Yarn diet

When we packed our household stuff for the move last year, it hit me...where did all that yarn come from? Well, I know the answer but had not realized how out of control it had become.

During the pack up, I donated skeins that I couldn't remember why I got them, or if it was one of those "what was I thinking" skeins. And the remainder moved to Oklahoma with us.

During the un-packing, I attempted to organize my new workspace...and realized it was still more yarn then I'll ever use. And I donated more.

I kept that which I knew I would use. Then I put myself on a yarn diet. A serious yarn diet...with 1 exception - yarn that would be needed to finish the last book.

I'm proud to announce that almost a year later, I've stuck to my diet.


The yarn stash is starting to look manageable. I still have a bit to go before I will ease up on my diet.

I say "ease up" because I know I will always have yarn stashed. But it needs to be in my studio space only - not here AND in the garage!

Now...start watching for designs and projects that I've done just from the stash!

P.S. It's still raining. So no work in the east-side patio area to show. However, my Mother is working on rose bushes for me. She is so talented with taking cuttings and rooting them for new bushes. I'm looking forward to visiting her next month and learning how to do that! ;)

Ice...just ice

We had our welcome to winter in the plains this week. Ice storm. Perhaps a little snow but primarily ice and sleet. You know the kind? Where you slip and slide on the sidewalks? The grass is frozen and it crunches if you step on it?

Tuesday morning -




It's just ice. Solid and slippery.

This morning (Thursday) on my first outing after the ice storm. This is our little neighborhood in a rural part of Oklahoma City.




There is a road under there. All I had to do was find it.

This is the "melts-during-the-day, freezes-again-in-the-night, watch-your-step" stuff - ice! At least the main roads are clear once we get out of the neighborhood.

I really do not mean to complain. Several states got it far worse. And we never lost electricity. I guess I just lived in Southern California for so long that I had forgotten how winters could be.

Note to self - need firewood.

"New"

Over the past 3 weeks, a great deal of "new" has showed up in our lives. A new light fixture in the dining room...



There was a chandelier light there. But I prefer simple.

And a new dining room table/chairs...



The one we had in California needed to be replaced so it didn't make the move. I love the trestle style legs on this one.

We didn't have a den in the house in California so I needed furniture for this room. The sofa showed up...



...but the bookshelves won't be ready to mount to the walls for awhile yet. They are being custom built to cover two side walls and make a turn to the wall where the sofa will be. I've always wanted a room with wall-to-wall bookshelves, and am looking forward to lazy times on this sofa reading.

And most importantly...we have a new member of the family! Meet Elvis...



...a 6 week old Dachshund that my husband fell in love with. He was named by my daughter since he will be her dog. Elvis is adorable and so sweet.



I also have 4 new knit patterns. That will be my next post.

OTN: 2nd scarf for Special Olympics and sample knit for Knit Picks.

A chocolate'ty update

Absent from blog-dom yet again. I just haven't had enough uninterrupted time to spend on the computer to upload pictures for blog. Too busy with house and settling into community stuff. No wonder really...it's only been 2 months since we closed on the property (yet seems so much longer). So just to let you know I am still trying to blog, here's a quizz-thing...

What Your Taste in Chocolate Says About You

You are sweet, mellow, and easily satisfied. You don't like anything too intense and dramatic. Deep down, you're a kid at heart... and you're nostalgic for the past. You are a whimsical person prone to daydreaming. Artistic and creative, you're always in the middle of a project. While you are an inspiration to others, you can come off as flaky. You love to be the center of attention. You enjoy entertaining your friends. You feel lost when no one is interested in you... You're too interesting to be ignored.

The Chocolate Oracle

I am still able to knit a little in the evening while family watches a little TV (love Mythbusters and Dirty Jobs - really missing LOST). OTN: A sample project for Knit Picks and a simple rib stitch scarf for Special Olympics). On the loom - nada, nothing as I just finished another pattern for upcoming issue of LKC...but I'm planning a project! ;-)

Did you get one?

Opal Harry Potter sock yarn? I managed to catch the email from Allison at Simply Socks Yarn Co early enough to score a skein of color 2355-Harry. I know, I know...what's the big deal. But knitter's who are addicted to Harry Potter and knitting socks understand.

I wanted to buy more, but (confession) the release of the yarn came on the heels (pun intended) of unpacking sock yarn and swearing I wouldn't buy another skein until knitting what I have. Silly me. ;-P

A month after closing on the house and we're still settling in. With most of the unpacking completed, we're doing the mundane things...like registering cars, new drivers license, bank accounts, doctors, etc. I had forgotten how time consuming this kind of stuff can be.

Pictures? Oh yeah...where did I put that cable and the camera?

Making a new home, almost there

Good news! We have only about 50 book size boxes left to unpack! About half are actually books and will have to wait until we have bookshelves put into the den. We've contacted a contractor/carpenter/crafts person (whatever he's called) and will have a quote tomorrow. Hopefully it's not out of our budget as I'd love to have the books out.

The remaining boxes are supplies from my studio. Beads, clay, and (of course) yarn. I'm trying to put together the studio but no longer have my built-ins from the house in California. It's going to take a lot of creativity to store supplies. But I have found the sweater I was working on right before the move. So I'm knitting something other then dishcloths now. More about that later.

Speaking of budgets...We still need to have a storm shelter put in. That was my one requirement for a move to Oklahoma as I'm in the category of people that are frightened of tornadoes. Earthquake? Been there, done that. And while it's not fun, it's usually over with by the time your brain thinks "an earthquake." Tornadoes seem to go on forever. Luckily the local folks say we won't need it until May (THE season).

Nature is abundant in the little neighborhood we live in. As a matter of fact, woods border our backyard fence. I've spotted deer in a neighbor's yard and some type of hawk sitting on our fence. And this morning I woke up when I heard noises. At first I blamed it on the dogs. Nope, they were snoozing still. So I followed the sound to the office, which has 3 skylights. I looked up and there were 2 blackbirds - huge! - pecking at the skylights with a screw. Trying to get in? Who knows. Silly birds.

Making a new home, the beginning

No pictures yet. The cable to hook the digital camera to the computer is in one of about 400 boxes in the garage. However, we are managing to settle into our new home.

Movers delivered household goods on Thursday. We've managed to place the big furniture items, put beds together, and get the WiFi installed (my husband's priority).

Issues (aka "pains in behind") were abundant on Friday and Saturday. Can't find a waterbed heater and had to buy a new one. Dryer was busted and had to buy a new one. Loveseat has a huge oil stain and a broken leg. I shudder to think of what awaits me in the approximately 400 boxes...broken china? dang

On today's agenda? Must buy food. I have to find a grocery store other then Super Walmart. I hate buying food there...ugh. And hopefully get the kitchen in some working order.

Knitting? What knitting?

Welcome to Oklahoma

Did you notice I've been away? A little over two weeks ago, a thunderstorm moved through Oklahoma City. What a welcome to Oklahoma show it was! I had forgotten what real thunderstorms were like.


One of the lightening strikes was close enough to shake the motor home and it took out some piece of equipment that downed the RV park's wifi. So for two weeks we've been without internet connection except when I could find a wifi hot spot (not as easy here as it was in Southern California).

We close on the house today and move in next week after household goods are delivered.

Have a safe and fun Labor Day!

We have an accord....

...as Captain Jack Sparrow would say. If all goes as planned, we should close on this house...

...no later then August 29th. See the RV barn in the picture (next to the garage)? It was what sold us on the house. We need a place to park our motor home. Of course, the fact that it has a pool...
...won't hurt. It would appear our quest for the right property is at an end, and we can begin to make our home in Oklahoma.

Now, where's the nearest yarn shop? ;-)

Offer pending and check this out!

We've put an offer in on a house and are waiting for sellers to respond. (Hey Denise...it has a salt water pool!) I would add a link for you to look at pictures but I don't want to jinx it. Once we hear if they've accepted, I'll show you. ;-)

In the meanwhile, check this out! I'm on Leisure Arts designers page.

More Knitting Wheel Fashions

Oklahoma residents

Oklahoma residents...that's us. We arrived yesterday, and have settled into the Twin Fountains RV Park in Oklahoma City until we close on a new property.

Tomorrow we meet our real estate agent, and look at 3 properties we've found online. This one in Mustang, this one in Choctaw, and this one in Harrah. My personal favorite (DD loves it too) is the house in Harrah but the formal living room looks like it's a narrow room. I hope the picture is just a lousy shot of the room. Or that it's possible to make it work with creative furniture arrangement. DH favors the property in Mustang since the rooms are huge.

OTN: An adaptation of this dishcloth to make a larger kitchen towel.

Knitting content

I found the camera! It was hiding out where I couldn't find it - right beside the computer. Sneaky!

Last week I blogged about inspiration, swatching, designing a new project. This is the progress as of a week ago...



A week later...

Some progress is better then none, eh?

Do you remember my post about buying yarn for the move? Well, I finally got my hands on the box earlier this week. The post office evidently decided to hold my box from Knit Picks hostage until I rescued it. They didn't bother to send a ransom note though. I had to call to find it. Makes me wonder if someone at the local station knits and knows just what goodies a Knit Picks box can hold.


Only a 4 days left before packers and movers arrive. Oh joy! Three fun filled days of watching our possessions being disassembled, wrapped, boxed, and carted away.

Still here

The move has picked up speed. We have dates! At last!! I have a ka-zillion things to remember to do between now and the 21st when the packers arrive. And I've made lists, and more lists.

The house is in shambles as we sort through the drawers, closets and book shelves. I've made enough trips to Goodwill lately that they seem to know me by name. And I have more ready to take over. It's amazing what you hold onto "just in case."

Escrow is in full swing as we fill out yet more paperwork. Selling a house can make you as crazy. I just keep reminding myself of how lucky we are to have sold it in today's horrible market. (Taking a moment to feel lucky.) Just think! I get to be THE BUYER next month. hehe

And through it all, I'm finding a small amount of time to design and knit. About two weeks ago, I had an inspiration. I charted and swatched. Then pulled out paper and drew the design complete with the math. Last weekend I had a chance to start knitting, and have managed to knit about 2 inches. Not a lot but considering everything else going on, that's dang good! I'd post a couple of pictures but I can't find the camera. Ah well....

Ready for more...

....more yarn, more books, more knitting...

Knitting up a few dishcloths must have been just what I needed as a warm up to start bigger projects. I'm itching to knit a sweater. But this time the sweater won't be for a book or for a sample knit...I've decided I need to have special "ME" projects to work on. Not only will Oklahoma be colder then California (so says DH) but it's good therapy during the move (hehe good excuse for buying yarn.)

I saw this pattern in April's Simply Knitting


and just love it! It's a simple knit with basket weave type of pattern. And since the pattern calls for a bulky weight yarn, it's a quick knit. Perfect project for the days in July while the packers are boxing up household goods, while the movers are taking everything out, and for the days during the drive to Oklahoma City in the RV.

As any good knitter knows, you never have just the right yarn in just the right amount. I had to shop for yarn (oh the agony....not!). Off to Knit Picks website I went. And dropped some Wool of the Andes into my cart.

While shopping for the right yarn for this pattern, I saw Shimmer. Oh. My. Hand dyed baby alpaca and silk blend? I can't resist! Plus I really should have a special project for August house hunting, right? I see a lace shawl in my future. So I ordered two hanks.

Of course special yarn deserves special pattern, right? And since Knit Picks is having a book sale (40% off until August 8th), I ordered Wrapped In Comfort by Alison Jeppson Hyde.


Then I saw the great price on Cat Bordhi's New Pathways for Sock Knitters and snagged a copy since it's on my wish list anyway (and I'm a sucker for a book sale).
This move is starting to look good to me. ;-)

Life is a soap opera

I have been so wrapped up in the soap opera of hubby's job change (company required - not our choice) that I just couldn't concentrate on anything creative for awhile. But this past week, the desire to knit returned.

Instead of knitting complicated patterns I typically gravitate to (or design), I went simple. Dishcloths that I didn't design. Can't get much simpler then that!

I knitted round cloths....


...slip stitch cloths....


...and a star cloth.
Like any good soap opera, the storyline comes to an end. And while ours isn't over (we still have the actual move to get through), the major issues associated with the move were resolved this past week.

Exactly a week ago today, we received an offer on our house/acreage. We consider that a miracle in today's real estate market. It wasn't a fantastic offer, but very reasonable. We accepted it and escrow has begun.

Then last Thursday, hubby received an offer in writing for the position (with the same company) he wanted in Oklahoma City. It comes with a promotion and a raise. Plus we'll be closer to our family in North/East Texas. Not bad considering this change is all due to the retirement of the airplane he has worked on for so many years.

So...is there anyone who visits this blog that lives in Oklahoma City? Email me!

Friday Fill-Ins

Friday Fill In #71

1. The pork had an extra secret ingredient; it was apricot glaze! My dh is on a low fat diet and I am trying to find new, interesting meals. This one was not a hit with him. Oh well.

2. Sunshine through my window. It's a beautiful day in Southern California!

3. Right now, I need a stress-free zone. Is there such a place?

4. The living room is where I went Thursday night; it was LOST! night.

5. Why does selling this house/property hurt so much? We're officially listed now. (Listing details are here)



6. All I can think of is the upcoming move. I'm really quite boring these days (daze?)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some quality time with family, tomorrow my plans include calling my Mother in Texas and Sunday, I want to celebrate being a Mother!

Wow! The studio does have a floor!

That's because I have packed up a great deal of yarn and taken out filing cabinets (now in the garage until move). My looms had to be taken off the wall and stored in cabinets (where yarn was taken out) when hubby painted. I'm really going to miss all the built-in cabinets in this room.

We are all tired of cleaning, sorting, boxing, carrying boxes out to garage; painting, cleaning up after painting. But we're almost done. There are a few details to attend to this weekend around the house and property, but it will be ready by Monday. Then all we have to do is maintain the cleanliness day-to-day, and perhaps I can start knitting again. Or maybe a little beading. Wouldn't that be lovely!?

Real estate agent starts showing next week. Anyone want a wonderful little house with over 6 acres of horse property in the Palmdale (CA) Hills? Great views!


I really love this hill and will miss the peace that comes over me whenever I'm home. I fell in love with it the day I saw it. It became my refuge from the crowded urban sprawl that is Southern California.