SNOW!!!..........

Yahoo, we got a bunch of snow! My kids were getting pretty upset that we got very little snow this winter. So, when this storm came, we got right outside and enjoyed some sledding. Like the snow ramp they made? I also just went out to Kohl's and bought some new snow boots since one of my kids didn't have any and had to wear mine! Can you see the plastic bags she stuffed in her boots to see if they would fit better? Silly kid. They just couldn't wait to get outside. I, myself, was FREEZING and wasn't thrilled to be there, but love to watch them have fun. As I am aging, I craze warm weather. A beach and a martini gives me great joy! So, here is to hoping that Spring is truly not far away and we will be seeing crocus popping their little heads up soon.

St. Valentine was a SAINT!!

Well, don't these just make you smile? They did that for me. I swear Saint Valentine was truly a Saint to create such a lovely holiday. The flowers are so, so pretty and the chocolates, well they are delicioso. My chicklets flew through their "beautiful heart shape boxes filled with chocolates." (My oldest lovely said that when she was about three on her first valentine's day that she could speak!) Now, it's a tradition for their daddy to give them a "beautiful heart shape box of chocolates" and a bouquet of flowers each. This year, they really struck gold when he threw in a Webkinz for each of them as well. They will always treasure these memories of the very first and most important man in their lives to love them for all that they are, unconditionally.

Winter weather really hit us this weekend. We hunkered down and just relaxed. A game of Mouse Trap, and some serious Wii games were going on while the snow flew and then out we went to snow plow the driveway and sled ride. The kids can stay out all day, but I get cold so fast. I am not made for this kind of weather. Definitely looking forward to the Spring and warmth. For now, hot coffee and a cuddle on the couch with my children keep me warm and happy. What is keeping you warm and happy??

So tired of winter.........

Are you tired of winter too? I need the sunshine and warmth of Spring. I need to see things start to blossom and grow. I need to plant my marigolds, cosmos, cleome and other favorite flowers that give me a sense of good. I need my children to run around the yard and laugh and play. Where is Spring?

I am starting another fingerless glove, but I have not had any time to accomplish them for my valentine's day gifts. I haven't been home most of this week with so much going on. So, needless to say, I haven't been knitting. I figure if I knit these gloves, at my leisure, by Christmas I may have the few I need for my friend's gifts. I also would like to make a purse for my Mom (her birthday is in April), but I haven't had time to sit and work on that either. Kids, house, obligations, they all keep you constantly on the go and I am o.k. with that. I guess I will get most of my knitting done when my children are grown and my house is empty. Then I can focus on baby sweaters and afghans. For now, my occasional knitting projects give me a little joy and some peace. (Did you know that the Harvard Medical Journal did a study and found that people equated that calming, repetitive motion of knitting to yoga?) I believe it, because it works for me.

Ya-Ya's fingerless mittens

Aren't these cute? I love making fingerless mittens. I started with a pair, years ago, that were knitted flat and then seamed together. That was o.k., but I am one of those people that once I finish knitting something, I really don't want to be bothered sewing seams. I just can barely put my lining in purses, and that is much more work than sewing a seam up a mitten. Anyway, I decided to make a fingerless mitten on dpns, but not with cables. I did the "fetching" mittens - (and I must apologize, but I cannot remember how to link you to this pattern. I need to get a hold of my blogging buddy, Karen, so she can refresh me. She is so smart! ) the "fetching" mitts come out beautiful, but require alot of attention and picking up the cable needle a bunch. I like these "ya-ya" mittens because it's just ribbing for the most part and easy. I blew one out in one afternoon when the weather was lousy and the kids were all in school. I like the added novelty yarn to spruce it up a bit, but if you wanted to knit it with a multi-colored yarn, that would be pretty too. Whatever makes your heart happy, I always say. So, I am on a roll with these mittens. I am trying to make a pair for my Mom, and two friends for Valentine's Day. We will see.... Usually, I grow tired of a knitting project after I do one mitten, let alone SIX! However, I can tell you these do knit up quickly if you have an afternoon to just park it on the sofa and knit and knit.

Finished my bag!.....

Yeah, not only did I finish my bag, but I got a picture in. I don't know what the husband did to help, but it worked. This is my bag after I had sewn the felted handle on and the lining. I am not the best when it comes to sewing, but I like my bags when they have a lining. My friend, Takako, is an excellent seamstress. I know she would do a much better job than I did, but I tried! Have a happy day..........

My camera/computer is busted......

Hi there! I have been trying for a few days now to upload pictures to my computer via my memory stick and for some reason, the computer has not been working. I know what I am doing here since I have done this particular thing a million times. So, now I am frustrated to say I cannot update my knitting blog with my photos! I have been knitting up a storm too. I finished my felted bag, lined and all. It came out so nice and I am proud of myself. I am going to start a new one for my Mom for her birthday. I have made her one in the past, but with wooden handles and she NEVER uses it. She says it's because she likes the knitted handles better so she can sling it over her shoulder. We will see.... I only hope she likes this new one. I also have made the cutest fingerless mittens. I made one, and if my memory card was working you could SEE it. The other one has just been started this morning. Let's see my progress on this gloomy day...... I have a TON of laundry to do, but I figure in between the loads I can get some knitting done.

Hopefully on the next post I can figure out my dilemma and post some pics! Have a happy day!

Isn't this purty.........

Hi there! I spent the afternoon today with my friend Karen learning a little more about blogging. Boy, is she SMART! I am such a dinosaur when it comes to computers and understanding how all this HTML stuff works. But, I am happy with the changes in my blog and that I think I am getting it. Karen, you are wonderful. Thank you so much for your help. I am hoping to make it even cuter in the future when I have some "hunker-down" time as we call it in our house. Usually, this is a snow day or a day we spend in our pajamas just laying low. Those days don't come often, so watch my blog stay the same until next winter!

Isn't this felted bag pretty? I want to make it and have the pattern, but I have to admit, I did make a trial one in a different color and wasn't happy with the shape of the purse after felting. I didn't even go on with the fancy stuff on the front since I was disappointed, so it sits in the "ufo" pile. But, I am almost finished with my bag I posted before and will be getting another project started soon. Just don't know what yet.

Thank you again for your help today Karen and keep checking in with my blog to see my progress. I think I am getting there, but you are truly the expert!

Here is my bag in the drying mode. I put two boxes of stuff from my pantry in it and it's sitting on my heater. The shape came out pretty nicely. I had to pull a bit and work out some of the kinks, but it seems to be good so far. Once I finish those darn straps, I will be happier. I have to find a decent piece of mid-weight cardboard for the base, but the lining is not too hard to do. My time this week is so limited with all the stuff I have going. Now, I have a project for one of my chicklets as well that is going to take a bit of time. Ah, such is life.

Almost there......

This is my finished bag (pre-felted). It measured 19" high and 16" wide. I wanted it to be roomy, but now I am worried a bit. Whenever I knit a new pattern, I get a little nervous. I spent so much time, last year, on a bag that I thought was going to look so nice and when I felted it over and over again, it just never looked good. I couldn't even salvage it. So, I threw it away and vowed to be careful next time I try a new pattern. However, here I am again crossing my fingers. I usually make bags that I attach wooden handles to. This one is made with knitted handles that go through the "button holes" on the top of the bag. It wraps around the body and looks very nice. Let's hope. I have to make two straps at 90" each. I am already growing tired of this, so I have to do those darn straps now so I don't find this in my "ufo" pile. I have a few of those and I hate it. I grow tired of some projects when I am only half way through and while I am knitting it, I am already thinking of something else I want to start. I read somewhere that other people are like that. I think on the Knitting Daily blog. So, I don't feel so bad. But, I promised myself I would finish this one because I bought some BEAUTIFUL fabric to line it with on the clearance table at the fabric store. I saw it and had to buy it since it was practically free. I'll go knit those darn straps now. Except that the kids are hungry..........

A new "to-be-felted" bag.....

This is my project of the moment. I have been knitting this for about 5 days on and off. I have to sit for a bit during the day doing a market research project with a company close to home, so there are moments I can sneak a few rows in. I am on row #56, (counting only the body of the bag) not including the bottom. You knit that first, going back and forth, as if you were on straight needles (but you are on circulars). Then, you pick up stitches along the sides and work in the round. I got this pattern from a knitting book at the library (my favorite hangout) and realized I needed some added information from it that I didn't copy, so I am hoping to find that particular book again. The pattern is from a lady by the name of Janet Scanlon and she has a great website that she sells her patterns called http://www.knitkit.com/. I would like to try the Oregon bag next, but I have to see how this comes out first. I have been using two strands, held together, of Lamb's Pride (the wool and mohair mix) even though she said to only use one for the body of the bag. She used two held together for the base for added strength, but said to drop one when you get to the body. I have used only one strand before and it didn't feel as good to me. I like that extra body the two strands give the bag and since I carry EVERYTHING in my purse, the stronger the better. I plan to add a strip of soft purple to the top of this when I get to a certain point with the brown (or when I eventually run out of the brown, which ever comes first.) I miss my LYS since it has sadly gone out of business. Now, another one that is close by is about to close as well. The big chain stores are pushing all of the nice "Mom & Pop shops" out. I don't get that nice "extra special" yarn from the big stores. Frown... Well, I need to make some dinner before my troops start hollering for me. Happy knitting to you or what ever it is that makes your heart happy.

This is relaxing.........

A bag of knitting, a cup of fresh coffee and a boat load of new knitting books to look at. Now this is what I call relaxing! My husband thinks I have two heads, but then again, his idea of relaxing involves guys running after a ball and tackling each other senselessly. (Did you know the NY Giants are in the playoffs???)

Yep, nine books from the library to enjoy and pretend I have time to knit the items that look "do-able" for me. That's what I am talking about! My felted bag in the picture hasn't been lined yet, but I like the size. I haven't had much sewing time either. But, with winter here and a lot of my household chores done, I am hoping for some time. I just spent three hours vacuuming and mopping my floors. That was fun. (Not!) Hope your days are filled with fun though and not the same-ole, same-ole.........

Some more knitting books.........

Someone is peeking.... These books were some I just got from the library and my chicklet was looking at them with me. The library is so nice. If I want a book and they don't own it, they will purchase it for the library and call me when it's in. How cool is that??? I went yesterday to drop off the felting book and picked up about 10 more to look at. I love to be at the library, but don't have the time often. We are big readers in my home, so at least my family likes it too. I could sit there all day.

Takako - I couldn't add the picture into my blog that you sent me. The computer said it was supposed to be a certain type and I think with the additions you made, the blog rejected it. Sorry about that. Happy birthday to you on the other side of the world! Love ya!

Build-a-Bear..........

Hi! We just took a recent trip to Build-a-Bear and look what we made! Well, you can't exactly see the finished little guy, but I will post a picture of that tomorrow if I can figure out how. It was fun (albeit that we already own about six of these little creatures!) Between birthday parties and the fact that BB equates to a FYS to chicklet #3. Please Mommy, PLEASE can we go and make one. Santa had brought a gift card and with coupons, I got off cheap. Otherwise, a new BB with an outfit and shoes goes for about $40. That woman who created that store was a genius. It's always full of kids or parties. I must admit, I like it too. The only thing is we have enough of these now. (Alright, I am a sucker for a cute pout once in a while. And, she was really good that day!) I'll have to take a picture next of all of these little guys lined up so we can share that collection. I would never take one of my yarn stash because then I would have to explain to my husband why I have THAT much yarn. Sticking to the Build-a-Bear stuff!

Good Morning.........

This is my view from my kitchen window. I see the sun rise every morning (or at least on the mornings that are clear.) It's such a pretty sight and I love it because it's part of my morning routine. Make kid's lunches, make a pot of coffee, sit for 14 approximate minutes to enjoy said coffee and then on to the next wave of child care. The only part I miss the most of my morning routine, is my Phoebe kitty sitting on my lap enjoying the morning sunrise and warming me up. She was 14, so I can say she had a happy life. We just miss her terribly here. I get a pang (if that's how you spell it) every so often to get a new kitty, but I look at my new couches and rugs and think again. So, for now, I enjoy my morning coffee alone with the pretty sunrise. (I should say that my handsome husband does join me occasionally for the coffee routine, but not the sunrise part.) He is not an early riser if he doesn't have to go to work. Can you blame him? If I didn't have ninos to get on their way to school, I would be sleeping too.

Got a new knitting "book".......

I am loving my knitting books. I have a pile in my family room and my own little library in my "office." I can't seem to stay out of the book stores or the library. This little "book" is actually a calendar that has a daily pattern for the entire year. I couldn't pass that up at 70% off! Last night I sat and looked through all of the patterns and I pulled out about 10 to try. I wish I could knit socks, but I can't seem to get in the groove to try. I did this little cable sack that is in the picture. My "grammy Em" is going to help me put a zipper in it since I have never done that before. Hopefully, I can do it. She is 92 and has been sewing most of her life. I love that lady! Raining today. Glad it's not snow, but the kids want so badly to sled ride. The Farmer's Almanac said it's going to snow heavily soon, so be ready. It was correct about this weeks freaky warm weather, so I figure I better get some knitting projects lined up.

My pre-felted hat........

This is my hat, before I stuck it in the washing machine. It was HUGE! The mix of yarn was two strands of worsted weight wool and one strand of mohair. The felting went well, but it's not as shrunk as I think I would like, so I am debating if I should stick it in the wash one more time. I will take a picture of it when it's done. The book has some beautiful flowers to knit and felt and add to the front of it. However, I have the prettiest broach that would look nice on it too. Hmmmm........

Happy 2008!

Look at the cool books my friend sent me from Japan! They are filled with great ideas and very nice demonstrations of the stitching. I am new to crocheting and want to try my hand in it. I loved the purse that this book had so I am hoping it will come out good. My knitting was put to the side for the month of December since the holidays kept me running and busy in the house. I am back to it though and just finished a felted hat from a book my husband and kids gave me for Christmas. Great book! It doesn't look exactly like the one they show, but I like it all the same. Hello to Takako in Japan and thanks for the crocheting/felting books. I LOVE your blog so much. Wish I could read Japanese, but I enjoy seeing all the pictures of the beautiful things you make. Off to get some things accomplished today. See you again .........

Another view of the Booga....

Since I cannot figure out how to put more than one picture per post, here is another post with another view. At least this time it's rotated! I'll put new shots once the bag is felted. Should I put on handles that I make or pre-bought ones???

Pink felted Booga bag

I am back to blogging, but alas cannot find my notes as to how to get pictures uploaded properly. This picture took me FOREVER to upload and it's not rotated the correct way, but you can at least still see it. My pink striped booga bag is complete and it's headed to the washing machine as soon as I finish this post. O.k., after we watch, "So you think you can dance." (Our summertime show we are addicted to.) This bag didn't take me too long and was very easy. You start at the bottom and pick up stitches when the base is complete so you don't have to sew and seams. Just tuck in ends of yarn from the color changing. Before felting, the measurments were 19 1/4" height and 16 1/2" width. I hope it doesn't felt up to nothing, (which has happen to me in the past.) I want this to be a decent size since I am "the keeper of all things" in my home. Cross your fingers for me and I will post another picture when it is done.

Water fight on Father's Day!

This was so much fun! We were celebrating Father's Day at home and the kid's grandparents brought over water pistols. Well, that started a full blown water fight and Daddy became the recipient of the soaking! We all laughed so hard at the silliness and it really made our day fun. Hanging out at home and enjoying our yard and the kids are one of our favorite things to do. My middle chicklet told me that when she needs to find her "happy place" in her mind, it is always home. That tells me something.... Happy children make me a happy mommy!