Oh, Baby, Baby....

.....I'm so in love with you!

Pattern:  Quincy (Jared Flood's new book "Made in Brooklyn")
              This pattern can also be download from Brooklyn Tweed's Blog
Needles:  Size 10 1/2
Yarn:  Cascade Baby Alpaca Chunky (2 skeins with plenty left over)

While knitting this hat I kept humming "Oh baby, baby, I'm so in love with you!" because it  was a truly fun knit.  A couple relaxing evenings with your needles will complete this hat.

The Crown Of The Hat!

I love the simple elegance of this hat. 

It's difficult to capture the true beauty of this hat with my camera on a cloudy Vermont afternoon but it is one of my favorite patterns. 


I've completed several other projects that I have yet to post.  Those needles are just a clicking away.  The "Sally Bag" is completed but for the felting and lining.

I had a tooth extraction late Thursday that did not go very well.  The dentist was having difficulty and ended up hitting all my upper front teeth full force with the equipment.  He reassured me that nothing was chipped or broken.  I was then informed that my jaw was ready to collapse and that he needed to do a bone graft which is normally $400.  He said he would not charge me which left me wondering exactly what happened.

I was told to take it easy for a few days, not to lift anything heavy (that means laundry baskets, right?).  I was told I would feel some discomfort.  The first day was just plain pain.... 

I had an excuse to eat plenty of ice cream and pudding (tapioca).  It's back to work tomorrow!!!

Happy Knitting!

Excited Over My Next Project!!!

I'm so excited about my next project that I have to give you a glimpse of what I am up to.  Did I say next?  I still have two sweaters to finish which are almost done, a scarf and another neck warmer.  Perhpas this will be my Christmas timeoff, vacation, heavenly week. 

Do I have your attention?  Let me tease you a little bit!  It's always so much fun to do that!

Four skeins of Cascade 220 from my LYS.  Only three is needed but I am not taking the chance of running short.  Cascade 220....does that give you a clue?  100% wool.  The project has to be wool.  Still wondering, well, read on.  On second thougth, read on anyway.

I can already feel each one of those strands slipping through my fingers as I anxiously wind the yarn off my umbrella swift.  I'll feel the love of those same strands of yarn as I knit each stitch of my pattern.  

Silly men, (and I suppose some women also) like to say they get twice the heat when chopping wood.  Once, from the elevated body heat while chopping, and again heat when burning the wood. 

I'll get twice the heat from this yarn and it's so much easier....well, almost.  Once as it rests in my lap as it grows row by row and again when I wear it.  Oh, yes, I forgot.....this project is not worn in the true sense of the word. 

Ok, I've kept you in suspense long enough........

I'm knitting the "Lucy Bag" (<----click)as shown in the picture below on their web site. 

I knitted this bag for my younger daughter and loved it.  My older daughter has also knitted it for herelf.

My plan is to knit the bag, line it and needle felt a bird on the lower right (or left) of the bag.  Today, I was on a hunt to find lining fabric.  I really wanted a chickadee on a pine tree branch.  Chickadees and pine trees are my beloved home State of Maine's state symbols.  The material below is what I found.  Now, it's to decide which bird to needle felt.  This one..........

...or this one!!!.....

....or this one!!!

...or this one!!!!

I spoiled myself as well and purchased Brooklyn Tweed's (a/ka Jared Flood) new book.  It's no surprise that every pattern in this book is gorgeous. 

Happy Knitting!!

Cowls and Mittens

I knitted this cowl for my co-worker, Amy.  You've seen this same cowl in various yarns several times on previous blog posts.  Amy is always doing something nice for everyone else.  Amy is a fantastic baker and is always bringing baked products into work.   She is proud to say that all her baked goods that she sells incorporate all local ingredients. 

I think this colorway looks fantastic on Amy.  Her hair is a beautiful "salt 'n pepper" and wasn't it convenient for her to wear red the day I gifted her the cowl.  The buttons are from a stash of buttons she gave me awhile back.  Quite a propos!!!  I used Cascade 220 and adjusted the pattern accordingly as it called for DK. 

I have as much fun selecting buttons as I do knitting!

A close up!!

Brian sent me an e-mail because  he knew I had been looking for "Magnificent Mittens" for quite some time.  It's been out of print and if you can find it, the cost will be anywhere from $149 to $1,000.  My co-worker, Amy, surprised me one day.  She borrowed the book through inter-library loan.  Why I can't take books out of the library is a story for another day.  I drooled over this book  and decided the only way I could possibly ever own it was finding it at a yard sale where someone didn't know what they had. 

Well, much to my excitement, and I mean excitement, the book, "Magnificent Mittens and Socks", is going to be published again for $16.47 at Amazon.  I'm not sure if all the same mitten patterns are included along with the socks.  I don't care.  I am buying myself this book.  Here are a few pictures.

A thumb and a spare so that when one wears out, you flip the mitten!!!

I like the large cuff that easily goes over a jacket sleeve!

These would be a slight challenge but well worth the time!

I started teaching my cowl knitting class last evening.  All the women except for one are previous knitting students.  One of the women was disappointed I was not offering another class through by "Recreational Department" before the holidays so she offered her beautiful home to a small group of knitters.  We had less than a week to advertise if we were going to complete four Tuesday classes before Thanksgiving.  I've also been approved to teach additional knitting classes at the Rec Dept. starting in January.  It's exciting and I'm having a terrific time.  The women are lovely and we soon become friends.

Happy Knitting!

Halloween and Grandkids

It's been awhile since I've posted pictures of the grandkids.  Here are a few that this proud grandma wants to share with you.

Jakob, now almost 3 yrs. old, entering his Aunt Amy's office in his dragon outfit.

My daughter, Amy, with her nephew and my grandchild, Jakob!

Walking down the hall, the tail looks a little heavy!

"I'm so cute!!!"

"Trick or Treating" is a little tiring and time for a rest!  (not sure why the outfit is now green)

My two older grandchilren!!!  Joe (age 14) and Nick (age 12)  They are really good boys!!!

Jakob and his pumpkins!!!

I hope you all had a Happy Halloween!!!  I've gotten a lot of knitting done and have finished quite a few projects.  I'll be posting those this week!!!  They have been on the needles for quite some time!!!

Happy Knitting!

Size Matters

It's the pumpkin size!!!  Yes....the pumpkin size!!!!  What did you think I was going to say!!!  "Size Really Does Matter"  Check out the link.  You'll be amazed!  When I grew pumpkins years ago, I used to inject the vine with milk as it grew to encourage growth.

Twelve of these babies were lowered in the water for the "2nd Burlington Annual Pumpkin Race".  A forklift was used and it took quite awhile.

You couldn't be overweight to sit in these chairs!!!

This guy, wearing his life vest, was anticipating winning the race as Obama did his!!!  (His team won in the end!!)

People getting in the spirit on this beautiful, warm autumn day!

Nice to be young!!!  You can dress up like this and noone thinks you're weird!!

The guy pictured above was a little overconfident........see below!!!

It's wet!!!

This little girl with her hand-crocheted pumpkin hat was trying to figure out what this was all about!!!

Three local weathermen participated in the race.  Of course, they ordered perfect weather.

It was really fun!!!  I was fortunate to have a great spot to take pictures.  I was on the dock and managed not to fall into "the drink" what with everyone trying to get a great viewing spot.  Several thousand people lined up along the shore of Lake Champlain.

Buttoned Neck Warmer #3

Pattern: DK Buttoned Neck Warmer and Hat (free pattern from my LYS)

Yarn: Manos Silk Blend (30% Silk, 70% Merino)
Needles: Size 6 circular

This cowl is a quick knit.  I've knitted three of these and gifted them.  Each has been in a different colorway.  Manos offers a wonderful selection of yarn.  Though I like this one a lot, the others are even prettier. 

I feverishly knitted on this cowl while on the plane to Denver back in June.  By the time I arrived I only had the buttons to sew on.  I became disenchanted with it and have been until I actually sewed on the buttons this week.  My intentions were to gift this cowl to the lady helping care for my mother.  I had not yet met her and when I did, I no longer felt this colorway would be flattering for her.  I still need to knit up something soon.   

Some of my knitting students from my mitten class want me to offer this cowl for one of my upcoming knitting classes.

Part of the fun of knitting is looking for just the right buttons for a finished project.  These are perfect for this cowl.  The picture does not show the true brownish-green that matches perfectly with one of the colors in the yarn.  The buttons for each of the cowls I've knitted were found at my LYS. 

Amy S., who is also a cross-stitcher was asking me about my new pattern book that I recently purchased.  I don't have enough time in my life already to do everything that I want to do, that the thought of cross-stitching again gives me visions of a pot of coffee constantly brewing in the kitchen and I don't drink coffee.  If not so painful, I'd use toothpicks to prop my eyelids open as I did in my younger, dancing, party days.

I seldom pay full price for my books.  I either wait for a sale at knitpicks.com or I use my Jo-Ann coupon, each at 40% off.  Then I can justify buying more yarn.  I definitely do not need any more floss.  I have boxes and boxes and more boxes of the stuff like a little girl who wants every crayon available that Crayola offers.

This book caught my eye in part because my older daughter, Amy, loves giraffes.  They were a favorite after, at age 3, we were at a zoo and the giraffe extended its long neck over the fence and ate her cotton candy while she was in her dad's arms. 

This pattern has my attention because my high school mascot was a tiger.  Brings back many fond memories of all the things I knitted with a tiger on it to wear to my high school football games on a chilly Friday autumn evening.

I have been approved by my local recreational department to offer additional knitting classes this winter season due to demand.  I am quite excited.  After the first class, which had only a few in attendance, the rest of my classes have filled to my acceptable max.  I absolutely thoroughly enjoy teaching.  The classes are once a week, 2hrs. in duration for four consecutive weeks.  I meet other wonderful women who want to learn to knit or learn additional skills.   

Sometimes I wake during the night and think about knitting patterns that I'd like to design, classes I'd like to offer and other knitting-related topics.  The other day I was trying to decypher whether I have a passion or an addiction for yarn.   

Happy Knitting!

Delicato Mitts

Pattern:  Delicato Mitts from Dye Dreams
Needles:  Size 2 dp's
Yarn:  Fingering Weight (50 gr.)

These mitts were really fun to knit.  The pattern is extremely well-written.  I had difficulty putting this project down.  No SMS (single mitt sydrome) with this project.  I knit on my lunch hour and an hour or so in the evening and this project took me about 1 - 1 1/2 weeks to complete.  The yarn was purchased just a short time ago when I attended the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival.  Fiber content is merino and tencel.

Here's a close-up of the mitt.  It appears to be cables but isn't.  Not sure why Blogger is cutting off part of the pic when it is saved, but you get the idea.

I love the cuffs.  The cable look is achieved with K2tog and YO's. 

My "Beginner Knitting Class" came to a close this past week.  I had the maximum of eight women and they were all so very much fun.  Already, they are asking me to teach another class and telling me what they would like.  I also may soon be starting "private group" lessons in someone's home along the line of a "Tupperware Party".  This evolved because a previous student was disappointed that I taught only the one class this fall and the next one is not till January.  She wants to knit cowls in time for holiday presents.

I have several other knitting projects in the works.  One just needs buttons sewn on.  I've also started the "Spiralucious Cowl".  It's almost completed and I just started it yesterday.  I'll be knitting the matching mitts next.  The customer service from Anne Hanson at "Knit Spot" was fantastic.  Her patterns are beautiful and I'll definitely be purchasing patterns from her again.

Happy Knitting!

Women and Health Care

I grew up in an era where women definitely were not equal.  I remember working with a man who did the same job I did and earned quite a bit more money and didn't work as hard.  It was frustrating.    I'm sure today there is still a fair amount of discrimination in the work force. 


As I raised my daughters I often told them that "Women had come a long way, but we had a long way to go yet!"


I regularly watch "Larry King Live".  Last evening, ten of our female senators were on the program, a few of them chosen as spokepersons, as to the discrimination in health care for women.  In only 14 states is it mandatated that insurance companies cover maternity health care.  If I'm not mistaken, there are fertile women in all 50 states and most likely some are trying to conceive.  Often, insurance is denied to women due to pre-existing conditions.  One of those conditions is having had a pregnancy.


It is proven that a man and a woman of the same age, an example of age 24 was given by one senator, the woman will pay 48% more for the same medical coverage as a man. 


Of course, there are many other issues regarding our health care.  Instances where someone having been treated for something as simple as acne is denied covereage because it is, again, considered a pre-existing condition. 


I am fortunate, more fortunate than most, to have excellent medical coverage through my employment.  My employment, like so many, is precarious.  Age 65 will be welcomed as I will have guaranteed insurance for whatever that is worth which is better than nothing.

Food for thought.........all comments are welcomed.

Yarn Purchases

Several people wanted to see pictures of my purchases from yesterday while I was at the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival.

Dye Dreams was one of the vendors that caught my eye.  They had many beautiful patterns and yarn.  They had clear plastic tote bags where you selected the pattern and then the yarn on the idea of "Make Your Own Kit".  Fun....lots of fun!!!

Here's a closer look at the yarn.  I'll be knitting the cable mitts shown in the first picture.

Ball and Skein, a Vermont vendor, had absolutely gorgeous yarn.  The skein pictured above is 60% seacel/40% silk.  It's a beautiful ocean blue/green.  There's 600 yds. in the skein, not enough for a shawl, but I'm sure I'll find a pattern I like.  I only purchased the one skein because it was so expensive. 


Before leaving for the festival I had a $$$ amount in my head that I was willing to spend.  I only went over by $3 so I was pleased.

On a different note, I am totally excited about becoming a volunteer for "Everybody Wins-Vermont".  I will be matched with a grade school student for lunch and we will be reading together for pleasure or playing educational games.  The program is designed to boost the child's self-esteem,  promote self-confidence and form a friendship.  Years ago I worked full-time as a teacher's aide with 4th, 5th & 6th grade students, helping with english, math and spelling, and I absolutely loved it.

I am so fortunate that my boss is allowing me to adjust my work hours in order to volunteer. 

We also had staff appreciation day a couple of weeks ago.  The entire university staff was invited to a catered picnic on the green.  The university president was there the greet us as we arrived. 

The food was great, the weather was fantastic, and again this year it was announced that we were being given the week between Christmas and New Years off with pay.  We all cheered.  This is the 4th year that the university gifts us with the much-appreciated time off. 

Combined with the holidays it means almost two weeks off.

Happy Knitting!

Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival

The Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival was moved from my town to Tunbridge, Vermont (home of the "World's Fair") which is about 1 1/2 hrs. away.  The "World's Fair" must be a joke.  I could be wrong but there must be 200 people in that town and not much of anything.  I had not planned on going but a couple days ago my friend,  Norma, asked if I wanted to go.  She wasn't really sure if she wanted to go either. 

Missed Clue #1 (that we should have turned around and gone home)- Weatherman said it would stop raining by noon......ha! Trust your gut feeling!!!

Missed Clue #2 - This was a sample of the mud we had when we arrived.  It was much worse by the time we left.  I was wearing clogs and the mud was sucking by heels as I tried to walk. 

Missed Clue #3 - More mud!!!!!  These people were ankle deep in the brown stuff by the time we left.

Missed Clue #4 - This was the sign beside the ladies room.  Norma kept moving closer to get a better picture.  "NO, NORMA!!!!"

Missed Clue #5 - This is getting weird!!!  The urinal behind the bush.  I didn't dare look.  Not sure if Norma did!!!!

Missed Clue #6 - What????  No dogs.....actually, there were sheep dogs.

We walked around the festival, purchased a little yarn, jewelry for Norma.  Now, we all know that when you go to a fiber festival, you touch and feel.  Norma wanted to show me a felted item and someone behind her screamed....."Lady, can't you read?"  "It says, do not touch."  "Are you an idiot?"

Well, the sign was curled over itself from the moisture from the rain.  The sign was nailed on the bench at waist height instead of eye level.  Norma wanted to go purchase a muffin and coffee and kill this lady with kindness.  After all, she was one of the festival workers.

We ran into quite a few blogger friends.  I finally was able to meet Mangofeet.  That's always so nice when that happens.  Ann Marie, Norma's friend, was there also. 

Missed Clue #7 - and this is the biggy!!!!...........

By this time Norma and I had been standing in line for a lamburger for 20 minutes.  It was "build an ark raining".  What you can't see in the picture is that Norma's umbrella was leaking like a sieve.  Our shoes were full of mud, the bottom of our jeans were soaked from walking through puddles.  So......after 20 minutes of waiting we decided that we would be better off in a nice warm restaurant as there were no places to eat under cover.  We prayed that the car would not be stuck in the muddy field.

We really did have a lot of laughter and fun in spite of being soaked. 

Are we going next year?  I think not, unless they move it back to the fairgrounds in Essex Junction.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting Gadgets

Sometimes commenters on my blog will say they could never attempt a project that I posted. I often believe it is just because they don't have the correct tools to work with. For instance, a knitter may not attempt a more complicated pattern because of too many family interruptions. In such a case, a magnetic board woks wonders.  It can be purchased at Jo'Ann's for about $7.  You can also purchase a separate stand for less than $10.


The board looks like this with magnetic strips and a mangetic ruler.  An old metal typing stand will work just as well.

As you knit a row, you just slide the magnetic ruler down the page.  Simple!!!!

Buttonhole measurer/marker.  It evenly spaces the placement.

This gadget is wonderful!!! Select the number of buttonholes you want, expand this gadget and it evenly spaces where the buttons/buttonholes should be. It sells for about $20, but is well worth the money. Sorry, I can't give you more information as to the exact name or where I purchased it. Perhaps one of my readers will be able to comment and tell us.

Lizzie made me this row counter about three years ago. For each row, slip it up or down one ring. Simple and fun!!!

Or, you could use these candies, put 10 in a dish and after each row, eat one of the candies. Three candies left, you've knitted 7 rows. Ok, admit it......you like that idea!!!!

And if you have an Iphone, check this digital knitting gadget (click).

I started teaching my "Beginner Knitting Class" this week.  It is a full class.  My classes are a maximum of 8 and a minimum of 4.

Happy Knitting!

Aeslight Shawl

Pattern: Aeslight Shawl
Yarn: Fingering weight
Needles: Size 7

Awhile back, Lizzie sent me a link to this pattern as she thought I would enjoy knitting it. Too fuuny as it was my curret project on the needles. She definitely knows my knitting taste.

This pattern can be knitted as a scarf or a shawl. It truly is a beautiful pattern once it is blocked.

I had this shawl about 75% done and just was not inspired with the yarn
I was using so I took it off the needles and started over again with this pink yarn. I wish I had selected something a little more luxurious.

This has been my slowest knitting month every. Because these edges of this shawl pattrn is not asily memorized, the knitting is time-consuming. I can't wait to start something new but I have about 3 baby sweaters to finish and two single socks screaming for a mate.

I start teaching a new knitting class this Thursday. This one will be "Beginner Knitting" so it should be easier than my sock or mitten classes. I've also been contacted by a yarn shop to teach three classes but I'm not sure their schedule fits mine. Four classes in one week besides my regular job is a little too much so if they are agreeable, I am willing to teach just one class for now.

Happy Knitting!

Great Yarn Give-Away!!!!

We all really like free yarn so go check out Renee's (<--click) web site and let her know I sent you when you comment on her post. Unlike many other give-away's, you only have to leave her a comment that you are interested.

Happy Knitting!!

Granddaughter Socks

Pattern: Granddaughter Socks (sorry, can't get link to work so just Google)

Yarn: Koigu and Baby Ull

Needles: Size 2 dps

If you are one of my longtime readers going back to the days of Yahoo 360, I started these socks and promptly lost them somewhere probably in the back of the closet. So this past June I started them again while on a flight to Denver.

The socks go quickly if you stick to this one project as I have difficulty doing, after all crochet does work up more quickly. I've not touched this project since the end of June. I modified the pattern to have only two granny squares instead of three. There are really four squares in the picture and they are smaller than they appear to be. With three squares you have this awkward seam in the front. This pattern was once offered for free but must have proven to be so popular that Interweave now charges $4 for the pattern.

I've been promising pictures of the shawl.....perhaps tomorrow I'll have more time. I miss working on socks and the portability of smaller projects.

I've been busy preparing for a major audit at work. It's been insanely busy and I'm exhausted when I return home thus not feeling like knitting very much.

I start my next round teaching knitting classes on the 24th. This class will be easier as it's a beginnner knitting class. I need to revisit my prices as the adjoining community is charging $200 for 15 hours of instructions with a minimum of twelve students in the class. We are both part of the community educational centers as opposed to a LYS.

Happy Knitting!

Wanna Be On A Tight Budget!!!

To understand the reason for the title of the blog post, you'll have to scroll through the pictures and get to the last few.

I attended the Shelburne Museum Hot Air Balloon Festival. The weather was great, the crowd sparse due to so many activities going on in the area including a Kelley Clarkson concert.

Notice the center flap. As the balloon is inflating the velcro strips will connect with each other, thus allowing the balloon to life. When it is time to drop in altitude, the cords on the inside will be pulled thus separating the velcro again.

Now, you must give this guy credit. He's on a tight budget and a "wannabe balloonist". Nothing colorful about his balloon but he is still having fun in spite of the fact that he's having a heck of a time inflating it.

He's either a purist, a daredevil or whatever as he does not have the usual "basket" for liftoff. He merely has a harness. Reminds me of the scene from the movie "Back To The Future".

These pictures were taken last Friday night. On Monday morning, one of the balloons crashed at a nearby mall. Occupants had minor injuries.

On Tuesday evening I had the bajebies (sp?) scared out of me when a balloon was over my apartment building and appeared as if it was going to crash. It cleared the rooftoop by less than 10 feet. Cell phone in hand and in my driveway, I went running in the opposite direction. They smiled and waved to me as they were finally able to gain altitude.

Too close for comfort for me.

I'm coming along on the shawl knitting. Target date for completion is September 20th so I can wear it to the first knitting class of the season that I am teaching. Pictures coming soon.

Damn Computers

Damn computers....you can't live with them and can't live without them. It appears that I will need to take a break from blogging again. My 6- month old laptop is being sent back to the factory for repairs. The cursor/mouse freezes up and I lose whatever I have written unless it is auto save such as in Google Mail.

The laptop will be gone for four weeks. I'm hoping they are saying four weeks and it will really be two weeks and I will be so grateful that I will not complain, greet them with a smile, and perhaps even offer to buy them dinner. If they tell me two weeks and it turns out to be three weeks, well this gal will not be a happy camper (maybe).

So, I have been reading some of your blogs, start to leave a comment, cursor freezes up and I have to reboot. Frustrating to say the least and the reason for not commenting.

My old computer, who is slower than molasses going uphill in the winter in Vermont, has gotten a reprieve from a visit to the recycle center. There's a lesson in there somewhere. Age has its advantages. So I will have to see if I can get it to work again without too much aggravation.

Anyone having problems with moving pictures in Blogger within a post? I attended a balloon festival yesterday, great pictures, wonderful time and I cannot put the pictures in their proper order so I have abandoned that little post. Hmm....will post one picture here with not too much trouble, I suppose.

The balloon festival was at beautiful Shelburne Museum overlooking Lake Champlain. I was able to sit in the shade, enjoy a cool breeze, and watch the balloons inflate and liftoff. Children all around me were having a fantastic time. There was a really funny incident at the end but I have to be able to post the pictures properly in order for you to see what happened.....a post when the computer is well again.

It would be so fantastic to have everything in this household working properly, behaving itself and just being nice to me. The new printer/fax/copier is being stubborn. The wireless...well, I've given up on that for awhile. It would be nice if formatting stayed true to itself in Blogger as well. And this body....let's not even go there. Oh, but the camera is working up to its great reputation.

Happy Knitting! I'm slowly getting my shawl done.

Staying In Touch

Just staying in touch. Not much knitting on the home front. I do have a couple things almost done but have not taken pictures yet. None of my projects seem to excite me lately.

Not sure why these pictures are coming out so small but here goes anyway.

I had a birthday on August 22nd so I bought myself a new digital SLR camera. It was tax free day also. I love my new camera.

So after reading the manual and waiting a couple of days for the weather to clear up, my new love (the camera) and I took a little trip to Maine.

Dont' you just love all those colorful Adirondack chairs lined up next to each other!

I took a scenic route I was not familiar with and came across this sign. Notice that "chocolate" is on the list for directions. A lighthouse and chocolate...what more could a girl want.


One of my very favorite places...."Nubble Light" in York, Maine.

I love seeing all the dingys lined up next to each other. Vacant of ocean farers, it means that they are out having fun. I've named this photo, "Team Work".

Life continues to be immensely difficult and thus the lack of blogging. I do read your blogs though I may not always have the time to comment. I'm hoping that things will calm down and get boring.

Taking A Break!

Yes, I'm still knitting! But I've been frogging as much as knitting.

I'm going to be away from my blog for awhile. I need to take a break....I'm exhausted with so much going on that I can't seem to resolve.

Tatting and Kissing Mr. A.

Tatting Chic had her giveaway today and I didn't win but I'm excited that there will be a new tatter out there besides me. It was meant for me to learn to tat because I went to a new Jo'Ann's today and look at what I found at 40% off.....my new adventure for August.

I think it was Lizzie who blogged the other day about taking up one more new hobby and feeling neglectful of the others. I'm feeling that way but I'm still going to learn to tat.

In another post, I will tell you why I want to learn to tat. It has to do with the love of one of my relatives.

Like Deb, who likes to collect knitting needles like crayons, I like to collect floss, yarn, etc. in a variety of colors. It brings back the excitement of opening that new box of Crayola crayons as a child with the nice new sharp tips, all the while planning how colorful my coloring book would be.

And then this happened............

Mr. A_ _ _ _ _ _ and I kissed today quite by accident. (hehe...hint!) It took me by surprise to say the least and not what I expected. It was far from exciting. He was in his '50's, scruffy, a couple day's beard growth, yucky t-shirt, and appearance questioned as to whether or not he had showered in a few days!!! I wish I had thought to have my cell phone camera handy so I could take a picture.

I was returning home after the above tatting purchase. I was in Montpelier, Vermont's capital, and about 45 miles from home. I was a little thirsty so I went to the drive-up at McDonald's to quench my thirst with a diet coke.

Mr. A_ _ _ _ _ _ was behind me. Notice that I am letting you fill in the blanks to his name. I heard this thump and felt a slight movement. Sure enough this guy's bumper had just kissed mine. This is how the event developed.

Joan: Opens car door and gets out to assess the situation.

Mr. A: "Yeah, yeah, lady, I just hit your car. Get in your car and keep going." (as he is also ordering his burger and fries)

Joan: "Excuse me!!!!" "I need to make sure there is no damage to my car."

Mr. A: "There isn't"

Joan: "How do you know?" "You haven't even gotten out of the car to look."

Joan: "Please back up." "Your bumper is on mine and I can't tell if there is damage or not."

Now, foolish me....I'm thinking he will at least say "I'm sorry!".

Mr. A: "No, I won't back up." "You move forward."

Joan: "Back up or I'll call the police for an accident report."

Obviously having a bad day, he backs up and is totalling fuming at me.

No damage, I get back in my car, move forward and I pay for my beverage. The clerk offers to call the manager for assistance as this guy is being beligerent.

"No". "It'll be ok." I'm thankful that I don't have to visit a body shop. I hoped this guy's day would improve. Something very upsetting must have happened to him earlier in the day to make him so angry.

I drove off looking forward to reading my tatting book once I arrive home.

Happy Knitting!

The "Gift"...Are You Kidding Me?

Today was move day at the office. If someone could only get the license plate number on my forehead of the Mack truck who hit me today, it would be most helpful!

In recent weeks I have noticed that fast food chains are removing their trash cans in the parking lots. Yet they promote "supersize" meals, etc.

The owner of my apartment building has also "downsized" the trash dumpster leaving us with no place to dump trash the last two days of the week before pickup day.

Last week I arrived at work to find this little "gift" on my desk.


It's a mini trash can with a note inside!!!!! Everyone had the same "gift" on their desk. You are probably getting curious as to why I would have the word gift in quotes.

Don't strain to read what the pic below states. It is merely important information regarding my office custodial service change.

Zooming in on the note you will notice that is says "this is probably all you will need".

However, you will notice in the first picture that the "note" doesn't even fit in the trash can, allowing the owner to secure the lid.

So to compare..........

the bin on the left is my trash, the bin on the right is my recycle and the bin in the middle is my new trash can.

We now have to transport our trash to a central location for pickup. We do have the option of keeping the current trash cans. So someone earning over $100,000/yr. is going to transport his/her trash? Will they ask their assistant to do this task? Cost effective? I think not.

However, on the positive side, it really has me thinking as to what to print, what to discard because I better darn well be able to carry it all.

Isn't this hilarious!!!

The office...the new office is beginning to look nice. I will miss being able to look outside while working.

BSJ-Sherbet Is Done!

This pattern for the Baby Surprise Jacket, designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman, can be found at "Schoolhouse Press". It was knit using a sportweight yarn and size 6 needles.

I forgot to take a picture before seaming the shoulders (the only seam to the sweater) but it looks like a piece of origami that you fold and.....voila!!!!...you have a sweater. There is currently a KAL (knit-a-long) on Ravelry. It's a classic pattern dating back to the '50's.

A back view............
Buttons can "make or break" how I feel about a project.
I finished the sweater using an I-cord Kitchener bind off. The buttons I originally selected just didn't work in the end so I purchased those shown instead. Cute as they are, they get caught in the yarn when trying to button the sweater, etc.

I file this particular BSJ in the "deflated balloon" category. I was so happy with it when I started this 3rd BSJ. I was on vacation, not paying as close attention, had to frog back some, and not happy with the yarn used as a border. The buttonholes are not my best work either. There may also be something wrong with the neckline as it looks awfully narrow. So, in the end, it was like a deflated balloon and happy to have finally finished it and move on to another project.
Buttons were on sale (like in discontinued sale) at Jo'Ann's. I have a thing for buttons so I went a little wild in the department. I found this article, "Great-Aunt Belle's Buttons", very interesting.

You all know that I want to learn how to tat. Look at these absolutely gorgeous tatted buttons. I want six of those.

Need to use up leftover walnut size balls of fingering sock yarn? Check this out....knitted/quilted greeting cards.

Ivoryblushroses is a blog I faithfully read. Of particular interest is the current ocean theme exchange. I wish those blocks were mine. They do inspire me greatly. Check here also. If you go back in time on this person's blog you will see the wonderful things she makes with Altoid tin boxes.

Great day at the lake today. Lots of knitting done and rested and relaxed for my big office move tomorrow.

Happy Knitting!

Tatting Give Away by Tatting Chic!!!

I daily read many, many blogs. Though I don't know how to tat, Tatting Chic is one of my favorites and is having a wonderful giveaway in celebration of having reached the 50,000 visitor mark. She is giving away a beautiful "learn to tat" book, shuttle, thread and a beautiful tatted heart that she tatted 16 years ago. Her button is in my sidebar on the right and you can click that as well to get to the site to sign up for the giveaway.



Now, I really, really want to win her giveaway but am willing to share the link to her blog in hopes that if I don't win, someone who reads my blog will.

I learned to knit from my Aunt Rita who also tatted but I never learned how. So, I contacted Tatting Chic for some guidance on how to get started. As busy as she is, she has been most helpful. Tatting will be my "new monthly thing" for August.

Good luck to you and me!!!!

Wedding and Butterflies!!!

Originally posted on my Yahoo 360 Blog on July 9, 2007

Joansie, Daughter Emily, Son-In-Law Lance (9/5/03)
(Emily is Jakob’s mom)

Memories were evoked yesterday after reading “The Sand Pit” (Renate) and the distress she was experiencing that her neighbor mowed down the milkweed that attracted butterflies. However, my memories were pleasant ones.

My father-in-law raised monarch butterflies and would bring them to area schools to educate the children. He was deeply loved by my daughters. He never tired of spending quality time with them as children. He passed away over 20 years ago at a relatively young age from a diseased heart.

When my younger daughter married almost 4 years ago she wanted to remember and honor her grandfather. She purchased 20 monarch butterflies to be released at her oceanside wedding with the help of her grandmother. One of the butterflies flew off and returned and landed in my daughter’s hair. We decided it was a message saying that her grandfather was looking after her.

I do see monarch butterflies in Vermont but not in the numbers I see in R.I. Their migration path flows through that area and is difficult to avoid them when driving down the highway at certain times of the year.

So, Renate, your neighbor is not “stopping to smell the roses”. How sad that he would mow down the milkweed on what was “Earth Day” around the world.

Just a side note. I loved my dress that I wore that day. It was a $250 dress marked down to $30. It was exactly the style and color I was looking for.

Maine Vacation Report

Had a grand time! Will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Getting ready to leave on a Casco (Portland) Bay cruise with Cousin Willie..but first....

I can tell I'm getting close to home when I see a sign like this! Love those prices!


My morning view.............you can't tell in the picture by the ocean can be seen on the horizon.


A lunchtime picnic at Portland Head Light. The 2nd oldest lighthouse in the U.S. and the most photographed. It was commissioned by President George Washington. The poet, Longfellow, came here to write some of his poems.


The cruise boat in the harbor!
This gal knew how to wait for the cruise boat!One of the many lighthouses I saw from Casco Bay!

People watching! This dude with the kilt must have been from Texas judging by the hat!

He continued on his way disregarding all the "turned heads"!

This owner is a card-carrying member of "the haves"!

DeMillo's, Maine's largest restaurant...and a floating one. I was dining there many years ago when President George Bush (the father) was also dining there with his entourage in a private dining room!
Multi-million dollar condos in the bay!

These three live lobsters, one blue, one multi-color and one orange (yes, live). You can calculate their age by their weight which is five years for each pound. There are right-handed as well as left-handed claw lobsters.

I helped deplete the little neck clam population! I brought these beauties home at $2.99/lb. Soaking the clams in cornmeal for an hour cleanses the clams of sand and grit.

Many more pictures were taken but there is a problem with the disk that is being looked at.

The weather was perfect, absolutely perfect! I spent time with various family members and shared lots of seafood from clams and haddock to salmon pie and more. I'm putting the scale away for a little while.

I have over 200 blog posts in my Google Reader. Lots of catching up to do.

Next post..........knitting progress.

BSJ - Sherbert

Ok, I know, I'm addicted to this pattern. Rarely do I knit a pattern more than once, perhaps twice but never three times and this is my third Baby Surprise Jacket.

I love the colorway. This one is in a sport weight and easier to knit and kinder to my hands.

By the time you read this, I will be away on vacation. I'm behind in blog reading and comments. I'll catch up when I return.

Happy Knitting!!

BSJ - Got Worms?

Pattern: Baby Surprise Jacket
Yarn: Plymouth Encore (2 skeins)
Needles: Denise Size 7


This is my 2nd BSJ. It is an addictive pattern. I joined the Ravelry KAL and instead of doing the number of rows for the first of five weeks. I just kept going. I've started another one that I'll show you tomorrow.
Don't you just love these fish buttons! When I sew on the buttons I also sew a clear button on the back to reinforce that section of knitting from the possible pull on that area.

I finished the edge with an I-cord. Though time-consuming a finish, it adds a special touch.

I added my label to the bottom edge. I usually sew it on the neck edge but I didn't want it to feel scratchy to a newborn's skin.

Happy Knitting!!!!

Michael Jackson

No matter what you thought of Michael Jackson, let his death remind us that life is so short, sometimes cut short. So today........

Forgive Someone.
Tell someone you are sorry if you have hurt them.
Tell someone you love them.
Show compassion toward someone.
Hug someone.
Do something nice for someone without expecting recognition.

Baby Surprise Jacket - Got Worms?

Pattern: Elizabeth Zimmermann "Baby Surprise Jacket"
Needles: Size 7 (or is it 8?)
Yarn: Encore

Just a sneak peek! I thought I was going to be able to finish this Elizabeth Zimmerman "Baby Surprise Jacket" this evening and show you but........first, don't you just love those fish buttons. They make a statement of "let's play, let's have fun!

The reason this sweater won't be finish this evening is that I need to frog back about six rows which is really frustrating at this point. Those two garter rows probably needed to be in yellow yarn. I haven't frogged back yet but this will bug me if I don't.

Today, I drove to my favorite knitting spot called "The Sand Bar". The weather was perfect with a slight breeze and no bugs. It was a little taste of paradise!

In the background are the beautiful Adirondack Mountains of New York! Lake Champlain is 250 miles long and we are currently celebrating the 400th anniversary of its discovery by Samuel de Champlain.

More of what I was seeing today!

This friendly couple were beside me and look at..........

what they caught. These two bass had a date with the grill this evening. (weep)

I'm on vacation this week and will be home for a couple more days before I head out to...well, I'll tell you later in pictures. In the meantime, I don't mind being in Vermont as I'm so fortunate to live in such a beautiful state.

Happy Knitting!

Hunter's New Baby Sweater

Pattern: My own
Needles: Size 7
Yarn: Red Heart So Soft

In progress......baby due July 21st. I started this little sweater for Hunter. My former boss, Felicia, is expecting her first child. I've always thougth the world of Felicia and missed her terribly when she returned to Maryland.

It's always so much fun experiencing the pregnancy and birth of someone's first child.

(Sorry, the picture is a little blurry.)

I have the back, one front and one sleeve done. The sleeve also has a cable down the center. It’s a size 1 so there’s plenty of time to get this to Hunter. The buttons are not yet sewn on but just placed for you to see. Now, “Backwards Joan” should have purchased the buttons first and figured out how wide the button band needed to be.

The sweater will also have a hood. I’ve been hesitating knitting the buttonhole front because I’m undecided on the approach. I used to do finishing knitting work years ago when my daughters were babies. I sewed grosgrain ribbon on the inside of the bands and then made machine buttonholes. I guess you could say I was in the steeking family before I knew what it was called.

I have three other sweaters almost completed along with a neckwarmer. It’s just a question of getting to them before I cast on something else which will be Saturday for the Ravelry Baby Surprise KAL (knit-a-long).

Does anyone have a solution for the above problem? My buttonbands always seem to "shrink vertically". I suppose, in the future, I could just pick up the stitches and then knit the band but I'm not especially found of picking up stitches.


Happy Knitting!

Who Is Your Angel?

Robert Chambers

Woohoooooooo! My guardian angel, my hero, was one of six people honored at the White House yesterday by President Obama for creating an innovative program that is transforming communities.


http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/President-Obama-To-Highlight-Innovative-Programs-that-are-Transforming-Communities-Across-the-Nation/

http://www.encore.org/news/purpose-prize-innovators


I want to tell you about my angel. He may not even realize the impact he has had on my life. He may not even recognize my name because he has helped over 1,200 people.

A few short years ago, I experienced a job layoff and was unemployed for five months though I was out there every day looking for a job. Being over 50 years old made it that much more difficult. It had a huge impact on my finances and affected my credit. When I returned to work it was at a $15,000/yr. pay cut. Times were tough.

I found myself with a car that was constantly breaking down. I spent $1,200 on car repairs only to have it break down again the following week. A car loan was next to impossible, though I was never late with my previous car loan. My credit score suffered during my unemployment so the interest rate was going to be high.


I was watching local TV one evening. Surely, you've heard the saying "If it sounds too good to be true, well, it is". Not in this case.

They were portraying Robert Chambers who is president and co-founder of Bonnie CLAC. There was a write-up on him in "Time Magazine". Surely, this had to be reputable.


His experience working at an automobile dealership, watching low to medium-income individuals forced to pay high interest rates when they purchased cars, led him to form the organization. Headquartered in New Hampshire, Bonnie CLAC is an award-winning not-for-profit organization that helps people from all walks of life acquire fuel-efficient, affordable and reliable vehicles. They also reach out to people in Southern Maine and Vermont.

Bonnie CLAC's program helps clients build creditworthiness and provides car selection and purchase assistance (no money involved) to help low-and moderate-income individuals, create savings, improve their access to health care, and reduce carbon emissions into the environment. Since its founding in 2001, Bonnie CLAC has guaranteed over $12 million in loans for more than 1,200 clients, most of whom fall below HUD low-income guidelines.

I traveled to their office with my orange "check engine" light on. The trip was an hour away. I held my breath and prayed along the way. God doesn't allow the birds to go hungry. Surely He would help me keep my independence, allow me to have a reliable car so that I could get to work.

Besides the above, they require that you save the equivalent of a car payment each month for six months. If, during that time your car dies, they will loan you a car. For me, they reduced the waiting period to three months because I had already met many of the requirements.


I was able to select the new car that I wanted (within reason, of course) and was given a list of available colors. I selected a new Toyota Corolla.


That was three years ago. I don't know what I would have done without Bonnie CLAC's help during a difficult time in my life.


And here I am with my new car in the parking lot at work the day after I received it.

There was a time I was embarrassed to say I needed help. I am no longer embarrassed to tell you this story. If this story helps someone else in New England, it will make me very happy.

By the way, things have improved greatly since those days with the helping hand of this gentleman.

Won't you share your "guardian angel" with me and others!