Kim's Knits

2007-10-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm moving...not from Logan, but from Blogger. Come check me out at www.prairiemama.wordpress.com.

2007-10-20T21:09:00.001-07:00

I finished my Clapotis yesterday! I really wanted to get it done for my anniversary, which was yesterday. I finished it at 3 and we went out at 5:30. I really love how it turned out and this yarn was just such a delight!

Now for the Specs.

Yarn: Plymouth Galway Highland Heathers, 4 skeins
Needles: Addi Turbo's US size 8.
Pattern: Clapotis by Kate Gilbert.

Next up...sweaters for the kids, a doll, an elephant, a few hats, some socks, pants...the list never ends.

I really haven't done any other knitting than this lately. I have worked non-stop on this project and I love it.

Here are some pictures though of things we've been doing. I just call it living.

We call him Super Roo!

I love fall. I love the cooler weather (note, I did not say cold, I do not enjoy the cold, cool though, that is nice) that follows the always so hot summers. I love watching the leaves change color. I love the sound of the leaves as they crunch under my feet. Here are some photos I took of fall here in Logan. The colors are not as brilliant as they have been in past years. Apparently this is because it was so hot and so dry this summer. Hmm...hot and dry in the desert? Surely you jest.

Have you also noticed how S has been dressing up? He wears many different costumes daily. He ranges from Peter Pan, to a Cheerleader (complete in Nebraska Cornhuskers Garb...much to his Father's dismay!), a Cowboy, Superman, Roo, Super Roo, or just Super S. He is so funny, and I love to watch him dress up and become these characters. It really is so much fun for me because I remember loving dressing up when I was little. I just need to make sure he has lots of warm costumes for this cold city we live in!

2007-10-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy One Year to my blog!!! I was not so surprised to only see a few people enter the drawing...but I really thought more people read my blog. Oh well...I don't do it for anyone but myself. It's a fun place to record what I'm doing and what is going on in my life and the life of my kiddos.

Now for the winner....LORI! So Miss Lori, do you want some luscious fabric or yarn? I'll get a package together and send it this week. We'll have to find something for Cohen to put in there also :)

Hope you're all having a great weekend...I am! More knitting news later :)

2007-10-03T16:01:00.000-07:00

I can not believe I didn't ever post pictures here of A's longies!!! They turned out SO cute!! I used Malabrigo Chunky yarn in the colorway Noviembre. I love it!!! My only complaint is that it bleeds a bit. I've been able to finally (knock on wood) get it under control :)
So, here are pictures!!!!

Also this week, I got out the sewing machine and made a real live cowboy vest for the boy. He loves playing cowboy, so I decided that he really needed a vest. He'd been wearing a green sweater vest...sad, I know. So, we went to Joann's and bought enough fabric to make him a great cowboy vest. He was really upset (even though he picked out the fabric) that there was cow print on the inside. However, yesterday he wore it inside out all day...he had to be like Woody!

I'm quite proud of myself as this is the first thing I've sewn that didn't have a pattern! I totally winged it and it worked!!! Yipee!

2007-10-01T15:39:00.000-07:00

I'm rethinking my Clapotis. No, I'm still doing it, but the yarn I was using just wasn't speaking to me for the Clap. Oh and before I go any further, in response to Tina - I was going to just knit the outer most stitches every time in the Thunderstorm colorway. But, that is neither here nor there as I am not using that yarn anymore. Like I said, it didn't feel right in my hands for this project. so, I went to Yarn Today today and found the perfect yarn for my project. I typically steer away from Plymouth yarns. I don't know why, I've never had a bad experience with them...I just don't go straight to them, so I often forget they are even there. I was getting a bit frustrated (as were my children, the toys were losing their appeal after an hour of Mom searching!), and was about to just get my store credit (yes, I took back the Majestic fibers...I couldn't afford to keep that and get something else) when I saw it. The perfect yarn. It isn't a color I normally even would look at for myself, purple, but it just jumped off the shelf at me and said, "KNIT ME!". How could I refuse? I grabbed the only 3 skeins of it and had them order me 2 more! Look at this!

I am just beyond thrilled about this yarn, it is BEAUTIFUL!!! Yipee!!!

This week marks my 1 year blogaversary! So....comment here and I will have the boy draw a name on Sunday and the lucky person will win something grand. If you knit it will be yarn, if you are a sewer, I will send you some great fabric. So, there is something for everyone!!! :D

2007-09-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

Oh I've been a bad blogger...well, maybe not so bad as busy! This week has brought my Mom and Grandma into the state from Nebraska. They have driven up this way to see us a couple of times and that was so much fun!
I've also been knitting...I know, it's a shocker ;) I cast on for S's Wonderful Wallaby using Peace Fleece. I love it! I ordered all but one skein in a coop, and so I've been using this one skein. I got word today that the rest is in and I can't wait to get it!!!! Then I can make his and start on Miss A's.
I have also finished and lanolized A's longies. She wore them, looked adorable, I changed her diaper and her diaper was completely pink. The yarn is bleeding. I didn't think much of it...I don't really care what color her diapers are. But, then it bled onto one of my shirts...I was not thrilled. So, after knit night last night, I came home with the suggestion to soak them in HOT vinegar water and let the water cool, then rinse them. I did it. I then lanolized them again...they are still bleeding. Oh, and I over lanolized the longies so they are really sticky now. I am currently washing them, hoping to get some of the lanolin out. Any suggestions on the bleeding?? Valerie?? Marly?? Tina?? Tola?? Anyone??

Today I bought some yarn. This is a very exciting thing, because I really do not have any extra money right now. But, I sold some stash on Ebay and Ravelry, so I could buy some yarn to make myself the Clapotis. I have really been wanting to make this for a long time. I want something nice that I can wear when J and I go out for our Anniversary dinner on October 19. It will be 6 years and I want something nice.

Well, a couple weeks ago Val and I were in Salt Lake for the Great Basin Fiber Arts Festival. It was SO much fun!!! I didn't buy a thing. Val bought lots. She's in Kansas right now (I am SO jealous!) but I am sure she will tell you all about what she bought when she gets back. We are bad bloggers because we both forgot our cameras! Anyway, when we were there, Val so kindly bought me some yarn. She bought this gorgeous Shepherd's Shades from Brown Sheep Wool. They were having a great sale in their booth, everything was $3.00!!! So, she bought me 4 skeins. I thought it would be enough for the Clapotis, but it wasn't. So...today I bought some Majestic Fibers from Yarn Today. Originally I was going to get this beautiful pink color, but instead I opted for a fantastic chestnut brown. I am going to do a border of turquoise and the rest chestnut. Here are pictures of my most recent yarn gettings :)

This yarn and the one to follow are much darker and richer in person. I can't wait until it is done so you all can see how absolutely delicious it is!

The kind and generous Val also bought me some sock yarn! SQUEE!

This is Brown Sheep Wool's Wildfoote in the Mums colorway. I love it!

And....I won something this week!! I never win anything, so I was really excited! Nicole at Throws Like a Girl had a contest for her 100th post, and I won! So, she sent me 2 skeins of Knit Picks Dancing sock yarn, it is beautiful!!! And, she sent me a sweet card and one sock. In her card she told me that this is the first sock she ever made and it was so big and misshapen that she didn't like it. She is sending it to me so that I can either frog it and get the yarn, or throw it away. Well, I am not doing either! My foot is just big and misshapen enough that it fits great! Also, I don't know if you all remember the tragedy of my sock, but I have one hand knit sock that doesn't have a mate (it hurts). Now, I have 2 hand knit socks that I can wear together. I don't mind that they don't match, they compliment eachother nicely. So, Nicole, know that your sock is being loved and THANK YOU!!!!

It's going to be a cold weekend here, so I foresee lots of knitting happening! Have a fantastic weekend wherever you are!

2007-09-17T08:39:00.000-07:00

Knitting and Apples and Wool, OH MY! That is what I've been up to, lots of knitting, even a finished object! WAHOO!

First up, the Sweet Baby Cap to be gifted to my new niece!

I have yet to attach the side cords, but I think it is so freaking cute!!! I blocked it on a balloon that I blew up to 15 inches. I couldn't not put a face on it, so there you have it! What? You want more pictures? Well, ok!
And, I just found out this weekend that I will be getting a new niece in February!! Yipee!! More baby knitting!

On Friday night, we had a family night and went to a local apple orchard. It was so much fun! The kids really enjoyed picking apples and we had a great time as a family. We picked 2 1/2 bushels of Jonathan's, Honey Crisp, and Cortland apples. One and a half bushels are for us and the other bushel is for my friend, Heidi. Today we are going to make applesauce, dried apples...and well, anything else that comes to mind! Last week peaches, this week apples...what is on the docket for next week? Hmm...we want to do tomatoes too! :D
The owners of the Orchard have a dog, Sprote. He was a lot of fun for the kids and just followed us around. They also have 2 boys, so when we were done, S and A had fun playing with the boys and their toys!
They also had a beautiful Aspen grove that we walked through to get to the Honey Crisp field. It was just so lovely. This is one thing that J and I want someday.

And wool...well that will have to wait for another day. I started this post at 8 am, and it is now 6 pm...so, I'll give you all the details of my wooly weekend soon! :)

2007-09-13T15:10:00.001-07:00

Here is a little knitting I've been doing lately...

First, is this Sweet Baby Cap. I am really close to finishing it. It may even happen tonight! :D

Next up are some longies for my darling daughter. I've tried several times to do longies, but always get messed up at the legs. Not this time though, I refuse! I'm using some Peace Fleece (don't know the colorway, it was a gift from my sil) for the waistband and cuffs, and Malabrigo Noviembre for the main part of the pants. I love this yarn!!!

And finally....I was traded some yarn today for garden veggies from Shoeless Val! This is some beautiful organic cotton...time for me to make a Presto Chango for my wee one! By the way, that pattern was designed by Val! I feel so special :)

I am also getting enough Peace Fleece to do a Wonderful Wallaby for both the kids. S's will be done in Shaba Green (his choice!) and A's will be done with Blueberry Borscht.

Today I got some great mail too!!! I entered into the Fall Favorites Swap and got my package today!!!
I got a pillow (hand made!), tea towel, fall scented candles, Halloween cookie cutters and sprinkles, fall tattoos (S loves those!!), popcorn balls and a cute poem and ghost to do the Phantom with my neighborhood. For those of us not from Utah (I've never seen this done outside of this state), the phantom is something where you give your neighbors treats in October, they have to put the ghost up in their windows and give treats to someone else. The hope is that everyone in the neighborhood gets a yummy treat. It's pretty fun to do! We may have to use the cookie cutters to do our phantoming ;)

And...what I've been up to this weekend...

Yep, peaches. My friend Heidi and I bought 4 bushels of peaches (that's a lot of peaches!). On Saturday and Monday we bottled 43 quarts of peaches, and got 5 quart size freezer bags full too! That's a lot of peaches!!! I really want to eat them, but I have to wait until I can't get fresh peaches anymore. Next up...Apples!

Are you ready Heidi?? I am! (by the way, for those who don't know what I look like, that is not me...I only wish I were as cute as Heidi!)

2007-09-11T09:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, today is September 11. I can't believe it's been 6 years already. I am sure that you all remember exactly where you were and what you were doing when you heard the news. For me, I was at work. I went in early that morning, I had to interpret a parent-teacher conference. I was headed to the interpreter's office after the meeting when a student stopped me and told me that an airplane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center buildings. I couldn't believe it. The rest of that day is imprinted on my mind so deeply. Hearing more and more, yet trying to keep it quiet so as not to scare the elementary students. That night, I couldn't tear myself away from the TV. Jeremy and I were to be married in one month and I just cried for all of these young brides and mothers who were now without their husbands. I cried for all the children who lost their parents and all the parents who lost their children. I just cried. Today, I remember those who died. I honor those whose lives were lost and forever changed by this day. Today, I remember all of those whose Angel Day is today.

2007-09-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

S started school this week. He LOVES it! It is really a great group of kids and ladies. The boys all seem to get along great, and best of all, HE LOVES IT!!! Here are the two pictures he let me take of him on his first day...he's so cute!

2007-09-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! What a fantastic weekend :) I love Labor Day weekend, not only does my dearest husband get to stay home and play with us, but I love that it signifies that fall is almost here! We had a good weekend, very nice and...well, I wouldn't call it relaxing :)

On Friday night we procured a new (to us) standing freezer. I feel like a real grown up now, we have a freezer in the garage. I am really excited about this. What this means for us is that I do not have to go to the grocery store several times a month to get meat. Our small freezer in the house just doesn't hold much, so we never had more than 2 weeks worth of food in the house. On Saturday, we went grocery shopping, and I mean shopping! We made a menu for a month and we now have everything we need (minus a few fresh items) to make all the meals for a month! I am thrilled!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today we talked about going on a picnic. But, Jeremy was up at 5:30 (yes, on his day off) to start smoking some butts. Pork butts that is. He got 3 pork butts and smoked them all day today. He and S also made a bird feeder. We have a problem with grasshoppers in our garden. Our theory is, have food for the birds, get them to our yard, they'll see the grasshopper dessert that is in the garden! I am crossing my fingers this works. Here are a few shots of the boys (oh and A had to get into the game too!) making the bird feeder. I have a feeling I will be getting a book all about birds soon as I am sure one of our newest hobbies will be bird watching. Any recommendations?

Today I also took the opportunity to do a little sewing. I love wearing ring slings, my kids love being in the sling, so I have decided to start making them. So, today while A was sleeping and the boys were busy, I made a sling for my friend Kara. I really love how it turned out. I love it so much that I want to keep it. But, I won't. I made it for her and she will love it just as much as I do!

Oh and tomorrow...S starts preschool. I am just so excited for him, but a tinge sad. I can not believe he is old enough to do this! I know, before I know it he will be graduating from high school, I don't want to think about it. I am glad my kids grow up, but it is hard. I'll post pictures of him tomorrow on his big day!

And the knitting...yes, the knitting :) I am making this sweet baby cap for my sister-in-law, who is having a baby in November. When I'm done with the one for the wee one, I'll make one for Miss A. She will look SO cute in it this winter!!! Wait, she looks cute in everything!

2007-08-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

Yipee!!!! I love having Finished Objects (FO's for the non-knitters...some call Muggles!). Tonight I finished my summertime socks(scroll down). So, originally I started knitting these because I needed some summer in my life. They are ankle socks, knit with Regia Bamboo Color, a lovely yarn. As I finished the first one, I realized these socks were not to be for me. I've made now, 3 pairs of socks, one for me, one for my son, and one for...my sister-in-law. J's sister is going to have a baby in November. She is a bit nervous, it is her first baby. She really wants me there with her, to help her. I really want to be there with her to help her. But, since babies don't really tell us an exact date, and I have 2 small hooligans of my own..oh and the small fact that we are over 1000 miles apart, it just isn't possible for me to be with her, physically. I knit these beautiful socks, these lovely cushy socks, for my dear sister. So she knows when she is working so hard to have this sweet little girl come into her home, I am with her.

2007-08-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for your wonderful thoughts and good energy that has been sent my way recently. This has been a tough week...it is every year, but I am doing better. We went today and sent Ladybugs to Emma. It is one thing I really enjoy doing for her. We get a bag of Ladybugs and release them at her grave. I love watching them fly away.

Now, for some pictures of my other babies. I'll have more knitting pictures later...but tonight, just my babes. Oh, and lest you think I am the fantastic photographer that did these pictures, let me set you straight...it was my dear friend Sarah. She really does such a fantastic job! Thanks again Sar!

2007-08-23T10:43:00.001-07:00

Today, August 23, at 2 pm will mark 1460 days since I last held Emma, alive. She nursed for an hour, I laid her down for a nap, and that was that. She died 4 years ago. I can't believe she would be 4 years, 8 months and 8 days today. She would have been such a big girl, such a good big sister, so much fun for her brother and sister to play with.

I've been thinking a lot recently about what 1460 days means. What exactly have I missed? I have missed her first steps, first words, hearing her say "I Love You". I have missed watching her play with babies, develop preferences, have attitude with me. I have missed countless hugs and kisses, I have missed wiping thousands of tears, I have missed watching her grow. I have missed watching her face light up and laugh at a joke I tell her. I've missed her going to preschool, going to nursery, Sunbeams and whatever class is next in Church (I don't even know!). I have missed hearing her say prayers. I've missed her telling secrets, learning to draw, write her name, and do somersaults. I've missed swimming lessons, soccer and dance - 3 things I loved as a child. I've missed her crawling into bed with us, her last nursing session (the one where we were both ready to be done), and watching her nurse her baby dolls. I've missed countless times of pretend play, making her costumes and teaching her to knit. I've missed 1460 photo opportunities - all mine stop at August 22, 2003. I've missed 4 birthdays, 4 Halloweens, 3 Christmases, 3 New Years, 3 Valentine's Day, 3 Easter's...and the number just keeps rising. I've missed watching her become a big sister. Watching her brother and sister and she interact. I've missed watching them make memories together, memories that I would never be a part of, because it is just them. I've missed so many things, what I've written is just a small fraction of what I've missed...but of all the things I've missed, what I miss most, is her. The very essence of her, my baby girl.

She is so very loved and so very missed. It's funny too, that it's not just Jeremy and I who miss her, but Seth misses her too. He will tell me every so often that he wishes Emma were here to play with him. In our curio cabinet we have special Emma things, her pictures, hand and foot molds, and some special toys. Well, one of the toys is a Cabbage Patch Doll that my friend Michelle got for us right after Emma died. It is a doll with blue eyes and reddish brown hair and is wearing a ladybug outfit. Seth loves that doll, yet I've never let him play with it. He asks me, quite often, if he can bring Emma out of the cabinet and play with her. If only it were that easy buddy, if only it were that easy.

Speaking of Seth and Emma, he's been asking me more and more questions about her. He wanted to know how she died. I told him that she was sleeping and Heavenly Father and Jesus needed her to come back to them, so they took her spirit and she died. He seemed ok with that. A few days later he was making up a song at the piano, it went something like this: "Emma, you are my big sister. You went to sleep for a nap and you died. I miss you. That is why I sing this song for you Emma". He really is so sweet. They would have had fun together. As I watch Seth and Amelia together, I realize what I've missed out on with Emma and Seth...and what they have both missed out on too. I know that for me, growing up with 4 siblings was fun. I loved playing with my brothers and sometimes my sister (she was much older and into different things). I loved playing with them and now I really enjoy the friendships I have with them. I watch Seth and Amelia play, they love eachother, they are eachother's best friends...oh what they are missing, another friend, another playmate, a sister.

So now, my heart not only breaks for me and my loss, but for that of my living children and their loss. All they know of their sister is pictures, video, and things we tell them. Amelia will grow up knowing that she looks like her sister. Seth will grow up knowing that he came into our family when we needed him more than anything. He is the reason I am still alive.

I just finished the book, The Dollmaker by Harriette Arnow. In it, a little girl is very tragically and suddenly killed. Her mother watches her death and holds her baby girl as the life goes out of her. One passage really spoke to me, I read it, then read it to Jeremy and we both said, "yeah I've felt that".

"There began again that continual reliving of the last few moments of Cassie's life when over and over she would put the picture together again piece by piece like one methodically laying hot coals on her own body."

I can not tell you how often, in the quiet hours, I have done this. I have relived that day, the decisions I made, the clothes I wore, what Emma did, what I did, how she looked when I laid her down for a nap...I also relive the nightmare that followed...what she looked like, how she smelled, how I hurt, how I still hurt. Oh how I miss that girl, forever and always.

In the quiet hours (they are so few these days) I think of my baby girl. As I kiss Seth and Amelia and put them to bed, I pray they wake up and always know I love them. I also pray every night that Emma knows how much I love and miss her.

I feel like this post has been just a jumble of thoughts and emotions...I guess that is ok because that is what I am, just a jumble of thoughts and emotions. It helps for me to write it and for me to set aside some time just for Emma. I made this slideshow for her also...just be warned, you may want tissues.

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Oh my Emma...I love you more than you will ever know. The short time I had with you, I relive daily. From the moment I learned I was pregnant with you, I knew that you would be such a special gift in my life. I loved feeling you move, watching you grow, giving me heartburn. Then you were born, oh what a gift, truly. You were such a fantastic baby, so happy. When you cried, I knew I could fix it. You made mothering very easy, thank you. After you died, someone told me that we hurt so much because we love so much. That must be why I still hurt, because I still love you. Everyday I wonder what you'd be like, what you'd look like, what you'd sound like. I miss you baby girl, please watch over all of us, be our guardian angel.
Goodnight my angel....
Love,
Mama

2007-08-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

I've been knitting and FINISHING things! I know, it's amazing! I am also on Ravelry now! Before I post pictures though, if you want to read about our vacations, go over to our Family Blog. We had a lot of fun and I got some good knitting time in!!!

Ok...now for pictures!

So, one is a bit smaller than the other. I hope that these twins are like many twins and are little! That way these will fit for a bit! :)

I used Artful Yarns Candy, colorways 9552 and 9369, size 6 needles.

Next up is the diaper cover!!! I am very excited about this, and Amelia has already worn it!

Eek, crying baby...if you want the stats on this, check out my Ravelry page ;)

Oh and just to warn you...tomorrow will probably be a sad post...4 years since my baby girl left...ugh, I hate this time of year. Just keep knitting, just keep knitting, just keep knitting, knitting, knitting...

2007-08-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

*Yawn* What a great vacation I had!!! The kids and I went to Omaha, NE to see my family for 10 days! We got back last Friday and are getting to leave again tomorrow for J's company trip to Zion's National Park. That will be fun too!!! It will be 6ish hours in the car, so I can get some good knitting time in!
I have been knitting and sewing! At my Mom's I made these CUTE overalls for a friend's nephew. I think they turned out SO cute!

I also made a shirt for S. It is a dinosaur shirt, and I have yet to get a picture of it. I have decided after doing that, that I don't like sleeves. I'll maybe try another one again...but I don't know ;)
I am also still working on A's diaper cover. It isn't my favorite pattern in the world. The picking up of stitches for the cuffs is just no fun and makes holes where I don't want them, so I've had to do some tweaking :)
I finished one of the twin hats I'm making. Lookie how cute!

Oh and look at this sweet Cherry Dress I made!

Before you fall too head over heels for it though, it's already been sold. One of my friends bought it for one of her friends. I love the cherries!!!

So, go check out this swap. I am SO doing it!!! This is one of my irl (in real life) friends and she is just a doll!! Look how cute her kiddos are too, what sweeties!

Alright, I have to go pack now. When I get back, pictures of another hat, a diaper cover, and LOADS of vacation pics!!!!

2007-07-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

I know I've been sewing a lot this summer and well, I don't want anyone thinking I don't knit anymore...so here are some pictures of my works in progress!

This is a diaper cover for Miss A. Now, it looks like I have plenty of yarn right? Not so much. I am pretty close to finishing this now and realized I will run out of yarn in the crotch. Nice huh? So, I called my (not so local) yarn store where I originally purchased it and they are holding a hank for me. Now, lest you think I'm driving down to Salt Lake to get it (1.5 hours!), my Mom is in town for a wedding this weekend. The wedding happens to be in Salt Lake. She is going to go pick it up for me and bring it to me on Sunday! She ROCKS!

This is one of my favorite projects. One of my very dear friends, Kerri, is having TWINS! This is her first pregnancy and we are just thrilled for her. So, I am making some very sweet newborn hats for the boys. This yarn is perfect because it is a cotton. They live in Arizona and it will still be hot in November, so I thought these would be perfect! Hopefully I'll have enough left to make some matching booties for them too! :)

Ah, my summertime socks...I will finish them, hopefully before summer is over. Although...they will probably be gifted and I won't even wear them! :)

And finally, Anouk. I will finish this, I WILL! At least I'm not as bad as Nicole. She has EVERYTHING done! She just needs to weave in ends and sew on the pockets. She is killing me! My goal is to have it done by October. I think it will be a great fall wear for Miss A.

I am getting really excited about my fall and winter knitting. I am going to make S a sweater. I am not sure what kind yet. I really want to make him a Wonderful Wallaby, but I don't know if I will get around to it. I have the yarn still for making his ChildHood, but I would rather do it with some Mission Falls Cotton. So, we'll see what I end up doing. I need to make a hat for Miss A and for S. And, if you remember the yarn I took from J's sweater?? I still need to make him a scarf and gloves from that! I also have another baby hat to make for my new niece that will be born in November! Oh, and I really want to squeeze a pair of socks in there for ME! So...looks like my knitting calender is filling up quickly.

2007-07-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

I have an Etsy Shop!!!! Watch in the next day or so as I add more dresses to the shop. I have sizes from 6 month to 6T! So, come check it out!! I'm pretty excited, can you tell?

2007-07-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

Stash Sale!!!!!!!!!

That's right, I'm having a stash sale! I am needing to reduce my stash. So, before I list them on Ebay, I thought I'd try here first. I don't know how many people actually read my blog, but hey, it's worth a shot! :)

All yarns are from a pet free and smoke free, but not kid free, home :) They are in excellent condition and have been lovingly cared for! :) All yarns are 100% wool unless otherwise noted.

I take funded paypal to jdborchert@yahoo.com. If you have to pay with a credit card, I just ask that you add in the credit card fees too, .35.

$6.00

$6.00

$3.50 each

This is Plymouth Dream Baby Yarn. It is a Microfiber / Nylon blend (50/50). I have 6 balls in pure white.
$24

Online Sock Yarn - Sierra Color
100 grams
75% wool
25% nylon

$15.00

2007-07-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

There are hazards of having hobbies and having children. Some hobbies are more dangerous to little ones than others. My husband likes to smoke meat. He grew up in Kansas City and LOVES his bbq! His folks just got him a smoker for Father's Day this year. We are LOVING the ribs and smoked pork from it.

But, I said there were hazards right?

This sweet boy is not saying "Utah State is #1!". No, he's showing me his hurt finger. If you ask him what happened he says, "I burnt my finger when my Dad was smoking". This always requires some explanation. Daddy was smoking some meat and S decided to touch a hot charcoal! Yes, this boy who has burnt his hands before (when he was 19 months old on my folks gas fire place), did it again! Luckily(???) we had all the necessary things to fix up his finger. Oh, and it looks much better this time than last. (oh my goodness, he is getting so big now!!!)

So, there is the hazard of smoking meat...it's hot...it can burn children (duh!)

My hobby of knitting is MUCH safer...for the children that is. However, when you are working on something, the last thing you want is for your 1 year old daughter (or son) to get a hold of it. My dear friend, Nicole, had a sweater she was making and her daughter ripped back about 50 some odd rows for her (so helpful!). I didn't have that happen. However, when a little one gets their grubby little paws on a nice center pull ball of yarn...well, all hell can break loose.

Now, you may be thinking, but Kim, this looks like a very nice ball of yarn! What are you talking about?!?!? Remember before I said it was a center pull ball? Was is the key word there. Yes, Miss A got ahold of it and tore it to shreds. My WONDERFUL husband spent a lot of time yesterday fixing this ball of yarn. It got him out of diaper duty for the rest of the day...I think I'll let him off the hook for today too.

I am getting the itch to knit again. I need to seriously knit. Here is Anouk. I'm almost done, so close I can taste it.

Next up...Wonderful Wallaby for S and A for this fall! I'm thinking some nice Peace Fleece...ooh, I am getting excited!

2007-07-02T21:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know, I know, it's been a while since I've blogged. We've been...living. I'm almost done with the second sock, and Anouk...so that's good :) I am also working on a smock dress for A for the 4th of July. Life is really good right now. My folks are here visiting, so we are just having a lot of fun. Here are some pictures of what we've been up to this summer. There will be many more pictures to come, so stay tuned!

Ok, a few more things. I am SO excited about this book! I read the author's blog daily, I love it! She really is so inspiring. So, go order your copy now!!! I know I will.

And, on a more serious note. Please send out your thoughts and prayers to the little town of Coffeyville, Kansas. This is where I grew up. There has been some serious flooding and an oil spill in this town. Our house flooded twice when we lived there, it is just so horrible. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have lost all they have and have no place to live.

2007-06-24T12:02:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my baby turned 1 (I originally wrote today, but then realized that I wrote this on Sunday, not Saturday!). I will share "then and now" pictures with you all. Warning, this is pretty picture heavy! We all had a fabulous day celebrating both Seth and Amelia's birthdays. Enjoy.

The kids had to eat their pizza in the coolest place, the bottom of the big basketball hoop Seth got (thanks Bea and Ryan!)

And finally, our newest edition to the family, Josie.

2007-06-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

There's a first time for everything. Miss A has her first ear infection. She will be 1 on Saturday, and she has a double ear infection. My poor baby girl. :(

On a brighter note, I've sold A TON of dresses!!! No pictures this week, because I keep forgetting to take them. But this week I sold 12 dresses and 1 yoga mat bag! I'm finally turning a profit. I am so excited!

I also have some exciting things going on the needles soon. I'm almost done with A's Anouk and some great labor socks for my sil. Then, I have 3 baby hats to make. Yes, 3. My good friend, Kerri, just found out she's having twin boys!!! I can't wait to make them some little hats to wear!!! And I will be having a new niece or nephew in November who needs a hat and some socks! :)

So...there will be lots of pictures coming soon...just not today ;)

2007-06-09T20:04:00.001-07:00

Today my baby boy is 3. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone by. Here are a few of my favorite pictures of my little man. He is such a joy and makes me laugh every day. I love him more than he will ever know. He saved me, literally. He came into our lives when Emma had only been gone for a month. He was my VBAC baby (vaginal birth after cesarean), and he was the reason that I stayed here on Earth. He is such a happy boy, and while we struggle, I am truly grateful for him everyday. I love you little man!

2007-06-06T16:16:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, I almost forgot! Go check out this lemonade stand. This is my friend, Val, and she is having it for a very good cause. So, let's all go get some lemonade!

2007-06-06T14:37:00.001-07:00

I have some crafting to show, some frustrations to share, and as always, some beautiful, funny children to talk about!

First, crafting. Once upon a time, there was a girl. She had a friend who really loved yoga. She loved yoga so much in fact, that she taught Moms and babies yoga. So, this girl wanted to do something really special for her friend, knit her a yoga mat bag. She found some great cotton yarn, a fun pattern (Om Yoga Mat Bag from Stitch N Bitch) and got to work.

When she started she envisioned many things...but not this.

My words of advice...do a gauge swatch. If you don't, you may spend 2 months working on something, just to have it not fit the blasted yoga bag.

So, I did what any reasonable girl would do, I found a sewing pattern and made this.

Cute huh? I got the pattern here. So cute and so easy! I am now just waiting for her to get it ;)

It's so easy in fact, that I'm making more to try to sell at the market! This sewing thing is fun! In response to those who may think like my nephew Ben, who asked "Does this mean your not knitting anymore?", HA! Never! I'm just hot and so is the yarn. So, I'm taking a small break. This is usually what I do in the summer. Although I am still working on my socks, and A's Anouk. So, never fear...I still knit ;)

Now for my frustration.

*stepping on soapbox*

I am just so amazed at people and their lack of courtesy. My brother ans sister-in-law have 8 children. Their children range in ages 15 to 1 (next week) and they are EXTREMELY well behaved, just awesome kids. Well, my sil is from Oklahoma and doesn't get back out there very often to see her family. So, she and the 8 kids flew to Oklahoma on Tuesday. They left SLC and arrived at Las Vegas just in time to walk onto their next flight. They were flying Southwest, so they didn't have any assigned seats. Well, they get there, and there are NO seats together. So, the kids all had to sit separately. Well, no I take that back, there were 2 seats together where my nieces (13 and almost 3 sat together). So, my nephew, who is 6, understandably didn't want to sit alone. So, the stewardess is asking people if they would switch seats so that they could sit together, no one would do it. She got on the PA and asked a couple times, no one would do it. Finally, she offered a free alcoholic beverage if someone would let this mother and child sit together, they got an offer.

What does that say about our society? Where we won't move on an airplane to let a Mother and a scared child sit together?? He was crying, clinging to her leg, yet no one would move. Not until they were going to be compensated.

When did we stop getting up off of bus seats to let Mother's sit? When did we start driving by someone whose car isn't working, assuming someone else would stop? When did our society become so self-absorbed that we can't see when other's need help?? I am just really saddened and sickened by this. So, let's all of us who read this blog, start helping others. Doing the random acts of kindness and trying to make our world a better place to live. Let's start being nice to one another. Not because we're going to get something from it, but because it's the right thing to do.

*stepping off soapbox*

Speaking of being sickened...we had a milestone this weekend with my darling daughter. A has had a really bad diaper rash, so on Sunday, I let her have some naked time. J and I were in the kitchen making breakfast and I went to go check on her. I look at her under the high chair and she is covered, from head to toe in poop. She's pooped, played in it and is now starting to eat it! Oh.My.Gosh. I thought I was going to throw up. I scooped her up and took her to the bathroom. I eventually got her cleaned up. There are no pictures of this...for obvious reasons. I couldn't stand having her put one more piece of feces in her mouth just to get a picture! YUCK!

This weekend my in-laws were in town. They flew in on Saturday and left today to go to Provo to visit J's brother and his wife. They fly home tomorrow.

We had such a great time with them. We ate lots of good food, had many laughs, a few debates (all friendly of course) and generally had a fantastic visit. J and his Dad built some fences for my tomatoes to grow up, bought some herbs for our herb garden, and went golfing. Mil and I went fabric shopping, I got a lesson on how to do gathers and zippers, and we played with the kiddos! Oh, we can't forget that 2 children are having birthday's this month. So, they got to go birthday shopping. Here are some pictures of them and their birthday gifts. They were both hits!

This is my little girl singing and dancing while playing the piano. I think she has a future as an entertainer!

A boy and his barn. As I type this, he is playing with some dark blue (per his request) play-dough that we made. He is putting his farm animals in it like water and seeing all their different footprints. He is a nut.

And, one last picture to leave you with. Grandma and Grandpa. We miss you!

2007-05-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I've blogged! Probably because I've been so busy knitting and sewing. Ok, mostly sewing and playing outside with my babes!

So...here's what I've been up to;

The other day I got to meet Shoeless Val! We went to the park and had a fantastic time! I am SO glad that she and I live in the same town. I think we will have many more park days to come :)

I have also been making a lot of pillowcase dresses! Here are some being modeled by my nieces and friends :)

2007-05-13T17:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day! Another blog that I read had this poem on it. I loved it, so I stole it! :) Hope you enjoy it and are having a fabulous Mother's Day. I know I am.

Now That I Am Forever With Child, by Audre Lorde

How the days went
while you were blooming within me
I remember each upon each--
the swelling changed planes of my body
and how you first fluttered, then jumped
and I thought it was my heart.

How the days wound down
and the turning of winter
I recall, with you growing heavy
against the wind. I thought
now her hands
are formed, and her hair
has started to curl
now her teeth are done
now she sneezes.
Then the seed opened
I bore you one morning just before spring
My head rang like a fiery piston
my legs were towers between which
A new world was passing.

Since then
I can only distinguish
one thread within running hours
You, flowing through selves
toward You.

This is my gift from my Husband. We were at Ross Dress for Less last night, and saw this painting. We've never bought art before (weird huh?). We saw this and it was just HOME for us. We had to get it. It hangs in my kitchen, not crooked like it looks in the picture, and it is just beautiful.

2007-05-12T16:14:00.000-07:00

Here are photos of the 2nd pillowcase dress I've made for A. I love these dresses!! So easy, so cute and so great for these hot days we're having!

2007-05-09T12:45:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have a few minutes!!! S is watching Sesame Street and A is happily playing downstairs!!! All the stars are in alignment, so I can now show off what I've been doing!

First up, Pillowcase Dress!!! I found this great idea on this awesome blog! I actually made this out of some fun knit fabric I got at Walmart. I adore it!!! Oh, and I used the extra wide bias tape, worked fantastic! (thanks Mom!) Oh and by the way, my dear friend Nicole, first turned me on to these pillowcase dresses! She will have pictures VERY SOON on her blog (hint, hint)

Next up....the second Shirred Dress!! I love this one even more than the first. I've found a small problem that I need to fix though. I didn't do this one quite like the last and so some of the stitches are coming out (argh). But, I think they are easily fixable. Feast your eyes on this cute cute dress!

I think she was sad about my sock dying too.

And, lest you think I sew only for the girlchild...I made this!

Like the boy in his underoos? Oh and speaking of the boy...a few silly faces from him to leave you with.

2007-05-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am taking a break from my moment of silence to tell you all about a Mother's Day contest I just read about. Girls, this is AWESOME! Follow the link in my sidebar for the Mother's Day Giveaway, or just follow this link. There are some great prizes and we all know how much we deserve them!!!

Hopefully tomorrow I will have a chance to post pictures of the sewing I've been doing :)

2007-05-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

May we please have a moment of silence. There has been a great tragedy today. My first sock, the one I have loved since October, has fallen. This has been a very warm, trusty sock. I should not be as surprised as I am about this injury that has befallen upon my beloved. But, I am. I made this sock out of Cascade 220. Therefore, there were no reinforcements to the heel. I think that this beautiful sock tried really hard to make it, but just couldn't as it was worn day in and day out. May we all remember the lovely sock and mourn for it this day.

My only comfort comes from the words of my very wise almost 3 year old. "Mom, it's ok your sock will be fine!" Yes, in sock heaven, my sock will be fine.

Given the tragedy of the day, I will not be blogging about my current knitting or sewing projects today. I'll have to do it tomorrow. Oh, and I really need to finish my other pair of socks now.

2007-04-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

I've been up to no good lately. Here are a few pictures:

And, what does every sewing machine need? Yes, fabric. There is a fabric store here that is going out of business (Saturday is their last day). I am banned from entering their doors anymore. Here is why...

Yeah, lots of fabric, lots of patterns, lots of thread and rick rack. I've had fun! Oh and unless you think I haven't been knitting....

This isn't the best picture, but it will be a Yoga Mat Bag from Stitch n Bitch. I am way excited about this one. I'm making it with Patons Grace, mercerized cotton. It's nice :)

Ah, my summertime socks. I am doing the heel flap on my second sock, so hopefully I'll get to wear them someday soon!

And the lovely Anouk. I have the first half done (the back half of the pinafore) and have started on the second half. I have a little under 2 months to get this done, I can do it!

Now...brace yourselves, I have been sewing. I learned how to do shirring and had a ball with it! This is what I finished today for Miss A. Doesn't she look just stunning??

Looks pretty cute doesn't it? I can't wait to do more for her! I have lots more pictures to blog, but not tonight.

2007-04-13T09:13:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday I learned to sew. I made these adorable pants for my little Miss A. Check these out!

They look even better on her :)

And a big thanks to Nicole for helping me make them! I'd never followed a pattern before and really didn't know what I was doing. I think she got some good laughs from me yesterday!

Oh, and of course I'll have to knit something to go with these adorable capri's! So, how about this that I will make with this yarn! I'm way excited. I have enough fabric left that I want to make her a skirt too. But, I'll need Lori's help for that one since I don't have a pattern :) So Lori...when you coming up??? ;)

2007-04-10T13:44:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are the WORST Mother in the world? I do. My sweet boy is not so sweet anymore. He used to be sweet and kind and caring. He used to love other kids and would play with whomever was around and had no problems with it at all. He never balked at a child taking something away from him, he was easy going and nice. This is not the case anymore. My child has been taken over by a mean, screaming, toy-stealing, chair-pushing, jumping on little kids, MONSTER. I don't know what I've done so wrong with him. He is so nice to Amelia, for this I am so grateful...but to other kids, not so much.
On Sunday, we went to our new church for the first time. He went into nursery with the other kids (ages 18 mo. to 3 yrs.) and was understandably nervous. So, I stayed with him, no biggie. He stayed on my lap and wouldn't talk to anyone. His teacher came over to introduce herself and he buried his head in my chest, fine. However, when a child took a toy that was on the floor that he was eyeing, he SCREAMED! Not just any scream, but a high pitched, shrill scream. The other parents that were in there looked at me like I told him to do it. At another point he pushed a chair into a little girl, pounced on another (they were playing a game like tigers, but he did it from behind and no one else was pouncing), and hit one of the adults (she wasn't very nice, but STILL!).
Then, today we went to playgroup at the church. He was SO mean to the other kids, again! I just don't know what to do with him. I can't stay in my house all the time for fear of what he'll do to the other kids, but I don't want to take him out and have him potentially hurt other kids.
I know, he's just gone through a big change. He's moved from the only home he's ever known (the home he was literally born in), all his friends are 1 to 1.5 hours away, and things are different now. But, it is breaking my heart watching him being so mean. Any advice???

2007-04-09T19:26:00.000-07:00

Anyone here watch The Office? It's our favorite show. My brother and sister-in-law are our best friends. We've spent practically every Saturday with them for the last 3.5 years. They have fed us every one of those Saturdays. They like The Office too. When Stephanie (sil) was pregnant with #8 (yes, I said #8), I gave her the first season of The Office to make her laugh in her final days of pregnancy.
Well, 2 Sunday's ago, we had a thank you dinner for them. They, and their 8 lovely children, came to our house for dinner. We had rib-eye's (YUM!), garlic mashed potatoes, bread from Great Harvest, salad, asparagus, Outrageous Brownies (drool), and some Aggie Ice Cream. In all it was a fantastic day.
Oh, but wait, I was talking about The Office wasn't I? Ok, so for those not familiar with this HILARIOUS show (Thursday nights 7:30, NBC), one of the characters, Jim, likes to play practical jokes on people. One of his trademarks is putting office supplies in jell-o molds. See where I'm going here?

Here are the excited recipents of their green jell-o mold with the second season of The Office in it! They thought that was so funny, and the jell-o wasn't bad either!! :) Thanks again Chip and Steph! We love you guys!

2007-04-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

So, I've had very little time for knitting. However, I will show you what I have half way finished...drumroll please... Yes, the first of my great summer anklets!!!! I have the second one cast on and the ribbing is done (not so great since it's only 6 rows!).

And now, for the things that have been keeping me from my knitting the last week or so.

This is my Schwinn Deluxe Free Wheeler Double Jogging Stroller. We all love it. This has a front swivel wheel, and adjustable hand bar and is just SO MUCH FUN! The kids and I have been loving taking walks.

Getting ready to plant strawberries...mmmm...I can almost taste them!

Our new basketball hoop. Nah, it's not keeping me busy (Jer has to put it together), but we are so excited for this!!!

The new swing set. YIPEE!!!!!!!!!! Nuff said.

Now, some pictures from my weekend.

2007-03-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

I never want to move again. Ever. Even if this house isn't my favorite place ever...I'll stay here. Why? Because I loathe moving. But, we're done. We are moved in and mostly, well, partially unpacked. We're unpacked enough to live. So, that's good.

We have stairs. Amelia doesn't really know about stairs. She learned on Tuesday, the day after we moved in (or was it Monday, I really don't remember). She tried to climb up the stairs and took a tumble backwards. She now will not go near the stairs. The only problem is that we have a step that goes down from the living room and then up again into the kitchen. So, if she is in one room and wants to go to the other, she will just sit there and cry, or whine, or crawl as close as she dares...she just will not go down the stair. It's good, it's really good ;)

Have I told you all how excited we are to have a yard?? I don't think that anyone is more excited than my Seth. He is constantly outside and when he's not, he is asking to be! He loves his backyard, garage, porch...everything that is OUTSIDE! Today he and I went and bought some tomato seeds, pea seeds and spinach seeds. We also got a soil testing kit (so we know what we need to do) and gloves for each of us. We have lots of weeding ahead of us this week if we want to get our spinach and peas in the ground this next weekend. He is really loving his yard. Now if we could find a decent and cheap swingset...he'd be in HEAVEN!
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. It is spring in Utah. This means that it can be beautiful and sunny one day and snowing the next. That is exactly what happened this week. We moved on Monday, it was warm and beautiful! The next day it was cold and rainy. The day after that, we woke up to snow. Seth was SO excited that he just had to go out right away...look at this kid!

Now, as you can see, we didn't get TONS of snow, but it was enough to make this little boy's day. To make his own snowman, in his own yard...it brought tears to my eyes. I love that kid.

How long does it take a knitter to find her place in a new town? Well, for this knitter, it took 5 days. And, it only took that long because it's the first moment I had to go! I found Rumplestiltskins today. It's a nice little store in downtown Logan. They have a fabulous selection of yarn...but it's not so kid friendly. I had S and A with me and while A was in the sling (no worries there!), S was being, well, 2. The shop owner wasn't too thrilled that he was playing with the wind chime on her door and looking at needles and touching yarn. His hands were clean...but whatever. So, I won't be taking him back with me there. I'll have to go check out the place that's just north of here. I think that will be one of our field trips for next week.

I also went and found the local natural grocery. I am really excited because they have someone come in once a week and do a presentation on Attachment Parenting! I am going to contact the lady who heads it up to see if there are any playgroups that she knows of around here. Oh, and I'm going to see if I can do some Sign with your Baby workshops too! I'd love to do that. Or to help in any other way, like with the cloth diapering, breastfeeding, baby wearing workshops. I'm pretty stoked about that.

With all the moving stuff you'd think I wouldn't have time to knit. HA! I make time. Look at this thing of beauty. This is my newest creation. Now, this sock was done this morning. I kitchenered the toe and everything. I slipped my foot into it and DANG! it was too short. So, I had to rip back to where I started the decreases (a bit prematurely) and will be doing it over. I am making this with Regia Bamboo. I love it!

I want you to notice this heel gusset. See the holes? No? That's because THERE ARE NONE! When I was picking up my stitches, I picked up an extra stitch in between the last 2. It was a bar (think mattress stitch) and it worked fabulously! I am thrilled with these and can't wait to wear my "summer socks"!

Oh man, Jeremy and I...well, we are exhausted. We can't believe that the week is done and that he goes to work on Monday. He is excited and nervous. I just pray that it will be a fabulous job, the one that he's dreamed of so that I don't have to move again. :)

2007-03-19T09:29:00.001-07:00

We found a great house to rent this weekend! It is 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 1900 Sq. feet on 1/3 an acre! I am really excited! It will be 1.5 miles from Jer's work, so he can ride his bike!!! We move in on March 26...yes, one week from TODAY! EEEK!

Ok, here are pictures!!!

Here is the front of the house (duh!)

This is the detached HUGE garage!

Here is the view of the backyard from the gate by the garage.

See my garden spot?? I can taste the fresh veggies now!

Isn't this just a great spot? I can't wait to put a bench here and have my quiet place :)

Here is looking at the house from the far end of the backyard.

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-03-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

Ok Loganites....here's what we need, a Logan Knitting Club! Is there one? Isela - I totally know where Providence is! When I went to USU, I worked at the Providence Inn B&B, I love Providence. I am really excited that there are so many awesome Cache Valley Knitters!!!!

2007-03-15T14:56:00.001-07:00

We've made a decision. Ready Valerie??? We're going to Logan. We feel really good about this decision and while the money is the same with either company, this is where we feel that Jeremy and I both would be happiest. We really are thrilled. We're going up on Saturday to look for a place to live and to visit Jer's grandparents. Yeah, did I tell you that his Mom's folks live there? This will be nice. We can visit them, help them around the house and be close enough to all of my good friends in Salt Lake! We are just thrilled beyond belief. What a huge weight off our shoulders!
So, Valerie...as soon as I get settled, we'll have to get together, let the kidlets play and we can KNIT! Be ready to tell me all about the great knitting up in Cache Valley :)

2007-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

When it rains, it POURS!! And, this time it's good pouring! Jeremy got the official offer from Zimmer today. After he got off the phone with me, he called Medicine Lodge and told them the offer from Zimmer. They told him that they could at least match the offer. So, where does this leave us? Well, with Zimmer he would be working on hips. At Medicine Lodge he would be researching and developing new devices and technologies in all medical devices (not just hips). So, both companies are overnight fedexing the offers. So...we STILL don't know where we're going! I know what everyone is voting for...my siblings and friends are voting for Logan, my folks and Jer's folks, and his sister are voting for Indiana. Us? Well, we really aren't sure yet. We'll have to look at the offers and do some serious contemplation and praying about this. Like I said, when it rains, it pours!

2007-03-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

We've gotten some good news today!!! So, I have been contemplating the fact that I may have to drive 1500 miles by myself with my 2 hooligans..er, I mean children. Well, Jeremy spoke with the relocation department today and HOORAY!! They will fly all of us out, ship our cars, and give us rentals until our cars get there!!! HOORAY! Oh, and they should be able to get us moved by the end of the month. Yipee!

Now, here's my dilemma...what to do with my yarn? I don't trust my yarn going on the truck, having the movers pack it (like they know what to do with wooly goodness!), so I am thinking of a.) getting a suitcase just for my yarn, or b.) putting it all in the van (in ziplock bags of course) and let it be shipped with the van.
What have other knitter's done when they've moved? I am nervous about moving my stash! Any good ideas??

2007-03-06T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oh.My.Gosh. I am SO frustrated!!!!! Ok, so Zimmer told Jeremy on Friday that they want him to start on April 2nd. Fine. They said that he would get the official offer (meaning, tell him how much they want to pay him) on Monday, Tuesday (today) at the latest. Great. Yesterday, nothing. Today, he finally called them and the girl told him that there are 2 more people who have to sign off on the offer. The guy who has the offer right now is out of town until next Monday. And, one more person still has to see the offer and say it's ok. Oh, and they still want Jeremy to start on April 2nd. Um...how is that supposed to work????? Oh, and to make matters even better?? We gave our notice on our apartment already and have to be out March 31.

So, I asked Jeremy to call Medicine Lodge (company in Logan) and see what was going on with them. We'd decided that since they did their last on site interview on February 19, and he hadn't heard anything yet, that Logan was out of the picture. Well, he called today and the guy he spoke with told him that they were still doing onsite interviews (whoever told him the 19th was on drugs) until Friday, but that they were seriously considering him for one of the positions.

So, what does this all mean? That he has no official offer from either company. Two companies who are interested, one whose said they want him, but no one is willing to give us numbers. Oh, and we have no place to live in 3 weeks. Oh, and I really have no time for knitting. I should knit, it's good for my sanity...but I just don't feel like it cause I am so stressed. Ah, my life is SO fun.

2007-03-02T14:52:00.000-07:00

We have a start date on Jeremy's job. April 2nd. Yes, 1 month from today. So, I have one month to look for, find a place to live, get my house somewhat clean, have the movers come and pack up all my worldly goods, move, unpack and get somewhat settled before Jeremy starts work. There may not be much knitting happening in the next month. I'm tired just thinking about what I have to do!

2007-03-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

And this is why I knit. I made the fingerless gloves and gave them to my good friend Heather. She is a very sweet and sassy girl who knows how to wear fingerless gloves :) I called her at about 10 last night (after I wove in the last end) and told her I was coming over. She lives in the building next to mine, so I walked over. I really have wanted to do something for her for so long. She has (numerous times) brought us steak, soup and other various goods. I gave them to her and she was THRILLED! She just couldn't believe that I'd knit them for her.
So, that is why I knit. I love to knit for people who really appreciate it. People who will adore what I've knit for them and will wear it with pride. This is why I knit. It's for the love, for the yarn, for those I love.

2007-02-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's not easy taking a picture of your right hand, have you ever noticed that? Here is my first fingerless glove! As you can see in the background, I've cast on the second. This is my own pattern...real tough, ribbing at the bottom and stockinette throughout the glove. I did the picot bind-off as seen on Fetching.
I wanted to do cables and such on these, but it just didn't look good with this yarn. I love this yarn though. It is Manos Del Uruguay, and is just WONDERFUL!!! If I have enough left over, I will be making myself a calorimetry or panta with it!!

2007-02-20T14:57:00.000-07:00

A JOB!!! A JOB!!! A JOB!!! Jeremy was offered a job at Zimmer today (in Indiana), and as soon as he passes the background check, he'll get the official offer!!! They say it could take about 2-3 weeks. But, IT'S A JOB!!!!!!! WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!! I had a fabulous birthday (on the 11th) and party yesterday!! Oh my goodness, you all will be so JEALOUS when I tell you what my husband did. But first...A's sweater!

Here it is blocking on the 11th. After this I had to do the hood, all the seaming and buttons! It took me almost another week to get that done. Life just gets so crazy!!

But...VOILA! I finished it!! My goal was to have it done for my party at 3:00 on the 17th. I weaved in the last end at about 11 am!

And, it gets better...look at it on my BABY!!

Here are the specs -
Yarn: Patons Marino Regency colorway and Cascade 220 Brown Heather colorway.
Needles: Size 7 and 8's Knit Picks Options
Baby: Just too cute for words :)

Ok, now to my party.

Look at what my Mom made for me. I don't really have a great place for it in my little apartment (but it is on my wall). I think it is just so cute though!

So, my husband can be pretty darn creative. He made me a wonderful cake, invited tons of my family and friends...and surprised me. I was beyond surprised really. We have a friend, Mike (Lori's husband) who is a graphic artist. He and Mike have been working on something since Thursday. He kept joking with me telling me it was a marble sculpture of me. Ooh, that is something I want :)
So, imagine my surprise when he comes into the room where my party was being held and said that he had a surprise for me. And... I needed to go outside. So, out I went with everyone looking so excited...and this is what I saw

A PINATA that looked like YARN! WOW, that is so cool! Just to give you an idea of how big it was, here's a picture of it next to my head ;)

So, I start swinging at this thing, and all the sudden Nicole and Stephanie get a bit nervous looking, converse and tell me to stop. One of Stephanie's kids goes to their van and gets out a big blanket and they put it under the pinata. I start thinking..could this be what I think it is?? Could it be that there isn't candy in here?? Could it be something else?? I dared not to hope, but just kept whacking away (and letting all the kiddos there do the same).

When it finally opened...here is what I found

30 BALLS, SKEINS and HANKS OF YARN!!!!!! OH.MY.GOSH! I was stunned, happy, no, really, those words don't do justice to how I was feeling. I had sock yarn, worsted weight, bulky, you name it...all sorts of wooly goodness!!! I got the pink and brown Lorna's Laces that I was coveting over at Simply Sock Yarn, I got Socks that Rock January One Colorway (ooh, I love that!), I got some fabulous Rowan, Manos Del Uruguay, and lots of others!!! 30 balls for 30 years.

Here I am at home, in my bed, with my yarn. I love my husband! He totally surprised me. Now he has 10 years before he has to top himself ;)

2007-02-13T21:28:00.000-07:00

Last night there was a terrible tragedy in Salt Lake City. A gunman went into a large mall here and opened fire. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all of those who will be haunted by this night forever.

2007-02-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy, and Interview, and Bouillon Cubes, Oh my!

That was just yesterday! So, the kids and I were out yesterday and when we came home, our crazy upstairs neighbor was coming outside. Now, remember, I said she was crazy. She stopped to chat for a few minutes and looked at me and said "You're not pregnant again are you?". I was shocked. Stunned. I took a minute to collect myself and said, "No. I'm just fat." She stumbled over her words this time saying, "Oh, no, I didn't mean..it takes a long time for me to lose the baby weight too. I just thought that you were pregnant because you looked like it and I thought WOW if she's pregnant again, her hands will be really full!". I looked at her again. Truly not believing that we were having this conversation and again, I said, "Nope, just fat. Thanks". And I walked inside. What a WHACK JOB! Jeremy said that I should have said, "Oh, they let you out of the loony bin again?".

Interview - well, Jeremy had another interview yesterday with the director of hip development at Zimmer. She had some reservations about him and wanted to chat with him some more. Apparently, the other people who interviewed him really liked him and so she needed to see what she was missing that they saw. So, I guess during the on site interview, she was asking him some questions and really wanted to get at his thought process on how he would handle a situation, and he didn't answer her questions well enough. She gave him a design problem and she said that he gave up too easily when he didn't know the answer (I don't remember the specifics, I will talk to him and then we will edit this part). He was really glad she called. He recently read this book, "Now, Discover your Strengths", and he told her about it. He learned from that book that he is pretty analytical (really???) and that he needs to sit and think about something before answering. He doesn't just jump in with an answer, he takes his time. She was glad to hear this, as she is the same way :) He also took a test online to see what his strengths are and sent her the results. So...we'll see. She said that they would be making a decision this week! *fingers crossed*

Bouillon cubes...*roll eyes*. My son. He is a very mischievous boy. Yesterday I was laying A down for a nap. I heard some banging of cupboards in the kitchen, but I couldn't get up to see what he was doing. So, I just took a very Zen approach and said, I'll deal with it when I get up. I go out to the kitchen about 5 or 10 minutes later and I see a chair pulled up to the counter and the spice cupboard open. S had something in his mouth and I asked him what he was eating. He opened his mouth and there was a chicken bouillon cube! GROSS! I told him to give it to me and explained that it isn't for him. He said, "Oh, it's just for Mom and Dad?". No, sweetie, it's for cooking! What a nut!

This morning I got up and he was eating my last piece of birthday cake. Ooh buddy. You don't come between Mama and her cake. He ate all the frosting (whipped, my favorite!) and the oreo that was on top. I was laying in bed dreaming of that piece of cake and it's gone. In the belly of my 2 year old. Here is the conversation he and I had:
Me: S! What are you doing?? That's my birthday cake!
S: Well, you can share!
Me: No sweetie, that's my cake!
S: But, you gave me some in my Cars bowl.
Me: Yeah, last night I did. But, that was my last piece of cake and I wanted it.
S: Sorry Mom. Sorry for eating your birthday cake Mom.

Ugh, why is he so cute? Because it saves him. Just now, he was coloring on himself and the table with markers. Who is this child?!?!

Anyhoo...my birthday was SO relaxing and fantastic! We got up and went to church. We came home and Jeremy made me lunch and then I got to have a nap. Nicole came over after my nap with a great bag she knit for me. Jeremy and Seth got me some headphones for my iPod (I think it's because I steal Jeremy's daily!), and we had some FABULOUS cake. (I'm still mourning the loss of my last piece of cake). It was a really nice day and I was so happy to share it with my family. Now, I'm the big 3-0. So far, my thirties are good :)

Oh, and I will post pictures...I just can't right now. Our great neighbors let us use their high speed internet...well, it hasn't worked for a few days now. So, I'm on dial-up. I hate dial-up.

I am almost done with A's sweater!!! I am needing to seam it up (I'm finding that I really don't like seaming) and do the hood. I'm supposed to make the buttons snaps, but I really want button holes. So, I need to figure out the spacing for the button holes and do that also. I am still holding on the goal of having it done by my party on Saturday. I'm going to my sister's today, so I should be able to get some good knitting done.

Alright, I have to go feed the boy. He's hungry. He just had my birthday cake! How can he be hungry?!?!?!?

2007-02-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

I am feeling OH so much better! I lost 4 lbs. the other day! I hate being sick. I despise it! Luckily for me, my husband came home and took care of my babies so I could take care of myself! And, now, I am better!
Ok, as promised.... 30 things about me for my 30 years!

1. I was born February 11, 1977 at 11:38 pm.
2. I stay up until my birth minute every year and wish myself happy birthday.
3. Since I have become a Mother myself, I have called and thanked my Mother on my birthday.
4. I have 3 children
5. 2 are living...it's the hardest thing I've ever had to do.
6. I grew up in Omaha, NE; Coffeyville, KS; and Kaysville, UT. However, when I tell people where I'm from, I always say Kansas.
7. I could never sleep in as a child. I wished I could...it was terrible being the first one awake at a sleep over at someone else's house.
8. I would eat chocolate everyday if I could.
9. I am learning that chocolate doesn't cure everything though.
10. I have been pregnant or nursing (or both) for the last 5 years (in March)
11. I bit my toenails when I was a kid (gross, I know)
12. I have been 5 foot 6 inches since 6th grade. That was the year that I grew 6 inches!
13. I had my first kiss when I was 13. I felt so old then, but now that I have 13 year old nieces, it is SO YOUNG!
14. I am the 4th of 5 children.
15. Between the 5 children in my family, there are 20 grandchildren!
16. I love to read
17. Therefore, I love audiobooks!
18. I wish I could knit and listen to books all day long.
19. I would never do that, because I love reading to my kids and playing legos with Seth!
20. I love Barry Manilow and the Carpenter's. I thank my sister and my Mother for that.
21. I always wanted a car mat like my brother's had, when I was little.
22. My feet are always cold.
23. I wish I could knit socks faster...because my feet are always cold ;)
24. I have the best in-laws in the world, seriously.
25. I was a Sign Language interpreter for 2.5 years.
26. I have been signing for 24 years now.
27. Someday, I hope to go back and finish my degree in Deaf Education at Utah State University.
28. I made a cd when I was in college. Don't ask to hear it, I won't let you.
29. I play the piano and guitar...neither of them well, but I can.
30. I am the luckiest woman in the world to have such a fantastic family. I mean, who couldn't love these people?!?! Oh, and btw, the last picture is of Emma. I know, she looks just like A!

2007-02-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

Oh man, it sucks when Mom is sick. I've got what Seth had, but I get to take care of 2 little ones, change diapers, make food and try to be a nice Mom while doing it. Ugh.

2007-02-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

I take back what I said yesterday, I guess I'm not slow, I just take my time ;) I was very honored that Margene actually read my blog and posted too! WOW! She reminded me that it is the process I love. I am loving the process so much right now. I have the back and left front side of A's sweater finished. I hope to have it done by my birthday party on the 17th. And, I have decided to do S's sweater in a dark charcoal gray with a dark blue heathered yarn for the edging and sleeves.

I got some birthday money today from my in-laws. I'm going shopping!!!! When I was pregnant with A, I started this dress. I was going to make it in an off white with soft pink flowers and sage green stems. I did the front and started on the back only to find out that my gauge had changed and the back was turning out bigger than the front! So, my very pregnant, very frustrated self said "that dress is dead to me" and stuffed it in a corner. After A was born, I wanted to finish the dress and let her wear it as a shirt. Well, she was WAY TOO BIG and so I just frogged it. Now, I am making it (the same colors as the pattern) for her 1st birthday. Now that I have my birthday money, I can buy the yarn!!! YIPEE!!!!!!!!! So, I am going to order it and Nicole and I are going to have an Anouk knit along! I am SO excited!

I am also going to get myself some stitch holders (my dpns just aren't cutting it) and...well, I am going to Soul Spun Yarn tonight for knitting...so if anything else catches my eye...Stay tuned for pictures...I think I may be going on a yarn spree!

2007-02-05T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have come to accept something this weekend. I am a slow knitter, and that's o.k. That last part, the part about it being ok, is very hard for me to accept. I want to be done with socks fast. I think my main problem is that the first pair of socks I knit were with worsted weight yarn. That makes for a relatively quick knit. But, now I am doing socks on needles sizes 2 and 3, and well, it's not so fast. So, I am a slow knitter, and that's o.k. (I will keep telling myself this until I believe it.) My biggest problem is that I read some great blogs, women who are fantastic knitters. They have been knitting for a long time, I have not. I need to have more patience with myself, right?? Here are some pictures of my slow knitting.

These are the Jaywalkers that never end (sung to the tune of "This is the song that never ends")

Here is the back of the sweater I'm making for A. I am a little irritated because there is some pooling happening here. It got worse as I finished the back. One side is all pink and red and the other is brown and orange. It happened after I bound off for the armholes. I started on the front tonight and it is happening again! ARGH! It makes me want to SCREAM!

S asked me if when I am done with A's sweater, I'd make him one. I told him that I would and that he could help me pick out the yarn for it. He wants it black. Black?? Really?? He's 2, what does he know? ;)

And, here is something that makes me love knitting. Alpaca booties for my darling daughter. They knit up so fast and they make me feel like I'm not a slow knitter. Even though I know I am...I can kid myself!

Now, on a non-knitting note...the sun is finally shining and it is warm here! It was 45 degrees today, 45 gloriously warm degrees here today!!! The kids and I went outside and it was SO nice! S is working on potty training...he told me that he would do it if he had an Elmo seat. Well, I got him an Elmo seat and he stayed dry all day!!! YIPEE!!!!!!!!

2007-02-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Here are the booties I made for my friend Sarah's, little one, Z. Don't they just look so sweet on that newborn? She isn't even 1 month old yet!
Sarah is sweet and says that the pictures don't do them justice...I think that they don't do baby Z justice...she is just so sweet.

2007-02-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

It's Blogger (Silent) Poetry Reading day! I heard about it from Cara and she heard about it from this blog. So, here is an original Kim.

Emma

I lay her down, she laughs, she cries
she knows what is coming
I lie down and offer my breast
she grabs it and smiles.
Here comes the milk,
drink up my baby!
I look at her face
so sweet, so innocent.
Rosy cheeks, tousled hair,
little bit of me,
and a lot of Jer.
She is my world,
she is my joy,
I can't believe I wanted a boy!
I love her dearly
and pray
she will be happy, hopeful and
know she is loved, everyday.
Goodnight my Angel
Sleep tight my love
I'll be here all night
So if you wake up, and get scared
or hungry,
roll over, I'll be here for you
always.
Goodnight my Angel
Mommy loves you.

Written August 3, 2003, 20 days before Emma died.

2007-02-01T15:09:00.000-07:00

Jeremy got home last night around midnight. He has been in Warsaw, Indiana for an interview with Zimmer. So, now we are waiting to hear from Medicine Lodge in Logan, UT and Zimmer in Warsaw. He said the interview went well, really well. They have 4 positions available in the hip team. So, we'll see.
The very interesting part of this is the hotel where he stayed. Zimmer is a pretty big deal in this small town. About 10% of the town works there and they have various buildings scattered throughout town. So, the fact that they have their own hotel isn't too odd. The art work in the hotel...well, that is another story completely.
Now, you all know that Zimmer does implants. They are an orthopaedic company, hips, knees, spine...that's their thing. So, what happens when implants meet leaves? Art in the bathroom. Yes, in the bathroom of Jer's hotel room was a picture of a knee implant among leaves. (I'm still laughing about this one). Oh how I wish he had a camera phone and he could have taken pictures. There was another piece of art involving a hip implant, but I don't remember the details.
This has inspired me. If they can do it, why can't I?? My sister-in-law, Tawnya, has a knee plate that was recently removed (and cleaned) from her leg. I am going to take it and place it in beautiful yarn. Maybe I can get it shown in the hotel even! I am excited about that! ;)

On the knitting side of life...I am doing some socks for my dear sweet husband! This is a surprise, and since I know he doesn't read this blog, I'm not worried about him finding out! I am working on them whenever he isn't around...and lately, that is a lot! But, I can only work on them so much, you know the whole "having to be a Mother" thing ;)

I have also decided that these Jaywalkers really need to be done on size1's. So, hopefully I will get those for my birthday and then I can switch to those needles.

I cast on for the ChildHood sweater for A last night. I think I am really going to like it. I am making it out of Cascade 220 Brown Heather (ribbing, sleeves and hood) and the body will be from a multi colored Paton's Merino.

Ack, A needs to nurse.

2007-01-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh, this is the cutest thing I have ever knit! I am in LOVE with this Sophie bag! I used the Plethora of Petals pattern from Knitty . This bag was knit in Cascade 220 Quatro and the flower was done in Cascade 220 Winter White. Tomorrow, this will be on it's way to a sweet little
girl in Nevada. She is one Shabby princess, as is her Mom, Jenn. I just hope she likes it as
much as I do!

Here are the bag and flower before felting

2007-01-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

15 days until my birthday. The big 3-0. I am pretty excited about my birthday this year. Heck, I always love my birthday. No diapers to change, no children to really take care of (all I have to do is nurse A). I really enjoy my birthday.
So, in the spirit of my birthday (and to give some hints to my sweet husband) here are some things that I hope I get this year!
1. Addi Turbo needles, size 0 and 1, 40 inch cable. I love doing socks in the magic loop, but I don't have these sizes of needles yet! You can only knit so much on 2's and 3's! :)
2. This yarn. Those who know me shouldn't be surprised, my two favorite colors!
3. Any of this yarn
4. And, any of this yarn - this is especially yummy stuff! I've blogged about it before.
5. Of course, I always love gift certificates to my lys (Local Yarn Store, Jer) my two favorites are Black Sheep Wool and/or Soul Spun Yarn. This way I could take a class or two :)
6. This is something I have been wanting for a while now. Of course, my husband (the engineer) thinks he can make me one that is electric...we'll see!
7. And, how could I have number 6 without this?!?!
8. I also adore this sock yarn. My sister in law, Stephanie got some from Santa, it is just heavenly! Sadly, it is usually sold out since she hand dyes and spins it!
9. I would love a gift certificate to this store
10. Or this one

So, I originally started this list with 5 things, I have since added on 5 more :) It is my top ten wishlist, but in no particular order. Even if I don't get any of those things, it is fun to look for them and think of what I would want :)

And, as promised, 30 things about me will be coming soon. I have to think of 30 things first! heehee!

2007-01-27T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the finished Calorimetry's! I did Erin's (the purple one) out of Wings Alpaca. Oh man it is so soft! I attached 2 buttons (ladybugs) so that it can be adjustable and fit her longer. Michelle's is out of Lamb's Pride bulky. I really like these, I may have to make myself one too :)

2007-01-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Jeremy's Logan interview went really well!! Jeremy felt really good about the interview. He met with 8 different people and when he called me, he sounded so upbeat and happy. There are about 10 people they are interviewing and he was the first on site interview. However, his main contact, Dan, told him that half of the people that interviewed him today were first interviews themselves :) This is somewhere Jeremy would really like to work. They will be hiring someone in February, so it shouldn't take too long :D
Since he was in Logan, Jeremy went to see his Grandparents after his interviews. It was nice for him to go see them and see his cousin, Matt, who just returned from an LDS mission to the Philippines in November.
Now the next interview is on Tuesday/Wednesday in Warsaw, IN. He has been to this town before for an interview with a different company, he said that I would like the town. My most important question...is there a yarn store? OH THERE IS!!!!!!!!!! I can live anywhere as long as I can get my knit fix!

While Jeremy was gone today, my friend Nicole came over. Here is a picture of our kiddos - S, A and E. They were having fun with their babies.

S and A are so funny together. They are just such great friends and crack Nicole and I up on a daily basis. Last night we went over there for dinner and S and A got married. After they got married, S gave A a Lightning McQueen car. She looked at S and very seriously said, "Oh S, I only like beautiful cars". Nicole and I cracked up! They are just such nutty kiddos. It is a good thing that they get along so well, it gives Nicole and I the much needed sanity/knitting breaks that we need!

I didn't get much knitting done today because my little A was Miss Cranky Pants. I don't think she realizes that Mommy is happiest when she gets time to knit. So...now I am off to do just that.

2007-01-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

Oh look at these ADORABLE booties!!! These are knit with Baby Alpaca with a Twist. I love them!!! They are off in the mail tomorrow!! I also finished Michelle's Calorimetry today! I'll post pictures of it later, I need to go nurse A.

2007-01-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you...I frogged mil's socks. I just wasn't loving them. I'm sure that they are a great pattern, but this yarn just didn't want to be those socks. So, when I get everything else done that I need to, I'm making her some jaywalkers.
I am also making my darling, sweet, wonderful, patient husband some socks (FINALLY!). They will be red with a blue cuff, heel and toe. Oh, and I am going to do a little color work on the side with KU!!! Yeah, they will be his KU socks! He also wants these Socks with the Mac Apple on them. They are perfect for him! Maybe if he's really nice he'll get them for Christmas next year! ;)

2007-01-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for those who read both my blogs...

So, last Thursday, Jeremy had an interview with Zimmer, a company in Indiana. For those who remember, he interviewed with them in September, they liked him and wanted to bring him out, but the job was canceled due to budget issues. Well, they interviewed him for a different position last week. They called today and want to bring him out for an interview!! YIPEE!!

Then, on Friday a company in Logan, UT called. They did a phone interview with him on Friday. The gentleman he spoke with said that they originally wanted someone with more experience, but if the right person came along, they'd work with them. He has a phone interview with the rest of the team tomorrow at 4. Man, it would be awesome if he got offered both jobs and we could PICK where we lived!

Both places have perks, so we'll have to pray about it and decide where we really need to be right now. Keep us in your prayers please!

As for us...I'm sick, the kids are sick...man I hate colds! I don't like wiping runny noses. My babies don't like it either. :(

I'm trying to get some knitting done and quick! I am making some beautifully sweet booties for my friend Sarah's little baby girl, Zoey. I am hoping to get them out this week and she can have them before she turns 4 weeks on Saturday! :) Then, I need to finish Jenn's Sophie, Mom's capelet, Michelle's Calorimetry and a scarf for my doula (yeah, A is 7 months old..I'm a little late!). All before my birthday on February 11.

Speaking of my birthday...I'm going to be 30 this year. Kind of a big one. I am excited to be 30. I have always loved my birthday. It is a great time for me. A time of reflection and goal setting. Watch for an upcoming post...30 things about me, just in time for my birthday!

2007-01-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

Look at these cute booties!!!! The pattern is from Nursery Knits by Zoe Mellor. I am not sure what the blue verigated yarn is, I got it in a yarn swap. The pink is Patons Merino. I love it!!! I made these in 2 days, so easy, so fun!!

I am now making some other booties from the pattern I mentioned in the previous post. I like them...but they're WAY too big for a newborn. So, A is getting another pair of booties!! These are in Big Baby Alpaca, YUM! I have enough yarn to make some for baby Z too. I'll just use a size 4 needle (instead of the 7's I used for the first pair). Or maybe I'll do a *gasp* gauge swatch! Yeah, I didn't check my gauge...I am really bad at that!

2007-01-17T22:19:00.000-07:00

Booties are SO fun to knit!!! I have almost finished a pair for Miss A. She will look stunning in them! Tonight I cast on for these too! I can't do any more of these until I finish A's though. The seamless ones (cabled) will be for my friend Sarah's new baby girl. I'll post a picture when I can, I'm nursing A right now.
Have I mentioned how much I love to knit? It gives me such a great sense of satisfaction to finish something and see how beautiful it is. I just love hand knit items. Ooh, it's fun!

2007-01-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Losing weight for Yarn?? Yep!!! This is what my friend Nicole and I are doing. It is our own version of The Biggest Loser! :) We are weighing in at the beginning of each month and who ever loses the most percentage, gets yarn!! This month we are getting a gift certificate to Soul Spun Yarn, one of our local yarn shops.
I am down 6 pounds in the last 2 weeks! I am pretty happy about that. I want to lose a total of 43 lbs. and think I am well on my way.
Anyone want to join in?? You're more than welcome! Just let me know and we'll add you to the pot! We each donate $10 at the beginning of each month and then decide what we want to get. This month it's a gift certificate. Next month it may be some yummy yarn that we're coveting! :)

2007-01-14T18:26:00.000-07:00

Brrrr it is COLD here! This morning it was 5 degrees. BRRR!! I wish that I had been thinking ahead last year and knit myself a babywearer poncho. I really want to do this out of an alpaca/wool blend. I am definitely doing it for next winter!!!

Tonight I finished my first calorimetry. I like it a lot. It is made from Blue Sky Alpaca in a grape color. (I can't remember exactly if it is Blue Sky Alpaca, I can't find the wrapper, but that is what I think). I just need to attach a button (or two) and it is done! I think I will attach 2 buttons to make it adjustable. I made this for a 4 year old little girl. I want it to work for her for more than one winter. They live in Florida and are going to Wisconsin this winter and then to NYC next year for Christmas. So, it would be ideal if it worked for her for both trips! Now I get to cast on her Mom's calorimetry! Hers is being made from a bulky Blue Sky Alpaca in charcoal. It is going to be so pretty!!!!
The hourglass socks are really coming along. I am enjoying the pattern and think they are looking good. It is a fun pattern and isn't too hard, but is just enough to keep my interest. I am excited to get them done for my mil for her birthday. Although, she informed me tonight that she no longer has birthdays, so it just has to be a present! HA!

The capelet (which never shows up very well in the pictures) for my Mom is not my favorite right now. I am using my knitpicks options needles and one of my cables broke! ERGH! So, I've had to fix it and in the process dropped a couple stitches >:( But, now that I've fixed it, hopefully all will be well!

I'm well into the Sophie bag for Jenn. I will be making a big hot pink flower with a green leaf on it. It will be so cute!!!

The Longies and I are having issues. I started the short rows too early, so I fear that they will fit her funny. I am thinking that I will be frogging these and starting over. If they're not perfect, I won't be happy and then it just isn't worth it. Oh, but how I hate pulling out work that I've done. It really does just break my heart.

And now for what I got this week!!! Nursery Knits by Zoe Mellor. I LOVE THIS BOOK!!! I am SO excited!! There are lots of really great patterns in here. My dear friend Sarah, had a baby girl one week ago. I am going to make her some booties from this book. I have some alpaca that is just dying to be worn by a sweet little baby girl! ;) The main reason I bought it was for a doll pattern. I will be making this for A for her birthday. There is also an Angel Dress in there. Oh it is SO sweet. Miss A will be getting that for her birthday also. As soon as I am done with the above projects, I will be starting on birthday projects for my darling babies! Oh, and more socks for me!

My sister, Stephanie, got a spinning wheel last week. I am so excited for her to have gotten this. Now she and I can hand dye and spin some yarn to make my dh his Jayhawk socks!!! We will dye the roving the exact colors of crimson and blue and then she will spin it for me. I am really excited for this. So is my very patient dh. I want his socks to be perfect, so that is why I haven't finished them yet. I will though...I promise honey!

So, for those that know me well, you know I love pink and brown. Well, look what I found!!!! I LOVE this yarn!!! I have sent an email to my dh giving him a big hint for my birthday!!! I will be 30 in less than a month. I think that qualifies as a pretty significant birthday and that he can splurge on 2 skeins of that beautiful yarn for me!!!

I have also fallen in love with Socks That Rock yarn. I don't have any. I've never knit with any. But, Stephanie won some and got it this week. It is beautiful. I want to touch it all day long. I love it to pieces. I want some. Someday...mmmm...it is yummy yarn!

Well, I need to get knitting some booties for my dear friend...and maybe even for my darling daughter. Her brother likes to remove her socks from her feet...if I made some good booties, maybe they'd stay put!

2007-01-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

And the winner is.....Celeste!!! Celeste has one the bag for $10! All proceeds will be sent to Doctor's Without Borders. Thank you so much for your generosity and kind heartedness this season Celeste!!!

2007-01-01T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ergh. I had this great post this morning, and I accidentally hit the power button with my foot and restarted the computer! >:( So...here I go again!

Happy New Year!!! My wish for all of you this year is that you will accomplish your personal goals and have lots of fun with your crafts...whatever they are! :)
As for me, here are my goals for the year:

1. Have more patience with my children, my spouse, and myself.
2. Be healthier. I am keeping this one pretty vague so that I will succeed!!! :D
3. Complete all the knitting projects that I want to do!!!

What projects are they, you ask?? Well...I will be HAPPY to tell (and show) you!

Currently, I am working on these Hourglass Eyelet Socks for my Mother-in-law for her birthday.

I am also making some Longies from Little Turtle Knits for A.

I am also making a Capelet for my Mom. She is a temple worker in the LDS Omaha, NE Temple. She often gets cold and asked for this. It's a fun and easy knit.

My dear friend Michelle, and her daughter Erin, have asked for Calorimetry's from the most recent Knitty. They are from Florida and are going to Wisconsin in March, then to NYC next December. So, I've decided on something very warm and very soft for them...alpaca!!! The gray is for Michelle and the purple for Erin.

And, I am also making one last Sophie Bag for my friend Jenn. Her daughter Chayce will be a very stylish 6 year old toting around this sassy bubblegum pink bag! :)

Now, you may be wondering how I keep all of this organized?? Well, my dear sweet husband was so good to me this year. He bought me these!

While I think that he was just sick of my yarn being strewn about the house, he says that he did it for me.
He can be pretty convincing...that is until he asks me, "Now, you know what these are for right??? Why is there still stuff on top of them??". He just doesn't get it.

So, those are my projects for this month. Yep, this month. We'll see if I can get everything done. The other things I really want to do this year are....

1. Swing Thing for Miss A. What a great fall coat this will be for her!
2. Jaywalker socks for ME! I keep saying I am going to do these, but they just don't get done.
3. Some kind of socks for Jeremy. My sister-in-law, Stephanie, is getting a spinning wheel this week (YAY!!!) and she is going to spin some yarn and we will dye it to be crimson and blue self striping!!! Then, he will get the socks that he wants/needs/deserves!
4. King of All Wild Things for S. He is a wild thing and definately deserves this! You have to scroll down the page a bit to see this.
5. A dress for A (I haven't found the perfect pattern yet), a doll for each of them (hopefully birthday presents), leg warmers for A, and, well...anything else that comes to mind.

I think that will keep me busy for a bit. Oh! And, I'm doing a sock of the month club! :) It's more like a knitalong than anything. So, I will be doing one pair of socks every month. Hopefully it means I will have some presents ready for Christmas next year!!!

2007-01-01T19:13:00.001-07:00

Eek. I think that my last post came across harsher than I meant it. I just want to give another week to see if anyone else wants this. I am grateful for whatever bids I get, and if it goes for $10, then that is fine. Sorry if I sounded harsh, I really didn't mean it.

2006-12-31T23:15:00.001-07:00

I have decided to give my dear friends and family the benefit of the doubt. The holidays have been upon us and life gets busy, I know that. So, I am giving you all one more week to enter in a bid for the purse for Doctor's without Borders. I have received one bid for $10. I know that we can do better than that, we can do better than $10. Heck, that isn't even what it cost to make the purse.

So, the auction deadline has been extended to January 7, 2007. Let's make this a great way to start off the New Year!!!

2006-12-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

Happy Holidays! I have been inspired by the Yarn Harlot and this post. So, in honor of Doctors without Borders, I am selling one of the purses I made this year and all proceeds will go to this worthy organization. The bag farthest to the left is the one that I am selling. I will take the highest offer that I get between now and January 1st.

I will let everyone know who bid the most (unless the buyer wants to be anonymous) and I will donate the money in their name.

Please feel free to email me with any questions and please email me your bid (kimborchertATgmailDOTcom)

2006-12-19T15:42:00.001-07:00

The Knitters' TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.

The stockings weren't hung by the chimney with care
'cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds
but I had not finished the caps for their heads.

Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.

Out on my lawn, I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both dad and the boys.

And though I was tired,my brain was a bit thick,
I knew in a moment,it must be Saint Nick.

But what I heard then left me perplexed-ed,
For not a name I heard was what I had expected

"move,Ashford; move,Lopi; move,Addie and Clover
Move,Reynolds; move,Starmore; move, Fraylic--move
over"

"Paton, don't circle round; stand in line.
Come now, you sheep wool work just fine!

I know this is hard semi, it's just your first year,
I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."

I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight woolly sheep on my lawn all a'grazing.

And then,in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.

I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned round, Saint Nick, I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe
And his clothes were handknit from above to below.

A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
and his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.

His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace,
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.

The scarf round his neck could have stretched for a
mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable,
And suddenly on one I spied a small label.

SC was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
and I asked "Hey Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"

He proudly replied "Ho-ho-ho, yes I did,
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."

He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,

And I laughed to myself for I'd thought up a plan,.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew he was tied to a chair.

He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.

He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two;
For the first time I thought I'd really get through.

He put heels on the stockings and toes in some socks
While I sat back drinking Scotch on the rocks!!

So quickly like magic, his needles they flew,
That he was all finished by quarter to two.

He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.

And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June!

Author Unknown

2006-12-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

Look at the hats!!! This is the Earwarmer Cap from Little Turtle Knits. I knit the two oatmeal ones in Lambs Pride Bulky and the red one in Lambs Pride worsted. I think they turned out wonderful!!! Aren't my models fantastic also? These are being modeled by my nieces and nephew, M, A and J. They are great sports...especially J as he wanted to be starting a movie right then! :) I tried to get my sweet little S to model, but he just wouldn't have it. So, M stepped in...she loves to get her picture taken! :D
Now, I am off to the PO tomorrow to mail these to my dear friend Shannon. I hope she loves them as much as I do!!
Now, my brother pointed out that this isn't the best picture of the hats. It doesn't show the details and all that jazz. I'll get a picture of them up close, I promise. Just not tonight...I'm tired. I'll do it in the morning before I go to the PO. I was just very excited to show them!

2006-12-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

I need more time!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I need more time for knitting! Why am I sitting at the computer?? Ugh. I am making a hat, then I need to do a bag and a pair of Fetching gloves. I really want to knit a sweater for A for Christmas. Her Christmas dress is short sleeved...it is freaking cold here! I just need more time! Why didn't I think of this in, say, SEPTEMBER?!?!? Ugh.

On the bright side, I have 2.75 of the 3 hats I need to make done. I've also cast on and almost finished the bottom of the final button bag I am making. I have some pictures to share with you also.

This is the tale of a sweater...

Once upon a time, there was a boy. This boy went to Ecuador for 2 years and brought back a sweater as one of his momentos. This boy didn't love the sweater...this sweater sat in a box for 7 long years.
This boy got married...he married a knitter. His lovely wife convinced him to get that sweater and let her "look" at it. Here is what happened...

She decided that something MUST be done with this sweater...how about Leg Warmers?

Perhaps a Poncho??

Oh no, how about 8 balls of lovely yarn and 2 sleeves that we will make into wall hangings???

Oh yes!!! This boy is very lucky to have a knitter as a wife. She saw something, something that sat in a box not being loved. She will now make it into a hat and a scarf to keep him warm on those chilly mornings as he goes to work. The sweater that he got as a momento will now keep him warm and he will feel the love...not just of Ecuador, but the love of his darling wife. ;)

2006-12-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

I AM DONE! Do you hear me?? I am DONE!!!! :D:D:D Today was the boutique that I have been frantically knitting for. I took 5 purses with me and sold 3 of them. It's ok, because one of the ones that didn't sell my sister bought. So, of the 10 bags I made, I sold 9 of them! Not too shabby if you ask me! :)
Now I am making a couple hats for my friend Shannon and her boys. After I am done with those, I will have all of our Christmas cash for this year. It won't be much, but enough to get a couple things for each of the kiddos. I am so glad!!!
I am working on Jeremy's laptop right now and all my pictures are on the other computer (this one has hi-speed) so, I can't post any pictures, but I will.
I have lots of pictures to post. I have new yarn! Some of it I bought, and some of it came from Jeremy's Ecuador sweater. It is great wool and I can't wait to make him a hat and scarf with it. I am knitting Amelia some leg warmers..they are SO cute!!! But, my next project will be some of these fingerless gloves. I am doing them for a trade. She sent me 2 pairs of babylegs and I am sending those to her. I love my babylegs by the way. I want more, more, more!! I think Amelia wears them everyday!!! :D
Ok...back to the knitting of some lovely hats! :)

2006-11-22T09:39:00.001-07:00

Here is a look at what I've been doing lately -

I've sold the orange and big blue one here...

This red one is my favorite. I did it last night. This isn't the best picture of it, it is still drying. I'll get a better picture when it's completely finished!!

2006-11-17T19:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a little update on the purses. I have 6 of the 12 done. Thanks to my dear friend Nicole, I've only had to knit 4 of them. Scratch that, I've knit 5, but only 4 are suitable for sale. Why you ask? Well...tonight I finished a bag. While I was doing it I thought to myself, "Wow, this is going to be the most beautiful bag. This will be the best of all of them." It was charcoal gray with a deep red ribbon through the top.
I stuck it in the washer and felted it. Half way through the process, I took it out to check on it. Much to my dismay, I found that one of the handles had come undone and the top was unravelling. ugh. I felt sick. I've tried to save it, but I don't think it will end up looking very good. I have worked my fingers to the bone the last 2 days trying to finish this one for my sister's boutique tomorrow. Feels like $8.00 and 2 days of my life wasted.
Sometimes...knitting isn't my favorite.

2006-11-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

I am in a knitting frenzy!!! I am trying to raise some Christmas cash, so I am making about 12 purses to sell at 2 different boutiques. The bags are similar to the Sophie that I made before, but they are a bit bigger and have a flap that goes over the front and buttons. They are really cute. I am also making 6 hats and 2 pantas. So....you won't be reading much from me right now. All my free finger time will need to be spent knitting!!!

2006-11-02T15:08:00.000-07:00

Lookie, lookie!!! I finished my Panta and I love it!!! It's not for me...it's for someone for Christmas. I can't wait to give it to her. I think I will be making a few others for people. It was way easy and so fun. This was made with Lambs Pride Bulky on size 10.5 needles. Lovely!

2006-10-31T07:52:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness, I am in love with a new knitting project!! It is called Panta. I am making one right now out of a beautiful turquoise yarn. I am so excited about it! I am actually doing it from this pattern.

I finished one bootie for A this weekend. Now I just need to cast on the other. I will do it as soon as I finish this great headband. What else am I doing? Still Jer's socks, and am about ready to cast on a purse.

Speaking of purses...I don't like the cable knit purse. I think I like it with 10.5 needles, but then I would need 2 skeins of yarn. So...I am not doing cable knit purses right now. I am going to make this Elizabeth bag though. It is like the Sophie I did before, but bigger. I like it a lot.

Oh, and check out the King of all Wild Things pattern. This is my newest pattern. I am going to make this for S, hopefully soon. I think he'll really like it.

That's it for now...oh there are so many things to knit and just not enough time! :)

2006-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

I actually cast off sometimes. I did it twice this weekend!!!! I am pretty excited about it. First, I finished Seth's socks. I haven't been able to get a picture of them yet. He likes to wear them too much! :) I also finished my scarf for the scarf swap I'm doing. I love it!!! I wish I got to keep it and wear it this winter! Isn't it gorgeous?!?! Oh, I love it.

Now, I am working on Jer's socks and one of the 3 cable knit purses I am doing. I am also going to make some fingerless gloves for some birthday presents for my friends. They may not get them right on their birthdays...but they will get them! :)

Not much else. Just trying to not take on too many more projects right now. I have SO much I am trying to knit!!!

2006-10-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

Look what I got today!!!! I am SO excited! These are some of the interchangable needles from Knit Picks. Eventually I want to get the whole set, but neither this cord or these needle tips come with it, so I got these to start with!! I am WAY excited and I LOVE these needles!! They rock!

2006-10-16T13:36:00.000-07:00

So, I am deciding that I do not like this toe up sock. I started it for S and was cruising right along until I hit the heel. It's a short row heel (for an explanation, see the pattern) and I am just not getting it. I am sure if I didn't have 2 wee ones to care for and I could just devote all my time and energy to these socks, I would have no problem. But...I don't. So, I may just rip them out and do cuff down socks like everyone else in the world. ;)

Let's see...what else...I am still working on the cable knit purse. I ordered some size 13 needles from KnitPicks and thought they would be here by now. But, they're not. They are the size I need to do the purse for real. So, I am kind of waiting.

I cast on Jer's jayhawk socks, again, last night. We'll see though. I will probably rip them out and do them cuff down. Or, maybe I'll make him these really cool socks. Who knows.

As for my Christmas knitting...I've only completed one project. So, I need to get working!!! S keeps pulling the scarf off my needles. He likes to pretend that they are either his wands, or his drumsticks. Oh, and he likes to pretend to be knitting. He's a nut.

2006-10-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

So, I ordered some beautiful Regia sock yarn last week. My plan was to make some great socks for my mother in law for Christmas with them. They were on sale and I thought it was perfect! Well, I should have read a little more carefully. I got the yarn yesterday and it's only 50 grams. I need 100 grams to make socks for her. So...I think that they will be tights for A. Now to find a pattern...

2006-10-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Ugg. These silly socks. I started doing the Jaywalker socks for Jeremy toe up. Remember that? Well, the pattern wasn't working out and they were HUGE, so I ripped them out. Then, I did a swatch (should have done it in the first place) and I had the right gauge. So, I decided to do it cuff down (maybe for some odd reason the toe up is my problem). Well, last night I re-checked my gauge in the pattern. I should have 38 stitches/4 inches. What do I have? 34 stitches/4 inches! How did that happen?!?!?! What's a girl to do? Wait until I have the $12 for new needles. Then I will get myself these in a 40 inch size 1. So...these socks will have to wait.

I cast on my first cable knit purse. It is really cute and I am having fun learning to do cables. I am also still working on this scarf. I really don't love doing scarves I've decided. It's a little too monotonous for me. But, I will be glad when it's done and I get a great new scarf in exchange!

Oh yeah...I also joined another magic ball of yarn swap! I know that I have some great yarn that I can swap. Yipee!!!

2006-10-05T18:13:00.000-07:00

Another project completed! I finished my Sophie bag today. I'm not sure who is getting it...but it will be a Christmas present for someone! :) Here it is before felting

S really likes it!

and after felting...

Isn't it cute??? S was pretty shocked when I pulled it out of the the washer. He first thought I'd have 2 bags, but then realized that this was the same one. He refers to it as cute. He is a nut. Oh, and what music to my ears?? He told me that he loves yarn. He even plays like he's knitting! Oh how sweet!

So, now I am just working on the toe up Jaywalkers for Jeremy and the scarf for my scarf exchange that I am doing. I am also going to start the cable knit bag that I posted about the other day. I must have a few projects going at once so I don't get bored. ADD anyone??

2006-10-04T18:06:00.000-07:00

It's the Magic Ball of Yarn!!!! I entered a swap on Mothering.com to do a magic ball of yarn swap. What you do is wrap up goodies in a ball of yarn and send it to the person on your list! Mine came today, I was so excited!!! Here is what I got:
2 balls of great wool yarn, some beautiful beads, fun temporary tattoos for S, a cute bookmark, a Christmas ornament and 2 Godiva Truffles!!! YUM!

S was being Santa and was very excited to open my yarn balls!

The goods.

Thank you secret swapper!!!

2006-10-03T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have been asked from time to time how I started knitting. What was it that made me want to knit? Was it the wool? The needles? The beautiful hand crafted items that I just couldn't do without? Did my Grandmother teach me on a cold winter day?

No. It was none of these. I've been knitting for 3 years now. I learned about 3 years ago last week. My sister-in-law, Stephanie (who is also my best friend) taught me. I knew nothing of yarn or needles or beautiful hand crafted items. My Grandmother crochets, so she couldn't teach me. Nope, it was my sister, my best friend. She saw a need and filled it.

August 23, 2003, my 8 month old daughter died very suddenly. It was not expected and threw us for quite a loop. As I am sure you can imagine, it was (and still is) very difficult. She was our first baby and was just such a happy little munchkin.

My very wise sister saw that I needed to fill my time. My arms literally ached to hold a baby. All I could do was cry and think about that awful day. So, she filled my hands with wool and beautiful bamboo needles. When she mentioned that she was going to teach me to knit, I laughed. I told her knitting was for "old" women (she is 9 years my senior, so I like to tease her). But, I decided to give it a go.

It didn't take long and I was hooked. I started on a hat. It was a very soft rowan yarn, that I still love to this day. However, it doesn't look like it does in the picture. There were some holes in the top, so I undid it, and decided that I wanted a ribbed cuff instead of rolled. So, I redid it.
Then, I knit a hat for Jeremy. It didn't turn out so good. I think my gauge was off (I didn't really understand gauge yet), and it didn't fit him right.
Shortly after I learned to knit, I learned I was pregnant. So, I knit diaper covers for my new baby and started a blanket. The blanket still isn't finished. But, someday I will finish it.

See the smiling girl on the left? She didn't always smile like that. She still doesn't smile like that all the time. But, knitting helped to bring that smile back to her face. When Emma died, I was suddenly without anything to do. I had no one to take care of, nothing to fill my time. Knitting allowed me to take something raw, and make something beautiful and functional out of it. It occupied my hands and my mind. I couldn't dwell on the day that Emma died. It helped me heal. Yes, knitting has helped to heal my broken heart. As I have had 2 more children since Emma died, I have grown as a knitter. I knit as I nurse my babies. I hope to pass on the love of wool and knitting to my children.

So, that is how I started to knit. To heal my heart. To give me something to do. To fill the long silent hours. Now I knit for my children. I knit for my friends. I knit for my family. I knit for myself.

2006-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

So, I love to knit. It's a bit of an obsession. I decided that instead of boring people (who want to read about my family) with all my knitting antics...I'd start a blog just for my knitted goods. So, here it is!

I just finished my first pair of socks and ADORE them! I knit them out of a worsted weight Cascade 220 yarn. It is so yummy and they are SO warm!

Now, I am knitting socks for Jeremy. They will be crimson and blue...yes, Jayhawk socks! And I am also knitting a scarf and a bag. So, I have a bit on my needles right now and plan on putting lots more on! I have lots of holiday knitting to do and I don't want to get so far behind that I am knitting while I should be enjoying the festivities! Of course I can't devulge what I am knitting for people...because then they would know! However, I can say that I am knitting socks, bags, hats and scarves. So...good luck guessing what you're getting! :D

So, about the socks I'm doing for Jeremy. They are going to be fun. The socks I did for myself are traditional cuff down socks. This means that I start from the top of the cuff and work my way to the toe. Well, Jer's socks are toe up socks! So, I start with the toe and work my way up. Definately different, but I love a good challenge! Stephanie is on the cuff of hers and I think that these will be a lot of fun. One nice thing about them is that you can customize them a little more to the wearer. Here is what they look like right now. I know, I've done a lot. I should be done with them in no time! :D heehee!

I have a confession. I hate to clean. I am really unorganized. And...it gets worse when I am knitting. I cleaned my table yesterday, so it is realtively clean...but normally, I have loads of books, yarn, needles, patterns, burp cloths, booger suckers (you know those little bulb things?), tissue, cups, empty soda cans..you name it...piled on my end table. The table isn't even that big, so it makes it even worse! How do others stay organized? I just don't.

I am making a few of these bags as Christmas presents. They are quick and easy. So, that is one thing that is on my needles. Another project I have is a scarf. I joined a scarf exchange this year on a knitting forum I am on. It should be fun. It will be made with a really pretty moss green wool and a fun eyelash yarn. It will nice and fuzzy. I am finding however...I don't really like scarves. They take a long time and it is the same stinking stitch over and over and over. Good thing I have other projects to keep me sane!
Oh and one more bag I found tonight that I must make. Isn't that just divine?? Pink and brown anyone?? Yes, I LOVE pink and brown.

Ok...A is getting fussy, so I have to go play Mom now. More knitting later!