Surprised And Not So Surprised

This was my surprise this morning. I didn't even know the cactus would flower. Okay, so I obviously don't know much about cactus. This plant was given to me by a friend of my hubby's. He has them all over his yard. This one was still in a pot and looking kinda sad. I have always wanted one for my yard so he said that I could have this one. He's been here for about a year now and has grown so much. When I went out this morning, this is what I found! Just one lone little flower but it's so pretty. We recently moved him from the place we originally planted him to a spot closer to the road in front of our house. I think maybe he's just showing off. lol



Well, my no so surprised is that I am not happy with first soap sack attempt. I've already re-written the pattern and am ready to get another one OTN. I had to re-do my decreases for the bottom. I hate pointy and it is pointy. Looks more like a cone shape which is not a favorite of mine. I would prefer it be more flat. Maybe the second time will be the charm....I sure hope so.

My Own Soap Sack...A WIP

I've been trying to design my own soap sack. I really like using them when we go camping, but I just haven't been completely happy with the pattern I was using. It's done mostly in stockinette. The soap seems to get a little yucky and clumped up inside the sack. I'm thinking maybe it would work better with something a little more "lacy". This way the water drains out better as well as the suds from the soap. I don't know this for a fact...haven't tried it yet....just doing a little thinking. lol

I'm been going through my copy of The New Knitting Stitch Library by Leslie Stanfield. If you haven't seen this book...it's awesome. I love it! You can browse through this book 10 times and see something each time that you didn't notice before. It has really helped me to understand the different decreases...they confuse me so much. And it's a good lesson on reading charts. If I am ever going to actually knit the Pacific Waves Shawl....I am going to HAVE to figure this chart business out. Whenever I see a pattern with a chart...it sends chills of fear down my spine. I really want that shawl though. I already have my yarn from Elann. It's still sitting here in the box waiting on me to get over my fear.

These two photos are my soap sack so far. I should have it finished soon. It's knitting up pretty quick and so far, I really like it. This is done with scraps of S&C. I'm thinking it would be so pretty done in the Sinfonia my friend (Amy-lynne) gave me. It has a very nice sheen to it and would look so much prettier. I'll keep you posted.

It's Tweety Bird!

I finished my KAL for Rachel's Knitting Room last nite. I was only two days behind...lol. Took me til almost to the end before the design jumped out at me. It's Tweety Bird. Once you see the design, it's hard to figure out why it wasn't obvious before. It looks just like the little fella. This KAL was hosted and designed by Allie from Knitwits Heaven. Big YGG! to Allie. She and Lisa at Knitwits have some awesome designs. I wish I could do so well. I had to post him so you could see. I love this one. This one is going to make a great gift.

Pool Party and Firetruck Dishcloth

Yesterday, we went to my sister's house to cook out and break in the pool. They recently bought a house and the pool was in desperate need of a good cleaning. They had to get a professional to do the job but it's good to go now. They invited us over to let the kids check it out and they had a blast! I wish I had gotten more pictures but my camera batteries died. Never fails. We did discover that all of them but my little nephew can swim. He's only 2 but I don't think it will be long before he's swimming like a fish. He loves the water. The picture above is my youngest daughter...this is what she did constantly.

This is my youngest son. He couldn't wait to get on the diving board. I made him suffer for a while then put him through a "swimming test" before I said "Okay, go get on the board". He lit up and took off! I will get more photos next time. My oldest son didn't even want to go and refused to get in the pool. We finally got Dad to just throw him in. He ended up having fun and discovered that he could swim. They can't wait to go back.

I couldn't leave my little nephew out...he's just too cute. This is Killian (otherwise known as Boogie). He had to get out early because it was a little cold and his teeth were chattering. He was a pretty good sport about it though. Isn't he cute? BTW...my brother-in-law makes some seriously good bratwurst.

This is my newest dishcloth design for sale. You can find it in the usual place. lol I've been kinda slow designing lately. I think I have too much going on at one time.

Smelling good....more swiffers in progress

I had to show you my new soaps...they are awesome! These are for me but I did order one for hubby also. He grabbed his as soon as I showed him so I didnt' get a picture of it. They smell wonderful and were all hand made by a talented lady named Kandie. She makes them for you when you place your order so they are fresh and smelling good. If you'd like to take a peek at her site, you can find her at http://kandiesjustforkhix.blogspot.com/ The two little heart soaps were samples.

I just finished another swiffer cover. I will post a photo soon. This one I knitted a little differently. It's done in garter stitch and knit from side to side rather than "long ways"....knit up much faster this way. So many people want one that I had to find a faster way to get them done...lol.

May Mid-Month KAL

I fianlly finished a lacy one! Last month's got the best of me but I wouldn't let this one win. I think I only frogged twice. I haven't used this particular yarn before either...probably not a good idea to try new yarn with lace...at least not for me. lol My wonderful friend, Frogiez, gave me this yarn for Mother's Day. It's Sinfonia (100% mercerized cotton) in the color Turquesa. It is so soft and has a nice sheen to it. I think it would be good for face cloths but not really sure since I've never used this type of yarn before. The picture just doesn't do it justice. And as you can see, it is in serious need of some blocking! I highly recommend these yahoo knitting groups. These are the nicest, smartest ladies you will ever run into. Everyone is so helpful and willing to share what they've learned with less experienced knitters (that last one would be me). I have no doubt that had I found these ladies a lot sooner, I would be a much better knitter today. I feel as though I've learned so much in the last month alone. Thanks To All My Fellow Groupies! YOU LADIES ROCK!!

I've been tagged!

I've been tagged by Craftycat from my Knittingnascarfans group. This is my first tag...I feel special. lol So you have to list 7 random facts about yourself and then tag 7 other people and direct them to your blog to read the rules.

1. I have a yarn stash that is absolutely crazy. There is no way I will ever use all this yarn.

2. I have 4 amazing kids. Megan is a dancer, Zak is a gaming freak, Jacob is a skater (skateboards) and Michaela is into more things than I can list....right now it would be swimming.

3. I am addicted to diet pepsi. It was regular pepsi but by switching to diet pepsi, I lost 15 pounds.

4. I want to knit socks but I haven't gotten the courage to try just yet.

5. I love my bamboo needles....don't use anything else if I can help it, but I would LOVE to have some rosewood needles. (too expensive)

6. I own way too many purses...my hubby threatens to throw them away. If he only knew how many pairs of shoes I own. lol

7. My youngest daughter, Michaela, is deaf. We have all learned sign language and use it daily. I don't feel it's fair to try to force her to fit into a "normal" world. She didn't choose to be deaf. Although in some ways, I think it has been a blessing. I have learned so much from her and we wouldn't want her any other way.

I am new to blogging and still fairly new to my wonderful knitting groups so I don't know that many people. I am randomly tagging some of the awesome ladies in my groups...I hope you don't mind.

www.cindybmw2004.blogspot.com

http://lisasparadise.blogspot.com/

http://periwinklefrogknits.blogspot.com/

http://wishingiwasknitting.blogspot.com/

http://360.yahoo.com/luvs_knitting

http://360.yahoo.com/profile-D4GWn3s3aamPjeCc0gO6V5M-?cq=1

http://360.yahoo.com/jeanie101156

Ok, now back to my dishcloth KAL and gotta get everything ready to go camping this weekend. Another one of my obsessions. At least I can take my knitting with me.

I'm still here!

In case anyone was wondering...I am still alive. Been so busy with my scarf KAL (had two going at once) and finishing little gifts for teachers that I can't seem to find enough time for everything. The first photo is my Seaman's Scarf from the KAL. It was done in the group SASE-Shawls & Scarves Etc. I have only done boring scarves in the past. The easy, garter stitch kind. This one was an easy one for new lace knitters and there were two options as to how to do it. Either all zig-zag lace or the ribbing in the middle. I know wish I had done one of each. I wasn't too sure about the ribbing together with the lace but it turned out great. I love it!

I made one little mistake in the first one so I carefully positioned that out the camera view..lol. This one was done with Red Heart Soft Baby in Laddie Print. I have never liked acrylic yarn but this yarn is really soft...not like the acrylic I learned to knit with.






The next scarf was done with Lion Brand Wool-Ease in Blue Heather. I just happened to run across it at my local Hancock Fabrics and bought a couple of skiens. I thought this would be a good thing to try it out on. I love the first scarf but I'm thinking I like this one better. I think I could wear it with more than the varigated one.

I'm so looking forward to the next scarf KAL. And I am going to attempt to knit the Pacific Waves Shawl in June. That one is really stressing me out. I don't know if I am really up to it but it's so beautiful and I have the yarn so I think I will give it a try. If it doesn't work out, there's always the frog pond. lol

Noah's Ark Dishcloth

I just posted my Noah's Ark Dishcloth pattern for sale. I'm not 100% happy with the photo...will try to get another one posted soon.

Hope to have another photo soon of my scarf KAL. It has come such a long way and I really like the way it's turning out. I would never have put a rib and a lace design together but it looks so good. I even considered not doing the ribbing and just continuing with the lace throughout. I'm so glad I decided to take a chance. RaAnn is so smart. After I finish tomorrows rows, I will try to get a good picture so you can see it.

Free Slot Machine Dishcloth Pattern

I am finally posting the free pattern for the Slot Machine Dishcloth. I didn't hear anything back from the two ladies who were test knitting for me. I thought maybe they were just busy so I decided to go ahead and do a test knit myself. I wanted to get it posted in case anyone was looking for it. Sorry it took me a while to get it done.

Slot Machine Dishcloth
©Copyright 2007
Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 43

Rows 1-4: Knit
Row 5 & All Odd Rows: Knit
Row 6: K4, P35, K4
Row 8: K4, P35, K4
Row 10: K4, P35, K4
Row 12: K4, P3, K23, P9, K4
Row 14: K4, P3, K8, P7, K8, P9, K4
Row 16: K4, P3, K7, P9, K7, P9, K4
Row 18: K4, P3, K6, P11, K6, P9, K4
Row 20: K4, P3, K26, P6, K4
Row 22: K4, P3, K27, P5, K4
Row 24: K4, P3, K23, P2, K3, P4, K4
Row 26: K4, P3, K2, P5, K2, P5, K2, P5, K2, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 28: K4, P3, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P5, K2, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 30: K4, P3, K2, P1, K3, P1, K2, P1, K3, P1, K2, P5, K2, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 32: K4, P3, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 34: K4, P3, K2, P5, K2, P5, K2, P1, K3, P1, K2, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 36: K4, P3, K2, P5, K2, P5, K2, P2, K1, P2, K2, P2, K4, P3, K4
Row 38: K4, P3, K23, P2, K4, P3, K4
Row 40: K4, P3, K23, P3, K2, P4, K4
Row 42: K4, P4, K21, P10, K4
Row 44: K4, P5, K19, P11, K4
Row 46: K4, P11, K8, P16, K4
Row 48: K4, P12, K6, P17, K4
Row 50: K4, P13, K4, P18, K4
Row 52: K4, P35, K4
Row 54: K4, P35, K4
Row 56: K4, P35, K4
Row 57: Knit
Rows 58-61: Knit
Cast off.Weave in the ends.

Scarf KAL

This is my first scarf KAL with the new group Shawls And Scarves Etc (SASE). It was started by RaAnn Clegg. She's a wonderful person and excellent designer. I love the zig-zag lace design and the colors are turning out so pretty, however, the edges of my scarf seem to want to curl. Since this is my first scarf other than garter stitch, I don't know if it's something I'm doing wrong or if this is typical of a ribbed edge on a scarf. I hate to frog and start over but I don't want "curly" edges on my scarf. I couldn't give it away if it didn't look good. If anyone reading has any suggestions, please let me know. I welcome any and all help. I really want this to turn out well so I can possibly give it as a gift or donate it even. I know a lot (if not most) of you have much more knowledge of these things than I so I'm hoping for some good ideas as to how to do better next time. I'm gonna end up frogging....I can feel it. lol

Ambulance Dishcloth Pattern

I have a new Ambulance pattern uploaded to my sale site. I will try to get the new Slot Machine freebie pattern posted soon. I haven't heard anything from the two ladies doing the test knitting so I will try to get it knitted and photographed for you soon. I have gotten behind on my dishcloths and have much catching up to do.

I Love You ASL Dishcloth

This is the I Love You ASL Dishcloth I knitted for my daughter's teacher. I have two others as well to give the teacher's assistant and my daughter's interpreter. We did them in the favorite color of each person. This is one my daughter's favorites. We have a hard time finding anything with sign language on it so when we do, she gets pretty excited. I thought these would be the perfect end of the school year gift. And they will always remember who gave it to them.

The pattern can be found at http://www.lulu.com/browse/book_view.php?fCID=657834&fBuyItem=5

Granny Smith Apples & A Seahorse

Well, it has taken 5 years but Granny has finally come through. These are my new "babies". My Granny Smith Apple tree. I planted this twig about 5 years ago. I never thought it would even grow. It barely had any roots at all. Last spring, I had 2 small apples but they never got very big. This spring, it is full of little apple babies! Keep your fingers crossed for me....I'm hoping for some good ones this year.

I have another new design posted on my sale site. My little seahorse. Working on another I hope to have done in a day or two. We went camping this weekend but had to come home Saturday. Got caught in the rain. Everything was soaked...including us. lol That has left me time to work on my new designs. And I also finished 2 of 3 dishcloths I have to do for my daughter to give her teachers. I will post a photo of them when I get them all done. My daughter is deaf and she wanted to give her teachers the I love you ASL cloth designed by Susan Mrenna. It is a wonderful design. You can find it at http://www.lulu.com/browse/book_view.php?fCID=657834&fBuyItem=5

I have another free pattern in the works. It is being test knitted by two very nice friends in my monthly dishcloth group. As soon as they give the okay and send a photo, I will post it here to share with everyone. It's a slot machine design if anyone is interested in it. It should be up soon.

Swiffer Cover

This is an awesome thing! It's a knitted swiffer cover. I got this pattern from a wonderful member of my monthly dishcloth group. Her name is Sarah and she shares the pattern on her blog. It can be found here http://www.sheepofadifferentcolor.com/swiffercoverknitted.htm

It's so much better than the store bought sheets. I'm making another one so that I always have one clean. You just toss them in the washer and dryer and they're ready to use again. And I can use up my leftover cotton yarn...they don't even have to match. She's such a smart woman.

Here's a photo of the bottom....this one is actually pretty, I think.

My sister has already put in her "order" for two. And I am going to adjust the pattern so that I can make a couple for my Swiffer Wet Jet. I like the Swiffer fine but my Wet Jet is my favorite. I absolutely love that thing. We'll see how it works with that one as well. Would be a lot cheaper than buying the refill sheets in the store. Thanks Sarah! I'm so glad you shared the pattern with us.