Fiberlake

A New Year

2010-01-15T21:58:00.002-05:00

It has been so long since I have written here, and I feel guilty.

Things are busy here in the household. Both boys are in their High School Musical this year - Beauty and the Beast. S is Gaston. Both boys are taking voice lessons. I am working full time - there are days I love this, and days I don't. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I just miss being a SAHM. I miss being able to get things done that need to be done. I am tired of being tired all the time. But, if you have to work, where better to work than The Woolery. All that fibery goodness around me, all the time!

S has been accepted to U of K. SO I guess we will have a Wildcat in our house next year, which is weird, considering we are all U of L fans. LOL.

The knitting has been slow since I have been working but I still enjoy it.

I have set myself some goals this year - no resolutions (those would have been broken by now)- but some goals:

During Ravelmpics I want to finish 2 of the 3 sweaters I have started, yeah, I am great at starting things.

I want to get better at spinning, and learn 2 different methods of plying.

My sock goal is 10 pair this year.

Reading: I want to read 25 books this year.

Knitted gifts: I want to make 10 different gifts this year.

Lace: I want to knit two lace projects this year, one being an Estonian Lace Shawl.

Weight: I want to lose 15 lbs.

Hopefully, by placing my goals here, I have made a bigger committment and I will succeed.

This is S's senior picture. M took it. He is some photographer!

Summer is HERE!

2009-07-02T21:49:00.006-04:00

But you wouldn't know it with the 71 degrees we had today. It is fantastic weather.

Look what has been in my backyard - a baby deer. Fun to watch him or her lay there during the day.

I have a new addiction - my beautiful Lendrum spinning wheel. And I have spun my first yarn-not the best job but I am tickled with it. It is Coopworth.

I am working on getting a more even yarn. Currently I am spinning some BFL. Hopefully I will improve while I participate in the Tour de Fleece. My hope is that by spinning every day, I will learn to spin consistent.

It has been kind of quiet here this summer. M is at his grannies, S is at Governor's Scholar for the Arts. SO it has just been D and I. Nice but quieter than I am used to.

Oh, and since I have last posted - I have a full time job as well. I am working at The Woolery. I really like my job.

Off to pack up my wheel for our trip to the lake this weekend.

Is once a month typical?

2008-09-22T21:30:00.005-04:00

For me, apparently so. Guess I won't feel guilty about posting once a month, will just go with it.

We have been busy with Football season, both boys are in the band. M had to have stitches in his shin a few weeks ago (a band accident). S has a lead in the school play - Noises Off. It is pretty funny, can't wait to see it.

A few things I have knit lately: The socks were for me, the monkey for our Pastor's little boy (he turned one a few weeks ago), the two bags are Christmas presents.

Christmas knitting has begun in earnest. I have several things I want to make. Trying to get a head start so I am not stressed out about it later. I have also started the Christmas shopping. Would like to have everything bought before Thanksgiving. Hmm, is this too much to ask for? I hope not.

Stitches Midwest

2008-08-25T22:22:00.003-04:00

I was thrilled to attend my first Stitches Midwest. It was everything that I had hoped and more.

I attended two classes: The Long and Short of Alterations with Margaret Fisher and Nordic Color with Nancy Bush. Both classes were amazing. I learned more than I had hoped.

Below is the picture of my haul from this trip. The exciting thing is - all the yarn is for me, to be knitted into garments for me. I can't wait to get started on these.

Meeting all of the women I have chatted with on Ravelry was a highlight of the weekend as well. Both Friday and Saturday night I had dinner with fellow Ravelry friends.

Did I get any knitting done while I was there? UH, NO. But that is totally okay.

Summer Knitting

2008-08-15T21:07:00.003-04:00

Well to be honest - Summer finishing. The Toothpick Optional bag from She-knits for knitters.com which is lovingly modeled by the dreaded monkey. I didn't think I would ever finish that one.

The Pomatomus Socks by Cookie A. Loved this pattern.

Now to get busy and knit my homework for Stitches Midwest.

Prayer Shawls

2008-08-04T23:50:00.005-04:00

I get this urge occasionally to buy yarn and start knitting a shawl. It must be divine intervention because shortly after I start one, we get a call that someone we know has cancer. Last year, it was my MIL. This year, it is an Aunt on my husband's side of the family. I can't explain the need to knit these unless it is from God. I just feel blessed that in some small way I can help comfort someone. My MIL, recovered from her cancer, has told me that it really helped her - kept her warm, made her feel comfort and love. I hope that the new shawl does the same for D's aunt.
This shawl is for D's aunt. The pattern is the Blue Jean Lace Leaf Shawl, a free pattern on Ravelry.

Summer is getting away from me

2008-07-18T21:04:00.006-04:00

It has been one of those summer's. Something going on everyday. Seems like life is just rushing by with no time to sit and relax. Maybe one day next week - but isn't that the way it always is. We think it will come next week. I think it is time for me to make a change. I know I will have to start small. So lets say that everyday for the rest of the summer, I will take 30 - 45 minutes to just sit and relax. Going to try it and let you know how it goes.

I have pictures to share of this summer. Hope you enjoy.

This deer was in the neighbor's back yard the other day. The deer around here are just not afraid of people. We find them all the time hanging out, and when they see you, even if you make a lot of noise, they just look at you and go back to whatever they were doing.

Check out the new hair cut. I was so shocked when I saw the short hair. But I love it.

M - first one on the left. Melvin Levett from the University of Cinn. jumping over them and dunking a ball during the Tashauyn Price Basketball camp.

A Blue Ribbon for me. I entered a shawl in the County Fair. I am so thrilled. This shawl is Melanie Gibbon's Swan Lake pattern. I call mine Wing of the Moth since it is brown. I love how warm this shawl is. Just beautiful to wear.

Yarn Dyeing

2008-06-09T22:58:00.006-04:00

I had the 127 knitters over yesterday to dye yarn. It was so much fun. I was thrilled Kim was there to help - she had dyed before. Thanks Kim.

Happy Birthday Sam

2008-05-26T21:00:00.004-04:00

My oldest turned 16 yesterday. Kind of surprising to me as I don't feel old enough to have a 16 year old. Since he was under the weather, I didn't get a picture of him but check out this picture from last weekend.

These are the socks for the Sock a Month challenge and for Knit for your Man in May on the She-Knits group on Ravelry. I knit them for Sam. He wants another pair now.

End of Year Madness

2008-05-14T23:08:00.007-04:00

It is always the same, yet, I never seem to be prepared for the end of year activities at school. Each year I try to be organized, I try to be stress free - well, I will keep trying.

This weekend - S headed to prom, M - Confirmation, Perfect Attendance Concert for D's work. In-laws visiting, S's art show at school, M's band concert, and S's band banquet. Are you tired yet?

S and me at dinner

D and M at dinner

M - practicing for his Confirmation

S's Choir concert

I am getting some knitting done, and even went to a new Knitting Group Tuesday night at Panera. I had a wonderful time. Any FO's? No, too many projects on the needles so everything is progressing but not finished. Hopefully next week I will be able to show pics of FO's.

Spring, finally

2008-04-21T20:04:00.005-04:00

It is finally spring here in Kentucky.
The lilacs are so fragrant, Tattoo and I enjoyed sitting outside today while I read.

Alpaca YAY

2008-03-31T22:28:00.005-04:00

Today my friend and I visited Seldom Scene Farm in Frankfort for shearing day. We had such a great time. I will go back. We helped bag the fleeces, I held a little Crea as a shunt and stitches were removed from its neck. I helped with the micro chip implanting. These guys are just too cute and gentle. Thanks Lindy for allowing us to come help out!

A quick note

2008-03-24T12:19:00.003-04:00

D has been in Japan for 3 weeks. He will be home on Wed. I am thrilled. 3 weeks is just a little too long for me. The stories he has told have been fantastic and I know he has had a great time.

I have accomplished very little knitting while he was gone, although I did get some scrapping done with my cousin A on Friday night. I had the best time.

The only knitting completed - A tricorn hat for M. He plays Alexander Hamilton today in a Mock Duel at school.

Red Leather

2008-03-11T17:37:00.003-04:00

Check out the beautiful new couch. I have been wanting this couch for ages. Looks so pretty in my living room. And the red matches my fireplace.

New Fiber Arts Shop coming to KY

2008-03-05T16:02:00.002-05:00

Love to see more places to get yummy great yarns. Head over to the blog to check it out and enter to win a contest (little survey).

Enchanted Yarn and Fiber - www.enchantedyarnandfiber.blogspot.com

I've Been Tagged

2008-03-03T11:17:00.009-05:00

I've been tagged by Nancy (www.fancynancykay.blogspot.com).So let's keep this game of blog tag going.Here are 7 random and/or weird (you be the judge) facts about me:
1. I won't sit with my back to a door or a window (superstitious, I know, just like my grandfather Boyd)
2. I am a horrible Procrastinator
3. I am a piler. I will pile up stacks of paper and put them places, drives everyone else bonkers, but I know what is in those piles.
4. Love to eat potato chips with bbq sauce.
5. I am left handed. I can't do anything with my right hand, well except knit. I know, this is weird, but anything else with my right hand is impossible.
6. I am fascinated by storms. Any kind of storm. Love to stand in a window or on my covered patio and watch the storms - would have loved to become a storm chaser.
7. One of my favorite things to do - sleep.

Here are those of you that I am tagging:

Kim (www.fiberartsluvr.blogspot.com)
Christy (www.scrappinandyackin.blogspot.com)
Debbie (www.foreverscrapping.blogspot.com)
Carole (www.readysetcrop.blogspot.com)
Carol (www.aboutthedash.blogspot.com)
Loreli (www.scrappingandcrafts.blogspot.com)

Sorry I had to do it this way, I can't for the life of me figure out how to link properly.

Anita

February's Socks - finally done

2008-02-29T22:06:00.002-05:00

You know I have set this goal to knit a pair of socks a month, well it is Feb 29 at 10 pm and I am finally finishing the socks. Finally.

I like them, The Fawkes pattern in Tofutsies. I really like the yarn.

Finally finished - Swan Lake (Mystery Stole 3)

2008-02-21T15:09:00.003-05:00

Finally, I put this away for awhile to knit for Christmas. When the SheKnits group on Ravelry decided to try lace in February, I pulled it back out. I am pleased with how it looks. Sure wish I had blocking wires, but I am blocking it as best as I can. Can't wait to wear it.

The ice storm that was predicted today is here. Schools dismissed 2 hours early and that really wasn't enough, the sleet started about an hour before the boys were home from school. Ice - so dangerous, yet so pretty.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T16:34:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful day. The sun is shining here, the snow is melting - just a beautiful day.

This is a layout of M and I. He is such a joy.

I want to especially say Happy Valentine's to my husband. He is in Canada on business and we can't spend the day together. Love you Dave!

New Socks

2008-01-31T19:23:00.000-05:00

Just finished knitting these for the Sock a month Kal. In the nick of time.

These are the Monkey Socks by Cookie A. using Araucania Ranco. Love this yarn.

New Hat and 2008 Goals

2008-01-07T21:06:00.000-05:00

Here is the Half Pipe Hat from the new Son of Stitch and Bitch book. M saw this and had to have it. This was a really quick knit. I had it done in one day. He was so excited about it. Of course, this led to DH asking me for a hat as well. He got a basic toboggan with ribbing and then stockinette stitch. Also done in one day. So I guess, this weekend was Hat knitting. LOL.

My goals for 2008:

1. Learn Entrelac
2. Scrap at least twice a week - I would love to get 5 pages done a week (so far so good, I have 5 done for this week.)
3. Finish my Katharine Hepburn Cardigan
4. Learn to knit socks toe up
5. Exercise at least 3 times a week
6. Cook healthier meals
7. Knit from my stash (I will allow for a small yarn purchase every 3 months)
8. Knit at least 8 pair of socks this year (one of these days, I won't own any store bought socks).

Hmm, these are pretty doable I think. Let's hope I can keep up with them. At least they are here for all the world to see, that should help keep me on track.

Hope your Christmas was fantastic

2007-12-28T01:25:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. The weather was warm (yeah, we missed a white Christmas again!) which made for easy travel to both of my grandmother's houses and my inlaws. The knitted gifts were warmly welcomed and I was asked to knit a few other items for family and friends. I promise, I will get to these sometime this year.

A few pictures of the inlaws and my family and of my boys doing the annual modeling show of new clothing.

Catch Up Day

2007-12-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

I promised my Aunt I would post a picture of my yarn stash, so I am doing that today, along with the newest yarn acquisitions. My dear Hubby went out on Black Friday and hit JoAnn's. He picked up alot of wool for me to felt with.

The scrapbooking has been put on the back burner till after Christmas. I had a lot of Christmas knitting to do and am down to the last gift. Feeling pretty good about that, but it will be done in the knick of time as we will be celebrating Christmas with my side of the family on Sunday. For your amusement, here is a picture of the annual ugly socks for my dad.

And last but most def. not least - a picture of my boys which I put in our Christmas cards this year. Handsome aren't they?

Sophie's Fine Yarn Retreat

2007-11-20T11:52:00.000-05:00

It has been ages since my last post, and there is really no excuse - everyone is busy. So, no excuse. This past weekend I attended a retreat thru Sophie's Fine Yarn in Louisville, KY. The retreat was held at Clifty Falls State Park in Madision, IN. This was the best weekend. Relaxing, full of knitting, wonderful people, and laughter. The Inn at Clifty Falls was awesome. The accomidations were great, food was fantastic and the staff very nice.

Barb from Sophie's sure knows how to put on a wonderful weekend. There were 48 ladies in attendance and I know everyone enjoyed themselves.

Friday night was meet and greet, goodie bags were given out, we had a yarn swap and we all sat and knitted. Saturday morning Anastasia Blaes, author of Yarn Coctails taught modular knitting and in the afternoon she taught finishing techniques. What a funny, enjoyable lady. I learned a lot from her classes. Saturday evening was sharing of the blooper knits. Also prizes were awarded for stash size, and best hiding places. I won a Stitch and Bitch book on CD. Now, I know I have alot of stash, but...I really thought I wouldn't have one of the biggest. LOL.

Pictures are from the Inn - what a view of the Ohio River, and of the bloopers.

Thanks again Barb, for putting on this retreat. It was fantastic.

Yarn and Caffeine

2007-09-21T15:52:00.000-04:00

It doesn't get better than this. We got home from taking my son to the doctor and this wonderful package was sitting on my doorstep. My Caffeine Addict Swap partner on Ravelry really spoiled me. I love Lorna's Laces and I don't have either of these colorways. Yarny Goodness. And the coffee - can you read the label? It is Knitch coffee. The package says "Our friends at Java Vino created this special roast to support our desire to STAY UP LATE AND KNIT! Whatever you're working on, Knitch roast will help you finish that last row". How cool is this? you know, as a scrapbooker - I will be scrapping that label. I love the pattern, the dark chocolate (my downfall) and the note cards. I also have to say thanks from my Tattoo - he loves his chew toy. My son was so excited that my swap partner thought of our pouch. And the candy I will share with my guys. The mug is beautiful! It will probably stay in my scrapbook/knitting room. Thanks so much partner - this was wonderful. Oh, and the ecard sent last week was too funny.

ScrapPink Week

2007-09-14T00:18:00.000-04:00

Hi there. The LSS here in town, Memories a la Mode, is hosting a ScrapPink week in conjunction with Scrapbooks ETC. I was asked to organize this week long event. We are selling pink ribbons for $1 in honor of or in memory of someone who has been touched by cancer. We are having a class every night during the week, a portion of each participants class fee will be donated to the Susan G. Kormen foundation. All of this ends with an all day crop on September 29, again, a donation is being made for each participant. I am teaching a Basic Grey layout class. One of the layouts is here for you to look at. Thanks for looking.

Bad Blogger

2007-09-11T23:44:00.000-04:00

I know, I know, it has been awhile since I have posted on my blog. The only excuse I have - Life. We are in full swing of school and all the activities that this entails. S has piano lessons, band, Men's Ensemble, play practice, and the gazillion clubs he belongs to. M has soccer and guitar lessons and his garage band practices. These sometimes require ear plugs. LOL. I have been knitting and scrapping as much as I can. You can tell by the date on this layout that I am behind on my scrapping. Tonight M got popped in the eye with a baseball when he and some neighbor boys were playing. He is going to have a real shiner. (Note to self: Take a picture). He is so upset that he is going to have a black eye on Saturday when we host the U of K vs U of L football game party. Go University of Louisville!

My caffeine lover's swap package will be in the mail in the morning. Hope my swap partner enjoys it - yummy bourbon flavored coffee.

Textured Turtle Challenge

2007-08-31T11:49:00.000-04:00

From my sister in law's etsy site:

http://www.texturedturtle.etsy.com
The challenge is to create something using a kit and post a photo of it either on a blog, Flickr, or other on-line source. With your permission I would also like to showcase your entry on my blog.

These are my original Fiber Art kits at a 50% discount. When you order a kit you will receive a hand painted piece of cloth which has been distressed and stitched to a base of batting or felt, along with an assortment of coordinated fibers, mesh, lace, tyvek, and perhaps a surprise item or two; you may add things from your personal stash as needed.

There are 10 challenge kits available that have been numbered 1 to 10 and will be shipped in that order. Please note: each kit is numbered so you may not receive your favorite color which will make the challenge even more interesting.I find that experimenting with a small kit often opens the door to new and exciting techniques, thus the premise for my Fiber Experimentation Kits.

I’ve designed the Fiber Experimentation Kits in a way that allows your creativity to take over. "By treating a kit as if it were a puzzle my job is to play with the pieces until the puzzle falls into place." Anonymous.

After the due date of Nov.1, 2007 a name will be randomly chosen (from those who have sent me a photo of their project) to win a mosaic shawl pin or button in the color of your choice (similar to pic).

Weekend accomplishments

2007-08-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend. I finished the Dark Mark Scarf for S. As soon as it is blocked, I will put pictures up. I also test knitted a Candy Corn Scarf for a fellow Ravelry person. It was too cute. Don't you think so?

Also, a fellow FiberRAOK member is having a sale. Here is the link: http://www.pdxetsy.com/sale.html

Have a great week.

2007-08-19T22:03:00.000-04:00

Yarn and scrapping!

2007-08-17T18:39:00.000-04:00

Thought I would share another layout and some yarny goodness I purchased today. I started the yarn Christmas shopping. I am hoping to start on the Christmas gifts this next week. Am I nuts or what? It is 100 degrees outside and I want to knit with wool - yup must be nuts.

I finally scrapped

2007-08-13T22:49:00.000-04:00

Mom came up yesterday and we started working on the New York albums. I was thrilled to get 8 pages done today. Seems like the mojo may be back. Here is one layout from the album. A total scraplift from Debbie Hingston - CK, Aug 2007. I just love it.

First Day of School

2007-08-08T22:49:00.000-04:00

Here they are - the first day of school. Both said the really enjoyed it. And, believe it or not, they came home with a list of dates - so my calendar is filling up already with all of their activities. It has just begun!

Studio and Textured Turtle

2007-08-08T01:43:00.000-04:00

This is my studio. It used to be the boys playroom and now it is my playroom. Lots of room to scrapbook, knit and curl up with a good book. And check out this great clutch my SIL made me. I love the texture and the color. She is so talented. Check out her Etsy store - Textured Turtle

Birthday Goodness

2007-08-08T01:00:00.000-04:00

Flowers, yarn, a gift certificate to a LYS, and lots of scrapbooking goodies from my friend Patty (I need to take a picture of this too). A great day. Can't wait to knit some socks with the yarn, scrap some great layouts with the scrapping goodies. And the flowers from my sister and her family are beautiful. They look great on my antique ice chest.

98 degrees out and what do I do?

2007-08-06T23:37:00.000-04:00

Yup, I take my youngest son to the Cinn. Bengals Training Camp. Oh my gosh, the weather was so horrible. Humid, hot, very little breeze, but you ask M. and he will tell you it was all worth it. Why? Well because of this. He loves Chad Johnson. He got his autograph on his football and his Chad Johnson book. I think his day was complete. And, isn't that what it is all about? Summer, your favorite sport, being around your favorite player. Yup that just about does it for a 12 year old. For me, it was seeing him - sweat pouring off his face, his hair soaking wet and the smile on his face.

Freedom

2007-07-31T01:39:00.000-04:00

This layout is for my NYC album from our trip this summer. I also have used it for a design team challenge on accents2scrapbooking.com. I think the picture spoke the title to me. This is how I felt as we took the ferry over to Ellis Island. Freedom - what an awesome thing.

Scrapbooking and knitting update

2007-07-31T01:21:00.000-04:00

There has been very little scrapbooking or card making done this week. Much more knitting - I am trying to catch up on the MS3. Almost done with Clue 3.

I have been working on cards for stamp club on Wed night. The theme has me stumped - citrus colors are the theme. I finally found some lime green and orange which I thought might work so that is my starting point. HMM, now where to go with this. Hopefully tomorrow, I can take pictures of my card, and my MS3.

I have to go register my sophmore for HS in the morning, work at the LSS after that, then my youngest, my dad and nephew and I are going to the Cinn. Bengals training camp for a few hours. Should get some good pictures of that as well. I know M is very excited about going. He has asked all summer for this. I wish S could be with me when I register him for school but, for some reason, registration at school is always when the kids are at band camp. You have 200 children who can't be there for registration and they still do it. And, the make up day is while they are still away. Geez. Oh well. I guess this way, there are fewer complaints about the schedules.

Birthday Meaning

2007-07-31T01:16:00.000-04:00

Your Birthdate: August 6

You tend to be a the rock in relationships - people depend on you.
Thoughtful and caring, you often put others needs first.
You aren't content to help those you know... you want to give to the world.
An idealist, you strive for positive change and dream about how much better things could be.

Your strength: Your intuition

Your weakness: You put yourself last

Your power color: Rose

Your power symbol: Cloud

Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

On the Needles

2007-07-25T11:30:00.001-04:00

Can I tell you that I am not happy if I have only one thing to knit? I think I am pretty normal that way don't you?

Currently on the needles - The Illusion Scarf by Shetha Nolke from the Stitch and Bitch book, the Mystery Stole 3 - yes I am behind but trying to catch up, Seduction Socks by Ann Budd from Interweave Knits, School Spirit Hat by Ellen Edwards Drechsler from Creative Knitting Magazine - Sept. 2006 issue.

Also, I am trying my best to clean up my studio. The scrapbooking items have taken over (and I haven't scrapbooked in ages - what is up with that?), the knitting patterns I have printed off the internet are stacking up, and need to be filed. So, today is my day to clean up. I hate to clean, but I need to - so off to the Studio.

2007-07-25T11:29:00.001-04:00

The sorting hat says that I belong in Hufflepuff!

Said Hufflepuff, "I'll teach the lot, and treat them just the same."

Hufflepuff students are friendly, fair-minded, modest, and hard-working. A well-known member was Cedric Digory, who represented Hogwarts in the most recent Triwizard Tournament.

Take the most scientific Harry Potter Quiz ever created.

Get Sorted Now!

MS3

2007-07-16T14:03:00.000-04:00

This is my first KAL and I am having such a great time. The mystery stole is so much fun. I do believe this is the prettiest project I have ever knitted. Thanks Melanie for creating this project. You can see more of Melanie's work at http://www.pinklemontwist.blogspot.com/