Back to Blogging

Got to get back to blogging. I have lots to say, (that's not usually a problem.) Time is my thing. The internet is a time sucker. You start out in one spot and before you know it 2 hours have gone by, you're hip deep in some random page that's really interesting and so on.

Back soon,
Promise

I'm Embarrased

Truly, it has been so long since I've blogged. So much has gone on the last few months. Let's see, seperation, moving to a new town, changing jobs, all in three months, and those are just the big things. But, life goes on and so must I.

Getting DS in new school tomorrow. He is nervous, excited you know. Wow, to be 10 again, and facing a new classroom. Don't think I want to go there.

Knitting has been fun. Halfway through Garter Rib Sweater from Creative Knitting mag. I'm making it for my mom in teal. Looks great with her coloring. A hat for someone else who has a link to this blog and I don't know if they read it so I will keep them anonymous. Its the Fair Isle Hat from Knitting Plain and Simple, my own colors. So far I like it. It's quick and looks good. My Kyrie Shawl is on the back burner while I get some Christmas knitting done. I finished the baby blanket for Amanda. Next on to some gloves for my kids, need to find just the right ones.

Wish me luck with finding a job, and the new town and new life.
See ya,
Renee

Politics

I really don't like politics. It's one of those things that, when spoken of, causes blood pressures to rise and friends to split. So normally I wouldn't post on this subject but an article I read today just gave me the need to vent.

Obama thinks we're bitter, and clinging to faith or guns because of that bitterness I'm a nurse; I get paid by the hour and I work hard. So I'm qualified to take exception to his remarks. If some of us are bitter it isn't because we feel ignored, it's because we are lied to time and again. The same lies, just different delivery systems. Politicians are going to jail right and left, for things we know have been going on for a long time. We're not stupid, we just haven't been able to do anything about it. There is no test you can give the Governor, or President, to verify they are a good person. We don't know if a couple years from now they can be corrupted. Now once again the newest round of candidates are claiming to be our deliverance. Can we trust them? Can we believe them? Do we even want to try, again? Our vote is a leap of faith.

There are many cultures and religions here in the US. We each believe in our own way. That is as it should be. I believe in my God without question. My faith has been tested, sometimes harshly, but I still believe. That will not change. It will not waiver because I know God thinks only of my and my family's well-being. God gives me free will, so I am responsible for my choices. I can only ask for guidance and take his path, hopefully choosing the correct way to stay on his path. I say all of this because I am so offended by Obama's comment that people cling to religion out of bitterness. What was he thinking? When I came into my faith I was not bitter. I do not remain faithful out of bitterness. There is no bitterness in a love for your God.

Recent comments by Obama's former mentor and pastor demonstrated anger and bitterness. My question is, does Obama in his true heart, subscribe to these same beliefs? Not the heart he shows the voters, the true one, the one only he knows. That worries me. Anger, bitterness, hatred, are words to be alligned with anti-religion. I want a president that believes in a God who teaches love, acceptance. Okay, I'll step down off the box.

Goals for February and March

Since we're almost halfway into February I decided to make my goals include March. Maybe if I post my goals on here I'll work harder on them. I've come to the conclusion that I'm just a slow knitter. Maybe since I was self-taught my technique is slow. Anyway, I've got to work faster if I want to finish and start new things. I mean, there's so many patterns to be done!!

1. Finish baby blanket for my friend Amanda. Almost half done now.
2. Finish Retro Socks. Only half of 1st sock done.
3. Seam my hug sweater together so I can wear it!!
4. Buy yarn and knit At The Lake Sweater for my mom.
5. Cast on Kiri shawl with malabrigo.
6. Find a suitable hat pattern for my brother.
7. Shop and buy for the Crochetaholic swap. This should be first actually, the deadline is the end of the month.

Okay, I'm stopping now. That's enough to work on for the moment. Maybe I should go knit now. Any ideas on knitting faster are appreciated!!

Cheryl Renee

Crochetaholic Swap Wish List

Are you a knitter or crocheter?
I knit and I love it. I know how to crochet, it would probably be easier on my shoulders.

I love to make.....
Cables are my new thing, they're really fun. Hats and bags.

I really want to make......
an Aran sweater, a pretty shawl.

My favorite yarns are.....
Anything natural, soft no acrylics. I love alpaca or mohair or just plain wool! I like cotton if it has some synthetic mixed in.

My wish pattern is......
a pretty aran, or Cottage Creations sweater. OR the Thinking of You scarf from
Fiber Trends. Its lace I think and so pretty.

My favorite hooks or needles are.....
Bamboo for most things, Addi Turbos sometimes.

I really wish I had.....
enough money to fuel my fiber habit!! :>) Some blue malabrigo yarn, yummy colors, or Patons
Soy Wool Stripes.

My favorite colors are...
Blue, yellow, reds (deep reds, not orangy reds) purple, teal, all colors?

My hobbies...
Knitting, quilting, gardening, I love my flowers, and reading.

My kitchen theme and colors..
Blue walls, white floor and counters. No theme really.

My bathroom theme and colors...
Roses, white, soft greens.

My dislikes....
Orange! Acrylic or eyelash yarn, ugh. Woodsy scents give me a headache.

My crafts..see hobbies.

what I like....
Animals, soft yarns, knitting patterns and books, shopping of course, movies.

My allergies... outdoor allergies, very heavy woody perfumes.

My favorite pets...my cat CoCo, the puppy I'm looking for.

My favorite scents...Gardenia from Pur Desire, Vanilla, coconut. floral or citrus.

My favorite novels or magazines...Country Living, anything by Nora Roberts.

Other stuff about me...I'm a Surgical RN and love my job. I have five children, 2 still at home.
Recently seperated. I can't wait to shop for my partner!!

Coming Soon......

This is a quick post because there's so much going on now but I had to say this much. I am so happy to announce that very soon, maybe one month, my new web store will be up and running. I have been working on this for quite a while and can't believe it's this close! The picture you see is one of the products we will carry. Of course we'll also have yarn, needles, patterns, essentials as well as hand-dyed fibers of many kinds. I'll also be taking orders for custom dying of fiber.

I can't wait!!
Renee

Fun Pattern

As you can see here's the tote I said won a ribbon at NC State Fair. The pattern is from The Crazy Yarn Lady. She has a shop in Mt. Airy, NC., and has some great yarn. The floral design is mine with her guidance, as this was my first needle-felting project. I'll be doing another of these, the needle-felting part was really fun. Talk again later!

I Am Freaking Out

A few weeks ago I broke my right hand at work. Semi-fortunately I am left handed, but I really use my right hand for over half of what I do. Anyway, I can't knit. There is a cast on my hand almost to my elbow. I CAN'T KNIT!!! I thought I was handling it pretty well, until the new issue of Interweave Knits came out. I checked it out on the website http://www.interweaveknits.com/ and saw the new patterns. Oh my gosh, the Gutter Gansey, the Farrow Rib Cardigan and, and,... I can't knit.

So what am I doing? I'm furiously dying fiber and yarn, and collecting patterns. By the time this cast comes off I'll have projects backed up for 5 years. 4 more weeks and I'm good to go.

I'm also gathering for my Coffee Swap pal. I'll be sending her package soon. She lives in the UK so I don't know how long the journey there will take but I hope she gets it in one piece, and I so hope she loves it. OK, I feel a little better now. Off to help with homework.

A GOOD DAY

Well, we went to the State Fair today, I took the boys and guess what? I GOT FIRST PRIZE FOR MY FELTED TOTE!! Sorry, don't mean to yell but I was so excited, not to mention shocked. I had been telling myself not to get my hopes up because there are lots of entries but there it was, a blue ribbon. I was so pleased. Now I have to wait a week to get it back, then I may just enter it at SAFF.

For those of you who don't know SAFF, it's a fiber fair held in Asheville, NC every year. It's quite large with a whole slew of vendors selling the most wonderful yarns and spinning fiber, as well as all the other things knitters can't get enough of. Go here to check it out, www.saffsite.org If you can manage to go you'll be hooked. I got some incredible bargains last year. Still trying to decide if I can go this year.

I also got my swap partner from Knitters Coffee Swap 3! Her name is Michaela, (pretty name) and she lives in the UK! I've never had a partner from overseas before and that makes this so much more interesting. I'm already swarming the internet looking for goodies. And then I remembered I hadn't posted my questions so here they are:

SWAP QUESTIONS
1. Whole bean or ground? Ground since I haven't yet invested in a good grinder. I'm not sure I function well enough in the morning to do it then anyway.

2. Fully-loaded or decaf? Definitely fully-loaded.

3. Regular or flavored? Regular for mornings, but I do like my vanilla or caramel cappuccinos in the afternoons. I usually hit Starbucks for those.

4. How do you drink your coffee? Hot, never cold, with Splenda since I'm diabetic and a splash of milk because I tend to drink the really dark roasts.

5. Favorite coffee ever? My absolute favorite is Caribou Coffee's Obsidian. It's as darkly roasted as espresso, but is so smooth and has no bitterness or aftertaste. This stuff is pure gold.

6. Are you fussy about your coffee or will any old bean do? I try other brands or types, but I have become fussy about my morning coffee. It has to be dark roast and smooth, smooth. I don't like hazelnut or nutty flavors. (but I love nuts to eat, go figure.)

7. Favorite treats to have with your coffee? Muffins, scones. I'm trying to stay away from the chocolates, bad for blood sugar.

8. Anything else about your coffee preferences? I like nice big, thick mugs. I like drinking it while I'm knitting or quilting, when it's quiet, listening to podcasts or music.

9. Yarn/fiber you love? I love wool, especially Merino. I really like to felt things although I don't use Merino to felt. I like Knit Picks yarns, they're nice to knit with. I love the malabrigo colors, they are so lovely but I haven't bought any yet. I like blends of natural fibers.

10. Yarn/fiber you hate? I don't like acrylic. Lace weight right now makes my eyes cross, I need new glasses. lol

11. What's on your needles? A sweater with fair isle accents made from Cascade 220 and Ultra Alpaca, for my mom. A shawl of lace weight wool/silk blend which is on hold till I get my glasses or a magnifying glass :). A pair of socks from Interweave Knits called Retro Rib Socks in superwash merino. I'm also making a queensize quilt for my son, and another throw size for I don't know who yet.

12. Favorite colors? Jewel tones definitely, also blues, yellows and reds. I just love color. But I don't like the wild insanely bright colors in some of the sock yarns.

13. Allergies? Only to things that keep me from knitting.

14. Anything you really love, really don't like, or just need to get off your chest? Tomorrow's Monday, which means I have to go to work, which means I can't knit. @#%^ But Tuesday is my birthday!! So every cloud has a silver lining.

Have a great week!! Cheryl

Pink, Pink for October!!

As the daughter of a survivor this is something that means a great deal to me. As a Registered Nurse I've seen what it can do to patients, families, children. Spread the word. Call your local Susan G. Komen Foundation and volunteer.

Cheryl

NC State Fair

I did it. I finished my projects to enter in the NC State Fair, took them over there and got them entered. It felt good to have them finished, but it's amazing how you feel when you leave them with someone else. It's almost like you're leaving your babies or something. I'm sure they'll be fine.

I entered a felted totebag done in Brown Sheep Bulky, medium and light blues with a panel of needle felted flowers and vines across the front. The flowers are yellow and purple. I was pleased with the way it came out. The pattern was by Crazy Yarn Lady, Blue Denim Felted Tote. But the floral design was my own. My other entry was a hat by Fiber Trends, Bobble and Braid Hat. It was done in seed stitch, cables, bobbles, with a braided tassel at the top. I did it in Wool-Ease yellow. It is so cute I can't wait for cold weather to wear it.

Oh! Oh! I got my ravelry invite! It is a really cool site but holy cow it's huge. I'm off now to explore it more.

Cheryl

Weekend and Baby

Oh, it's Saturday and there's only one more day to the weekend. Don't you hate that? Wouldn't it be great if every day could be Saturday? Then we'd have all the time we needed to knit, quilt, knit, quilt, shop for yarn or fabric, knit more.

My friend Amanda is pregnant and I'm so excited for her. I've had all my babies but I remember how it feels the first time. Since it will probably be born in May, whatever I knit should be lighter weight. So today I bought enough Santana, 55% cotton, 45% acrylic (I know, I don't use acrylic either but this was so pretty and so soft it was perfect.) to make a blanket. A blanket will be useable a good while yes? Anyway it is a soft pastel varigated with coral pink, yellow, green and lilac. I'm going to cast on thirty stitches with each of 5 balls and work upwards with all 5 at a time. This way it won't stripe, but simply color change softly across the whole blanket. A good winter project.

Project Musings

I don't know about you but I am so ready for fall. I've never been a fan of really hot weather, and this summer has been like roasting marshmallows except we were the marshmallows!! Down here in NC we have averaged ten degrees above normal all season. Besides how can you wear all those knitted sweaters and shawls if they're going to make you sweat like a pig? or maybe a sheep?

I've kind of taken a break from my knitting. I've been working on a quilt for my next-to-oldest son. He's 19; I hope to have it finished by his birthday in November. I know I can do it by Christmas. I only have one more row to add on and the top is finished. I will only have to layer it and quilt it! I still have to decide what type of batting to use. Any suggestions? The one I did for my daughter was very thin, she doesn't like heavy covers. But Alex likes lots of blankets so I'd like this one to be thicker, but not a puff quilt. I don't like the feel of those.

Anyway, now I'm doing the KAL for Bag Style, that will get me back to knitting. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I'm thinking of doing the one on the cover. I really like the shaping and the button detail. I'm off tonight to Barnes and Noble to get my copy. I don't know if I'll use yarn from my stash or buy new. I have some I could dye, but now I'll have to decide what color.
Decisions, decisions!!

Yayyy

I signed up for the Interweave Bag Style KAL! I can't wait to go get the book. I'm heading out to Barnes and Noble tomorrow night. I think I'll do the bag on the cover, it's so cute. But there are quite a few in the book that I like so who knows what I'll end up doing.

I'll post a link and hopefully a button, (if I can figure out how) when I blog again. It won't be so long this time.

PHHEWWW!!

Well, we made it through another Christmas. I love Christmas, the whole thing has such a magical feel to it. Presents are nice of course, but I try to put the emphasis on the fact that it's Jesus' birthday. I think that is where the magic comes from.

My SP package came a couple days ago, sorry I haven't posted sooner. We actually had two Christmases, the second being the 28th. So only now has it slowed down enough to let me blog. The package was excellent! I will post details and a pic later tonight. Right now I still have company to tend to. But I do want to say thank you to my SP. She has come through again with flying colors!!
More later....

Hey, This Is GREAT!!

My SP9 package got here, and I was so excited! Thank you KnitKnot for all the goodies. She sent chocolate, one german milk and one Starbucks peanut butter-toffee! Love Starbucks! AND a too-cute leather change purse with sheep on the outside, some stitchmarkers which will go very nicely in the purse. I didn't have any stitchmarkers by the way, unless you count the plastic round ones. Some Burts Bees which I love and was out of (how did you know?) Last but not least, a pack of #0 DPN's by Skacel, which I must have if I'm to try socks. There was a beautiful card on top. This was more than I ever expected. And it was GREAT. Thank you again, you made my whole week!

Oh My Gosh!!

I knew I hadn't blogged in a while but I had no idea it was really that long ago. So here's what's been happening. I went to SAFF, bought a Kromski Minstral spinning wheel, somewhere around 8-10 skeins of yarn, a Kneesel, about 7 pounds of fiber, felting needles, and I think that's it. I had a lot of fun, spent three days on my own to knit, shop and sleep, watch chick flicks and generally do whatever I wanted.

I got some of the most beautiful roving, merino in red, black and gold; corriedale 2 1/2 pounds natural; 3 pounds of blueface leicester in rust green and gold hints; and 2 pounds of deep teal green merino. I don't know whether to spin or knit first! I'm in heaven!!

I also sent out my SP9 package today. They should get it by Friday I hope. It has a couple things from SAFF in it too. Hope she likes it!!

Here's my answers to Shelby's questions!

List your favorite:
Actor - Kevin Spacey
Actress - Jodie Foster
Animal - Cat
Band - Nickelback
Book - The Talisman, by Stephen King
Bubble Bath - Bath & Body Works Juniper Breeze
Candy - Whitmans
Color - Yellow, Blue
Drink- Singapore Sling
Flower - Yellow anything
Food - Salmon or chicken salad
Lip Balm - Burts Bees
Lotion - Anything Bath and Body Works
Movie - Too many to list, but....Murphys Romance, Man from Snowy River
Place- The beach at sunset
Song - Way too many to list
TV Show - Greys Anatomy, CSI
Yarn- Brown Sheep, or merino or...or...or...
Vacation Spot - Montana

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

When I was 30 I didn't really think I would celebrate my 45th. However I have learned that every year/day/minute is a gift, and I celebrate all of them. I don't feel 45, what does 45 "feel" like anyway? My husband and boys are out now doing something secret. How exciting for me!

My shawl pattern is driving me crazy, the merino one in lavender. I have frogged twice, now I'm deciding on trying a new pattern or not letting the other one beat me. I think I'll try the new one. Maybe I'm not supposed to make the other one.

I went to Michaels to get a felting needle, they didn't have one. I was surprised. So tomorrow I'll try elsewhere, I really want to finish my tote. I'll probably do another one for my mom for christmas, I had fun making that. Then I need to try some socks, or something colorful. I don't like garish though, and so many of the sock yarns are so loud! I like the jewel tones and heathers best. I saw a purple/white/blue handpainted on the net, it was beautiful. Now I've lost the site and can't remember the name. AARRGGHH. Oh well, got yarn in the sink having a bath so need to go rinse.

WoW!!

My secret pal contacted me today!! And I contacted my spoilee and this is going to be so much fun. I can't wait to go shopping. I love shopping at my LYS, and now I have a perfectly good excuse to do so.

Fiber Things
My tote dried and shaped perfectly, I'm so pleased with it. I started the merino shawl over again and it is much better this time. There is a book on socks, I think it's called How To Knit Socks, or something like that. I've got to get some instructions on sock knitting. I do like cozy socks in the winter to wear around the house. Need to make some for my boys too. I think I'll do something bulky next, a hat maybe. Who am I kidding, there's about 50 things I want to make!