Halloween Fun

Here is my baby who is no longer a baby. :( She wanted to be a nurse for Halloween but she looks more like a surgeon. My sister, who is a Medical Lab Tech, gave her the lab coat to complete her outfit. "Ms Thang" insists that she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. I think she would make a very good nurse. She tries to be so helpful and always wants to do a good job and please everybody. She just got her report card and is getting 2 awards...one for writing. This is a major accomplishment for her since writing is one of the hardest things for her. Being deaf makes it difficult for her because sign language is a little different than spoken English. It's hard for her to always get the words in the right order. She is in a self-contained class where she can work on each subject on the grade level that is appropriate for her and she is doing great.

This is "Ms Thang" and her friend "Critter" (Christopher) out Trick or Treating. "Critter" is the son of my best friend/knitting buddy/partner in crime, Froggie (Amy-lynne at Frogiez Place). They had so much fun walking around and getting candy. Froggie's neighborhood is a nice, friendly and safe one so we were able to Trick or Treat the old fashioned way. I so did not want to go into town and fight the awful crowds at all the big events going on. We just don't get any Trick or Treaters in our neighborhood since there aren't many small children, we're too far out in the country, and the houses are too far apart. Cows don't give out candy so nobody's interested. lol

The surgeon/nurse in action. I just thought this was a cool photo with the wild effect the lights made. You can also see the relective strip Froggie put on the kids' pumpkins. She also made sure they had the glow sticks so they would be visible to us and any cars that may pass by. She's a pretty smart Frog...lol

And, last but certainly not least...................

This is a photo of "Major Cuteness" after winning a costume contest. He took first place in the 0-3 year old group. Was Elvis ever this cute? Thank you, thank you very much.

This photo was taken by Nathan Gray of the Anderson Independent Mail. Yay Killian!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday Skater Boy!

glitter-graphics.com

Today is my youngest son's birthday. The big "13". He got his birthday present a day early. My sister went across town to get it for him so we could surprise him. He wanted Guitar Hero II for Playstation 2. She found a good deal on it but she had the worst time getting her hands on the actual game. Everywhere she went, they tried to get her to buy the GH III but he had his heart set on II so she meant to get it. We went in together and got it for him since it was the only thing he really asked for. We led him to believe that he would have to wait for it to come in the mail. He was so shocked to get it a day early. After gasping for air, his just kept repeating...omg, omg, omg. lol He then proceeded to rip it open and try it out.

I wish I had a more recent photo to post but aside from the skateboarding picture I took today (you can't see his face) I don't have any real recent photos. This one was taken last year on one of our camping weekends. I think he was trying to look tough...hard to do when you're a short fella who weighs less than 100 lbs soaking wet. lol I just liked the reflection of the campfire...a little blurry though.

This one was taken today and no he hasn't grown much since last year. I believe this particular "trick" is called an Ollie. I wish I could build him a real place to skate but I am just not gifted in the construction department. If I built it, it wouldn't be safe to walk on much less skate. lol Since our yard was a pasture at one time, it doesn't really lend itself to skating but he was determined to figure out a way to do it. It's amazing what willpower and a little plywood can do to improve a situation.

Happy Birthday, Son! I love you!

Another Dishcloth Dress & Some Fall Color

Not much knitting going on still. I thought I would feel a lot better by now but my sinus problems persist. I have such bad headaches nearly every day...will be so glad when this is over. I did manage to get this dishcloth dress done for my neighbor. She is such a sweet person and I wanted to do something nice for her...no special reason other than I have such awesome neighbors. It's always nice to get something totally unexpected. I asked her husband what colors she had in her kitchen so I could get something that would match and I love the Sugar & Cream striping yarn so I thought it would be a nice choice.

Today has been such a nice day. The air is a crisp 61 degrees and there are no clouds. The colors are still slow coming but it's beginning to get pretty outside. This is the view from my front porch. Normally there would be a lot of yellows and some orange mixed in and the reds would be a much brighter red but lack of rain has really taken a toll on us this year.

I'm off to try to get my Christmas list in order and see what I need to get done for family and friends. And if you have time, my friend Kandie has some awesome photos on her blog of the California wildfires. They are very touching photos...definitely worth a look. http://theknittingpit.blogspot.com/

Okay, off to the Christmas list.

Today....A PAIR of Slippers

I actually got a PAIR of slippers done. I took the strap off the first one because I really didn't like the way it looked. When I get ready to do the straps...I think I will do two at one time so that they match. The pattern calls for crochet edging around the top and then crochet the strap. Well, my lack of crochet skill has me trying to figure out another way to edge it and do the strap.


They are very soft and actually pretty comfortable. I need to dig into my stash and see if I can find some contrasting color to do the edging...they look rather plain in all white. I'm sure I have more Lion Brand Homespun in my stash somewhere. There may even be another pair in the future if I find something a little darker. Okay, short post today...still not feeling 100%. I think I have decided that this is a sinus thing...woke up with another awful headache today. It's a little better now. I really need to kick this thing so I can get down to some serious knitting. I am so behind and going for days not knitting is so unlike me. I need someone to give me a swift kick in the behind to get me back on track. lol

Saturday Sky

I'm Alive And Well...okay, scratch the well part.

I have actually gone two days and not knit a thing. I have a bug of some sort or allergies...not sure which but it is making me feel horrible. I've had the worst headache for days and just feel terrible. I did manage to get one project done at least. Major Cuteness is going to be Elvis for Halloween so his Mom & Dad wanted me to put an eagle on the back of his cape. There's one on the front of the costume but nothing on the cape and it looked really plain. After much searching for the right color rhinestones and the appropriate glue...I got down to business.
This is the cape after I finished putting the eagle on. I'm surprised it turned out so well since I was working with that dang headache. It took me a while to get the stones in just the right place. Then I had to glue each one onto the fabric one at a time. It went a lot faster than I anticipated thank goodness. It looks so much better in the sunlight. You can't see them sparkle in this photo. It really adds to the costume too. Now it's not so plain on the back.
This is what I saw yesterday on the way to pick up my sons from school. Is this the "Cool" thing now? I really must be getting old because personally I thought it was a bit much. That round silver thing under the car looks so much bigger in person....kinda looks like he had a rocket under there. I'm thinking he's probably got more money in the extras than the actual car is even worth. lol I'm pretty sure there were hydraulics involved as well. All this "pimping" to his ride and the poor car was blowing out black smoke...you would have thought it was on fire. Oh well, as long as he's happy, who am I to criticize. I just hope my boys never want to drive one of these things. EEEWWWW.

Wordless Wednesday...Mom, There's Something Growing Outta My Head!

Major Cuteness (aka Killian) On Vacation

My brother in law takes awesome photos. They recently got back from vacation at Myrtle Beach and this is one of the photos he took for me. I love taking pictures as well but I'm not as good at it as he is and I only have a digital camera. There's still a lot to be said about the wonders of a good 35mm camera. Which reminds me, it's about time to con him into coming over and taking some updated family photos. The kids grow and change so fast...it's past time for some new ones. I was on the phone with my sister when she said something about the moon on the water so my BIL snapped this photo for me...I did adjust it a bit so you could see the water a little better. I think it 's a pretty cool photo.

This one might get me in trouble but I couldn't resist. This is what you call "a Kodak moment". My brother in law, Barry and son, Killian...the major cuteness himself. You just can't resist a photo like this. It's so sweet. Note to sister.....SCRAPBOOK! This one has to go in!

"MC" should have been a fish. I have never seen a child love the water as much as he does. He finally got to jump in! The pool at home is too deep but this one was just the ticket. He's such a daredevil....man, are his parents in trouble. lol

Last one, I promise. This is the cup cozy I made him to take on vacation. The one everyone kept stopping to ask about. He also has one to use when he is here while Mom and Dad work. I only have a few more to make and everyone will have one. I've thrown mine in the washer and dryer and it's still holding up great.

Okay, I'm done with all the cuteness...for now. I gotta go get that other slipper finished. I'm about half way done now and then finish the dishcloth dress I have OTN for my neighbor.

I'll be back on in a bit with my Wordless Wednesday.

Slippers...Okay, correction...Slipper

I have one of my slippers finished and the other one is OTN. There's not much going on here other than rain so I figured I would go ahead and post a photo of the finished one rather than going AWOL for days again. I would have preferred to use a color other than white but this was on the top of my stash and easiest to get to. The pattern calls for a contrasting color to do a crochet edge and for the strap. I still can't crochet that well and since this was a "test" pair anyway, I just opted out of the edging and did my strap in the same color. I want to do another pair in a darker color and add something on the bottom to make them wearable out doors.

Here's a side view for you. They're really cute and comfortable from what I can tell just wearing the one...lol

Please ignore the PJs, it's what I wear everyday around the house. As long as you're inside, who cares what you wear, right? You got to be comfy when you're knitting.

If anyone wants the link to the pattern again....
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_5466264,00.html

Don't worry, they're easy to knit....you know I wouldn't be doing it if it weren't....come on now. If you can handle double points and K2tog, you can do this one. The only seaming is on the heel.

I also came across another pattern on Ravelry that you should check out. It's definitely an original and I so want to try this one too!! Check out this awesome idea for recycling!!

http://floofle.blogspot.com/2007/04/yay-recycling.html

Too Cute!

Saturday Sky....finally some color

More Baby Booties

These are my latest baby booties. I used Sugar & Cream...don't remember the color exactly....this was some leftover dishcloth yarn. I like these much better than the acrylic. They aren't as pretty but I feel better giving her natural fibers...you all know how I love that acrylic.
A friend just reminded me also about the dangers of using acrylic with babies....the fire hazard issue. I probably wouldn't have chosen green for myself...not this shade anyway but my cousin loves green so I thought this would be okay. I think the green would also be appropriate for either a boy or a girl. Now I just need to make a matching hat.

We got a little rain today...we need it so bad. We are finally beginning to see the colors of fall. I thought they would never get here. I hope to get some good photos soon to show you. They still have a little ways to go before the colors are really showing enough to take photos. I've noticed a big change just in the last few days so maybe it won't take long.

Okay I am off to try out a pattern I found on Ravelry....my newest addiction. It's a pattern for slippers done in Lion Brand Homespun. If it works out, I'm thinking Christmas gifts. :)

I don't know why I didn't think to include the link for the slippers last night...so sorry, here it is...
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_knitting/article/0,2025,DIY_14141_5466264,00.html

Wordless Wednesday...Peek A Boo

Baby Booties Finished and Baby Bib

I have seamed up the other booties...finally....and now I have the set. I mean, who really needs just one bootie? I am now going to try to do a pair in some cotton leftovers. I know it can stretch but I'm hoping since I knit rather tightly that it won't really been a problem. We'll see how that goes. I just loathe acrylic (no offense to anyone who likes it....but I prefer natural fibers) and don't really enjoy knitting with it. I do have to admit that it is better than it was in the past. This particular yarn doesn't have that scratchy feeling to it. It's a baby yarn...if I remember correctly, it's made by Red Heart. I would have to go back through my files and find out since this was also leftover from a scarf I was making a while back.

This is my model for the baby bib. It's the Baby Bib O Love from the Mason-Dixon book. My cutie nephew had already gone home so I couldn't con him into modeling for me. My daughter insisted on her "baby" as the model of choice. The bib is done in Peaches & Cream and the color is Pink Lemonade. I never really had a preference between the P&C and the Sugar & Cream before but now I have to say...I really prefer the P&C. Now that I have more experience with yarns and textures, the P&C really stands out. It feels better...knits up a lot nicer....and the finished piece just seems a lot nicer. It's a good thing I don't live near their outlet store or the company...I would be in so much trouble. I would love to go visit though.

I do have another yucky spider photo for you all....I know how much you loved the first one. lol I will save him for another day. My son found him on the front of our barn and just had to take a photo. I've got him almost trained to look for the next good photo.

Another Manly Soda Cozy And Some Rambling

Nothing much new to report...finished another soda can cozy for my youngest son. He requested black but I found this new color at Walmart and had to try it. It's Peaches & Cream in Licorice. I love the way the colors came together and I really want to keep this one but I can't. He did ask for it. I tried the "but you said black" excuse but no deal. He loves it and he's keeping it. Oh well, I do have enough left over to make another one.

I got a message from a blog reader about printing out the free patterns on my site. She was having touble getting them to copy and paste so she could print. If anyone has problems with them, feel free to email me or leave a comment anywhere on the blog (I will get the message) and I will be happy to email you a copy of the pattern/s you want. I have them all in Word doc. format saved on my computer.

I finished the baby hat but it was WAY too small. It has now found a home on my daughter's baby doll's head. lol The doll still only has one bootie though. I still need to make her another one. I will post a photo of my baby bootie set soon. (Did I already promise that already? lol) I also have to start another hat in a bigger size for the real baby. Hope everyone is well and happy. I've felt a little overwhelmed lately...trying to get it all together. My Ravelry guilt is about to get the best of me. I so need to get back on there and get my page done. So many people still waiting to get in and here I've been in for some time and have done NOTHING. I'm so ashamed. My name on Ravelry is "lilknitter" if anyone else is already on. I hope to see you all there eventually.

Baby Knitting And Where Did All The Color Go?!

Had to show you what I've been working on lately. I have been bitten by "baby knitting" bug. My cousin is due to have her baby in April...still don't know if it's a boy or girl yet....so I've been searching for easy baby patterns to try out. This is my first baby bootie....I did it in pink because I'm trying to will it to be a girl. lol I will also do a pair in blue just in case. I have a little hat OTN to go with the booties. I'm really want to find a VERY EASY baby sweater to go along with these. I have never even attempted a sweater or anything that requires any major shaping so I'm still a little uneasy about it but, you never know until you try. If I can't get it...I can always frog it. lol



I've also got a baby bib from the Mason-Dixon book OTN. I'm using Peaches & Cream in Pink Lemonade. (Everybody think.....girl, girl, girl, lol) You know I will have a photo for you as soon as I'm finished with it.


I'm open to any suggestions for patterns or other things I could knit that I haven't mentioned...so if anyone has any, please feel free to leave me a comment and I will check them out. I will so appreciate it if anyone has any new ideas for me.


Fall is finally getting here and tonight it's a wonderful 53 degrees. It has sure taken it's sweet time coming this year and the leaves aren't as pretty as they usually are. This is my dogwood which normally would be much more colorful this time of year. I really miss seeing all the yellows, oranges and reds. I don't know if it will get much better than this. :( I try to remember to take my camera whenever I leave the house just in case I see some color somewhere....we sure don't have much color around here.

Wordless Wednesday...First Signs Of Fall

My First Ilusion Knitting

Okay, I know you're probably thinking someting along the lines of ... EEEWWW or OMG, what is that?! Truth be told, I totally agree with you but there is some reasoning behind the awful combination of colors. First, I was using leftovers and second, it's for my youngest daughter. She is die-hard Clemson University fan...their colors are orange and purple. Yuck, I know but that's their choice of colors. She also loves cats...any kind of cats but especially tigers. The tiger is the mascot of choice for Clemson U. I had been wanting to try illusion knitting for some time but it was one of those things that intimidated me. When I found a pattern for a cat, I thought it was time to jump in and give it a try. Looking straight on, it's awful. No fault of the designer because her knitted version was very cute. I take all the blame based on the colors. lol

He's not quite so bad looking at an angle. I think the kitty would have popped out better if I had blocked it before taking photos. Being the impatient person that I am, I can't wait for that. lol

Slightly more of an angle is even better. She loved it so I guess all is well. She's very forgiving when it comes to Mommy's knitting...she never points out my mistakes. Now I will be keeping an eye out for more illusion patterns. It's fun to conquer a fear and learn a new technique. Now if I could just find someone to teach me how to crochet, I will be one happy camper!

This was a free pattern if anyone is interested, it's found here....

http://chickybabe.org/driveby/patterns/chart.html

Another Freebie...D'oh Dad Washcloth/Dishcloth

Here's another freebie pattern for you. I did this one as a Christmas gift for my cousin (he doesn't read the blog so no worries there). I may have another one to go along with this one...haven't decided for sure yet. I hope you like it and feel free to print it out and make some of your own.

D’oh Dad Washcloth
©Copyright 2007
Designed by Melanie Thompson

Cast on 42
Rows 1-5: Knit
Row 6 (WS): K4, P34, K4
Row 7 (RS): Knit
Row 8: K4, P34, K4
Row 9: Knit
Row 10: K4, P5, K24, P5, K4
Row 11: K10, P1, K4, P1, K2, P2, K6, P1, K4, P1, K10
Row 12: K4, P6, K1, P4, K1, P6, K2, P2, K1, P3, K1, P7, K4
Row 13: K12, P1, K2, P1, K3, P2, K6, P1, K2, P1, K11
Row 14: K4, P8, K2, P6, K2, P4, K1, P1, K1, P9, K4
Ro w15: K14, P2, K5, P2, K5, P1, K13
Row 16: K4, P10, K1, P2, K2, P7, K1, P11, K4
Row 17: K15, P4, K5, P3, K15
Row 18: K4, P12, K1, P5, K1, P3, K1, P11, K4
Row 19: K14, P1, K4, P1, K5, P1, K16
Row 20: K4, P12, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P9, K4
Row 21: K13, P1, K6, P1, K4, P1, K16
Row 22: K4, P12, K1, P4, K1, P1, K9, P6, K4
Row 23: K9, P1, K8, P1, K1, P1, K4, P1, K16
Row 24: K4, P12, K1, P4, K1, P1, K1, P8, K1, P5, K4
Row 25: K9, P1, K10, P1, K4, P2, K15
Row 26: K4, P10, K1, P2, K1, P4, K1, P8, K1, P6, K4
Row 27: K10, P1, K7, P1, K5, P1, K2, P1, K14
Row 28: K4, P9, K1, P9, K1, P7, K1, P6, K4
Row 29: K11, P1, K3, P3, K10, P1, K13
Row 30: K4, P9, K1, P13, K3, P8, K4
Row 31: K10, P4, K11, P1, K2, P1, K13
Row 32: K4, P9, K1, P2, K1, P4, K3, P8, K1, P5, K4
Row 33: K9, P4, K4, P1, K3, P1, K4, P2, K3, P1, K10
Row 34: K4, P6, K1, P2, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P1, K4, P7, K4
Row 35: K10, P1, K4, P2, K2, P2, K1, P1, K6, P1, K1, P1, K10
Row 36: K4, P6, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P3, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P5, K1, P6, K4
Row 37: K10, P1, K2, P2, K1, P1, K5, P1, K4, P2, K1, P2, K10
Row 38: K4, P7, K1, P1, K1, P5, K1, P5, K1, P1, K2, P2, K1, P6, K4
Row 39: K10, P1, K5, P2, K3, P1, K8, P1, K11
Row 40: K4, P7, K1, P9, K3, P2, K1, P4, K1, P6, K4
Row 41: K11, P4, K15, P1, K11
Row 42: K4, P7, K1, P15, K1, P10, K4
Row 43: K14, P1, K14, P1, K12
Row 44: K4, P8, K1, P13, K1, P11, K4
Row 45: K15, P1, K13, P1, K12
Row 46: K4, P7, K1, P1, K1, P11, K1, P12, K4
Row 47: K16, P1, K10, P2, K1, P1, K11
Row 48: K4, P8, K2, P1, K10, P13, K4
Row 49: K21, P1, K2, P1, K3, P1, K13
Row 50: K4, P10, K1, P1, K1, P2, K1, P18, K4
Row 51: K23, P4, K15
Row 52: K4, P34, K4
Row 53: Knit
Row 54: K4, P34, K4
Row 55: Knit
Rows 56-59: KnitBind off and weave in the ends.

Saturday Sky #5

No More Yucky Spider

Okay, enough of the yucky spider. I thought I would post a few photos of cuteness for a nice little change until I have some more knitting to show. This is that cute little nephew of mine playing some basketball in the front yard. He will do this for as long as you will let him. He never gets tired. He tries so hard and he actually does get the ball in from time to time.

He so much cuter than the spider...no offense to the spider but he does creep me out. EEWWWW. Here's some major cute for you, Kandie. I know the spider gives you the creeps too. lol

Wordless Wednesday