I Hate It When That Happens!

Yesterday my digital camera died. He gave me two good years but I guess he just couldn't handle the workload...I know I overworked him but hey, could he have given me a warning or something?! So today was a "Girl's Day Out" for me and Froggie which usually means lots of thrift stores and yarn shopping but she graciously agreed to help me look for a new camera. (Thanks, girlfriend!) I looked online last night...compared cameras and checked the prices...found one at Walmart that looked pretty interesting but I have to see it and check it out before I decide. So our first stop was Walmart. *they normally don't have whatever I find online and decide I must have* They had it and I got it! It's a Kodak Z1275 and I love this camera! You know how I love taking photos *not necessarily good ones* and it's got 12 megapixels...I was like a kid with a new toy. I have to be able to take pictures of my knitting! It's a need kind of thing right? That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)

Not any knitting to share today but here's a photo of Ms Thang and Christopher (Froggie's little guy who's gonna get the new duckie). Can you tell they're happy to be getting out of school? lol

This one I took while we were waiting on the kids..just playing with the new toy. Luckily Froggie tolerates my strange obsession and isn't embarrassed when I randomly snap a photo while we're driving down the road. :P

Okay, my crisis is over and now I really gotta go get some knitting done. I did get a few skeins of yarn today but it was marked down *only $1.oo* and a couple balls of solid color cotton. Not a bad day at all.

Hugs!

*Oh yeah, no blogging tomorrow for the Blog 365er's. It's a day off...can't even blog about not blogging*

Contest Goodies....Woo Hoo!

I got my contest goodies yesterday for guessing which animal Cat was knitting for her Cocoa Swap partner. There was an extra goodie if you guessed the Industry name of the pattern. It was Shaun The Sheep. Lilduckie jumped right on the goodies...like it was for him. I mean, who does he think he is anyway? Pfftt!

These are the prettiest stitch markers. I don't have any even remotely like these. Most of my pretties are the small little beads...which I love but this is a nice little change.

Could she have picked a more appropriate set of stitch markers? They are so cute! Perfect for knitting more duckies. lol

There was also a cute little flower button in with the stitch markers. You can see who got that and tried to steal the littlest duckies. I got the stitch markers back but I think the button is going to stay right where it is.

Thanks for the awesome goodies, Cat! We both love em!

*Other duckie update....got the body seamed and the wings and beak on. Just need to finish the legs, stuff the duck and add some eyes. Froggie had a really cute idea for a little something extra for this new duckie. I love the idea...totally cute....if it works out, I think it's going to be the perfect addition to the new guy. Shouldn't be long before he's ready.

Movie Night Dishcloth

Just a quick post for now...another new pattern. My Movie Night Dishcloth . I am so really excited about this one. I wasn't too sure how it would turn out. Thanks to Shirley for test knitting for me with her super fast needles.

New Fast Food Dishcloth Design

It has been many moons since I posted any new patterns for sale. I'm trying to get some ones charted and ready to post...it will be slow but I am working on it. This is the new one I just posted. There will hopefully be one more coming soon. It's available here .

Baby Cloths And Duckie Parts....

I got started on my baby knitting right away since the little one seems to be in a hurry. I considered doing a handful of cutesy little baby cloths but given the rush I thought just quick little garter stitch cloths might be best. I can always do some cutesy ones later. I have a skein of Cotton Tots in Confetti...it's the first time I've knitted with this yarn. I have heard some complaints but I have to say that I really like it. It does seem to fuzz up a bit but I've been able to easily brush off the bits of fuzz so far. It's very soft and I like the feel of it while knitting. I think I have a skein of pink around here somewhere....will have to stash dive and get it out to make more.

I still don't have lilduckie's brother seamed and stuffed yet but I thought I would post a picture of the duckie parts....give ya an idea of what he's gonna look like. It's really not such a neat pile of parts but I hid all the ends underneath so it would look all neat and tidy. :P *Froggie, DON"T LET CHRISTOPHER SEE THIS POST!!!*

*Still haven't touched my Icelandic Shawl yet. I am so disgusted about having to frog back. I will get back on track...not to worry.

It was an awesome warm, sunny day today. 64 degrees F and I can check the mail without swimming out to the mailbox or renting a boat. YAY!!

The Bass Tournament Was In Town

Our little town was home to The Bassmaster Classic Tournament from February 22-24. The lake here was covered in boats. I pretty much missed the whole thing since I'm not a fisherperson or anything. My sister, brother-in-law and nephew (total cuteness) went to the show that was (I believe) at the Expo Center...they have the freebies and the booths and that sort of thing. While walking around, they came across this "green screen" where you could get a free photo taken. Cuteness and his dad decided on this shot (above). I love the look on his face...kinda makes the whole thing seem real. lol It's amazing what you can do with technology these days.

Duckie update...just gotta sew him together and put in the stuffing and he is birthday ready!

Found out today that my cousin whose original due date was April is now at the "any day now" point. She went for an ultra sound and the baby has turned and assumed the position. Today, I had to dig out my Cotton Tots and get some baby cloths started....shower will be rushed up pretty soon I think.

Hope you're all doing well, my cold is finally beginning to subside and I can breathe!!! YAY for tissues with lotion in them. My nose is forever grateful.

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

I know we need rain...good for the environment, raise lake levels, etc, etc..BUT! If it doesn't soon stop - this (see photo above) is only going to keep getting bigger and bigger. I do not own a boat. I do not have plans to own a boat. I cannot borrow a boat. I do, however, need to check the mail. This puddle (pond wannabe) is standing in my way. Rumor has it...tomorrow will be sunny. I've got my fingers crossed.

Duckie progress....need two wings and a foot and then put him together

I did finish the teddy but forgot to take a photo....maybe I'll remember to do that tomorrow when the light is better.

Shoot The Moon

I hope everyone got the chance to see the lunar eclipse last night. I made many pathetic attempts to take a photo. I'm sharing with you all a couple of the better ones. This is about as close-up as I could get and still be able to tell what it was. It really looked better with the naked eye but the camera just doesn't like to shoot the moon. lol

I don't know how or why it's orange in this photo but I thought it looked kinda cool. I got some tips from a friend and hopefully in the future I might some decent moon photos. I'll keep trying.

Ms Thang wore her socks to school today and showed them off to her friends, her interpreter and her teachers. She tells me her interpreter wants me to teach her how to knit. I don't know if this is true or not, the awesome interpreter hasn't mentioned it to me.

Almost finished with the other half of duckie #2's body....then on to the wings, beak and feet. Hopefully, he will finished soon.

AND.....I am sooooo excited!!! I learned to do the long tail cast on today!!!!!!!! YAY ME!!! It wasn't really hard at all. Man, the things I fear and then end up feeling so "DUH". lol I'm working on casting on my second pair of socks...hope socks #2 go as well or better then the first ones.

Hugs!

My First PAIR Of Socks.....FINISHED!

Well, I can now blog my final post on the first "pair" of socks. Yes, the second sock is now finished and on the foot of Ms Thang. She can sleep with two warm feet tonight. lol

The second one seemed to take me a lot longer than the first and I was so afraid the entire time that it would come out all wrong or too big or too little.....but miraculously, it's the same size! I am shocked and proud.

The photos aren't as clear as I would have liked but again, it's late and the light is crappy. I am so relieved to be finished and see that they did turn out not only the same size but wearable too.

Ms Thang was thrilled to have it done and put it on right away. These are going to be worn out real soon...I just have a feeling about that.

Teddy is still waiting on his last ear and a scarf and he's good to go. He had to chill on the desk while I got the sock finished. It was driving me insane and I can't cast on for another one until I finished the pair so it just had to be done.

Now, I'm going to fix me a nice cup of hot chocolate (courtesy of Aunt Kathy)....have the worst sore throat and need something warm and soothing. Spring....come on already....all this sickness is just ridiculous!

Teddy Beat The Socks Off My Needles....

As of this post, I still don't have that second sock finished. Not to worry, I have done a little knitting on it though...it will not fall victim to SSS. Ms Thang has decided that a Teddy was a bit more urgent than that second sock. (She's still wearing the first one to bed...lol) Today, I knitted my fingers off to get this little fella ready...he's waiting on one more ear and he's all done.

The color is nowhere near true in the photo but it's late and the lighting really stinks right now. He's/She's a very pretty pale mauve color knitted with more of the wonderful yarn that Shirls sent me from South Africa. It's called Lollipop yarn but there's no color listed on the label. It's 100 % acrylic...yeah, acrylic......and I love this stuff! It's so soft and it's an absolute pleasure to knit. I used some scrap Sugar & Cream in Black for the face. I think I need to invest in something a little lighter for faces if this toy knitting continues. The cotton looks a little bulky to me.

Oh yeah, almost forgot...he's/she's going to need a little scarf or a ribbon around that little neck. I'll have to get that figured out too. I like the way a little scarf looks on the teddies...maybe that will be okay with Ms Thang. I'll be sure to ask first.

*Got half of the body done for the next duckie....March will be here soon so I need to get busy. Froggie's little one is having that birthday whether I finish or not and I want to be finished. He's gonna love it!

Okay, gotta get some rows done on my Icelandic Shawl tonight because Friday will be here even sooner than March. lol Then there's the sock.....can I borrow some knitting hands? Somebody? Anybody? Hellooooooooooo? :P

Big Bird?

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around. You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you. How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

The Sesame Street Personality Quiz

Sluggish Sunday

I was asked about the size of the keychain so I thought another photo would be the best way to explain. This is my car key next to the sock...it's just a little bigger than the key but it really stand out. I so love this keychain...gotta get some more.

This is just to prove that I DO NOT have SSS...yet. It's OTN and I hope it will a FO tomorrow. Ms Thang is over-seeing production and not cutting me a bit of slack. lol Since tomorrow is her birthday, I really want to have it done. I would be further along but I spent way too much on Ravelry looking at sock patterns and trying to decide what my next one will be. I have some Tofutsies and I'm ready for another pair.

I am, however, very upset with these brand new hand made birch sock needles I bought recently at my LYS. They were $8.50 of worthless crap! I opened them yesterday and used them for the first time and one of the needles just split apart. They will making a trip back to the store and hopefully I can get another pair (different kind) because using these long DPs is really a pain.

That's my rant for the day....going back to my heating pad.....it's a girl thing. Nuff said.

Hugs!

Mini Sock Keychain

I decided today that since I can knit a sock now...I should whip up my sock keychain kit. I really wanted to have it on my keys to let everyone see. It was a super quick, fun knit.

It is so cute. I just love it and I've already had a request to make one for someone else. I think maybe I'll have to order some yarn and a handful of the sock blocker keychains so I can have them handy for gifts.

If anyone is interested in getting them...you can find them at The Unique Sheep .

Just a quick post today...had to share this little thing with you. It's already on my keys and ready for show. :)

In Progress....

The weather has been pretty nice today....sunny and 60 degrees F. I'm beginning to look forward to Spring though. The kids and I are already making plans to go camping. We haven't been in quite a while and we really miss it.

Ms Thang slept in that sock last night...it was so funny. I didn't even realize she still had it on until she got up this morning to get ready for school. Monday is her birthday so she brought home a present from her interpreter. That woman is the best! She got her a big Dry Erase Board with 2 boxes of markers and an eraser. Ms Thang loves to draw and has been playing with it since she got home. We're going to hang it up in her room.

Lilduckie wanted to show you a couple of things we've been working on. This is part of a Spa Set we're putting in the Christmas gifts box. The square one is face cloth and the other one is a headband. The face cloth is actually a modified mug rug.....I thought my recipients would have more use for a face cloth than the mug rug so I just added a few more stitches and went with it.
The pattern is one of Sue's at Harvest Moon . She has the nicest designs...something for everyone.

This is the progress to date on the Icelandic Shawl. So far, I'm doing great keeping up with the KAL. I'm a few rows ahead at this point and I'm going to try my best to stay on track with everyone. Ahead is great but as long as I'm on schedule...I'm happy.

Okay, gotta get that second sock OTN and start on lilduckie's sibling...birthday gift for Froggie's little one.

Hugs!

The Sock Is Finished!

I know you're probably all sick to death of hearing about my sock but I wanted to show you that I did finish it. I even did the kitchener stitch and I am amazed that it really is invisible. I didn't believe it but the seam just disappeared! Awesome! It's rather confusing the first time but once I got to the end, I didn't even have to look back at the directions. I love learning something new!

I was able to put it on but it's a snug fit so I asked my youngest son to try it on....snug on him too. Then it was Ms. Thang's turn...she told me yesterday that "that sock better be for me".....lol Well, that sock is definitely for her because it is a perfect fit for her. It also doesn't hurt that it is her favorite color...orange. She gladly modeled the sock for me while I took some photos.

Later on, I checked to see what she was up to...too quiet means trouble you know....she was lying in the floor on a comforter watching TV with that sock still on her foot. Never mind that she doesn't match....she says she's waiting on the other one. :P

The Final Stretch Of My First Sock...no pun intended

My buddy now has a name....Cocoa. I think it suits her fine....we decided she's a girl because she's got a cute little pink scarf around her neck. She is very excited about our first sock. Last night, we picked up those stitches and did our gusset! I don't think it looks half bad for a first time. I do have a tiny little hole on each side...I've heard of other knitters picking up an extra stitch to solve that problem. I'm sure I will learn more as I go and I have a lot of knitting friends to hear me screaming...."HELP"!!!!!! lol

Just a little close up not a good one but a close up. I am really enjoying this and I can't wait to get it done so I can attempt to put it on. Cross your fingers on that one. lol

Helpful Link....

I saw this cool tip on another blog and wanted to pass it along to all my friends. So, if you'd like to see a cool way to clean your computer screen then just click....

Clean your computer screen

Just Do It.....

This is what happens when you stop thinking about doing something you fear and just do it. Brian sent me this awesome sock knitting book (Thanks, Brian!) and since he was so gracious, I felt I had to at least try. I decided to just get my yarn, needles and book and sit down and follow the directions....no thinking....no analyzing....just do what the book said.

I TURNED A HEEL!!!!!! I can't believe I finally turned a heel! It was so not as hard as I thought...I always end up saying that when I finally do something. lol Now, it's time to pick up stitches and I think this scares me more than turning the heel did but I will at least try.

I have no idea if the sock will even be wearable but I'm understanding what's happening so I know that I will be able to knit socks after this. I have wanted to do this for so long so this is just an awesome feeling for me. I don't know if I will work on it more today....maybe later tonight when things quiet down.

Thanks for all the encouragement I've gotten about trying to knit socks....you all are such great motivation! Wish me luck with the picking up stitches....another new thing for me...only ever done this once I think.

I'm using the yarn Aunt Kathy sent to me....they may not be wearable but they will be bright and pretty. lol

My Cocoa Package Has Arrived!

I have a lot of photos but I wanted to try to share everything. The mail lady brought my Cocoa Swap box of goodies today! First off, I was so totally shocked to find out that my secret swapper was none other than the awesome sweet Aunt Kathy . She spoiled me pretty darn good.
This first photo is not even all the goodies. I got my favorite candy...Ferrero Rocher....several different flavors of Holy Chocolate...sock knitting book....needles with the lighted tips...cute hot chocolate mug...mini marshmallows (yummy)...some luscious hand lotion, a cute Chihuahua fridge magnet, a magnetic bookmark and pretty stitch markers. She also included one of her own original dishcloth designs.

Here's a close-up of the bags...aren't they just too cute? The one on the left (darker pink) was made by Aunt Kathy. The one on the right is made of felt and has cute little flower cut outs. I love them both!

Here is the yarn goodness I got...some sock yarn in the brightest colors and 1 ball of cotton in a neutral color....sort of an ecru I think you would call it. I love em! Can't wait to knit something up.

Here are my pretty stitch markers. The pink ones are my cocoa swap markers and the blue ones are my prize for linking to her contest from my blog. I can't get enough of the pretty stitch markers...every girl needs a stash of shiny, girly things.

And last, but certainly not least......my Blah Buster Buddy and his own personal cup of hot cocoa.
He is just too cute. This is why I want to learn to crochet! There's even marshmallows in his cup of chocolate.....She thought of everything! And he's even the same color as my little chihuahua, Diva. Wow, I hope I didn't forget anything....there were so many goodies in my box and I was so excited....If I find anything I forgot I will post them later.

Thank you so much, AK....I 'm really glad you turned out to be my Secret Swapper. Love Ya!!

Camera Case....First Attempt

This is my first attempt at making a felted camera case. It didn't turn out all bad but I'm not completely satisfied so I'm sure there's another one in the future. This is, I am sure, due to knitter error and not designer error. lol The above is my before photo. You can probably see by the first photo why it didn't turn out to my satisfaction. Man, that thing looks wonky. :P

This is the case after felting. There is a lot of pilling but I think I can clean that up pretty well. These last two photos just don't show the colors well....lighting was pretty bad. I also don't have a button on it yet. I have been fighting the flu since Friday and just haven't felt like looking for one.
One more view here....I really think the flap needs to be a tad bit wider and then I will love it. I had to use a stand in camera for the photos since I was using my camera to take the photos....it's a little big for the stand in but fits my usual camera almost perfectly.

You can find the pattern I used on Dianna's blog . She even has a diagram and directions to adjust the size to fit your camera.

Okay, hope everyone is well and knitting.....I am 2 rows away from staying on schedule with my Icelandic Shawl even though I have felt like crap. YAY ME!!!!!!!

Tagged....The Power Of 7

Claudia over at Cat tagged me for The Power of 7.

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I rarely ever watch TV. I use it mostly for background noise.

2. We use sign language in our house as much as we speak English.

3. I'm pretty good at cake decorating...once made my son a full body Spongebob cake...it was awesome. I've also done baby shower cakes, birthday cakes and one wedding cake (3 tiers).

4. I have the worst memory in the history of memories....I write everything down.

5. I had two of my children in the same year....long story short, one was born in February and the other was very premature in October of the same year.

6. I am addicted to French Vanilla Cappuccino.

7. I have taken self defense classes from a former IKF Kickboxing champion.

I now tag these 7 people who are sure to be thrilled by the tagging. lol

Dianna

Toni

Shea

Christy

Shorty

Allena

Nichole

Okay people, get on with the sharing of random weirdness.

Hugs!

I Am 6:49 am

You're the time of day right around sunrise, when the sky is still a pale bluish gray. The streets are empty, and the grass and leaves are a little bit sparkly with dew. You are the sound of a few chirpy birds outside the window. You are quiet, peaceful, and contemplative. If you move slowly, it's not because you're lazy – it's because you know there's no reason to rush. You move like a relaxed cat, pausing for deep stretches that make your muscles feel alive. You are long sips of tea or coffee (out of a mug that's held with both hands) that slowly warm your insides just as the sun is brightening the sky.

1 FO...1 UFO

I had forgotten about posting a photo of my last dishcloth I knitted. It's the Be My Dishcloth from Kristen Patay. I love her designs...they're so pretty. It's a free pattern...if you want it just click the cloth name and it'll take you right there. I did mine in Hot Pink Sugar & Cream.

This is a little close-up peek at the baby blanket I am knitting. I love the color but dang knitting with this yarn. :( It should be a quick knit though....using size 15 needles and I'm already almost through one skein already.

I have a camera case that I've finished knitting and it's waiting to be fulled. If it turns out good...I'll post photos when I'm done. If not, well......let's all just forget I ever mentioned it. :P

Gotta go get my needles out and sort my yarn for the Icelandic Shawl KAL. I need to get my colors organized and start casting on. The KAL started today and I have a feeling it's going to take a while to get it started....provisional cast on.

Scary, Stormy Stuff

"Eider" you take me back inside or I'm gonna waddle outta here!

We know that ducks love the water but even lilduckie was a little concerned about the weather here today. *See the frightened look on his face?* I'm sure most of you have heard of the awful storms that just plowed through 5 of our southern states yesterday....last night we were told they were heading this way. Fortunately for us...they had weakened by the time they reached us. The clouds were looking pretty menacing today but aside from a little rain...we're just fine.

This is what they looked like this afternoon. I tried to get some video but it just didn't turn out as well as I had hoped so we'll just have to live with photos.

These last two look a lot worse than they really are. The second photo is the "real deal". By this time, the sun was going down and it added a very dramatic effect to the clouds.


Especially this one. Strange how nature can be so scary and so beautiful all at the same time. I know there were so many who were not as lucky as we have been and I want to say that our thoughts and prayers go out to the families affected by the storms. Come on my blogging buddies....let's all light a candle and say a little prayer for them. Hugs all around!

*Knitting note....cast on for a baby blanket today. I'm using Red Heart Baby Clouds in Pink Lemonade. Love the way it looks knitted up but HATE HATE HATE knitting with it. AAGGGH...What was I thinking?!* photos later

Woo Hoo...The Rain Is Gone!

YAY!! The rain is gone...for now anyway. The sun has been out off and on today and it's a warm 68 degrees F. I wish it felt this way all the time.

Yesterday on Nichole's blog ...she had some hilarious, time-sucking links to share. I spent a lot of time on the 3rd link...too funny! If you need a good laugh, it's a great place to check out.

Photo taken by William Smith...Sunset...The Cape in South Africa

I received this photo in an email today. It was just so beautiful...I had to share it. It was taken by my friend's son in South Africa. Shirley and I have become very good friends and have adopted each others families. Will went back to school this past week and sent his American "Aunty" Mel this photo. I'm sure I'm not the only one who never realized what a beautiful country it is.

Going back to my corner to knit now. :)

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It has been raining here for what seems like forever. I really wish it would stop for a day or two.
Oh well, it makes for good knitting weather...but then, for me, any weather is good knitting weather. lol

Not much exciting going on around here now...just finishing up the final touches on my Cocoa Swap and getting it ready to mail out tomorrow. I've got two cloths OTN for Valentine's Day gifts and seriously fighting the urge to pull out that little sock keychain kit and cast on. I know it will require much attention for me and so it would be better to wait until I get some things finished.

Ms Thang is hounding me about what toy I am going to knit next and I really have to get another duck knitted for a certain Froggie's cute little son for his birthday in March. He absolutely loves little yellow ducks. He will have a handknit one this year.


lilduckie wanted to say "Thanks" for all the nice comments. You've really made him feel welcome. He has promised to be good and try to take over but he will pop in from time to time to say "HI". So, from lilduckie....MWAHHHHHHH!