Circle Of Friendship Caddy

I have an FO!!! YAY ME!!! It seems like it's been forever since I finished something...those bagstoppers are making me cross eyed. I only have two more to go though. I can finally see the light at the end of the bag tunnel. lol

This is the Circle Of Friendship Caddy we just finished knitting in Shirley's Knitting Knook . I am so proud of my cables. I've only done cables once before and they didn't turn out so great but this one I think turned out just fine. It's a fast knit and it's definitely going on my Christmas gift knitting list. This caddy is the perfect gift for the men folk to keep the remote handy. It's also great for us knitters and crocheters to hold a small project or just to keep your neccessities handy....darning needle, small scissors, stitch markers..etc. *edited to add...pattern is now available on Shirl's blog*

A close up of the Friendship Cable...this little caddy was designed by our own Shirl . She's now working on a make-up bag for next month's Mid-Month KAL. I'm so looking forward to that one.
A close up of the cables on the pocket. I really like these and I can see this on a scarf for sure. I think my cables look better on a bulky yarn...the cotton dishcloth with cables was just not co-operating for me.

And...I've been playing with water. I've seen some awesome photos with water drops and I've wondered how they do that. I thought I would just play around with it and see what happens. These aren't the greatest but I have an idea of how it's done now so hopefully the next ones will be much better. I know I need a lot better light for these photos. Yeah...I'm easily amused. :P

Hugs!

Bag Love

OMG! Look what came in the mail! Okay, so it came a few days ago and I'm just slow with the blogging lately but still....I am so in love with this!!!

This is my Namaste Cali Laguna Bag. It's huge...it's soft...it's awesome...it will carry everything and I DO mean EVERYTHING!!! lol

The front view.

The back view.

The awesome, roomy inside. Sections, zipper, pockets....what more can you ask for? I can fit all my necessary things along with a knitting project...or two if it's a small project...and always be prepared. I'm kinda wishing now I had gotten one of the bright, pretty colors but I love my brown. I guess it wouldn't have hurt to change it up a little.

My oldest daughter has even decided she wants one for Christmas. She doesn't knit and has no interest in learning to knit but she totally loved this bag. That's quite a compliment from a just turned 17 year old.

I ordered it from DreamWeaverYarns . They are so nice. The shoulder strap was missing from my package...no fault of DreamWeaver's....and Natalie responsed to my email immediately. She contacted the company and has them shipping me a strap ASAP. She was so quick and so nice. I was just excited that I could go ahead and use my bag. Maybe I can get another for Christmas too when I order one for the daughter. :P

Off to take Ms Thang to karate class.

Hugs!

Award Day...

I received this award from Wendy today. Thanks, Wendy! I'm sure most of you already know that I have to pass it on...only to 5 people which is soooo hard to do. Since Wendy has already passed it on to some of the bloggers I would have chosen...she's making it a little easier for me. lol

I nominate the following bloggers for this award:


Shirl - Wonderful friend and talented knitter (keep an eye out...she has some designs of her own)

Froggie - Frog fanatic, awesome friend and dishcloth designer

Tea - Fellow country girl with an awesome sense of humor (she designs too)

hakucho - Always a great blog to visit if you're looking for inspiration...did I mention she's a designer?

Brian - You just need to visit this guy....he knits, crochets, designs in both, spins, dyes...okay I don't think there's anything he can't do

I just realized they were all designers...lol I have some seriously talented friends!



Now, here are the rules and regulations of the Arte y Pico Award:


1) Pick five (5) blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2) Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3) Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4) Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of "Arte y Pico" blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award (http://arteypico.blogspot.com/)

Have fun and good luck picking your five.

Hugs!

Showers In Spring Dishcloth Freebie

Sorry it took so long for me to get this one posted...kids+summer vacation=crazy Mom.

Showers In Spring

©Copyright 2008

Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 46

Rows 1-4: Knit

Row 5: K4, P38, K4

Row 6 & All Even Rows: Knit

Row 7: K4, P38, K4

Row 9: K4, P17, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P8, K4

Row 11: K4, P15, K2, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P1, K2, P6, K4

Row 13: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 15: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 17: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 19: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 21: K4, P17, (K1, P2) 4X, K1, P8, K4

Row 23: K4, P38, K4

Row 25: K4, P15, K17, P6, K4

Row 27: K4, P14, K1, P17, K1, P5, K4

Row 29: K4, P13, K1, P7, K5, P7, K1, P4, K4

Row 31: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P7, K1, P5, K1, P7, K1, P3, K4

Row 33: K4, P8, K1, P3, K1, P6, K1, P7, K1, P6, K1, P3, K4

Row 35: K4, P3, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P5, K11, P5, K1, P3, K4

Row 37: K4, P4, K1, P3, K5, P4, K1, P11, K1, P4, K1, P3, K4

Row 39: K4, P5, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 41: K4, P6, K1, P2, K2, P2, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 43: K4, P6, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P19, K1, P4, K4

Row 45: K4, P6, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P2, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P5, K4

Row 47: K4, P3, K4, P4, K1, P2, K3, P13, K2, P6, K4

Row 49: K4, P6, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P11, K1, P8, K4

Row 51: K4, P7, K1, P4, K2, P4, K1, P9, K1, P9, K4

Row 53: K4, P6, K1, P1, K4, P2, K1, P4, K9, P10, K4

Row 55: K4, P5, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P22, K4

Row 57: K4, P4, K1, P5, K1, P27, K4

Row 59: K4, P10, K1, P27, K4

Row 61: K4, P38, K4

Row 63: K4, P38, K4

Rows 64-68: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.

Hugs!

The Simple Woman's Summer Swap

I've read about this swap on several blogs....you know who you are.....I just could not take the pressure anymore. I'm in. It's a really nice swap for anyone who loves to do swaps but doesn't have the funds or the time to do a huge complicated thing. Check it out if you think you're interested...there's still a little time left to get in. I love the swaps and I could totally do it more often with nice simple swaps like this one.

I'm A Golden Retriever! :P

I saw this cute little quiz on LaVerna's Blog . I had to go and find out what doggie I am.

Happy Father's Day...

More Apron Love

We finally got those pictures of the second apron. I think Ms Thang liked this one even more than the first one. She was WAY more into modeling this one anyway. It looked more pink in the original photos but once it got here...it's a peachy color. Still totally cute...

She loved the pocket on this one....can ya tell? lol She was very adamant about getting a shot of the pocket....so...here it is. THE POCKET!

This is a close-up of the top...I love the "cross stitch" look of the trim.

And the bottom. This one is a bit bigger than the first one so it just might get more use. I'm thinking the first one is the perfect size for Ms Thang anyway. Now I need to get some with the "bib" on them. Ah, heck...I just need more aprons....any kind, style, etc...

We did get a little more rain today...not enough to make a difference but better than none I guess. My poor plants are begging for more so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

If anyone has any ideas for a knitted swimsuit cover up...I am all ears. I'm looking for something that's a tank top or cami style at the top and then just knee length or so. I have a picture in my head but lack the skills to design a garment. Even a cute tank top or cami pattern that I could just keep on knitting to the length I need. I just don't want anything that "fits" if ya know what I mean...kinda loose and comfy. Just asking....

Back to my knitting...
Hugs!

My First Apron Is Here....

First off, I have to say that the crafters/sellers on Etsy are the best. Every experience I've had so far has been awesome. There are some super nice people there....if you haven't already...check it out...you can find everything there!

This is how my package arrived...well after I took it out of the envelope. There was a lovely handwritten note and some cute buttons and she tied the apron up all pretty with a ribbon and a cute tag. The apron even smelled good! If you're into vintage goodies...check her out.... The Good Old Days on Etsy.


Ms Thang was happy to model it for me. The pictures aren't so great. There was a breeze blowing but the sun was blazing so we were trying to hurry and get back inside. lol

I love it..it's too cute! It's the beginning of a new addiction I think. I just hope I can work up the courage to sew one myself. The other one I ordered from eBay came today but I haven't had time to get good photos so maybe I can post that one tomorrow. You can see she took it off long enough for me to snap this photo but she didn't want to give it back. Maybe I'll create a little apron monster out of her. She is the only one who shows any interest in learning any of my crafty stuff. There's hope yet.

Hope everyone has been staying cool and out of the way of those awful storms. I'm still working on my bags....making progress slowly but surely. Now I have two more new patterns I want to try. The new Knitty is out and they have a cute bag pattern. BYOB(Bring Your Own Bag)
Like I need any encouragement to knit a bag. lol Then along comes the Sassy Sacks from Knitting Daily ...yeah, I ordered that one already...don't know when I'll get around to knitting them but they were too pretty to pass up.

Off to rest a minute and maybe do a little knitting.
Hugs!

Free Patterns Update...

I wanted to apologize to anyone who has tried to download the Word doc. files of my free patterns. I had no idea that it wasn't working....heard nothing from the site that was hosting them so I had no reason to think it wasn't working. I've fixed the links to direct you to the pages where the freebies are located. If you need a Word doc. or a PDF of any of my free patterns....just email me or leave a comment and I'll be happy to send you the copy you want.
Sorry for the headache.

Hugs!

"InTents" Camping Dishcloth Freebie

I thought since I've been kinda quiet lately....I'd at least offer a freebie for ya. It's been a while since I've done that too. Yeah, I suck. So, here's a dishcloth pattern for all you campers out there. Enjoy!!

“InTents” Camping Dishcloth
©Copyright 2008
Designed by Melanie Thompson
Test Knitted by Shirley Smith

Cast on 46

Rows 1-5: Knit
Row 6: K3, P40, K3
Row 7 & All Odd Rows: Knit
Row 8: K3, P2, K14, P2, K4, P2, K14, P2, K3
Row 10: K3, P2, K1, P4, K2, P5, K2, P1, K6, P1, K1, P4, K2, P5, K2, P2, K3
Row 12: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K6, P1, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P2, K3
Row 14: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P2, K3
Row 16: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 18: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 20: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 22: K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P8, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 24: K3, P2, K6, P3, K1, P3, K1, P8, K6, P3, K1, P3, K1, P2, K3
Row 26: K3, P3, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P10, K1, P4, K1, P5, K1, P3, K3
Row 28: K3, P4, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P4, K3
Row 30: K3, P5, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P14, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P5, K3
Row 32: K3, P6, K6, P16, K6, P6, K3
Row 34: K3, P40, K3
Row 36: K3, P12, K1, P1, K3, P4, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 38: K3, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 40: K3, P12, K1, P4, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 42: K3, P12, K1, P1, K4, P3, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P12, K3
Row 44: K3, P12, K1, P1, K1, P6, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P12, K3
Row 46; K3, P12, K1, P2, K3, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P12, K3
Row 48: K3, P40, K3
Row 50: K3, P4, K4, P1, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K5, P3, K3
Row 52: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P3, K3
Row 54: K3, P3, K1, P5, K4, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P2, K2, P1, K1, P1, K3, P3, K3
Row 56: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1 P7, K3
Row 58: K3, P3, K1, P5, K1, P2, K1, P1, K2, P1, K2, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K1, P7, K3
Row 60: K3, P4, K4, P2, K2, P2, K1, P3, K1, P1, K3, P1, K1, P1, K1, P3, K1, P1, K5, P3, K3
Row 62: K3, P40, K3
Row 63: Knit
Rows 64-69: Knit

Bind off and weave in the ends.



Hugs!

Are You A Ravelry Member Yet?

Just a quick post since I only have a minute...
Is there anyone who isn't in Ravelry that would like an invite or do you know someone who is interested? I have some invites to send out if anyone wants one. If I understand correctly, there's no waiting to get in with the invite....I send it...you respond...you're in! It's an awesome site for knitters and crocheters. Don't be put off by the constant references to MySpace for knitters....there is so much more to Ravelry than just socializing.

If anyone is interested just leave me a comment or send me an email.....
melne 66 at yahoo dot com


Hugs!

Forgive Me For Bragging But....

Ms Thang totally made me proud on Awards Day. I think everyone (regulars anyway) know already that she is deaf. She has...for the last several years....been in the Learning Disabled (Special Ed) classes because she was beginning to struggle in the regular classroom and we were afraid she would fall behind. This year is her last one in elementary school and everyone (myself, teachers and therapists) agree that she is ready to move back into the regular classroom setting. She has really come a long way the past few years...thanks to some awesome teachers...we want her to start off in middle school being as "normal" as possible. I hate that word and I hate to use it that way but it's the best way to explain it to those who don't understand. She is as normal as it gets....she is deaf but that hasn't stopped her from doing or trying anything! She has played softball...she's taken dance (performed in the recital like a pro...couldn't tell she couldn't hear the music...YGG!)...she played little league baseball WITH THE BOYS...she can swim...ride a bike...you get the picture. She won't be told she can't do something. She has worked so hard this year and this is what she has to show for it.....

A/B Honor Roll...okay she always gets this one and is not at all impressed anymore. She knows this one is coming. lol It always impresses the family though.
*I (poorly) edited these photos to remove real names*

She had the privilege of serving on the Student Council this year. She helped the little kindergarteners plant flowers earlier in the year and made a few new friends in the process. I was really surprised they chose her....there's still an amazing amount of bias towards kids with disabilites and in her case they assume that she isn't smart....just cuz she can't hear which means she can't "talk"? ( we do sign) PULEEEZ! Do not underestimate my child. (All my kids are smart. :P)

She also received this nice little award with her certificate. It will go on the shelf with her sports and dance trophies.

This one was totally unexpected. The school administrators choose only 3 kids from the two grades to receive this award...not even the teachers knew who would get it. Her interpreter was so excited. Ms Thang was announced second so we can't even tell you who the third child was. lol
I was blown away that they even considered her given the assumptions about the kids in LD (Learning Disabled) classes. I shouldn't have been too surprised...I've walked around the school with her and practically everyone knows this girl. She speaks to everybody...the head custodian is her buddy....the little kids are fascinated watching her sign. It still blows me away though....every time.


Her Citizenship Award pin. I'm really proud of the progress she's made....sorry for bragging but at the same time....I don't take any credit for her achievements. She had the most amazing teachers and the best interpreter ever! She has a classroom full of wonderful kids who accept her as she is and want to look out for her and help her out when they can. We're really gonna miss those kids. I encourage her to do her best and I don't allow her to slack off even when she fakes a headache, tummyache....whatever.....but she did this herself. She's just a great example of what you can do if you put your mind to it...even when there's obstacles in your way.

I will have both bags ready tomorrow for those sweet boys in her class. I can't wait to see the look on their faces!

Hugs!