Kish's Korner

Needed Update

2008-07-22T16:42:00.004-05:00

I was pleased today to find a pattern I had made on Ravelry. It's pretty cool to see when other people make a pattern that you have written out, and have success with it too! I have been busy making several things. Here are a few of them:

I went to an arts and music festival a few weeks ago, but didn't find any interesting yarns. I am still loving making my soaps, and have found a successful way to make lotion. Maybe I will try to post some of the soaps and lotions I have made. I signed up for a soap and washcloth swap which I thought would be fun to go with my new interest! I am absolutely loving Ravelry and the wealth of patterns! I also love that I can organize my work, and not lose patterns or the adjustments I have made to them after they are done. Hope everyone is enjoying there summer as much as I am!

Finally, Something Finished!

2008-06-04T20:28:00.003-05:00

Well I finally got something finished!!! I did the Summer Fun Tote pattern from the Creative Knitting magazine (May 2008). I love how it turned out. I also like the fact that I could use up stash yarn and pastic bags. I am now working on the larger size bag from the same pattern.

They Keep Me Busy

2007-10-28T21:15:00.000-05:00

Here are some shots of my little ones that keep me busy. I have taken to making clothes for them (sigh). I need to get some postings of the clothes that I have made for them on here.

This first shot is of Hercules (obviously caught with his hand in the candy jar). I didn't make this sweatshirt, but he still looks cute.

This little on is Chiquita. She is sporting a little purple hoodie that I made her. Actually it is the first item of clothing I made for her and I was pretty surprised how well it turned out. Many more items have followed! She is so tiny (2.5 lbs), it is easier to just make her clothes instead of search for them.

I'll post some of the other things I've made when I get shots taken of them.

Catching Up

2007-07-20T08:40:00.000-05:00

I know so much time has gone by since updating this blog. I have been busy working on my classroom getting ready for the "new bunch". The district decided to combine their elementary schools and so I am in a new school. My mom and I have been plugging away at getting things unpacked and ready to go.

I actually haven't been knitting a great deal. I have been crocheting and doing needlepoint thought. Here are some of the things I have been working on.

The doily I just completed:

This isn't "mine", but it is from the page where I got the pattern. If you click the picture it will take you to the pattern page. It was a fun doily to make and turned out just like the picture.

The needlepoint I am working on:

This project isn't quite finished yet. It is the first needlepoint I have done. It is a really fun project to work on. If you click the picture above it will take you to the place that manufactures these. They have many pretty patterns to choose from! Normally I do cross-stitch or embroidery. I really like needlepoint now as well.

Word of Warcraft has also been keeping me busy! I have been working on a new character, and whenever you start up a new character you get a bit addicted for awhile.

Due to this second surgery on my other foot, I am still on hold from Irish dance. I am really, REALLY missing it right now. Hopefully I will be back to it with no restrictions before long. I have also been using my dad's laptop and wireless internet since surgery. I have decided that I would like to get one. If anyone has any suggestions for a laptop that they recommend, please let me know. I would like to use it between work and home, especially since at school we only have Mac's. I can't convert my files very easily. I would also like to put WoW on the laptop. So I need one that can run games and internet, but doesn't cost a fortune.

I hope everyone out there is doing well. I know summer is flying by, but take time to enjoy it!

EEP! She's Back!

2007-03-12T19:04:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am still here. Sorry for such the long time in posting... Thea, I know you'll be happy to read something new on here!

On the knitting front:

I have been pretty busy knitting some knew items. Some I'm even designing myself. I'll get pictures posted when they are more "presentable". I also started up a knitting group at work. I was surprised to learn how many other teachers knit/crochet or want to learn how.

At school:

We seem to have this tricky "leprechaun" that has decided to pay my classroom a visit. He left green glitter footprints across the floor and up my table. The kids are bound and determined to catch him. I am a bit sneakier than that. They are loving it! I plan on spending the week messing with their heads, and watching them hunt down this "leprechaun".

And everything in between:

My ankle is doing much better. I have been up and dancing for a few months now. I am getting ready to sign up for my first few competitions. I will have to have the other ankle done this summer, but that is no biggie after this first time. I must say, I am really pleased with the work the Dr. did. It looks great!

I am hoping to hop over to our local St. Patrick's Day celebration called the "Blarney Bash". I have been the last few years and it has been really great. Thea and I were there for a bit together last year watching the entertainment (of course the dancing too). Who could pass up great music and green beer!?!

Couldn't Resist Sharing This One...

2006-10-21T23:20:00.000-05:00

Just thought I would share a little piece of the community where I teach. I found this article while browsing their local paper. Keep in mind this is a rural community. I was looking under the police activity (can't help it, it's the best part!). Here is the article:

Oct. 17: A National City Bank employee said someone tried to use fishing line and a hook to pull bags from the night deposit box. The attempt was unsuccessful, but it damaged the deposit box.

This should sort of sum up where I work and what I am up against with my 3rd graders. I haven't decided if this attempt was pure genius, or completely asinine.

Of Reptiles and Kids

2006-10-14T21:09:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, I am horrible. I haven't been on here in over a month. The last post was just before I started back to school, and...well I am back at school. I do have a nice class this year, but I have been working constantly to keep caught up with them. Who am I kidding, I am never caught up with them. The year is going well so far, not to forget the round of chicken pox we are going through. Here is where the reptile comes in...

One of my student's twin brother was home wtih the chicken pox, but still managed to find time to put a dead snake in his brother's backpack to bring to school. He enjoyed playing with it out front, until another teacher put a stop to that.

That same day around 11:00, one of my student's came to me asking if she could bring her frog to school. I said sure just make sure it doesn't come on the bus and a parent brings it in. I got a funny look from her as she walked off. About five minutes later this same girl comes up to ask me again if she can bring her frog in. I reminded her that I said she could sometime. She then said, "No, now". (Long sigh....) I asked her if she had the frog at school already and where it was. She proceeded to let me know it was in her backpack. Mind you it was 11:00 (kids get there at 8:30). So we had a frog guest for the day. I am sure he liked the atmosphere of the room much better than the backpack. (At least she had it in a container).

On the home front, my brother and his family have a new puppy. She is a 3 month old beagle named "Lucy". Myra (my puppy) absolutely loves her. Here are a couple of shots of the new little one...

In knitting land, nothing has been accomplished. I am working on a shortened version of these fingerless mitts. I think they are cool, but I am going to make them much shorter in the arms. I want them to fit just inside the sleeve of my jacket. Plus, I don't have the patience to knit that log a sleeve if it isn't attached to a sweater!

As far as my foot, it is still a work in progress. It looks soooo good. I now officially have two different feet though. The other one, I shall fix soon enough I'm sure. I am not sure when I will be allowed to go back to dancing. Our team had a competition today as a matter of fact. I haven't heard yet how they did. I'm sure KGF will post on her site soon, as she was one of the competitors. I still have a brace on my foot, but I am in shoes which is nice. I go back to the Dr. mid-November to see what happens next.

I hope everyone is doing well. I am sorry for not having kept up and posting sooner. I'm sure you all understand how busy things can be sometimes. I will try to be a better blogger :).

On My Feet Again...

2006-09-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

So I am back home and on my feet!!! Yeah!!! I am still going to therapy 3 times a week, and have not been allowed to start back to work yet. However I have managed to do some decorating since being home and creating this cute little pumpkin.

I also received a kitchen table compliments of BF's Granny. I have wanted a table for so long! Here it is all decked out.

I also did the dining room, I am feeling quite festive :).

All in all things are pretty good. I can drive again, which is great! Therapy is getting easier (I am gaining on the old people). I should be starting back half days after next week. I did get to meet my class, and they are really sweet (or so they seem). I hope everyone is doing well. I should be back to normal posting now!

For the Love of PT

2006-08-17T22:30:00.000-05:00

So I started PT (physical therapy) on Monday. Three therapy sessions later and I still cannot get the wobbly board to touch the ground. I can however make the letters of the alphabet with my foot, and pick up marbles with my toes. I did so well with the yellow bands (the easiest) today, that I may get to progress to the green ones next week. Oh boy!!!! (sigh) They keep telling me "it will come, you will see, you will be moving it in no time". Can they really work those miracles in 2 more weeks? I hope so. I have to say that it is a frustrating feeling to not be able to get something to work. My brain tells my foot to do it, my foot knows it is supposed to do it, and bless it I think it is trying it's hardest. I shall plug on, and perhaps I will be on the blue bands by the end of next week :).

Another Weekend At Home

2006-08-11T19:29:00.000-05:00

I surprisingly don't have a huge amount to show for my knitting. I have been busy relishing in the fact that my cast came off a day early! I am so loving the freedom of airing out my leg. I couldn't get home fast enough on Tuesday to wash that leg off. It doesn't look too bad either, though I will spare you the pictures :). It's about a 4 incher up the side of my leg.

Here is what I have been busy with though:

I so recommend this site. I use it for tracking what I eat, healthier habbits, exercise (when I'm back up and running), you name it-it can track it. And with all my sitting on my behind for a month I have only gained 1 lb. That proved it to me that it works! If you happen to sign up, mention my name "Kishie", so I can get some Sparkpoints!

Hope everyone is doing well out there. Keep in touch!

Long Time, No See

2006-08-05T20:15:00.000-05:00

I am back at home for a weekend get-away :). As most of you know, I have been staying at my parents house since July 14th, when I had tendon repair surgery. The surgery was not too bad. Having to stay put, and keep my foot propped up isn't too fun. But, I have been able to get some valuable knitting time in.

First, I wanted to show you what a wonderful surprise awaited me when I got home last night from Allison!!!

This book "Lavish Lace", has some of the most beautiful handpainted lace designs I have seen. The best part is, I was just starting to get into lace knitting since I can really sit and concentrate, but I didn't have any real practice or skills with it. This book takes you through projects that go from easy to more difficult, while teaching you tips and techniques for knitting lace. I LOVE it!!! It came at the most perfect time too, I was just starting to get down-in-the-dumps about having to sit around for so long. What a great pick me up!

Here is the really cool part I discovered when I opened the book:

Yes, that's right, the book is signed by Cheryl Potter, one of the co-authors! How cool is that!!Thank you so much Allison for such a great surprise!!!

I thought I would share with you some of my lovely cast photos. Here I am sitting in quiet repose, from my throne. This is where I have been perched for the last few weeks. It is the command center really. I do have to say that my parents have been wonderful. We have been watching Big Brother-All Stars (Will has you all fooled), and playing Gauntlet, Seven Sorrows on PS2 (we are currently trying to see how fast we can conquer the game). I don't want for anything, and of course you can't beat your mom's cooking!

This is a shot of a sock I completed. How convinient that the sock happens to match my cast so well. You can't really tell, but the color green in the sock is the same color as the cast!

Here is my lace camisole from the book I checked out from the library "Vintage Knits" (Do you think the library wants their book back?). I just need to run some ribbon through the trim, block it and sew down the straps. Oh yes, I also need to get rid of that annoying little coffee stain that appeared on the bottom of the first piece I made. It is in this nice little spot down where I started my knitting, rather than the end, so I can't just rip it out.

Finally I did leave my command post for a quick trip to the yarn shop (sorry for holding out on you about my purchase). I bought some beautiful Classic Elite Provence, which I used for the trim of the camisole and am now using to make the Ballet Camisole from Magknits. It is a great yarn to work with! This is what I have done so far of the Ballet Camisole.

I wanted to thank everyone that has emailed me and been so kind as to check up on me these last few weeks. I know I don't get to post very often, but I do get to the computer to read my emails and try to read your blogs. It has made me feel really great to know there are such caring people out there! Happy knitting, and I will be posting again soon!

Quick Post

2006-07-19T18:36:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post. This is the first time I've been able to sit at the computer. The surgery went well. I have a pretty good size incision up my ankle, but it is healing nicely. I get a cast put on next Tuesday. Still no walking, and have to pretty much stay in bed. Lots of knitting getting done, and my mom is checking my emails for me, so do keep in touch :).

Tote Exchange Bag Finished

2006-07-10T19:11:00.000-05:00

Here is the bag for my Tote Exchange secret pal. This is a closeup so you can see the colors. I used LambsPride Bulky in Charcoal for the body, and LambsPride Worsted in I think Olive for the trim. It has 3 compartments on the inside which I really like. It is actually the first tote pattern I have ever followed, and the first thing I have ever felted.

I am making some decent progress on the lace camisole from Vintage Knits. I checked this book out of the library and really, really recommend it. It has some beautiful patterns inside that are all based off of vintage patterns. The directions are easy to follow and the yarns they choose for their projects are really beautiful.

Surgery is still scheduled for Friday, so I am making sure to cram plenty of activities in this week. My mom, sister-in-law, niece, nephew and I are going to a local metro park to see a presentation on bats. I shall see if they have any creative ways of removing them from houses as AP Knitter has an amusing story to read on that topic.

FInished Socks

2006-07-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

Well here they are...my first pair of socks. I have actually had them done for quite a bit, but I just didn't get around to taking a picture of them. I have worn them pretty much non stop around the house. I am already working on my next pair.

Yesterday I also went and saw....

I absolutely loved the movie. I don't usually go to the theatre to watch films, but this one was definately worth going to!!! The story line was great and the characters stayed true to the first film.

Happy 4th!

2006-07-04T20:27:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We were going to have a cook-out today, so my BF went and bought a grill. 3 people and 1 hour later we had the grill assembled and I had cooked our BBQ chicken and hotdogs inside on the Foreman Grill.

I did treat myself to my July Stashalong day off. Here are the purchases:
*Some yummy Sockotta yarn color #0015 Teal/Blue/Red
*Svale yarn in Tea Rose that was on sale

And here is what I plan to do with my Svale yarn:

It came from the book Vintage Knits that I got from the library. I may have to search ebay for this one.

This last picture is from the metro park behind our house. I went for a walk there today and got some lovely photographs.

I have some other project ideas and am still welcoming any suggestions anyone has for movies, books, or knitting books that are good for while I am recovering from surgery (see post below).

I hope everyone had a safe and fun holiday weekend!

Socks, Surgery and Stash

2006-07-01T18:28:00.000-05:00

First the socks:
My needle that was MIA has been located. This needle gave me heck all day the day I lost it. I took it with me to the podiatrist (see below), and was knitting my socks while having a 45 min. MRI done. I was all happy having a straight 45 min. to knit and was even excited at the prospect of turning the heel on my sock, when I about 10 minutes into the MRI I dropped the needle. To my horror I watched in slow motion as the needle quietly slipped out of my reach. I could see it staring up at me, teasing me, but alas I could not reach it. All I was left with to entertain myself was a poster of the Hawaiian islands and another poster of the skeletal system. I learned a great deal about bones that day and islands that I could never hope to afford visiting on my teacher's salary. When I sat down that night to catch up on what I didn't get to finish in the office, that's when I realized that the pesky needle was missing! It was found a few days later in my parents car. I had ridden in it to go to the Dr. and apparently this needle just did not want to be knit with. I have been knitting furiously ever since to finish this sock, and here it is so far...

Now the surgery:
As mentioned above I spent Tuesday in the podiatrist office. I have been having trouble with my ankles while dancing so I thought I'd go in and hear him say "It's tendonitis, take a little rest and you should be good to go for the next competition.". Not so. Several X-rays, an MRI and 3 1/2 hours later I hear that my ankles aren't stable. The bad news is that I have to have surgery to fix the problem. They go in and tighten the ligaments and tendons and fix any that are torn, and basically screw them back into place. The good news is that I will be able to dance after I am healed up.

The stash part:
Because of this surgery I shall have plenty of time to sit around and knit (apparently heal time is 8-12 weeks). So I am thinking since I can't drive to the LYS, what a perfect opportunity to knit up all that lovely stash! I of course, am going to hit the LYS before hand to get a pattern or two and a bit of yarn (is that so bad?). I'm not sure if I should knit a summer top, or possibly try to tackle the Rogue pattern I have been drooling over. I like the converted cardigan version of the pattern.

If anyone has any ideas for good patterns, good books or good movies, let me know. I shall have time to enjoy all 3!

*Surgery is scheduled for July 14th.

Has Anyone Seen My Needle?

2006-06-28T22:35:00.000-05:00

So I am almost at the heel of my second sock when...I lose my needle.

Sock down, Swatch Complete

2006-06-25T21:43:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is...my first sock!

I am definitely hooked! To be able to produce something wearable in just a few days. I actually finished this yesterday. I cast the other sock on today. I haven't hit that "second sock syndrome" that I hear about. KGF did a great job teaching me how to do this. It helps to see it in person, but the pics on her website are really useful too. I recommend checking them out if you are a sock knitter.

Here now are some pictures of my first ever attempt at lace knitting. It is the swatch for MS2. I am really excited to get the first part of the pattern, but I have to wait until July 7. I actually had to wait to cast on my socks because I used my sock needles to block the piece. I just let it soak in water for half and hour and then put it on the sock needles and pinned it down. Voila, swatch done!

In the Irish Dance world, we had a competition again today. Unfortunately I couldn't be there due to injury, but the rest of the team did awesome!!! Our medal count is now at 39 for dancing plus 4 for singing for a total of 43!!! That is between 5 of us and 3 feiseanna (competitions). Congrats to the dancers for today!!!

Afghan Complete!

2006-06-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

Here is another project I managed to get finished. It is the afghan I have been working on for...ok well forever. I am going to surprise my BF with it all wrapped up. He has been patiently waiting on it as I start, finish and restart other projects.

Here is a shot of it all pretty over the back of a chair.

And here is a shot of it all wrapped up to surprise my BF.

It was actually a really easy pattern that used Lionbrand Homespun. The color is discontinued so I was a bit nervous about having enough yarn to work with. It is extremely soft which is just what you want for an afghan to snuggle in :).

Sockotta

2006-06-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here is an updated photo of the sock so far. I am having so much fun doing this pattern. The yarn color from Sockotta just says purple on the package. I need to fix the tiny ladder problems I have going on though. They aren't bad, and they don't show up down by the toe. However, they still annoy me. I will hopefully be ready to turn for the heel tonight.

I have also been working on my swatch for MS2. If you want to see beautiful lace knitting go here. This in my opinion is what lace should look like :). Good thing because KGF is the one helping me with my MS2, best to learn from a pro. Hopefully I'll get some pics of the swatch posted soon. To do that though, I have to put the sock down!

A New Addiction

2006-06-19T08:29:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I had earned a day off for good behavior through the Stashalong. I went shopping with KGF and we had a really good time. She took me to some really cool yarn shops. I purchased Misty Alpaca lace for the Mystery Stole 2, and some Sockotta for my first pair of socks. Then she helped introduce me to the world of sock knitting and I'm hooked! They go so much quicker than I thought and I love the short row shaping method used. Here is a picture of my work so far...

Luna Moth

2006-06-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of a luna moth that my dad found at my parents house. I was there when he found it which was really cool to see it in person. I was reading up a bit about them, and it turns out they don't have a mouth. They only live for about a week. They are also a member of the silkworm family. Apparently they are a rare sight, so it was a special treat to get to see this one.

My dog...the genius

2006-06-15T09:10:00.000-05:00

At least, I like to think of her as genius. She seemed to enjoy the Pooh sprinkler (drinking from it) more than my niece. Myra dove right in and started running through it and drinking from it with no hesitation. My niece on the other hand, I had to hold her hand and run through it with her. Although that is rather intelligent on my niece's part, as she was getting her aunt all soaked.

Still going...

2006-06-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

Well I am still working on: legwarmers, tote exchange bag and Irish Hiking Scarf. I had to frog the legwarmers down to basically the beginning, because I just wasn't thinking when I made them. I was making them much more complicated than they should be. I mean really, they are a large tube knit to fit up your leg...but I was a bit overexcited with increasing and decreasing (don't ask). Progress is going much better and I hope to have the pair done by the end of the week (a bit ambitious).

I did manage to get creative and add the lovely ticker to the top of my page. I plan on rewarding myself this weekend for holding off on the yarn buying by going out and buying some lovely yarn for socks and some laceweight yarn for MS2.

I also created this button for my blog, which I had fun creating and going through millions of different samples before settling on this one. Feel free to grab it and add it to your blog.

Pulled outta that funk!

2006-06-09T16:17:00.000-05:00

I finally pulled out of the knitting funk I was in. I decided to cast on the Irish Walking Scarf, and I am still working on my own pattern of legwarmers for dance. I have some pictures to show the progress I have made. For the scarf I couldn't pick the picture I wanted to use so I am going to show them both :).

First here is a good picture of the cable pattern. I think it is rather pretty.

Next is a picture that shows the color better. It is a really pretty pink. I am using baby alpaca yarn for the scarf, which is the softest stuff I have ever worked with.

Here is a shot of the legwarmers. I noticed at the feiseanna that many of the dancers were wearing them. I figured hey, rather than pay for them, I'll use up some of that stash yarn. I am using some Lion Brand WoolEase. I'll post the pattern for them as soon as I am finished.

I used a simple twist cable pattern that doesn't show up very well, but I'll post a better picture later.

I have decided to join the Mystery Stole 2, which KGF found the information on. We thought it would be a fun project to work through together, and as she is very good at knitting lace, I shall learn from the best. She is also going to teach me how to do some socks, so I need to use my stashalong day off and go to my LYS and get the right needles and sock yarn. Other than that I have been busy cleaning the house and trying to get our hot tub fixed for summer use. Summer is such a nice bonus of being a teacher.

Boy am I exciting

2006-06-08T14:45:00.000-05:00

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicated
You're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guys
Down to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.
And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Knitting Funk

2006-06-06T22:05:00.000-05:00

I am sort of in a knitting funk right now. I have completed one legwarmer for a set I designed myself. I saw many people wearing them at the feisanna I have been to this year, so I figured I could work something out from my stash yarn to wear. I am pretty pleased, but having made one, I know the adjustments I'd like to make so I'll end up redoing the first one. They didn't take too long so that isn't a biggie. Other than that, I am going to ask KGF (knitting guru friend) to help teach me how to do socks. We are planning on creating a list of supplies (goodie shopping) at dance practice on Thursday. I don't really like dpns, but I have only worked with 4, she is going to show me how to work with 5. Maybe I'll like that better. School is also out for the summer, so I get a nice little teaching reprieve...more knitting time too!

Job Well Done!

2006-05-28T19:50:00.000-05:00

I had another competition today with the Irish Girls and despite our general feeling of "aloofness" or "lack of groove" we managed to earn 12 medals between the 4 of us and our 4 dances. My Knitting Guru Friend received a 1st, 2nd and 3rd! I got a 2nd, 4th and 5th, as well as being able to move up in my Slip Jig to the next level. There were 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th place medals earned by the other two girls, but I can't remember who earned what for sure. All said I think we can be pretty proud of the way we danced! :)

Another Project Created

2006-05-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest creation. I used Southwest Trading Company's "Oasis" in the color Rose. It only took two skeins, which is good because it is pricey stuff! This has been sitting in my stash forever waiting to be made into something for Spring. You can find the pattern here. I am having a lot of fun designing my own things but do get nervous about posting them for someone else to make. Let me know if anyone creates one of their own and if the directions are ok!!!

Who's Really in Charge?

2006-05-22T19:02:00.000-05:00

So here are a couple of shots of 2 of our pets. This is Moses....he has such a rough life.

Here are Myra and Moses. I'm not sure who is in charge of whom here.

Busy Weekend

2006-05-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

I have been busy finishing another project that I designed. I think I am liking this designing thing :). It is a very simple shrug/capelet. I made it with leftover soy silk yarn from the Southwest Trading Company. I am hoping to have a picture and the pattern up tomorrow. I was also tickled to see my Ticker Tape Purse linked on Knitting Pattern Central's site. I love their site for free patterns and was so excited to see mine on there. So far there have been quite a few hits to the pattern page! I am also excited to be down to 8 days of school. My students and I are both very ready to be done for the summer. One last thing I'd like to recommend is seeing the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha". My BF got it for me and we watched it the other night. It was a beautifully done movie. Two thumbs up from me!

First Feis of the Season!

2006-05-13T19:17:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a day. We hard our first Irish dance competition for the season today. The competition went well for my friends and I. Here is a picture of the goodies I recieved at the feis.

The other girls in my class did really well too! I am excited for the rest of the season! Congrats also to my knitting guru friend who won 2 medals at her first feis!!!

Here we all are right before competitions started. These are our school uniforms. We dance for Celtic Academy of Irish Dance. I am the one on the far right, but I deleted everyone's faces due to it being online.

My other addictions

2006-05-06T09:08:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted anything on here for awhile. I have been busy getting ready for competitions in Irish dance. My first feis this season is the Queen City Feis. I am competing in 4 dances. I am quite nervous about them too. This is my sort-of second season competing. Although I really started towards the end of last year.

I also have another interest that keeps me busy. I haven't been playing it too much though recently. It is the online game World of Warcraft. This is just one of my characters.

Well, I have made a lot of progress on my BF's afghan. I am loving how soft it is. May have to steal it from time to time. I am also working on my own design for the first time. Scary, but we shall see how it turns out! It is a small caplet/shrug. I'll post some pictures when it actually looks like something.

2006-04-28T19:58:00.000-05:00

Well after much searching for patterns and fondling of yarn, here it is...

I am really excited about the pattern. I have never felted before, but I have a friend who has felted several items. She said that she would be happy to teach me how. My friend and the lady at the LYS said this was a great brand to use for felting. It is Lamb's Pride Bulky. I have never worked with it before, so I am anxious to be using something new. Since I am stashbusting, I used my "free day" to stock up. I hope everyone else is having as much fun picking out yarns and getting started as I am!

Crochet Bolero

2006-04-26T20:53:00.000-05:00

I have been working on a really easy pattern for a crochet bolero. I am using Moda Dea "curious" and "frivolous". I couldn't find the exact yarns I was supposed to make it with. This has been sitting in my stash in the making for quite awhile. It is really quick to crochet up. I am hoping to have it done by the end of the week.

I got my tote exchange partner, and I am really excited to get started on a tote for her. I am still drooling over several patterns and colors to choose from. Oh the possibilities..........

Oldies but Goodies

2006-04-19T16:08:00.000-05:00

I was going through my stash of magazines today and found this magazine that a friend had sent me. Wouldn't it be nice if knitting magazines cost 10 cents today!

Another one done!

2006-04-17T22:10:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of the key-chain purse that I finished. It was a fast and fun one to knit. I highly recommend it for some quick stash busting. I may make some for my friends.

I hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. I know mine was relaxing.

Happy Easter

2006-04-16T13:29:00.000-05:00

Working more quickly

2006-04-14T20:27:00.000-05:00

I am almost done with the key-chain purse. I just need to go the the craft store to get the closure and the key chain to attach to it. Here it is so far:

I also started a belt, which I am liking how it is turning out. It may be a bit big for the belt loops, but I figure yarn stretches so I can make it fit. This isn't the best picture, but you get the idea.

This is the first time I have knitted with beads. The only pain being that you have to string them on before you work, but other than that, it is fun to knit them into the project.

I am anxious to get my secret pal assignment for the tote exchange that I signed up for. I have the button for it on my sidebar. I think I am going to try experimenting with making my own button for a link. Hope everyone has a nice Easter!

New Projects

2006-04-12T18:44:00.000-05:00

I am so tickled that I actually finished one project that I decided to take on 2 now. I claim it as part of my stash reduction efforts, so it is ok to have multiple projects going on. First is a long awaited for afghan for my boyfriend. It is going really quickly and it is also nice and soft.

The other project is a small keychain purse. I have the pattern linked on the left. Here is my start to that...

I also decided to join a Tote Exchange which I think will be a lot of fun. I am trying to catch up on adding all of my projects and patterns to my blog, so if you are visiting for the first time, check back soon to see if I have added any new patterns!

Finished

2006-04-11T18:51:00.000-05:00

Well I got my shrug finished. I like it except for the poofy back. I would make another one, but make adjustments to reduce it. It looks like I will be signing up for a Tote Exchange as a summer project. I am hoping it is a good way to meet fellow knitters. I will post pictures of the shrug soon.

Stashalong Promise

2006-04-02T14:51:00.000-05:00

I recently joined a stashalong group to try to help me control my compulsive need to buy soft, lucious, I-don't-know-what-I'm-going-to-do-with-it-but-must-buy-it yarn problem. My promise is to not buy any yarn for the month of April and to finish my shrug. Here is the update of my shrug so far. I encourage any "yarnaholics" out there to join the stashalong too!

The Shrug is Coming

2006-03-29T00:09:00.000-05:00

Here is the shrug I have been dilligently working on. I am quite proud of how it is coming. I can forsee recruiting my knitting guru friend to help me with the picking up stitches and placing the markers part. I am determined to finish this project before starting another one!

Working at last.....

2006-03-26T18:22:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I finally got something working. Check out my pattern for my Puppy 'Kerchief. Isn't she the most adorable puppy! :)

Coming together at last...

2006-03-25T21:17:00.000-05:00

Well it looks as those my blog is starting to come together. I have a few links to some things I'm working on. If anyone has any great hints for html sites let me know. Hopefully I will have some of my finished project pictures up soon!

Trial and Error

2006-03-19T22:47:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my spot on the web. You'll have to excuse the mess, it is trial and error at this point. I am hoping to have some knitting projects, ideas and other interests as well on this site. Come back soon!