Happy Birthday to my Baby Sister!!

I would be remiss if I didn't wish my sister a happy birthday today. She is about 4 and a half years younger than me. Although we weren't always the best of friends we have gotten closer as we have gotten older.

When she went away to college and she really went away, all the way to the University of Arizona, is when we seemed to get much closer for some reason. When she was in her final year, I flew out during Thanksgiving break and we drove from Tucson to the Grand Canyon and back. It was definitely, to this day, one of my most memorable trips.

When I got married, she was my Maid of Honor and not in name only. When I gave birth to the Princess she was there with me and since she had a cold they gave her a mask to wear so she could be there for support. I have repaid a favor and was her Matron of Honor last year at her wedding when she married the man of her dreams.

Now her husband has been given an opportunity of a lifetime for his career and they will be moving to Florida. It seems so far away. At least we will have an opportunity to have a little sisterly bonding on the drive down since we will be driving down together. That is my birthday gift to her this year. So happy birthday little sister! Next year I am just going to knit you something ;-)

Already on a Virtual Vacation.....

Taking a virtual red-eye is very tiring (YAWN).... but to "de-plane" in beautiful Kiritimati, Christmas Islands is just, well, breath taking....

Did you know it is already June 1st in Kiritimati? Did you also know that sign ups for the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap have also begun?

The Very Special Gift

My Mom is finally doing it. After working for The Board of Education as a teacher for over 30 years as either a Spanish teacher or as an English teacher to children who don't speak English she is actually retiring this year. I keep telling her I will believe it with I see it. Her retirement dinner is next Thursday. However, My sister and I, along with my dad, got her something extra special that we gave to her last night. Something that has been a long time in the making, something she has wanted for a very long time but would never get for herself and thought she would never own. We made her cry. Okay that isn't something new, we are an emotional family.

When my Mom turned 50, my sister and I took my Mom to have her ears pierced. You see, my maternal grandfather was from Romania and his theory was if you pierced your ears you might as well pierce your nose and become a gypsy (I hope no one takes offense but this was during the early 1900s and he is speaking of real Gypsies here so you have to understand his mindset) So, my Mom was never allowed to get her ears pierced. So we took her. We bought her all kinds of earrings but not the ones she really wanted. She did get her birthstone, though, garnets and several others she liked but, it think she really wanted diamond earrings. I mean, diamonds are a girl's best friend, right? She never got them. Till last night, 16 years later.

We thought, who would be more deserving of this gift than our Mom? Our own very first teacher who went on to teach hundreds more? Definitely!! She did tell me it doesn't get me off the hook from having to give a speech next Thursday (Shoot!) although I thought perhaps my brother should have too since he is the oldest but, Mom thinks I am more eloquent. Besides, I was the one who took speech in college.

At least there is only 2 days left till sign ups begin for the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap unless you live on Kiritimati Christmas Island. Then it is only one ;-)

Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Program

The Girls are back and the definitely missed their Mom. We cuddled together last night, stayed up way too late on a school night and watched "Cars" yet again. For some reason Miss Sunshine really likes it. Then again, I think all kids her age really like it.

I did have a really great weekend. I didn't get everything I wanted did but, I got enough done. It was relaxing enough. As they say, always leave them wanting more....

This is as far as I have gotten so far on the baby sweater. I am really liking it so far. I have made some minor changes to the original pattern so far and have only had to really frog one entire row for not liking it. I am definitely LOVING the Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton. It is very soft on the hands. For those of you who have complained about cottons being hard on the hands, this is no Sugar N Cream or Peaches N Cream. This is a nice soft cotton and very easy to work with and very easy to frog btw. In fact, it was the easiest frogging I have ever done, not that I like to frog a project but I wasn't hating it and it was over 100 stitches to work back. I am a row or two away from dividing for back, sleeves and front. I am in the home stretch, so to speak.

This is a close up of the very lovely stitch markers that Jessica is making now at her Alabama Fiber Dreams Esty Shop so check it out. They have been so easy to use. I haven't confused a stitch yet and for me that is a miracle because I used to do it ALL THE TIME. I have two sets of them and if Miss Sunshine doesn't steal them, which she tends to do, I will be using them with my lace projects as well. They are adorable.

The, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap starts this Friday, already has the key information up and is going to be a ton of fun!!

Memorial Day

Whether we agree or not.....

Remember our brave men and women through the 12 major wars and every action in between:

The American Revolution 1775-1783
The War of 1812 1812-1815
The Mexican American War 1846-1848
The Civil War 1861-1865
The Spanish American War 1898
World War I 1914-1918
World War II 1939-1945
The Korean War 1950-1953
The Vietnam War 1954-1975
Operation Desert Storm 1991
Operation Enduring Freedom 2001 – Present
Operation Iraqi Freedom 2003 – Present

The one organization that I do support especially during Memorial Day, as a knitter, is The Ships Project. They send handmade hats, slippers, cool-ties and cool-heads to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines deployed currently across the world. Each one loves receiving “Hugs from Home” It is the one organization that when I can, I knit a hat and when I can save enough pennies too I send them money for postage as well. Whether I agree with what they are doing over there doesn't matter but, I believe that they all deserve to not be forgotten and deserve a touch of home.

Happy Memorial Day!

Busy, Busy....

Well, I brushed off that Mommy guilt especially since I got called about a million times yesterday when hubby took the Princess shopping at the outlet mall up near where the cabin is in the mountains (Frances, you know which ones I am talking about) He kept calling and asking, what size does she wear in pants? What size dress? what size shoes? Does this one need xx? Does she already have xxx? For both the Princess and Miss Sunshine. Then he called about himself and his sizes. Every 15 minutes. Literally I got called.

I am getting a lot done. Made more soap yesterday and today. Made my Mom's party favors for her retirement dinner which is June 7th.


Sixty some odd lotion bottles scented with Candy Apple lotion colored light pink. It smells AMAZING if I can brag just a little. I thankfully have some left over because it is AWESOME. I had made some soap out of the same fragrance Friday, YUM. (okay enough boasting, LOL)

I also finished the Heartbreakingly Cute Kimono. Hooray!


I was going to do an I-cord tie but then I found a button that matched (the picture doesn't do it justice) and used that instead. The pattern is from Mason Dixon Knitting and very easy if you don't get interrupted often and have your needles stolen repeatedly since it is knit in one piece with minimal sewing. I highly recommend it. Also very easy to use alternative yarn than is recommended in the book.

Already cast on the 5-hour baby sweater as the next layette piece in a lovely orchid Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton. This one is neck down but, I already see some changes I want to make. We will see how it turns out.

Have a happy Sunday!

Counting down till Friday and the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap! If you are not going to be near a computer during sign ups (like on vacation for real, please do not hesitate to drop me an email message now)

A Little Bit of This and That on a Saturday

Well, it is finally here my Mother's Day present weekend! The husband actually took the kids away for the weekend. I had to pack them but they are gone. For at least today. I am actually thinking for the entire holiday weekend since their grandmother, my MIL, went as well. The Princess, Miss Sunshine, Aunt in law, MIL, hubby, and the dog all packed into the car to go to the cabin in the mountains. they left at 9 AM EDT. WAHOO. I was a tad worried though since Miss Sunshine hasn't been feeling well and she was very clingy to mommy this morning. i was feeling a bit of the mommy guilt but when it came time she hoped into the car, gave kisses and said see you later Mommy. The princess, of course, was like Bye, Mom, be back Monday! and gave a wave.

I have already been very busy soapmaking and made 4 batches: White Tea (sorry the entire batch is spoken for already), Sandalwood Patchouli, Candy Apple and Blackberry Sage. These are added to the Coconut Lime Verbena and Sweet Raspberry I made earlier in the week. Just for Jessi, since I made it her favorite color, here is a picture of the Blackberry Sage as it sits cooling

I also got a very lovely surprise in the mail yesterday. Well, technically I knew it was coming. I had won a prize of my very own over at the "Spring Into Summer" Dishcloth Exchange thank you oh great hostess Anne! The prize is two hanks of Elite one in purple and one in pink, a magnet pad of paper that miss Sunshine decided to play hide and seek with so it is not in the picture, a bar of VERY delicious chocolate that is also not in the picture for obvious reasons (evil grin, a house with three ladies, need I say more?) and a very cute Lantern moon key chain.

Last, but very not least, one of my goals while the girlies are away is to finish my heartbreakingly cute kimono. I wanted you all to see where it is now so you would know how far I have to go. plus I wanted you to see just how cute it really is, which it is. It's cute in peaches in Cream yarn but look how much cuter it is when you use Rainbow Ribbon by Cherry Tree Hill!

Now to find a good girlie movie on TV so I can sit and knit without being bothered and truly enjoy my weekend.

Have a great holiday weekend everyone.

Oh and remember, the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap is going to be tons of fun and sign ups begin next Friday!!

and the 100th Post Contest Winner is.....

May I have a drum roll please.... (no Miss Sunshine don't steal my needles again!!)

The Winner is: Susan of No Knit Sherlock!! Congratulations!! You are the lucky Winner of a Brand new Tropical Monoi Salve Gift Set !!! (sorry not a car)

(thank you oh great random number generator)

Please email me (find my email address in my profile) your snail mail address so I can get your prize out to you) I did leave you a comment on your blog that you have won

If you'd like other opportunities to win prizes and have swappy fun, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap!!

Has Anyone Ever Knit With....

I have the opportunity to buy some natural Hemp and/or nettle yarns from Nepal at a discount but, I have never used it before. I want to try them for many reasons. A) it's an alternative natural fiber. B) They look very cool. C) My dad's sister, my Aunt lived (not sure if she still does, you never know with her) in Nepal for many years.

So, has anyone every knit with it? Is it rough to work with? What do you make with it? Anyone have a pattern they can sent to me if I actually go through with it and order some? Cass, have you? I know you like the natural, alternative fibers, don't you?

Little Drummer Girl....

The needle thief strikes again! (aka Miss Sunshine) sigh.

My brother, her uncle, has spend WAY too much time telling her about Phil Collins when he is drummer for Genesis (he is going to see them live in concert here this year) because she decided to try it out with my knitting needles when they innocently where sitting on the couch inside the Heartbreakingly cute kimono. She took care of that and pulled them out of the kimono so she could play drummer girl. Obviously she is feeling better. Grrrr.

Jessica graciously offered to mail Miss Sunshine real drum sticks although I don't think it would give her the same thrill as ruining Mom's knitting. Three rows frogged and two dropped stitches needed to be fished but the kimono is back on track. Whew!

Just wait till Miss Sunshine is older and I pull her knitting needles out just for fun.... Nah, I could never do that to someone. However now you know why I STILL don't really knit anything more than some very nice "vanilla" patterns that are very easy to frog back and to pick up stitches. She still likes to pull out my needles and play Phil Collins or Liberty Devitto (Billy Joel's Drummer) Happy Happy Joy Joy.

For more fun, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap It is going to be tons of fun!

Help A fellow Knitter....and other stuff

A fellow knitter from across the Pond, Kat, is trying to start up a new business and would LOVE it we gave her a hand. So, if you are reading this, pop on over there and fill out her survey. She wants to start a biz dying yarn in gorgeous handpainted colors. This is where you can get your input in before. So help her out!

On my home front, Miss Sunshine has the stomach bug, poor little thing. She can't keep anything down. She is an avid milk drinker and it pains me to not let her have any but she definitely can't keep that down. She did tell me yesterday, "Mommy you knit. I watch." As she cuddled up to me and passed out. I definitely knew she was sick. A. she never lets me knit. B. She never naps. Poor thing. Hopefully she will feel better today and I can get more of the Heartbreakingly cute kimono done (I am up to the neck bind off)

If you haven't done so already, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap It is going to be tons of fun!

A little heartbreaker...

I casted on last night, or at least I attempted to start, the Mason Dixon Heartbreakingly Cute Baby Kimono. I, of course, the every switcher of yarns although I could have used the Peaches and Cream they recommended but who whats to use that when you can use Cherry Tree Hill Rainbow Ribbon in Wild Cherry. I have about an entire 2" done. Who can knit with a bunch of screeching going on in the background? "That's my Game Boy!" "No Mine!!" "My Turn" "No Mine!" All Afternoon and night. OY! The Joys of Little ones. You just have to love them. They are only this young once. Right? I hopefully will get more finished today. I am still looking for a cute cardigan pattern as well that I like for the Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton. Perhaps the 5-hour or another cute pattern I found or a combintional thing.

At least my friend's baby isn't due till October

Oh and if you haven't done so already, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap It is going to be a ton of fun!

Flashing....

Here is "most" of what I bought yesterday. I can't show everything because what if my secret pals or swap partners are watching. I don't want to spoil their surprises.

The one to far left and far right is Suss Twisted Slub 100% Cotton in Fuchsia/Baby Pink (I guess it isn't cream) and it is for a baby sweater. I am still debating on the exact pattern for this one. Next, going left, if Alchemy Bamboo which I have been eyeing since I bought the No Sheep for You and it is for a pattern in that book. If you know me at all, you know the next two are Blue sky alpaca cotton in the two shades of purple they offer. My debate begins here because originally I was going to make a purple bear and a purple hat but then I got home and started browsing my patterns and thought well maybe a purple bunny or purple pants or make the kimono out of this and make the bear out of something else. I have to wait till I actually lay everything out , see everything sitting there and sit down and start knitting before I can actually decide I think. At least every hank is wound (I just LOVE that service) and I can get right to it.

Oh and if you haven't done so already, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap It is going to be a ton of fun!

If You Don't Ask....

Today I went with Aileen to Loop Yarn, A FABULOUS LYS, here in Philadelphia. They were celebrating their second birthday. They had some yummy cupcakes and cookies and yarn on sale (have to LOVE that), lots of people mulling around, sleeping babies and people knitting, of course. the owner remembered who I was, which surprised me since I had only been there once before. impressive enough. I guess since I am one of those types that asks for the odd non-wool and has to replace everything in a pattern you'd kind of remember. After being there a while though, I finally got up enough courage to ask for a donation/contribution for the Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap. I figured the worst he could say is no. He didn't. He said to give him a call after he goes to the trade show and he would be more than happy to give a donation for the swap and that he loved the idea for the swap!!

It never hurts to ask your favorite LYS....

PS I will take pictures of my goodies tomorrow and I got some good ones but they do include somethings for my spoilees... I did get a bunch of Blue Sky Alpaca cotton, some Alchemy bamboo and some very lovely pink and cream cotton that was on sale :-)

Saturday Ramblings

I am so excited about all the contest entries! Keep them coming and I will draw a winner on Friday.

I did cast on for my Un Swap project. If you don't know what the Unswap is you should definitely check it out. It is not really a swap, per se, it really and truly a KAL where you make something just for you. It can be anything you want with any yarn, needles or project but, you have to blog about your progress and you aren't allowed to give it away. It has to be for you. A very difficult task, let me tell you.

One of my closest friends who is pregnant with her first had her ultrasound this morning and found out she is having a GIRL!!! I am so excited I can't contain myself!! She is the one that taught me how to make cold process soap and who I bounce ideas off of and who experienced Miss Sunshine's pregnancy with me. We meet up in NYC all the time or here by me. She has been very generous with my girls and it is my turn to repay the favor. It is going to be a purple and pink explosion!! I am already planning on making the Mason Dixon Kimono and a matching hat. Perhaps a bib or two and maybe some booties. She has cats and ferrets and I already made them a blanket so they don't feel left out when the baby comes. I figured not to make the baby a blanket because that is the common gift everyone gives. Of course her older adopted "cousins" can hand her down some gorgeous clothes as well.

If you haven't done so already, check out the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation Swap It is going to be a ton of fun!

100th Post with a Contest

Wow, where did the time go? 100th post already? It has been a great 100 posts on this blog. You have helped me along with my crafty things, knitting, soaping, crafting with The Princess and Miss Sunshine. You have taken me out of swap "rehab" and thrown me right back into the whirlwind of swaps which, of course, I am completely loving.

So, in honor of Blog post #100 I am having a contest!! Just leave a comment as to why you love blogging and what post number you are up to on your own blog (of you know) and I'll use the random number generator to pick a winner. (Or I will have the Princess pick a name out a hand knit hat) I will give you till next Friday to get your entries in. Here's the prize:

A 2 ounce jar of Tropical Monoi Salve, Monoi De Tahiti Liquid Soap and Madagascar Vanilla Oil, all handmade and all 100% natural. It is my favorite product that I make; smells divine without fragrance add. Good Luck!!

Introducing.....

Princess Rose, She is Complete!!

It is not the outfit my Princess wants her to wear as her final outfit but, she has a face, she is wearing clothes, has hair on her head and has a name, hallelujah!! It is going to be a loooong time before I make another one of these babies but at least I can say I made one of these.

Whew!

Knitting Group, a Break From The Everyday

Just when you think you can't take your week anymore, a Wednesday comes up and it is knitting group night. My knitting group meets every other Wednesday at a local diner. It is an eclectic group of Women and sometimes husbands and SOs come as well. We have yet to recruit a male knitter to our group but, I know someone is working on it.

On a rare occasion, the kids come. Sometimes Sally's Princess comes sometimes mine do (rarely though). Last night, Liz's perfectly well behaved children where there, I was jealous how well they could behave in a restaurant. Miss Sunshine could never do that.

I did get a ton of the Babe done. She has both legs, her arms, some stuffing and almost all of her head sewn. Picked up her lovely shade of deep, rich brown cotton hair (THANK YOU GINA!). It was difficult to finish while laughing so hard at group and then when I got home I had to watch LOST, of course.

Our group did begin planing our first Sip n Knit of the summer, which is exciting. Since we meet every other week normally, during the warmer months we begin meeting every week by rotating through various places and include refreshing "beverages". You have to remember to bring not so complex knitting projects to those events, LOL

If you need a break from your every day come see us at the, Knitter's Virtual Vacation

No Sheep, Some Tea, Other Swaps and Nonsense

Let's hear it for the swap addicted!!! Not only did I get my No Sheep for You swap partner yesterday, I also received my tea swap partner yesterday. I have been looking forward to the No Sheep For You swap more so than any of the other swaps. I hope none of my other partners take offense to that especially my KTE and my Summer Dishcloth partners because I could not have asked for better swap partners in either one of those two. They are the BEST!! (and I don't even know who my dishcloth swap partner is yet since it is a secret swap). In fact I think so highly of my KTE swap partner that she and I are putting a swap together that if you do a little detective work, and check out a profile or two, you can figure it out. No it isn't the Un-swap.

I have been looking forward to the No Sheep for You Swap because it is all about alternative fibers to wool. If you have been reading my blog or know anything about me you know I am HIGHLY allergic to the animal fibers so this swap is perfect for me. I have already been in contact with my swap partner and waiting to here from my spoiler. I can't wait!

Then I received my partner from the tea swap. Yup, had to sign up for that one. Barely made it into that because I completely forgot about it on the sign up day. I am very excited for this one. Yet, has there ever been a swap I wasn't excited for?

Tomorrow I have a beginner soapmaker coming over for a hands-on demonstration. We are going to make a few batches of soap, I think. My spring soaps are dwindling so I do need to make soap actually. I am thinking Raspberry and perhaps more Mango Coconut or maybe Mango Papaya. I did make Coconut Lime Verbena yesterday and the house smells amazing.

My friend Robin (blog-less) said her mint was blooming so we could clip some soon for the mint products and she might have some other fresh herbs too (yeah!)

I do need a Vacation ;-)

Procrastination is My Middle Name

I promised myself I would finish this Knitted Babe before I cast on any other project (washclothes don't count because that is business) so I have been staring at my shawl yarn and pattern for DAYS now but, I have not cast on.

The doll has a face, I fixed what I messed up when I was rushed on Mother's Day and I attached the legs. She is going soooo slowly. Because I am procrastinating. I am hopefully getting her hair on Wednesday at my knitting meeting so my goal is to have the rest of her ready, minus the knitted dress, by then. I will have some make-shift clothes for her. Size 2US needles are so not me. How many times can I say that? Have I complained enough, yet? Can I burn the book yet? No, because I will probably have to make another one of these lovely little cursed things in another two years for Little Miss Sunshine. Grrrr