Wild Yarn

ATTENTION READERS

2007-01-31T13:09:00.000-06:00

Please note that I am no longer blogging on this page. I have moved my blog to:

http://wildyarn.wordpress.com

Please update your blogrolls or pages and come visit me in my new home. Thank you so much!!
Peace~ DAWN

Mind Numbing Knitting

2007-01-30T11:54:00.000-06:00

I decided I needed a mind numbing knit to keep me occupied during T.V time and waiting in the car for the young one to get out of school. I was surfing some sites yesterday and came across this one from the Red Scarf Project. It was orignally from Yarn Harlot. She is brilliant.

I have several skeins of RH and TLC Essentials in my stash that I really really want to get rid of and I decided this year to do my donations to Hats 4 the Homeless. So this scarf as well as any other scarves and hats that I make this year will be sent to them.

Oh I have found a new addiction:

It is a delicious drink that tastes like melted coffee ice cream! It is so so good. There are 4 servings in the big size (but I'm afraid that if I'm not careful I may drink it all in one day--that would not be good at 199 calories per serving).

Better Days

2007-01-25T11:15:00.000-06:00

Feeling tons better today. My mouth is healing up really well. The hole is almost closed up and the broken blood vessels are not as florescent as they were yesterday. It was like a Jackson Pollock painting under my tongue for awhile there.

I am almost done with a second square and I finished a hat the other day (Silk Garden Beanie). This one is made from that awesome Noro Silk Garden #84. Love those colors. the hat is way to cute and I added a little I-cord top knot. I think it makes the hat more fun and less generic. I mean, how many beanies can one own before the begin to blend into one another.

I am awaiting a second shipment of sock yarn from Simply sock Yarn. I got some last week and was satisfied and then got an update that they had sold out of the Panda sock yarn but received a new batch in and I got sucked in, I tell ya. It was a sneaky, sneaky thing they did. Such nice yarn and cute color combos. Dang! So, I ordered more. I have to stay away from the online stores. They are so bad for my wallet. But. . . since I have this cute square pattern and can use up the sock yarn bits and sew them together for little baby blankets or pillows, it seems such a shame not to have the yarn to do it.

Winter is upon us here, people. Cold, cold from the north has made it way to Tennessee. The highs for the coming days are only in the low 40's and maybe even the 30's. I really hate winter. I can't stand to be cold. It takes me forever to get warmed up again. Usually when I get cold the only way to get me warmed up is with a really hot shower. I try to drink hot liquids during the day and I walk around with a sweater on. How "old lady" am I?

Have a great day, Peace~ DAWN

Test Square

2007-01-23T09:56:00.000-06:00

I joined a knitalong for a test pattern for squares made out of sock yarn. This is the first one. My next few will be in the colors that they preferred but I had this leftover from a pair of socks I made for my sister and wanted to see how the pattern would work up. They will still be able to use this one as they are using the extras to make blankets for the homeless. The site for the knitalong is here but it is closed. I got in just in the nick of time. I missed the last one for the meathead hat, which bummed me out. I love that hat. I'll just have to wait for the book.

Did I mention lately that I HATE to go to the dentist. Well, I went in today for my tooth to be ground down to nothing and for them to fit me for my crown (which will be done in 3 weeks--yay, more dentist fun in my future). Well, while he was drilling away at my tooth he slipped. HE SLIPPED, PEOPLE! which meant that the drill made a piercing, basically, under my tongue. I have a nice size hole under my tongue that, when this numbing agent wears off, is gonna hurt like a son of a bitch. I'm an just sitting here waiting for the first shot of pain to begin. My tooth is already getting sore. I hate to wish my days away, but I really wish it was tomorrow already.

I'm gonna lay down. I'm getting hungry but I can't eat yet. Peace~ DAWN This whole side of my head is not happy.

Favorites

2007-01-22T10:58:00.000-06:00

I would like to share with you two of my favorite things right now. First off is this gorgeous shade of Noro silk garden #84. It is just the perfect blend of colors. I am so into it right now. Second would be the Winter 06/07 issue of VOGUEknitting Knit Simple. It is packed full of great patterns... and bonus, it has a great tutorial about knitting socks. If you want to learn, take advantage of this issue. You will love all the other goodies in it as well (such as pattern # 6,7,8,9,11,15,and 17). That is your money's worth right there, folks.

Oi! I am having such a day! most of my client this morning canceled or just plain didn't show. I worked on one client for 1/2 hour. I have to go back at 4pm for two more clients then I have a Chamber of Commerce dinner to attend. It's Monday, no doubt.

Be well, everyone and I hope you have a great week. Peace~ DAWN

And The Winner Is?

2007-01-18T13:12:00.000-06:00

ME!! I entered a give away at Crochet Chronicles and I won. All this yummy yarn plus the drop spindle and some roving. Wow!! Thank you, Cindy so much. {for some reason blogger isn't showing the button to add links to the page so that is bumming me out). Cindy's link is on my sidebar. Go check her out.

This is what my oldest does at work. He gets bored sometimes and creates his own fun. Yesterdeay he created this little cutie out of their plastic bags. This is how thoughtful he is, he brought bags home for all of us to make our own plastic bag shirts. Nice, huh. Be gentle with your comments (we wouldn't want to stunt his creative growth).

Today is the oldest son's 19th birthday. I'm old. Peace~DAWN

I Am Red Hot!

2007-01-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

Last night I saw one of my FAVORITE bands in concert. The Red Hot Chili Peppers! It was awesome! It was a great concert and we had some really good seats to boot. I took my two older boys as part of their birthday treat plus I bought them tee-shirts (which are outrageous!! in price and yet I paid it anyway). I wanted a hoodie but at $75 a pop, I passed. The young one didn't go but he got a tee, too.

I went to the dentist only to make a second appointment to have the crown done next week. It will probably be a metal crown because we have the shittiest insurance ever and I will have to fork over the $800.00 myself. At least it's a molar. Whatever.

On to brighter things. . . I finished one of my Peace Fleece wool socks yesterday. Yippie do! One more to go and I can keep my toes toastie on the cold winter days.

It's My Own Fault, Really. . .

2007-01-16T11:06:00.000-06:00

Well, who among us Hates to go to the dentist? (no offense if you are a dentist). You can count me among the many who do. So of course when your temporary crown cracks and breaks off after 10 years of procrastination, who are you gonna blame? Two of my recent dentists have tried to get me to get the permanent crown done and I always say, "yeah, I know. . ." and now I guess I have no choice. I have to go to the dentist on Thursday morning and rightfully get my ass chewed out and then pray he has mercy on me and is gentle in whatever it is he has to do to fix this tooth. I never learn. I was being really good in the last 3 to 4 years and going faithfully to get my teeth cleaned and groomed, etc. and then my husband lost his job and insurance for about 4 months and now that he is employed and we have insurance, I haven't been back. It has been one year and I would say this is the universe telling me to get my butt in gear. Now I will have to set up appointments for everyone so nobody else in my family has to pay the price. Arghhhhhhhh!! tantrum over.

I finished the back of the "boyfriend Cardi". I haven't cast on for the front yet because I need a bit of a break from that yarn and that pattern. I told you this would take awhile. I did however finish a hat! I will get a photo of it later. The weather is really crappy today and the best light for color accuracy is outdoors. It is the Grace Beanie from the Stitch N Bitch desk calendar. Like most of the country we are experiencing the much late winter weather of January. We are very lucky and only have the bitter cold and the dreary rain/mix. I hope those of you with actual ice and snow are doing well and weathering it okay.

I must go and do some chores and quite putting my tongue in the chipped space of my tooth! this is gonna drive me crazy for the next 2 days! Peace~ DAWN

This is a test with the new computer

2007-01-14T14:27:00.000-06:00

Well, we finally have a new laptop. We went with a MacBook Pro. I am such a Mac virgin, I can't even begin to tell you. We have been playing with it all day and trying new things out. Right now I am seeing if I can post pictures from my iPhoto page and what do you know? It worked. For now, enjoy the photo of all three of the dogs playing Ring Around the Rosie.

Technical Difficulties

2007-01-12T14:43:00.000-06:00

Please stand by. . . we are experiencing technical difficulties here at Wild Yarn. Computers, don't cha know. I have to fight to get to the main computer and the laptop is soon to become an object for skeet shooting. We are getting a new laptop this weekend, so hopefully I can post more easily and dare I say frequently. Shhh.

Until then have a great weekend and thank you for your patience. We will resume regular blogging next week. Peace peoples~ DAWN

Right Speech

2007-01-08T13:17:00.000-06:00

In case you hadn't thought about the Power that words poses, read this excerpt from Yoga Journal on line:

The bottom line of the Tantric teaching on words is this: Since everything in existence, including rocks and planets, is made out of different densities of vibration—that is, out of coagulated sound—words are not merely signifiers, but actual powers. The strongest transformative energies are locked into those special words called mantras, which when empowered and properly pronounced, can change the course of a life. But ordinary, mundane words also hold their own vibratory force. All speech, especially speech imbued with strong feeling or emotion, creates waves of energy that radiate through our bodies and into the world, vibrating with complementary word streams and helping to create the atmosphere we live in.

Our bodies and subconscious minds hold the residue of every kind or cruel word we've ever taken in. So does the very air and soil. When you feel a particular vibe in a room, chances are that what you notice is the energetic residue of the words that have been spoken there. Words—whether spoken or thought—are constantly altering reality, shifting the vibratory atmosphere in our bodies, in our homes and places of work, in our cities. So the choices we make about what to say and not say are not just of casual importance.

Something to chew on as the week begins and we are faced with challenges with family and co-workers or just people you may meet on your errands. Thoughts are just as powerful as the words themselves so careful what you think as you get cut off in traffic or sneered at in the checkout line. I encourage you to read the entire article for the full effect.

Can you believe no knitting this weekend! ah! watched tons of playoff football on Saturday and went shopping/eating on Sunday. May have to get in a little bit tonite and definately tomorrow. Peace~DAWN

Wrap Me In Green

2007-01-04T11:49:00.000-06:00

As promised, here is the progress on the boyfriend cardie in the Elann green wool. It is really soft and as you can see it shows the detail of the stitches really well.

I only have about 13 inches done on the back and I need19 before I begin the shoulder/neck shaping. Argh! this is gonna be slow going (I started it just before Christmas). I will report progress as it comes up, just don't expect to see the finished project before the cold weather gives way to summer. This is a cardie for NEXT fall. Luckily I have no illusions, huh? The green of this yarn is a bit deeper than my flash will allow for. It has a bit of heathering in it as well (which I am a sucker for).

If you have never ordered from Elann.com I highly recommend it. The Elann brand of yarns (wool, alpaca, cashmere, cotton) as all awesome. Soft and the colors are very intense. You Can NOT beat the price, especially if you need a lot of yarn for a project and the shipping is so freaking fast, you won't believe it.

I am sitting on a pile of laundry so I must go. . . domestic duties call. Peace~ DAWN

Knitting Update

2007-01-02T13:18:00.000-06:00

This is the Kenobi Jacket that I have dubbed "the boyfriend cardie" from KnitScene Spring 2007. Project #1. You can't really see the detail of all the patterns that are going. It is asymmetrical textured panels of moss stitch, reverse stockinette, 1x1 rib and 3x1 rib. I have chosen to use some Elann yarn in a chunky weight (Peruvian Chunky) to get gauge and cut down on the exuberant price tag. Mine is in a dark hunter green. The yarn is 100% wool verses the wool/alpaca mix of the Berroco Ultra Alpaca (which I love but at $8 a skein and a total of 11 skeins needed for the project... ahhh excuse me, I'm worth a lot but shit, I'd like to eat and pay some essential bills, too). This is one of the two "big" projects I have on needles at the moment. The other is the Sun Ray shawl from elann.com. Simple enough, yes. Long and involved, yes too. I'm using Peruvian Pure Alpaca in Oxblood--gorgeous color in person! That and a pair of Peace Fleece wool socks. That is what I am up to on the knitting front. I will post some progress pictures in the next day or so. Have a great Wednesday! Peace~ DAWN

By the way, thanks for the comments, ladies. I always feel bad soliciting comments I guess I just needed to feel the love. As you were.

Knee Deep in the New Year

2007-01-02T12:34:00.000-06:00

Yes, yes the holidays are officially over. Today I go back to work on my regularly scheduled program. I tallied up my earnings for the year and would like to do back flips as I out did my earnings from last year (a total surprise). I got my new schedule book in order and am embarking on a year of total and complete organization (when it comes to keeping up with work papers and progress). The rest, well, I'll probably just wing it and bitch often when I can't find something or freak out when I can't take the mess anymore. You know, the usual.

I got a couple of inches completed this morning on the boyfriend cardie. I am not even done with the back yet but love the progression, as every few inches is a new pattern. Thus, the boredom of 19 plus inches is cut in half to about 50%. I bought the new Stitch n Bitch page a day calendar (on sale for 1/2 off, of course) and picked up a tip on today's page. When knitting things like sleeves that need to be the same length, knit them at the same time on the same needles using 2 separate balls of yarn. So simple and many of you may already know of this trick but it is new to me. I plan on implementing it on the sleeves of the cardie when I get there. Yippee!

No photo today. I thought about it and then thought of the hassle since I'm not sure how many readers I actually have. Not a lot of commenting going on here lately. Not sure what is going on but if you read this drivel I would appreciate a simple "hell yeah, sister" or "right on" every other post or so. To those who do frequent and comment, bless you. . .

School is back on tomorrow and then the house will gradually get back into it's normal routine. I sense that it misses it. I have an added resolution: prepare more home cooked meals (using the crock pot or casseroles). We ate out so much last year you could count the fat rings on my body if you sliced me in half. ENOUGH!

I hope you all have a great beginning to the new year as the week moves along. Peace~ DAWN

~ rented The Libertine and loved it. Johnny Depp got a little scary to look at toward the end but it was a really good movie. Dark, egocentric, sad but not everything should be Talladaga Nights and Beer Fest.

Resolutions, Anyone?

2006-12-31T12:18:00.000-06:00

{I received this little beauty to play my cd's on for Christmas}

Well, 2007 is almost upon us. I am not big on resolutions but. . . everyone needs goals and things to strive for and a new year is always the perfect time so here are a few of mine:

Not cutting my hair till summer ( want to see how much length I can get on it)
sending Birthday greetings to all of my family and friends this yearloose
10 pounds and get into a healthy routine (routine being the key)
On the needles at one time: a pair of socks, two bigger projects and a quicky--no more! must finish those big projects

That is pretty much it. There are a couple of others but I have to retain a little mystery or you wouldn't respect me much, would you?

Be safe, be smart, & be nice. Hope you all have a healthy, blessed 2007 and I look forward to getting to know you better through this blog and yours. Peace~ DAWN

2006-12-26T11:30:00.000-06:00

I'm ready for my close-up

Well, Christmas is over and we all had a blast at my house. Everyone got things they wanted and things they didn't even think they wanted. We all ate way to much. . . I am so bloated! We've watched many videos and played many games and today I just want to chill. I hope you all enjoyed your day with family and friends or however you choose to be.

I think things will get back to normal in a few more days around here. I know my knitting has been feeling a bit neglected lately. I do a few rows or rounds here and there just to keep my fingers in practice but I really haven't had the chance to give it my full attention.

Here is Winston in all of his full blown underbite glory. I got lucky with the camera. Normally, only half of his lip gets pinned, this was a shot with both sides getting tucked under those purly whites. I'll check back with you later. Peace~ DAWN

Hair Balls

2006-12-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

Cute hair makes me happy.

photos taken by the young one (age 10)

Still not feeling the holiday cheer but I have gotten all of my cards in the mail. Except the ones going to Germany. Ya think it's too late? Well, maybe New Years cards. The only person to receive a note in their card was my 6th grade teacher. Yes, I send her a card every year and she sends one to me. She always writes me such nice stuff. Anyways, to get into the holiday spirit I decided to do a MeMe. I found this one on Knitting Iris (which I love!). So buckle up cause here goes:

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Well, I love me some hot cocoa but at least once, usually around the 24th I will have a cup of Nog.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? No wrapping involved. We each pick a spot in the living room, place our stockings there and that is where the big guy dumps the loot. If you are the youngest you usually get the recliner which holds the most stuff. The sofa must be shared by at least 2 people.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Duh, colored. The more colors the better! I do, however, LOVE to see all blue lights on the outside of houses. I don't know why, it just makes me totally happy.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No. who needs a plant as an excuse to kiss. Pucker up, baby!

5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually the second week of December and they come down after the New Year.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? I really don't have a favorite. I just love sweets and if I didn't have to bake it, that is a bonus. My families favorite by far would be Brandy Balls. I make a double batch every year and it still is not enough. My babies were weened on the things.

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? The sheer anticipation of the big day. My mom was in tolerable cruel when it came to taunting. She would tease about what she got you and she would constantly remind you to be good or Santa wouldn't come. It was AWESOME!! I really miss her so much around Christmas.

8 . When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What? I don't understand the question. What truth? what are you talking about? Around these parts if you say the deaded truth or even hint at it you can forget about ever getting Santa goodies again. And Santa is GOOD around here. ( So forget it, I'm not falling for that trap, Ha!)

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Uh, no. It's not Christmas. Believe me the young one always tries to get us to adopt this tradition but it ain't happening.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Mostly with handmade orniments. I make one every year and we use store bought as "filler".

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? DREAD, Dread, dread. It is pretty in a postcard and on t.v. If I could have it and then make it go away when I am done with it, fine. Until that day comes, forget it.

12. Can you ice skate? I don't like snow. Why would I like Ice any better. So, no.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Had to be when I was about 14 or 15 and me and my sister got a color t.v to share. It went in my bedroom, though. Heaven--MTV whenever I wanted. Yes!

14. What's your favorite thing(s) about the holidays? The free hugs and cheerful good wishes from everyone! it is great!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? German Chocolate Cake. Three layers.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Getting a holiday goody box. My husband's grandmother is from Germany and every year up until she died she would send us a giant tin full of Lebkuchen (German ginger breads and cookies plus a Stollen). The kids depend upon it. Now, we get one from the Bx on base. We still think of Oma and thank her for this wonderful tradition for our Family. The second is watching National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on Christmas Eve. Is there anything better? the answer is no.

17. What tops your tree? An angel. When me and my husband got married my mother gave me an angel that lights up to go on our first tree. I put it up every year. This year we discovered that the lights didn't work and we didn't have the time to fix any in her so I just stood her up there anyway. She is lit from within to me.

18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Okay, I'd be a total smuck if I said receiving but I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't feel so fantastic if I didn't get anything. So. . . I love to do both.

19. What is your favorite Christmas song? I have two. The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole and Silent Night by Stevie Nicks. We have a rendition of Rudolf that is played every Christmas day that has sound effects. It is from the 50's I think. You have to hear it to believe it.

20. What is your favorite holiday book? The Polar Express!! (not the lamo movie, ack!). The book seriously makes me cry at the end every year when I read it. I Believe, I Believe, I Believe.

21. Candy canes yuck or yum? Yuck! Period.

22. What's number one on your Christmas list this year? Everyone keeps saying Peace. I'm going with Tolerence. Tolerence leads to peace and is sorely lacking in the world. I also wouldn't mind the Mason Dixen knitting book or Knitting Nature. I'm just saying.

May you all have a Christmas that is Merry and Bright and I wish for everyone that reads this a healthy, blessed 2007! Group Hug {{hug}}

Peace~ DAWN

Is it Christmas Yet?

2006-12-19T12:23:00.000-06:00

I am so not feeling it this year. I wish I were more "merry" about the whole thing but I can't seem to get it going. I have packages yet to wrapped, they are just laying about in bags and boxes while the tree patiently stands there. I have stuff under it but not like normal. I haven't even baked like I usually do. Probably not even half of what I usually make. Part of that is I want my family to be a little healthier and I get blamed all the time for making sweets to often. So I feel like, "fine". Anyways, here is a photo of the poor poor Christmas tree:

The second one is a little artsy from the floor up. I guess I should have picked up on some of the more interesting ornaments from that angle but I reckon that you are lucky that I made it up off the floor to publish the photos. Gotta love the phish on the wall. Kinda just sets off the holiday mood juuuussst right.

On some knitting news I have finished a couple of more hats.

One is another Button Fly hat and the other is the Elfin hat from Hello Yarn. Love their patterns. You are probably wondering if that is all I make. Well, no but the other stuff takes a lot longer to complete. I have

Ms Merigold almost done (just the ruffle shoulders left to do
Swallow Tail shawl from Interweave Knits mag
Peace Fleece socks

I am awaiting yarn for the Kenobi Jacket (Boyfriend Sweater) in the new KnitScene. Plus, I have a ton of HandPainted yarn on the way for more -umm- hats. And I have some yarn that I think will work out lovely for the Vine Stitch Wrap in the Vogue Knitting Shawls book. I may use it for the new shawl that is up at Elann's called Sun Ray Shawl. Only mine would be in a color called Ox Blood. Yummy.

Anyway, I leave you with the latest picture of Winston who is quite the picture of a Boxer now. He has the most insane under bite I have ever seen on a dog. I will try and get a photo of that next, you will be shocked. He looks like an inverted vampire. His poor little lips get stuck in his teeth, it's quite funny.

Peace~ DAWN

Blogger Beta

2006-12-17T16:14:00.000-06:00

Well, this new easy blogger just dumped my entire post. F**k blogger and all of it's tools. God!!!! It was a good post people. Really good. But, since I have a life and shit to do you are just gonna have to do without it and you have this thing called "blogger" to thank for it.

In a nut shell:

oldest son is in N. Dakota for a week. I miss him
had office Christmas party last night/whewpeeee
slow going on knitting
haven't finished mailing christmas cards. I think I'm signing the rest and putting in the school photos and be done with it.
3 more days of work till my christmas vacation
making the most awesome of brownies just need to frost them and gorge!

Yep, that sums it up. Sorry for the outburst in the beginning. Sometimes life with technology really sucks. Most of the time it is great, though.

Peace~DAWN

Scenes of Winter

2006-12-07T11:09:00.000-06:00

It is officially winter here--there is actually snow falling. Okay, it's just flurries but in my opinion snow is snow. Here is a cardinal enjoying the cold temps. People, this bird is really far away, my awesome papparatzi camera snapped this up on hyper-zoom. I could do some damage with this thing. But, alas, I am a good person so I will keep my hyper-zoom to myself.

On a totally different note: this is what my family looked like before 8 p.m last night. Sad, isn't it? My husband, the girlfriend and two out of the three dogs--passed out for the night. Really, for the night. I also want you to look at my livingroom/kitchen area and now take a peek at your own livingroom/kitchen. Please, please tell me you have a similar existence (i.e shoes on the coffee table and a stranded paper plate with what looks to be a corndog stick on it, piles of bags and papers on every surface including chairs, random crap magnetically adhered to your fridge, and dirty dishes in and around the sink). If this sound familiar to you, high five, if not-- don't talk to me (just kidding--pass on your golden secret to the well kept house which includes, but is not limited to: 3 boys, one husband, one father, 3 dogs and an assortment of friends).

I have errands to run and a deep freeze to dig through for food for dinner tonight. Wish me luck... oh, and the boob squishing went fine. I seriously think they should give you a sucker or a cup of coffee or at the least a hug after they are done. Sheezzze!

Button Fly Hat

2006-12-05T11:06:00.000-06:00

The Grinch says, "hey, pretty lady-head, looking good". I saw a hat similar to this on my blog surfing adventures. Couldn't get the pattern up so I did it my self. Found the button at the Wal-mart (turn head and spit) and it matches perfect.
Pattern: my own
Yarn: Wool of the Andes by Knitpicks
Needles: size 7 16" circs and dpn's
**next one will be made on size 6. This fits an adult perfectly, but I like mine a little snug. I wanna know that I have a hat on.

Must get my boobs squashed in a couple of hours. Not fun but necessary. I've postponed it since the summer. When you have small boobs they have to pull from all parts of your body. It is like receiveing neck lift and having your back skinned all at the same time.
See you next go around. Peace~ DAWN

Ankle Socks Rock

2006-11-30T11:24:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished another pair of socks. They are ankle socks, but they still count. They are made of w.w. yarn on size 4 dpn's, but they still count. I like knitting with w.w yarn on size 4 needles. The socks come out a bit quicker and with the cold weather, my toes are warmer.
Pattern: my own
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted
Needles: size 4 dpn's (5 of them)
They fit really well and they are super soft. I bought the yarn out of the sale bin at KnitPixie. The color is called Gold Hill.

Did anyone see the Gilmore Girls on Tuesday night? I was totally loving it and my family new it. . . Lorelie was wearing a tee that had a skull and knitting needles on it that said "knit or go home" -- I think "knit or die trying" would have sounded better. As if that weren't enough, the town was having a Knit-a-thon to raise money to save some bridge. The town gathered in the square to knit all day long until their goal of like 7 or 8 thousand dollars was reached. When it looked like they may be there a day and them some to raise all the doe, Lorilie's new husband (Christopher, blah) donated $7,000. Tah dah, the end. Eveyone packed up their needles and went home cause the goal had been met. What a butthead. Since I am a Continental knitter I always watch how others knit to see if they are too. While watching, I noticed everyone knitting English style except for Sukie who wasn't knitting at all!! she was passing herself off as knitting by simply slipping stitches from one needle to the next. I cracked up on that one. To funny. She should have just been winding skeins of yarn into balls or something. Anyway, I got to be the one pointing out the obvious boo boo in a show for once. Usually it is my husband when it concerns the military OR cars. Go figure.

I Rock the House Big Time

2006-11-28T12:03:00.000-06:00

I love the thrift store--I really really do. . . not just because I can get rid of my unwanteds and feel good about it but because I can get all of this for under $20!
Sorry about the darkness; here is a run down: 1 pair of pants, 3 shirts, 2 books (one paperback and one hardback), a picture frame, and a little bag to keep my dpn's in. Ha! that is freakin' awesome!

This is the hardback book I found copy righted in 1971. It has some knitting stitch patterns in it along with tons of advice. I just thought it would be a nice addition to the craft library. I am so happy.

As if that weren't enough to make a kid giddy, I got a surprise package in the mail yesterday from Knitzilla (the folks I donate rad bad beanies to). I was entered in a contest for those who participate and I won this:

That is 10 skeins of Beyond Bold cotton from South West Trading Co. and some needles and a pair of cool scissors. Shout out to SWT Co. and to Knitzilla! you all are awesome! Check out the yahoo group if you think you may want to join.

And because I feel like I rocked yesterday and this morning, I am sending the Rad Bad Beanie group this package:

Thirteen knit/crocheted beanies for some awesome kids! Weeeeee

Have a great day and stay warm (or cool, whatever the case may be). Peace~ DAWN

Thanksgiving Success

2006-11-25T15:22:00.000-06:00

I trust you all had a full Thanksgiving. . . we sure did. It was beautiful here so the kids decided to sit on the deck and eat. That is some kinda good eats! Lots of fun.

There was 16 of us sharing the turkeys. One out of the 4 of my siblings was all that was missing. We had so much food and a lot of fun. No mishaps or fighting! wow! We must be grown up or something.

We all agreed to skip out on the "day after" shopping. I haven't done that in several years. Instead we went to the Jack Daniels Distillery. That says "holiday" to me. The master distiller was there signing bottles so my husband bought 2 and got the man's autograph. Moore county is a dry county however there is a small little shop inside the visitors center that is allowed to sell special bottles of Jack. They are more expensive but and we live so close we don't ever by anything there but this time since the Master was there I guess we thought, "what the hell".

Today we went hiking and tomorrow all of my company will be gone. It will be back to routine after that. Well, not routine since Christmas is right around the corner and I have nothing bought for the holidays. Don't panic.

Peace~ DAWN

Purple Daze

2006-11-20T12:56:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the extra large photo of my foot however I wanted you to get a gander at the gi-normous stone bruise that I have. It is that big on the bottom of my foot as well, just under my pinkie toe... I do not where I got it from but there it is in all of it's purple glory. Kinda pretty color. It looks like it would hurt but other that when I first discovered it and had the raised knot on the underside of my foot, it feels fine.

To keep up with the theme I have begun a purple beret. . .

I absolutely love this Ultra Alpaca from Berroco. This color is so lovely, it shifts and changes in the light. I have no earthly idea if this beret will fit me when I am done because I had a dickens of a time getting gauge and frankly, I don't trust hat gauges anyway. I also don't know how I will look in a beret... I guess we shall see. If it doesn't fit I will have to find it a home and then re-do my numbers. If it does fit-- oo la la.

It is bone chilling cold here today. Not a day for being outside for more than a couple of minutes. The wind just cuts straight through.

Some sad news. . . a client of mine lost her 25 year old son over the weekend in a motorcycle accident. It is just so sad. He had a passenger on the back and she is in serious condition with a fractured pelvis and broken leg. I can not imagine my clients pain...I just pray that her spirit is protected and that she has great support to help her deal with everything. Give your loved ones an extra squeeze today and tell them that you love them. It is important.

Peace~ DAWN

Baking and Rambling

2006-11-19T14:37:00.000-06:00

Today is pie day and I have been baking pies like a mad woman. I am trying to get as much done ahead of Thursday as I can.
So glad that Katie and Tom have tied the knot. . .whew! I can finally rest. And thank god that the media is coving eveything from the gifts that people gave to the list of those that turned down the invitation to the Scientology Wedding of the Century. Can't wait to find out if everyone took a dump the next day...
Saw "Stranger than Fiction" on Friday nite...good movie. I really enjoyed it. If you have seen it, did it take you as long as it did me to get the pun about giving her "flours". I thought it was "flowers". . . it took a few minutes to figure it out. I was thinking, "flowers, in bags? maybe it is flower seeds. Sure are a lot of seeds for a baker." Duh!
It is so ugly and dreary here today. Ugh! I am so sick of clouds and rain. This is not Seattle after all. I feel damp and moldy.
Finished another pair of socks and have cast on for some footies. Yah!
Learned what a Turduken is thanks to Paula Dean (a turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken). Odd, don't think I want any of that thanks. I prefer my poultry seperate.
Celebrating my husbands new job tonite. It is an hours drive away from here but more money that what he is making now and in one year he will move up to the next pay grade. That is a good thing. We are going to a local steakhouse and I will be enjoying the spaghetti with burnt butter sauce and some chicken marinara.

Peace~ DAWN

10 Eye Pillows and some yarn

2006-11-16T10:21:00.000-06:00

These are the eye pillows I made for the boss to give out to some of her clients for Christmas. Scented with lavender/Tangerine oil. Mmmm. . .
I seemed to have heard her wrong because when I told her I'd have them done by Friday she said, "all fifty?". 50!!! say what? I thought you said 10... she said no, she asked for 50. I chuckled and said, "well, maybe I can have 1/2 of that ready by Thanksgiving," and she said 10 was fine she'd just do some bottles of oil for the other 40 people. Okay, in my defense. . . she said 10. I know this for sure because I would never have agreed to make 50 eye pillows. Hello... not a sweat shop. I have a life. Anyway they are done and she is getting 10.

Here is a sneak peek at the scarf I stared this morning. I love the look of this simple pattern. I can't remember the website yet but when I post the finished picture with all the other pertinent info I will include the link. It is just so pretty and the baby alpaca that I'm using is super soft. Yeah!

Well, big bash at my house for Thanksgiving. 13 peeps. My family, the girlfriend, one of my sisters, my brother, his wife and the three daughters plus my dad. Whew. I may need a vacation afterwards. I have sent off one turkey to get smoked and the other will be done traditional-like. I would like to fry it cause they taste so damn good but I don't own a fryer and frankly, they scare the crap out of me. One to many "deep fried turkeys gone wrong" videos.

Peace~ DAWN

Monday Monday

2006-11-13T08:21:00.000-06:00

Well, after a weekend of cold, wet, grey weather it is nice to begin the week with a promise of 60 degrees and sunshine. It won't last but a few days but that is okay with me, I'll take it when I can get it.

We went to a Pow Wow on Saturday (I got a great appreciation for what the natives had to put up with, weather wise--burrrrrr). It was great. Lots of dancing and drumming and nice, friendly vendors. There were a couple of vendors that needed an attitude adjustment but I just turned heels and walked to the next tent, instead. I got some white sage and sweet grass along with some beads and the coolest South American Toad made of clay from New Mexico. Check him out...

Isn't he just the handsomest? The clay is really cool because it comes out in the Kiln in all sorts of swirly colors of the earth: reds, browns, yellows and black. Brilliant! The artist signed and dated the bottom.

Yesterday I made a bunch of eye pillows for my boss. She wants to give them to some of her clients as Christmas gifts. I told her I'd give her a good price on them. All that is left to do to them is fill them with flax seed and essential oils and zip them closed through the sewing machine. Then I will have a bit of sock yarn cash (hehe). Have a great start to the week. Peace~ DAWN

BEHOLD!

2006-11-09T10:41:00.000-06:00

The cutest baby hat ever! This is the Dulaan Fetching Hat by Grace. She wrote up an excellent pattern and this is the most darling hat.
Here are the particulars of the pattern plus modifications:
Yarn: Wool of the Andes (worsted weight)
Needles: Size 8 circulars (16") plus size 8 dpn's
Pattern: Dulaan Fetching Hat
Modifications: I used w.w yarn instead of bulky and size 8 needles instead of 10. This gave me a cute little baby size hat. It worked up in one day and probably used 100 yards of yarn. Right now I am working it as the pattern stated with some wonderful handpainted yarn in 100% wool. These are the beginning of my Dulaan Project donations for the year 2007.
I have so much of this wool and am so fond of this pattern that I have plans to make several. Look out!

My son is in a Veteran's Day program at school. Tonight is the big night and we get to see the big show. They have been practicing for a couple of weeks and he comes home everyday talking about it. Also, my senior is in a play at the high school which we will attend tomorrow since tonights show conflicts with the young ones.

I have also been ordering away for Christmas gifts. I am in to way close to being done however, I am happy that I have at least begun the process. Happy Day!

Who saw Kate and Sawyer getting it on in the cage in the Fall finale of Lost? how hot is he? Not really enjoying this season too much. The little man with the tumor, Ben, is way to creepy for me. WTH is up with him and his little followers? Anywho, I just wanted to applaud when the cage seen happend. To much sexual tension cannot be healthy. Release! I am continually enjoying CSI:the original, though. That comes on tonight.
Peace~ DAWN

Election Day Rain

2006-11-07T08:26:00.000-06:00

I don't know, is it a portent of things to come or just a test to see of the die hard voters are willing to weather the storm. It is raining cats and dogs here today.

We need the rain, I suppose. I'm just not a grey weather kind of gal. I have lots to do but this weather just makes me want to sit in a comfortable chair and read, knit or write and then fall asleep. Unfortunately, if I give in I will never catch up.

I have discovered something about myself... I really enjoy knitting socks. Who knew? They are fairly simple in construction (you decide how intricate to make them with the pattern for the cuff, otherwise a simple rib and you are off to the races). It is a fantastic mind numbing knit for waiting in line or on a loved one or for making good use of T.V time. "Look, I watched fluff on t.v and made a useful item to boot." I already have 3 pairs I made since the beginning of October when my class started and Soctober began. Yes, I said 3...I have this pair on the needles (finishing up the toe and soon to begin the mate) plus, I have several skeins of sock yarn already purchased and several patterns and styles I want to try. I find my other projects looking at me with wilted fiber and begging to be picked up. This is shocking to me since I stated on a couple of occasions that I would never knit a sock. Why? You can buy a perfectly good pair at the walmart. Answer: they are delightful little gems that take up little to no space and you can wear them and feel special. Nobody else has a pair of socks like these. . . anyway, if you have an aversion to hand knit socks or for some reason haven't knit any I implore you to give them a try...
Check out Knitty's tutorial, Socks 101. Read over it from top to bottom and then grab some yarn and get going. You will gain confidence with this little sock ( and you can hang it on your Christmas tree as the ornament for 2006 ).
After you have turned the heel and closed up the toe (grafting, also known as Kitchener stitch is a piece of heaven!) you will feel like a magician! Tah-Dah!!
Peace~ DAWN

SWS Mitts

2006-11-04T14:47:00.000-06:00

Spirals wrote up a great little pattern for Pretty Mitts and here are mine:

If you are in need of a quick gift and are short on funds, these really do work up with one skein and are really fast.

I have been MIA lately because I have been feeling short on time and long on stuff to get done. Blogging has been put on the bottom of the list. Hopefully, I can get myself better organized and not feel so rushed all the time. All is well on the health front around here. We had that horrible week of the dreaded stomach virus and thankfully it is over now.

Enjoy the weekend! Peace~DAWN

Singles, Doubles, and Triples

2006-10-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

Let us start with the single. This is my second Graduate. He is just too cute, is he not!!! Don't ask were the red hair came from...in real life it is more of a dirty blonde color. Although the red does look smashing on him. He is just to cute! that is his "cat that ate the canary" grin by the way.

Moving on to the doubles. They are temporarily single, however these guys are just hanging out together until their mates get made and they can begin living their lives on my hands and feet. The sock is the one from my class. We meet for the last time on Tuesday but I went ahead and finished the sock. I've started the second one and am on the heal flap portion. They look great! The mitt is from Spirals pattern. Really easy to follow and super cute to boot.

Finally, we come to the triples. These are the three amigos. As you can see, Winston loves his Buster and Timber is just glad to be in where it is full of his favorites peeps (me!) and food.

We are all on the mend around here. Just a little tummy weary. No spicy foods for the moment and still not big on large portions of anything. It seriously kicks on and off in 24 hours. The husband still has been the only one spared around these parts. I'm convinced it's the antibiotics for his finger that are keeping him well. Lucky!!

I had to post these pictures through photobucket because blogger is just not cutting anyone a break lately. What is up? It is really just the picture thing. . . the posting stuff I can deal with but I don't have an hour to waste sitting here waiting for the damn host to put up a picture. It is really bugging the hell out of me. There may be a new domain in my future if this stuff doesn't straighten out. I'm just sayin'. . .
Peace~DAWN

Virus! and not of the Computer kind

2006-10-26T15:30:00.000-05:00

Oh, the sickness has run rampant through my house. The whole vomit, diarrhea and fever thing. Everyone has had it or has it at the moment except for my husband. I sincerely hope his immune system finds a way around it. I wish this not on my most sinister enemy. Today my 78 year old dad got it. Thankfully it runs its course in 24 hours and leaves you weak and trembling. Today my stomach is still a bit if-y.

I have gotten very little done by way of knitting. Just little bits here and there. I hope by next week to be back in full swing. Until then, I wish you all a happy fall and freedom from sickness!!

Peace~DAWN

Keltic Socks

2006-10-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

In honor of Socktober I have finished my first pair of ankle socks. They are made from Berroco Keltic (1 skein!!) and a tiny bit of leftover Lionbrand WoolEase and size 5 dpn's. I took three patterns and picked out the parts of each that I liked best to come up with these little beauties. I am wearing them now with my moccasins and my feet feel cozy and warm.

In the photo you can kinda see the new tat. It has finally quite flaking and so I think I am ready for my close-up now. I will have my son take a picture and post it later. It is really a set up piece for a larger tattoo later (when I get drawn up just what I want). That is all you get for now.

Surgery boy is doing really well. He hasn't had to take anything for pain since he had the operation. He finished up his antibiotics and we go back in a few more days for a follow up exam. He has three little holes in his belly. He kinda looks like a snowman with buttons of coal.

This fall weather has felt really great! I hope where you are there is some kind of autumn feeling in the air. I love the chilly mornings and evenings and the mild days. The sky always looks so much more blue on clear fall days that at any other time in the year. Maybe it is the lack of leaves on the trees or the play of different colors from the turning leaves, I don't know. I just love bright blue skies.

Have a great day!!! Peace~ DAWN

Can You Say. . .

2006-10-12T09:40:00.000-05:00

Laparoscopic appendectomy

Well, I can. My oldest had emergency surgery last nite to have his appendix removed. It did not rupture but was perforated. He had infection starting around the appendix but he was fairly clean otherwise. He did really well in recovery so after about 2 hours of monitoring they discharged him. Now he can't drive, work or go to school for 2 weeks. Not good when you are a freshman in college but what can you do. He is moving really slowly this morning and not in to much pain. He let out a little cough earlier and the world stopped while he refocused from the pain. Anyway, if your kid says they have a stomach ache right below the belly button and then the next day or so it is on the lower right side of the abdomen, go to the doctor. Children ages 11 to 20 (esp. males) from October through May -- hot spots for appendicitis. Now you know.

I got a little sock knitting done in the waiting room. Then discovered after putting it on that I wanted the top part longer. Today I get to rip it all out. It is not the sock from class, that one is going slowly and steady. This is a little ankle sock. They will be dubbed the "hospital booties" after they are done.

My youngest got his school picture proofs back yesterday. He is just like my middle son, he doesn't like to show his teeth when he smiles. Not to mention I let him eat blue cotton candy on the way to school that morning. I know, what kind of mother am I? We won't go there, let's just say that chewing gum works wonders from removing dye from teeth in a pinch. He still didn't want to show his teeth. The pictures turned out great just the same. He loves his long hair, I couldn't even trim it up before the photo.

Have a great day and may it be uneventful in the way of emergencies. Peace~ DAWN

Great Day for a Sock Class

2006-10-10T08:40:00.000-05:00

Well, we will get to the sock saga in a moment. First of all, I wanted to share my fame (ha, ha). I received my copy of the 2007 Crochet Pattern-a-Day Calendar. I am Ms. January 5, 2007:

I'm so proud. It's a really soft and cozy scarf cause it's made with Red Heart Symphony.

We had such a great weekend. Friday I got another tattoo. I'll take a picture in a couple of days. Saturday we saw The Departed, excellent movie--Go See It!! and Sunday we went to an Irish Pub for Irish food and live Irish music. It was so much fun and the food was great and the price was really good! We sang and laughed and drank pints of Guiness (my personal favorite). Anyway, it is back to the regular work week now.

Okay, sock class is today. I am excited and all but. . . well, I found this awesome book at Books A Million (Knitting for Peace by Betty Christiansen) and I highly recommend it:

It has some great great patterns and information about charities (including personal stories of how they got started). It is just a great book for your pattern library. Inside, the second pattern was for thick socks called Peace Fleece Classic Wool Socks. I read through the pattern and found it called for size 5 dpn's and ww wool. The pattern was really well written and so I thought, "I finished my homework for sock class--6" of ribbing--what the hell".

And so this was born:

It's not the most beautiful of socks, but I made it!! hello, I made a sock! I am so full of happiness. This will remain our little secret. I don't want to go into class and be like "look what I did over the weekend". They may stone me with dpn's and yarn balls. It fits, too. I've already begun the second sock. I figure they will be nice to slip on at nite while watching t.v. My tootsies get cold and these are thick and warm. Hehe.

Got to get ready for class. Have a great week everyone. Peace~DAWN

Winston and Buster

2006-10-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

Well here is a shot of Winston with his best bud, Buster. They are such pals. Winston was laying on the blanket when Buster came over and grabbed himself some blanket, too. They love to play together. Buster gets snippy with him if he get to close when he is nawing on a bone but other than that it is pretty much like you see here.

We had a nice time roasting "MINI marshmellows" the other nite. My son wanted to poke around the firepit on the deck and all I had for roasting were the tiny marshmellows. If you stack about 5 on a skewer they toast up pretty damn quick! I since have found a package of large marshmellows but I now have a new found taste for the tiny bunch.

Hey, it's Friday!! enjoy your weekend. Yippie!! Peace~DAWN

Sock It To Me, Baby

2006-10-04T13:29:00.000-05:00

Well, I went to my first sock class yesterday and had a ball. There are 5 of us in the class and I probably have the most experience (if you can call it that). I was just flying through the casting on and knitting on DPN's (this time with four instead of my usual three). Our homework is to knit about 6" of our ribbing for the top of the sock and then we will get into the heel. Yikes! this is the part that makes me a bit nervous. All that twisting and turning and picking up and decreasing. But I know that it will be fine and I will have a spiffy pair of socks in a safe colorway made for just my tootsies. I am already thinking about the next pair and what kinds of yarn colors I want them to be. Sad isn't it.

I have had to put down the cable scarf for a bit but will work on it some when my "homework" is done. I also have started a cute little kid sweater for the Dulaan project. I ordered some nice wool from handpaintedyarn.com and am working on a pattern from One Skein (which it isn't, by the way. It takes way more than one skein and I'm sorry but one skein of 5 different colors does not qualify as "one skein" in my knitting world). I did finish this neat little hat made from Paton's SWS yarn. I love the colorway stripes. It is nice and soft and shinny.

We will probably get down all the Halloween stuff and get busy decorating the house this weekend. The young one is getting antsy. Most of our neighbors put out bales of straw and stack pumpkins and little scarecrow on top and sprinkle pots of mums in yellow and orange to add that country flair. We tend toward the macabre and do the whole scary, spidery, "turn-back-now" stuff. We are going mask shopping tomorrow for the youngest costume. He likes masks. What can I say.

Peace~ DAWN

Think Pink

2006-10-03T08:07:00.000-05:00

October is the time to bring Breast Cancer into the forefront of our culture and hopefully make some improvement in treatment. My mother passed away from breast cancer 5 years ago. I wish that on no one and hope above all hope that if you know someone with breast cancer or are fighting it yourself, that you gain strength in knowing that my prayers as well as many others are with you.

I don't know what the hell is going on in this country. WHY ARE PEOPLE SHOOTING OUR KIDS IN SCHOOL! I can't even begin to articulate how upsetting this is, how sad and deplorable. I hold these people in my thoughts and can only hope that brighter days are ahead for them as well as all of the people in the U.S. We seriously need to get a grip.

Finally on this cheer filled post, Haynesworth, you don't need to be playing football professionally anymore. Simply put, you are fired. If anyone of us went to work and stomped on a co-workers head we could bet that tomorrow we maybe looking at criminal charges and definitely no future paycheck from that company. Hello, where is the logic? Professional sports is not a game, it is a job and it comes with a heightened dose of responsibility because it is in the publics face.

I'm feeling a little disgruntled today (not enough to go out and harm people, cause I have a conscience--that was judgmental, but frankly some accountability needs to be taken and I'm tired of all the excuses--I won't even get started on Mark Foley and his appetite for teenage boys-sick bastard).

On an upbeat note: I start my sock knitting class this morning and I am really looking forward to it. Thank goodness for knitting, the seat of sanity in these insane times.
Peace and blessings to you all~DAWN

Readyl, Set, Post!!

2006-09-28T13:28:00.000-05:00

Oh my god! I have been having such a time with blogger today. Good lord! it just won't load up. . . finally I have my chance and I just hope I can get through to the end and hit "post" without any mishaps.

Well, I have a finished object to show you:

These are my second pair of Fetching Gloves. Aren't they just all that? I used 1 and a smidge of a second ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in this terrific blue. I have enough left over for a hat. HA! I made a few modification to this pair to suit my taste:

1. Knit on size 4 needles instead of size 6

2. I decreased one stitch in each section of the knit part of the ribbing on the last 4 rounds (makes it snugger around my knuckles)

3. I did a pattern BO instead of the picot.

I would say that they need to be a tad bit longer but I will wear them and love them just the same. Very soft and warm.

I am in love with a new (and yes, affordable) yarn. Ultra Alpaca from Berroco. If you can not find a color to your liking, you have issues. Not only are the colors gorgeous (and heathery) but you get over 200 yards (okay 212 yards) for about $8.00! Hello!! bonus--it is so soft and so cozy warm. Some of the names could use a bit 'o tweeking so I may just call them what I feel is appropriate. For instance, I bought the Prune Mix (yuck name, most lovely color yarn) so how's about Violet Riot? it has so many flecs of different purples in it. Also, I bought-get ready-Pea Soup Mix (yuck, yuck) so I was thinking Wheat Grass, cause that is really what it looks like. It has shades of yellow and greens mixed in, really fun color. If you get the opportunity to get your hands on some I say do it. I works up really nicely, too. I am making a hat with the violet riot and I have written up my own cable scarf pattern for the wheatgrass. When it is finished I will share the pattern.

Peace~DAWN

Charity Hats on a Roll

2006-09-24T13:19:00.000-05:00

I have been cranking out the hats for the Rad Bad Beanie deadline I set for myself. I have three more to show you. I ordered a styrofoam head on eBay so my hats will be displayed on it instead of my distracting head.

This first one is my first roll brim hat. Very simple, mind numbing knitting. I am using up bits of stash which makes me very happy. This next one is a simple ribbed hat. I got the recipe out of the latest Knit Simple magazine. I really like the way it decreases on the crown. It is like a little circle. Very neat.

And finally, another roll brimmed hat. This one is made with chunky yarn and so there is no need to stretch it out, just plop it on your head and go. I used up the last bit of Wool Ease chunky in Grass and some leftover bits of tan yarn to finish up the crown.

I hope you all have enjoyed the hat fashion show. I feel like that is all I have made lately. I am working on the second Fetching glove. My desire to finish off the washcloths has stalled out. I really hate working with cotton yarn. I don't care what brand it is (I've tried it all) nor do I care what type of needle I use (I've tried them all)-- simply put, I hate working with cotton yarn. The end result is very pretty and nice, it's just getting there.

We are enjoying some cooler, rainy weather this weekend. Perfect for knitting and watching football and smelling the pot roast in the slow cooker. I adore lazy weekends. I hope you all have enjoyed yours, too.

Peace~ DAWN

puppy face

2006-09-22T16:10:00.000-05:00

puppy face
Originally uploaded by DawnsRays.

Well, for whatever reason blogger will not accept images of Winston. . . imagine that. What sort of evil doesn't like puppy photos? He was chillin on my lap after a hard day of running around. Notice the dirt ring in the shape of a heart around his little nose. Puppy love, I tell ya, it's written all over his face.

Oh, my Knucks are residing at my LYS for the time being. I bought the yarn I used for them there and they asked if I would let them display them for all the knitting world to see. One of the owners kept walking around with them and saying to people, "see what Dawn made" "have you seen the cute gloves that Dawn made". It was kinda funny. I felt a little like a knitting rock star. Nice.

Lotorp Bag

2006-09-21T12:15:00.000-05:00

This is the LOTORP BAG from Noro Revisited:

Yarn: Noro Kureyon #51 (3 balls--I wanted my strap longer, plus I knitted on one size bigger needles than the pattern called for

Needles: size 7 straights

Finished Measurements 12" w x 22" l (this includes the strap but does not included stretching when stuff is put in the bag--it falls to my palm when full)

Lined and velcro closer added.

***** this is a 5 star knit (5 being the highest)

I have loved this bag from afar for a very long time. I finally bought the book the pattern was in and I love it! Very mindless knitting and the end result is great. I have gotten several complements on it.

Currently on my needles are a second pair of Fetching gloves (this time with a few modifications for my taste) and #4 out of 7 face clothes. I dove into the organic cotten by Blue Sky that was pictured in the last post. Very soft and wonderful cotton yarn to work with. I'm doing this one in a basket weave pattern. When all seven are complete I will do a group shot of all the cloths and the pattens I used for each.

Okay, I had some Winston photos, but Blogger is being a Butthole as usual. So maybe another time. Outtie.

Monday Already

2006-09-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

Is it Monday already? This weekend blew past me! We had a great time out on Sunday. Did the whole shopping thing (even bought a new recliner--the old one was in the permanently reclined position, soon to dump someone on their head). This one is kind of a sage green velvetine and it sits up really high. It works well with the distressed leather sofa and love seat.

I finished up my Noro purse (even lined it), started a new pair of Fetching gloves (this pair is for me) and even began my first roll-brimmed hat. I have half of a dishcloth done. This one done in a Box Stitch. It is really quite pretty. It will be a nice cloth in the bath.

Pictures tomorrow. Have a great start to your week. Peace~ DAWN

Yarn-a-luscious

2006-09-15T15:58:00.000-05:00

Oh, how I love it when my yarn comes delivered to my door. It is so satisfying.
They are all lined up enjoying the pre-fall weather here in Tennessee, waiting patiently for me to decide who gets made into what first. Ahhh, satisfaction.

Here is a little ditty I whipped up for the Rad Bad Beanies cause. It has some left over bits of wool from various projects. I have a couple more FO to share but they need finishing touches put on them first. I have almost finished #2 face cloth out of 6 for my workmates. For Christmas they are each getting a face cloth (sounds better than dishcloth and it is for the bath not the dirty dishes and counters) as well as a nice bar of handmade soap. I may slip in some handmade bathsalts as well. I haven't decided if the mood is gonna strike me or not. If I do they will be made from these Himalayan salts. Good stuff. I'm gonna make some for my family gifts for sure.

Saturday is UFO day and also get the house straightened out day. Bonus, I will be making some delicious peanutbutter oatmeal cookies. Sunday is a shopping/dinner day. I have been planning it for a couple of weeks. Big shopping at some of my favorite stores and then I will take the family out for dinner at, probably, Macaroni Grill. I CANT WAIT! Tonite I'm getting a head start on the Italian meal with a bottle of vino:

Have a great weekend everyone! Peace! DAWN

Tummy Trouble

2006-09-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

The last few days my tummy has been in distress. I don't know if it is my diet, stress, lack of exercise or (more likely) a combo of the above. So this has been my friend for the past few days:

When it is too hot out for hot tea (which it has been here) then Tazo Ice Teas are my hero. This one has lemon and ginger and is so yummy. I also love the green tea and the Simply Red which tastes just like a cinnamon apple.

We watched the conclusion of Rock Star Super Nova last nite and I have to say that I pretty much called the pick early on. They picked Lucus. I loved Dilana, but I knew that the group wasn't ballsy enough to choose a FEMALE lead singer. She really was the best in my opinion. She'll do much better with out those so called "rockers", anyway.

For your amusement I give you two billboards that are in my town and yes, they are back to back (no photo shopping here--ignore the 'hoveround'). Enjoy!

Knew Knitty

2006-09-12T10:51:00.000-05:00

First of all I {{bow}} to your generosity on my last two posts. Thank you so much for the kindness.

The new issue of knitty is out and like some others I would like to proclaim my two cents about my favorite patterns in the bunch. Here goes:

Viveka is a given. I love this top!! will I ever make it? God, I hope so.
Lucie is cute as well as Serrano. Maybe's both.
Avast, Sherwood, and Intolerable Cruelty as all awesome, but I won't make them (honestly, Intolerable Cruelty is HOT! anywho)
Here is what I will be making and have yarn for: Sugar on Snow, Twiggy Tweed, and Back to School.

All in all this is a great issue! I question the Lizard Ridge pattern. Not the pattern itself, but the amount of Noro used for this project. Pleeeeeease!! Who the hell has that kind of money to throw around. Maybe if some benefactor had a huge heart and willed me all the Noro I could stand, then I'd make it out of that yarn. Otherwise, I suggest a more ecconomical yarn in these times. The mulit colored one is gorgeous but seriously, WTF!

Musical Note: I recently purchased the new Audioslave CD and Marty Casey and Lovehammers CD. Both are great. I love Marty's voice! and both of these cd's have serious guitar playing on them (which wins honors in my book!). Chris Cornell has a voice to melt the sun and their guitarist, Tom Morello, well he has some SERIOUS tats. Check 'em out.

Have a great day, all! Peace~ DAWN

Knucks!

2006-09-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

I did it, I made my first pair of KNUCKS, half-fingers, thumb gussets and all!

I decided not to put on the message because the tweed-like coloring; my next pair will be solid so I can go crazy. I used MISTY ALPACA in sport weight and got a great pair of soft gloves that fit perfectly! I love them. Plus, I have some yarn left over that when doubled will make a nice rib to a Rad Bad hat.

Doggie update: Winston, Buster and Timber are all getting along swimmingly. They are running around and playing tug of war with their toys and it is so cute to see Winston running after Buster knowing that one day he will surpass him is size greatly.

On a gross note: we were watching "Health Inspector" last nite and I looked down at my feet and there were all three dogs licking their balls at the same time. I just thought, "how perfect. . . I really am out numbered in this house." Husband, my dad, 3 sons, and now 3 male dogs. The only time I'm not "alone" is when the girlfriend comes and stays for the weekends. More girly things in the bathroom and smells of perfume and not gas! Yay!!

Happy Weekend! Peace~ DAWN

Blog Roll

2006-09-09T09:07:00.000-05:00

Auntie Amanda Knits
Bron's Blog
Crochet Chronicles
Fiber Fetishist
Grace Knits Alot
Good Yarns
Jewels Crochet
Knit and Tonic
Knit Witch
Knotty Mouse
girl + dirt
Lana Knits
Marnie Talks
Midnight Knitter
MimKnits
the Panopticon
Persnickety Knitter
Punk Rock Knitter
Red Threads
Savannachik Knits
Simply Sock Yarn Co. Blog
Spirals
Tiny Happy
Walking the Wall
Yarnball Boogie
Yarn Harlot
Yarn Over
Zephyr

Simple Knits

2006-09-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

From the Spring 2006 Interweave Knits mag, the Streakers Shrug:

I made mine in Highland Wool from Elann.com. I used 5 balls of the darker blue and 2 of the grey. I followed the pattern exactally (shock!) and it fits just fine, yippie!

I love the lacy cuffs and the fact that I can wear this in my house when I get chilly and it won't get in the way by being to bulky. If you like shrugs (which I do) then this is a nice pattern with enough variation to make it interesting. One thing I learned: don't block ribbing--it takes out the elasticity. I know, I know, "DUH" but we all can't be brilliant all at once, what fun would that be?

Oh, and it only took me a couple of months to crank out. That was sarcasum. I tend to knit three to five things at once and therefore nothing gets done overly quick.

Here is a sneak peek at the next project that will be off the needles soon. I would say by this weekend, but I have to work Saturday and that is going to cut into the knitting time considerably. These are the Knucks from knitty.com. My first attempt at fingers (sorta). I have finished one of them and am glad to report it fits fine so I am excited about getting this one done. I won't put any words on this pair, but the next pair will have a little someum' someum'.

Cheers!

It's Yarnival Time

2006-09-06T14:12:00.000-05:00

Because we don't have enough to do on the web, here is a link to a new site that promises to increase our blogroll (or at least the time we spend in front of the computer):

Go, browse, become inlightened. See you tomorrow with pictures of the Interweave Shrug. Does it fit, are the seams straight, would I recommend this pattern to anyone? Tune in tomorrow to find out the answers to these important questions and MORE!

Peace~ DAWN

Random House

2006-09-03T18:09:00.000-05:00

This is the house that the husband built for the young one. He rarely uses it. Go figure. The oldest one wanted to know if he could abuse it with some spray paint inside so I said go for it. It is to tiny to take pictures, but it is pretty awesome. Then to appease the young one who was not happy about the graffiti, he put on the young ones favorite band of all time (and mine as well) on the outside. If it was a bit bigger I'd play in it.

First 5 songs on the shuffle play of the iPod today:

Firestarter by Prodigy
Me and Julio by Paul Simon
Both Hands by Ani DiFranco
Something So Strong by Crowded House
**bonus Dreaming by Blondie

I am reading Frankenstein now. I was saving it for October but I'm sure it will take me through October to get through it (since I'm slow don't cha know). So far it is really good. As I read it, it is hard for me to comprehend that a young woman of 19 wrote this book in the budding 1800's. Not only that but she lived through some really horrible things in her life. Lots of death. It is not hard to read like some classics can be.

Happy Labor Day to everyone. Peace~DAWN

Oh, Delicious Yarn

2006-09-02T08:31:00.000-05:00

I discovered the most awesome on-line store. It is YARN RESCUE and though she may not have a lot of yarn in stock, if you can find the yarn that is meant to be recued by you and sent to make the most unique of things, then you too can have something like this:
She is called IZZY and she is 276 yards of bulky goodness that use to be a cropped length turtle neck sweater from Old Navy. Now she will become an Anthropologie Caplet for moi! Soft chocolate, raspberry and strawberry colors that will live happily on me in the (hopfully) near future. My Knit Picks catalog also came in the mail. Happy days!

This weekend will be dedicated to finishing up the Interweaves Shrug. I finished both cuffs and all I have left is:

steam block the cuffs
seam the side seams
weave in the yarn ends
try it on and either a) jump for joy cause it fits me or b) cry hysterically because it doesn't

Till then peeps, have a great Labor Day weekend and may your mailboxes overflow with fiber goodness;)

Peace~DAWN

Do You See Trees?

2006-08-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but when I look at the lacy cuffs on this shrug I see trees. I think they are so cute. One sleeve down and one to go. I may have this thing done by the time a good stiff cool breeze comes to Tennessee!

Quiet vs. Shy: Most often shy people are quiet people. They tend not to overly talk. There are rumors out there that a lot of actors are really quite shy and that acting is an outlet for what they wish they could say or do in their real lives. That is a whole psychological thing I'm not prepared to get into. Quiet people on the other hand are most often not shy. My middle son for example. I have a house full of guys and by in large they are all very boisterous. My husband and youngest being the loudest. My middle son is the most quiet. He talks rather low and loves to talk but only when he has something to talk about. He is probably the most opinionated of the three boys and has never been "shy" about telling his point of view. As a matter of fact, he is hard to persuade otherwise. Also, he will speak up for himself and take matters into his own hands quicker than you can blink. When problems arise at school or things happen away from home and I say, "Well, you need to . . ." I am often interrupted by, "I've already taken care of it." Pardon me. So, he has a job and it is working with the chiropractors father in law at his winery. She (the chiropractor I work for) met him the other day for the first time and said to me later, "Your son is really shy." I just looked at her, kind of blank and glazed over. Then I smiled. I smiled because I thought #1 you really don't know him do you and #2 oh, you'll see how shy he can be if he feels he needs to speak up. Ha!! anyway, I just thought it was interesting the whole quiet/shy thing.

We had a "pee-free" night in the house last nite. Winston did not pee in the bathroom. I looked and looked and no wet spots to be found. Don't get all congratulatory because the day before he peed in the house 3 times in the span of 2 hours. We were not amused.

Watched the first episode of the season of "Bones" last night. I love that show. Can't wait for the new season of all of my favorites to start. We watch way to much tv in our house, like most Americans I would guess. Oh well, have a great day. . . Peace~DAWN

Shrug "Skin"

2006-08-29T09:14:00.000-05:00

Ooo, those colors look sickly! yuck! sorry about that. The lighting in my dining room is dim so the colors look washed out. Anyway, that is the Interweaves shrug. It was taking a blocking break for a few hours. Now I am working on the lace sleeve/wrist part. It is coming along nicely. I just hope it fits!!

Winston is taking a snooze. He is doing really well. Way to much energy sometimes for the other two who run from him like he has cooties. He is pretty good about going pee and poop outside. Yesterday, he went into the kitchen to pee. At least it was on linoleum this time and not carpet.

We had a very hectic weekend. It felt like all we did was get in the car and go somewhere. I am looking forward to this coming weekend where I plan on doing a lot of nothing in the comfort of my own home. I do have big plans for cleaning my house in the near future. Stop laughing. Stop it. Anyway, I want to go room by room and completely empty out the contents and put back only what we really use/want. I have so much crap it is not even funny! My organizational skills in the past year are practically non existent. In my bedroom alone me and my husband are literally drowning in clothing. It is everywhere. Who could possibly wear that many clothes? Obviously not us. We definately are in the US consumer mode. Not proud, just saying...

Okay, the first room to be gutted is the bathroom (start small, that is always a good confidence builder). Here I go. . . Peace~ DAWN

Quote

2006-08-26T08:26:00.000-05:00

"If you are overly empathic, you struggle when you see someone else in pain; you want to make it go away. But if your empathy extends to taking on someone else's Karma by trying to take away pain, you're invading that person's boundaries. The same is true if you allow others to invade your psychic space. It may sound callous, but sometimes letting others struggle to find their own way can be the greater gift."
~Yoga Journal MAY 2006

I never thought of it as taking on someone else's karma before. When I read that, it really made me think. I liked it and thought I'd share it with you.

Peace~DAWN

Last days of Summer

2006-08-24T10:32:00.000-05:00

Well, the college boy has two days left of "summer". He begins his classes on Monday! The girlfriend arrived in town yesterday and this weekend we will help her get settled in her dorm. They are off to do some registration stuff and to get their books today. I'm so nervous for them.

There is knitterly things going on in my home, but alas, they are in the boring "blob-like" state. I have almost finished the body of the InterweaveKnits shrug and then I need to block it and add the cuffs. It is looking good and I am so excited for cool weather so I can wear it. Did I just say I was excited for cool weather. Hmmm, odd. I am also working on another hat for donation but I'm not crazy about this one. That is probably why it has been on the needles for over a week.

Puppy love is growing around here. Timber and Buster are being more playful with Winston. Timber is much older so he tolerates him like an uncle would while Buster is still a youngin' himself so he is up for some tusseling every now and again. I just wonder how the deck will be stacked when the boxer puts on his extra 40+ pounds and little 20 lb. Buster stays the same. Interesting.

Peace~DAWN

What the Harlot Says,

2006-08-22T14:06:00.000-05:00

What the Yarn Harlot says, Dawn does (well, at least in this case):

In the chapter on "Know Your Stuff", the harlot suggested putting all printed out patterns in file folders on your bookshelf so that you could go directly to them or stuff them directly back in when you where done. I thought that was brilliant! Why have I been messing with trying to stuff them in a labeled binder in individual plastic keepers? It is only more steps to follow and more steps lead to procrastination and that leads to just plain not doing it at all. Which means you have pattern bits laying all over the place and you can never find the one you want. So, I took the advice and walah! I am happy and semi-organized.

And because some of you asked for it (and some of you didn't, but you know you wanted it), here is another glamour shot of Winston:

I know, I know. You could just eat him up. Look at his little face! There is nothing better than puppies and babies. Peace~ DAWN

"Fetching" Winston

2006-08-20T12:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome the newest addition to our stable of dogs. This is Winston, a 10 week old Boxer. He is just too cute for words. All I wanted to do was stop by and see all the boxers in the back of the pick up truck. I just wanted to smell them. There is nothing like puppy smell. Next thing I know my husband (who is a boxer freak and has been jonesing for one since our last boxer died in 1999) is making the guys an offer and already pointing out the one he wants!! Hey, hey!! I just wanted to smell them. . . now we have 3 dogs. The other two are over joyed. Well, my german shepard is anyway. The beagle is jealous to beat the band.

On my "paws" are the Fetching gloves at Knitty. I just finished them this morning and thought that they would be cute with the dog. Here they are alone:

Stats: Fetching pattern

One ball each of Debbie Bliss Merino Aran wool in green and blue

Size 6 DPN's

Here is what I learned: 1)Debbie Bliss merino aran only has 76 yards, not 98 like the cashmerino aran. It was on sale at my LYS for $2.40! so I bought 2 balls thinking I'd make one pair of blue and one pair of green. Not! so I compromised and made one pair of blue/green gloves. 2)Read the pattern and follow "as is", not "read into the pattern". I literally for 2 days stressed over the hole for the thumb because I was reading INTO the pattern and not following it as it was written. I woke up at 4 a.m on Thursday after dreaming about it and finally figured it out. Now that is knitting dedication. No one should ever question my commitment to this craft, EVER! 3) I don't like the picot bind off and will not do it on my next pair. So there. I added a few extra rows to the thumb and I will make my next pair longer to cover more of my fingers. Otherwise: Great pattern and very useful fall gloves. Make a pair--I dare ya.

From Blue to Green

2006-08-15T14:27:00.000-05:00

The concert was awesome! We had the best seats. We were in Row 9 and maybe 2 seats away from being dead center. The kids had a blast. The young one grew a bit tired ( Lynyrd Sknyrd didn't take the stage till 9:30). It was a sold out show, so leaving the arena took forever. We made it home safe and sound.

These are a pair of fingerless mitts I'm working one. It is the third time I started them and got to about this point before frogging. The first time was because I twisted the cables all to hell and back. The second was because I realized I was using the wrong yarn and my yardage was off and finally the third time is the charm. I decided to make then bi-colored and that way I don't have to purchase anymore yarn. I know, blastphemy, however, we still need to eat and pay bills so. . .

The other day when were going somewhere my husband called me to the drivers side of the truck and pointed to this:

It is a cicada bug breaking free from its crunchy cocoon. Look at how fluorescent green he is! Incredible! It kinda looked like a vampire hanging down. We took a different car so that it could complete it's transformation undisturbed.

Peace~DAWN

Lighters Raised, Please

2006-08-12T14:46:00.000-05:00

Tonite we are taking all three of the kids to their first concert. We are going to see Lynyrd Skynyrd and we have really good seats! Me and the husband saw them in concert last year when they were in Nashville and they were filming their concert DVD. We bought the DVD when it came out and my husband says he can "kinda see us", but I am doubtful that those two dots are us. Anyway, we are all (5 of us) going this time. Yes, it was an expensive purchase. Luckily we bought the tickets months ago before all of the shit hit the fan.

I was in the mood and the need of a finished object that didn't reject me, so I decided it was time for another Rad Bad Beanie and I came up with the London Beanie from my stash of patterns. I made a few modifications for it and it turned out great. I have so much yarn in my stash and this pattern worked up in a couple of hours so I think I am gonna try and crank out one a week for the next 4 to 6 weeks and get a nice pile of hats ready to send in time for the cold weather.

The young one was quite pissed at me for something or other and so I had him model for me to take his mind off of it. Nice, huh? Have a great weekend. Peace~DAWN

Let the Block Party Begin

2006-08-10T09:20:00.000-05:00

Well, I have begun blocking the "under done" Seraphim. Here she is being drowned in the bathtub:

And here she is after a bit of strangling:

And finally, here is is being "blocked" on my dining room table. You should know that my table hasn't been this cleaned off in a very long time.

When she is done, I will take measurements and pose with her. Even though my Seraphim doesn't look like all the others out there, I will love her just the same. She is pretty, warm, soft and light.

thanks to all of you who left me such encouraging comments on my last post. I hate to be a blogging whiner but I had been pushed to the edge that particular day and just need to vent without any reprocussions. Thanks for not flippin me the bird and telling me to get over myself.

Have a great day! Peace~ DAWN

The Time of the Locust

2006-08-08T12:14:00.000-05:00

Well, apparently my life has run off road and I am being pelted by a swarm of locust. All was going along smoothly and then

$200 dollar tune up on one car
husband gets a job with better benefits but much lower pay
fuel pump goes out in the other car ($360)
oldest starting college (supplies plus new laptop)
other two starting school (supplies plus lunch money everyday)
I may have to pay back almost $2000 to insurance because they, Blue Cross Blue Sheid, don't want to pay for the massages that some clients got in conjunction with their chiro adjustment. They paid for them in Sept. thru Dec. of last year but now they say, "uh, no." Thanks, dickheads.
Bonus locust. . . gas prices are on their way up and 2 people in my household (husband and oldest son) have to drive 40miles each way to work/school.

Apparently the ebb and flow of life has just hit me with a huge ass undertoe. Lovely.

In knitting news (which is why you are here, right?): Serephim got fucked up over the weekend. DO NOT KNIT LACE WHILE FAMILY IS AROUND!! I dropped some stitiches, thought I picked them up correctly, was interupted several times and lost my place so with just under 20 rows left. . . Anyway, I just bound it off and before blocking I have this:

After I block it, I will post a picture. I am so depressed over it... anyway, I am going back and forth now between size 3 needles and size 10 needles for Icarus and the Interweave Knits shrug:

Interesting how they are both in blue. Kinda how I feel. I can't wait to get the shrug done (god, please let it fit me). This yarn is so soft and warm, I will love wearing it in the fall. Better days, people...Peace~DAWN

Oh, I almost forgot... the Taledaga Nights movie was really funny. It was a bit over the top, but still really good. My favorite character was Ricky's dad (he didn't have a lot of parts, but when he did, I laughed my ass off).

Movin' On

2006-08-04T18:30:00.000-05:00

My sister is moving into a new appartment. We are goinig to be helping her most of the day Saturday. It shouldn't take too long since she has been making mini hauls over to the new place all week. She is really excited. . . this is the first time in a lot of years where she doesn't have a room mate. Afterwards, we are going to see "Taladega Nights: the ballad of Ricky Bobby". My husband is a huge Nascar fan and we both love Will Ferrell, so we are looking forward to this film.

We are finally getting a bit of rain as I type this up. We have been so dry here in Tennessee lately. Some of the trees in my yard have literally dried up. They have already lost their leaves and are bare to the bone. The ground is so hard, it will take more rain than what we will end up with to quinch the earth, but hey, at least it is something.

I ended up having to place an order with KnitPicks for somemore yarn for Ms. Marigold. The pattern so far is really well written and fun to do, but the yarn yardage is way off. I am even using the yarn that was recommened (which I rarely do, so go figure). And yes, I even did a gauge swatch that came out right. So far it looks like it will fit fine. Also, I needed a couple of more skeins of yarn for my Serephim shawl. I have hit a wall with it since I got back from vacation. I have two projects that I really want to make headway with before I get back into the lace ( it is very time consuming).

The Praying Mantis was on our deck railing. He is probably about 2 inches long:
Patient, perceptive and focused this little totem holds a powerful message. When it appears in your life it is asking you to direct your energy, your thoughts or your actions in a different way. Asking the following questions can give you the insight necessary to motivate appropriate changes. Have I lost patience with a particular situation? Have I been too patient, and if so, has this had a detrimental affect on me? Is my perception correct regarding a situation? Have I become narrow minded? Am I focused on my objective? Perception through stillness is part of its teaching.

Well, have a great weekend everyone. I will let you know how we liked the movie. . . till then, Peace~DAWN

Slow Poke

2006-08-03T15:19:00.000-05:00

I am not "slow"; but I read like I am. How long has Ahab's Wife been on my reading now list? ah, since March!! Yikes! I can't help that I am only able to take to one passion at a time. Knit/crochet or read. Read or paint. Paint or make jewelry. Make jewelry or. . . you get the point.

This is where I questions those people who devour books. . . you know who you are. You read a book in like a week or two and your off to the next one. What is that all about. Do you speed read or skip pages. What gives? It is like you swallow down the words like jello, never having to let your teeth work to get it all down. Me-- well, I read (relatively slowly, I guess) but in addition to that I read words, sentences, paragraphs over, sereral times (on purpose, thank you). I ponder what I read and sometimes close the book to savor all those words up to that point. I will wait days with the image of the people and their situations as they are, suspended until I think I am ready to move on with them. So it was with this book. The whole thing fascinated me! The detail Sena went into about whaling and lighthouses and sewing and just everything. It was great. I never new there was so much involved in whaling and sailing; it was inspiring to read and want to research more about the topic. I love how she made Ahab a real person on land and how Sena gave the female heroin such a voice and sense of self. I highly recommend this book. I promise it is a much easier read than my many months of reading it may imply. I am moving on to Death Be Not Proud. It is much thinner (but a bit heavier); hopefully it won't take me all autumn to finish. I have a date to read Frankenstein in the fall. . .

p.s. I have begun reading my new book and coincidentally have run across this passage: "When he read a book, he would often stop, as if considering what he had read, then go back and read something over." Ha! I am not alone.

Everybody Loves Chocolate

2006-08-03T07:21:00.000-05:00

This--This is the phone that I want!!

It is the new Chocolate Phone from Verizon (which is my carrier, so hopefully I will get a bit of a discount since I am already a customer). It is so awesome! and it comes out on Monday. I will have to check it out and hold it in my little hand to make the final decision. Yippie!!

Okay, More Photos

2006-08-02T14:06:00.000-05:00

So, I lied. Here are a few more photos of our trip. Here are the "boys" at the Daytona 500 Speedway:

And here we are standing on a piece of the original Daytona Road when the race was half road half beach:

And finally, posing as Space Nuts at the Kennedy Space Center:

Mostly, I don't have a lot of knitting content at the moment, so I am posting "photo filler". I did a trial run at a pair of Knucks from Knitty. I love fingerless mitts! and so this issue was a dream for me. I still feel like all thumbs when I use DPN's, but I figure the more I try using them the better I will get. The trial run at the pattern was using a fingering weight yarn and size 3 needles, so maybe with the correct yarn and neddle size, it will be better. Looks like a visit to the LYS, ahh.

I am going to state the obvious for all of those living in the U.S. . . it is HOT~!!!! outside. I don't care how quickly you move from the car to any building with AC, you end up with sweaty pits. I love summer, however so that will be the end of my complaining. When the cold weather arrives, you'll read me bitching much much more;)

Peace~ DAWN

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

2006-07-30T14:08:00.000-05:00

Who wants pictures? Blogger, don't fail me now. Here is a couple of shots of the Noro Rib hat that I just finished. It is done with # 204, a very cool colorway I think:

And just so you don't think I was lying about going to the beach, here are some shots of Flagler and there "orange" sand. Yes, it really is orange and very chunky--

The beach is made up of these shells all crushed up--that is hubby giving the "peace" sign:

Some cheesecake:

And finally, an early morning kind stranger took mine and my husbands picture so that we could actually prove we vacationed together:

The kids were there, too but you don't need to see all of that. This blog could never hold all the photos that we took. Sheeeez! we had such a blast! Peace~DAWN

2006-07-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

You know how it is. . . you get back from a trip and it is like setting up house all over again. You want to do the things you love (like knitting and reading and playing) but other things take priority (like laundry, grocery shopping and work).

So, today was the first day back at work after a much need break. Not too much happened while I was away (just the way I like it). One of the therapists is leaving after today so we will be down to 4 (that is four therapists sharing 2 rooms, which if you ask me is plenty). The boss lady wants to squeeze too many people into this small office space and it is getting a bit cramped. Any who. . . I was glad to get back to the business that I love and that is helping others to heal themselves. Very important, people. . . take care of yourselves in the best way you can afford. It will make a ton of difference in your golden years. You don't want to be shaped like a lower case "f" do you--all stiff and stooped.

Can you believe that the whole time I was away I didn't pick up a knitting needle or crochet hook once!! not once. I took projects with me, but they just stayed in the bag. Needless to say, I have been busy with my needles and yarn in any spare moments that I can drag up. I am hard at work on Ms. Marigold and I have begun a ribbed Noro Silk hat. I love Noro and was having stripe withdrawals. I feel so much better, now. Oh!! oh! before I left for vacation, I stopped off at the LYS to pick up the hat yarn and they were having a drawing. You reached in a fish bowl and pulled out a piece of paper with a prize on it. I won a free class! Yippie for me! I plan on using it for a beginners sock class (hopefully this fall). That, by the way, was a the big prize. I still can't believe it. Must mean I am suppose to learn something.

Anyway, I hope to dazzle you all with a few photos this weekend. We had to totally dump our laptops memory because we got infected with a killer virus. It is like a brand new baby. I am still discovering things I may never get back. Also, the girlfriend is leaving for N.D tomorrow. It has been two weeks with her here and all has gone well. She will be back in a few weeks; only this time in the dorms at their college. My son is commuting, so there will be a little distance to travel for dates. Awww...
Peace~ DAWN

We Are Returned

2006-07-26T15:56:00.000-05:00

So we made it safely back to our home. All is well and we are rested and flat broke. We had a hell of a vacation. Here is a concise list of our doings:

beach
Kennedy Space Center
beach
deep sea fishing (only the husband caught a fish from our humble group)
beach
Universal's Adventure Island (where I met Spiderman! got soaked by the most disgusting water imaginable on the rip saw river log, had a blast on the other rides, paid way to much for the "fast pass" privilege, and ate at and entertained most of the Hard Rock Cafe patrons)
beach
drove to Flagler Beach and decided that it was not the best or even close to the next best beach in Florida
went to Daytona 500 speedway and celebrated my 40th!!! birthday by riding in a nascar at speeds of 170 mph 3 laps around the Daytona speedway! wooooo hoooooo, lots of fun that was
beach

Alas, time and money ran out (money much faster than time, so thanks to credit cards we were able to continue till the end). I have to go back to work on Friday and make oodles of greenbacks to pay for this trip 'o fun. We had a blast and most important, the kids have some great memories. Not to mention getting to tell every person in Florida that they could, that I was 40! nice kids.

Great to be home and back to my routine. Oh, and I would like to give a big shout out to my dad who on this day (July 26th in the year 2006) made a HOLE IN ONE at the golf course. He had a witness and the ball may soon be bronzed. **golf clap** everyone. . .

Peace~DAWN

We're Outtie

2006-07-14T10:58:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I didn't get the work in progress pictures up like I thought I might. My bad.

We are leaving tonite for our 12 day vacation to Florida, so I have been busy with pre-vacation planning and errands. Today is not any better. I still have to pack for me (can you believe all the kids have their bags ready to go). I need to run to the bank and drop one of the cars off to get a tune up while we're gone. Plus, the truck needs to be packed and I have to get my knitting projects sealed in zip-lock bags to take along. There will be 3 projects: a Turkish grocery bag, a Noro hat and the Ms Marigold.

Please check back around the 26th or 27th of July and I will be up and running again. In the meantime, happy crafting and enjoy the rest of your summer!! Peace~ DAWN

Mark My Stitch

2006-07-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

Between working on Ms. Marigold and doing laundry, I decided to make up a few beaded stitch markers for myself. I have been using some ugly plastic rings (which serve their purpose, but are not attractive by any means) or just plain old jump rings. These are much more to my liking. I have tons of beads that just sit in their tubs waiting to be made into something, anything. I have a compulsion to buy beads, yarn, rubber stamps, pens, paper, tea, perfume/oils, books, and candles. I can't help myself. My house looks like a big dry goods store. My family may revolt one day but that would mean they would have to give up model cars, toy cars, video games, car magazines, skateboard parts and anything remotely to do with tools. Hmm, I don't see a revolution on the horizon. Oh, and I forgot to mention chocolate. I buy a lot of chocolate.

Interesting note(Sunday). I was watching a bird take a bath in the yard today and then it hopped into a nearby bush to preen and dry off. It hopped out of the bush carrying a cheeto. It layed it down and continued to preen for several minutes right in front of me. When it was done it kind of touched the cheeto and then flew off. Now, either the bird thought the cheeto was more of a berry and then said, "shit" and left it there OR it liked me and brought me a cheeto as an offering. I don't know, but it sat there very close to me preening and churping for a really long time. {I just left the cheeto; it was obviously past the 5 second rule}

Well, the house is clean (enough) and the sheets and new pillow have been bought. All that is left is to pick up the girlfriend tonite. Funny: we won't get back to the house till late and both son #1 and the g.f. have to get up at about 6:00 a.m to make it to the college by 7:30 a.m for her orientation. It is a two day thing, so they will have to do it again on Wednesday!! Ha, ha, ha! Second funny, Son #1 already had to sit through this for himself and now he will do it again for his "love". Sweet, no?

Tomorrow I will post progress pictures on the three projects I have on the needles. There will be a fourth joining the fray soon (a nice take along project for our vacation--we leave Friday nite--oooooooo, can't wait). Peace~ DAWN

DragonWater Tea

2006-07-08T08:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a photo of my most delicious order from Dragonwater Tea. This is a really great tea company to order from. {the honey, by the way is super yummy}. This order took less than a week to get to me. The sample packs make several cups of tea and are cheap. The larger quantities depend on the kind of tea you are ordering. They also ship a free sample {mine was the Hibiscus Lemon}. If you are looking for something different, give then a look see.

Pirates 2: Yo ho ho and a bottle of Rum, go see this movie for a boatload of Fun!! It was awesome!! So much fun to watch: funny, gross, exciting--skrew joining the circus, lets become Pirates!

Monday nite, the girlfriend arrives for 2 weeks. She will be going on vacation with us and then returning to N. Dakota to pack up for her move here to go to college with son #1. He is so excited! I can't wait for our Florida trip. We have plans to go to several places but my main plan of attack is laying on the beach, doing NOTHING!!! The first person that says, "oh, my shoulder/back hurts, can you massage me?" gets the smack down brought upon him. Mark my words.

I cast on for the Ms. Marigold 3 times. Three times I got to row 5 and 2 times I had to rip it out. Finally, finally! I am about to begin row 9. It was no fault of the pattern. First time I cast on way to tightly and the second time someone knocked it off the needles. Yeh, not a good time in my house. I just finished the second chart on the Serephim shawl! yippie!! only 2 charts to go. I think I'm gonna need one more skein of yarn to complete it, though. I will wait to order it when I get back from vacation. That is all for today, have a great weekend! oh, and go see the Pirates Deadman's Chest-- you will love it!

We Are Alive!

2006-07-07T15:22:00.000-05:00

I'm sure you weren't scared that we would blow ourselves up, but seriously, this is one of the fireworks tech's at our house:

We had a great fourth. Not without a few finger burns, one forehead burn and some falling debree in the eyes. All in all it was a blast. We saved a few fireworks for when the girlfriend arrives next week. They can't shoot off fireworks on base in N. Dakota (or any military base for that matter).

We have been having awesome weather the past few days and my garden is loving it! Before, it was common to come home from work and see the leaves wilting from the heat. Now we have sights like this:

This was a volunteer, by the way. We didn't plant it, it just sprung up in the front yard where the roses and blackeyed susan's are planted. It is gorgeous and the bees are gonna get some sweet honey outta it.

In honor of Johnny Depp and the Pirate movie {which we are going to see in a few hours} here is a little booty:

ARRRRRRRRR! ~DAWN

Help! I Need These

2006-07-02T06:12:00.000-05:00

Okay, "need" may be a little extreme, but truly--check out JACK SPARROW'S FAVORITE SOCKS and tell me that you don't covet them, too. So here is my problem: I haven't worked up the skills to make socks, let alone the patterning at the top, so if some nice person who loves to make socks wants to, say, make me a pair--the reward would be great. If not, make them for yourself and make me envious. Wow, I've sunk to the level of using my blog to grovel for stuff. Sad maybe, but if it works, worth it...

Baby Got Gauge!

I started the top from Elann and so far so good. The yarn if very stiff to work with; it is 100% cotton and I think that the dye has made it stiff like cardboard. I love the colorway and hope that with a good washing or two it will soften right up.

We spent mucho bucks on fireworks yesterday and the husband got this:

for $20. As we were leaving [the third fireworks vender] they said they would be having half off of half off on the 4th. My husband, jokingly pointed to the $80 can of explosives and said, "let me know when you mark this down to $20." The guy says, "you want it for twenty? Take it." Well, you don't have to tell my husband twice. His wallet was open and we were at the car like a flash. So BIG goings on at our house on the 4th. Be Safe!! Peace~ DAWN

Hooty says, "Nice Stash, man"

2006-06-30T15:32:00.000-05:00

For two days the postman has smiled upon me. . . I got my Knitpicks order yesterday and today I got my Elann order. Love yarn daze.

The ribbon yarn from Elann is going to become the CHAT PRINT YARN OVER SHELL and the Elegance in "redwood" is going to become MS. MARIGOLD . In my case it will be Ms. Redwood, but whatever, I love this sweater vest.
I also picked up a Knitpicks Classic Circular needle in size 3 for an upcoming lace project. They look like increadable needles.
Also, I bought Folk Shawls by Cheryl Oberle. 25 patterns in this book people and very very do-able.
Last, but not least Elizabeth I lace scarf patterns. I have always wanted to make these lace scarves. Everytime I pick up the KnitPicks catalog and see the pattern in there I would think, "man, I wish I could knit so I could make those scarves", well--ta dah!

We have had laptop problems for the last two days and good luck getting on the regular PC with my sons out of school. That is why there is such a lag in post time. I wasn't fishing for good wishes on my anniversary, I swear. Thanks to those who left comments, though.

I am so looking forward to having the next 4 days off!! it will be like a mini vacation before the big vacation. We don't have big plans for the 4th of July. Just cooking out and watching some fireworks and coming home and shooting off fireworks. You know, the basic All American celebration, woo-hoo! {maybe I'll have a swatch to show you next time}.

Happy Anniversary 19 YEARS!!

2006-06-27T14:47:00.000-05:00

Oooo, 1987 was a very good year!!

I DO!

Peace,

DAWN

Whoooo is up for a FO?

2006-06-26T14:18:00.000-05:00

This is the Asymmetrical Cable Hat from OneSkein.
Finished Size: adult
Yarn: chunky alpaca from my LYS
Needles: size 11 20" circulars [addi turbos!]
Love this hat. I changed the top. Instead of putting on a pompom {blah!} I folded the top into a square pleat and sewed it together. There are 5 different cables on this hat~! which means you can wear it several ways for a different look. If you you choose to make this hat, use the smallest dimesions given--it is ribbie so it stretches alot! I made it in the second smallest size and it is roomy on my head. I'm gonna make 2 more in LionBrand Wool Ease chunky.

Now, WHOOO is up for some fun? I think I have found my Wild Yarn Mascot:

This is Hooty. Hooty has been making his way into various places in our house ever since one of my son's friends thought he was a bit creepy and popped him around a door to scare the other son on the computer. He has since popped up over my shoulder while knitting {not a bright idea} and poked his head into the bathroom while I was, well, occupied.

Right now, Hooty is waiting in son #2's bed. Should be interesting. So, don't be surprised if you see Hooty admiring yarn or projects or peering over the shoulder of some unsuspecting model on this blog. I rather like him. . . creepy, mmm but who could resist those big yellow eyes?

Sunday, Rainy Sunday

2006-06-25T12:07:00.000-05:00

Woke up this morning to sunshine which quickly gave way to drenching rain (which we need, desperately). It is of no concern to me. You see, we spent the last 2 days at MTSU for Customs--which in real people speak means--"hours and hours of boring lectures and tours of a college campus that both me and my husband went to." We got the oldest kinda familiar with the grounds and he is registered for his fall classes. He will be commuting from home each day {yeah, well. . . we have another going to college next year so we are saving money anyway we can}. Anyway. . . today is lazy, catch up on knitting, laundry and nap day for me. What everyone else in the house is doing, I don't know or care. I am chillin'.

I do have a finished object to show off but because of the rain, I can't get a decent picture. I hope to get it on digital soon and I'll post it tomorrow. It is the cable hat (which turned out so cool and will be a great addition to the Rad Bad Beanie box).

While sitting through a boring lecture yesterday and waiting for the oldest to finish registration, I did finish knitting a cute little Baby Raglan Cardi. I need to seam the arms and weave in the ends (all of which are my most favorite part of knitting and crocheting--NOT).

Three weeks till our Florida Vacation!! yippie!! I can not wait.

Serephim Update Tuesday

2006-06-20T07:29:00.000-05:00

Well, there are no photos with this post. I am half way through with chart #1 and right now it is only poking holes in various parts of the shawl (not too interesting, yet).

Bonnaroo is over. . . I heard that Tom Petty had STEVIE NICKS as a special guest during his set on Friday night. I can't believe it. . . I love me some Stevie.

Friday and Saturday we are going to MTSU to orientation for our oldest. He is entering college and I'm scared.

I made the mistake of committing myself to work on Thursday (usually my day off) and I am totally regretting it. I want to sit in the sun and relax but alas, I opened my big mouth and said, "sure". Now I have to work till 7:30 pm. Ack!!

Oh, today is not only Serephim Update day, but also:

Yes, Rescue Me is on tonight!! It is my guilty pleasure of the summer. I love this show! It is so raw and Denis Leary is so awesome, I can't help myself. Have a great Tuesday!!

Never!!

2006-06-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

I received this postcard from PostCrossing.com. It's from Marcel in The Netherlands. She read my profile and saw that I taught myself to knit so she found this card for me. Isn't it great!

This is just a brief weekend interlude so that I may knit away. I have begun the first chart on the Serephim shawl [ okay, this is a baby chart as far as lace knitting goes, but hey, the first 4 row have turned out right, so I'm on a roll]. I have, probably, one more set of rows to finish before the cable hat is done AND I think I will go buy myself another set of Addi needles to begin the Tank Top from One Skein.

If you couldn't tell, I've become obsessed with knitting and I really don't care who knows it. I even bought this book to find solice in a kinred soul:

This book is cracking me up! and if you haven't visited Yarn Harlot's blog lately, check out this post: It Turns Out it's the best birthday, ever {well, in the top five--my mind just wondered into fantasy land, and you can't come}, but it's up there. Check it out. Have a fantastic weekend!!

Bonaroo! 3 days of Debauchery

2006-06-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

Well, I decided on the asymmetrical Cable hat from One Skein. I started it and got the first 7 rows done and then put it away. Why? because I want to get to the lace portion of my shawl. One of the girls in the KAL finished up her shawl and it looks awesome! I want that to be me!

Sorry about the dark yarn. It didn't photograph well inside. It looks like a black hole. Yes, I'm knitting a black hole, look out. It is a nice Wool/Alpaca blend chunky yarn I got on sale at my LYS. So far the cables are twisting nicely. I love cables. They are so pretty.

I love cables so much that I bought the Vogue Knitting Stitchionary Vol. 2: Cables. It is a visual feast! Now, I just

need the other two: Knitting and Purling and Color Knitting. They are really good reference books (in my opinion.

It is the day before the offical start of Bonaroo here in Manchester. They opened the gates early this morning and more than 80,000 people will make their way into the Bonaroo site and pitch their tents and start partying. If you don't know what Bonaroo is. . .who are you? just kidding. Check out the link and become enlightened. It is most interesting to witness first hand. Have a great day!

Tuesday/Serephim Update

2006-06-13T11:34:00.000-05:00

Well, until I get this shawl complete, I decided to dedicate Tuesdays to the Serephim. This week I am up to Row 46 of a 58 Row repeat of Stockinette Stitch with a few YO increases. What does a girl do who is contemplating lace charts in her very near future and, frankly, afraid? She makes BROWNIES!!

(yes, that gross green is the color of my kitchen counters--it's a 70's house, what can I say.)

Thanks for all who attended my "virtual" deck party. I really appreciate all the love! We now have a few tikki torches on it (I accidentally put out one of the torches with the wrong end of the snuffer and pushed the wick entirely into the can--there is a reason why Jeff Probst gets paid the big bucks to say, "the tribe has spoken", I guess. In my defense, it was completely dark out at the time).

I am flipping back and forth between two One Skein projects. One is the Asymmetrical Cable Hat and the other is the Tank Top. I have the yarn for both, it is just a matter of which to go with. The hat will be done faster, but the top is too cute and I could wear it. In the meantime, I guess I will just eat my brownies. . . Peace~DAWN

Before and After

2006-06-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

There is not yarn talk today. But wait!! Take a look at our backyard before our deck and after.

Before:

Sad, isn't it. Well, take a look at it now:

WooHoo, backyard party at Dawn's!!

Have a great weekend; I think I'll just sit outside for a bit. . .

Aldente!

2006-06-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

No no no, not pasta--- YARN!! I placed an order with the Knitting Garden (fabulous online shop, people) and purchased a set of circular needles for my Seraphim shawl and while I was there I also purchased this: This is a yummy bulky yarn made of wool and nylon in a combo of green hues. I love the stripe of black and white nylon that runs throughout. This yarn is in the process of becoming a hat for the Rad Bad Beanie Project. (I love this project and have donated several hats already and I highly recommend this group if you wanna donate some hats or yarn--give them a look, if you haven't already.) I really don't want to say more about the hat, yet. I am only on row 18 and I really want to finish it and then show you [in case it looks like shit and I have to frog].

I began my Seraphim Shawl on Friday and so far so good. You can check out my progress on the Seraphim Shawl Kal blog, if you wanna.

I have to work this afternoon (blah!!). Thursdays a usually my day off, but we have a therapist out this week and I'm working in her place today. I also have to work for a few hours on Saturday. I try not to do that too often, but these clients are regulars and very nice.

I will post DECK pictures this weekend, so stay tuned. Have a great one, Peace~DAWN

One Skein (make that Two)

2006-06-06T11:16:00.000-05:00

I made this Baby Bolero from the One Skein book by Leigh Radford. Oh so cute! It will make you wanna throw up, it is so dang tiny. It took two skeins for me because I used Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran in Mauve #603. I had enough left over to fashion the tiny hat with the cute "o" on top. It is for a client who is due in July. This DB yarn in really soft and cuddly.

The deck should be done by today. I wanna wait and get the patio furniture arranged just so before I show you. We had to order a 10x10 gazebo type thingie to put over our table and chairs so we won't have to fool with an umbrella. That size should give you an idea of how big this deck is. Big! It looks so good so far, I am very pleased. Since we have floor boards now, poor Buster can't practice his circus routine anymore. Awww

Must go and get ready for work. Have a beautiful day... oh, it is 06/06/06 for anyone who may afeared. I paid bills today, so all my checks have that date on it. . . that is pretty scary.
Peace~DAWN

The First Knitted Garment

2006-06-02T18:59:00.000-05:00

This is the Anthropologie-Inspired caplet (personally I think it is more of a mini-sweater, but hey, you create it, you name it). I took a real gamble because this was my first knitted garment and I didn't follow the pattern! **gasp! shock**. Well, I followed the pattern but I had to make guess-ta-ments because I used WW yarn and not chunky. So, here is a break down.
Red Heart in "bone" maybe a little more than one skein
Needles: size 9 21" circulars
I cast on 84 stitches instead of 49 and went from there. Here is a break-down of Row 1 for the placement of the markers:

Row 1: RS k2, p13,yo, pm, p1, yo, p14, yo, pm, p1, yo, p24, yo, pm, p1, yo, p14, yo, pm, p1, yo, p13, k2

I think it turned out well. I will wear it for sure. **HOWEVER: I would modify it further the next time. The garter stitch sides are only 2 stitches wide (not enough, this bad boy curled like my hair in humidity). I would make it at least 5 stitches wide**. I would recommend this pattern, highly. I plan on making at least 2 more. One in black and one in a stripe, I think.

Onto other forms of entertainment. We are having a deck built on the back of the house and before they put in the flooring we had slats and a verying daring dog. May I present Buster of the Nimble Beagles:

When this extra large, roomy deck is done I will post before and after shots. Right now it is floored and has stairs but no railings yet. It rained this afternoon cutting short the construction time. . . so we have to wait for Monday for the rest to get done.

Hope you all have a great weekend!! Peace~ DAWN

All Hail

2006-05-31T06:53:00.000-05:00

The GRADUATE:

and if that isn't enough sickening self gratification for you, take a gander at all three bashful boys of mine:

and here be some of the Ceremony that catapulted the oldest into the world of the working and responsible adult (blah!):

And, lest you forget that this is a blog about craftiness, here I am proclaiming my "rock star-ness" for attempting my first knit garment and seeing that it just may actually fit!!

I will get into the details of just what the heck it is when it is complete. I probably shouldn't have counted my chickens before they hatched, but . . . to late now. Peace~DAWN

Something New To Do

2006-05-29T19:10:00.000-05:00

Well, I just can't let a beautiful thing slide by so I joined this KAL:

You need to check out the pattern. If for no other reason than to feast your eyes on loveliness. Miriam also has a beautiful shawl in the new Interweaves Knit mag. Of course it is way beyond my abilities at this time. It is the Icarus Shawl. Here is a link to the Seraphim Shawl. I won't be starting it for a little while but I went ahead and bought the pattern, have my yarn picked out of my stash and ordered my needles. I have been studying the pattern and reading up on reading lace patterns. It is like a new language. I will get it, though. I will.

I wanted to thank all of you who posted such nice words about my headband. I truely appreciate all the warm words and thoughts that you all sent my way. You make me blush.

Hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Holiday. I will post a few graduation pictures in the next post. We are so proud and happy for our oldest. He is a great person and I send him out into the world with a happy heart.

Peace~DAWN

Tenn Ren Fest Pics

2006-05-27T07:25:00.000-05:00

**ATTENTION** please bring your attention to the editors note on the previous post if you are attempting to make the Saving Grace headband. Thank you. Now, back to our regular blogging.

How is that for a shorthand title. Anyway, here are some photos for your enjoyment from the Tennessee Renissance Festival. Let us begin with my sister or El Diablo as we like to call her (behind her back, of course. She doesn't know that she has these horns):

Next up is the Castle Gwyen. The man that hosts the Renissance here in Tennessee is building his own castle. He has been at it since the 70's so you can imagine how much green it costs to build such a thing. He and his wife do live in it and "grant peasants to view parts of it during the festival". Nice man:

The rest of my festival pictures include a lot of bird shots from the birdlady show and some other castle shots. Here are some fairies {opps, she dropped her balls}:

After all the shopping and people watching and beer drinking we went to Outback for dinner. Yes, we went from the dark ages to down under in less than 12 hours. Here is a shot of a cloud we saw after we finished dinner:

Have a great day!! Peace~DAWN

Saving Grace

2006-05-25T11:20:00.000-05:00

I have a tiny completed project to show you:

It is my first KNITTED PATTERN! simple headband, but still. . .

It is called Saving Grace headband:

Materials-- any small amount of WW yarn (I used KnitPicks Wool of the Andes)

size 7 needles

CO 13

Row 1: K across

Row 2: K3, *yo, K2tog *{4 times}, K last 2 stitches

Row 3: K3, P7, K3

Repeat Row 2 and 3 {end with row 3} till 15" long. Bind off and sew ends together. It will stretch to hug your head and keep those trendils of hair in place. **if 15" won't fit your big head, make it longer** :)

Now, you are ready for the summer to begin!

Peace~DAWN

++editors note: had the second * in the wrong place. All better now (thanks, Amanda)++

Cozy Progress

2006-05-21T09:14:00.000-05:00

Here is a sample of the progress I am making on the Cozy Poncho for Florida:

It is so pretty and soft. I'm using the Shine yarn from KnitPicks that I bought for that bi-och Beatrice. She is no more, by the way. She is being re-incarnated as a bag, a poncho and whatever else I deem her to be.

A little side note on the snake episode. I think the snake was a type of black racer. Not quite sure but I am sure it was NOT poisonous. While I may have appeared brave keep in mind that I thought the snake was dead when I got in the pen with it. I was probably about 3 feet away from it the whole time. When I realized it was alive, I could also tell it just wanted to get the hell out of dodge. Timber just likes to "play" with stuff, so he thought it was a new toy that just came in to visit, I guess. No more signs of the traumatized fellow, whew!

We went to the Tennessee Ren. Festival yesterday and had such a good time. I have some pictures to download and share with you in the next post. I was really good and didn't buy every little thing that caught my eye. I did visit the Crystal Mountain Oils stand and smelled my way into a slight headache. I also bought 3 vials of oil. I had just recently purchased some online from them, but I just couldn't resist. We had some good food and beer and watched a little jousting and the bird lady with her birds of prey. Missed the human chess match, to busy shopping! Saw a lady spinning and she had some homespun for sale as well as some wraps and ponchos. However, I was not impressed so I just moved on.

Friday is the big graduation day!! I'm okay, really I am.....

Have a great Sunday!!! Peace~ DAWN

Yikes!

2006-05-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

Wild barking and crazy dancing in the dog pen only to find:

And you know what? He Did It:

Yes, that cute little face scared that poor snake into the "snake" fetal" postion and he stayed that way for about 10 minutes or so. I thought he was dead when I went out to take pictures (don't judge). I noticed as I took pictures that each one looked a bit different. Is that a head? Oh my God!! it's alive and it is moving. . . I remained calm and continued to take pictures (with my new photo journalist type camera) and I got him coming out of his coma and making his get away into the under brush of my raspberry bush. I hope he keeps going or tomorrows picture may be of a whole different theme [wild woman seen fleeing house for no apparent reason].
Peace~DAWN

Gifties

2006-05-16T13:16:00.000-05:00

Well, Mother's day came and went and I didn't even tell you what I got! How's about I show you instead:

That is a Panasonic Lumix 6 mega pixel 12 "somein' somein'" zoom digital camera! Yikes! bonus, I also got a bigger memory card and a case to lug it all in. See all those buttons and do-hickies? well, I haven't gotten even a fraction figuared out yet. But is sure is purdy.

We went to the Spaghetti Factory in Nashville for dinner and I ate way to much because I only had a tiny donut for breakfast. And because my husband is the charmer that he is we got an extra Spumanti ice cream for dessert. Which he ate. We then watched the conclusion of Survivor Panama and I was sad the Cerie got kicked off (I actually wanted her to win), but was happy to see Aras win in the end because he was my next pick. Wicked me, I laughed my ass off when he slipped on those rocks on the last day while drinking champainge. It was so funny. I'm glad that he only needed a few stitches or I may have had to feel really bad. I don't know what happened on Desperate Housewives or Grey's Anatomy, yet because I haven't watched the tape. I hope it was good stuff unlike the ending for the Gilmore Girls which just pissed me right off.

Anyway, lest I dull your brains with anymore t.v drivel. . . have a great day! Peace~DAWN

Tattoos for Two, Please

2006-05-14T13:43:00.000-05:00

Well guess what me and my oldest son did the night before mother's day. . .
I got a tattoo of a fairy frog prince on the front of my ankle. My son got a tribal tatto that he designed on his back:

We are less than 24 hours old in these photos. What do you think? We're happy!

Peace~DAWN

Just Because

2006-05-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

These are some beautiful roses that my husband bought for me the other day. They were the tightest buds and I wondered how well they would actually open and look! They are just huge! and the bonus, they smell really good, too.

Just wanted to say "HAPPY MOTHERS DAY" to all you red hot mama's who read this blog. If you're not a mama, you're still red hot, so "Happy Day".

I am still plugging along on the bag strap. I won't speak of this again. When it is done, I will post picture. K? I have begun a new project. It is the Cozy wrap from Knitty.com only I'm playing with the pattern a bit and converting it into a poncho for the beach. I have done 3 sets of the eight row lace pattern and so far so good. This one will be slow going, so there will probably be other projects in the works with it. Little ones, so I can get my "instant gratification" on.

Two new CD's in the collection: Godsmack"4" and of course, the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS "Stadium Arcadium". This one is a double CD, people--2!!woohoooooo. I love me some Chili Peppers, y'all. Both of these cd's kick butt.
Peace~DAWN

Hump Day Post!!!

2006-05-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Something to meditate on. I made this for a private swap at postcrossing.

I did my first 3 needle bindoff over the weekend and was successful! I just snapped a few heads off while doing it, but they forgave me later. Now I am working on the boring strap portion of the purse. Holy crap!! 46" of garter stitch!! I don't even think I have 12" yet. I have a goal date. I want this purse done by the 20th of this month so I can take it to the TN Renissance Festival.

Well, our great spring of sunny high 70's and 80's has turned into crap ass rainy 60's and 70's weather. I guess nature realized it basically skipped over "April showers bring May flowers" and now we have "May showers makes Dawn unhappy". That is why I'm not in charge of the weather. We would literally dry up.

Peace~DAWN

If I Were A Cool Little Handbag. . .

2006-05-03T08:38:00.000-05:00

If I were a cool little handbag, this is the one I'd be:

Do you see how cool this pattern is. . . I mean, really! I have 4 more rows of purling and the first panel is done, then I will make another panel just like it and a strap and then I will put the whole thing together and wah-lah! Oh, you wanna see a close up of the stitches *blink*

Oh, cameras are a funny thing. This is the same bag but the color difference it very odd. The first one is more true to the actual color. It is KnitPicks "Shine". I love this yarn and recommend it for all of your sportweight cotton needs. **side note: this bag is from "easy knitted accessories" and it is project #23 (found on page 102)**

Just for the sake of blogging: I went into the bank yesterday to deposit some checks and the teller that was helping me lost two buttons off the sleeve of her shirt while flipping through the checks. They literally just fell right off. She says, "Well, that's not cheap is it? I guess I know what I'm doing on my lunch break. Sewing on some buttons. Glad I found them both!". After a little more banter back and forth I said bye and as I turned to leave, one of her co-workers says, "Where did you buy that shirt at?" and my teller replies, "Goodwill." I laughed my way out the door. You can't make stuff like that up, people, you really can't. Good irony always happens in real life.

Have a great day!! Peace~DAWN

Easy Accessories

2006-04-30T14:40:00.000-05:00

This is the newest addition to my knitting library. I love this book! It has all kinds of great projects that I foresee as fairly easy. I have chosen Project #23: the Cute Casual Bag. Pictures soon to come (I only have 10 rows done, not to impressive yet).

Have you ever had one of those weeks were everything you "tried" to make turned out like shit, so basically you spent HOURS for nothing to show for it? Yeah, that was my week/weekend. Finally I have hit on a winner, but up until about noon--I was in crafting hell. Hince the bare bones blogging.

Which reminds me... not that many of you read the last post but if you did and where curious about the movie line "I've counted to 3"-- it was from "O Brother Where Art Thou". Great movie! Greorge Cloonie cracked me up. He's a Dapper Dan man, don't cha know.

Our yard is glowing an awesome green from all this spring growth! I feel like I'm in some velvet mossy orb. It is cloudy as all get out today (we're suppose to get rain, but it's just spitting). The green doesn't care, it is glowing from within; rain or shine.

19 days till "The Davinci Code" and 26 days till my baby graduates from high school {*sniff* wipe tear away}. This is hard people--he's 18! he's almost done with his formal education and stepping out into the world. His decisions are at hand and mom and dad only have "opinions". Hug your kiddies and don't ever stop no matter how old and big they get. It is precious everytime!
Peace~DAWN

Busy, busy, busy

2006-04-27T18:37:00.000-05:00

ahhhhhh, we've had a busy week at work. No rest for the wicked, as they say. Along with our regularly scheduled clients, we also had two days of health fairs/in-services where we did free chair massage for hours. . . Tomorrow I have a full day because one of our therapists has been out all week and I have been covering for her. Luckily, her schedule was pretty light this week.

Any how. . . no photos with this post. I know you can get addicted to the pretty pictures, but sometimes you just have to use your imagination. So let's do that, this time around. I have made significant progress on the crocheted baby blanket for my pregnant client. I have just a little over half to go and it will be done. It looks so pretty. Also, I have begun a knit poncho for my Florida vacation in July. I should be done by then. I had to frog two days worth of work because the tension was really fu**ed up. You could clearly make out when I was in the throws of serious stress-out time. I switched to a needles size up from the one called for and I put it on a 16" circular needle instead of straights so it lays better. I will reveal the pattern I'm using when I get a little further along and take a picture.

Both of the older boys did really well on their ACT's so the pressure if off and they can relax. The young one just finished up T-CAP (or Tennessee testing for dummies). I hate state testing. Ridiculous--don't argue with me, I've counted to three. (that is from what movie? Anyone?) I will love you forever if you know. Anyhow, I have given birth to a true freak. The young one actually likes taking the T-CAP. While other students are freaking out and hating life, mine is getting up in the morning looking forward to the day ahead. Don't ask, cause I really have no answer for this phenomenon. Although, a girl at work said her daughter is the exact same way. Hmmmm, love connection maybe?

See you in the next few days. In the meantime, have a great day and give a stranger a compliment.
Peace~DAWN