.

I am on the second repeat of the trees. I've been working on it a little here and there. I would love to gift this to one of the parents for Christmas but will see. I do like it a lot!

Baby Kara Anne

2008-08-03T18:07:00.001-05:00

I don't have any pictures to show, but wanted to let everyone know she is here.

She was born around 6:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31st. She was just under 9 pounds (according to my mom).

I hope to get pics this coming Saturday when we have our family picnic. I hope she will get alot of use out of the things I made her.

Some Sweet Treats

2008-07-28T11:37:00.003-05:00

I am working hard on Christmas gifts. One of my 3 year old niece's wants play food for Christmas. I decided that I am going to try really hard to make her the food. Up first is the Petit Four. I did the magic loop instead of dpn's. It took very little yarn and I think it turned out really good.
I also made her a jelly donut. Also completely knit in the round and I used magic loop again. Each one took about 3 hours. I am a very slow knitter so it could take you shorter time to make. I hope to make more donuts and maybe 1 or 2 more petit fours. I am really chugging away on my Ravelry queue. I hope to have alot of things done before the holidays.

Some Christmas Knitting

2008-07-26T12:36:00.004-05:00

I finally got my One Skein book from Knit Picks yesterday and casted on for the Petal Bib. I love it!! I hope to make a couple of more in different colors. It was so quick and easy but there are a lot of ends to weave in.
The next bib is the Modern Cable Baby Bib. Very quick and only took 1 day to make. Only 2 ends to weave in and needs a cute little button.
I decided since this baby is going to be the next little princess in the family she needed a princess button. Got a package of them at Wal-Mart and I love them.

I am going to cast on for Starsky Jr. for the older sister today. Hopefully I can have it done for Christmas. I am jugging along on Christmas gifts. I hope to be able to finish every single one before.

Happy Knitting!

Garter Ridge Cardigan

2008-07-15T18:26:00.006-05:00

I finished one of the Christmas presents for my soon to be niece. I believe my mom said that she should be here at the end of this month. The sweater turned out okay. I'm not to happy with it. It does still need a bath. The pattern can be found on Ravelry.

The buttons I picked up at Jo-Ann Fabrics last summer. I paid $.50 for them and just love them. I had been waiting to find something to put them on.

I have started another Christmas present and hopefully will be done with it in the next few days.

Christmas in July

2008-07-12T08:42:00.002-05:00

I have no pictures to show but really wanted to make a list of things that I need to make for Christmas. I have so much yarn stashed that I really want to make things with.

I need to finish the Burridge Afghan, Tree of Life Afghan and The Sampler Afghan. Those could be presents for the parents.

I am working on a baby sweater now for my niece (due in August) and I think I need a hat and maybe some socks or bibs.

Then I have my nieces who are all going to be 3. There are 3 of them and I was thinking sweaters, hats, mittens and maybe something else.

I have 2 nephews that I may make sweaters, hats and mittens and maybe something else.

My 2 boys. I have decided on making them each hats and scarves. They also need gloves.

Besides all of that I just found out last week that my brother and sister in law are due to have a baby in January or February. So I have a baby blanket to make and other things. They wanted to be surprised with the other two so they are going to wait until the baby is born to find out the gender. That puts auntie in a tight spot. I told Colleen this and she laughed. I could always make neutral things but it is also exciting to make things gender appropriate.

I don't know how the list will go. School starts next month and I will be by myself all day. So we will see how much knitting I get done. I would really like to finish alot of it up.

The best thing is that Colleen's daughter Delaney (almost 3) calls me the aunt that makes her pretty things. It makes me feel so good to hear her say that.

Maybe the next post will be filled with some new knitting. Intil next time happy knitting.

Some Finished Objects

2008-07-04T18:47:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the Pinwheel baby blanket for my cousin Liz who is due to have a baby in September. They tried finding out what the baby was but he/she wasn't cooperative. So intil she has the baby I can't make to much for her.

The edging was from Barbara Walker's Second Book of Knitting Treasures. It's called the tulip bud edging. I do need to block it out but was just happy to have finished it.

I know I posted on this before but just wanted to show the finish. I did finally find the perfect buttons for it at Joann's. I think they match the dress beautifully. I hope my new niece (in August) will be able to wear it.
On the home front, things are going good. Baseball ended last Saturday and I am so glad it is over. To much driving with the gas prices. My car can finally get a break. I also have been suffering from a tooth ache which the dentist thinks is from my sinus' being infected. So I am on antibiotics. Hopefully it won't flare up because they can't get me in to have the filling replaced intil October. Advil has been my friend and I am really tired of taking it.

I hope everyone is having a Happy 4th of July. We are just cooking on the grill and hanging out at home.

Emma's Dress

2008-06-01T15:01:00.005-05:00

I have started a new project for my soon to be new baby neice, Kara Ann. She is due to arrive at the beginning of August and wanted to make her a dress. I have finished the back and it is drying on our front porch right now. It is a quick knit and hopefully will be done this week. The pattern is called Emma's Dress (which I have another neice named Emma, but I just dabbled in knitting when she was born). It can be found on Ravelry.

The yarn is Debbie Bliss Rialto DK in eggplant. The pictures don't show true color. It is much darker than this. I like this yarn, it is the first time I have used it and it does split and curl like something fierce. But it is so soft that I would take softness and deal with the splitting and curling. The curling should be cured by the blocking.

This is the up close shot of the diamond eyelet pattern. I just need to go through my button stash and see if I have any pretty buttons for this.

On the home front, we have had a big warm up the last few days. It has been in the 80's and I am enjoying it greatly. Last night I took the boys to the drive in (yes in our little town of 1400 people we do have a drive in) to see the new Indiana Jones movie. They loved it. I couldn't believe that they stayed awake the whole time. The second movie was the new National Treasure which I bought when it first came out on DVD. But it did start raining right towards the end of Indiana Jones, so we just came home.

This is the last week of school for my oldest. The last day is only an hour and I just can't believe that with gas prices the school is willing to have busses pick these kids up for one lousy hour. I don't really know if I'm ready for school to end. I know I don't like the alarm clock, but having both home all day is going to drive me insane.

This last pic is the Pinwheel Baby Blanket (also can be found on Ravelry). My cousin is due is September so I wanted to make her something. I haven't decided on the border yet but will before I get there.

My littlest ones graduation and t-ball

2008-05-24T10:43:00.003-05:00

As you can see my youngest one is playing t-ball for the second year. Nothing has changed since last year. He still doesn't pay attention and doesn't want to run when he hits the ball. But it is fun to watch them trying. At least this time he didn't sit and play in the dirt like most of the kids. He just likes hiding behind his glove.

Wednesday night was his year end ceromony for preschool. They sing songs. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up he said a cop so he can arrest the bad guys that go in the ditch. Where do they come up with the ideas? Alot of them wanted to be moms or be like dad. There were several odd ones that only 4 and 5 year olds would come up with.
On the knitting front it has been slowed by very busy boys. This past week Friday was the only night that we were home. It has been packed with ball practice and preschool things. I did finish panel A of the Burridge Lake Afghan. I casted on for panel B and have finished one complete 24 row repeat. Hopefully now things will get back on track.

Baseball Season

2008-05-17T12:29:00.003-05:00

My oldest has started baseball officially. He missed his first game because of bronchitis. He loves catching.

With this new camera it is so hard to tell if he sees you are not. We used the biggest lens we have and can almost be at the end of the field taking pictures. My husband took this one so I don't know if he got his attention or not.

Of course with this being only 1st and 2nd graders they don't keep track of the score because they all win. But the boys did keep track and according to them they won 14 - 4.

Some quick little baby knits

2008-04-20T08:24:00.006-05:00

My friend Emilee is expecting a baby boy any day so I wanted to make him a little something. I did make him the star blanket for the shower but he needs a hat and some scratch mitts.

The hat is from a pattern called Bananaheads Baby Beanie. I found it on Ravelry. Very easy to make. I love the little i-cord bow on top.

The scratch mitts are a pattern called Super Quick Baby Mitts. I found also on Ravelry. Made them in about 1 day. The pattern called for ribbon or cord so you can tie them. I made i-cord so they match the hat.

Love them both.

So Many Things

2008-04-13T07:32:00.002-05:00

There is so much going on right now for the next couple of months, that I thought I would start a ton on projects to go along with my hectic life.

Up first is the Reversible Celtic Baby Blanket. I am hoping to have done before August. My brother and his wife are having a baby then and I thought this was so pretty. It has grown since this picture but is very time consuming and a little on the boring side. It is double knitted so it is reversible. I really like the design of it.

Up next is the Burridge Afghan. This is the second time making this afghan. The first one I made a few mistakes in the cabling and couldn't live with it so frogged and started over. I hope to have this done before Christmas so I can give it to my mother in law. She has been waiting patiently for an afghan to go in the front room of her house. I don't know how much use it will bring since the front room is really never used except for holidays.

The third is a graphic granny hexagon afghan that is crocheted. I started this just the other night and I love all the colors. I don't really have a recipient for this one, so maybe keep this for myself. It is going to be my go to project when I am bored with all the others.

And lastly is the Sampler Afghan. It is a bunch of cable patterns that you sew into an afghan. This is going to my mom for Christmas. So far so good. I love all the cabling and it should be warm for the cold winter nights and days. I hope she likes it.

So these are the things that I am working on during my hectic life. With so many projects and not a lot of time I just pick and choose what I want to work on now. The only one with a deadline is the baby blanket.

School for the boys will be ending in the next month and a half. My youngest graduates preschool at the end of May and my second grader get out June 6. It is very late this year due to the school going on strike and snow days. We also have Cub Scouts winding down (thank goodness). I am the den leader and having 6 rumbustious boys running around is nerve racking. Now we are into baseball season and practice has been cancelled twice due to the weather. So I have at least 2 portable projects for that.

That is it for now. I have to get my little one ready for a birthday party. He's playing miniature golf and the mom just told me the other day that it is in the dark. I don't know about all the other kids that are going to be there but mine is afraid of the dark. I hope he handles it okay.

It's all about the food

2008-03-28T12:39:00.002-05:00

Ravelry is so addicting and so are these scrumptious little treats that every child will love.

First up is the chocolate cake. Look how delicious this looks. Got to get me a piece.

Second is a Oreo cookie that everybody loves. Of course you can't eat just one.

Lastly is popcorn. Now I have made this butter free but am thinking of making some yellow popcorn. These little things take about 10-15 minutes to make.

All the patterns can be found on http://www.ravelry.com, along with a lot more.

Morrocan Days

2008-03-16T08:46:00.002-05:00

I strung 2500 beads on the yarn in about 3 hours. Not bad. I love the pattern so far. Not sure about the color choices though. The pictures are of the first section. The pictures don't do it justice. Now that it is getting warmer out I will try to get outdoor shots so they show better.

I have done 3 complete row repeats of charts D, E and F. Those rows seem to be going alot faster than Chart A. Chart A had beading and these charts don't. I hope to finish those charts in the coming week and then work on Charts G. I do plan on making another shawl but will maybe choose a blue color with either clear beads or a really dark blue color. So far so good.

Star Blankie is born

2008-03-06T06:46:00.005-06:00

A friend of mine Emilee is having a baby boy due in May. Of course a baby blanket is in order.

I made the sqaures in country blue, dark brown and light brown which are all the colors of the baby's room. She also is accenting with stars and circles. So I decided that stars were a must.

The picture doesn't do it justice but I did use Red Heart Super Saver. I wanted something that would hold up and could be washed over and over again. I finished it with 2 single crochet rounds and 1 blue round. I haven't measured it yet but it is a good size.

Now I need to work on my next blanket for my soon to be niece or nephew who is due in August. My brother called me about a month ago saying that they were expecting their 3rd baby. They have 2 girls now and I think they are hoping for a boy. The blanket will be the reversible baby blanket. It is going to be in pale purple and pale blue. So far I have knitted 12 rows and it takes forever with 400 and something stitches per row.

Also on my to do list is the Morrocian Days/Arabian Nights Shawl. I uses about 5,000 beads. I just got my yarn. I am using Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud I believe in sunset. I am not sure about stringing all those beads. The pattern is beautiful and I really can't wait.

Must go and get my oldest ready for school.

Hint One of SOTSii

2008-01-26T08:40:00.000-06:00

As alot of you know the SOTSii started last Friday. I am a little late posting the finished clue 1. I just started clue 2 last night and am at row 81. I love the pattern so far and it is very easy.

Hopefully I haven't jinxed myself by saying that. I have joined I about 6 mystery knit alongs this year and am getting behind. I haven't even wound yarn for the Dem Ficsher sin Fru that also started yesterday. I am going as fast as I can. Between the kids, errands and general house cleaning it is hard to find time to knit like I would like.

So I must go finish the second clue or I will be way behind everyone else.

Spring Shawl Suprice

2008-01-16T22:06:00.001-06:00

Well I didn't post a photo of clue 2, so I figured I would post a photo of the finished clue 3.

This time I used stitch markers to make it easier to know how many stitches were in each section. I didn't put any lifelines in because the last lifeline of row 25 I seemed to have lost a stitch. I think I didn't pick one up. The markers work a lot better for me.

Some other news is that my son had his district pinewood derby this past Saturday and took first place. We are very proud of him.

His car is the one in the lead. He was a happy camper that day. We love him!

Victorian Lace Today KAL

2008-01-14T09:34:00.000-06:00

I joined the Victorian Lace Today KAL and have done about 15 repeats of the Myrtle Leaf Shawl. The lace is a pretty color but I don't know about the different colors.

Considering that I am working from my stash I don't have much to choose from.

Also have finished the second clue in the Spring Shawl Suprise. Don't have any photos of that yet, but will post soon. Can't wait for the next clue.

Spring Shawl Suprice

2008-01-02T18:34:00.000-06:00

I just finished the first clue to the Spring Shawl Suprice. I am enjoying the pattern so far. I've never been involved in a mystery shawl before. I am really liking this. Can't wait intil clue 2 comes out.

Excuse the pictures. We just got a new Canon Rebel XT and still trying to figure out all the gadgets.

Now I'm off to work on an afghan for my mother in law for Christmas 2008. I started on it before the shawl and now will work on it intil clue 2 is out.

Take care and have a happy New Year.

Hats!!!

2007-12-19T07:30:00.000-06:00

Since I have become a memeber of Ravelry it has been hard to post. I feel as though all my time is spent on the site. I have finished a couple of projects since my last post. First up is the Pirate Hat. Love the pattern. I knit this for my oldest using Knitpicks Palette. The yarn is black and white. My son loves his new hat and is awaiting the arrival of the matching mittens. Especially since he has lost one mit of his new pair of gloves I just bought him 2 weeks ago.

The second is a hat that I made for a friend who needed a new red hat to match red gloves she bought. I believe the pattern is called Simple Beanie. I used Caron Simply Soft in red and had this done in about 1 day. She loves it. I wasn't sure if it would fit her but she said it was perfect.

I have a couple of other projects going that I am trying to have done before Christmas but I don't know if they will get done. One is a blanket for my parents. Also my mom has requested a new pair of felted slippers because she blew the heel out of the ones from last year. I have one done so far and need to finish the other one before Sunday.

Lots of knitting to be done and time is running out. I also joined several new groups and hopefully they will be great too.

Time to get my oldest one off to school and I will check back in when I have time.

It's been awhile

2007-10-03T06:58:00.000-05:00

Well, I finished the scarf which I will post a pic of soon. I also finished several baby things for a shower.

The best part of it all is I finally got my Ravelry invite. I had been waiting since July. It is the best site ever!!!

Well I am off to ravelry. I will post again soon.

Great pattern

2007-08-09T07:42:00.000-05:00

I am working on a the http://smariek.blogspot.com Persephone from Smariek Knits. It's for a very good friend for her birthday next month. She wanted a pink sweater but not enough time. So she will be getting a very beautiful pink scarf and then I will try for a pink sweater for Christmas.

The yarn is Cascade Cloud9. I believe it is 50% merino wool and 50% angora. I absolutely love this yarn. It is soooo soft. It is worsted weight yarn and I am using a size 7 16" circular needle. I did try it on straights and just didn't like the weight of the needles. It's been a long time since I have used straight needles. Love the circulars. The pattern calls for DK weight yarn and size 6 needles, but this was the only pink yarn I have. I love this pattern. It is very easy and easy to remember.

I am also working on the Snowdrop Shawl from the Yarn Harlot. I am almost done with the shawl and then need to work the edging. Pics of that to come.

Also if you haven't heard Webs http://www.yarn.com is having their summer sale intil September 4 (I believe). Great yarn!! I have already placed 2 orders.

Pinwheel Sweater

2007-07-29T09:02:00.000-05:00

Here is a Pinwheel Sweater that I made with Knitpicks Wool of the Andes. The pattern came from Elann's I believe.

New to the blogging world

2007-07-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

I am new to the blogging world but have been knitting for the past 2 years. I have been debating on starting a blog for some time now and am really glad that I did. I hope to share as much with you as you have shared with me (reading all of your blogs).