jules blog

Where have I been???

2009-10-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been that long since I posted!!! But... I have been knitting up a storm!!! Ruffle scarf, ladybug socks from sock club, taos scarf (orange and crazy) and alhambra scarf/shawl.

More cycling

2009-07-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

Another awesome day out cycling. The theme for the day was BLACK. My youngest daughter ran over a black snake with her bike--- OOPS! And then when we were driving home after our bike ride, we saw a black bear crossing the street. We think he was eating blackberries. Thus, the theme... black!

Raindrop shawl and recycled bag

2009-07-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Posting a few of my finished objects. I made this raindrop shawl from the Woolgirl pattern that she sent for June. I was pleasantly surprised how it turned out. I felt like I was making a ton of mistakes, but couldn't tell how bad they were as I was knitting--- but in the end, I think it looks pretty good!!

I also made this Dunkin Donut coffee bag with tons of coffee bags that a friend gave me!!

Two pairs of socks

2009-06-03T13:46:00.000-07:00

Just finished up two pairs of socks. The navy socks were from the woolgirl sock club made in a very soft merino wool. The purply socks are a cotton blend- made with a feather and fan pattern.

Another market bag

2009-05-03T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, I made another one. I kind of like this pattern. I make them to give away. It's made of hemp. I am sending this one with my husband when he goes to Ecuador to give to someone who really helps their group. Kind of fun...
I am going to be teaching how to make this market bag in June.

wrap around shawl

2009-04-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

or something like that! I did a KAL with a friend for this shawl. I had fun making it with all of the color changes and different stitch patterns.

TIme flies...

2009-04-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

Where has all the time gone???? I guess that is what happens when you have three children doing three different sports and dance recitals and more. Anyway, just posting a cute picture of one of the girls playing lacrosse, which is the latest sport they are learning!

C&O Canal

2009-04-16T18:10:00.000-07:00

The family and I biked and camped on the C&O canal for Spring Break. It was an amazing trip despite below freezing temps. We biked 10 miles a day for several days and the little girls made it!!! I was impressed!!! It was so beautiful there!!! I definitely like the bike/camping better than backpacking!!!

Cleopatra Socks

2009-03-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

I just finished my Cleopatra Socks!!! I am in the knitgirl sock club and these were the socks that got sent to me!!! I was really intimidated by them at first, but the pattern was easy to follow and I really thought they turned out great!!! And I love the regal gold!!!

mittens and spring

2009-03-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

I just finished my mittens from my coffee swap pal in Norway. She designed the mittens herself-- they are called Dog Rose Mittens. I really liked the way they turned out!!! Just ending the season of wearing mittens though!!! Maybe, I can wear them a few times!!!

And then, look at what surprised my girls in the yard the other day!!! A sure sign that it is getting warmer. This little friend of ours likes to hang out in our azalea bush that is right by the entry way to our house!

more socks

2009-03-01T08:17:00.000-08:00

Finally, I am getting time to post!!! I made these feather and fan socks-- the yarn is corn based with some elastic. I really liked knitting with it. I liked the sock pattern too-- pretty easy, but has a nice pattern to it!!!

I am posting the coffee bag that I made for my coffee swap partner, that I couldn't post until she got it!!! I hope she likes it as much as I do. I just think it is a fun bag!!!

Coffeeswap package

2009-02-20T13:12:00.000-08:00

I was in a knitting coffeeswap and just recieved my package from Norway!!! It was a super cool package. I got purply yarns to go with a pattern for some Fair Islish mittens and she designed the pattern herself. I love these swaps!!! I get to connect with creative people!!! Then, I got coffee, chocolate, coffee candles and a million little knitting things!!! Stitch markers, DPN's, needle gauge, buttons, little sewing kit, lace and embroidery thread!!! These swaps are GREAT!!!

coffee and clapotis

2009-02-08T05:12:00.000-08:00

I had to take pictures for a contest that I am doing with my coffee swap. I really liked this picture, but didn't use it for the contest, so I decided to put it on my blog. I am almost, almost done with my Clapotis. Sometimes working on these looooong things is just a practice in patience!!!

Skiing in Virginia

2009-02-07T09:13:00.001-08:00

OK, so now you will see why I have given up skiing since moving to Virginia!! There is not as much snow, the cowboy boots, the pajamas instead of ski pants... OK, so my daughter has added some of her own style to the Virginia skiing. I thought it was funny!

Coffee Swap 4 Questionnaire

2009-01-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

1. Whole bean
2. Decaf (crazy, but true)
3. Regular
4. I like lattes and breves- give me the fat!!!
5. Don't really have a favorite coffee ever!
6. But, any old bean will not do!!!
7. I like scones with my coffee! (cinnamon scones are really good!)
8. Hmmmm, nothing else about my coffee preferences!
9. I like most natural yarn fibers--- it all depends on the project!
10. I dislike acrylics...
11. What's on my needles??? The Clapotis shawl out of purply/pinky lace weight yarn- about 2/3 done AND a fair islish hat.
12. Favorite colors: orange, green and purple
13. Allergies??? Yes, nuts and peanuts.
14. Nothing else-- let's have fun!!!

valentines...

2009-01-27T11:38:00.000-08:00

Freezing rain, schools closed, what are we going to do today??? We got a head start on our class valentines. We made 40 valentine ipods. They turned out very cute and were really fun to make. The girls kept saying how impressed they were with themselves!

crazy weather

2009-01-23T11:28:00.000-08:00

There is NO snow here!!! The weather is crazy, it goes from a high of 10' to a high of 50'. So anyway, on one of the nice days... here we are bushwacking through the hills!!! I am still wishing for just a little bit of snow...

more knitting

2009-01-18T14:37:00.000-08:00

Wow!! I am posting less and less. But I am still knitting away!!! I just finished two projects!!! One is a sweater from Vogue that didn't turn out like I wanted, but I like it because it is warm and I am always cold.

The second is a pair of socks from a Peppermint Patty sock kit from a friend. They were very time consuming, but the effort was worth it!!!

Surprise, surprise!!

2008-12-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

I received the nicest surprise in the mail from my friend!!! It was a peppermint Patty sock kit from woolgirl.com. The kit had a great assortment of pepperminty things: soap, lip balm, tape measure, stitch marker, cocoa, peppermint patties, sock pattern, pepperminty yarn. It was a really fun kit and I am excited to cast on!!!!
Thanks Sunne!

Holidazed

2008-11-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

Well, I am not holidazed yet!! But this is a pair of Holidazed socks from my Rockin Sock Club!!! Kind of get the fall feeling!!! As if I can't get the feel of fall from all the leaves in my yard!!!

twilight gloves

2008-11-23T08:15:00.000-08:00

Well< I finally finished these gloves!!! For some reason, they seemed to take forever!!! I really like the pattern now that they are finished, but if I had to do it over again, I wouldn't put the pattern on both sides!!!!

My Rockin Socks

2008-10-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

I finished my Rockin Sock Club socks. I really liked the color and the pattern- the anemone pattern. Had to have a bit of patience every 4th row though...But I really like the finished product!!!!

My life

2008-10-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

My life seems to revolve around taking kids to their various activities this month: cross country, soccer and dance!!! Whew!!! I am exhausted!!!!

Shrug this

2008-09-29T11:40:00.000-07:00

I made this quick shrug from the pattern "Shrug This" that my LYS gave me. It was a fast, 2 day knit and such a relief knitting with size 10 needles, compared to all the size 1 socks that I have been making!

Father/ Daughter Love

2008-09-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

Just loved the picture...

Almost Heaven

2008-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it isn't West Virginia, but look at those Blue Ridge Mountains. This is when I actually like where I live--- when I can get to beautiful spots like this.

Finally, posting my mittens

2008-09-17T10:57:00.001-07:00

I am finally getting around to posting the mittens I have made. I have posted the first two pairs before, but I put them all together this time. It looks like I am working on my Latvian dowry. (But I am not)-- probably just Christmas presents.
I still have a few more pairs to make for the rest of my girls.

I'm Green...

2008-09-08T14:50:00.000-07:00

I'm still into that reduce, reuse and recycle!!! Anyway, I spun off of the juice bag purses and made this coffee bag. I thought it turned out really cute, as long as no one looks for straight sewing lines- that is not my forte!!!
I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it yet... gift it??? Hmmmm... only to someone that appreciates how long it took me to save the coffee bags and my sewing efforts!!!

PRGE swap questionnaire

2008-08-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

1. Why did you join PRGE? I enjoy doing the swaps and the fun a preparing a package and receiving a package.

1.a. Have you done other swaps? Are you doing other swaps right now?I have done other swaps: PRGE several times, vacation swap and coffee swap. I am not doing any others right now.
2. What are your five favorite things? (these don't have to be knit related)family, books, outdoors, knitting,music
2.a. Do these things allow any hints into your personality for your punk pal?yes
3. What are your three favorite things that you have made with knitting/crochet?elfin bride sweater, fair isle-ish shawl, summer lacy halter
3.a. What do you tend to make with knit/crochet? Lots of mittens and socks
3.b. What do you hope to make (or complete that you have started) someday? I am thinking about something big now (sweater) – it’s been a while.
4. What five things would you love to see in a swap box someday? Why? Cute patterns with enough yarn to make the project, fun things to go with knitting (stitch markers, etc), something made by my pal (like dying their own yarn, making stitch markers or stitch marker box), yummy treats
4.a. What do you hope to never see in a swap box again (or ever)? Can’t think of anything, luckily, I’ve always had really good pals
5. What are your three favorite yarns? What are your three least favorite yarns? Depends on the project- I like most, but don’t like acrylics.
5.a. Do you like solid, self-striping, or multi-colored yarns? Multi-colored
5.b. What are your favorite colors? What are your favorite colors to knit with? Sage green, orange, muted purple
6. What are your five favorite delicacies? Dark chocolate,fresh food out of the garden and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream
6.a. What yarn do you hope to one day try and why? That musk ox yarn- it is soft, super warm and super expensive!
7. What are your three favorite guilty pleasures?knitting all day, sleeping
7.a. What are your favorite tv or movie charactors? I’m tv-less
8. What are the five things you look forward to every week?
8.a. What do you do during your week (ie - work, take care of three kids, race walk)?teach preschool, take care of my own 3 kids, run, ride my bike, knit, read
9. What do you collect? Folk art crosses
9.a. What collects you?
10. When is your birthday?april 18
10.a. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas, because it is magical
11. Do you have any wishlists?no
11.a. Do you have a "favorites" collection anywhere that your pal should know about?no
12. Do you have any allergies or health related conditions that your pal should know about?Nuts and peanuts
12.a. What drives you nuts?
13. What do you do for work and what do you do for fun? See above (8a)
13.a. What would you do if you knew you could not fail?
14. What would you like your pal to know that is not covered here?I like the swaps and like most things and am easy to please!!!
14.a. Are you excited for the contests or will you just pretend that they do not exist?excited

anklets

2008-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

I made these cute little anklets from one of the patterns from my Rockin Sock Club. I used some scrap yarn and luckily had enough!!! They were fast and easy!!!

socks and mittens

2008-08-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

Haven't been posting... trying to stay ahead of everything!!!!
I finished these Latvian mittens and these Gumdrop sox (which were from my Rockin sock club). They were a really fun knit and can be worn inside out also. I tried to show them being worn each way!!!

kids in the river

2008-07-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

The kids are playing in the river. We hung out all day and enjoyed this shallow part of the river.

80's party

2008-07-27T07:11:00.001-07:00

Wow!! A blast aback to the past!!! Went to an eighties party last night and it was crazy!!! Fun to find all my old clothes: letter jacket, gymnastic t-shirt and vans. I even cut myself some little bangs for the occasion. My kids were horrified!!!

mirror

2008-07-20T10:58:00.001-07:00

Have you ever tried to take a picture of a mirror??? Well it is harder than I thought it would be and I didn't even take into consideration the reflection!!! Anyway, I had this old mirror from the previous owners and decided to reuse/ recycle it-- I kind of liked it's old funky look. But when I put it up, it looked even older and funkier than I remembered.... so I ordered some milagros (50 to be exact) and glued them all over the mirror's edges. I kind of liked the effect--- made it look funky and different ( different- that's what I am always going for!) So that's my mirror for now!!!

Belated Happy 4th!!!

2008-07-08T05:15:00.001-07:00

socks and more socks

2008-07-07T12:45:00.001-07:00

Finally.... I have finished these socks that kept haunting me!!! The pinkish ones are my koolaid dyed socks done in the Jaywalker pattern---a fun new project to try. The purple ones are from my Rockin Sock Club!!! I loved the color, but was frustrated by the pattern. Probably mostly because I was travelling and this was not an easy pattern to travel with as I flipped back and forth between the pages of the pattern. But the end product I love. They look cool and feel really nice!

10 year anniversay

2008-06-29T15:37:00.000-07:00

WoW!!!! It's been 10 years!!! It seems like yesterday getting married on top of a mountain, arriving in a bright orange Hawaiian dress (as a joke) and returning to the B&B where my friends had snuck in and put candles and candy everywhere!!! Here we are in another state, but still in the mountains and celebrating the BIG 10!!!

On top of the world

2008-06-28T07:39:00.000-07:00

Here's the Slovenian group at the top of another bell tower in Koper, Slovenia on the Mediterranean coast!!!

Slovenia

2008-06-27T05:02:00.000-07:00

Castles, caves, vineyards, bicycle races, spectacular views, bicycles, cappucinos, Lippazaner horses, Mediterranean coast... it was all good!

Softball finishes up tonight

2008-06-05T04:11:00.000-07:00

We have been sooooo busy and I am ticking off the things as we finish them. Softball ends tonight! The girls have had a wonderful time learning how to play!

Latvian Mittens

2008-06-04T04:39:00.000-07:00

I finally did my Latvian mittens that I was dreaming about. I saw them in Vogue Knitting and was inspired to make them. I was worried that I couldn't do all of the parts. But I learned a lot of new things. I learned to cast on with two colors, make a fringe cuff and put a braid around the cuff. It was fun to see the pattern emerge and all of the beautiful colors.

one down

2008-06-03T08:53:00.001-07:00

How many more things to go???? Until we get to a relaxing summer?
My daughter's recital was this weekend and now we are done. It was a beautiful recital. Actually, it was really fun to watch.

Posting backwards

2008-05-30T05:42:00.000-07:00

Well, I am going back in my life... and posting some things that I didn't get to!! (And I didn't have DSL--- which has made my computing life so much easier!)Just showing my daughter going to prom!!

Cool stuff

2008-05-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I just finished a pair of socks with the yarn my friend sent me for my bday!!! I did the Hedera pattern. I liked the way they turned out, but was getting tired of knitting them!!!

I also tried my hand at dying my own yarn. I tried the koolaid method. It didn't turn out like I imagined, but I still like it and hopefully it will stand the test of time and washing!!!

socks

2008-05-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

I finished my socks that I made from the yarn that my PRGE pal sent to me last month.I loved the color of yarn--- purple and black!!! I did the Jaywalker sock. I have done it before, but I really like the simple pattern and it fits really well!!!

New knitter

2008-04-21T10:01:00.000-07:00

My eight year old knitter is soooo cute. She just learned and she LOVES it!!!How could she not???? She is so proud of the "blanket" she is making with bumps and bobbles... and so am I!

Homesick for the SW

2008-04-20T05:15:00.001-07:00

I'm homesick for the SouthWest and it comes out in my knitting and furniture!!! I bought a house that came with furniture-- so I have been refinishing and recovering the things to match my taste. So these are my latest projects: an end table with petroglyphs and a recovered pillow, SW colors and feeling.

Dance, dance, dance

2008-04-15T16:18:00.001-07:00

I'm the chauffeur and the kids are dancing all week getting ready for their recital.

Monday Date, again!

2008-04-12T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ran a beautiful trail run for our Monday morning date. The only problem is that I hurt my neck in a rollerblade crash a few weeks ago and the run seemed to make it worse.I was following Dr.s orders--- she gave me no restrictions. I guess I'll have to listen to this old body!
Finished my 2nd pair of Rockin sock club socks. The yarn was absolutely beautiful. All different shades of green. (I'll post a pic later). I had a bit of trouble with the pattern-- it was a different kind of heel. It turned out cool and I learned something new!

Outerbanks for Easter

2008-03-29T06:07:00.000-07:00

We went to the OBX for Easter. It is always fun to go to the beach at this time of year. There are never crowds... but it is a bit cool.

hats, hats and more hats

2008-03-21T10:42:00.000-07:00

I am using up some of my scrap yarn and making these hats. I liked the way they turned out!!! I used the Oregon Rose Cloche from Lanaknits and changed it just a bit. The white hat is the one most like the pattern.

pal's music number two

2008-03-21T06:17:00.000-07:00

And here's a brick vest for Pink Floyd's- "The Wall"

PRGE pal's music

2008-03-20T13:54:00.000-07:00

OK ladies--- My blogging has been very cumbersome lately. So we will see what we can do....

My pals punk songs are:
"Black No1" by Type-O-Negative
"Even Angels Fall" by The CruxShadows
"The Wall" by Pink Floyd

Now for some awesome yarn for Black No1 - I have chosen, which is a yarn from Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The color is called Shadow and is in the Ravenclan colorway. All of these colors are dark, yet beautiful. (oooh, my links don't seem to be working)

The picture is for a devil's hat for "Even Angels Fall"- it is in the Domiknitrix book.

See next post for project to go with "The Wall"

hemp market bag

2008-03-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

I finished two hemp market bags. They are my easy to knit, carry around project. And... I think they'll make good gifts when I need one.

the anti-prom

2008-03-09T08:08:00.000-07:00

MORP--- the high school dance that you don't really dress up for and just go with your friends. This is my daughter and her friend going to MORP supposedly dressed up as the 70's (remember we used to dress like the 50's??? Makes me feel old!)

On the knitting front... I am finishing up another hemp market bag. I like to make them to have around for gifts when I need one at the last minute. And I like the way they look and they are fun to knit too. Pix later...

Add the post and pix

2008-03-06T13:24:00.000-08:00

Ok, I am having blogging problems....

But the vacation was wonderful. Kayaking and camping in the Everglades for four days. Nice to be in sunny Florida and away from the dreary, gray, icy weather here.

Aaaaah, a vacation

2008-03-06T13:11:00.001-08:00

Buccaneer Booty Socks

2008-03-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

Really, I am around. Just some changes in technology that has taken some time to get used to...
So here are my buccaneer booty socks that I knit for the KAL for the punk rock knitters blog.

PRGE Questionnaire

2008-03-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

1. Why did you join PRGE? I was ready for another fun swap!

2. What are your five favorite things? (these don't have to be knit related)books, hand dyed yarn, boots, my family, being outside (not in this order)

3. What are your three favorite things that you have made with knitting/crochet?Hemlock ring blanket, hemp market bag, sweater out of Domknitrix

4. What five things would you love to see in a swap box someday?hand dyed yarn, fun new patterns, yummy snacks, etc. (can't think of 5)

5. What are your three favorite yarns? What are your three least favorite yarns? I like different yarns for different projects. I really don't like acrylics.

6. What are your five favorite delicacies? Lattes, ice cream, chocolate, hmmmmm.... I can't think of anything else.

7. What are your three favorite guilty pleasures? Buying new yarn, relaxing in the sun, big Sunday brunches.

8. What are the five things you look forward to every week?Being with my family, running, knitting, reading and riding my bike.

9. What do you collect?Foreign coins

10. When is your birthday?April 18

11. Do you have any wishlists?no

12. Do you have any allergies or health related conditions that your pal should know about?Peanut/ nut allergy

13. What do you do for work and what do you do for fun?Work- I am a preschool teacher. Fun- I would like to travel more... I knit, read, etc.

14. What would you like your pal to know that is not covered here?I like many things and am easy to please. I like to knit all kinds of things.

Happy KNitting!!

Posted by sunneshine at 1:55 PM 1 comments

snow and lace

2008-01-21T12:58:00.001-08:00

We finally got some snow here!!! It melted quickly and now it's just cold!!! Just one day of enjoying the snow!!!!
I finished my lace socks!!! They were made out of bamboo-- very soft!!! I ended up giving them to a co-worker/friend who is recovering from surgery. I thought they would make her feel cozy as she recovers. Anyway, I wanted to give her something and I don't really like cooking meals for people. So here's my part in helping her recover.

shawl and socks

2008-01-06T17:16:00.000-08:00

I haven't blogged in forever, but am still around. My daughter is modeling a shawl that I made. And then I got yarn from a student and made monkey socks.

art

2007-11-19T07:26:00.001-08:00

Just posting a sketch my daughter did for her art class. I like what she is doing!! And she LOVES art!!!

om socks

2007-11-16T16:21:00.000-08:00

I had taken a bit of time off from my knitting because of work, a class, kids, etc, but I needed the stress relief. So here is my latest project... my Om socks. They were from the knit a day calendar. I really liked the idea of putting something on the heel flap--- it opens up to so many possibilities.

Where am I???

2007-10-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hello? Hello? I have barely been posting, since I got my new computer. I don't like to post without pictures, but otherwise, I won't even post.
I am trying to decide what to knit... it needs to be a simple project--as I am in over my head with taking a class, teaching, overcommitting to my kids' school and community things, etc. But I am anxious to start something anyway. Probably socks-- but which ones??? Anyway, I am writing aimlessly, just to let everyone know that I am still out there. (and on my way to the beach for a long weekend!)

Coffee Swap Three Questions

2007-10-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Here are the questions:
QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? whole bean
2. Fully-loaded or decaf?decaf
3. Regular or flavored?regular
4. How do you drink your coffee?lattes, machiatos, breves
5. Favorite coffee ever? a good latte
6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? fussy
7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? scones
8. Anything else about your coffee preferences?no
9. Yarn/fiber you love? I like to try all different kinds
10. Yarn/fiber you hate? Don't like synthetics
11. What's on your needles? Actually,.... nothing!!! Oh no!!!!!
12. Favorite colors? purple, green, orange
13. Allergies? nuts, peanuts
14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest?can't think of anything

where have i been???

2007-10-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to post with my new computer... have been super busy getting back into teaching, taking an online class, having a freshman at high school, two other kids, husband, trying to knit, trying to stay fit... need I say more???

The Southwest

2007-08-19T16:37:00.000-07:00

Haven't posted in ages... have been travelling-- back home to the Southwest. Back to blue sky, peaceful fishing, the Great Sand Dunes, lots of green chili, family. It was a good trip!

Beanies for Soldiers

2007-07-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I signed up for SFS (Socks for Soldiers) where we make BBS (big black socks) to send to all the service men and women overseas. I started with the beanies and having been knitting madly--- blue beanies. I just now started the BBS.

Family River Day

2007-07-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

No pictures today--- but we had the best family day yesterday. We kayaked on the river with the family. We made many stops to play in the river and play up little creek inlets, where the water carves out the rock and makes big water holes to jump in!! The girls also kept jumping out of the kayaks and floating down the river. Ended the day with a outdoor bonfire, making s'mores and doing the slackline.

more swimming

2007-07-08T14:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't been postingin a while. I have been busy knitting beanies for soldiers. I am doin Socks for Soldiers, but they sent me yarn to do beanies, so I have been knitting madly and have made about one a day.

Here are pictures of my littlest girls at their second swim meet. Little kids swimming is just sooo cute!

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse

2007-06-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

Ok here's my attempt at recycling. Here is my grocery bag purse. It actually turned out cuter than I thought it would!!! It kind of looks like a basket. I cut grocery bags into strips (they were still loops) and looped them together to make my "yarn" and then knit them into a little purse.

PRGE mini questionnaire

2007-06-25T04:45:00.000-07:00

1. Why are you punk? Because I like to be different and not do the same thing as everyone else.

2. What are your five favorite things? (these don't have to be knit related)My family, being outdoors, knitting, reading, exercising

3. What are your three favorite things that you have made with knitting/crochet? Elfin Bride sweater, lacy halter top, Eiffel sweater

4. What five things would you love to see in a swap box someday? Knitting patterns that my pal likes and thinks I would like too, different kinds of yarn, fun and silly stuff, etc (I know it's not 5-- I like it all!)

5. What are your three favorite yarns? I really like different yarns for different porjects, but lately I have been having fun with hemp and the Tillie Tomas silk/ seacell yarn. Haven't tried bamboo, but it's on my list.
What are your three least favorite yarns? Acrylic, acrylic, acrylic

6. What are your five favorite delicasies? I feel like a country bumpkin here-- can't really think of much. I like good ice cream, Indian food and Thai food. (Again, I know it's not 5--- I guess I can't count)

7. What are your three favorite guilty pleasures? Ice cream, chips and more ice cream

8. What would you like your pal to know that is not covered here?I am allergic to nuts. Other than that--- I like almost everything.

my lacy tank

2007-06-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest project. I had some leftover yarn from my super great PRGE pal--- she sent me a lot for another project. Soooo, I knit up this cute halter top that was from the Spring Issue of Interweave Knits.

swim team

2007-06-17T13:33:00.001-07:00

I have my little girls on summer swim team. They look sooooo cute!!! It is their first time on swim team and it is very hard!!!!

Market Bags

2007-06-14T04:25:00.000-07:00

Here are two cut market bags that I made out of hemp. I really like the way they look. They are different sizes, even though it is hard to tell in the pictures. The one my hubbie is modelling, I sent with him to Africa to give to an African woman, just for the fun of it. The second one was a request from a teacher I work with...

VIRGINIA

2007-06-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

VIRGINIA
virginia
ViRGinia

virtual vacation questionnaire

2007-06-07T05:23:00.000-07:00

1. If you could visit any state in the US, which would it be and why?
Maine, because I haven't been there and have heard it's beautiful and one of my good friends has just moved there.

2. If you could visit any country in the world, other than your own, which would it be and why? Thailand-- I have always been intrigued by Thailand.

3. Have you ever driven across several states/providence/countries? I have driven across the US many times, with my husband and children. We actually love long road trips and enjoy seeing the whole US.

4. Have you ever visited someplace you consider exotic? Where was it? The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and Belize. Very romantic and adventurous.

5. What was your favorite "travel" vacation? Why? It's hard to name my favorite-- I love all travel from the big trips to France to the little trips to the local state park.

6. Have you ever played tourist in your own home city/state (if international,country)? Explain. Yes, I have played tourist. I have only lived here 5 years and have felt like a tourist most of the time.

7. Are you a museum visitor, beach comer or an amusement seeker? I like it all. At times I like the museums, sometimes I need a beach and for my amusement, I choose outdoor adventures.

8. What's your favorite type of yarn? I like most types of yarn-- it seems to depend upon the project that I am working on.

9. What's your least favorite type of yarn? synthetics

10. What items do you like to knit/crochet? I like to do assorted projects: sweaters, knucks, lacy gauntlets, hats, etc.

11. What do you pack, knit/crochet wise when you go on vacation? Easy, small, mindless projects.

12. What other crafts do you do/would like to do other than Knit/Crochet? Nothing in particular-- paint the rooms in my house in odd ways, do crafts with my daughters, etc.

13. Are you allergic to anything? (Yarn wise or treat wise) Peanuts and nuts

14. What is your favorite color? Least Favorite?Favorites are: purple, green and orange. Least favorite is yellow.

15. Sweet or Savory (Treat not personality)? Sweet

16. Anything else we are forgetting to ask that you think your partner desperately needs to know? Nothing that I can think of...

Girls and Dolls

2007-06-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

Here are my girls and their life size dolls we made from their old clothing!!! They are very fun dolls and a little disconcerting when you find them laying around the house.

8th grade graduation

2007-06-02T13:37:00.003-07:00

My oldest daughter just graduated from 8th grade. Time is flying...

my eiffel sweater

2007-05-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my eiffel sweater!!! It didn't take that long, but I just haven't been knitting as much as I was. The outdoors is calling to me, my books are calling to me, my children are calling to me...
I loved making this sweater. It was pretty simple, but not one that you get bored with!!! I'm having second thoughts about the arm ribbons, or I need to sew them in a bow. They kept coming untied, and I couldn't tie them myself. We'll see...

i have knit more than I thought!!!

2007-05-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

And I am not a very good blogger...

A few more projects

2007-05-22T15:47:00.000-07:00

I am still posting my projects: hats, snoods, pillows, arm cosies, sweaters, etc.

more knitting show

2007-05-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

And the knitting show continues...

knitting posts

2007-05-22T15:35:00.001-07:00

I'm going to post some of my knitting. I want to travel this summer and I don't want to take all of the things I knit, so I want to update, so I can show them everything on my blog.

8 year old party

2007-05-04T06:28:00.000-07:00

I survived my daughter's 8 year old skating party!! Actually, we all had really fun!! I am thinking that the parents probably enjoyed it the most-- it brought us back to our middle school days, skating at the rink with the spinning disco ball and colored lights. AND they still played the same songs!!! It's fun to stay the YMCA!!!

Dance Recital

2007-04-21T05:19:00.000-07:00

It's dance recital weekend!!! The girls are dancing and dancing and dancing some more!!! Here's a picture from each...

A big thanks to my secret pal

2007-04-14T15:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to thank my pal in my blog. I am still in awe of all the wonderful things that she sent me. And most of all because whe really thought about it and gave me things that she really thought I would like and she was right!!!! Hemp yarn and an Eiffel sweater pattern, lace up gauntlets pattern and hand dyed yarn, cool skull stitch markers, kisses, lego gummies, pirate band aids. WOW!!!!

Outerbanks

2007-04-13T07:00:00.000-07:00

The family and I had a nice Spring vacation to the OBX. It's always fun at the beach even when it is cold. We played in the sand, kayaked the sound, played in the sand dunes and drank as many lattes as we could in four days.

Continuing with the Tibetan Monks

2007-03-30T16:31:00.000-07:00

So they finished the mandala yesterday, it was finished for ONE hour and then they destroyed it!!! Then they poured it into the creek. Today we were walking along the creek and saw some of the flowers that they used to destroy the mandala with, so we took pictures of those too! We did enjoy the beauty while it lasted!

Day number 3

2007-03-29T05:46:00.000-07:00

The monks are almost finished!! It is an amazing process-- and then today, they will finish and dstroy it in a closing ceremony. My daughter asked thim if they liked to destroy it-- they said -"yes, that is part of the process. You know it's only there for a short time, so you enjoy the beauty at the moment. "

Day number 2

2007-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the mandala after the monks working on it for two days...

Tibetan Monks

2007-03-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Tibetan Monks are here to bless a new building at the University. Today was the opening ceremony and they started the mandala which will take three days to build. Then on Thursday they will destroy it in a closing ceremony to show the impermanence of things. It was really neat watching-- we will go everyday to see the progress. On Thursday night they will have a show, doing their chanting and dancing.

Sunny Spring Day

2007-03-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

It's beautiful weather here now and we were out all weekend enjoying it!

Off to the ball

2007-03-11T06:30:00.000-07:00

We went to Fancy Dress-- a super fancy dance that my husband's work puts on for them. It was super fun and we danced the night away. We almost made it to when they had a 1am breakfast, but Cinderella's 4" heels were not working for her. The funniest part is-- we lost our ride home and had to walk. Luckily, we live somewhat close, but as I said, my feet were done with shoes at that point, so I walked home barefoot with my hubbie carrying me over the rough spots!

A weekend in Philly

2007-03-09T06:18:00.000-08:00

So we had a GREAT weekend in Philly. We went there to see the King Tut exhibition. I had been wanting to see it since it was in Chicago, so when it came to Philly, we made a trip of it and met our friends there. Here we are hanging out at the famous LOVE statue!!! And King Tut was awesome--- beautiful and amazing artifacts!! WOW!!!
And the food in Philly was fabulous! And... of course we saw the liberty bell- all in a short weekend!!!

pirates hat

2007-03-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

and here is the pirates hat....

Thursday Morning Date

2007-03-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

I have a ongoing Thursady morning date with my husband. Just a quick picture of us on North Mountain in Virginia. We went on a trail run which turned into a bit of an adventure. There were downed trees all the way driving there and then the running trails had fallen trees and limbs all over. Then we had to go through ice and snow. It was fun, just not what I had in mind...

Out of the Mainstream

2007-02-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well here is my pillow with "Bob Dobbs" on it. He is a registered trademark for the Church of Subgenius--and stands for all those rebels and freethinkers out there!!! He is the odd pillow out in my collection of my knitted pillows, just as his name implies he doesn't fit in with my Southwest art crafted room and I love it!!! He represents me in Lexington!

2007-02-27T13:48:00.000-08:00

1. How long have you been knitting/crocheting/spinning?
Since I was about 10-- therefore, forever. I started as a 4-H class and then continued to knit until I had children. I quit, because I couldn't knit and think with kids. I started again when I moved to Virginia 4 years ago.

2. Do you consider yourself a beginner, novice or experienced yarn artist?
I guess I would say an experienced yarn artist-- if there is a pattern, I can knit it.

3. What fibers (materials) have you knit/crochet with? I like all natural fibers. Everytime I knit with synthetic yarns I am disappointed.

4. What are your favorite yarns? I don't really have a favorite yarn. Whichever natural yarn works with the pattern.

5. What fibers are you dying to try? Some funky ones (to me): linen, bamboo, hemp

6. Do you prefer solid, self striping, or handpainted yarns? I like all kinds, again, depending on what I am knitting.

7. What fibers do you dislike? Cheap acrylics.

8. What are your favorite colors? My favorite colors are purple, green and orange.

9. What are your least favorite colors? Yellow, yellow and yellow again.

10. How did you learn to knit/crochet/spin? In a 4-H class.

11. What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on some cashmere arm cosies for a "Fancy Dance" that I am going to in March. And, I just bought some cotton yarn to make an Elfin Bride sweater from the Domiknitrix book.

12. How old is your oldest UFO? What is it? Will it ever be finished?
Actually, don't have any UFO's. Am I anal or what?? Usually only work on one project at a time until it is finished.

13. What is the most heartbreaking project that you ever frogged? Actually, I can't even remember what it was, but I know I did have my daughter frog it for me. I hate doing that!

14. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? I actually prefer circular needles.

15. Do you own a swift and/or a winder? Neither.

16. Where do you keep your needles? Hodgepodge... I have two knitting bags and put them in there all out of control.

17. Do you enjoy helpful hints about your knitting or does it just piss you off? I definitely enjoy helpful hints about my knitting. I usually knit alone so I like when I can learn from someone-- it only makes my knitting better.

18. What techniques are you still a virgin in (lace, cables, ect.) and are you interested in trying them? Lace, and I'd love to try it.

19. What knitting magazines do you subscribe to? None :(

20. Are there any books, needles, yarn, patterns that you are dying to get your hands on? Anything unusual and funky.

21. Do you enjoy knitting socks? How big are your feet? I hate knitting socks. I have knit two pair and neither turned out well. My feet are size 8 1/2

22. Do you have a wish list? No.

23. What are your non-knitting, crochet, spinning hobbies? Reading, being outside, being with my family, running, hiking, kayaking, biking, roller blading.

24. How do you feel about sports? Love to participate, hate to watch.

25. What is your favorite season? Least favorite season? Why? I guess my favorite season in Virginia is spring. When that gray, damp cold finally leaves and everything starts to bloom. It is really pretty here in the spring-- lots of beautiful trees blooming. My least favorite is winter. I HATE being cold and I hate paying the heating bill.

26. What is your favorite holiday? I guess it's Christmas. I like all the excitement leading up to it. And I like seeing it through the eyes of my children. It is a very magical holiday.

27. Do you like handmade gifts? Love handmade gifts-- they are gifts from your heart.

28. Do you wear jewelry that isn't real? All.

29. What are your favorite foods? Scents that you love? I love any ethnic foods.

30. What is your family situation? Do you live alone? I have a husband and 3 children ( all girls) ages: 6,7 and 13!

31. Do you have any pets? No pets at the moment.

32. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3's?
All kinds of music: acoustic, bluegrass, alternative, rock, punk, folk etc. (Don't really like rap or country) And no, my computer/ stereo can not play MP3's.

33. What are your favorite movies? TV shows? Actors? Don't go to the movies too much. Can't think of the last adult one I've been to. Rented Little Miss Sunshine, liked that. Don't have a TV. Actors--- who?

34. What do you collect? Funky money. Out of the country money, old money or silver dollars, Sacajewa dollars, etc.

35. What do you do in real life -- besides knit and blog? I am a teacher, currently teaching preschool.

36. When is your birthday? Is it a national holiday or just another day? April 18th. It is pretty much a National Holiday-- I announce it to everyone for the previous 17 days.

37. Do you have any allergies, medical conditions or disorders that your pal should be aware of (ie. diabetes, food/pet allergies, ect.)? Allergies to nuts and corn.

38. Are there any scents, phobias, or sensory thing (ie, the way certain objects feel) that your pal should be aware of? None

39. What is the most difficult thing that you have ever knit/crochet? A modular knitted jacket from Dazzling Knits.

40. What is your personal style? Is there a time period/fashion movement that you take your cues from? Anything a little wild that will make people look twice. (ESPECIALLY in the small conservative town I live in!)

41. Anything else that you would like to say? No

Toothless twins

2007-02-21T07:38:00.000-08:00

Both girls lost one of their top teeth at school yesterday. They look sooo cute---like little jack-o-lanterns.