Goddess Knitters

...official business...

2012-01-17T15:48:00.000-08:00

This just in:

Hello Debbi!

And welcome to the second year of Twisted's Shawlette Club! It's all about the small shawls in this club: one skein of gorgeous, hand-dyed yarn partnered with a fantastic designer. What more could a knitter want?

KITS

Every other month, starting in March 2012, you will receive:

a special skein of sock yarn, dyed exclusively for the club by an exciting indie dyer
an all-new, exclusive pattern for a shawlette or other neck warming type device written by an equally exciting knit wear designer
a lil’ extra gifty!

We're starting off with the fabulous pairing of Debbi Stone + Blue Moon Fiber Arts. Debbi and Tina are always a great team, and this design is extra-special. Our test-knitter is having the best time with the lovely and interesting knit, and has been waxing poetic about Seduction, the base Debbi and Tina chose.

I am pretty proud of this! If you have joined the club I can't wait for you to get your first shipment! It's going to be a really fun year!!!

...the last of Christmas...

2011-12-31T21:57:00.001-08:00

We have been having a blast at Sunriver. It has been so great being here, relaxing with family and friends. And we've doing a lot...

a lot of present opening...

a lot of posing for pictures...

and a lot of walking......

...a lot!

We took a family sleigh ride on Christmas day that was really fun. The only thing that could have made it better was snow. But we laughed and had a wonderful time even without snow.

The kids have all gone home and we have had the past couple of days to see friends, do a bit more walking and even get some skiing in. It's been busy, but the best kind of busy!!

...here comes Santa Claus...

2011-12-26T21:48:00.000-08:00

Wow, I can not believe that it is already the 26th! Were did the month go? We have had the best time this holiday season. We are spending two weeks at our home in Sunriver. It's been almost perfect. The only thing that would make it better is snow. No snow here, which is unusual for this area at this time of year. But even without the snow, just being here with our family and celebrating the season has been fantastic. We've eaten some really great food, played some really fun games and enjoyed each other so much none of us want it to end.

One of the first things the girls did together was have brunch with Santa on Christmas Eve day. The lodge is decorated so beautifully for the holidays. Gorgeous Christmas trees and beautiful lights are everywhere.

Everything was great until it was time for Paytan to sit on the big guy in the red suits' lap....

Paytan was fine with Santa at a distance. But anything closer than 15 feet and it was no dice. It didn't matter that she never really "sat" on Santa's lap. He still found our house and left her a big bunch of presents! More on that tomorrow!

Hope your holidays are merry and bright!

...new sweater...

2011-12-06T21:23:00.001-08:00

When I was on the east coast in October Marcy passed on some little girl things that she thought Paytan would like. One of the items was a darling sweater that she had knit. I took it home and thought it might be a while before Paytan could wear it. She's teeny! 15 months old and just now wearing 6 month clothes. We like to say she's little, but mighty!

While Erin and Paytan were here visiting I thought we should try the sweater on to see how big it was on her. Low and behold, it fit!

And of course, she had to have her 'bitty baby' in a picture too.

Well, she loves the sweater and I know she'll be wearing in a lot. Thanks Marcy!!

...The Erin Collection...

2011-12-04T21:43:00.001-08:00

I am very proud to offer The Erin Collection!

~The Erin Collection~

$15.00

This collection include Erin's Hat, Erin's Mittens and the recently published Erin's Cowl.

Erin’s Cowl is a bit of warmth around you neck and is perfect for crisp, autumn days. It features two beautiful cable panels that finish with smart decreases and buttonholes that are perfect for highlighting those special buttons you have in your button collection.

Erin’s Cowl is just right for under your winter coat for an extra bit of coziness or as the perfect accessory with your favorite t-shirt.

Either way, you’ll love how Erin’s Cowl feels around your neck!

Yarn:

Valley Yarns Northfield

[70% Merino/20% Baby Alpaca/10% Silk, 50gm/124 yds]

2 skeins; colorway: Chestnut

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight

[100% Superwash Merino, 198 gm/350 yds],

1 skein; colorway: Tumbleweed

Supplies:

US 6/4mm 16 inch circular needles or needles to obtain gauge.

cable needle, markers, yarn needle, two 7/8" buttons

Gauge:

5 stitches/inch over stockinette stitch

Finished Measurements:

length: 24 inches

width: 6.5 inches

Notes: Pattern includes both written and charted instructions.

Each pattern is available for sale individually for $6.00 each or the entire collection is available for $15.00.

...holiday tunes...

2011-12-03T22:01:00.001-08:00

Every year I buy one new Holiday cd to add to our big collection. This year I have added 3 and all are sure to become favorites. The first 2 were given to my by my youngest daughter and I love them.

The first is the new cd by Michael Buble.

We were lucky enough to see him in concert last year and it was great. One of the tracks on this cd is Silver Bells featuring Naturally 7, who were his opening act at the concert. The cd is really good.

The second is the The Polar Express Soundtrack.

This cd is filled with holiday favorites and I have been listening to it in my car non-stop. Every time I listen to it I want to watch the movie. I think I'll be doing that tomorrow!

The last cd was given to me by my oldest daughter. It's Joy to the World by Pink Martini.

Another winner, and it will be playing in my kitchen during my holiday baking. If you are a Pink Martini fan, go out and get this one. It's as awesome as all of the rest of their stuff!

Thanks girls, for updating my holiday tunes! I love all of them!

...caroling...

2011-12-02T21:57:00.001-08:00

For your Christmas caroling pleasure, I give you sheep.

You gotta love singing sheep, right?

...gifting...

2011-12-01T22:43:00.001-08:00

Are you shopping for a knitter this season? If you aren't a knitter yourself then you may be a little at odds as to what to give the knitter in your life. Well, my friend Stephanie has some pretty great ideas. You can head over here and check out her suggestions. My favorites are the things from Tilly Flop, especially this...

This is a philosophy that I wholeheartedly support. So if you're looking for a gift for me, you know what to buy. pst.....I love cashmere.

...in plain sight...

2011-11-30T15:23:00.001-08:00

Remember this? Well, I have been ready to publish this pattern for a couple of days now, but one thing has been in my way. I have not been able to find the cowl ANYWHERE. And by anywhere I mean not in a single place in my house, car, knitting bags...ANYWHERE. And the problem with this is that I don't have any photos of it for the pattern. I have a few casual shots but nothing that I really want to use for the actual pattern layout.

Today, I was out at Blue Moon visiting with Tina and I told her about the missing cowl. We commiserated about lost things and I told her the thing that was most upsetting was that the buttons were from my Grandmother's (Ida) button box, were very old and I only have one more of them. The cowl calls for two. After a bit of feeling sorry for myself, I knew what I needed to do. I went out to the barn and asked Debra to put one skein of STR Heavyweight in Tumbleweed on the production list. We talked about how disappointing it was to have lost the cowl, but I said I'd just knit another one and try to find some buttons that would work. While we were talking about it, Becky said "You know that as soon as you knit the second cowl, the first one will show up." I said I thought that would be fantastic, but didn't really believe that would happen.

I came home and went into my studio to wind up a ball of yarn that I needed for another project I'm working on and while winding that yarn I happened to glance over at the mannequin that I use for my photo shoots. Yup, you guessed it. The cowl was on the mannequin...hiding in plain sight. For all of my looking, searching, cursing and near weeping I had looked right past the thing. It had been there the whole time. I called the barn and cancelled the skein I had ordered. Becky was right, and thank goodness I didn't need to knit the second cowl before I found the first one!

So that being said, you should be seeing the Erin's Cowl pattern really soon! Assuming I don't misplace the darn thing again. Maybe I should just wear it....

...Twisted...

2011-11-29T17:34:00.001-08:00

Finally, I am able to tell you that I will be one of the designers for the 2012 Twisted Shawlette Club! I am really excited about this, especially since I will be working with Tina's yarn! You all know how much I love that! And check out the list of other designers and yarn companies. WOW!

2012 TWISTED SHAWLETTE CLUB

2012 is just around the corner! Reserve your space now for next year's Twisted Shawlette Club. We'll be upping the ante on yarns, including more luxury fiber blends and some exciting new designers.

Here's the 2012 line up (subject to change):

March 2012: (Blue Moon Fiber Arts & Debbi Stone)

May 2012: (The Plucky Knitter & Shannon Squire)

July 2012: (Black Trillium & Kristin Spurkland)

September 2012: (Big Alice Dyes & Larissa Brown)

November 2012: (Hazel Knits & Star Athena)

January 2013: (Little Red Bicycle & Carrie Sullivan)

If you are interested in signing up for the club you can go to the website and sign up there! I hope you decide to join us. It's sure be great fun!

...now available..

2011-11-28T18:43:00.001-08:00

The Stitches of My Life Designs patterns are now available at All About Yarn, a local yarn shop in Tigard, Oregon!

All About Yarn has a great selection of yarn and a really helpful staff. If you have a question, need help with a project or are looking for a great yarn for your next project, All About Yarn is the place for you. They have special events and classes happening at the shop, including a book signing with Deb Accuardi, author of Created In Oregon: A Knitter's Datebook, and a lace class with Sivia Harding coming early in the new year.

If you are in the area, stop by and see what they have to offer and while you're in there check out their great selection of patterns!

...making a list...

2011-11-27T18:56:00.001-08:00

and checking it twice or at least now I have a list to go from. If you haven't seen this book yet, let me introduce you to The Knitters Life List by Gwen W. Steege.

It's a book of things, as the covers say, to do, to know, to explore, to make. The book contains information about yarn and fiber, styles and traditions, tips and techniques and personalities to meet. Some of the chapter include yarn, know-how, sweaters, sock, bags, home dec and much more. The chapters include master lists of suggestions to discover, meet, do/try, learn, go, etc. The author states that this book is by no means the be all, end all list of things for knitters, but rather a starting point to help knitters create their own "bucket list".

I am only a couple of chapters into this great book, but I can tell you that I am already starting my own list. The book is a great tool for inspiration and creativity. I has me really thinking about how I am going to plan out my knitting for the future. There are definite things I want to see, do and learn, and there are many people highlighted in this book that I would love to meet. I think it will help me develop a plan for classes I want to take and the people I want to take them from.

The Knitters Life List is a must have for every knitters library.

Thanks to Susan for introducing me to this great book!

...game day...

2011-11-26T18:29:00.001-08:00

Today the annual Civil War game between our Oregon State Beavers and the Oregon Ducks was played. We weren't expecting a win but were excited about the game none the less. We have a really young team this year; many of our player are true freshmen, including our quarterback. We have seen some great football this year and some not so great football this year. Even with the loss today we are excited to see what future seasons have in store for this team. Regardless of the score we have been very proud of our team. They have shown poise and integrity this season and we are very proud to call ourselves Beaver fans.

We spent the afternoon with our Beaver friends that we tailgate with during home game. As usual, there was a lot of great food, fun and laughter. We always have a great time!

I did get a little bit of knitting done during the game, and in honor of today I knit with orange and black. It's a new design I'm working on and I can't wait for you all to see it!

knit in Kollage Glisten
75% Alpaca, 20% Silk, 5% Estillina

Until next football season...GO BEAVS!

...two coasts, two hats, one brain...

2011-11-25T09:02:00.001-08:00

Finally, I am done with my Lotus Blossom hat. I finished the knitting last night and blocked it this morning.

I really love how it turned out but I was a little bit afraid that it wasn't going to fit. When Marcy and I started this project we were pretty excited. As I said, we spotted the hat at Rhinebeck and knew that it had to be our bi-coastal KAL. So we started it and after my rip out and re-start it was finally coming along. But it was about half way through the hat that I started to think it looked a little small.

Marcy and I were on iChat one morning when I casually mentioned this. Neither of us had done a gauge swatch because we were both sure of gauge. I am always on gauge, I never have to change needle size. We talked about how it had to fit, we were using the right needles, and yarn called for in the pattern, right? Uh-oh. We were using the needle size called for and we were using Green Mountain Spinnery Simply Fine yarn (9 stitches to the inch). The only problem with that is that the pattern calls for Green Mountain Spinnery Sock Art Meadow or Forest (7.5 stitches per inch). Which I might add are completely different yarns with completely different gauges. Yes, my gauge would have been perfect if we were supposed to use the Simply Fine, but that's not the yarn the pattern called for. No wonder the hat looked small.

We decided to keep knitting and if nothing else I said Paytan would be getting a new hat. She's the only one I know with a head that small...

Marcy finished hers first and blocked it. She sent me a text message that said, "All blocked, fits perfect!" How could that be? I'm not sure but now that mine is blocked it fits perfectly also. Maybe the knitting gods were smiling down on us but for whatever reason, the thing does fit. I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth.

Lessons learned:

1. ALWAYS DO A GAUGE SWATCH, EVEN IF YOU ARE ALWAYS ON GAUGE. Thank god this wasn't a sweater.

2. ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK THAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY BUYING THE RIGHT YARN FOR THE PROJECT. I think we were so excited that all we did was grab the yarn that was in the bin under the hat and figured it must be the right yarn. (head slap)

Anyway, I love how the colorwork turned out. I don't do a lot of colorwork but I can tell you that after this I will be doing more!

Marcy and I got together on iChat this morning to compare hats and we really do love them!

We just need to make sure that we double check what we are doing. As my day would say, "If we had a brain, we'd be dangerous....

...thankful...

2011-11-24T14:04:00.001-08:00

Today is Thanksgiving, but more importantly, today is our oldest daughter Erin's birthday.

just 1 hour old...

always laughing...

1st day of kindergarten

wedding day...

It seems like only yesterday that she was a baby. And now she is a wife and a mother of her own little girl.

Happy Birthday Erin! We love you so much!

In honor of Erin's birthday all of my patterns are on sale today through Sunday! Just use the coupon code birthday at the check out and get 20% off!

...and the answer is...

2011-11-23T08:46:00.001-08:00

Easy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies!

I got this idea from my friend Leianne (thanks Leainne!) and this is the recipe I used. Super easy and really good! They freeze and are the perfect snack (even right out of the freezer. Ask me how I know....)

I love all of the ideas you guys had! I now will be trying muffins, cake and bread using the same ingredients! Congrats to Acornbud, dianne, and Amy for the correct answer! Email me at thestitchesofmylifedesigns@gmail.com with your choice of pattern and I'll get that right off to you! You can go here to see all the patterns that are available!

Hey Knittinggolfer...get these done for Super Snack Monday! The kiddos will love them!!

...what would you be?

2011-11-22T07:20:00.001-08:00

If you were these three things put together...

...what you you be? Post your answer in the comment section by 7:00 am pst tomorrow (November 23rd) and the first 5 people that are correct will get a copy of one of my patterns (your choice! Let me know which pattern you'd like when you leave your answer). Good Luck!

Here's a hint: It ain't a pie......

...keeping warm...

2011-11-21T18:57:00.001-08:00

As promised

Warm and cozy mittens or fingerless mitts that are quick to knit up.

The cuffs are long enough to fit inside or outside of a jacket or sweater sleeve. Which ever you prefer, your hands will thank you for this bit of coziness while you’re out in the chilly air!

The fingerless version is perfect to put on when you need a little warmth but want your fingers free. Perfect for when you are texting or taking photos!

Cuffed with a beautiful cabled band that is finished with a smart decrease and buttonhole, they are the perfect project to show off those special buttons you might have in your collection.

~ Erin's Mittens ~

Yarn:

Valley Yarns Northfield

[70% Merino/20% Baby Alpaca/10% Silk,

50gm/124 yds] 2 skeins

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight

[100% Superwash Merino, 198gm/350 yds] 1 skein

Supplies:

US 6/4mm 32 inch circular needle

US 7/4.5mm 32 inch circular needle

1 set US 7/4.5 mm double points

or needles to obtain gauge

cable needle, markers, yarn needle, two 7/8" buttons

Gauge:

5 stitches/inch over stockinette

Finished size:

hand circumference: 7.5 inches

length from edge of cuff to top of mitten: 10.5 inches

Notes: Pattern includes both charted and written instructions.

...frost on the pumpkin...

2011-11-20T19:23:00.001-08:00

Fall seems to be fading into winter rather quickly around here. And as the autumn leaves drop from the trees, the cold nights and frosty mornings appear to be here to stay. I am always sad to see the leaves fade away but I do love the chilly weather as it gives me every excuse to bring out the hats, scarves and mittens.

I have been trying to keep up with Marcy and our Lotus Blossom Hat kal. But alas, she is done......sadly, I am not... But I hope to be done soon and I hope that the darn thing fits (more on that later).

As for scarves... there is something new coming soon from the design table. It's pretty and I think you'll like it!

And as for mittens? There have been hints along the way. Check back here tomorrow..... : )

..can't talk now...

2011-11-19T09:44:00.001-08:00

I'm tailgating. GO BEAVS!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

... Stash...

2011-11-18T20:23:00.000-08:00

Out and about today, I discovered a new yarn shop called Stash. It's located in Corvallis, Oregon and run by Sonia who refers to herself as Chief Stash Enhancer. I love that! It's even listed as her title on her business card.
Sonia has a beautiful space with lovely yarn. She highlights local yarns and designers. In fact, Lorajean from Knitted Wit is there this weekend with her beautiful stuff!
The shop has a cozy place to sit and knit and a darling place for little people to play! Paytan even tested this out and put her stamp of approval on it.
You definitely feel welcome and at home when you step inside and I really love the philosophy of the shop:

If you find yourself in Corvallis, stop in and see Sonia. You won't be disappointed!

...now I know the real reason...

2011-11-17T21:49:00.001-08:00

that I love pistachios....

Everybody, get crackin...

...one at at time...

2011-11-16T09:54:00.001-08:00

This is a public service announcement. People, could we please just celebrate one holiday at a time? I am all for holiday spirit, but I'd like to have the holiday spirit during the actual holiday season. It seems that society is running at light speed from one thing to the next. I was at the mall last weekend and heard Christmas music in more than one store. I guess I could get over that but the kicker for me was that as we approached the food court area there was a large crowd gathering. I said to my daughter, "What do you suppose that is all about?" As we got nearer we could see that there indeed was a line forming for something. Now, hang onto your hats. The line was to see SANTA. Yup, Santa is in the mall, having his picture taken with little people, hearing their wishes and handing out candy canes. It was unbelievable.
Don't get me wrong, I am the biggest Christmas fan ever, just ask my family. I love to decorate, bake and entertain. I have a tendency to go overboard, kind of like this guy (again, just ask my family).

But even I draw the line on Christmas stuff before Thanksgiving. Am I the only one out there that feels this way? I guess not....

...busy bee...

2011-11-15T19:38:00.001-08:00

I was sifting through photos the other day and found this. With the cold weather we've been having, this photo makes me remember the warm, sunny days of summer.

This little bee was hard at work on the flowers of my rosemary plant I have in the back yard when I happened to snap his picture. Busy little guy...

...Meditrina...

2011-11-14T19:39:00.001-08:00

Meditrina is the Roman goddess of health, longevity and wine! What better name for this pattern that is in honor of my special knitting friends that I call the goddesses. We goddesses knit together, travel together and drink wine together!

The Meditrina cowl contains a lace pattern reminiscent of a wine glass and is edged with a button band that is perfect for showing off those special buttons in your collection! Knit Meditrina and enjoy a glass of wine with your favorite goddesses!

~ Meditrina ~

Yarn:

Woolgatherings Silver Sock yarn

[63% Superwash Merino/20% Silk/15% Nylon/2% Silver,

100 gm, 420 yds]

Supplies:

US 5/3.75mm 32" circular needle

US 7/4.5mm 32" circular needle

or sized to obtain gauge

markers

yarn needle

five 3/4" buttons

Gauge:

5 stitches/inch on US 7/4.5mm needle over stockinette stitch

Finished Measurements:

Length: 46 inches

Width: 15 inches

~ enjoy! ~

...coming along nicely...

2011-11-13T20:53:00.001-08:00

After our weekend with Paytan I shuttled her back to her mama and papa this afternoon. The weekend flew by, probably because it's been quite a long time since we've had a toddler in the house. It was a lot of busy time but so much fun, and I can't even count how many memories were made while she was here. We miss her already.

Now back to knitting. My Lotus Blossom Hat is coming right along and I love how it's turning out. It's a pretty easy pattern to memorize and its great to have as my go to project. I think it will be the perfect hat for those cold mornings that are headed our way.
Also, coming off of the design table this week are two patterns ready for publication. I very excited about them and my test knitters have been working overtime. Thanks so much ladies!

I hope your weekend was filled with as much fun and as many memories as mine. And I hope your week to come is great!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

...if you build it...

2011-11-12T19:56:00.001-08:00

Today was a big day. Paytan, Aunt Kate and I went to Build-A-Bear. It was a whole bunch of fun. First we let Paytan choose which animal she wanted. She had it narrowed down to a dog and a koala bear. So we set them on the floor and had her walk over and pick one.

She made quick work of that. Sorry Mr. Dog, maybe next time....

On to the stuffing machine. She was a little bewildered by the "flat" koala bear...

And she was pretty patient while the stuffing commenced.

But once that was done she was a happy girl.

Rest assured, this won't be our last trip to Build-a-Bear. How could it be?

...full circle...

2011-11-11T20:26:00.001-08:00

Paytan is here visiting us this weekend while her mama and papa are spending a little time together out of town for Erin's birthday. Paypay, as we call her, has been here only 24 hours and already the house has that "a toddler lives here" look to it. There are toys everywhere (including the new ones we bought today), goldfish crackers in the cupboard and a pile of little clothes in the laundry room, and we wouldn't have it any other way.

While she is here there will be baths in the kitchen sink...

Special time with Aunt Kate, including a trip tomorrow to Build-A-Bear. More on that later!

And lots of play time. And yes, that is Paypay with a sock monkey.

More precisely, my sock monkey that my grandmother made for me when I was a child. That sock monkey is a little tattered and worn, but Paytan doesn't seem to notice. She loves him just as much as I did.

...I call her my friend...

2011-11-10T20:40:00.001-08:00

Anyone that knows anything about the knitting world knows who Stephanie Pearl-McPhee is. She is the author of many knitting humor books, two of which made it on to the New York Times Best Seller list including her most recent book All Wound Up (#24). Steph writes about everyday life things and told by anyone else I'm sure would not be half as funny. She can take an ordinary situation and find great humor in it, and she leaves me in stitches every time.

I first met Steph about 6 years ago at Madrona where she was speaking. As I sat there listening to her speak I thought, I think I could be good friends with this woman. Our paths crossed many more times in the next few years and in 2009 I had the good fortune to work for her and Tina on both Sock Summit 2009 and 2011. It was a pretty great experience.

I caught up with Steph briefly at Rhinebeck, which was the beginning of her book tour for All Wound Up. She was swamped with knitters waiting to speak with her and get their books signed. We exchanged a quick "Hi" and agreed that we would see each other at the other end of the tour when she got to Portland for her last book signing.

I met up with Steph before her signing at Powell's in Portland. We caught up and it was great to spend time with her before she headed home to Toronto. I'm not sure when I will see Steph again, but I know that when I do it will be like no time has passed. That's the mark of a good friendship.

Congrats, Steph, on the success of the new book. Well done, my friend. Now get some rest....

...favorites...

2011-11-09T16:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of my new favorite things. First up, project bags by erin lane. I met Lindsay at Stitches East and fell hard for her bags. They come in a several different shapes and sizes and ~~about a zillion~~ many beautiful fabric prints. Note the one on the right....yup, bras! I may have bought two or ten of these beauties will at Stitches and I don't think they will be the last that I purchase.

Next up, Knitter's Pride Needles from Webs. While at Stitches I also got a set of these. They are great! Beautiful wood, sharp points and wonderful joins. I can see more of them in my future.

Last, on the needles is a swatch for a super secret project that I can't talk about right now. But let's just say it's going to be fun! More info as soon as I can talk about it!

What are some of you favorite things?

...all will be revealed...

2011-11-08T20:32:00.000-08:00

I have another pattern that will soon be released. Here is a little peak at Meditrina, the goddess of health, longevity and wine. The beautiful yarn that I used for this design comes from Woolgatherings.

Kate dyes beautiful yarn and roving and I first discovered her at the Columbia Gorge Fiber Festival. I have more of her beautiful stuff in my stash waiting to become something special!

Stay tuned to see what Meditrina is up to......

...little things...

2011-11-07T12:25:00.000-08:00

Back in 2010 I found out that I was going to be a grandma for the first time.

I was able to attend the ultrasound where they confirmed that this little person was going to be a girl. Girl or boy, we didn't care. Just as long as she was healthy. So even though Paytan was born one month early and a little on the small side, she was perfect in every way. She continues to grow and thrive and we are amazed by just how wonderful she really is. (Why we are surprised by this I'm not sure.)

She is the light of our lives and now we know that she will be sharing that spot with someone when Erin, Kris and Paytan welcome a new little person in July. We could not be more thrilled and again boy or girl, we don't care.

I know that Paytan will be a wonderful big sister. She's already practicing.....

Paytan and her bitty baby...

...part three...

2011-11-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

Yet another peak at a little something coming out soon!

Erin's Cowl will be out on the heals Erin's Mittens. It's a cozy hug of cables for your neck. The perfect compliment to Erin's Hat!

All three patterns use either Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock - Heavyweight or
Valley Yarn - Northfield. Both yarns have beautiful stitch definition that show off the cables perfectly. If you are looking for a quick holiday gift, any one of Erin's collection will be perfect!

Stay tuned for more details...

... A little football

2011-11-05T20:13:00.001-07:00

Today we ventured down to Corvallis to watch our Oregon State Beavers take on the 4th ranked Stanford Cardinal. We knew going into today's game that it was going to be rough. Let's just say that this season has been a rough one for the Beavers, and leave it at that.

Our family has cheered on the Beavers for many seasons, and many of them have been loosing ones. I have told my kids that when I went to Oregon State we didn't
win a single game and I'm pretty sure it rained for all of them.

But Beaver games are not all about winning for us. It's more about being with family and friends, but a win every now and then wouldn't be so bad either. I will say that a fun tailgater with good food, great friends and our family almost makes a loss and the rainy weather seem okay.

And seeing this is probably the best part of the day!

Paytan is a true Beaver fan and has been going to games since she was 5 weeks old. She loves everything about the day! And so, the Beaver football tradition continues...

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

...bi-coastal...

2011-11-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

While with Marcy on my east coast adventure we decided to do a bi-coastal knit-a-long. We found a darling hat called the Lotus Blossom Hat from Green Mountain Spinnery. It's from the book "99 Yarns and Counting". We spied the sample in their booth at Rhinebeck and fell in love. After many trips back and forth to better lighting we settled on a skein of their natural and a skein of hand painted Simply Fine Yarn.

Fast forward to Marcy's house and us sitting down to cast on our hats. One crochet provisional cast-on and 9 rows later I discovered that while Marcy was knitting along in fine shape I was, however, merrily creating a beautiful mobius hat band, which you may know is impossible to get on your head. At first there was denial on my part. I kept looking at it and thinking this is bad, no this is okay, no this is bad.....

After coming to my senses that it wasn't going to fix itself, I ripped back the 9 rows of 160 stitches each and cast on one more time. By this time I was sweaty, my blood pressure was elevated and I was more than a little pissed. (There may have been some language involved. Thank goodness her kids were in bed.)

I got three rows done and put it away for the night. I headed to Stitches East the next day thinking, "I'll have time work on this hat and I'll be caught up to Marcy in no time." Right.

Stitches came and went and I settled down in my hotel room on the eve of my flight home, ready to knit on the hat. This is when I discovered that the hat was in the box.......that I shipped home. It wasn't in my suitcase, it wasn't in my knitting bag, it was no where in my hotel room or luggage. (There may have been more language at this point.)

I flew home and watched and waited until a week later when the UPS man came up the driveway. I ran out and met him in the driveway. There was the box. He said, "You must really have something special in here." I said, "You have no idea..."

So now I am caught up with Marcy (I ~~threatened~~ asked her to wait for me so we could work together on them). We are knitting along, bi-coastally, as if we are sitting side by side on her couch. We show each other how we are coming along during our daily iChat sessions. We have a finishing target date of November 18. I'm sure I can finish by then, after all I only have to make one hat band...

...falling...

2011-11-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

It's official, fall is here. Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the beautiful colors that seem to be everywhere. I have started taking my camera with me everywhere. You never know what might be around the next corner.

It's also the only time I can get my favorite apple. I love Honeycrisp apples beyond words. The only thing wrong with them is the season is way to short for my taste. Right now I going with "an apple (or two) a day..."

Speaking of beautiful colors and favorite things...enter Plucky Knitter. Sarah does such beautiful colors, it's hard to pick just one that is my favorite. Maybe that's why I have so many in my stash. Oh the designing possibilities...

Plucky Knitter Primo, colorway: Sticky Toffee

So many wonderful things about fall. What's your favorite?

...sneaky...

2011-11-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak peak of the next pattern coming soon!

Erin's Mittens are the perfect companion to Erin's Hat.

A little something to keep your hands warm on these cold, crisp fall days!

...NaBloPoMo...(I think I can, I think I can)

2011-11-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

So, my friend Carrie gave me a push to try this. I have been ~~such a slacker~~ remiss in the blogging area and it's been in the back of my mind to ramp up my postings. So this seemed like the perfect fix! Write a blog post every day in November. Sounds pretty easy, right? It should be. If you know me you know that I can talk non-stop. I should be able to pound out a blog post a day for a month.

Well, look at me.....one day behind already. The only excuse I can come up with is that I just read Carrie's post, thought it would be a good idea and jumped in. Never mind that it's November 2.

So here's what I'm going to do. Two posts today. Then I'll be caught up, right? Right.

So really this post is just the pre-post for the real post that is coming later today. Okay? Okay! Jump in with me and let's get this blog party started! How hard can this be?

...Erin's Hat...

2011-10-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

I've been working on this project for some time now and here it finally is! Introducing Erin's Hat!

I designed this hat for my wonderful daughter, Erin. It's the perfect accessory for the crisp autumn days, football games and tailgating; these are a few of Erin’s favorite things. Her hat is perfect whether you’re cheering on your favorite college team or just taking a walk on a brisk fall day. A beautiful band of cables travels around the brim ending with a smart decreased, cabled buttonhole section. The stockinette section and uniform decreases on the crown finish off this simple but classic hat. Add a special button and you’re set for cooler weather and the crunch of leaves under foot!

~ Erin's Hat ~

Yarn:

Valley Yarns Northfield

[70% Merino/20% Baby Alpaca/10% Silk, 50 gm/124 yds]

2 skeins, colorway: Chestnut

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight

[100% Superwash Merino, 198 gm/350 yds]

1 skein, colorway: Tumbleweed

Supplies:

US 6/4mm 16 inch circular needle

US 7/4.5mm 16 inch circular needle

1 set US 7/4.5mm double points

or needles to obtain gauge.

Cable needle

markers

yarn needle

one 7/8 inch button

Gauge:

5 stitches/inch over stockinette stitch

Finished measurements:

circumference: 19 inches

depth: 8 inches

Notes:

Pattern includes both written and charted instructions.

I hope you enjoy making Erin's Hat as much as I enjoyed designing it!

Coming soon: matching mittens, fingerless mitts and cowl! Stay tuned!!

...east coast adventure, part 1

2011-10-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

I just have time for a quick post before I head here to finish setting up the Blue Moon Booth. I just finished up the best 5 days ever. First up Rhinebeck. What an event!

The fiber, the food, the animals....so much to see. It's like no other festival I have been to. I bought a few things (more later on that). We started the morning on what Knittinggolfer like to call the "magic bus"which left from WEBS. It was great being with all of those knitters for the ride. There were goody bags for all and door prizes. The best part was that we were dropped off at the entrance, given a ticket for admission and away we went.

We got to see Steph briefly. She had a huge line of knitters waiting to get her new book signed.

I ran into Anne and got to show her my Rhinebeck sweater. So exciting!

There was fried dough....

We finally got back on the magic bus at 4:00 and headed back to Webs. What a day!!

From there I head to Knittinggolfers house for some rest before Stitches East. It was so much fun to finally meet her family in person. Her husband was great and her kiddos.....so much fun!

Needless to say with 4 of them Marcy stays really busy. There is always someone coming or going from that house. In one day we were in the car no less than 7 times. While I was there I got to see Emily and Nicole play soccer,

Zac play baseball (coming into home!)

and Erin do cartwheels.

The kids even made me a welcome sign.

It was so great to be with such a wonderful family. Thanks Marcy and Rick for your hospitality!

Now I am in Hartford getting ready for the opening night of the Stitches East Marketplace. It's going to be a great show. If you are in the neighborhood, stop by booth #805 and see me!

...on the road again...

2011-10-12T15:04:00.000-07:00

Finally, after weeks of waiting and preparation I am leaving on a jet plane in the morning for my east coast trip. First stop, Rhinebeck, NY and the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival. And if you know anything about Rhinebeck you know that you've got to have a new sweater just to make an appearance. Enter Bel Air.

Yup, this is the sweater I started back in August when I was in San Francisco at A Verb for Keeping Warm with my pals Stephen and Carrie. We were lucky to be taking class from the master herself, Anne Hanson! And this is the result of that fantastic class. Let me tell you, Anne was right. If you take your measurements and knit to them.....the sweater fits! I love this sweater beyond belief. If you see me wearing it at Rhinebeck I'll probably make you listen as I describe all that is lovely about it! Humor me.....

I'll be taking in everything with my best pal, Marcy. This trip is going to be one to remember! We start by getting on what Marcy likes to call "the magic bus" at Webs and riding from the shop to Rhinebeck with a bunch of knitters! Who could as for anything more?

We'll be making stops to see Miss Babs and then to The Fold. Speaking of The Fold, if you love
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock (and who doesn't?) get on over there! Not only will they have a great selection of STR, but they also will have Silk Hankies! Rumor has it there is a cowl pattern (free) that will be showing up there that can be knit from one hankie!

We'll be stopping by to see Steph at her book signing that kicks off the tour for her new book. Can't wait to see her!

Once Rhinebeck is over Marcy and I will travel back to her house for a few days of rest before heading to Stitches East in Hartford. I'll be hosted by our pals at Webs and will have a bunch of great Blue Moon yarns. Tina has sent some beautiful garment yarns along with Socks That Rock so the booth will be packed with loveliness! Please stop by and say hello if you get to Stitches. I'd love to see you!

Well, as they say let's get this show on the road!

...barbara...

2011-09-22T21:49:00.000-07:00

Introducing the latest addition to The Stitches of My Life Designs. Meet Barbara!

A beautiful, versatile cowl.

Barbara can be worn wrapped around your neck,

as an infinity cowl

or wrapped around your shoulders.

Barbara is perfect for that special skein of yarn in your stash and ideal for gift giving. It's not too early to be thinking about the holidays!

-Barbara-

Yarn:

Valley Yarns Charlemont
[60% Fine Superwash Merino/20% Mulberry Silk/
20% Polyamide, 100g/439 yd]
colorway: Teal Blue - 1 skein
or
Pico Accuradi Dyeworks Naturally Dyed BFL
[100% Blue Faced Leiscester,
100 g/400 yd]
colorway: Stumptown Brown - 1 skein

Supplies:
- size US 5/3.75mm 24" circular needle or size to
obtain gauge.

- yarn needle

Gauge:

6 sts/inch over stockinette stitch

Finished measurements:
(after blocking)

circumference - 42"
length - 12"

Notes:

Written and charted instructions included.

...knitting at the B & B...

2011-09-21T15:17:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to show you where I am spending a beautiful afternoon.

This is the Dreamgiver's Inn. Some of us from our knitting group are spending the afternoon here. It's so relaxing. I wish I could stay here forever! A girl can dream...
- posted from my iPad

...what 80 looks like...

2011-09-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

This past week we celebrated 2 birthdays, our daughter, Kate and my dad, Larry. Since their birthdays are two days apart we have been celebrating with a family dinner on the day that falls between. This year we had Italian and it was great. After dinner Kate and her grandpa posed for their annual birthday picture. It was a wonderful evening.

We continued the celebration into the weekend with a big birthday party for my dad. This year makes 80 years for him! I can't believe that he is 80. We've been planning this party for the better part of this year and all of the planning paid off with a great party!

Kris, Erin, Paytan, Kate and Chris

Family!

5 generations! Great Aunt Wanda, Dad, Erin, Paytan and me!

Me and my girls!

The Stone women with the birthday boy!

Dad had family and friends that traveled from all over to be here for this celebration. It was the best day! Happy Birthday Dad! Here's to many, many more celebrations!

...something pretty this way comes...

2011-08-25T09:35:00.001-07:00

Just a quick teaser post about the next pattern I will be releasing soon! I'm headed to Chicago to attend the wedding of our niece. Windy city photo shoot? Maybe, but until then.....

- posted from my iPad

...finally up and running...

2011-08-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Presenting..... www.thestitchesofmylifedesigns.com!

I finally have a new website! This has been a labor of blood, sweat and tears, but mainly a labor of love.

Finally, a place to keep all things "The Stitches of My Life Designs" together. It's the first shot at it and I know there will be things that I will change and things that I will add. But for an initial effort I think it's pretty terrific.

Special thanks go to Erin and Kate for all of their help in getting this baby off the ground. Girls, I could not have done it without you and your constant "Did you get your website launched yet, Mom?" questions. Thank you both for your visions, edits, questions and answers throughout this whole process. I bet you can't wait for my next ~~hair brained~~ genius idea!

Please stop by the website and leave me a comment in the blog comment section. I'd love to hear from all of you!

...swatching for Rhinebeck...

2011-08-07T10:19:00.001-07:00

I finished my swatch for my sweater and all I can say is LOVE!!!

It's Madelinetosh Sock in the color way "tart". It is beautiful and now all I want to do is get this sweater done and wear it everywhere. I plan to have it done for my trip to Rhinebeck. You will be getting updates!

- posted from my iPad

...honey badgers at work...

2011-08-06T14:54:00.001-07:00

I'm trying my hand at blogging with my iPad! Sweet! And this class with Anne Hanson is amazing! She is one smart lady! We've taken a complete set of our measurements and are now selecting a sweater pattern. I've chosen this. I am starting the swatching now!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

...the time of our lives...

2011-08-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

I know that I owe you a huge post on Sock Summit but I am madly packing my bags to head to Oakland and A Verb for Keeping Warm. I am taking a class from one of my favorite people on the planet, Anne Hanson! She is teaching a Sweater Fitness Class and I can't wait. It's been a long time since I've had the chance to take a class and I know this one is going to be great. the weekend starts with a gathering at the shop on Friday night with both Anne and Cookie A, who is also teaching there this weekend. I know I will have a bunch to report on when I get home! Rest assured that you will be getting the blow by blow on this and Sock Summit next week!

In the meantime, I leave you with what undoubtedly will be the best memory I have from Sock Summit 2011. Thank you Stephen! It really was the time of our lives!

video credit: Clara Parkes

...lucy..

2011-07-26T22:36:00.000-07:00

My great-grandmother Lucy was a pioneer woman and the Lucy shawl tells a bit about her life. She traveled as a child by covered wagon to the midwest, through grass lands, then on by train through pine trees to Canada. You'll find both grass and pine trees in the center panel of Lucy. The shawl is edged with a "railroad" lace section and trimmed with a "wagon wheel" lace.

Lucy is as perfect with that special dress as she is with a t-shirt and jeans!

~enjoy~

~ Lucy ~

Yarn:

~ Valley Yarn Charlemont

[60% Fine Superwash Merino/20% Mulberry Silk/20% Polyamide, 100g, 439 yards]

colorway: Dark Olive

~Alpha B Yarn Luxe B

[50% Merino/50% Silk, 100g, 437 yards]

colorway: Two Olives, Please

Supplies:

~size US 4/3.5 mm 32' circular needles or size to obtain gauge

~markers

~yarn needle

Gauge:

~6 stitches/1 inch ofver stockinette stitch

Finished measurements:

~wingspan: 48 inches

~length: 15 inches

Notes: Written and charted instructions included.

...radio silence...

2011-07-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sock Summit + not enough hours in the day = radio silence. That's the way things have been rolling here lately. We've all be working really hard to make Sock Summit the best it can possibly be. With that said, it hasn't left much room for anything else.

But there are wonderful new and exciting things on the horizon! Here's a sneak at something that is coming soon....

Yes, a new design is waiting in the wings for it's debut! Soon my friends, soon!

And along with this new design I will be unveiling my brand new website! I've been working on this for quite a while now and I can't wait to share it with all of you!!

Stay tuned...

...meet Virginia...

2011-06-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Meet Virginia, the younger sister of Patricia.

Do you have that special skein of bulky yarn in your stash? Virginia is your girl!

She knits up quickly and can be worn many different ways; as an infinity cowl, twisted and fastened as a mobius, or wound double or triple around your neck.

Add a couple of special buttons and Virginia is ready to go!

~ Virginia ~

Yarn:

~ Blue Moon Fiber Arts - De-Vine

[100% Merino Wool, 8 oz/226g, 225 yards/205m],

colorway: Jasper

Supplies:

~ size US 10/6.0 mm or size to obtain gauge

~ Cable needle

~ Yarn needle

~ 2 one inch buttons

Gauge:

~ 3.5 stitches/5 rows per inch over stockinette stitch

Finished measurements:

~ Length: 62 inches

~ Width: 7 inches

Notes: Written and charted instructions included. This is a great project for the first time cable knitter.

...KALs and sales...

2011-06-09T13:32:00.000-07:00

I have had several knitters contact me who are starting KAL's with Knit Night. In honor of this I have started a sale for the pattern. If you purchase 6 or more copies of Knit Night and use the coupon code knitnight at checkout, you will receive 10% off of your purchase.

If you have been thinking about starting a KAL, now is the time!

...sharing...

2011-05-23T20:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks so much for the great stories about your knit nights! I loved reading about how they got started and what you all talk about! It was tough to chose! But after careful consideration I've chosen JoJo! JoJo email me at thestitchesofmylifedesigns@gmail.com and I'll send along a copy of Knit Night for you! Lorajean will be sending you a skein of Bling! Congrats!

To find out who the runner up is head on over to Lorajean's blog. She will be posting the winner soon!

Thanks for playing and long live knit night!

...contest...

2011-05-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

While I was designing Knit Night it brought to mind all of the great times I have had with my knit night friends. We have been together for about 7 years and even though some members have come and gone, the core group has remained constant. Our members differ in many ways; age, backgrounds, marital status, family dynamics, where we are in the different phases in life.

Our conversations will range from family issues, books we are reading, movies we've seen, world events and everything (and I do mean everything) in between. Our group has quite a few strong personalities and so our discussions are pretty lively. There are agreements and "friendly" disagreements. We are a mixed bag of tricks!

But what we ALL have in common is our love for the world of fiber. Anytime anyone buys a new skein of yarn or finds a new pattern it's show and tell time. If someone needs help with a technique or has a questions about the interpretation in a pattern, there is always someone in our group that can help. I love my knit night group!

Now here's the contest! How would you like to win a copy of Knit Night AND a skein of Bling (the yarn used for the design)? Lorajean of the Knitted Wit and I would love to hear about your knit night.

Do you have a knit night (day, or afternoon) group? I would love to here about yours. What is your favorite knit night memory? How did your group come to be? What do you talk about?

Leave your memories in the comment section below between now and Sunday midnight (pacific time) and we will choose 2 winners! First prize is a skein of Bling and a copy of the pattern, the runner up will receive the pattern! We will post the winners on Monday! Can't wait to hear all about you!

...next..

2011-05-17T12:49:00.000-07:00

Attention: I have something new coming in a few days....

...just a peak at my next design. As you were...

...knit night...

2011-05-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

When I started designing things I knew I wanted to include something for my knit night friends. Being with these people is really great! Over the years we have become knotted together in many ways. Meeting each week, we share a bit about our lives, admire each others' knitting and laugh.....a whole lot. I love each and every one of them. And so I give you...

~ Knit Night ~

Knit Night is a one skein shawl with a pretty knotted stitch throughout the body,

a bit of lattice

that transitions into a charming knitted on lace edging.

It's the perfect project for that special single skein of luxury yarn in your stash and knits up very quickly.

Thank you knit night friends for being a special part of my life.

~ Knit Night ~

Yarn:

~ Knitted Wit - Bling Sock Yarn [65% Merino/20%/15% Nylon, 3.53 oz/100g, 420 yards/384 m], colorway: Two Roads.

~ Alpha B - Sexy B [70% Baby Alpaca/20% Silk/ 10% Cashmere, 3.65 oz/100g, 437yards/399 m], colorway: Two Olives, Please.

Supplies:

~ 32" circular needles size US 4/3.5 mm or size needed to obtain gauge.

~ markers

~ yarn needle

Gauge:

~ 7 stitches per inche over Stockinette Stitch.

Finished Measurements:

~ wingspan - 44 inches

~ length - 22 inches.

Please visit Knitted Wit and Alpha B to see their lovely selections of yarn!

...something pretty this way comes...

2011-05-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

A new design coming soon. Can't wait for you to see it!

...KAL...

2011-04-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

Just a heads up on a KAL with Octavia. Lorajean from The Knitted Wit is doing a knit-a-long with her beautiful Sakura starting May 1st. To celebrate the KAL get 20% off of the Octavia pattern through May 7th!

~enjoy!

...the water's fine...

2011-04-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

I have something new on the design table. It's coming together nicely and I'm excited about releasing it. What I need, to make this happen, is some help. I'm looking to add to my list of test knitters. I have a really great group that has been testing my patterns as they come along. These knitters are wonderful and I owe them a huge thanks, so here goes....

Thank you Marcy, for your wisdom and humor (you know what I mean). Thank you Linda, for jumping in and helping even though you've only met me once! Thank you Mary Ann, for testing, listening and guiding, even from long distance! Thank you Leianne, for your quiet confidence in me, it means the world. And last, but never least, thank you Susan, for your testing, frogging, testing some more, cheering, muttering, note taking, phone calls, car rides and gabfests (complete with wine). I could not do any of this with out each and every one of you.

That said, I would like to add to this fantastic pool of test knitters. If you are interested in jumping into to the murky waters of my test knitter pool leave a comment in the comment section or email me at thestitchesofmylifedesigns@gmail.com. Come on in, the water's fine.....

...and the winner is...

2011-04-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

In my post on Tuesday, I posed the question as to what I had to do that day along with this photo~

I got some pretty funny and clever answers! The actual correct question was:

"What do you use to repair a broken piece on your jumbo flyer and a broken elastic band on your scotch tension?" Both of these things happened when I dropped the flyer on the floor and broke off a piece, glued it back together with the gorilla glue only to discover that the elastic band was broken too. Of course I surely had a rubber band hanging around the house that I could use to fix it, right? Guess again....

A trip to Staples and $4.99 later I was the proud owner of not one or one hundred rubber bands but a bag of a 1000. They don't sell them in smaller amounts. Now I can rest easy knowing that when this rubber band breaks I have 999 more to take it's place. By the way, every spinner should have a tube of this in their spinning bag.....

...notice it's the"IMPACT TOUGH" formula.

Anyhow, after reading and re-reading the questions posted I have decided that the winner is.....drum roll please........ (remember, I didn't say the correct question, I said the best)....

Katharine and the securing of a honey badger, etc. Congrats Katharine! Email me at thestitchesofmylifedesigns@gmail.com and I'll send you the pattern of your choice!

Thanks for playing everyone!

knit on~

...i'll take "Spinning" for $500, Alex......

2011-04-12T16:41:00.000-07:00

And the answer is:

...Gorilla Glue and rubber bands...

In the spirit of Sock Camp how about a contest? Any idea what I had to do today? Leave a comment (in the form of a Jeopardy question) by Thursday and the best one will win a copy of one of my patterns (your choice!).

Good Luck!

...honey badger....

2011-04-10T09:43:00.000-07:00

So apparently honey badger does care.....

This was a gift from Knitspot when we were at camp. Thank you Ann!

knit on honey badgers~

p.s. The bobbin behind the honey badger is a super secret gift I'm working on. More on that later......

...sock camp...

2011-04-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Just ~~recovered~~ unpacked from Sock Camp. As usual it was best of times, it was the craziest of times. The theme this year was Alice in Wonderland and boy what a rabbit hole we all fell into!

The campers were amazing as always. Fantastic talents at the Talent Show (dancers, puppet masters, singers, quilters, magicians, poetry reciters, story tellers..... you get the idea). I love the Talent Show and I am continually amazed and impressed by the multitude of things these people can do!

And then there was the homework. With each and every presentation we were blown away. The imagination is unbelievable.

The teachers/classes were wonderful. JC and Anne were rock stars, as usual. I heard so many great things about what the campers learned from them. I would love to take a class from each of them sometime. Hmm.....road trip.......

I got to be a class room aide to Steph. That was pretty cool! In her class the campers learned the fine art of darning. It was awesome!

I was able to slip away from Steph's class one morning and had the opportunity to dye with Tina. It was pretty great. Here is what I came away with.

I've already got several new designs in my head that will feature these lovelies!

Getting to spend time with Anna Zilboorg was especially nice. She is one smart cookie!

The best part of Sock Camp for me is getting meet new campers and being able to welcome back ~~repeat offenders~~ returning campers. Some of my closest friends have come from Sock Camp. Some of these people I only get to see once a year but I will tell you when we get together it's like we just saw each other yesterday. I love that!

Marcy, Carrie and I.

I got to spend a great deal of time with Stephen, a.k.a. hizKNITS. We shared the job as camp counselors. That definitely was a high point for me. Stephen is a pretty cool dude and loves to laugh as much as I do. I think we might be a deadly combination. He's also the one that turned me onto Honey Badger. You can thank him for that........

As always, I am thankful for the opportunity to be at Sock Camp. Thank you, Tina. I loved it.

...Octavia...

2011-03-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

My great-grandmother, Octavia loved flowers. She especially loved African Violets that grew in profusion throughout her home; pink, blue, violet and white. Whenever I see African Violets I think of her. Introducing....

~ Octavia ~

This triangular shawlette, named after her, has pretty little lace violets running throughout and is trimmed with a simple lace edging. Octavia looks lovely knit in a single skein of fingering weight yarn such as Floating by A Verb for Keeping Warm, Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock Lightweight or Annapurna also by A Verb for Keeping Warm.

I love the how the little violets make me think of my great-grandmother. This pattern is a sweet as she was!

~ enjoy ~

...taking time...

2011-03-07T10:21:00.000-08:00

This morning I decided to head over to the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge and take a walk. This place is really beautiful. It seems that I have a pretty full schedule of things this week. When I have that kind of a week ahead of me I like to start it off with a clean slate and a fresh eye. It seemed like a good idea to get out of the house with my camera and just wander. I love what i saw......

Take a minute to look at what is around you. What did you see today?

...lists...

2011-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

I have always been a list maker. I come from a long line of list makers. My mom used to make lists for everything. She was the queen of the pen and post-it in her time. There were always lists and notes laying around to act as reminders to our family; chores, groceries, gifts to buy, people to call or send a note to. You get the idea. I'm pretty sure that's where I got my list making gene.

Enter 30 Days of Lists. I first learned about the 30 Days of Lists on Twitter, one of my many ~~time sucks~~ ways I keep up on great ideas. PunkRawkPurl tweeted about this and shared the link to the website and I was a goner.

I happened to have a blank journal lying around. Along with a list maker, apparently I am a ~~hoarder~~ collector of blank journals.

I opened the journal and got work. I love the idea of focusing on one thing each day and then making that list. Sure is an eye opener!

Whether you're a list maker or not this is really a fun, quick exercise that really gets you to take a pretty good look at a different part of who you are each day and I can tell you I have already had some ah ha moments and it's only day 3!

Join me as we make our way through 30 Days of Lists and make some discoveries about ourselves! I'm off to add ~~hoarder~~ collector to my list......

...Faye...

2011-02-22T07:02:00.000-08:00

My grandmother, Faye, taught me to crochet. I remember watching her hands work the crochet hook and being fascinated by them. She was a very stylish woman and loved jewelry. Having worked many years in a jewelry store she had quite a jewelry collection.

~ Introducing Faye ~

I decided to use the "string of pearls" lace pattern as inspiration in the design of her cowl. The pattern has instructions, both written and charted, for two sizes. It's shown here in two beautiful yarns by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The blue version is done in Socks That Rock Heavyweight; colorway - In the Navy. The plum version is done in Gaea; colorway - Princess Plummy.

You can wear Faye many ways from long and knotted at the end, doubled and fastened with a beautiful shawl pin or wrapped several times snugly around your neck. It reminds me of Grandma Faye and her beautiful things.

~ enjoy ~

...a little something new...

2011-02-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to introduce

~Ida~

This cowl is as quick to knit as it is beautiful. It's the perfect project for that special skein of hand spun, hand painted or luxury yarn in your stash. Ida can be worn loose at the neck or gathered and held close to the neck with that special pin.

Version 1 knit in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Marine Silk-Worsted, colorway - Shadow.

Version 2 knit in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea, colorway - Meet Joe, Brown.

Design Notes:

Pattern includes both charted and written instructions.

Needles: Version 1 - US 8/5 mm 24" circular

Version 2 - US 9/5.5 mm 24" circular

Sizing: (approximately)

Version 1 - circumference 26", length 8"

Version 2 - circumference 28", length 9"

~ enjoy! ~

...the city that never sleeps....

2011-02-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

Boy they are not kidding when they say the New York is the city that never sleeps. I didn't get much myself on my recent trip there. But it was a blast and I am definitely going back, and soon!

I was there for Vogue Knitting Live working in the Blue Moon Fiber Arts booth. It was the first year for the show and there were a few bumps in the road, but overall it was a great show.

Let's start at the very beginning.....

Susan and I landed in NYC and were greeted with this.

even with the "do not enter" sign we managed to get through the airport and into a shuttle which we quickly named "Mr. Toads Wild Ride" for obvious reasons. Man, everybody there drives like their car is on fire.

Our original plan was to get to the hotel, unpack have a little something to eat, maybe a glass of wine and hit the hay. Until we got a glimpse of Times Square from the shuttle. When we realized we were only 3 blocks (New York Blocks) from Times Square all bets were off. We dumped our stuff in our room, grabbed a quick bite and head out to see the night lights of NYC.

Time Square...

The next morning we headed over to Rockefeller Center and the Today Show. Susan had made a cute sign and carried it in her suitcase!

From there we ventured to the Tiffany's, the Empire State Building and the on to Penn Station to pick up Marcy. She had taken the train down from her home in Massachusetts to help us with the show. It was great to see her again and she was a rockstar in the booth!

The three of us headed to Central Park for some photo ops and it was beautiful! Susan loved the horse drawn carriages, especially the horse part.

Here's Marcy. She's wearing one of her new designs called Bluster- Proof. Cabled headband and mitts. Adorable!

We needed to get warm so back to the hotel we went. We had a something quick to eat and the took a cab to the Westside Theatre to see the play "Love, Loss and What I Wore". It was pretty great.

The next day was set-up day for the show. We spent the better part of the day getting ready for the preview that took place from 5:00-7:00 that evening. The booth looked fantastic and we were swamped!

By the end of the show on Sunday we had very little to pack up and ship home and before we knew it, it was time to pack up our own stuff and head home.

It was a great trip and as always, I am thankful that Tina lets us represent her beautiful yarn at these venues. We are pretty lucky.

I leave you with a view from the 86th floor of the Empire State Building.

New York is quite a city. I can't wait to go back.

...new things...

2011-01-15T11:59:00.000-08:00

Back in November I got this fortune when I was having lunch with my daughters at Panda Express. I didn't realize how appropriate it really would be until now.

I have been thinking about trying my hand at some designing for some time now, really for about 9-10 months. While searching for a cowl pattern to knit for my girls for Christmas, I became a little frustrated with what I was finding. I knew what I wanted it to look like and I was pretty sure I knew how to construct it. I kept looking and looking but couldn't find what I wanted. Then *insert head slap here* I thought, "Why don't I just design it myself?" And Patricia (Ravelry link) was born.

This is the first of what I hope will be a collection of patterns inspired by members of my family. I'm pretty excited about it and have a bunch of ideas running around in my head. I've started writing these ideas down in a notebook and the notebook is almost full! I can't wait to share more patterns and ideas as they come!

I hope you enjoy knitting Patricia as much as enjoyed designing it!

...finally..

2010-12-22T12:54:00.000-08:00

Bless me father for I have sinned, it's been 3 weeks since my last post. Old Catholic habits die hard. I can't even begin to know where the time has gone. Whatever....

Anywho, I had the pleasure of seeing many so many old friends and meeting some new ones this year at Stitches East. Meet Pam from New Jersey and her funky sock monkey in progress.

She was making it for her son and just happened to have it with her! So fun to see another monkey entering the world!

Here he is with Pam's son Shane.

Shane looks pretty thrilled, not sure what the monkey is thinking. You never know with primates...

Thanks for sharing him with me Pam!

The booth was hoppin' all four days during the show. We had such an overwhelming response to the Traveling Sweater that by the last day of the show we were sold out of the patterns and almost sold out of the yarn to make it. This is no surprise, the sweater is fabulous! I wish I would have had a "clicker" to keep track of just how many people tried that sweater on. I saw it on every shape and size and it looked great on everyone. Once they tried it on....well, the rest was history.

As I've said before, I am very lucky to be able to attend these shows. Tina has a wonderful product and I'm very proud to represent it. If you are in the New York area January 21-23, 2011 stop by and see us at Vogue Knitting Live. This is the next show I'll be at and I'm really looking forward to it. And if you are on the west coast in February we'll be at Stitches West in Santa Clara. I'm a traveling fool. Hey, maybe I should make one of those sweaters......

...it's about time...

2010-11-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

So, how did it get to be November 19th? It seems like I was just packing to head to Stitches East. I have a whole bunch to tell you, so I'm going to break up the trip east in several posts.

It started with this:

Yup, that's one of my bags. It just squeaked in at 50 lbs. when I threw it on the scale at PDX. Notice I said one of my bags. The other one weighed slightly less. I had samples, etc. packed in there and thought, "I'll just have the samples shipped home and have plenty of room for whatever I buy!" More on that ~~ridiculous~~ mistaken idea later.

I had a bit of problem with my trip last year. Okay, it wasn't the trip, it was the aftermath. Rest assured that I wasn't having any of that this time around. This,

and a massive amount of hand sanitizer insured that I wouldn't have a repeat performance. I'm happy to report that it worked. Still had to sleep a bunch when I got home, but that was because we didn't hit the hay until the wee hours each night. And by we, I mean we:

These are my special knitting friends from all over. (L to R) Erica; bride-to-be and rep for Kollage from Michigan, Carrie; designer and long time sock knitter friend from California, me, and last, but never least Marcy; knitter, golfer, mom of 4 from Massachusetts and probably one of the best roommates I have ever had. Let's just say that Marcy came loaded down with everything we would need for a weekend of fun. There was wine for sure, but the best thing she had with her were these:

Possible the best cookie I have ever had. Needless to say, I have been searching for these everyday since I've been home.

Day one at Stitches had me meeting up with the great folks from Webs. These people know how to set up a booth! They just get in there and get 'er done. Steve and Kathy really know how to make a visitor feel welcome. The Webs staff was awesome, helping me get what I needed to make our booth great. Here's what it looked like after I was all done setting up:

It was pretty awesome if I do say so myself!

Well, that's all I have time for today. I'm off the BMFA land to help set up for the barn sale. If you are in the area tomorrow from 10-3 stop by and say hi. More on my Stitches East adventure soon....

...one more sleep...

2010-10-25T09:12:00.001-07:00

So, tomorrow I am leaving bright and early for Stitches East. I love this show, especially because I get to hang with my great friends Marcy, Carrie and Erica. I love these three ladies and I know we are going to have a blast.

I will be representing BMFA in the Webs booth which is really fun. I did this last year and had a great time. I am lucky that Tina lets me do this show and pretty excited that Steve and Kathy asked my back. Needless to say, it's a great experience!

If you remember, last year I had a pretty eventful time when I came home from Stitches East. I vowed that I would not have anything close to that happen to me again. It truly was 2 months of my life that I never got back.....

So after much hand washing, vitamin taking and a seasonal/h1n1 flu vaccination, I believe I am ready to travel east.

If you get to Stitches East stop by and say hello. The Webs booth is located at booths #: 701 703 705 707 800 801 802 803 804 806. (yeah it's that big!) I'll be the one wearing a beautiful scarf knit out of Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rock, carrying hand sanitizer....

...so her mother's daughter...

2010-09-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Thought you would like to know that my daughter, Erin, mother of Paytan has started a blog. It's called 'Little Miss Adventures' and you can go here to see it. I'm so glad Erin decided to do this, especially the video part. I don't get to see her and Kris and Paytan nearly enough, so this blog is extra special to me. Thanks for ~~humoring~~ indulging me.....

...but then you already knew that...

2010-09-26T19:18:00.000-07:00

Knitters are pretty awesome. I know, I know. If you know any knitters you know that this first statement is pretty obvious. Knitters are kind, clever, giving, smart, hard working, diligent, and knitters rise to the occasion, whatever it might be. Case in point.....

Remember these?

Made by an awesome knitter.

And these?

another awesome knitter...

Yup, another clever knitter.

These were all gifts for Paytan. As were these....

(side note: the crown was knit by Virginia, a sock camp friend for Paytan's first birthday celebration! and the last little hat was dyed and knit by my wonderful friend Marcy. She had called me while I was on my way down to Newport for Paytan's early arrival and said she just had to cast on something tiny and pink right then. It arrived at Erin and Kris's house the day they came home from the hospital!)

So you can see that knitters are all of the things I said before; clever, kind, giving, smart, etc. But there is something else that knitters are...they are sneaky. Yes, I said sneaky. They put their heads together and come up with some of the most wonderful surprises. And here is one of the best surprises ever. A group of talented and giving knitters got together, with the ~~herding~~ leadership of Jen and Lisa (two of my favorite people on the planet) and knitted up this beautiful heirloom for Paytan. It's made up of different blocks of STR! It's the most beautiful thing!

Not only did they knit one for Paytan, but they did the same thing for Dylan who is the grandson of Debra (head dyer extraordinaire for depraved dyer! Check this out for more!) I don't even have the words to tell you what this blanket means to me. I can only say Susan, Judy, RoAnn, Celia, Anne, Tracy, Carrie, Leslie, Marcy, Sam, Tece, Mya, Terry, Marison, Stormy, Cathy, Karen, Laura, KT, Naomi, Linda, Virginia, Laura, Paula, Leslie, Alice, Susan, Ayelet, Liz, Mary, Jen and Lisa you have my undying gratitude. I can't wait to share this beautiful blanket with Paytan and tell her just how special each and every one of you is.

...following the path...

2010-09-07T17:07:00.000-07:00

So with the arrival of Paytan, I have been thinking about my family...a lot. Not just my immediate family but really my ancestors. I have a pretty extensive family on my father's side; many aunts, uncles, great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th).

I thought I had a pretty good handle on names and ages until a recent family gathering for my great-uncle, Joe's (90) and my uncle Dick's (80) birthday. I got to talking with some of my family members and realized that I almost needed to get out a piece of paper and a pencil to keep track of everyone! Enter Ancestry.com.

I went to the web site and signed on for a 14 day free trial membership. Then I started my search. Within 15 minutes I was hooked. I have successfully traced my mother's father's (my grandfather) side of the family back to 1522! Using census reports, birth, marriage and death certificates I have be able to start a family tree that now has 280 people on it! And this is just one side of the family!

My next step is to start tracing my mother's mother's (my grandmother) side of the family. I do have immigration records for my grandmother and great-grandmother from when they arrived in America. I found these records in with some pictures that my mother had. It's pretty exciting!

My mother was the keeper of all information when it came to our family. She could remember names, dates and places not for just her side of the family but for my father's as well. With her gone I realize that I need to step into that role or this vital information could be lost. And Paytan really needs to know about who these wonderful people were and where they came from. Afterall, it is her inheritance......

...just what we've been waiting for...

2010-08-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

You all know how much we have been anticipating the arrival of our first grandchild. Well, she decided that she was ready even though she really wasn't supposed to be her for another 4 weeks. On Thursday, August 12th, Erin had a doctor check up before she and Kris headed north to our house for the weekend. There was a baby shower planned for Erin on August 14th and after the shower she and Kris were headed to the cabin for a much needed vacation.

At the doctor's appointment she found out that she had started dilating and needed to have some blood work done. While waiting for the blood work to come back......her water broke. Needless to say, this changed all of their plans. Erin was admitted into the birthing suite and her labor proceeded along. Around 10:15 pm she was completely dilated and it was time to push. We waited, and waited, and waited and at 12:21 am on August 13th, Paytan Patricia Cook made her way into the world.

She weighed just 5 lbs, 6 ounces, she is 18 12 inches long and has beautiful blonde hair. She is small but mighty.

Erin had a bit of trouble with substantial blood loss during labor, but she is getting stronger with each passing day. With good luck, she and Paytan will be heading home tomorrow.

I could not be more proud of Erin and Kris. They are very calm and confident parents. It is truly amazing to watch them with Paytan. The love they have for this little girl can not possibly be measured.

As for me, I just keep looking at her little face and I marvel at the wonder that she is.

Erin said something to me on the morning after Paytan was born that sums this entire experience up. She said, "Mom, I never knew I could love something so much". I couldn't have said it any better.......

...6 visits and counting...

2010-08-03T21:32:00.000-07:00

Another long, overdue post. No excuses, just way overdue. Summer is flying by and I can't believe that it has been almost a month since we were at the cabin. The husband and I arrived on July 1st and it was beautiful. We are so fortunate to have this cabin. It has been in the husband's family since the 50's and every time we go there we say "Boy, this place is so great.....we should come here more often."

We had a great time fishing, boating and relaxing. Just what the doctor ordered! The husband headed home on July 5th just as the knitters came rolling in for our 6th year of knitting at the cabin. I'm sure he was glad to get out of there before the thundering herd arrived.

They came armed with wine, yarn, food and as always laughter. We started the week as we always do: Bloody Marys. It's not always about the wine.

We usually have a movie theme for the week. Last year it was Meryl Streep, the year before Kevin Kline. This year was a little different. James Bond vs. GLEE. There are some of our group that are not exactly thrilled with the idea of musicals. When I broached the movie subject at a pre-cabin planning meeting one knitter was heard to say "I HATE musicals" (you know who you are....) So when we discussed it further and came up with the idea of Bond vs. GLEE same knitter said she'd give it a try as she likes James Bond and had never seen an episode of GLEE. (NEVER?.....really.......NEVER!)

We started with Season 1, Volume 1, Episode 1. After the first 15 minutes......she was hooked. What can I say, it's just plain GOOD! We watched the entire dvd.........

Another tradition we have adopted over the years is to have a group knitting project. The past projects have included everything from bath mats to sock monkeys (guess who's idea that was?) This year our project was Elizabeth Zimmerman's Baby Surprise Jacket. What a great project! I had never knitted one and was really looking forward to it. In preparation for the trip we gathered patterns for everyone and each knitter selected her yarn. I also bought a copy of the Baby Surprise Jacket DVD. This dvd is outstanding. It's narrated by Meg Swansen and is done so that you feel like you are having a private chat with Meg while the two of you make this wonderful sweater together. Besides the knitting and construction of the jacket, there are also many tips and tricks that Meg shows. These are worth the price of the dvd alone!

We were a very productive group. Here is a sampling of the sweaters we worked on...

You can see that each sweater is as different as the knitter that made it. Yet, another successful group project!

We did do some other things while we were there.

That's Carol being pulled behind the boat! What a riot.

We also did a bit of fishing and were successful!

Carol caught 1, Leianne caught 2 and Heidi (who had never been fishing) caught 2 also! Who says that men are the best fishermen?

This group of women are very special to me. I love that I can share this beautiful place with them. Wonder what we'll come up with for next year?

...blogiversary...

2010-07-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Blogiversary to Me!

I can't believe it's been 3 years since I began this blog. When I started this I wasn't sure if I'd actually keep it up. I have always wanted to keep a journal, but never followed through after about the first week. This dates back to my days in grade school when I would receive a diary for my birthday or Christmas and promised myself that I'd write in it every day. I would write faithfully for a few days, look back on what I had written with an eye too critical and end up with more blank pages in the diary than those that had been written on.

I have started journals as an adult, only to let them fall away too. Until blogging came my way. At first I thought of this blog as a place to record the comings and goings of my knitting group, "Goddess Knitters". But slowly, and surely it has evolved into a real journal of my life and my times, with a sprinkling of the 'goddesses' thrown in. It has been a very good place for me to vent about, celebrate, and keep track of my life as I go through it. It has become what I always wanted a journal to be for me; a way to look back and reflect on things that have come my way.

Though I don't write as often as I would like, I do write about things that are important to me. There have been many tears and many more smiles in the past 3 years and I am happy that I have a record of them. My kids, and soon to be grandkids will be able to read this and look back at what was going on in my life. I really wish I had this kind of record of my own Mother's life. Maybe that is what keeps me at it.

I have never been the best writer. There have been mistakes in the past writing and there are sure to be many more. But I am past that point of being critical about what and how I write. There are millions of people that are better writers than I. But I don't write this for them, I write this for me. And I like what I see.

...grandma shower...

2010-07-13T08:16:00.000-07:00

Time has been flying by and a lot has been happening. I owe you many posts that are waiting in the wings! First up, back in June several friends got together and had a 'grandma shower' for my! What a fun day. Susan and Carol got their heads together, came up with a guest list and I spent the afternoon in the company of friends, food and fun! The shower was complete with cake (red velvet~ a personal favorite of mine), wine (another personal favorite of mine....), and beautiful gifts! Here is a bit of the wonderful things I opened.

Cute clothes:

monkey stuff:

some great things to get my house equipped for the new arrival:

some fabulous books:

and last but not least, some beautiful knitted things.

First up, knitted by my friend irishgirlieknits, this is a beautiful pair of her cotty socks and a hat to match. She knitted them out of bmfa str in the colorway peek-a-boo peonie. I love this color and can't wait to try these things on the new little one. Pictures to come, I promise. Thanks Carrie, you are a gem!

Next up, a darling shrug and hat, knit by my other good friend knittinggolfer.

For the hat, she dyed the yarn herself! Can't wait to put it on that precious little head. Thanks, Marcy! Your are the best!

I have said this many times, but it bears repeating. I am very blessed. I have wonderful friends~ Thank you, everyone!~

...found...

2010-05-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

This past week I have been cleaning out various areas in my house. I'm finding that I want less 'stuff'. This has lead to multiple trips to goodwill and a whole lot of recycling. I decided to go through my closet and get rid of anything I really just did not need or haven't worn in a while. This is the result....

That is 4 (four) big garbage bags of clothes and shoes that I dropped off at goodwill. It felt so good to get all of that out of my closet. When my husband came home from work he went into the closet and came right back out. He said, "Dear, it appears that we have been robbed and they took half of your clothes." It's great to be able to see what I have to wear and be able to find stuff again!~

While cleaning out my closet I ran across the suit I work to the funeral for my Mom. I bought the suit for the service, wore it there and haven't worn it sense. I stopped briefly to contemplate whether I should keep it or not. I realized that it has been 6 years since that service and if I hadn't worn it once since then I probably was not going to wear it in the future. I started to fold it up to put it into the goodwill bag when I thought I'd better check the pockets. In the jacket pocket I found a folded piece of paper. This is what was written on it...

Good morning. As I was thinking about my mom in preparation for this day, many things came to mind. A wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, a teacher, singer, bargain shopper or Blazer fan.

Always putting others first, she made sure everyone else had the help and care they needed before thinking of herself. I remember many times during her illness when she would say to my Dad and I, “You guys need to eat something. “Or “I’ll bet you guys are worn out! Sit down and relax”. That was always her way, others first.

She was always on time, if not early, for everything she did. If you said be ready at 5:00, she was sharp at 4:30. Marilyn, a dear friend of Mom’s, said to me the other day, “I know why your mother passed away at this time of year. She was needed to sing in the heavenly choir on Easter Sunday.” And I know why she passed on the Tuesday before Easter. Because, as I said, she was never late for anything in her life!

My mom always needed to make sure everything was in order, especially when it came to her appearance. When we would leave for the hospital for a radiation treatment, the last thing we had to do was make sure she had her lipstick on. Another dear friend of Mom’s told me “oh, that’s just the Sweet Adeline in her”.

Whether you know her as Pat, Patricia, Patty, PJ, Patsy, Trish, Graymo or Mom, one thing stands out. As another close friend of Mom’s said to me while visiting her in the hospital, “She was the glue that held us together.”

Thank you.

It was the speech I gave at my Mom's service. As you can imagine, it was a bit of a surprise to find this. I remember writing this. I remember reading it to my Dad to get his thoughts on it. We were sitting at the kitchen table in my parents home. I had sat at that table many times, eating family meals, doing homework and visiting with my Mom and Dad.

As I was reading what I had written, my Dad got up and went to the kitchen counter. I noticed that he was wiping his eyes. He was crying. This is something in my lifetime that I have rarely seen my Dad do. I stopped reading, but he prompted me to continue. When I was finished I asked my Dad if it was okay. He said it was perfect and not to change a word. I asked him why the tears. He said, "Honey, you looked and sounded so much like your Mother. They are good tears".

...fortunate...

2010-04-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

for·tu·nate

adjective
Definition:
1. lucky: enjoying good luck
2. resulting from luck: happening as a result of good luck
3. bringing luck: bringing good luck
[14th century. <>fortunatus< fortuna"fate, luck"]

Yup, I am a very fortunate person. Here's why.

1. I received this:

It is yarn (str lightweight) that was dyed by depravedDyer in her 'Saturate Yourself' class that she taught at Sock Camp this year. She gave it to me and it became this:

That's 'Baby Mine' by Stephanie.

2. I received these:

They were knit by the same Stephanie. She knit them out of 'cattywampus' (see this for more info).

3. The 'Baby Mine' will go on this:

and the booties will go on this:

4. That is an ultrasound of my granddaughter. She will be born in September, and that makes me the most fortunate of all.

Goddess Knitters

...official business...

Welcome to the Club!

KITS

...the last of Christmas...

...here comes Santa Claus...

...new sweater...

...The Erin Collection...

...holiday tunes...

...caroling...

...gifting...

...in plain sight...

...Twisted...

2012 TWISTED SHAWLETTE CLUB

...now available..

...making a list...

...game day...

...two coasts, two hats, one brain...

...thankful...

...and the answer is...

...what would you be?

...keeping warm...

...frost on the pumpkin...

..can't talk now...

... Stash...

...now I know the real reason...

...one at at time...

...busy bee...

...Meditrina...

...coming along nicely...

...if you build it...

...full circle...

...I call her my friend...

...favorites...

...all will be revealed...

...little things...

...part three...

... A little football

...bi-coastal...

...falling...

...sneaky...

...NaBloPoMo...(I think I can, I think I can)

...Erin's Hat...

...east coast adventure, part 1

...on the road again...

...barbara...

...knitting at the B & B...

...what 80 looks like...

...something pretty this way comes...

...finally up and running...

...swatching for Rhinebeck...

...honey badgers at work...

...the time of our lives...

...lucy..

...radio silence...

...meet Virginia...

...KALs and sales...

...sharing...

...contest...

...next..

...knit night...

...something pretty this way comes...

...KAL...

...the water's fine...

...and the winner is...

...i'll take "Spinning" for $500, Alex......

...honey badger....

...sock camp...

...Octavia...

...taking time...

...lists...

...Faye...

...a little something new...

...the city that never sleeps....

...new things...

...finally..

...it's about time...

...one more sleep...

...so her mother's daughter...

...but then you already knew that...