Miss Sunshine doesn't really see to mind nights without her sister. She gets Mom all to her sister. Now she gets to watch what she wants without a fight and later she gets to have her Ita (maternal grandmother) and Pop-pop all to herself.
Miss Sunshine loves her big sister and she is one of her favorite people but, some times, she loves a mini-vacation away. If it is longer then she does start asking when is she coming home.
The girls went to a very fun birthday party today for one of their female cousin's today. It was a Princess themed party where they got dressed in Princess costumes and went through a story about a princess, had their faces painted, went on a scavenger hunt and had cake and juice. It wasn't over the top but very cute.
Although it was a bit on the young side for the Princess, she did go along with everything especially after I took away her book and make her look at what was going on around her. Miss Sunshine, however, she put on the dress and for an hour insisted she get her face painted (they mentioned it in the beginning and didn't do it till almost the end) but other than that, didn't do much else. She entertained my Aunt and Uncle and my new baby cousin, had cake, of course, but not quite the party for her. You win some, you lose some, but, I think she did have fun in her own way.
The Princess then left for the Poconos with her dad. Miss Sunshine doesn't go anywhere with out her Mommy.
The Princess is so excited today! She gets to take Tina into camp today and show her off. For those of you who forget, Tina is our Russian Tortoise.
We are already busy this morning making a travel home for her. A box, some hay, some food and of course some treats Dandelions.
I hope Tina makes it through the day ;-)
I got a call yesterday and found out all of Miss Sunshine's school testing is complete and her report is written.
They are recommending that she go to the other school with the Autism program. Yes, she will get a bus. Everyone keeps asking me that. I am not sure why but it seems like the first question that pops out. I will know more next week when I meet with the psychologist.
Took the Princess for the first time to hear the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky with live cannons at the end of the piece last night.
SHE LOVED IT!
It is, of course, one of my all time favorites as well
She loved the fireworks dispaly after as well
The Princess actually just reminded me I haven't knittedin a while and when was I going to finish we dolls "official" dress?
Wow when your kid notices you don't knit you are in trouble LOL
PS Miss Sunshine is actually been usually my needles as swords... that is how "rusty" my needles are... sigh....
The Princess is going to the Poconos with her father and grandmother for the long holiday weekend but, Miss Sunshine wants to stay home with Mommy. lately she does want to stray to far from me.
We did get invited to a few BBQs, and we plan to spend a day in our PJs.
The Princess does need a holiday away from her sister. she is a TERRIFIC big sister but when you are ask of so much you do deserve a break.
I won't go see firework with Miss Sunshine since she hates loud noises but, I hope the princess does. She loves them
As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?
For the first 14 years of my life, I spent pretty much every summer at my Abuelos house in Cali Colombia South America. I couldn't wait to go!! It was such a different life style there and such a different climate as well. I would get to see my Mother's side of the family, the ENTIRE side, all of my Aunts, uncles, cousins, distant cousins, friends, etc. Practice my Spanish, go to my favorite places and eat my favorite foods. Certain scents and pictures can quickly bring back a memory for me.
I haven't been back there in over 10 years, but just writing this out brings back happy memories of happy times.
Question of the Week: What is your favorite summertime drink??
Answer of the Week: For the Summer I love fruit flavored lemonades like fresh strawberry lemonade over ice -- YUM!!
I could always go for a frozen lemonade too :-D
Okay, so it really isn't a graduation, per se, but, Miss Sunshine graduated from Pre-school yesterday!! What an amazing accomplishment, for us anyway.
It has been such a topsy turvy year for us with Miss Sunshine and to end it with such an amazing end, I was just shedding tears of joy. She actually did all of the class songs at their ceremony with a little bit of extra guidance from the teacher.
For those that don't know, Miss Sunshine was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (it is an Autism Spectrum disorder) back in November and it had been a Roller Coaster ride for us ever since. We are still on it, especially with not knowing where our school district is going to place her for kindergarten this fall. They are still attempting to test her even though her last day of school was officially today.
She is an amazing little girl who tries to hold it all together for precious moments like her graduation and to steal a few words from one of her graduation songs, she truly was a "Superstar" yesterday!
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? Believe it or not, my favorite yarn to knit with is STILL Blue Sky Cotton dyed or organic. I just LOVE it. I also love Pakucho organic. On the top of my do not like list is any animal fiber like wool, mohair, cashmere including silk since I am HIGHLY allergic. Next in line is the fun furs since I think I have overkilled on those
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? My straights are in a nice rolled hand-sewn case. My dpns and circulars are in a box, a nice box with a clasp mind you but a box nonetheless
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I have technically been knitting since I am nine and was taught by my grandmother, Great Aunt and Grandfather's first cousin. Not exactly sure what I consider myself in terms of skill level. There are some things I have tried a long tine ago but just don't like to do so I don't.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? No
5. What's your favorite scent? I like citrus scents but since I am allergic to most perfumes I am pretty picky
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I have a terrible sweet tooth and LOVE milk chocolate
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin? I make handmade soap and other toiletries. I also do a ton of crafts with my children. You'd never get me on a bicycle in a class. Oh you meant yarn!! No, I don't spin yarn. Tall tales maybe... ;-)
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD) I have a very eclectic taste in music from classical Vivaldi to Billy Joel/Elton John type to Alternative. My car stereo doesn't play MP3s but my computer does.
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand? My favorite color is purple, my oldest daughter loves pink (prefers hot pink to baby pink) and my youngest daughter loves lime green. Colors I can't stand? hmmm puce
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets? Married, two daughters (the Princess is 7 and Miss Sunshine is 5). We have both a Russian Tortoise named Tina and one dwarf hamster named Ben. Miss Sunshine was diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder about 6 months ago which tends to consume a lot of our time.
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I do wear hats in the winter and in the sun. I am not a huge scarf wearer but it could be because I have never made myself one for myself. Not a mitten or a poncho wearer.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Right now, projects that I can get no delay of gratification, i.e. quick and easy and done in a day or two.
13. What are you knitting right now? A baby hat
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? I LOVE handmade gifts!! Rarely get them except from my daughters
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Depends on the project but being that Miss Sunshine still has the tendency to pull out my work, circulars work a bit better at guarding against that. I so much prefer bamboo. Rosewood actually if you have it ;-)
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Technically yes but, they were confiscated by a knitting friend and now she winds all my yarn for me. (I had one too many "accidents")
17. How old is your oldest UFO? Define old ;-)
18. What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving. There is no religious aspect to it, our family gets together and is thankful for everything we have, my oldest and I collect cans and donated then to a local food bank, we also donate to a local organization that prepares meals to people living with AIDS, and some of my best holidays memories happened at Thanksgiving
19. Is there anything that you collect? Anything and everything Goofy, as in Disney (you should see our family room), as just added Tinkerbell to that because Miss Sunshine likes the little pixie. Yarn, of course!!
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? I am always on the lookout for an all-in-one sweater pattern or dress pattern for my daughters. Even though I can sew seams and dare I say good at it, I don't like to do it
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I am working on my lace
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? Sort of. I wear a size 8 shoe
23. When is your birthday? October 3rd
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID? Yes, just Sharon ;-)
Over a Month Since I have Written, WOW!
Little Miss Sunshine turned 5 on April 9Th and she thought the entire month was her birthday. She expected cake and presents the entire month. Whew, that is exhausting! We did not do too much for her birthday other than a family birthday dinner and I brought green cupcakes into her class at school. Of course green, where you expecting something different?
Transitioning to a new schedule with my working has been difficult all the way around but, I think the girls and I are finally okay with it. Both girls spend 3 days with my Mom and my Mom takes Miss Sunshine to all her therapy sessions which works out very well. The other two days, Miss Sunshine stays till 5:30 in school and my MIL picks her up on one of those days and I get to pick her up on the other which makes her very happy. My MIL gets The Princess off the bus those two days and she seems to be okay with it but, she waits for the days she is with my Mom or me to do her homework.
What is great about these new arrangements is that the girls and I eat dinner together at a table as a family more often.
However, now that I step away from Miss Sunshine, I can now see more clearly what others see. At the end of April I went to visit this school in our school district that is a regular school but, they have an Autism program for kids on the spectrum. At first I was resistant before I went to go see it but once I was there, it made perfect sense for Miss Sunshine. All her therapy would be right there. She could have the best of all worlds. Now they have put out the carrot, lets see if they will place her there.
The Princess is thriving!! She has had some rough spots but, I think we are over her hurdles and and she is ready to take on what lies ahead. She is definitely not like any first or second grader I have ever known and remember I work for an after school program. She is Mom's little helper. The day before Mother's Day she and I spent the day together doing a little shopping, going to lunch together, painting some pottery and just having quality Mother and daughter day. I try to do more of that kind of thing for her knowing her sister takes up a lot of time.
As for me, knitting is still on the back burner. Every so often, I take out some of my favorite yarns and look them over or look up a favorite pattern and say "YES!!" I am going to knit you one of these days. I will get my schedule in gear one of these days. Warmer weather is coming and if it stays drying long enough, I can start taking the girls to the park more often on the weekends. I can then go back to knitting in the park. Till then it is only reading patterns and thinking about knitting.
Say hello to Benjamin Franklin, Ben for short. He is a Siberian Dwarf Hamster we adopted at our local Petco from a local shelter. He is enjoying life at our home and gets fed very well and a whole lot of love from both the princess and Miss Sunshine. Miss Sunshine does keep trying to set him free but we find him since he know how good he has it and has a favorite hiding spot already in the girls room.
Tina, the tortoise, finds Ben rather amusing. We have let her sit next to his shelter and watch him run around. They both share some of the same taste in foods (lettuce, hay, etc) and they both like to dig but that is about where the similarities end.
Now to just get Miss Sunshine to stop asking for a parrot ;-)
Philadelphia has a lot of activities going on too. A 76ers game this weekend. A Phillies game on April 19th. A day at the zoo. All in the name of Autism awareness.
Of course you know that the Princess and I will be walking on September 20th for the Walk Now for Autism and you can join our team online through our webpage at http://www.walknowforautism.org/. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on our page.
Our team name is Little Miss Sunshine, named for our own Little Miss Sunshine of course. I can't believe that it is just about 6 months ago that she was diagnosed. She has made great strides with her therapy. She still has a very long way to go but, we are all so very proud of her.
Please join us in our fight against autism. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today. Follow this link to visit the team page for Little Miss Sunshine. Follow this link to visit My page. Thank you for just even looking.
Help get the word out about Autism and make a difference today!!
So knitting takes another back seat....
I have been working part, part time for an after school program for going on three years now and I get a call from my boss who is also my friend on Tuesday. She sounded kind of upset and asked if I could come in early. I was like uh oh. She said not to worry it wasn't bad for me, it could be a good thing.
Her assistant was leaving and the person they had hired to replace her came in for one day and decided it wasn't for her either. Could I pretty, pretty please fill in?!?!?! She would try to make it as flexible as possible for as possible especially because of the little ones and Miss Sunshine. How could I resist the opportunity?
My Mom and MIL are going help out with child duty and I am shifting some things around. I am going to see how it works out on a temporary basis to see if I like the working on a fuller time basis and how the girls handle it especially Miss Sunshine. Right now the Princess isn't handling too well, actually.
Perhaps the knitting needs to go to work with me....
The Princess is on Spring vacation but Miss Sunshine is not until Wednesday. Well, technically Thursday, Wednesday is parent teacher conferences but since I speak to Miss Sunshine's teacher practically every day, I don't really need a conference, now do I?
The Princess and her dad went Snow tubing on Saturday and Miss Sunshine stayed back, which was fine by me. Snow and I do not get along. It was a good thing though because Miss Sunshine had a back-slide and had a "classical Autism" weekend. The Princess had BLAST though which I am so grateful for.
I know that there is a coffee and yarn swap coming up but, believe it or not, I am going to sit that one out. I am probably going to sit a few knitting swaps out. My last great swap pal was Barbara and although she spoiled the girls and me rotten, I haven't even had time to post an elaborate thank you to her. She does know how thankful I am, of course, since I have thanked her often in emails but, I have been oft been broached boorishly that I need to post and so here it is publicly.
One of my closest friend who moved to Texas last year persuaded me to enter a soap swap. I sheepishly did that. The Princess, who is a budding young soap maker, wants to make the entry so she is very excited.
I am planning on taking the Princess to the Philadelphia Art Museum on Wednesday. She has never been and it has been a long time for me. I hope she enjoys it as much as I did the first time I went, roughly the same age she is now.
Okay, so since I haven't been blogging, I am OBVIOUSLY not getting any knitting done. I have three very lovely little projects sitting in their lovely little bags begging to be picked up but I either don't have the time or the energy or have a sweet little ball of Sunshine jumping on my stomach saying "Mommy no sticks play, read, chase!" till 11 PM at night.
The good news is with all the changes I have been making to Little Miss Sunshine's life she is talking and making herself understood a lot more. The bad news is, she is coming out of her shell and wants to tell me EVERYTHING and be with me from the time she wakes till the time she passes out (11 PM). Don't get me wrong, I don't want things to go back to the way they were, NEVER!, I am finally seeing some progress and of course I want more and more some knitting time would be nice too.
I am going to have to figure out a way to balance all of this which is a struggle right now. I mean, when did I forget swap deadlines or not find the time to blog in a long time? I am going to try to get my frustrations out on Miss Sunshine's Blog so, if you want to know what goes on in that wonderful world, check it out often. It is a wacky world and I wish I could get off the ride.
Until I get back to knitting, I am not sure what to blog about. Any suggestions? I could review some of my yarns ;-)
Life gets in the way of "things" sometimes and such is what goes on here.
It is made with Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton. Using my favorite yarn always cheers me up!
Thank you, Ashley for my cocoa swap box. Unfortuntely, my little miss sunshine ran off with most of it including the little Goofy who now resides with the stuffed animal farm. I did snap a picture of the yarn though.
It is 100% Bamboo and a pale pink. Not sure what I will do with it yet.
The Princess and I are participating in Walk Now for Autism to help find a cure for autism for all the children effected but especially for our own Little Miss Sunshine (and that is the name of our team too!).
Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today including Miss Sunshine. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon. Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness.
Please join us in our fight as we raise funds for essential research. The Princess and I will be walking on September 20th and would like you to support those affected by autism. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism or join our team online through our webpage at http://www.walknowforautism.org/. Donations can also be mailed to Autism Speaks using the donation form located on our page. Our team name is Little Miss Sunshine, named for our own Little Miss Sunshine of course.
Please join us in our fight against autism. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the more than 1 million Americans living with autism today.
Follow this link to visit the team page for Little Miss Sunshine. Follow this link to visit My page.
Thank you for just even looking. Thank you even more for donating!!!
AUTISM SPEAKS!!!
I just found out on Wednesday that the knitting group that i go to is in the Stich N Bitch Page A day Calender! how cool is that?! So if you have it, go to the Month of August and I think we are on the 20th.
Oh and yes, I am in the picture on the left side standing. At the time when the picture was taken, it was before I cut my hair for Locks of Love so my hair is very long. The group is called MontCo. Sit and Knit and the group organizer wrote a very nice group description.
Pretty cool!
Here is most of my dishcloth cotton stash. What I could find in one place anyway.
You would think I would move on to bigger and better things being that I have been knitting for a very long, long time. Nope. I get requests predominately for washcloths, scarves and as the title suggests, hats.
The other day the Princess, Miss Sunshine and I went over to my Mom's house with all three of us sporting hats I had made and my Mom asked where was hers. Um, I had made her a hat two years ago does she need a new one? Of course she does!
So now I am busy making my Mom a hat using my favorite yarn Blue Sky Cotton in the color Thistle. She wants me to make her a hat similar to the one I recently made Miss Sunshine so that is what Mom is getting.
I did twist the stitches so I did have to cast on twice today. How fun is that?!?
I hope I can finish it before my parents return from their trip
Ah yes, another tag meme' got to love it... I haven't done one of these in a long time and I will most likely not pass it one since I am late running off to some where or procrastinating calling a therapist so here goes... oh I was tagged by Alaina so please go stop by her blog and leave her tons of comments!
Here is what I have to do....List 7 Random Facts about Me. Da rules say they must be posted to your blog. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you (did that).List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag seven random people (yea don't think am gonna do that) at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting a comment on their blog and also so they can look at your blog and not tag the same people all over again!
1. My favorite animal is a giraffe. I collect wooden sculptures of them, have gone to the Philly zoo to sketch them and have even done some painting of them. I think Miss Sunshine even likes them since she keeps selecting a stuffed Giraffe at her pre-school
2. I have this penchant for what we around here call "crap" TV especially now that there is a writer's strike. I watch Project Runway and Top Chef, not so crappy but I also watch America's Next Top Model, Make Me a Super Model, Millionaire Matchmaker Rock of Love (ok that one is very rare) ok you get the picture
3. If you have every been in a swap with me, you know all my regular allergies but what you don't know is that I am also allergic to Beer. Yes, go ahead, feel sorry for me
4. When I was younger I wanted to be an eye doctor till I dissected the frog for the first time in 7th grade. ewww
5. Until I had graduated from college I had never visited my state's capital city (Harrisburg)
6. I am the oldest granddaughter on my Mom's side of the family and am named for my maternal great-grandmother and The Princess is the oldest granddaughter on her maternal side and is named for her maternal great-grandmother.
7. I still have a magic 8 ball that my girls now play with
Okay that is all she wrote!!
Yesterday was a rough one all around. The Princess had to be picked up from school, strep throat. She at least stayed long enough for the book fair and we bought a few books. Had to go to the doctor and everything. That was fun with the two of them in tow.
Miss Sunshine also had occupational therapy which started off terrible and you can read about that here. Then when she usually is okay with going in herself almost 99.9% of the time, I had to be there the entire time with her. I bet because of what happened in the waiting room. Her therapy session isn't as good when I am in the room with her. At least she got something it.
Then when we got home she was a mess all around as if she never had any therapy, ever. Running around, throwing things, jumping, flapping, mumbling, the works. I felt terrible for her and the princess because the princess was sick. My husband had the audacity of not only asking what was for dinner but wanting since he was leaving for New Orleans he thought we needed some grown up time. Yea right. Grown up time, what is that? The kids were attached to my hip and Miss Sunshine even fell asleep literally on top of me. I barely had time to finish the baby sweater I am making for a friend who I think either delivered today or will tomorrow since will be inducing her.
Yes, my parents got married one day after my Mom's birthday. I guess my dad didn't want to be able to forget either one. And yes, they got married in January even though my Mom hates the winter and the snow so as my family tradition goes.....
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!
Many, Many, Many more to come!!!
For the Hot Cocoa Swap the topic of the week....
What is your most memorable vacation? Where did you go? What made it memorable?
When I was 12, my family went on what I still to this day call a whirlwind vacation. My oldest cousin was getting married in Panama City , Panama during the summer so we started there. We saw the Panama Canal which was incredible, a once in a lifetime experience! From there, we fly this mini 8 seater plane to a small Island off the coast called Contadora. We spent close to two weeks there with some cousins deep sea fishing, sun bathing, snorkeling, you name it. After that we went to my Mom's home Country of Colombia for a while. Two of my other cousins were graduating from high school. We had been to Colombia many times, in fact every summer since birth practically. After some touring and visiting of friends and relatives, we flew back to the states to Miami to visit more friends and relatives and ended the summer with an extended trip to Disney World.
Definitely a vacation to remember!
"Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap topic of the week....
There are many people who ADORE receiving hand-knit or crochet items; but there are just as many who have no appreciation whatever of how much love, work, and time goes into a hand-made item. Share a story of a hand-made gift you gave to someone and how it worked out - good, bad, or ugly!
Practically ALL of my knit items are gifted away. I rarely ever keep any of them myself except perhaps the rare hat or once in a blue moon the rare scarf and then those get stolen by my daughters in the end anyway. I have even been known to sell a washcloth and soap bag or two with my handmade soaps :-) It pays for the yarn LOL.
I do have one story that isn't really bad, per say, but she never put the sweater on her baby. She thought the sweater was too precious to be worn by her spitting up, throwing up, crying little infant so instead she bought one of those preservation boxes and put it in that with the card I had made and hung it in the babies room as wall decoration instead. I told her it was made to be worn and to be seen and could be washed in the washing machine but, she refused. She insisted it was too gorgeous, the yarn was simply to incredible and must have taken me too long to make to be wasted and she wanted it to be kept and a remembrance. It still hangs in the child's room.
If you are a fan of Billy Joel's, you need to check out this wonderful Presentation. This guy put pictures and words to "We Didn't start the Fire" It is just amazing!
For the Hot Cocoa Swap the question of the week....
What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood? I know it's not knitting content, but I love learning about the little quirks and interesting things about people!
Yes, that is a bit of a quirky question and so open ended. I wasn't even sure where I wanted to go with my answer. I mean there are so many 'random' memories from my childhood.
I remember once going to this children's clothing store with my Mom in the very late 70's and the sales lady kept wanting to show me this bright colorful clothes, corduroy pants, out of control sweaters . All I wanted was black. Mind you I was something like 8 or 9. I wanted black pants, black dresses an black tops. I must have been in a mood or something. My Mom finally relented and got me one of each but, still bought the bright stuff so I'd "fit it".
Of Course a few years later the style was basic black and I told my Mom, I told you do ;-)
Another swap, another topic of the week. "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap topic of the week....
Dishrag. Dishcloth. Face cloth. I've seen folks get all fired up in forums when someone refers to their knit or crochet creation as a dishrag, as that's somehow offensive to them! When you're working on yours, what do you call them? Also, is there a difference between a dishrag and a dishcloth? How bout a facecloth? Are they all really the same thing?
It is all one and the same to me. I actually call it a washcloth because I us them with the handmade soaps I make. If you use it for what ever purpose, what difference does it make what you call it? In fact, to be honest, when I first started making them, I made a variety of those fancy patterns and kept them in a container till I had enough squares to make a baby blanket then sewed them all together to make a very adorable baby blanket for a friend. Now I just make "cloths" to give with my soaps.
I had a great weekend with some knitting friends. We chatted, knitted, drank wine, knitted, ate, knitted, slept, knitted... you get the picture.
I finished Miss Sunshine's green hat and she was very happy with it. However, she wouldn't model it so, I got the Princess to do it.
The pattern comes from a book called "101 Designers One-Skein Wonders" The pattern is called Child's Hat with Pom Pom and it is on page 111. I used Lion Brand Nature's Choice Organic Cotton to make the hat because of course I could not use the wool the designer recommended.
I next casted on a cardigan for my good friend's baby who is to be born I think at the end of January beginning of February. The pattern is called Easy Peasy Cardigan by Little Knits which you can download here. I am already on the second side of it and then all I need is to sew up the seams. When I have a picture, I will post it.
The Princess would like to work on her blog, so time to sign off. Have a great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Do something for your community today!
Heading off for some knitting fun and relaxation. The girls are spending the weekend with my parents which they are so very much looking forward to doing.
See you when I get back and I hope I have some FOs or at least some projects started
Ah, yes, another baby hat for yet another to be born baby
For the Hot Cocoa Swap the question of the week....
Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?
My knitting doesn't change in the winter. I still have a gazillion babies to knit for, I still don't like long, intricate projects that take a long time to knit and I still can't knit with animal fibers so there isn't much to change ;-) Miss Sunshine wants a new hat that is 100% green (her current one is 50% pink, 50% green)
I'd like to try Rowan Calmer, which is a blend of cotton and acrylic, this winter. Other than that, status quo
She might be young. She might be cute. She might look innocent. She might have the most adorable smile you have ever seen. She might give warm hugs, sweet kisses and smell like chocolate chip cookies but, she knitting's worst enemy.
That is right, Little Miss Sunshine strikes again! She has been on hiatus for quite some time but those double pointed needles sticking out of my knitting bag must have look oh so good to her and RIP! GRAB! RUN! Out it went. Grrrrr... Baby hat to fix. Thankfully (or unfortunately) I am too used to this and fixing was oh so easy.
Miss Sunshine is angry with me because she doesn't like her pink and green hat anymore. She wants a 100% green hat and she wants it yesterday. She won't wear it. Nor will she wear the yellow one nor the Raspberry colored ones I have either, "Those are Princess colored!!".
Guess what project is skipping ahead of all others and going on the needles next? I guess my cousin and good friend who are having babies at the end of January/beginning of February will have to wait because Miss Sunshine comes first!!
Yet, another swap questionnaire for the swap addicted this time for the "Defeat the Winter Doldrums" Dishcloth Swap a favorite swap where the name changes but the concept does not.
1. Do you knit, crochet, or do both? Knit Only
2. What types of needles do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? I prefer Bamboo or other wooden needles
3. What types of cotton do you enjoy using for making dishcloths? Is there any that you've been wanting to try? I like Peaches & Creme, Sugar N Cream and even love using KnitPicks Shine Worsted
4. What color(s) are your kitchen and bath decorated in (if any)? My Kitchen is very neutral being that it is white with very little blue trimming. Same with my bathroom
5. What are your favorite colors for yarns? Least favorite? Favorite are purple, pink, lime green. Least favorites at the moment are neon bright
6. Do you like Winter, or do you count the days until it ends? I cannot stand winter especially the snow and ice. I count the days still spring. I would miss the seasons changing but why can't we just skip the winter one? ;-)
7. What's your favorite way to brighten your day when you're down in the dumps? I'd do something fun with my daughters
8. What is your favorite treat to indulge in and when your down in the dumps? A really good milk chocolate. Chocolate can always cheer you up
9. Do you drink coffee? Tea? Cocoa? All three but not at the same time, LOL. It depends on my mood which one is necessary
10. If you could take a vacation starting tomorrow and go anywhere for one week and money were no object, where would you go and what would you do? Right now I would love to get away from the cold but since I have been sick, I just need a break from the every day so perhaps some place where I can get some rest and relaxation
11. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should be aware of? Ah the allergy question. Well for starters, if you are going to send food, not an allergy but just make sure it is vegetarian, it will make it easier on yourself, trust me. Second, I am allergic to animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns including silk. Check the labels to make sure they aren't in any blends too. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass. Aren't you glad you asked?
I get this email newsletter, Knitter's Review, and the writer of that newsletter wrote a book, "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". In support of her book, Potter Craft put together a quiz to help knitters determine which fiber you are.
Well, here is where I have to protest. Your final choices Mohair, Angora, Camel, Wool or Odd Ball. I am none of the above!! Um, where is Cotton? Bamboo? Soy? If these are the only types of fibers this author thinks about and writes about she is missing a great many options and a HUGE target audience. Forget people like me who are allergic what about all the vegan and vegetarian knitters?
This isn't the first time this writer forgets the non-animal fiber knitters and it makes me think she is alternative fiber-phobic.
Well, it has been three very long weeks since I was diagnosed with Pneumonia. No, not walking Pneumonia, the real thing. The same thing Eminem (AKA Marshall Mathers) spent time in the hospital for over the New Year's holiday for with complications and he is younger than me. I had two chest x-rays, spent some "quality" time in a suburban emergency room, took 10 days worth "fast acting" antibiotics and was prescribed Oxicodone, Motrin and Codeine and had chest pain that felt like I was having heart attack. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.
I am definitely feeling a whole heck of a lot better. I still get winded going up and down the stairs and feel "something" in my chest, call it a bit of pain. I am also still a bit congested and have a bad cough but, I am slowly getting back to that thing people call routine.
The Princess and Miss Sunshine have really, really, really been trying to help out and not destroy the house. They have both been enjoying cuddling with me for laying in bed during the day for "nap times" so to speak as well (Mom lays down they watch TV or read in bed).
Now I can get back to some knitting, maybe, since I am so behind on my list. Add more babies to the list who will be getting hats instead of sweaters due to lack of time or energy. They will just have to deal and love what they get.
And to go with Family Tradition...... (found the picture to go with it)
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary, happy anniversary, happy anniversary, HAPPY anniversary! Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary. Happy, happy, happy , happy happy anniversary!
And many more big brother!
Oh and happy birthday to the King. Today is Elvis' birthday as well!
Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? I love homemade recipes but a good rich milk chocolate blend is good also. made with milk in a big mug
2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Neither. It is very difficult to find kosher marshmallows and I'd prefer not to waste the calories on whipped cream
Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? In what colors? Since I am allergic to ALL animal fibers, I love cotton, bamboo, soy, corn and linen
2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? knit only
3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? I use predominately only bamboo needles but would be willing to try something new
4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? I can always use more
5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? Project bags
6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) HAt pattern of my own creation
Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Drink Hot chocolate ;-)
2. What is your favorite animal? A tortoise
3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? Yup, I hate the cold
4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? Dream of Florida
5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? My youngest daughter's birthday
6. What are your favorite treats? chocolate, marzipan, sleep
7. What is your favorite board game? I am a sore loser so I try not to play games
8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? 2 girls and a tortoise
9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? Animal fiber yarns like wool, mohair, cashmere, etc. I just stay away from all animal yarns including silk. I am also allergic to lanolin and silicone (you’d find them in body products), cats, most dogs, cigarette smoke and fresh cut grass. You asked.
Of course the Pneumonia has to got a lot worse before it gets better so on New Year's Eve I ended up in the Emergency Room for 4 hours. I was afraid I was going to end up in the hospital over night but an EKG, chest x-ray and blood work later the ER Doctor gave me some serious pain medication and more antibiotics and sent me home. Yesterday I took my last one. I still feel run down, cough a TON and have a little bit of pain but not as bad as last week, thankfully.
And now, a drum roll please........
The winner, better late than never...... of my Blogoversary Contest is none other than .......
Michelle of InsanKnitty Congratulations!!!!
I think I still have your address from previous swap so I will mail out your prize this week!
May 2008 bring you and your families happiness, health, wealth and, of course, more yarn :-)
