Lacy days and lacy nights.......the Prayer Shawl adventure

I have never been successful knitting shawls in lace. I can knit lace on sock cuffs or yokes of DGD's dresses and sweaters but for some reason shawls just escape me. I started a prayer shawl. The pattern to start is the inside area with the triangles. But from there on I kept making mistakes and just kept having to frog back so..................I knowing I could knit the stitches so decided to simplify the pattern myself.

The result is a shield shaped shawl....I used too many increases or shouldn't have increased every other row. Don't have a clue! I love the yarn. I am using one of my favorite sock yarns from Brookside Yarn Studio called Kiwi. The color is 6d. I buy it at Knitting Zone and it is so soft after washing and has a 'fuzz' to the yarn. It is now 'teddy bear' size so I guess I will be frogging back and trying again.

The shawl is a gift for a friend. Growing up without physical or verbal comfort and love, I have a child shaped hole in my heart. As I grow older I realize that nothing I try to place in that hole for comfort brings any lasting healing from child abuse. I guess the two things I missed most were being told 'I love you' and hugs. I knew other kids got them. My brother and I had a game where we would hug or say I love you to our parents so they would have to return the action. Hey, it was better than nothing.

I know my friend went through childhood trama also and I am guessing there just weren't enough hugs. I can't fill up that hole of hers because it is 'child shaped' and nothing but going back to childhood can replace what was missed. Even a hug from that same parent that hurt you doesn't heal the hurt of the little child. (Helps, if sincere....)

When I heard she was making a trip home and was nervious about it and the prayer shawl she was knitting for her mother's gift, I decided to knit a prayer shawl filled with prayer for a good visit. So this shawl is important to me. I wanted her to be able to wrap up in it when she was sad and get a 'hug' from someone who, perhaps, understood. I never thought how long it might take or what trouble I might run into since I am usually a fast, experienced knitter. Boy was I surprized.

So, here I leave you. Stay tuned for the continuing saga of my Prayer Shawl adventure.

Barb

New e-mail address

Just a short note. I bundled my cable, phone and internet......forgot to save the old data!
So now I need any of my friends and relatives who read my blog to send me an e-mail so I can rewrite my contact list. I have the LSSK addi's.....we're so talkative they keep rolling in all day, thank God. Click on profile then e-mail for the Texas Road Runner address. Thanks everyone......more later.
Barb

Fork In The Road

doily turns into blanket..... ....
http://www.alexisla yton.com/ 2008/06/18/ star-blanket/

Always Alice sent this link for a doily pattern that makes a beautiful baby blanket. I posted it today because it really symbolizes how I am feeling right now.

I found out instead of being pre-diabetic, I am now diabetic. Doc gave me a meter and meds and some training and sent me off for a month. I will be attending a class soon for diet and exercise but it hasn't been scheduled.

So today I realized after one day I am at a crossroads. My life as a single person living in seclusion just doesn't match!!!! I pretty much have eaten when I was hungry (breakfast about 2pm.....dinner 8 pm and snack once between and a bowl of cereral before bed) and sleep on my natural schedule: up until 4-6am...sleep until anywhere from 10am to 11am.

One day of tracking with my meter and I can see I need to make a lot of changes. I am to keep a log for the doc and the way I live just doesn't do much to tell him anything. I take the fasting reading when I get up but I don't eat for hours, I'm just not hungry. My meals are healthy but few. Snacks small and healthy until the last 2 months when I had too many sweet. I got chocalate for my swaps and would end up eating them and buying more. And this is where it gets you when you are 57.

So I feel like that doily that now must be a blanket!!!! Hope that makes sense. Frankly, I LIKE the way I sleep and eat (except I was eating too much sweets ). So......

I got online and started educating myself about diabetes...........I AM OVERWHELMED! AND TEARY!! Can't wait until they schedule me for the class. I definately need it!

First goal: reschedule my life......SO IT HAS A SCHEDULE!
2nd first goal: incorporate exercise in my life....
(((((exercise...what is that?....all I do is sit and knit. Yes...all day!!! Every day!!!))))
I walk to the mail box (about 1/2 block) ONCE A WEEK!
I bought a bike, now I need to use it every day and 220lbs isn't a pretty or comfortable sight and embarrassing on a bike.............................................................

Thanks for listening
signed Was a Doily......Now to knit that blanket...boy, this pattern is hard, lol

It's SSYC's THIRD Anniversary!

One of my favorite yarn store is having an anniversary and you know what that means!!

A DRAWING AND SALES!!!! $6 A SKEIN AND UP

(PICTURE SHOWN: Farmhouse Fannies yarn in Rose Garden colorway)

I am connected only in my love of sKNITches yarn and her service so Here is the post:::::::::::enabler that I am:

"I want to first say THANK YOU to each and every one of you who have supported Simply Socks Yarn Company over the past three years! It's hard to believe that every day for three years I've gotten to work with what I love, and I'm so grateful to all my knitters.

To celebrate this occasion, I have some great deals for you in the Sale section of the store. Great prices on Opal, Meilenweit, Cherry Tree Hill, Creatively Dyed, 4 collections of OnLine, and best of all... Farmhouse Yarns! I got a great deal on skeins of Fannie's Fingering Weight yarn- these skeins are 40 yards shorter than the normal 400 yard skeins, so you'll save $6! Since 360 yards is enough for most of us anyway, you may never miss the yardage.

I have a few new yarns to share with you too! I'm currently knitting up JoJoLand's Melody Superwash yarn (shown above in color ms11), which slowly changes color as you knit it the round. A couple colors have already sold out, but all 12 will return at the end of the week.
Do you love sKNITches? Then check out Bebop, the hand dyed variegated colors dyed on a wool/nylon base.
I have a new yarn from Sleeping Dragon, Wooly Bamboo. It's the softest wool/bamboo combination I've felt yet, and it's dyed with all of Karen's popular colorways. This yarn has a lovely drape, so not only it is perfect for socks, but also lace.

Finally, in keeping with anniversary tradition, I have a special edition colorway from Lorna's Laces and a fun contest at the blog. Three lucky winners will receive a skein of sKNITches Syncopation striping yarn. And if you spread the word about the contest on a blog, forum or chat room, send me the link to allison@simplysockyarn.com and I'll put you in a separate contest to win another skein!
Allison
-Coming this summer: Opal's Harry Potter Sock Yarn, Noro Silk Garden, Miss Babs Yummy Sock, & new yarns from Fleece Artist and sKNITches "

OK...OK....I want an extra chance to win a skein of sKNITches yarn! I love this yarn. ((((I know you all understand....blushes....))))

2 Socks on 2 Circulars 2nd Try

This is my second attempt to knit 2 socks on 2 circular needles. I am using this tutorial:

http://www.socknitters.com/2circs/lessonone.htm

I am using Sirdar Snuggly Fair Isle DK yarn in sh794, bright barbi pink and lavender spots on white, and a solid pink for the cuffs, flap and toes. The first time I tried I used longer needles and they were both Knit Picks circulars.

This time I am use 24" Knit Pick Harmony with the colorful wood tips and red cable and Hiyi Hiyi metal tip circulars with clear cable and it is helping to tell where I am when I am knitting and which needle is next. It still seems so slow but I keep telling myself I am knitting 2 socks so I am really further along then it feels. I have done the 4" total leg and am ready to start the flap tomorrow so I have finished lessons 1 & almost finished with 2.

This really drove me nuts the first try. I think it is my OCD that drove me nuts. Every change of the process I had to make sure that everything was lined up and in place..exactly! I did start the cuff ribbing on double points and knitted K1 P1 for 10 rows before transferring to the circulars. The transfer took a long time as I kept getting one or the other the wrong way........AAAHHHHHHHHH! But once that was set up correctly it wasn't bad at all. I am so bad at knitting the second sock immediately that I think if I keep doing them this way, eventually I will get used to the set up.

I do like not having to keep track of things to make sure both socks match. I spend a lot of time placing markers every 10 rows and writing every little thing down. It was the only way to make sure I got the second sock right since it could be months before I knitted it. I am so fast with double points it is taking some time to get used to going so slow. Most socks I can knit the first sock in 2 to 4 days for a woman's, depending on the pattern.

I really had to MAKE myself not keep fixing everything to line up just right like a photo every time I changed to knit on the next sock. I just concentrated on making sure the needles I was using matched and not worrying about the yarn strings 'feeding' right as they all came out fine after working both sides of both socks.

I'm probably not saying it right but it is just my second time and I have never seen it done before. If you know how to knit 2 socks on 2 circulars this may all make sense. If not, I sure can't help!!!!!! But maybe someday I will be able to. Really wish I was sitting somewhere knitting with a group on this new experience.

I also tried this method for just one sock and really liked it a lot. Less ladders to worry about and with 2 addi 16" cables it was easier for me than using the longer cables. The short ones made it more obvious which needle was needed and faster to get in position.

It really feels funny to think I like knitting with double points the best. I must be getting better this last year as I can still remember how awkward it felt for so long. I really think the key to knitting socks is just concentrating on the 2 needles you are using at the time and only think about the a few stitch directions you are knitting at a time.

It is the same feeling I got when I did my first graphite drawing. Consentrating on such a small area to the exclusion of all else so much so that when you pause.................. and look at what you've done...................... it is a surprise how good it looks and what you just did was right on!! Then you pat yourself on the back and think, 'Hey, I can really draw!'

Or 'Hey, I can knit a sock!'.
Enough tiny moments of instant gratification that knitting socks, like drawing, becomes an addiction.

Happy Sock Knitting, everyone!!!!!

Curiosity that DIDN'T kill the cat..........

I finished another SSS. This pair is for one of my granddaughter's for this Christmas. It is a basic flap sock pattern of my own according to individual foot measurements. The yarn is Claudia Handpainted Yarn in the Red Wagon colorway. I really like this yarn a lot. I used 3.25 mm needles.

The socks on the right are knit with Patons Kroy Sock yarn in the Paint Box colorway #54567 with the solids Louet Gems in the Black colorway. Same type original pattern for a grandson this Christmas. Another SSS hits the dust!

I got curious so I dug through my knitting books and this is what I found.

I got the following at Half Price Books:

Title List Price HPB Price
Knitting Hand-Dyed Yarns(Burns,Blaydes/Kaisler, Tosten)28.95 5.98

Kids*Kids*Kids (by Knitters Mag) 19.95 3.00

Vintage Knits (30 from Rowan) 25.00 9.98

Knitted Toys (Mc Tague) Have 2 of these 18.95 7.98

Design &Knit the Sweater of your Dreams (Michler) 21.95 3.00

Beyond Wool (Strick) 34.95 7.98

Paintbox Knits 29.95 9.98

More Paintbox Knits 31.95 5.98

A Garden Stroll Knits Inspired By Nature (Ihnen) 34.95 7.98

Knitting in the Round (Stauffer) have 2 of these 24.95 5.98

Party Knits (Griffiths/Stanfield) 19.95 9.98

Knitting Stitch & Motif Directory (Pearce) not listed 12.95

Knitted Babies(Those skinny legs and arm dolls)Garland 15.95 7.98

Knitting for Babies & Kids (Stauffer) 24.95 5.98

New Knits on the Block (Howell-Knitty Gritty) 14.95 5.98

Kids'Knits for Heads, Hands&Toes (Bliss) 17.95 8.98

Teach Yourself Visually Knitting (Turner) 24.99 12.48

Handknits for Kids (Lucinda Guy) 23.00 7.98

A Treasury of Rowan Knits (80 patterns) (Sheard) 39.95 9.98

Glorious Color for Needlepoint&Knitting (Kaffe Fassett) 19.95 4.98

Family Albumn (More Glorious Knits for Children
and Adults (Kaffe Fassett and Zoe Hunt) 24.95 3.60

Country Knits (Bliss and Giona McTague) 19.95 7.98

1000 Great Knitting Motifs (Luise Roberts) 19.95 6.98

Totals (Saved $156.62) $268.43 111.81

I also discovered that these represent about 1/2 of my total books.
I didn't realize there were that many. I will buy more than one copy to use in swaps.

Sure looks like it is worth while to check Half Price Books once in a while. I check everytime I am out 'just' shopping.

Oh yes, of course I have nothing financial to gain and not connection to this store or any other. I just like a bargain!!! Got to feed the cats and buy yarn!

Mock Cable Socks OTN

Finished the pair of Mock Cable Socks from Knitting on the Net. This is my favorite sock pattern to knit. I can do it without the pattern now so it makes for great TV knitting. It makes the cable stitch by K3 and then bringing the first of the three knitted stitches over the other two and off the needle. NO CABLE NEEDLE NEEDED! It also has an YO in a previous row that creates a lacey opening inside the cable. This pair is done with Trekking XXL 78 colorway. I used 2.75mm needles for a ladies size 5 sock. Well, now on to start the next SSS sock.....next up-Christmas socks for the grandkids.

Don't tell Always Alice........

I belong to Long Star State Knitters, a great yahoo group of Texas knitters. You join this group and you have sooooo much fun. It feels like being adopted into a great big family...I mean HUGE! And everyone has such huge hearts of gold. Your first day of lurking will show you how much everyone cares about each other....encouraging....enabling....sharing hurts and fears and the loving responses..............it just warms your heart.

Then..............................................................................................................................................there's Alice.................................................................................................................................Always Alice as she calls herself (no, I don't know why)................................................................................loving, big hearted, FUNNY, Always Alice. ALICE OF THE:

"Ok, it's time for a FO update. You shared what you are working on, now own up..................where do those OTN things stand???? Hum, Hum, Hum..........own up."

Tongue in cheek of course and you gotta love her, bless her heart. I'd never get anything done if I didn't know AA was going to check in soon with 'Report'.

So this post is all about my reading a post from my For_The_Love_OF_Socks group. They were talking about SSS and someone wrote in "What is SSS?" For those of you who knit socks, you know this person hasn't been knitting socks for long, lol. Those who think knitting socks is silly as long as there is WALMART won't understand but I'll tell you anyway. Knitting socks is like eating chocolate Hershey's kisses, or Lay's potato chips........................you can't just do one (well, sort of, but let me explain).

Knitting socks is soooo addicting. The fun of choosing the yarn and the excitement, really excitement, of how it looks knitting that stockinette swatch for gauge, then choosing the perfect pattern to show off the yarn...........aaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh, better than sex (well, maybe not). Knitting that first sock is such a pleasure.

Now the second sock, that's a problem! I don't know why really. Socks are small, don't take that long, portable so good for 'waiting for soccer practice to be over' or 'I just love sitting in the doctor's office!' times. I think it is just because sock knitting also has another problem. Socks only take one 100 g ball for a pair of average socks and the variety of sock yarn and colorways out there is astonishing. Sock knitting is getting so popular that the yarn companies are constantly expanding their NEW lines knowing we just can't resist seeing what 'that yarn will look like knitted' since I only need one ball and I can always afford to spend that much!!! (Famous last words, just ask my daughters....8(.......) Ah hum, anyway...............so you finish the first sock and by then (2 days for me) you have already seen someone's sock they knit with THAT yarn in THAT pattern and you think you can JUST cast on and knit a little..........for fun..............and a little more to see what the heel will look best in....sl1, k1 ribbed heel or maybe the partridge (my fav). And once that is done........will you are almost finished.

Sigh....

That is why I say "Don't tell Always Alice! Please...."

I know she would just smile and be encouraging........more like an adoring favorite aunt than good 'ole Mom but if Alice knew that I am the Queen of SSS, oh, heaven help me! I might have to start on those 7......or 9............well, would you believe 12?............na, me either..............I stopped looking at 15!!! first socks started and 9 single socks (yes, those completed socks in the photos are all singles except for one) grieving for a mate. (Hey, I haven't had a mate for 20 years...so pull up your big girl panties..oh, wait a minute! That's what my friend Kathie keeps saying..........oh, where was I?)

I crammed as many of the unfinished first socks onto the scanner as I could. (Forgive me Father for I have sinned....). And I did just make a pair for a swap, does that count? no.........................

Well, I am not moving to Tyler for another 3 months so in between sorting and packing I will finish socks.

Promise......just don't tell Always Alice..................

Just incase!

Laters,

Barb

PS. You know I luv ya, AA!

Moving right along........

My socks for the Saucy Sock Swap and packaged and ready to mail. Joni's April 13 birthday package is ready to mail. Finished som easy knitting making mini socks for sock keychains for future swaps and a preemie hat for LSSK group.

So wish I could just knit....and knit....and knit.......but I am supposed to be moving the first week in June! I HATE MOVING!!! So, how does someone without a car and a phobia about leaving the house move? VERY SLOWLY! Any suggestions would be welcome..lol. Gas is so high that the girls need me to send money so they can make the trip.....I am so paranoid about the little money I have that I am holding on to every cent. I am sorting and getting rid of as much as I can. Was going to save some things for a garage sale after I move but I got to thinking I probably would have to pay more to move them then I would get in a garage sale. I have NEVER made any money at garage sales!!! My daughters can but not me! Looks like the only answer for me would be to just pay to have a movers pack and move. I HATE MOVING!!! Have you ever Priced! moving boxes? I never had a clue how expensive they are and it costs more to purchase them from the mover, have them delivered and pack myself than the bid they gave me. Problem is, I don't think I will have enough $ to cover everything to get into a rent home with June's check sooooooooo everything is going into storage in Tyler and I will stay with my daughters for a month or two while I 'shop' for a rental. Have I said how much I HATE MOVING! And the really crazy thing is everytime I move I swear it will be the last. I moved 13 times the 5 yrs after I divorced..20 yrs ago. I think I have moved 7 times since 1993. Geez, that's 20 times in the last 20 yrs!!! ROFLMAO...it just dawned on me! I have fears about leaving the house so I guess I just MOVE THE HOUSE!!!! ((((((((((((going to schedule a therpy session.......)))))))))))))))))

laters,

Barb

out of the mouths of babes..................

Sunshine, (daughter #4) called last night.
Tator, 4 1/2, came to her and said

she was 'hurt....... ..down there'

Of course, you can imagine the thoughts racing through Mommy's head about then but this is my calm daughter.... ......... ......... ......... .........

"Where, Tator?" (You know, just in case she is misunderstanding. ....)

"You know, down there", she replies.

"Tator, how did that happen?", Mommy says...chanting to herself..calm....calm....calm.....

Tator tilts her head to the side and looks at the floor."Well, it really was the egg....." her voice trails off.........

"AN EGG?" (I would imagine about now Mommy is starting to lose it.)

"yes........ I was trying to lay it and it cracked open and cranked me!!!!(a plastic easter egg, of course) She has her own special words!!

I can soooo see Sunshine. STRAINING not to laugh while she comforts Tator
as if everyone tries to lay eggs....hehe.

My first thought at this point was to ask her if she laughed.
I would have been rolling on the floor laughing so hard I cried!!!!!
Mommy says, 'no'........ ......... ......... ..but then we both crack up!!!!!!!

I can hear Tator in the background.. ......... ......... ......... ......... ......... .....

WELL, YOU ARE NOW!!!!!!!

You are now!!!!

Just had to publish this to go with the last post..........don't you think?

Life, AGAIN.............

This is my Daffodil dishcloth for a swap. It is from my Monthly Dishclot swap but an old pattern from before I joined.
© Copyright April 2, 2006
Designed, knit & scanned by Melissa Bergland Burnham
Oscarsdotter@earthlink.net
2007 May KAL - Garden Daffodils Knitted Dishcloth Now that I have seen the picture I see I made a mistake in the border...........and I need to get it in the mail today so I guess this just proves I'm not perfect, lol.

Isn't this the prettiest afghan. It is a pattern for a knit a long from Lion Brand. The pattern is free for another week and you get a discount on the yarn. Don't tell Sunshine, I order too much yarn, but I ordered 10 skeins of Blue Heather to make it for my sofa throw. Can't wait to get started but I am going to take my time knitting it since it is going to be really hot soon here in Texas. I also finished some more dishcloths. These are to be sent for a swap today. It was for 2 cloths with realistic flower motifs. I reallly like the rose the best and will do it again. Here is the pattern creator...I forgot to save the link when I made a word doc with the pattern but I am sure you can google it. Rose Dishcloth
Designed by Amy-lynne Mitchell
©Copyright 2007

The absolute worst thing happened yesterday. I decided to take a chance and talked myself into going to meet an online knitting friend. (You know how hard it is for me to do things!) We were to meet around noon at the Plano train station. Now I live in Irving and don't drive sooooo..........

8:00am 4 hours...ok that should be plenty of time...it usually takes 2 to 2 1/2 hrs to do the same trip to get to the next station in the ride which is where my daughter picks me up. Plenty of time!!! So I leave at 8am to go to the bus stop to wait for the bus. Get on the bus at about 8:15 and as I ride I knit, of course. After about 15 min. I realize I am going the wrong way...this means I will be riding for an hour to the other end of this bus' route to get on the train. I start to get off and go the other way but with bus waits that can be an hour it seems just as good to just ride it out. I get off an 35 min. later the bus pulls into the north Irving train station and the driver informs me that she doesn't go any further because she is going to the bus garage so I have to get off and get on another bus that will take me to the train station. As I am sitting there watching bus after bus pull in only for them to say 'garage' also so I ask the station attendant when there will be bus running again and he tells me not for another 30 minutes!!!! Ok, be patient.....that will be 10:35, still have time. So I knit some more. 10:40 I get on the bus that will take me to South Irving and the Trinity Express train to downtown Dallas and the DART Red Line train to Plano. It takes 39 mins to ride to my transfer point. I get over to the train station and low and behold the train isn't coming for another 30 MINUTES.....Long story shorter... at noon I am on the Red line train to the Plano station but I am still 30 minutes away....still in downtown Dallas. I arrive FINALLY at downtown Plano at 12:40 but I don't see anyone knitting???? Oh crap! Now, I don't have a cell phone so there is no way to call her........so I sit down and knit.

We never did meet up. I took the train back at 2:30 and got home at 5pm. At least there were no delays on the way back. I was sooo disappointed and feeling bad for Hedy. Of course, my crazy brain in going 90 to nothing telling me how stupid I am and 'see, this is why you don't leave home...EVER'. I have the worst time doing things. Seems like something ALWAYS happens that leaves me feeling like I can't do anything right. Don't worry about me..I won't quit trying. It will be a while before I try again but I will try. I am determined to be 'normal' like everyone else. Just wish life could be more simple once in a while. sigh..........................

Briley Knits is having a blog anniversary! In honor, she is having a contest.
http://brileyknits.blogspot.com/2008/04/blogiversary-contest.html
Here is what she says.....go check it out! Please tell her I sent you so I can get an additional entry....hey, I want to win too!

"This photo show 4 different types of roving from my stash. They are all 100% a single fiber (no blends). Guess what type of fiber each roving is.To enter the contest leave a comment with your guesses listed left to right (they must be in the correct order to be considered correct guesses), by Monday April 28. Any guess will get you an entry in the drawing for a prize.To get additional entries:
A correct guess on two or three of the fibers will get an additional entry
A correct guess on all four fibers gets you 4 additional entries
If you enter this contest and have ever commented on either of my blogs before you will get an additional entry
A link to this contest on your blog will get you an additional entry (you must let me know you have done this)
Any comment in which someone tells me you referred them to this contest will get you another entry.
So, the number of entries you can get is limitless.The Prizes:
a custom needle roll-up
a 4oz hank of hand spun merino wool
a hank of hand painted cotton yarn
I will announce winners on Tuesday, April 29th. The first place winner (the first name I draw out of a bag) will get to choose whichever prize he/she would like. The second place winner will get his/her choice of the two remaining prizes, and the third place winner will get the remaining prize."

One month smoke free.........

Today is a big day for me. I have been smoke free for a month now. Well, sort of. (I know, I know....that is like being 'sort of' pregnant) I did smoke one when I was at Sweetie's house friday to see her get her first kindergarten award but I'm not counting it so there!!! I think it's pretty good for going cold turkey and I need all the help I can get.

Tater and Peanut didn't get to come to spend the night tonight. Mom and Dad just didn't have the gas to drive 400 miles round trip so they didn't get to have a night out in Dallas. I don't know how young families do it today. So I have spent the day trying to finish UFO's (that's unfinished objects in blog knitter's land). Finished a dishrag and am now doing the toe on a sock for Saucy Socks Spring Swap. Have until June to finish the pair, so far right on schedule. Once I finish the first sock I will work on Joni's purple socks. I am almost to the toe on the first one of that pair also. Vicki was so nice she put together a contest for the knitters that didn't get to go to LSSK's WHIBSIB Retreat. Whoever completes the most UFO's during the time everyone is gone, wins a prize. She also sent the link to 2 puzzles (links here if you want to try them:

http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/daily-jigsaw

http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/9C055D50F6E7?z=3)

and whoever completes them in the shortest time each win a prize. Knitting prizes of course..the best kind. Well, better get back to knitting. I LOVE free yarn!! Good luck to the others who are participating in the Pity Party for prizes.

laters,

Barb

WHIBSIB Jealously...........

I belong to the Lone Star State Knitters Group. It is a really fun group that shares patterns and life in Texas. All you have to do to join is to live in Texas while a member. They are the nicest, kindest group of ladies with hearts as big as Texas. It doesn't take long to feel like you are part of a big caring family. Groups meet in the various towns once a week to knit and bitch! Each new baby, child or grandchild of a member, gets squares knitted by any member who wants and can then make a LSSK's baby blanket (patterns in group files). There are all kinds of contests with 'knitty' prizes, you can knit preemie items and send them to Jennifer who forwards them to our chosen hospital..........the list just goes on and on. Posts are sooooooooo entertaining!

Only one problem.....well, for me anyway. This weekend the group is having their WHIBSIB Knitting Sleepover.............I'm going to be sneaky and say if you want to know what WHIBSIB means you have to join the group!!!!! hehe............
I want sooo much to go. And I can't....yet.... It isn't the money.

(dragging out my soap-box and swallowing my pride)........................

It is just really hard for me to do things outside of my home because of post traumatic stress disorder, double depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. I'm a lot better than I was 15 yrs ago and have learned so many tools to use from the greatest therapist in the world, Johnnie Bonner (who is now retired from the Dallas VA Medical Center). She was the first person EVER to be able to really reach me and make a difference in my life. The only answer I have ever been able to come up with for why it worked was that she was willing to let me see that she really cared about me. If you've ever talked to someone, friend or therapist, and felt they were listening but they was 'holding back' for whatever reason (not understanding, professional style, etc..), then you will understand what I mean. She wasn't afraid to 'feel' what I was telling her and really shocked me every time what I was saying made her cry. It is still hard to believe anyone would really 'care' like that for me...little 'ole me! For years after I divorced and the girls were grown (actually it started when my youngest was a junior in high school, so sorry Sunshine), I spent most of my time laying in bed being depressed and crying on and off. In 1993, the day came when I needed to go get the groceries and I couldn't leave the house.

I don't have group or individual therapy anymore and can pretty much live my life but it is still hard to take that step and leave the house. Most things will eventually get done, whatever it is that needs me to leave, just might take a few hours or days to get going, lol.

Knitting has been a life saver for me. I have been knitting hats for preemies for several years, knitting for Dulaan until it stopped a few years ago, and knitted warm hats for the homeless in Dallas that I would see on the bus or trains. (I don't drive anymore.) That is my contribution to the world. That and connecting with children I see who seem to have an abusive parent (I try and catch their eye, smile and wink to try and get them to smile since that always made me feel 'connected' when I was a child and like someone, somehow knew what I was going through. Got me through some hard years so I try and 'pay it forward' and would encourage YOU to try it also. Even a young child can be suicidal......did you know that......and that smile maybe the one thing that keeps them here.)

OK.....getting down off my soap-box now.

Where was I......oh, yes. Maybe all that helps you understand why I am so jealous of my friends getting together this weekend and I just can't do it yet..........BUT I WILL.

Just you wait and see! I was able to finally stop smoking March 27 this year!!! Almost a month now...hum, wonder if there is a counter out in internet land that would count how many days it is and post to my right column. If you know, leave a comment. That would sure be encouraging.

laters,
Barb

Out of the mouth of babes.......

Completed 2 projects. Finished knitting the first of 2 dishcloths for April with the Monthly Dishcloth Group "In The Meadow". I used Peaches and Cream yarn. Going to knit a button on dish towel to match by lengthening the pattern and adding the top.

It's a little hard to see since I have to 'squish' it in my scanner to get a picture. The 4 flowers are on top of a hill (in a meadow) and the bloom is made by knitting one bobble stitch. I like the sun peeking out of the top left corner, too. This is a great group. One pattern is posted the first of the month which is themed to fit the month or season. It is designed to look best knitted in a solid color. The middle of the month a pattern is posted for varigated or fair isle yarn in an all over pattern. If you choose to knit a square you can post the photo but it is not a requirement to join. The patterns alone are really good!!!

I also created a new 'antique' sachet (4" x 4" outside of the lace). I took antique lace and material that had a hand embroderied lavender already on it and made sachet. Wonder if that counts as 'antique"? Doesn't matter...it turned out really sweet and dainty. I love victorian decorating!

The following is a sweet story out of the mouth of a 4 yr old I happen to love delightfully. If you are easily offended by ANYTHING REMOTELY OF A SEXUAL NATURE....read no more.

Otherwise, enjoy the pure innocense and tender concern of this sweet baby girl nicknamed Tator:

DD#4 has recently started babysitting a couple of days a week. Being a christian wife and mother, she is very protective of her two daughters, Tator 4 1/2 and Peanut 1 1/2. Now you need to understand that Tator doesn't know the physical differences between boys and girls. Since she is now taking care of a tiny baby boy, she decided this might be a good time to be more casual about Tator seeing her change his diaper. The day came when Tator just happened to be in the room and it was time to change a diaper. Sure enough she came over. She adores babies!!

So Mom quietly and slowly continued to change the wet diaper. Wet diaper (keep that in mind, now....You can see where this is going, huh). When it appeared that Mom thought she was through wiping baby, a frown came to Tator's face,

"Mommy, you missed some poop poop." she said with concern.

Mom replied, "No, boys look different than girls."

(She may have told me she said more but I don't think so. We've talked a lot about only answering what is asked and see what comes, next to avoid confusion or giving too much information unnecessisily.)

Several lllooonnnnggggg seconds passed while Tator thought about that one! Then a look of revulsion came on her face.

"Mommy!, does he taste his poop poop?!?!"

Now this was really puzzling, but this Mom is one cool cucumber! After a few minutes the 'light bulb' came on! Tator was really thinking hard and she was right. It really did look like a little mouth with a tiny tongue sticking out................what other conclusion would she come to!!! So Mom explained a litttle bit more and Tator gave a big sigh........

"I'm glad cause that would sure taste yucky!" Bless her sweet caring heart!

Kid's, Cat's and Knitting..................

Finished another dishcloth.....this pattern is a past release of the Monthly Discloth Group on Yahoo. I am also knitting 2 more that I can't show. They are for my Dishcloth Swap 5-Spring Has Sprung secret pal. I am wrapping a 'token of spring' also. Mine will be a tiny bird nest that I found in one of the birdhouses on my apartment patio last spring.

The birdhouse was given to me by Shannon, my daughter, and looks like a black and white cat face with the door the cat's mouth. I have 2 cats that have a cat door leading to the patio and I think that is why the nest was never completed. I did get to watch them building it for a few days while I kept the cats inside but I didn't dare let them work long enough to become prey for Prissy and Cinder. Prissy is Cinder's older sister and their mother lives in Virginia with my second oldest daughter Tami. Prissy is a yr and a half and Cinder was from the next litter and chosen by my oldest daughter's child Mandee. Mandee also has Ella (get it...... Cinder-Ella named with help from Aunt Shannon). Ella is a very gentle calico, about 6 mths younger than Cinder. Mandee decided that Cinder is just too rambunctious for Ella and didn't know how to protect Ella so I suggested that Cinder come for an extended visit with me and Prissy. It has been about 2 mths and they get along great. Cinder LOVES the cat door here. She was the Houdi-cat at Mandee's and ran out everytime the door was opened and into the street. Having control of my home has made her a very happy Nana OWNER. I don't have a camera to post their current pictures but they said I could post older ones since they make their hips look thinner!

Do you need an Ewok interpreter.................

I have the cutest grandkids ever!!!

My daughter Shannon left this in the comments....just had to add it!

"We were watching Star Wars the other night.
Blake was quite in tune watching with his little head tilted to the side like Forest Gump.
The part with the Ewoks came on and he said,

"I know what he just said."

"You do?", I asked.

"Yup, Andrew (his 7 yr. old buddy) taught me how."

Barely able to hold in my laughter I asked (naturally) what he said.

Never taking his eyes off the TV he answers,

"Well, he didn't teach me all of it.
I don't know........
I'll have to learn some more first."


So all of you who all of these years have been wondering what on earth the Ewoks were saying,
just ask Blake... He speaks Ewok!

The Adventure Begins

Today is the first day of my blogging life. I don't have a way to enter pictures yet but I am hoping to have a lot of pictures of my artwork and knitting. Don't know if anyone other than my family will ever read this blog but it just might be fun to put my thoughts here. I am a self taught artist. I work with graphite pencils, colored pencil and ink (all dots) and love doing portraits. You will be able to see examples my work in the right hand column. Some are in progress or may never be completed.......who knows. Please realize that I know nothing about creating a blog so it may look a bit rough for a while. AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHh!!!!!!!!!!!! I didn't realize how hard it is to do this, lol. Well, what you read is what you get...