Good news, bad news revisited

It's been a crazy week.

Bad news: UPS online is difficult to get a shipment prepared for finished test knit. Two hours and several bad words later, I gave up.

Good news: The local UPS store is fantastic! My finished test knit (a cardigan) was shipped and has been received.

Worse news: Elderly next door neighbor (in her late 70's), was in an auto accident. The car rolled a couple of times and is totaled. Her 80's plus husband called for us to help as he couldn't reach their son to meet her at the ER.

Blessing news: She had a few bruises - that's it! Counting blessings.

Horrible news: My 84 yo Mother was taken to the hospital (2nd time in March) with dangerously high blood pressure. She was admitted and was under observation over the past weekend. Admitting doctor thought she might be in the early stages of Alzheimer's. And the anxiety caused the rise in blood pressure.

The best news: Her regular doctor says not Alzheimer's. The medications that she is taking for blood pressure, high cholosterol, allergies and depression do not mix well and can cause anxiety....which in turn caused a rise in blood pressure which in turn causes the inability to relate to surroundings. Doctor changed meds and when/how they're taken. I talked with Mother this morning. She sounds better then she has since major stroke two years ago. (another blessing)

Uh oh news: My daughter's wisdom teeth need to come out. Oral surgery isn't cheap!

Relief news: It's a 30 minute procedure done in office. Dental insurance will cover most of it (whew!)

(reverse order)
Good news: I'm managing some knitting time.
Bad news: Nothing to show you yet.

But I will leave you with this on STRESS

I am not sure exactly how it works, but this is
amazingly accurate. Read the full description before
looking at the picture.

The picture below has 2 identical dolphins in it. It
was used in a case study on stress levels at St.
Mary's Hospital.

Look at both dolphins jumping out of the water. The
dolphins are identical. A closely monitored,
scientific study revealed that, in spite of the fact
that the dolphins are identical, a person under stress
would find differences in the two dolphins. The more
differences a person finds between the dolphins, the
more stress that person is experiencing.
Look at the photograph and if you find more than one
or two differences you may want to take a vacation.

No Need to Reply, I'll be on Vacation
I need a vacation!

Spring

Spring brought blooms to the desert (pear tree),



a beautiful sunset,



and a stomach bug to the family

(trust me, you do not want pictures of this!)

Counting

I always mean to blog more often but there are times when I'm busy with exciting stuff like doing laundry, dirty dishes real life stuff which really isn't fun to write or read about. I've also been busy with counting...

...stitches and rows for this test knit I'm working on.



...cholestrol in the dishes I'm making since my cholestrol count is up again. I found the recipe for this crab and pasta salad that is low cholestrol.



It tastes great!

...the amount of money I spent on yarn recently. The local Hancock Fabrics is closing and has marked yarn down so much that I finally talked myself into Lion Brand's cashmere blend.



...the number of projects I have going and patterns I need to write. Hopefully April will be the magic month for finishing touches on these!

....and I'm counting the number of days I have left before the article I'm writing will be due. Stay tuned for that!

Knitting Pattern Central and "white"

Loom knitters have been heard! The web home of free knitting patterns, Knitting Pattern Central, has added loom knitting to the list.

Thank you Knitting Pattern Central!

If you haven't read Yarn Harlot blog entry yesterday, buzz over there. Yeah...white hahahaha

Polymer clay

How many artistic outlets do you have? More then you have time for, right? Yeah, me too. I knit (needles and loom), crochet, weave with beads, and dabble with polymer clay. This post is all about claying.

I cannot do canes with polymer. When the clay was first on the market, I tried. I would get the cane put together and then start the process to reduce it....but obviously do not have the right touch as it became distorted. That has always frustrated me as polymer was meant for people to make canes with. Or so I thought.

Recently a friend sent me to this site. Wow. I can use it just to sculpt? Like this guy....



And that's OK!?!?! (happy dance!) I'm not a failure!

So I ordered Christi's books and they arrived arrived this past weekend.



This lady is so talented. I have clay and the tools. Now all I need is more time. Got any to spare?

A loom story

Today's Knifty Knitter class was a great group! We made easter bunnies and talked about how the pattern could be adapted for any number of other projects...including a skunk! What a terrific idea....I may have to try one. ;)

Here's a little loom history for you....
One of the looming ladies had experience with a knitting board as a child. She brought this board with her to class




and told us how someone had made the looms for the entire class so that they could knit scarves for armed forces during World War II.

Yep, knitting looms have a history!

Loom Knitters Circle Magazine

Check it out....a new e-zine has been born!



Welcome to the web world! Live long and prosper.

Break from classes is over

I took some time off recently from teaching at Michaels because I was exhausted. In the past 4 months, I have written two magazine articles that included 4 patterns. And a pattern booklet for a publisher (which should be published later this year) filled with loom knitting patterns. In the midst of it all, I taught classes every weekend. I averaged 4 to 6 hours of sleep a night and was never seen without a knitting loom in my hands (even on Christmas Day). I just needed some time off. So I cancelled all classes for the last two weeks in February.

How does one relax after such a crazy few months?

By working on hats for a brain trauma center....

....sewing crochet squares together for an afghan for an pediatric infusion center...

....and putting your feet up for a few minutes each evening before bed and working on a pair of socks. (Now that's relaxing!)


I should have some new loom knit patterns ready to post soon.


And classes resume this coming weekend! CYA there.

Andy Rooney & women over 40

The following was sent to me by a friend....

In case you missed it on 60 Minutes, this is what Andy Rooney thinks about women over 40:

60 Minutes Correspondent Andy Rooney (CBS)

As I grow in age, I value women over 40 most of all. Here are just a few reasons why:

A woman over 40 will never wake you in the middle of the night and ask, "What are you thinking?" She doesn't care what you think. If a woman over 40 doesn't want to watch the game, she doesn't sit around whining about it. She does something she wants to do, and it's usually more interesting.

Women over 40 are dignified. They seldom have a screaming match with you at the opera or in the middle of an expensive restaurant. Of course, if you deserve it, they won't hesitate to shoot you if they think they can get away with it. Older women are generous with praise, often undeserved. They know what it's like to be unappreciated. Women get psychic as they age. You never have to confess your sins to a woman over 40. Once you get past a wrinkle or two, a woman over 40 is far sexier than her younger counterpart.

Older women are forthright and honest. They'll tell you right off if you are a jerk if you are acting like one. You don't ever have to wonder where you stand with her. Yes, we praise women over 40 for a multitude of reasons. Unfortunately, it's not reciprocal.

For every stunning, smart, well-coiffed, hot woman over 40, there is a bald, paunchy relic in yellow pants making a fool of himself with some 22-year old waitress. Ladies, I apologize. For all those men who say, "Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?", here's an update for you. Nowadays 80% of women are against marriage. Why? Because women realize it's not worth buying an entire pig just to get a little sausage!

Ladies who aren't in this age group....you have a lot to look forward to!

The Gingerbread Castle

My extra time this weekend was spent working on a pattern out of Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns for The Walker Treasury Project.



The only difficult part of the pattern was keeping up with where I was at.

Happy Valentine's Day

"Love, (luv) n
Whatever you do that makes the world a litte bit better place."

Your Candy Heart Says "First Kiss"

You're a true romantic who brings an innocent hope to each new relationship. You see the good in every person you date, and you relish each step of falling in love. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a romantic dinner your sweetie cooks for you Your flirting style: friendly and sweet What turns you off: cynics who don't believe in romance Why you're hot: you always keep the romance alive

What Does Your Candy Heart Say?

Beading for the day

I love *having* to bead for a class...what pain, what agony and they pay me for this!!!! HAHAHAHA

March beadweaving class will be on tubular peyote, making beaded pen cover - really simple!

Recipe for a beading type of day - delica seed beads, beading thread (Nymo for me) and a needle, hot tea, and a good movie.


Tonight....back to the boring part of paperwork.

Blog gets a new look and Works in progress

Blog got a new look. If anything is missing, let me know!

________________________________________________________________________

I've been very busy with deadlines, classes, and laundry and have finished nothing! but never too busy for socks. Here is a picture of some of my "works in progress"....



A pair of slippers that need to be felted, a pair of magic stripes socks on circulars that are at the heel flap stage, and a toe-up sock on the sock loom I got for Christmas that is still in the toe stage (first project on this loom!) .

The Tofusies yarn arrived last week but I couldn't start socks with them yet (so of course, I bought more magic stripes)... Would you believe I cannot find my size 1 circular needles!? No idea where they went to. I finally gave up the search and have ordered two new Addi Turbo size 1 (which are in the mail to me now). Just what I need....another "work in progress" project hehe

I really wish I could find a honest, to goodness yarn shop within a 30 mile radius! Not a Michaels (yeah, yeah....I teach there but they do not carry Addi's nor sock yarn)....not a fabric store....but a REAL yarn shop. I have heard the rumour that there is one in Canyon Country, which is a short driving distance, but have not been able to find more info on exactly where it is. If anyone knows, please tell me.

P.S. Did you catch Lost last night?

Walker Treasury Project

We all love Barbara Walker's Treasury of Knitting books. Now a group of knitters are joining together to bring color to these great patterns! I'm proud to be one of them.

I'm just wild about Harry

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter #7) is due to be released July 21st! Finally. Whooohooooooo! Great fantasy reading no matter what age.

Backgammon Pattern plus comments

Knitty Gritty episode on February 13th (HGTV) will have the backgammon pattern! I've really wanted to do this pattern.



While it's needle knitted, I'm sure it could be converted to a loom pattern. ;-D

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Why not leave a comment when you stop by?

Favorite Restaurant

Do you have a favorite restaurant? Our favorite Italian restaurant is Miceli's on Cahuenga in Los Angeles. The food is excellent but the atmosphere is what makes it special. There is a piano player in the evenings, and the waiters/waitresses sing. Yep. Special.

Recycling yarn

I popped into one of the local thrift stores today and got lucky! I found 4 sweaters to take apart for yarn recycling. Finding anything locally worth the time and effort to recycle is rare. Today's finds included an XL sweater made of 100% lambswool (which I misspelled when putting together the photo oh well).



Also found a cashmere sweater. I've never tried to recycle cashmere but I know it can be done. This is going to be fun!! ;-D

Not much knitting....

....and way too much "got to do" stuff like doctor appointments, running errands, laundry....etc.

I did decide on "new" sock yarn to try! I found Tofusies yarn to order!





Nice colors, eh?

There were so many suggestions of yarn to buy (some I haven't tried yet!) I really need more time to knit.

What's your favorite sock yarn

I'm still here! I'm working on classes for February and trying to organize the studio with bins that I purchased for my yarn stash.

I did manage to cast on socks and am knitting in the evening. I'm having to use wool - not sure I'll like 100% wool socks but I'm pretty much out of sock yarn! Strange but true. And since there isn't a great selection for speciality yarns in this area (close by), I'll be buying online.

This opens up a whole new question...what's your favorite sock yarn? And why? And where are you finding it? Either post here or email me. Thanks! ;-D

Silence is golden

I haven't posted recently....gee, I hope someone noticed!

The silence was because I've been really busy. I was contacted in October by a publisher that I had corresponded with last winter/spring. They are intested in a possible loom knitting pattern booklet of my designs.

I sent in a proposal to them in November. In December, I was told that they liked the proposal. That began the loom knitting frenzy. This box....



has been shipped. I'm pleased with the results...hope they are too. Keep your fingers crossed (when you're not knitting).

I've spent the past two days catching up on sleep and cleaning house. Bits of yarn from trimming tails had traveled to far corners around the house! I even managed to tame the yarn in my studio (put steins back into their proper cubby). I can now walk into the studio without tripping on yarn (hahaha).

Doesn't the word "studio" have a professional sound to it? I had called it my "craft room" but a friend of mine referred to her space as a studio and I love the sound!

I also managed to find the supplies for February bead class samples. Yay! That will be today's fun (after teaching classes).

Tomorrow, I get to cast on to the circular needles and start a new pair of SOCKS! And I'm already planning a new bead weaving project....or three.

Gosh, whatever will I do while I'm waiting to hear about the booklet? hehe

Happy New Year

Auld Lang Syne
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

Happy Holidays!

I'll be gone until after the holidays.

Wishing you Joy, Peace, and loads of yarn

Your Christmas is Most Like: The Muppet Christmas Carol

You tend to reflect on Christmas past, present, and future... And you also do a little singing.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

My finishing tips

I haven't been very good about posting recently. I'll blame it on the upcoming holidays and this envelope...



...which is blurred on purpose. Surfice it to say - I'm swamped!

I haven't blogged about all the knitting I've been doing recently (loom mostly). So today, I will....well, actually about the finishing part of knitting.



I have a few "rules" that I try to follow since sewing in any form intimidates me.

1. Cutting a long piece of yarn for seaming is not necessarily the best. As you're sewing the pieces together, the yarn can fray and tangle if it's too long.
2. Refer to a good reference on which finishing technique to use for different edge types. I like this one which I blogged about here.
3. It's OK to seam in stages. You don't have to wait until absolutely every piece is knitted.
4. Do not hurry through the sewing process. As soon as you start feeling impatient with it, go knit awhile and come back later!
5. Never do seaming late at night when you're tired. Murphy's Law is that it will be a botched seam and need a re-do!

Creative Friends

Sunday I had a wonderful surprise. My friend, Janet, stopped by Michaels to see me. Just seeing her was a pleasure (and she looks great)! In addition to the joy at seeing her smiling face, she brought a gift for me.



She is very creative. And what makes this gift so very special to me is that she put thought into it. She took the time to know my joys (ok, obsessions hehe) and used that knowledge to create a special something. Sadly, that seems so rare in our "oh what do I get for _________ " society.

I feel I'm truly blessed to have such a friend. Thank you, Janet!

Google Meme

This meme was found on Denise's blog and I think it's pure fun!

Do a Google search with your name and the word "needs" then run a search. Put the results of the first 10 sentences that start with "(your name) needs " on your blog. Here is mine -

1. Kathy needs lungs (Well, yeah)
2. Kathy needs to give herself some credit. (I'll buy that)
3. Kathy needs to fly commercial until she can afford to do it right (do what right?)
4. Kathy needs her gays more than ever, now that she and her husband have filed for divorce. (happily married)
5. Kathy needs to believe the man in her barn in Jesus, and holds true to that belief even after he's led off by police (excuse me?)
6. Kathy needs advance notice to ensure she can find and reserve a room for you in a timely manner (even then you may not get a room reserved)
7. Kathy needs to really reconsider her menu prices (what menu?)
8. Kathy needs a protector and Lester needs someone to protect. (who is Lester?)
9. Kathy needs a night off! (This is soooo true)
10. Kathy needs a hug (perfect!)

More bragging on students

I just love it when a student falls in love with a technique or pattern I've taught. This brag time is dedicated to Sayy Pauly (who doesn't have a blog that I know of so I can't link to her).

This particular bead class was held two Sundays ago and she fell in love with Swarovski Pure Allure crystal beads - like the rest of us.

Here are three cuff bracelets that she created from the pattern




Really beautiful!

Brother Odd

Oh no! Not another "non-knitting" and "non-beading" post!? Yep, sorry.

Today is one of the days DH and I love. The day that Dean Koontz releases a new book. This one is the latest Odd Thomas book, called Brother Odd. If you like to read fiction (thrillers that are a little on the strange side) and you haven't given his books a try, do. I started reading his books about 20 years ago, and haven't missed one since.

And, I believe it's my turn to have the book first! Whooohoo!

Now, back to your knitting!

LOL

I'm taking a break from working on Michaels bead class projects and straightening craft supplies (what a job!) to read some email that was back logged. And in it was a gem that's worthy of sharing with you all (thanks for sending it Christine!).

Women

UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a
woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in
her menstrual cycle.

For example, if she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged
and masculine features. However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal,
she tends to be more attracted to a man with a spear lodged in his
chest and tape over his mouth while he is on fire.

No further studies are expected.

Notes on the Refrigerator

I'm spending a few peaceful moments reading a couple of my favorite blogs after grocery wars shopping today. Off. The. Wall. Crazy!! To go shopping the day before Thanksgiving. I guess I need a reminder every few years because I knew this (really!) Desparate housewives are shopping today!

Speaking of groceries reminds me of Denise's post over at Knitchat about Notes on the Refrigerator. I really liked the idea! So here's mine.



It's not cute or cuddly...but really and truly needed. A calendar to try to organize my time. Just the thought of organizing my time is "roll on the floor" hilarious! I'm notorious for disorganization and have come to accept my lot in life.

Just for the heck of it, here's the rest of the picture of the fridge. We're talking loads of notes.

Tabi Sock pattern available

Whew! It's been a wild and busy month. In betwixt the secret project I've been working on (which I hope to announce some time soon), I've managed to finish this little loom knit pattern -

- for TABI SOCKS to wear with thong type sandals. Go ahead - give it a try!

More coming soon.....I hope!

And since I will probably not get a chance to blog before turkey day -
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Chocolate Fashion Show

I never realized that fashion and chocolate went together. Click here to read the article. Gives new meaning to "looks good enough to eat."

Lost

I'm hooked on Lost. Love it...gotta watch it. And now we have to wait until February for a new episode. Meanwhile we can wonder who Kate will kiss next! ;-)

If you like teasers (spoilers), here's a link to Lost teasers

Jorge Garcia AKA Hurley presented the top ten on Letterman the other night.

Top Ten Signs You're Obsessed With "Lost" presented by Jorge Garcia

10. After each episode, you do an all-kitty reenactment in your basement

9. You refer to your in-laws as "The Others"

8. While visiting New York, you stood over every manhole and screamed, "Good God -- a secret hatch"

7. You're halfway to your goal of licking every cast member

6. Your friend phoned during "Lost." Next day you beat him to death with a hot poker

5. You pitched NBC a show about 12 people stranded backstage at "Saturday Night Live"

4. Co-workers affectionately refer to you as "That loser who's obsessed with 'Lost'"

3. Renamed dental practice "Flost"

2. Your wife is getting sick of playing the bedroom game "Find the castaway"

1. You sat through all ten of these lame jokes

Veteran's Day

I served in the USAF during a non-war time period. For a portion of that time, I was stationed overseas and saw first hand how lucky we are to live in a country where we can complain about our government without punishment, and where we have the right to vote in hopes of changing what we can.

Thank you to all who serve to protect that right, and to family members of those that are serving.

Bead crochet

I love doing bead crochet. It is quite possibly my favorite beading technique as it goes so quickly (once the beads are strung). Almost 3 weeks ago, I had the pleasure of teaching a bead crochet class in which two of the students fell in love with it too.

Linda sent an email with her finished rope attached and with her permission, I'm showing it off for her!





This was the rope she started in class. She sent the pictures to me less than a week later. The stitches are beautiful! She really took to this technique like a duck to water! C'mom...tell her how great she did!!

Way to go, Linda! ;-)

Power tools and sock loom

Whoa, I have been busy! I didn't realize it that it has been over a week since I last blogged. Loads of fun going on these days - and yes, I am in a daze.

One of the goodies I experimented with in October required me to play in hubby's workshop with power tools. Note the emphasis on those words. I do not have a lot of experience with tools that have moving parts. A mixer with more than 3 speeds sends me running for the manual!! So this was a major adventure for me.

The first thing I learned was that one power saw doesn't necessarily do the same as the next one. And each one has a different name. I immediately realized I was out of my element and asked dh for help!!

You see, I had been biten by the "make a sock loom" bug. It's a terrible illness that sends you into a frenzy of researching loom gauge, peg size and spacing, wood grains, diameters, circumference, negative ease, and makes you wonder about your santity. So after a couple of weeks of studying, I swatched some sock yarn and measured feet. Then dove in head first. What the heck!? Socks made on the loom will fit someone I know!!

Hubby came to rescue with explaining the many, many, many, many (sigh)....planning details once I told him what I wanted. Between the two of us, we came up with this

Looks a little like the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci but it is actually the sock loom in the pre-drilling of peg holes phase.

I'm so proud! I did the measurement and the drilled the peg holes. Then turned it over to dh for the cutting. I did the sanding and some of the hammering in of pegs. DH, who loves me very much, did the rest of the hammering in of pegs and even varnished it for me.

And here is the results.....


It is very slow loom knitting as the pegs are so close together. But I'm using real sock yarn and the stitches are LOVELY! I'm a deliriously happy sock addict! ;-D