The Knitted Lamb

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T10:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:34:00.000-06:00

Enjoy the day with your family and loved ones!

It's Going to Make It!

2011-09-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

The hibiscus plant I bought at the farmer's market this year is doing well. My husband had stained the arbor and fence that I planted it by and we really didn't know if it was going to survive. BUT as you can see, it is blooming flowers and has a lot more buds on it too. So I am very happy. I have another variety of hibiscus in a different part of the yard and has single petals with a bright yellow stamen in the center.

No Cold Feet Here - I'm in Love

2011-08-10T08:25:00.000-05:00

For SmallThings yarn-along today I'd like to share my socks!!! I just finished the toe yesterday morning and couldn't be happier with the way they turned out.

This is a nice pattern called So Simple sock that I found on Ravelry. It seemed to take forever to finish these, so I am very happy they are off the needles! I tried to take a close up of the cable running through them but I think the picture turned out a bit fuzzy. Alongside the cable on the leg part of the sock are ribs. On top of the foot the pattern follows through too. Kind of hard to tell in the photo, but they are there.

The yarn is from Knit Picks and I just love the warm autumn color! Reading Knitting Block by Block by Nicky Epstein. I've found a dinosaur scarf pattern that I'd like to make my youngest son for Christmas. Have to start this soon! Enjoy your day and head on over to see what everyone else is up to.

Beach Ball Blanket = FUN Table Cloth

2011-08-03T09:13:00.002-05:00

I have finished my BEACH BALL BLANKET/TABLE COVER!!! I am sooooo excited about it. I came up with the idea as I was floating around in the pool. The hubby and I rescued a wrought iron table and two chairs that someone in the neighborhood had kicked to the curb. They do need a coat of paint, BUT I knew I could come up with something before the bucket of paint arrived. My son and I were throwing the beach ball around when the AHA moment hit me for the table! BEACH BALL!!!!!! I made it in the same colors and used white for the clear parts. I even made a hole in the center piece so that if we decide to put an umbrella in the table, I can still use my cover! I added a shell edging and am just in love with how it turned out. The yarn is acrylic so that it can withstand the weather and washings! Oh happy day!

To view more great projects, join SmallThings yarn-along!! It's nice to see what others are working on. Started reading together with my youngest son: George's Secret Key to the Universe by Lucy and Stephen Hawking. Made it to chapter 4 and it seems like it's going to be an adventurous read.

Have a great Wednesday!!!

We All Need Prayers

2011-07-27T07:15:00.001-05:00

I belong to my church's Prayer Shawl Ministry and have finished up my second prayer shawl. (Forgot to take a picture of the first one, which was done in a pretty sea-foam green color.) This shawl was made using a purple yarn that was donated to our group.

I don't think the photographs do the yarn color justice.

The pattern was found in a great little book called Crochet Prayer Shawls by Leisure Arts. I love quite a few of the patterns found in the book. I already have some yarn stashed away to make another.

I enjoy making them and LOVE that they go to those who are in need of a warm hug and prayers! Each shawl is blessed and a list of prayers and bible passages are attached to each.

I'm still reading Secrets of Harmony Grove. Enjoy your day, be a blessing to others and go browse the other great blogs at SmallThings Yarn-Along!!

Yarn-Along with Small Things

2011-07-20T07:50:00.000-05:00

This is my grandmother! She turned 92 on July 17th. I made here a Queen Annes Lace Scarf, which she requested be made in a cream color. Doesn't it look nice on her? She's a crocheter herself and still loves to make washcloths, hotpads and creating anything with the "v-stitch". The pattern can be found here on my Ravelry and is really fun to do! Just like the chips - you can't make just one because you want to try them in different colors and yarns! Reading Secrets of Harmony Grove; yet another Amish-themed book. Read the Creation story and the story of Adam and Eve out of our New Catholic Picture Bible last night. My youngest son is in vacation bible school this week and we are reading each night from his book. Take care and have a great Wednesday reading all these great posts here at Small Things blog.

92 Years Young!!!!!

2011-07-18T14:27:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Grandma!

We LOVE you!

We celebrated my Grandma turning 92 yesterday with a picnic-style birthday party. She still crochets herself and loves doing the v-stitch. I made her a cream-colored Anne Scarf which can be found on my Ravelry.

Tooty Fruity Crocheting

2011-07-13T09:04:00.001-05:00

I have finished my summer fruit dishcloths and couldn't be happier with how they turned out. They are bright and cheery and can make this household chore just a bit less mundane. I have to admit that I haven't used them yet though. I will though - believe me! Can't decide if I want to add seeds to the watermelon or just leave it plain. The pattern is a basic crochet circle and changing yarn colors. I was inspired by the lovely blogger here. I did not fold mine in half though so that I could use them in the sink. Want to make a lime and an apple now.

I am also inspired by much talent found at SmallThings yarn-along!!! I just finished reading The Amish Midwife by Mindy Starns Clark. I have just started A Stranger's Wish by Gayle Roper. I'm on an Amish-themed reading binge right now it seems, but I do enjoy them. Go check it out and join the yarn-along too.

Have a great day! Our family's trying to stay cool here, been much too hot these past days (112 heat index - yikes!!)

Wednesday Yarn Along

2011-04-06T16:58:00.000-05:00

So for Wednesday's kal with smallthings I have a picture of my almost-finished-second sock - yippee! I found this pattern on Ravelry and have really enjoyed it. It's under my favorites and my Ravelry name is theknittedlamb. I am currently reading One Thousand Gifts and I do a daily reading from The King, Crucified and Risen: Meditations on the Passion and Glory of Christ (daily readings from Ash Wednesday to Divine Mercy Sunday).

Hope everyone has a great day.

Another CREATIVE giveaway going on!

2011-03-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

I have been following Christy's blog now and just love her creativity! There's a very special giveaway going on now to win one of her online classes - She Had Three Hearts! Check out Courtney Walsh's blog to find out how to enter.

This would be a great class; looks very inspirational!

Good Clean Fun!

2011-03-20T20:53:00.000-05:00

It all started with this fun little package! I won this from a giveaway on Rhythm of the Home blog. Smallthings was giving a felted soap making package away and I was so happy to win! My youngest son and I set everything out. We admired the wool, squished it in our hands, smelled it and looked at all of the pretty colors provided.

Ryan unwrapped the bar of Dr. Bronner's soap - love those products - and began to come up with a plan for wrapping his soap with the wool. He started with the brown as his base and made sure to cover all of the soap bar. You can see he didn't leave any white soap showing through.

He then took the colorful bits of wool and began wrapping, and wrapping, and rewrapping. At this point he wasn't so sure we were up to. The wool is still soft and not sticking to anything. I kept telling him, trust me once we put some warm water on it, you will see.

So we took our softness to the bathroom sink and began running the wool-wrapped bar underneath warm water. He squished and rolled and pressed and mashed and reran the bar under more water.

He squished and rolled and pressed and mashed and reran the bar under more water UNTIL...

VOILA! A beautifully wrapped bar of natural soap. We set it out to dry.

He couldn't wait to try it out in the tub.

It was a lot of fun and I would definitely do this project again. Thanks again Ginny for the giveaway.

My son and I were able to try a new project and spend time together doing something new.

Good. Clean. Fun!

Sometimes you feel like a nut...

2011-03-18T08:06:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you don't!

If you look very carefully at what the squirrel is holding in his hands, you'll see my point. We have the sweetest mail lady who always leaves a treat in the mailbox for our yellow lab, Zoe. Well I put Zoe's treat out on the deck for her to get later - a little surprise you know. Well if I didn't hear some noise and look out the dining room window to witness this! The squirrel has her treat! He smelled it, flipped it around and examined it, and then finally took a nibble. One nibble led to another and then he ran off with it. Hmmm... My youngest son thought this to be hilarious and wondered if he went home with a mouthful and the momma squirrel asking, "Where have you been and what's that you're holding in your hand?" So now I know to always give Zoe her treat directly and try not leaving little surprises for her.

Knitting Along with smallthings

2011-03-16T15:06:00.006-05:00

Another chance to view all of the wonderful projects out there at smallthings blog.

Still working on my socks from last week. I have made it past the heel and am working on the foot length now.

Have many scarves on the needles and am finally finishing up with my youngest son's stripey afghan.

Here's a close-up of the edging I'm adding on the last round. It's a 5-stitch picot. All rounds are single crochet except for the last round before the picot which is a double crochet.

I'm helping mom purge her huge stash of yarns. I know...someone's got to do it right!

I'm still working through my oldest son's old theology book, "Blest Are We".

I have been focusing on Psalm 51:11-14.

Have a great Wednesday.

Yarn Along

2011-03-09T09:53:00.003-06:00

Yarn-Along with us at smallthings blog. I just love seeing what others are working on. I have never linked to the yarn along, but thought there's no better day than today, right? So here goes...

I am currently working on a pair of socks for myself. I received the cutest pair of black maryjane shoes for Christmas from good 'ole mom! I just knew what to do with this Knit Picks sock yarn I had stashed for quite awhile. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday.

I found the pattern (So Simple socks) on Ravelry. I am now at the heel and am enjoying the pattern.

Knitting today will be a nice quiet way to reflect on the season of Lent. I am reading one of my son's old theology book (Blest Are We) from grade school. I am working on the chapters pertaining to Lent and Easter. Sorry, I do not have a picture of the book.

I'm a Winner...

2011-02-27T17:56:00.001-06:00

I have just found out I won a spot in the Soul Restoration class being hosted by Brave Girls Club/Melody Ross. So yahoo! I really think this class was so meant to be - I just had a feeling when I read the post on the Gilded Life's blog. Cannot wait to dig in to the curriculum!!!

AWESOME GIVEAWAY

2011-02-24T10:25:00.000-06:00

I have just come upon an amazing giveaway! The creativity and talent you'll find at The Gilded Life is very inspirational. The giveaway is for an online class from Melody Ross. Sounds like a great way to renew one's soul and get very creative!

Good luck to all who enter. Have a great day!

Where Women Create Giveaway

2011-02-22T12:23:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about the latest giveaway on WWC. Christy Tomlinson's artwork is so inspiring. You just have to take a peek for yourselves. The giveaway ends today, but I'm considering taking her class whether I win or not.

Very creative.

GIVEAWAYS!

2010-12-15T08:17:00.000-06:00

If you're into browsing some wonderful blogs and entering for some very nice giveaways, you just HAVE to check this. There are 3 different categories and just so many new and creative places to visit. I've had a LOT of fun with this. The deadline to enter them is December 17th!!

I'm hoping to be one of the lucky winners!

The 1st "Sticking Kind"

2010-12-12T21:33:00.000-06:00

It SNOWED!!! And are we excited - but it is also unbelievably windy! I'm not sure how long we'll be able to stand the elements until we have to come in for some hot chocolate!

The boys shoveled sidewalks and the driveway. Salt was strewn to aid in the melting process. Snow angels were formed, along with a miniature snowman. You should have seen how cute the baby carrot was for the nose. I know you're saying, well take a picture! Why yes, of course, how simple - IF the batteries had been charged - hmph. And YES, sledding was involved. So we did indeed brave the elements and ended our snow adventures with some much needed hot chocolate.

I was also able to cast on a new fingerless mitten today and I am hoping to finish up some other projects that need to be under the tree - this year! Smile...

More hot chocolate please.

Wishing you a peaceful day this Advent Season.

2010-10-31T15:36:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!!

It's all about the jewels...

2010-09-11T15:58:00.001-05:00

Jewel-tone yarn that is! I finally made myself a pair of fingerless mittens. I was on a "yarn crawl" this summer and visited 3 LYS for the day. Each shop had goodies they were giving away and patterns to take home. One shop even gave out local Ted Drewe's ice cream - yummy!

So I found this pattern on the back of the yarn band of Artful Yarns Vineyard. The pattern just uses the one skein - love it! They worked up very quickly on size 8 & 9 needles. They were knitted flat and seamed up the side.

The colors are absolutely gorgeous and I cannot wait until the weather cools off enough to wear them! I just might have to make another pair - hmm.

Hellooooo August

2010-08-09T16:42:00.000-05:00

It is absolutely HOT outside!!

So instead of heading outdoors today, the hubby brought the outdoors in to us! Just look at these...

We planted LOTS of sunflower seeds this year and are really enjoying them. We tried different varieties too. Am so glad we did because it's amazing how different each sunflower variety can be.

This is how we are tolerating the heat today - I can handle it. Aahhhh...

What's on your table right now?

2010-08-04T21:13:00.000-05:00

This is what I found on mine...

Now where did my yarn go Spidey?

Enjoying the view - chairside!

2010-08-03T07:07:00.000-05:00

I am truly enjoying skipping around blogland lately. It has been soooo hot in our part of the country and even a cold glass of lemonade outside in the pool doesn't even keep you cool enough. So indoors we go for a bit of some creative endeavors; both online and off.

Such inspiring and creative creatures out there! I am always amazed to see how talented people are. The creativity found on the internet is endless - like an ocean of ideas waiting to be viewed and admired by readers far and near; truly sometimes closer than we know. I hope you too are enjoying the hops, skips and jumps around the creative world of blogging.

Keeping cool and I'm loving the creative view!

Market Bag multicolor

2010-05-02T15:36:00.031-05:00

Found this fun pattern in a book called Aware Knits! Lots of great ideas in this book. This is actually the second market bag I made. The first one is very earthy - this one is crocheted in purples, blues, greens, tans. I am going to use it tomorrow for the grand opening at our local farmers' market! Can't wait. I'm bringing both bags to fill up with fresh, locally grown fruits and veggies.

I learned to cable!

2010-05-02T15:36:00.030-05:00

Cable Dishcloth or Washcloth1
Originally uploaded by The Knitted Lamb

Another great find in AwareKnits book. This is how I learned how to cable! The picture DOES NOT do the colors of this beautiful washcloth justice! The colors are like staring at the ocean. Don't know what happened with this photo

T-Rex Knitting Fun

2010-05-02T15:35:00.018-05:00

This little number was for my youngest son who is obsessed with dinosaurs. He's already told me he is going to be a paleontologist when he grows up and marry Kaitlyn. (Mind you he just graduated from Kindergarten.) But at least he knows where he's going, right? This really was a fun project to do. My sister and mom gifted me the pattern, along with other types of dinosaurs, BUT of course, T-Rex is his favorite. I also made a small dinosaur blanket for his birthday, which he loves. The material even has the dinosaur name printed below the image of each one - pretty cool!

Freeform

2010-05-02T15:33:00.012-05:00

This was originally going to be an African Violet potholder, BUT somewhere along the way I messed up. SO this became several african violets that I crocheted together to form a ring around a central african violet with crocheted edging on it. Turned out to be quite an interesting centerpiece I must say. There's some really nice work out there on Flickr - crocheted African Violets.

Bring on Spring - the Crochet Way

2010-05-02T15:32:00.021-05:00

I am so excited about this little number. I followed Lucy's pattern at Attic24 and couldn't wait to hang it on the front door. I think it's just the cutest way to celebrate May. Of course anything crochety is a great way to spend May. Such a sweet way to be welcomed home each day!!!

Summer Granny Square Cushion Cover

2010-04-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

I have yet to finish these two pillow covers, but thought I'd at least post the crochet side! I was inspired by Attic24's website. I wanted to use earthy fall colors for these pillows. I really like how the flower granny square one turned out - that would be the picture on the top. I will post the finished project as soon as I can!!

Tee Time

2010-02-27T10:32:00.000-06:00

This was a fun crochet project. My son's school holds a fundraiser each year. Each homeroom has a themed basket that they have to fill and it becomes part of the fundraising event. His homeroom's theme is - you guessed it - golf!!! So I soon discovered this pattern online and had a lot of fun making these golf club covers. You can find the pattern on Ravelry.

Fun is all in how you wear it!

2010-02-03T22:14:00.000-06:00

So my youngest son wanted a hat all his own - not like big brother's. Oh no! Had to be unique and all his own. He didn't want a hat with ear flaps - too silly in his opinion. BUT imagine the hat he picks - one with not only one pom pom on top, but 2! So silly is all in the eye of the beholder - the fun is all in how you wear it, right? So the pattern was found in Morehouse Farm Knits book. There's some really neat projects to take on in this book. I had a lot of fun making this hat and it went quickly with the thicker Wool-Ease yarn.

Manly Slip-Stitch Hat

2010-01-24T12:54:00.002-06:00

Manly Slip-Stitch Hat
Originally uploaded by The Knitted Lamb

Found this pattern in Lion Brand Yarn Just Hats book. I used Fisherman's Wool in two different colors and I think it really turned out nice. My oldest son loves it and gets lots of compliments from his friends. I think there may be more in the making - oh darn. :0) I guess I'll just have to make more...

Christmas Set

2010-01-02T12:39:00.002-06:00

I'm so happy to have finished this cute Christmas Set from Susan B. Anderson's new book, Itty Bitty Toys. I had a lot of fun knitting these Christmas goodies. I left my bag unstuffed though so that I can use it on St. Nick's Day and for stuffing with candy canes.

I know it's January 2nd, brand new year, BUT I finished this and feel great it is done for next Christmas. Another project that didn't make it to WIP-ville!

Happy New Year
2010

I'm in Love with Birdies...and my family is too!

2010-01-01T14:30:00.000-06:00

Crocheting has been such a fun adventure lately! I just wish I had more time. I crocheted this adorable robin birdie for my grandmother for Christmas. Her favorite bird is the robin and this is my crafty version for her to admire. My youngest son fell in love with him too, so needless to say there's another robin in the making. I guess it's not a hard request to fill either. I love crocheting these birdies.

This little cutie was made out of an abandoned WIP crocheted bag bottom I had started. So glad I found the abandoned bag because I am enjoying this birdie very much. He is hanging from a Christmas wreath above the mantel right now, looking very festive. For the pattern you just have to check out Attic24's blog.

Friend or Fowl

2009-12-27T19:15:00.001-06:00

My dad is interested in raising chickens. The research is on and the idea for a coop is floating around his head. He has the perfect spot picked out in his yard. And mom has given him the "go-ahead". So what would a daughter do for Christmas, but crochet him a rooster/chicken. I found this pattern on Ravelry and was directed to this site. I have to say I absolutely love him. Now he has found the perfect spot for his new friendly fowl. I had the best time making this and think I'll attempt another for my kitchen.

Cool Waters

2009-11-29T14:12:00.001-06:00

I am so excited! I have finished my first ripple afghan. I chose blues, greens and a bit of white yarns from Mom's store...erh...stash of yarns. I love how the colors work with one another. You feel like you're wrapped beneath a quiet waterfall. The colors are very soothing. My boys couldn't wait for it to be finished. My youngest would actually cuddle up underneath the afghan while I was crocheting.

You can see I added two rows of single crochet down each side to "tidy it up" a bit. I think it turned out quite nice. Maybe a granny ripple is in the works? I found this pattern from Ravelry, which linked to this site.

Lovey Dovey

2009-11-21T09:43:00.001-06:00

I have finished another birdie and she's a lovey dovey just in time for Christmas. Instead of putting a flower on her, she's got a wreath with red berries. Follow the pattern from one of my entries. These birdies truly are a lot of fun to make.

Itty Bitty Tom Turkey

2009-11-15T11:11:00.001-06:00

My Itty Bitty Turkey from the Spud & Chloe knit-a-long is complete. And boy is he a cute gobbler! I changed my wings a bit by adding a color on each feather tip. I had a lot of fun making this little guy and really appreciate Susan Anderson's pattern. You should give this pattern a try. What's nice about the knit-a-long is that you can complete a little bit at a time and feel successful with each sitting. Hope everyone has a great week.

Another Cardinal Birdie Has Landed

2009-11-07T20:24:00.001-06:00

I've completed another cardinal birdie (the little guy on the right and sorry the picture is a bit dark) and have 4 other birds - none of them being a cardinal - in the works to join the flock. If you recall from my earlier post, this pattern was found on Lucy's Attic24 blog.

I'm also working on a turkey pattern from Susan B. Anderson's Spud & Chloe blog. Will post my Tom as soon as he's finished. You can check out other knitter's turkeys on Ravelry too.

Having fun with both projects since one is crocheting and the other is knitting. Best of both worlds - yes!

The Colors of Fall

2009-11-03T17:20:00.001-06:00

I absolutely love fall!

It is by far my most favorite season in the Midwest. This year Mother Nature is really bedazzling us with her rich colors. I am in awe of the them on my drive each day to work, trying to absorb as much of the beauty as I can while staying on the road. I can't get enough of it.

Our backyard has a "burning bush" in it and I love, love, love it. Dad, you're gonna have to forgive my non-Latin term. Smile. My youngest son thinks it looks like a big apple, which it did. I was able to take a picture of the leaves after they had fallen off and were on the ground. They almost remind me of rose petals scattered about.

Our dogwood had some pretty colors too. The hostas are turning a pretty yellow under the orangy red of the dogwood.

And speaking of color, I finished my project with my Yummy Yarn. It turned out absolutely gorgeous. Love the design. If you're a Ravelry member you can see the pattern here.

Very easy pattern with very pretty details:

Enjoy the season. Absorb the color. Knit and crochet some color too. I know I am.

Bits of our Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T14:49:00.003-06:00

Our table: set for our dinner after we roam the neighborhood for treats.

Our BC pumpkins: "before carving" into jack-o-lanterns that is.

Our Breakfast: Yummy! Blueberry muffins with orange sugar topping and chocolate chip muffins with cocoa sugar topping.

Our evening: enjoyable! Hope yours was too!

Cardinal Birdie

2009-10-31T12:25:00.001-05:00

I have just completed the cutest project. Thanks to Lucy at Attic24, she has some clever ideas. I did a version of a Cardinal bird since they are so popular here in the Midwest. I just love the vibrant color of the male, especially against the whiteness of snow. Just spectacular. You can see my is in front of our soon to be jack-o-lantern.

I am going to make a Dove Birdie for Christmas too. It was a lot of fun making the cardinal and I can see a whole flock of birds nesting in my house soon. My cats should be really confused. You should give this project a try!

I've Been Inspired

2009-10-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

I am updating my blog and hope to keep up with posting on it more often. I have many projects on needles and hooks. Baskets overflowing with beautiful yarns and even more projects floating around in my brain. Many neat books and magazines to inspire the creative juices. I am really enjoying the Ravelry scene and checking out all of the amazing blogs out there in blogland. It's awesome to see so much talent in the world! I love the internet for this reason - brings people of all walks to one gathering place to share their passions of creativity!

This is a good start. Will have to work on getting my project and pictures organized for posting on the web here. Hope you are having a great day. Wish me luck...

New Yummy Yarn

2008-12-29T10:35:00.002-06:00

Cake without calories - what a concept! I just love this color too- Classic Elite Inca Marl 100% Alpaca, color #1194. It's beautifully awaiting it's new life as something - just not sure what that something is yet? Maybe a scarf or fingerless gloves. Will wait and see.

2008-12-29T10:25:00.000-06:00

I am so excited for two reasons!
1) I have finished a pair of socks for myself from the One-Skein Wonders book. I used Knit Picks sock yarn on size 2 double pointed needles.

2) I am posting something, which I haven't done in a very long time obviously.

I have many other projects on needles and will post about these soon.

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season with their families and loved ones.

2008-04-19T19:24:00.000-05:00

The Cutest Ever

2008-04-19T19:10:00.000-05:00

I'm happy to say that I've finished the cutest pair of socks for my youngest son. I had received a gift of red and blue WoolEase yarn from my mom and my son instantly fell in love with the red. As I was knitting a pair of socks for myself, he asked if I was going to make him a red pair. What could I say - I can't turn down the opportunity to pick up my knitting needles for such a great little man. So, as you see, they turned out as perfect as any new sock knitter could expect! I love them and want to make a pair for everyone in the family.
I found the pattern in .

Best of luck in all your knitting adventures. Signing off for now. Movie night with the family. And of course a little knittin' time!

Snow Day

2008-03-04T20:33:00.000-06:00

I don't know who was more excited today, the boys or me. Snow day for all of us - yippee! We had about 10 inches of snow!!

Things to squeeze into my lovely day: Knitting time and reading for me, and building a snowman and drinking hot chocolate with my boys!

Just finished up a great book titled Knitting: A Novel, by Anne Bartlett, along with the socks I posted about previously. I haven't taken a picture yet of them, but as soon as I do, I will post. I enjoyed the character development and of course the knitting references in Knitting. I've now got my hands on Maggie Sefton's Knit One, Kill Two (A Knitting Mystery) and will continue with the second book of her knitting series, Needled to Death (Knitting Mysteries). It makes me a happy girl to find a new series of books. Knitting and reading keep my hands and mind busy - not that I don't have a full plate already. I'm a full time elementary school librarian, have two awesome boys, a great hubby, a yellow lab, two cats and three fish! Life's full, but I gotta love it!

The Frog is Finished

2008-03-01T20:34:00.000-06:00

The frog washcloth is complete and my son could not be happier. And of course this means there's a new project in the works. And speaking of frogs, I'm giving my sock a go around again. It's been ripped out twice. So hopefully the saying "three's a charm" is true! I knit the first sock pretty smoothly. The second sock was giving me the blues for a while, but I keep reminding myself that it's the first attempt at a pair of socks. I will definitely try another pair after I finish these. A few "ribbits" here and there will not keep a good knitter down - right? Right! I will probably go for a pair that uses a larger dp needle. The ones I'm making now are on size 2. My parents bought this really cool sock book, along with some yummy sock yarn and a great set of Lantern Moon needles. The book I'm working from is listed for those of you who are interested in trying your hand at a pair! I LOVE the designs in here.

So stay tuned...I will post a picture of the finished product as soon as I can. My feet are excited for the finish too. Spring weather has not quite sprung yet.

A Clean Act

2008-02-24T15:58:00.000-06:00

My sister gave me this neat little booklet of garden design washcloth patterns. I finished up a sunflower washcloth in a pretty pastel yellow cotton the other day. The adorable frog pattern, using a dark forest green cotton yarn, is what's keeping me busy on this snowy Midwest day. My youngest son wants to know if it will be finished for his bath tonight. We shall see. If only dinner could wait, right!

A Celebration of Life

2008-02-23T14:28:00.000-06:00

I've just returned from a memorial for a colleague of mine. She recently passed away after a courageous battle with stage 4 melanoma. She leaves behind a loving husband and two beautiful children. She also leaves behind her spirit for life. Her memorial was sad, beautiful, and inspiring. There was reference to all of us leaving a bit of ourselves on the quilt of life - each of us contributing to the beauty of the overall piece. And without each of us, the quilt would not be the same. It got me thinking about how each of us do contribute to the world around us. And how each of us handle situations differently. During these past few months I have learned to deal with the daily stress and sadness by knitting. A year ago I handled my dad's recovery from an emergency abdominal aortic aneurysm the same way. I handle much stress through knitting! As stitches are made, one after another, and the piece begins to unfold in front of me, thoughts become calmer, clearer. I sort through all of the things going through my mind as my hands continue working with the knitting needles. As I pick up my knitting later on in the day - my thoughts will return to my friend. This time I will try not to mourn for the loss, but for her celebration of life. Knitting brings love to those around us in more ways than a warm scarf or a hat to wear. Knitting brings love to those around us through all of the thoughts and prayers that have been stitched into the garment along the way. May you celebrate life today with those you love - be it through a hug, a kiss, or a gently wrapped warm prayer shawl.