Here is where I've been hanging out the past few months.
http://missmorganablack.blogspot.com/
My original plan was to upkeep both blogs, but that hasn't been happening. I was also going to keep my other blog in character, but that hasn't happened either.
So, I just post my weekly musings over there. If you're reading this and interested, there is some Harry Potter swap stuff, but I have regular posts too. :)
Friday, October 10, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Sunday, Sunday...
Gosh, the time just flies when I don't have to update weekly. Once the new swap starts, I'll be blogging in character, but I'll still be updating this blog too.
I'm so excited, I get to be a prefect this term!!! It'll be more work, but the swap is so fun it'll be worth it.
This past week I didn't do a ton of knitting. I need to go up to the knit shop to try to fix my Juliet top. I was going pretty good on it, but I left it sitting on the couch and Ethan crawled up here. Some of the stitches came off and I can't figure out where to put my stitch marker for the KFB increases. So, that's on a hiatus until I get up to the shop. I crocheted another soaker for Ethan. I got the correct gauge and it's still too big. This is my 3rd time ripping this out, so I'm done. Soakers just hate me. I still need to finish up my gift longies. I also need to weave in ends and block my lace shawl. I love the shawl. When I get my Malabrigo lace in, I'm going to make another, but using 2 skeins to make it bigger. I've also started on some toe up sock, but haven't got very far yet.
Here is some finished spinning. It's superwash Merino by Sugarbeestudios.
I also have an on-the-bobbin picture of my hand carded Targhee fleece from Whimzypinzy. I love the colors. I ordered and received some Targhee top in this colorway from Whimzypinzy too. She is awesome to work with and did a great dye job! I just bought some Border Leicester locks from her as well. I would definitely recommend her shop!
Here is my new Little Gem. It's really an awesome wheel, though it's been different getting used to the different tension. She came with some Fleece Artist BFL. I love BFL, but it was a pain to work with. I'm glad I didn't buy it.
And here is some top that I dyed with food coloring. I'm in the process of buying some acid dyes so I can get better colors. I'm just not getting the colors I want with food dyes, Koolaid, etc.
There may be a coop in the future on DSD for BFL. They have locks/curls and I'm pretty excited about it! Also on DSD, I recently particpated in a bead coop to make some stitch markers.
Yesterday I did a lot of sewing. I am making some gift diapers and I'm doing a trade. I'll be doing more sewing again today. I'll have pics of the sewing in the next blog update. I did finish a pair of Stellar Transitions for E. They are so cute and fit so well! I have another pair to finish up today. I'll try to knock out a few more pairs this week. E has been taking off his diapers lately to pee in the potty, though he's going in his diapers as well.
I really need to finish up all these items that just need ends weaved and a kitchener stitch. My goal is to get all that done before I get started on anything else.
Well, I guess that's it for today. I'll have some sewing pictures for the next update. And some on-the-bobbin of my custom dyed Targhee. I looks lovely!
I'm so excited, I get to be a prefect this term!!! It'll be more work, but the swap is so fun it'll be worth it.
This past week I didn't do a ton of knitting. I need to go up to the knit shop to try to fix my Juliet top. I was going pretty good on it, but I left it sitting on the couch and Ethan crawled up here. Some of the stitches came off and I can't figure out where to put my stitch marker for the KFB increases. So, that's on a hiatus until I get up to the shop. I crocheted another soaker for Ethan. I got the correct gauge and it's still too big. This is my 3rd time ripping this out, so I'm done. Soakers just hate me. I still need to finish up my gift longies. I also need to weave in ends and block my lace shawl. I love the shawl. When I get my Malabrigo lace in, I'm going to make another, but using 2 skeins to make it bigger. I've also started on some toe up sock, but haven't got very far yet.
Here is some finished spinning. It's superwash Merino by Sugarbeestudios.
I also have an on-the-bobbin picture of my hand carded Targhee fleece from Whimzypinzy. I love the colors. I ordered and received some Targhee top in this colorway from Whimzypinzy too. She is awesome to work with and did a great dye job! I just bought some Border Leicester locks from her as well. I would definitely recommend her shop!
Here is my new Little Gem. It's really an awesome wheel, though it's been different getting used to the different tension. She came with some Fleece Artist BFL. I love BFL, but it was a pain to work with. I'm glad I didn't buy it.
And here is some top that I dyed with food coloring. I'm in the process of buying some acid dyes so I can get better colors. I'm just not getting the colors I want with food dyes, Koolaid, etc.
There may be a coop in the future on DSD for BFL. They have locks/curls and I'm pretty excited about it! Also on DSD, I recently particpated in a bead coop to make some stitch markers.
Yesterday I did a lot of sewing. I am making some gift diapers and I'm doing a trade. I'll be doing more sewing again today. I'll have pics of the sewing in the next blog update. I did finish a pair of Stellar Transitions for E. They are so cute and fit so well! I have another pair to finish up today. I'll try to knock out a few more pairs this week. E has been taking off his diapers lately to pee in the potty, though he's going in his diapers as well.
I really need to finish up all these items that just need ends weaved and a kitchener stitch. My goal is to get all that done before I get started on anything else.
Well, I guess that's it for today. I'll have some sewing pictures for the next update. And some on-the-bobbin of my custom dyed Targhee. I looks lovely!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
The Swap is Over
And I'm back to irregular postings. Not to worry because another swap will begin shortly.
I went to a spin-in at my LYS, Knitwitz, 2 Saturdays ago (the 29th). It was great fun and I spun up all of my Spunky Club Mud Season. It looks awesome and I think I'm going to use it for socks. It is Merino and I kept it as singles.
I don't have an on-the-bobbin picture, but I'll try to get one tomorrow. I am currently spinning some Targhee locks/wool that I've been handcarding. They are in the Valley of Grapes colorway by Whimzy Pinzy Creations on Etsy. The colors are spinning up wonderfully. I am going to be ordering some top in this colorway as well, I'd like to get a smoother yarn to make a shawl with.
Here is my finished Lucy bag. I am really very happy with it and am looking forward to making one for myself.
I've decided I will join the next HSKS swap. I wasn't sure, since making this bag was a total time suck, but I'm going to sew the bag this time around. I just have a lot of knitting projects to do and don't want to be held to a timeline for another knit bag. But sewing one is doable and the swap is lots of fun.
Here are my 2 FC diapers finished up. One is already at it's new home, the other is waiting for me to finish a drawstring on a pair of shorties. They both came out good and I am happy with them.
Here's my first skein of Alpaca. I finished spinning up the rest and will have pictures of that skein next, though I must admit they look pretty similar. :) The Alpaca was pretty easy to spin and it's super soft. It is also very hairy, which is kind of a PIA. I left this as singles and I'm thinking shawl, eventually.
So, on Ravelry, we're starting a Queue challenge. It's all local people and I think it'll be fun. We all listed projects we're hoping to finish this year and we'll get points for those that we do. I have just recently purchased quite a bit of yarn for a couple of bigger projects and am scared and excited to knit them. I'm actually going to do a gauge swatch too! lol First I need to finish up a couple of smaller projects I am currently working on and then I'm going to swatch for my Juliet. I'm using Cascade Bulky Leisure in a nice, deep green color. It's a cotton/alpaca blend, nice! At the same time, I'm thinking of casting on for my Mini Boob Holder. I'd like to get one done and get a good feel for it b/c I want to make another one with Mrs. Weasley sleeves for the Harry Potter movie later this year.
My Little Gem is being made and will hopefully be arriving here in the somewhat near future. I'm looking forward to it and am hoping to be able to get a lace weight single with it.
On a personal note, I have been feeling so crappy lately. Just really unhappy with my life type of crappy. I am just tired of feeling responsible for 2 other people besides myself, it's wearing me down and I just feel like I'm losing touch with me. I guess a lot of it has to do with having a very demanding 2.5 year old. Ryan is pretty needy too. I feel all I do is give, give, give of myself. Maybe I don't even give that much, but I'm a loner and a selfish type of person, so the amount of giving I'm doing seems to be a lot. Sometimes I just want to run away and be somewhere by myself. For a few weeks. Even a weekend would be nice. To sleep in, to not have to worry about cleaning/dressing/laundry for anyone but myself, to not have to feed anyone but myself, to do nothing all day long if I wanted to. I need a vacation from my life.
I went to a spin-in at my LYS, Knitwitz, 2 Saturdays ago (the 29th). It was great fun and I spun up all of my Spunky Club Mud Season. It looks awesome and I think I'm going to use it for socks. It is Merino and I kept it as singles.
I don't have an on-the-bobbin picture, but I'll try to get one tomorrow. I am currently spinning some Targhee locks/wool that I've been handcarding. They are in the Valley of Grapes colorway by Whimzy Pinzy Creations on Etsy. The colors are spinning up wonderfully. I am going to be ordering some top in this colorway as well, I'd like to get a smoother yarn to make a shawl with.
Here is my finished Lucy bag. I am really very happy with it and am looking forward to making one for myself.
I've decided I will join the next HSKS swap. I wasn't sure, since making this bag was a total time suck, but I'm going to sew the bag this time around. I just have a lot of knitting projects to do and don't want to be held to a timeline for another knit bag. But sewing one is doable and the swap is lots of fun.
Here are my 2 FC diapers finished up. One is already at it's new home, the other is waiting for me to finish a drawstring on a pair of shorties. They both came out good and I am happy with them.
Here's my first skein of Alpaca. I finished spinning up the rest and will have pictures of that skein next, though I must admit they look pretty similar. :) The Alpaca was pretty easy to spin and it's super soft. It is also very hairy, which is kind of a PIA. I left this as singles and I'm thinking shawl, eventually.
So, on Ravelry, we're starting a Queue challenge. It's all local people and I think it'll be fun. We all listed projects we're hoping to finish this year and we'll get points for those that we do. I have just recently purchased quite a bit of yarn for a couple of bigger projects and am scared and excited to knit them. I'm actually going to do a gauge swatch too! lol First I need to finish up a couple of smaller projects I am currently working on and then I'm going to swatch for my Juliet. I'm using Cascade Bulky Leisure in a nice, deep green color. It's a cotton/alpaca blend, nice! At the same time, I'm thinking of casting on for my Mini Boob Holder. I'd like to get one done and get a good feel for it b/c I want to make another one with Mrs. Weasley sleeves for the Harry Potter movie later this year.
My Little Gem is being made and will hopefully be arriving here in the somewhat near future. I'm looking forward to it and am hoping to be able to get a lace weight single with it.
On a personal note, I have been feeling so crappy lately. Just really unhappy with my life type of crappy. I am just tired of feeling responsible for 2 other people besides myself, it's wearing me down and I just feel like I'm losing touch with me. I guess a lot of it has to do with having a very demanding 2.5 year old. Ryan is pretty needy too. I feel all I do is give, give, give of myself. Maybe I don't even give that much, but I'm a loner and a selfish type of person, so the amount of giving I'm doing seems to be a lot. Sometimes I just want to run away and be somewhere by myself. For a few weeks. Even a weekend would be nice. To sleep in, to not have to worry about cleaning/dressing/laundry for anyone but myself, to not have to feed anyone but myself, to do nothing all day long if I wanted to. I need a vacation from my life.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Hectic Week
That's what this week has been. Ryan was out-of-town for a few days and E was crazy! I have a hard time sleeping when Ryan isn't here, so I was up till 2:30 a couple of nights. I've been very tired and am still a bit tired today. I was so tired, I took 2 naps this week with E and didn't spin. That's tired! lol
No on the bobbin pics. I don't know why I didn't take one while I was taking other pictures. I'm currently spinning some grey alpaca. Very nice. I think it's going to be a shawl. I'm wanting to spin some merino for the spin-along on Ravelry, but I was wanting to wait until my Little Gem got here for that.
Here are some of my FO's this week for spinning:
This is my Lavender Sachet from Loop. Spun up as singles. I see a hat here. This was so much fun to spin up, the locks in it were very soft. I loved it!
This is Black Magic from Loop. I am happy with the final product, but this was not as much fun to spin. I now know what Sari Silk is and I do not like it. I think it's the stringy stuff. But, I do like the finished product and I'm thinking a funky scarf.
This is part of the Schwag Bag from BarbeStJohn. It's interesting to spin up and makes an interesting yarn. Once I finish the bag, I'm thinking a funky scarf.
This last one is roving and locks that I dyed. You may remember I blogged about it a couple of weeks or so ago. I still have more to finish up, but I wanted to see how it was going to come out. Pretty cool, IMO. I'm thinking hat when I'm done.
Just artsy yarns to show off this week. I did finish the yarn for my swap partner, but no pic just yet. I also finished the trim for the gift I am currently knitting. It came out nicely.
I finished the Lucy bag for my swap partner!! Yay!!! It's just about dry, then I will embellish it a bit. It's so much nicer felted then it was unfelted. I am really very happy about how it came out.
My crochet shawl is almost done. It's been fun to work on and I am happy with it.
And, I still need to get sewing done. I will try to get to it next week. I know, I keep saying that. It's not giving up if you keep trying!! :)
No on the bobbin pics. I don't know why I didn't take one while I was taking other pictures. I'm currently spinning some grey alpaca. Very nice. I think it's going to be a shawl. I'm wanting to spin some merino for the spin-along on Ravelry, but I was wanting to wait until my Little Gem got here for that.
Here are some of my FO's this week for spinning:
This is my Lavender Sachet from Loop. Spun up as singles. I see a hat here. This was so much fun to spin up, the locks in it were very soft. I loved it!
This is Black Magic from Loop. I am happy with the final product, but this was not as much fun to spin. I now know what Sari Silk is and I do not like it. I think it's the stringy stuff. But, I do like the finished product and I'm thinking a funky scarf.
This is part of the Schwag Bag from BarbeStJohn. It's interesting to spin up and makes an interesting yarn. Once I finish the bag, I'm thinking a funky scarf.
This last one is roving and locks that I dyed. You may remember I blogged about it a couple of weeks or so ago. I still have more to finish up, but I wanted to see how it was going to come out. Pretty cool, IMO. I'm thinking hat when I'm done.
Just artsy yarns to show off this week. I did finish the yarn for my swap partner, but no pic just yet. I also finished the trim for the gift I am currently knitting. It came out nicely.
I finished the Lucy bag for my swap partner!! Yay!!! It's just about dry, then I will embellish it a bit. It's so much nicer felted then it was unfelted. I am really very happy about how it came out.
My crochet shawl is almost done. It's been fun to work on and I am happy with it.
And, I still need to get sewing done. I will try to get to it next week. I know, I keep saying that. It's not giving up if you keep trying!! :)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Hello, hello
What a week. I threw my back out last Sunday and have been laid up most of the week. I was feeling pretty much back to normal yesterday, thank goodness. Having a hurt back sucks. Fortunately, it did not affect my knitting, crocheting, or spinning. :) Well, the first couple of days when it hurt the worst, I didn't spin.
My swap package came yesterday. It's awesome!! It came in the evening, so it'll be a couple of days until I get some pics up. But I am taking the bag to the knit-in today, it's so awesome! I got a lot of great goodies, I love it all.
I finished spinning up my surprise yarn this week and Navajo plied it. I am currently working on my other surprise project and hope to have that finished up this weekend, since I only need a small amount. So, no bobbin or finished yarns pics this week.
I do have a pic of my Raspberry Dreams. This is a Merino/Silk blend that I am 2 plying with some metallic cotton crochet thread. So far I have 500 yards and still more left to ply, but I ran out of crochet thread. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do with it.
After I finish up my surprise spin, I'll be participating in a Merino spin-a-long. I have some Merino/Corrie/Tencel blend waiting to be spun up. As soon as my surprise spin is finished, I'll be starting on my surprise project. I can't wait and hope it turns out nice.
Here is my progress so far on the Green Crochet Shawl.
It's working up fairly easily and I love the Malabrigo. Very soft and pretty.
I am on the handles of my Lucy Bag and hope to be finishing this up over the next couple of days. I plan on shipping next Saturday. I finished up with my goodie shopping as well and I hope my swap partner likes everything!
Well, I guess that's it for this week. I'll be back in a couple of days with more pictures.
My swap package came yesterday. It's awesome!! It came in the evening, so it'll be a couple of days until I get some pics up. But I am taking the bag to the knit-in today, it's so awesome! I got a lot of great goodies, I love it all.
I finished spinning up my surprise yarn this week and Navajo plied it. I am currently working on my other surprise project and hope to have that finished up this weekend, since I only need a small amount. So, no bobbin or finished yarns pics this week.
I do have a pic of my Raspberry Dreams. This is a Merino/Silk blend that I am 2 plying with some metallic cotton crochet thread. So far I have 500 yards and still more left to ply, but I ran out of crochet thread. I'm not sure yet what I'm going to do with it.
After I finish up my surprise spin, I'll be participating in a Merino spin-a-long. I have some Merino/Corrie/Tencel blend waiting to be spun up. As soon as my surprise spin is finished, I'll be starting on my surprise project. I can't wait and hope it turns out nice.
Here is my progress so far on the Green Crochet Shawl.
It's working up fairly easily and I love the Malabrigo. Very soft and pretty.
I am on the handles of my Lucy Bag and hope to be finishing this up over the next couple of days. I plan on shipping next Saturday. I finished up with my goodie shopping as well and I hope my swap partner likes everything!
Well, I guess that's it for this week. I'll be back in a couple of days with more pictures.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Sunday, Sunday...
What a busy week! I went to the gym Mon thru Fri, it's great! I'm so glad I started going again. It does help keep me busy too. E is doing good in the Playcenter too. He seems to like it and has a good time.
I've been keeping busy all week. I don't really like being that busy, as I need to have a good amount of down time to keep my happiness and sanity. Today I need to do some cleaning and laundry. This place is looking a bit shabby and it's driving me crazy. Not crazy enough to jump up right now and do something right now, but definitely today.
Still finishing up the Lucy bag. I'm also working on a couple of other goodies for my swap partner. I plan to have everything ready to go in about a week or so. I won't lie, this Lucy bag has gotten a bit boring. Rows and rows of just knit. And more to come as I start on the handles. I really want to get it finished up though so I can start on some new stuff. I also got my square in the mail on Friday.
Here is what I have been spinning this week:
Party Dress from Spunky Club. It's superwash Corriedale. It's Navajo plied and about 10 wpi, IIRC. It came out pretty good and I am happy with it. I currently have some hand dyed, by me, Corriedale on the bobbin. No pictures because it's a surprise. :)
I still have to finished plying my Raspberry Dreams. I have 300 yards so far plied with metallic/cotton crochet thread. I'm trying to decide if I want to ply the rest of it that way, or Navajo ply it. Decisions, decisions.
Ok, I really need to get into the sewing room this week. I have to get those diapers finished. I just ordered an awesome pattern and I want to have a clear plate so I can get started on it when it gets here. It's the Knit and Go Girl knitting bag. How cool is that?? I will have a very awesome knitting bag.
I have also just received the newest Ottober for Women magazine. I had forgotten that I had a self renewing subscription with them. This issue is awesome and I see several items I would like to make. Oh, I am so addicted to spinning that it's hard to take a break from it and sew.
This past Friday I got to meet up with another Diva, Gina. We went to the zoo and it was a great time! I had a really good time and am glad I went. Thanks Gina!!
I've been keeping busy all week. I don't really like being that busy, as I need to have a good amount of down time to keep my happiness and sanity. Today I need to do some cleaning and laundry. This place is looking a bit shabby and it's driving me crazy. Not crazy enough to jump up right now and do something right now, but definitely today.
Still finishing up the Lucy bag. I'm also working on a couple of other goodies for my swap partner. I plan to have everything ready to go in about a week or so. I won't lie, this Lucy bag has gotten a bit boring. Rows and rows of just knit. And more to come as I start on the handles. I really want to get it finished up though so I can start on some new stuff. I also got my square in the mail on Friday.
Here is what I have been spinning this week:
Party Dress from Spunky Club. It's superwash Corriedale. It's Navajo plied and about 10 wpi, IIRC. It came out pretty good and I am happy with it. I currently have some hand dyed, by me, Corriedale on the bobbin. No pictures because it's a surprise. :)
I still have to finished plying my Raspberry Dreams. I have 300 yards so far plied with metallic/cotton crochet thread. I'm trying to decide if I want to ply the rest of it that way, or Navajo ply it. Decisions, decisions.
Ok, I really need to get into the sewing room this week. I have to get those diapers finished. I just ordered an awesome pattern and I want to have a clear plate so I can get started on it when it gets here. It's the Knit and Go Girl knitting bag. How cool is that?? I will have a very awesome knitting bag.
I have also just received the newest Ottober for Women magazine. I had forgotten that I had a self renewing subscription with them. This issue is awesome and I see several items I would like to make. Oh, I am so addicted to spinning that it's hard to take a break from it and sew.
This past Friday I got to meet up with another Diva, Gina. We went to the zoo and it was a great time! I had a really good time and am glad I went. Thanks Gina!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sooooooooooo tired
I have had a very long day. It was lots of fun, but tiring. I will have a better blog update over the weekend. I just wanted to get this up along with my Quidditch answers. See you later!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
A late entry!
Ok, so not really, I guess. Since I did post earlier this week. And that posting was premature. E hasn't peed in the potty since that day. The next day I was giving him some naked time and he brought me a diaper. No biggie, like I said, we're in no hurry. Changing diapers doesn't bother me, so whenever he is ready.
So, I've been trying to cut my computer time back and I have been doing a pretty good job of it. Except for this morning.
I did some dying this week. Actually, I honestly can't remember if it was this week or the week before. I think it was Monday. Ok, I went back and read my blog. It was Monday. Boy, I am getting old! Anyways, it was a lot of fun. I had dyed up some roving for my swap partner, but I'm going to do some more and hope for a better outcome. I'm also going to dye up some of the BL locks to send with it. I dyed up some locks and matching roving for myself and it's pretty nice. Here are some pictures for you. :)
I finished up my Think Spring! from my Spunky Club roving. It's South African Fine. I 2 plied it with some white Louet Corriedale. It's very nice. It's soft and squishy. I love it, it came out great!
Here are a couple of diapers I am working on. I need to get some sewing time in this weekend or Monday and get them finished up. Plus the pillows for my mom.
Here is the progress thus far on my Lucy Bag. I only have 15 rows to go until I start the handles. Yay! The Malabrigo is lovely to work with.
I bought a skein of lace-weight Malabrigo last night. I am going to use it to make this shawl. I love the way it looks and sits.
I am patiently waiting for these lovely fibers to arrive. Two spontaneous batts from Loop. Black Magic and Lavender Sachet. Dyed targhee locks from WhimzyPinzy. Lovely goodies!
This weekend I plan on finishing up my Raspberry Dreams. I am going to 2 ply it with some metallic crochet thread. I think it's going to make a nice, lacy scarf.
Ok, I think that is it for this week. I've been keeping busy, that's for sure. :)
So, I've been trying to cut my computer time back and I have been doing a pretty good job of it. Except for this morning.
I did some dying this week. Actually, I honestly can't remember if it was this week or the week before. I think it was Monday. Ok, I went back and read my blog. It was Monday. Boy, I am getting old! Anyways, it was a lot of fun. I had dyed up some roving for my swap partner, but I'm going to do some more and hope for a better outcome. I'm also going to dye up some of the BL locks to send with it. I dyed up some locks and matching roving for myself and it's pretty nice. Here are some pictures for you. :)
I finished up my Think Spring! from my Spunky Club roving. It's South African Fine. I 2 plied it with some white Louet Corriedale. It's very nice. It's soft and squishy. I love it, it came out great!
Here are a couple of diapers I am working on. I need to get some sewing time in this weekend or Monday and get them finished up. Plus the pillows for my mom.
Here is the progress thus far on my Lucy Bag. I only have 15 rows to go until I start the handles. Yay! The Malabrigo is lovely to work with.
I bought a skein of lace-weight Malabrigo last night. I am going to use it to make this shawl. I love the way it looks and sits.
I am patiently waiting for these lovely fibers to arrive. Two spontaneous batts from Loop. Black Magic and Lavender Sachet. Dyed targhee locks from WhimzyPinzy. Lovely goodies!
This weekend I plan on finishing up my Raspberry Dreams. I am going to 2 ply it with some metallic crochet thread. I think it's going to make a nice, lacy scarf.
Ok, I think that is it for this week. I've been keeping busy, that's for sure. :)
Monday, March 3, 2008
He peed in the potty!
So, E has been showing interest in the potty for quite a while. He loves to flush, play with the TP and sit on the toilet. A few months ago, we bought a potty seat to go on the regular sized toilet. He likes to sit on that too and he has peed on it a couple of times. But I figured for me serious potty learning, we would need a little potty to sit out here in the living room and give him some naked time. We bought the potty yesterday and this morning I gave him some naked time. I told him if he has to pee, to go on the potty. So, he was running around and playing. Next thing I know, he's on the potty. And he peed in it! We had a big celebration. He's currently in a diaper and napping, but I'm going to try again after nap time. We're not in any big hurry to PL, so if he catches on great, if not, no biggie either. I was so proud though that he came and sat on the potty by himself when he had to go. He just keeps getting smarter and learning more everyday it seems.
This is actually not going to be my weekly blog post, I just had to post though.
Today I am dying wool. I dyed some locks 4 different colors. I dyed up some purple wool top for my swap partner. And I'm dying up some more wool top for myself. I'm using Wilton's food dye. And unfortunately, I am out of gloves, so my hands are a lovely color. : )
This is actually not going to be my weekly blog post, I just had to post though.
Today I am dying wool. I dyed some locks 4 different colors. I dyed up some purple wool top for my swap partner. And I'm dying up some more wool top for myself. I'm using Wilton's food dye. And unfortunately, I am out of gloves, so my hands are a lovely color. : )
Friday, February 29, 2008
I almost forgot!
To blog that is. :) But here I am, getting it done. And I have pictures! Yay!
Here is the bamboo batt I spun up from Loop. It came out so nice!
Here is my Rocky Road batt spun up as singles.
And my Toxic, Navajo plied, superwash Merino.
Here's what is currently on the bobbin:
It's Raspberry Dreams by sugarbeestudios. It's a merino/silk mix, very nice!
Last, but not least, my completed 5 Spiral Hat!
I used handspun BFL dyed by Selah. I love it and I have received a few compliments, so that makes me happy. :)
Still on the needles is the Lucy Bag for my swap partner. It's coming along nicely.
I will also be starting on my square here in the next few days.
That's it for now, I have a toddler crawling on me!
Here is the bamboo batt I spun up from Loop. It came out so nice!
Here is my Rocky Road batt spun up as singles.
And my Toxic, Navajo plied, superwash Merino.
Here's what is currently on the bobbin:
It's Raspberry Dreams by sugarbeestudios. It's a merino/silk mix, very nice!
Last, but not least, my completed 5 Spiral Hat!
I used handspun BFL dyed by Selah. I love it and I have received a few compliments, so that makes me happy. :)
Still on the needles is the Lucy Bag for my swap partner. It's coming along nicely.
I will also be starting on my square here in the next few days.
That's it for now, I have a toddler crawling on me!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Behind on my blogging....
And no pictures this week, sorry. I need to get something up for the swap. :)
Currently on the bobbin is my bamboo batt from Loop. Lovely, lovely. I think I may finish it up this weekend. I'm spinning it pretty thin and am hoping it will hold up while plying.
On the needles is the Lucy Bag for the HSKS swap. This was so frustrating to get started! I ended up using my bamboo needles after all. You cast on 8 stitches to start, 2 on each needle. It took many tries before I could get going on it. But now it's going nicely and I'm hoping to have it finished by next weekend. I've been taking it with me to knit here and there in the car.
I went to the knit-in tonight, it was great. Had a lot of fun and bought some very pretty batts to spin up. They're a silk/Merino blend. Tomorrow I am going back to the shop to try out the Little Gem. I am loving Fidelis, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get the fine yarn I'm now wanting to do in order to get a plied worsted or sport weight. I'm going to bring Fidelis with me to show off. Maybe I'll get some spinning done while I'm there.
So, I listed my embroidery machine and coverstitch/serger machine on eBay. The embroidery machine already has a bid. I honestly feel kind of bad selling them. Because I start thinking, what if I want to use them down the road. But I've been saying that about the embroidery machine for a year or so now. And I've had the coverstitch machine for 9 months without ever using it once. Two impulse buys.
My spoiler sent me a gift this week. A Gryffindor frame. It has Harry, Hermione, and Ron on it. Very cool and a great surprise! Thank you swap spoiler!!
I finally withdrew from my classes today. Fortunately I made it within the deadline to get a W instead of a F.
I made chili for dinner tonight and it was very good. I tried a different recipe for the slow cooker and it called for 12 oz of beer. I personally prefer my chili sweet, so I added some brown sugar to my bowl, but Ryan likes his not sweet and liked it a lot as is. It'll make great leftovers tomorrow. I'm thinking nachos. Yum!!
I think that's it for this week. I promise to have pictures next week. I have 2 completed yarns that need to be photographed, plus the Loop batt will be done too.
Currently on the bobbin is my bamboo batt from Loop. Lovely, lovely. I think I may finish it up this weekend. I'm spinning it pretty thin and am hoping it will hold up while plying.
On the needles is the Lucy Bag for the HSKS swap. This was so frustrating to get started! I ended up using my bamboo needles after all. You cast on 8 stitches to start, 2 on each needle. It took many tries before I could get going on it. But now it's going nicely and I'm hoping to have it finished by next weekend. I've been taking it with me to knit here and there in the car.
I went to the knit-in tonight, it was great. Had a lot of fun and bought some very pretty batts to spin up. They're a silk/Merino blend. Tomorrow I am going back to the shop to try out the Little Gem. I am loving Fidelis, but I'm not sure I'll be able to get the fine yarn I'm now wanting to do in order to get a plied worsted or sport weight. I'm going to bring Fidelis with me to show off. Maybe I'll get some spinning done while I'm there.
So, I listed my embroidery machine and coverstitch/serger machine on eBay. The embroidery machine already has a bid. I honestly feel kind of bad selling them. Because I start thinking, what if I want to use them down the road. But I've been saying that about the embroidery machine for a year or so now. And I've had the coverstitch machine for 9 months without ever using it once. Two impulse buys.
My spoiler sent me a gift this week. A Gryffindor frame. It has Harry, Hermione, and Ron on it. Very cool and a great surprise! Thank you swap spoiler!!
I finally withdrew from my classes today. Fortunately I made it within the deadline to get a W instead of a F.
I made chili for dinner tonight and it was very good. I tried a different recipe for the slow cooker and it called for 12 oz of beer. I personally prefer my chili sweet, so I added some brown sugar to my bowl, but Ryan likes his not sweet and liked it a lot as is. It'll make great leftovers tomorrow. I'm thinking nachos. Yum!!
I think that's it for this week. I promise to have pictures next week. I have 2 completed yarns that need to be photographed, plus the Loop batt will be done too.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Quidditch Quiz #2
Quidditch ~ Round Two
1. With whom does Ginny go to the Yule Ball?
a. Neville
2. When Harry arrives at the Burrow and Mrs. Weasley makes them all dinner the night before they leave for the Quidditch World Cup, what does her wand turn into?
a. rubber mouse
3. Since some of the sixth-year girls didn't have any quills on them, what did they think Krum might sign their hats in?
c. lipstick
4. How old does the Quick Quotes Quill say that Rita Skeeter is?
a. 43
5. What color cloak is wormtail wearing in the Riddle house?
b. Black
6. What color is "Mad Eye" Moody's magical eye?
d. Blue
7. What color are the robes that Rita Skeeter was wearing when Harry meets her at the Weighing of the Wands ceremony?
b. Magenta
8. What does Sirius Black tell Harry, Ron and Hermione to call him when speaking around anyone else?
b. Snuffles
9. Which team beat Wales, disqualifying them from competing for the Quidditch World Cup?
c. Uganda
10. What does Madame Maxime say is the only thing her steeds will drink?
c. single-malt whiskey
Goblet of Fire
Madam Maxime
Dragon from first challenge
Viktor Krum
Madam Pomfrey
Friday, February 15, 2008
No spiffy title today!
Sometimes titles just don't come to me. I don't have any theme for today, so no title. Thank goodness this week was better than last week. E is supposed to be in bed sleeping, but I hear him playing in his room. Oh, now he's at the gate, sitting so I think he thinks I cannot see him. Hmm...
Here is some of what I've finished up this past week.
BFL top dyed by Selah in their Thoughtful colorway; navajo plied.
Corriedale/Romney batts; natural color; navajo plied.
Romney in natural brown; singles.
Nothing currently on the bobbin, as I finished up plying the Corriedale/Romney last night. I am planning on starting my Rocky Road batt today.
On the needles, the same Calorimetry from last week! I finished it, it was way to wide. So, I frogged the whole thing and started over. I haven't been giving it a whole lot of attention, which is why it's not finished yet. I did buy a button for it from Knitwitz though. I'm going to bring it with me to the knit in tonight. Something easy and relaxing to work on. This weekend I am definitely casting on for my HSKS bag. I couldn't find my size 10.5 needles, so ordered some Harmony ones from Knitpicks. Yesterday I found my 10.5 needles, but want to wait to use the Harmony ones. :) I also volunteered to make an 8x8 square and need to buy the yarn for that soon.
This morning I cut and pinned 2 diapers and soakers. I'm making 2 Fattycakes fitted pockets. This weekend may be a sewing weekend. I need to get the pillows done for my mom too. I finally got the coverstitch machine threaded the other day. I probably will not be selling my serger. That coverstitch machine is a PIA to thread and I do not want to mess around with trying to thread the serger part and switching back and forth. I am so glad I finally got it threaded correctly though.
Well, I really think that's it for today, nothing exciting. Maybe I'll have more to post next week. :)
Here is some of what I've finished up this past week.
BFL top dyed by Selah in their Thoughtful colorway; navajo plied.
Corriedale/Romney batts; natural color; navajo plied.
Romney in natural brown; singles.
Nothing currently on the bobbin, as I finished up plying the Corriedale/Romney last night. I am planning on starting my Rocky Road batt today.
On the needles, the same Calorimetry from last week! I finished it, it was way to wide. So, I frogged the whole thing and started over. I haven't been giving it a whole lot of attention, which is why it's not finished yet. I did buy a button for it from Knitwitz though. I'm going to bring it with me to the knit in tonight. Something easy and relaxing to work on. This weekend I am definitely casting on for my HSKS bag. I couldn't find my size 10.5 needles, so ordered some Harmony ones from Knitpicks. Yesterday I found my 10.5 needles, but want to wait to use the Harmony ones. :) I also volunteered to make an 8x8 square and need to buy the yarn for that soon.
This morning I cut and pinned 2 diapers and soakers. I'm making 2 Fattycakes fitted pockets. This weekend may be a sewing weekend. I need to get the pillows done for my mom too. I finally got the coverstitch machine threaded the other day. I probably will not be selling my serger. That coverstitch machine is a PIA to thread and I do not want to mess around with trying to thread the serger part and switching back and forth. I am so glad I finally got it threaded correctly though.
Well, I really think that's it for today, nothing exciting. Maybe I'll have more to post next week. :)
Friday, February 8, 2008
Thank Goodness It's Friday
But does that really mean anything to a SAHM? E has been pretty horrific this week. Monday and Tuesday were the worst, but it's been very trying all week.
Well, I took pictures the other day of what I had on the bobbin. That is when I was originally going to update my blog. However, it didn't happen. So today I only have pictures of what was on the bobbin a couple of days ago.
It's not quite half a pound of Louet Corriedale. I still have to finish up the rest of that half pound and I have another half pound to spin. Then I am going to ply them together and probably dye the yarn. It's pretty thin and is taking a while to spin up.
When I took that bobbin off, I spun up some dyed BFL. I had 6 oz, very nice stuff! It's from Selah, in their Thoughtful colorway. I split it in half on two bobbins and am going to ply it. The colors are very pretty.
After I finished that up yesterday, I decided to try out the brown Romney I've been carding. I was going to make it a thicker yarn, but changed my mind. I took off the little I had already done and started over making a more worsted weight yarn. It's very nice, I love this fleece. I bought if from hiramst on eBay. I have bought a few things from her, she is an excellent seller. I think I am going to use the yarn to make the Malabrigo Loafers. I think it'll be nice and squishy.
Here is what is currently on the needles. Handspun from Spunky Fiber Club's Snow Squall. It's a Calorimetry from Knitty. I've been wanting to make one for a while. I think I may finish it today.
I still have my mom's slippers on the needles as well. I need to get them finished up already.
This weekend I think I'll be casting on for my HSKS bag. I bought 3 skeins of Malabrigo for it, but I need to exchange one of the colors. My other goodies for the swap are arriving. The sock yarn and stitch markers are here and the needles are on their way. I really wanted to look at the sock yarn ( and maybe pet it some!), but the seller, Crazy4Dying, packed it up so nice, I don't want to open it. The stitch markers, from sunneshine, are also very nice. I hope my swap partner thinks so too! I am also planning on some edible treats and, since my swap partner is a spinner, I'm going to dye up some roving for her. I have also found some cool decorations for her bag from this eBay seller, intergalcatic. I have not ordered them yet, but will be. The seller is in FL, so shipping should be quick.
BTW, have I mentioned that my 2 year old is making me crazy this week?!?
Oh, my Rocky Road batt from butterflygirldesigns came yesterday. It's so soft and pretty. I don't want to spin it right away though, I want to wait and see exactly what I want to do with it. I am also waiting for this batt from Loop. How pretty is that? I can't wait to see it.
So, I think that is all that is going on right now. I'll get more handspun pictures for next weeks update. I am loving spining!
Well, I took pictures the other day of what I had on the bobbin. That is when I was originally going to update my blog. However, it didn't happen. So today I only have pictures of what was on the bobbin a couple of days ago.
It's not quite half a pound of Louet Corriedale. I still have to finish up the rest of that half pound and I have another half pound to spin. Then I am going to ply them together and probably dye the yarn. It's pretty thin and is taking a while to spin up.
When I took that bobbin off, I spun up some dyed BFL. I had 6 oz, very nice stuff! It's from Selah, in their Thoughtful colorway. I split it in half on two bobbins and am going to ply it. The colors are very pretty.
After I finished that up yesterday, I decided to try out the brown Romney I've been carding. I was going to make it a thicker yarn, but changed my mind. I took off the little I had already done and started over making a more worsted weight yarn. It's very nice, I love this fleece. I bought if from hiramst on eBay. I have bought a few things from her, she is an excellent seller. I think I am going to use the yarn to make the Malabrigo Loafers. I think it'll be nice and squishy.
Here is what is currently on the needles. Handspun from Spunky Fiber Club's Snow Squall. It's a Calorimetry from Knitty. I've been wanting to make one for a while. I think I may finish it today.
I still have my mom's slippers on the needles as well. I need to get them finished up already.
This weekend I think I'll be casting on for my HSKS bag. I bought 3 skeins of Malabrigo for it, but I need to exchange one of the colors. My other goodies for the swap are arriving. The sock yarn and stitch markers are here and the needles are on their way. I really wanted to look at the sock yarn ( and maybe pet it some!), but the seller, Crazy4Dying, packed it up so nice, I don't want to open it. The stitch markers, from sunneshine, are also very nice. I hope my swap partner thinks so too! I am also planning on some edible treats and, since my swap partner is a spinner, I'm going to dye up some roving for her. I have also found some cool decorations for her bag from this eBay seller, intergalcatic. I have not ordered them yet, but will be. The seller is in FL, so shipping should be quick.
BTW, have I mentioned that my 2 year old is making me crazy this week?!?
Oh, my Rocky Road batt from butterflygirldesigns came yesterday. It's so soft and pretty. I don't want to spin it right away though, I want to wait and see exactly what I want to do with it. I am also waiting for this batt from Loop. How pretty is that? I can't wait to see it.
So, I think that is all that is going on right now. I'll get more handspun pictures for next weeks update. I am loving spining!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
My Wheel and We've Been CDing for 2 years!
I realized a few weeks ago we have been using cloth diapers for 2 years now. We started early January 2006 when E was just 3 months old. Time goes so fast! Now he's walking, running, talking, jumping, playing, etc etc. It was actually easier when he was just lying there. lol Just in case someone is actually reading this blog, I highly recommend cloth diapers. Even if you just use them at home, they are wonderful! They really help to save you some $$ on diapers too. I don't think E is too close to potty training yet, but when he is, I'll be making his trainers too. I'll probably start making some soon anyways, just to be prepared.
My wheel came on Saturday. How exciting. I've been having lots of fun with it. And the best thing? I've had a revelation! With the wheel, my drafting was still sucking. I was getting frustrated, but kept on trucking. I had been spinning with my right hand forward, left hand back. Out of frustration, I decided to switch it up, left hand forward, right hand back. What a difference!! It was delightful and I finally got it! You don't know how happy I am that it clicked and I am really, really enjoying spinning. I have spun up my 4 oz of Spunky Club Snow Squall and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a hat for myself.
Here are some pictures of my wheel:
Some of my first wheel spun:
And 4 of my spindles:
This wheel is awesome! The seller is on Etsy and eBay.
Great price, awesome service, wonderful wheel! Made right here in the USA. Her husband makes and designs the wheels. I also bought two of my spindles from her.
This wheel is small and doesn't weigh much. It will be easy to take it along with me. It was easy to put together and it's easy to use. I am really enjoying it and recommend it to anyone!
As you can see, I was having some problems getting the whole bobbin full. However, the bobbin I am currently working on is full the entire way. I'm pretty proud of that. lol
I am also pretty happy because I've found the yarn and stitch markers I'm getting for my swap partner. Woot! I've also found some Hufflepuff colored roving, which I may get to spin up. I am waffling on which bag pattern I am going to make. My biggest concern is that it's going to look like a bumblebee. So, I'm going to look at some more patterns and make my decision soon. I want to get this cast on already. Also, I got in touch with my spoilee and she filled out the questionnaire. Hooray!
I am still undecided about school. I'm now almost 2 weeks behind, but could get caught up this weekend on everything but transcription. I am considering just finishing up the other 3 classes and letting transcription go. I need to make that decision soon!
My mom flew home on Tuesday. I spent yesterday doing laundry and some cleaning. E only took an hour nap, which totally stinks. Here's hoping for a better nap today! Especially since I want to get some spinning done. :)
My wheel came on Saturday. How exciting. I've been having lots of fun with it. And the best thing? I've had a revelation! With the wheel, my drafting was still sucking. I was getting frustrated, but kept on trucking. I had been spinning with my right hand forward, left hand back. Out of frustration, I decided to switch it up, left hand forward, right hand back. What a difference!! It was delightful and I finally got it! You don't know how happy I am that it clicked and I am really, really enjoying spinning. I have spun up my 4 oz of Spunky Club Snow Squall and I'm pretty sure it's going to be a hat for myself.
Here are some pictures of my wheel:
Some of my first wheel spun:
And 4 of my spindles:
This wheel is awesome! The seller is on Etsy and eBay.
Great price, awesome service, wonderful wheel! Made right here in the USA. Her husband makes and designs the wheels. I also bought two of my spindles from her.
This wheel is small and doesn't weigh much. It will be easy to take it along with me. It was easy to put together and it's easy to use. I am really enjoying it and recommend it to anyone!
As you can see, I was having some problems getting the whole bobbin full. However, the bobbin I am currently working on is full the entire way. I'm pretty proud of that. lol
I am also pretty happy because I've found the yarn and stitch markers I'm getting for my swap partner. Woot! I've also found some Hufflepuff colored roving, which I may get to spin up. I am waffling on which bag pattern I am going to make. My biggest concern is that it's going to look like a bumblebee. So, I'm going to look at some more patterns and make my decision soon. I want to get this cast on already. Also, I got in touch with my spoilee and she filled out the questionnaire. Hooray!
I am still undecided about school. I'm now almost 2 weeks behind, but could get caught up this weekend on everything but transcription. I am considering just finishing up the other 3 classes and letting transcription go. I need to make that decision soon!
My mom flew home on Tuesday. I spent yesterday doing laundry and some cleaning. E only took an hour nap, which totally stinks. Here's hoping for a better nap today! Especially since I want to get some spinning done. :)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Picture Scavenger Hunt
Picture Scavenger Hunt
Please either post the pictures to your blog or link to where the pictures can be found.
Please either post the pictures to your blog or link to where the pictures can be found.
Quidditch Quiz
1. What was Harry dreaming about the first time he woke up with his scar on fire?
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him
2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours
3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned
4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff?
(Answer is One Word, Last Name Only) Snape
5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort
6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
d. 77
7. Amos Diggory works for?
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts?
Answer: (One Word) Neville
9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th
10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue
b. Voldemort and Wormtail plotting to kill him
2. What is the problem with leprechaun gold?
a. It vanishes after a few hours
3. Why did Mad-Eye Moody turn Malfoy into a ferret?
c. Malfoy attached Harry when Harry's back was turned
4. Sirius warns Harry to be careful around Karkaroff because he had been a Death Eater. Which one of the professors at Hogwarts, who also used to be a Death Eater, is frequently bothered by Karkaroff?
(Answer is One Word, Last Name Only) Snape
5. Voldemort could have used the blood from any foe to make the potion that revived him work, but he held out for Harry's blood. Why?
c. The special protection Harry received from his mother would also pass to Voldemort
6. How old would Frank have been on his next birthday?
d. 77
7. Amos Diggory works for?
b. The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures
8. Who shared a carriage with the three friends on the way from the train to Hogwarts?
Answer: (One Word) Neville
9. What date in October did the delegates from Beauxbatons and Durmstrang arrive?
a. 30th
10. What color were Percy's dress robes at the Yule Ball?
a. Navy Blue
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My poor toe!
Ouch, I hurt my toe good tonight. And it hurts. And it looks very yucky. Did I mention it hurts? I was moving the chair as I was sitting in it, got my foot under it and then sat in it with my toe under it. Ouch. It's a dining room table chair and the feet bottom are metal with no coverings. Ouch. It didn't really bleed, which is surprising for how much skin was taken off. So, I must be more careful at the dining room table.
My mom is here visiting this week. She got here last Friday. We have been go-go-go ever since. It's been fun though. Just busy.
So, school is not going too well. I've pretty well decided to go ahead and withdraw from classes. I talked it over with Ryan. He thinks I should just try to struggle through. I think that has to do with getting the next student loan check though. Or at least that has something to do with it. He told me I am just not cut out for college. It's probably about time for me to realize that, accept it, and learn to live with it. It's not a bad thing and that's what I would tell anyone else thinking they needed some type of degree or certificate to prove themselves. I have found that my household duties and trying to keep a healthy kitchen have fallen to the wayside since I've been so busy with school. I don't like that either. I don't *need* to work, I just thought the extra money would be nice.
Getting in touch with my swap spoilee has not been going well. I didn't realize that we were supposed to get in touch with them. I have emailed her a few times and it keeps getting returned. My swap spoilee sent me a very nice questionnaire, which I was sending to my spoilee.
Oh well. I can still do the swap just fine without it. When my mom leaves, I'll be getting started on my stuff.
I still need to finish up the slippers for my mom, then tuck all the ends in for them and the slippers for my sister and get them felted. I've got some spinning done on my spindle the past few days, I try to get about 10 min every day. I am spinning my border leicester cross right now. I think I need more instruction on hand carders. My stuff is not getting brushed enough, I don't think. My wheel has been shipped today!!! How exciting! I ordered this wheel:
http://tinyurl.com/32v366
Along with both her drop spindles. Jan has been great to work with. I'm pretty excited about getting my wheel. And I am glad I choose this one. The price is great. Seriously, especially for someone just starting out. I was looking at a $700 wheel. But I just couldn't see spending that much. After Ryan changed his mind about having to buy a solid wheel, I started looking at Babe's. Then Lendrums. Then Frickes. Then Ashfords. Then Fidelis. I like that Fidelis is made here in the USA. I also like that it is handmade. I love handmade stuff. Ok, I know most of the other wheels are also handmade. Perhaps I should say homemade. I also like it because it is unique and kind of funky. I really feel that it will fit in in my household. It's small and lightweight, so I can take it with me places. It's just all over cool. :) I'm really hoping Jan and her husband will eventually grow a little more and offer other accessories and, possibly, a Saxony type wheel. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, since I don't even have the wheel yet, but that's the way my thoughts are running. I've only seen good reviews for the wheel (and their drop spindles).
So, I really want to get some sewing done in the near future. I miss it. I want to make myself an apron. I have the pattern and the material. I need to make E some potty training pants. I need to make my mom some pillows before she leaves. That was supposed to be last years Christmas gift!!
So, it is looking like I'll have some tax $ after all. I thought I had used all mine getting all the seasons of X Files. But Ryan said I could have a little more. So, I'll be getting Harmony DPN's in the 4-11 size (plus needles for my spoilee) and a bigger niddy noddy. This one I have is 1 yard and the skeins are very small.
We have been eating out quite a bit since my mom got here. I think I have only cooked once!!! I will definitely be cooking Fri, Sat, and Monday. Tomorrow night is Buffalo Wild Wings and Sunday night will be our date night. Which will also be Buffalo Wild Wings, except we will eat there and get to play trivia! Yippee! :)
After my mom leaves and this next pay period begins, we have to get back to healthy eating. It has not been very healthy these past couple of months. I am ready to incorporate fruits and veggies back into our meals in a major way. I keep thinking I should follow this plan, or that one, but I know I am just setting myself up for failure that way.
Ryan and I are considering starting to train for a 15K next year. I am not a big fan of running, so this would be quite the challenge. We'll see. I need to start getting myself to the gym on a regular basis either way. Since I decided to not do weights right now, I'm thinking at least 4 days of aerobic activity should be done. Plus, E likes the playcenter.
All right, my battery is going to be going soon, since I am not plugged in.
My mom is here visiting this week. She got here last Friday. We have been go-go-go ever since. It's been fun though. Just busy.
So, school is not going too well. I've pretty well decided to go ahead and withdraw from classes. I talked it over with Ryan. He thinks I should just try to struggle through. I think that has to do with getting the next student loan check though. Or at least that has something to do with it. He told me I am just not cut out for college. It's probably about time for me to realize that, accept it, and learn to live with it. It's not a bad thing and that's what I would tell anyone else thinking they needed some type of degree or certificate to prove themselves. I have found that my household duties and trying to keep a healthy kitchen have fallen to the wayside since I've been so busy with school. I don't like that either. I don't *need* to work, I just thought the extra money would be nice.
Getting in touch with my swap spoilee has not been going well. I didn't realize that we were supposed to get in touch with them. I have emailed her a few times and it keeps getting returned. My swap spoilee sent me a very nice questionnaire, which I was sending to my spoilee.
Oh well. I can still do the swap just fine without it. When my mom leaves, I'll be getting started on my stuff.
I still need to finish up the slippers for my mom, then tuck all the ends in for them and the slippers for my sister and get them felted. I've got some spinning done on my spindle the past few days, I try to get about 10 min every day. I am spinning my border leicester cross right now. I think I need more instruction on hand carders. My stuff is not getting brushed enough, I don't think. My wheel has been shipped today!!! How exciting! I ordered this wheel:
http://tinyurl.com/32v366
Along with both her drop spindles. Jan has been great to work with. I'm pretty excited about getting my wheel. And I am glad I choose this one. The price is great. Seriously, especially for someone just starting out. I was looking at a $700 wheel. But I just couldn't see spending that much. After Ryan changed his mind about having to buy a solid wheel, I started looking at Babe's. Then Lendrums. Then Frickes. Then Ashfords. Then Fidelis. I like that Fidelis is made here in the USA. I also like that it is handmade. I love handmade stuff. Ok, I know most of the other wheels are also handmade. Perhaps I should say homemade. I also like it because it is unique and kind of funky. I really feel that it will fit in in my household. It's small and lightweight, so I can take it with me places. It's just all over cool. :) I'm really hoping Jan and her husband will eventually grow a little more and offer other accessories and, possibly, a Saxony type wheel. Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself, since I don't even have the wheel yet, but that's the way my thoughts are running. I've only seen good reviews for the wheel (and their drop spindles).
So, I really want to get some sewing done in the near future. I miss it. I want to make myself an apron. I have the pattern and the material. I need to make E some potty training pants. I need to make my mom some pillows before she leaves. That was supposed to be last years Christmas gift!!
So, it is looking like I'll have some tax $ after all. I thought I had used all mine getting all the seasons of X Files. But Ryan said I could have a little more. So, I'll be getting Harmony DPN's in the 4-11 size (plus needles for my spoilee) and a bigger niddy noddy. This one I have is 1 yard and the skeins are very small.
We have been eating out quite a bit since my mom got here. I think I have only cooked once!!! I will definitely be cooking Fri, Sat, and Monday. Tomorrow night is Buffalo Wild Wings and Sunday night will be our date night. Which will also be Buffalo Wild Wings, except we will eat there and get to play trivia! Yippee! :)
After my mom leaves and this next pay period begins, we have to get back to healthy eating. It has not been very healthy these past couple of months. I am ready to incorporate fruits and veggies back into our meals in a major way. I keep thinking I should follow this plan, or that one, but I know I am just setting myself up for failure that way.
Ryan and I are considering starting to train for a 15K next year. I am not a big fan of running, so this would be quite the challenge. We'll see. I need to start getting myself to the gym on a regular basis either way. Since I decided to not do weights right now, I'm thinking at least 4 days of aerobic activity should be done. Plus, E likes the playcenter.
All right, my battery is going to be going soon, since I am not plugged in.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Cleaning is so much fun!
Well, today it was more fun than transcription. I've been cleaning for most of the day now, getting ready for my mom's arrival tonight. Basically, I was doing a super job on the bathrooms. It really was not that much fun. I still have to vacuum, but not while E's sleeping! I still have to do Ryan's tub/shower, but first I have to finish up with the raw wool I'm cleaning. And this is probably the last unclean, raw wool I'm going to buy for a while. I know, I said that before, which is why this time I said *probably*. I was looking at the two large bags of clean wool in my closet today and thinking I don't really need any more. I should have enough to keep me busy and spinning for a while. But the raw wool is so nice. This stuff is a Border Leicester cross. It came pretty clean and I love the crimp. I also have some raw, dark brown Romney coming, but it is already clean. It was kind of pricey, but it's so nice. The lady I bought the handcarders from included a sample in with my package and I love it!
So, now that I'm in the HSKS4, I have to be updating my blog every week. So here I am. I have not been getting into all the games, so I need to get cracking on that. I think I mentioned in my last post that I had bought the little circles to make my stitch markers with. I plan on getting the needles for my partner next month. Yarn wise, I haven't started shopping yet. I am pretty sure about which bag I am going to do though, I just have to buy the pattern. Depending on how soon my wheel gets here, I may spin the yarn for the bag. How awesome would that be! I think it would be awesome because I'm into that. :)
Well, let me tell you, school is sucking so far this semester. The transcription is really frustrating me. I just can't understand some of it and it's driving me batty. I slow it down, turn it up, turn it down, sound it out, I'm just not getting it. I didn't leave any blank spots on any of my reports from last semester. This semester I am leaving quite a few. If this is what real doctor transcription is like, I just can't see myself enjoying this work. At this point, I'm not sure if I should even continue on to next semester. I am thinking of possibly transferring my credits into a different program. I need to discuss it some with Ryan and, depending on our decision, discuss it with the school. I am too far into this semester to drop classes now.
So, that's pretty much all that's going on with me right now. I'm excited my mom is coming to visit. She'll be here tonight. I'm loving spinning, even with my spindles. I think I'm finally getting a bit better. This Florida Native sheep wool I have, blended with some raw alpaca, is lovely to spin. I love how it's turning out. I need to card up some more because I've used up all that I have. I am also spinning some Romney roving and Corriedale top. Am I weird because I prefer the shorter staple wool so far? The BFL, Romney, and Corriedale are all harder for me to draft with. Except the Romney that I carded. They are lovely to spin, but the longer fibers make it harder for me. I was trying to spin the Corrie from the fold yesterday and that made it much easier and my yarn was looking nicer, but I am having problems trying to coordinate with that. I really hope it all comes together better for me when I have my wheel and don't have to concentrate on the spindle. And then I am hoping that using a wheel will improve my spindle skills. :)
Ok, that really is it now. :)
So, now that I'm in the HSKS4, I have to be updating my blog every week. So here I am. I have not been getting into all the games, so I need to get cracking on that. I think I mentioned in my last post that I had bought the little circles to make my stitch markers with. I plan on getting the needles for my partner next month. Yarn wise, I haven't started shopping yet. I am pretty sure about which bag I am going to do though, I just have to buy the pattern. Depending on how soon my wheel gets here, I may spin the yarn for the bag. How awesome would that be! I think it would be awesome because I'm into that. :)
Well, let me tell you, school is sucking so far this semester. The transcription is really frustrating me. I just can't understand some of it and it's driving me batty. I slow it down, turn it up, turn it down, sound it out, I'm just not getting it. I didn't leave any blank spots on any of my reports from last semester. This semester I am leaving quite a few. If this is what real doctor transcription is like, I just can't see myself enjoying this work. At this point, I'm not sure if I should even continue on to next semester. I am thinking of possibly transferring my credits into a different program. I need to discuss it some with Ryan and, depending on our decision, discuss it with the school. I am too far into this semester to drop classes now.
So, that's pretty much all that's going on with me right now. I'm excited my mom is coming to visit. She'll be here tonight. I'm loving spinning, even with my spindles. I think I'm finally getting a bit better. This Florida Native sheep wool I have, blended with some raw alpaca, is lovely to spin. I love how it's turning out. I need to card up some more because I've used up all that I have. I am also spinning some Romney roving and Corriedale top. Am I weird because I prefer the shorter staple wool so far? The BFL, Romney, and Corriedale are all harder for me to draft with. Except the Romney that I carded. They are lovely to spin, but the longer fibers make it harder for me. I was trying to spin the Corrie from the fold yesterday and that made it much easier and my yarn was looking nicer, but I am having problems trying to coordinate with that. I really hope it all comes together better for me when I have my wheel and don't have to concentrate on the spindle. And then I am hoping that using a wheel will improve my spindle skills. :)
Ok, that really is it now. :)
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Just rambling
I figured I should update this. Since I'm doing the swap, I need to update on a regular basis so my swap partner knows I am alive and well. :)
Let me tell you what I think of this semester so far. I think it's going to stink. There is twice as much transcription and I am not liking it. I know, it's a transcription course, but still. I am not planning on doing this full time, so I don't need tons of transcription practice, right? After my first week of the 2nd semester, I am seriously considering if I even want to do this part time. I do want to finish and get my certificate though. I have to do transcription today. And everyday this week too. I don't want to have any for next weekend. My mom is flying in on Friday. Ryan is taking that week off too and I am going to be hurting, trying to get school work done.
So, I decided to go ahead and buy some wool hand carders. I was just going to use my dog brushes, but I have so much raw wool and those dog brushes are small! lol I've been using them, blending some raw alpaca with my Florida Native raw wool, very nice. I've spun some of it up on my spindle. It's fun. I have a large black trash bag full of the Florida Native. I have a white trash bag full of a grab bag mix of wool. I also have some raw Mohair locks, but I am planning on using them for doll hair. I have 4 lbs of Border Leicaster cross on it's way to me too. I have a slight obsession with raw wool. I'm not sure why. It's just fun. And a lot of work. After skirting and cleaning all that Florida Native, I said I was not going to do any more raw wool until I was able to get more FN in April. But I went ahead and got the BL too. I also have a fair amount of undyed roving I have been buying and hoarding, preparing for my wheel.
I am so excited to be getting my wheel. I will be ordering the Fidelis from Heavenly Handspinning. Her husband is finishing up their higher speed bobbins, so I'm waiting for them and the wait is so hard! :) I just got a Niddy Noddy and a WPI tool from Ma and Pa Spindles on eBay. The niddy noddy is just a yard size one. I think I'm going to get their bigger one too. Their stuff is very nice and well made. I have a spindle from them too.
I am finally getting those felted slippers for Samantha done. They work up pretty quick, but are a big pain. Still, they look nice when done. Well, they're not felted yet, but the unfelted slipper looks nice. I bought the Boye interchangeable needle set at Joann's the other day. I originally wanted the Knit Picks Harmony needles, but changed my mind. I had a 40% off coupon for Joann's and the Boye actually comes with more needles sizes and cable lengths. I like them and they are working good. I do want to get the Harmony DPNs set though. I'm not into the little needles, so I think I'll get the 4-11's. Those needles are so pretty, I've got to have some eventually!
I've been doing some cleaning here and there, getting ready for mom's visit. I'll be finishing up that this week. All that's really left are the bathrooms. I guess that's my least favorite, so that's why it's always what is left.
It's a nice, overcast rainy day here. I love these type of days. I love the rain. I really missed it while we were in CA.
Let me tell you what I think of this semester so far. I think it's going to stink. There is twice as much transcription and I am not liking it. I know, it's a transcription course, but still. I am not planning on doing this full time, so I don't need tons of transcription practice, right? After my first week of the 2nd semester, I am seriously considering if I even want to do this part time. I do want to finish and get my certificate though. I have to do transcription today. And everyday this week too. I don't want to have any for next weekend. My mom is flying in on Friday. Ryan is taking that week off too and I am going to be hurting, trying to get school work done.
So, I decided to go ahead and buy some wool hand carders. I was just going to use my dog brushes, but I have so much raw wool and those dog brushes are small! lol I've been using them, blending some raw alpaca with my Florida Native raw wool, very nice. I've spun some of it up on my spindle. It's fun. I have a large black trash bag full of the Florida Native. I have a white trash bag full of a grab bag mix of wool. I also have some raw Mohair locks, but I am planning on using them for doll hair. I have 4 lbs of Border Leicaster cross on it's way to me too. I have a slight obsession with raw wool. I'm not sure why. It's just fun. And a lot of work. After skirting and cleaning all that Florida Native, I said I was not going to do any more raw wool until I was able to get more FN in April. But I went ahead and got the BL too. I also have a fair amount of undyed roving I have been buying and hoarding, preparing for my wheel.
I am so excited to be getting my wheel. I will be ordering the Fidelis from Heavenly Handspinning. Her husband is finishing up their higher speed bobbins, so I'm waiting for them and the wait is so hard! :) I just got a Niddy Noddy and a WPI tool from Ma and Pa Spindles on eBay. The niddy noddy is just a yard size one. I think I'm going to get their bigger one too. Their stuff is very nice and well made. I have a spindle from them too.
I am finally getting those felted slippers for Samantha done. They work up pretty quick, but are a big pain. Still, they look nice when done. Well, they're not felted yet, but the unfelted slipper looks nice. I bought the Boye interchangeable needle set at Joann's the other day. I originally wanted the Knit Picks Harmony needles, but changed my mind. I had a 40% off coupon for Joann's and the Boye actually comes with more needles sizes and cable lengths. I like them and they are working good. I do want to get the Harmony DPNs set though. I'm not into the little needles, so I think I'll get the 4-11's. Those needles are so pretty, I've got to have some eventually!
I've been doing some cleaning here and there, getting ready for mom's visit. I'll be finishing up that this week. All that's really left are the bathrooms. I guess that's my least favorite, so that's why it's always what is left.
It's a nice, overcast rainy day here. I love these type of days. I love the rain. I really missed it while we were in CA.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year
I figured it was time for a new post. I don't think I'll be doing a lot of housework type stuff in my blog these days. I unfortunately do not have as much kitchen time as I did, due mostly to school. As the new year starts, I am determined to get our eating healthy again. It has been a slippery slope these past 2 months and there has been too much eating out and junk food involved. I've gained about 8 pounds and I'm not feeling to great about it. My biggest concern is not wanting Ethan to get used to eating junk. I still make sure he's getting his fruits/veggies/protein, but he's also been getting plenty of cookies, chips, etc. So, my goal is once again to cut down on the processed foods. That in itself should not involve tons of kitchen time.
My mom is visiting in 3 weeks, so I've got some cleaning to do.
I'll probably be doing more blogging about my crafty stuff. I've been knitting and crocheting. I've started spinning on a drop spindle. I'll be getting a wheel soon. I have some sewing to do. And I'm almost done with my Waldorf doll.
I'm joining the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 4. I'm pretty excited about it and looking forward to participating.
That's it for now, I'm going to grab some lunch and enjoy E's nap time.
My mom is visiting in 3 weeks, so I've got some cleaning to do.
I'll probably be doing more blogging about my crafty stuff. I've been knitting and crocheting. I've started spinning on a drop spindle. I'll be getting a wheel soon. I have some sewing to do. And I'm almost done with my Waldorf doll.
I'm joining the Hogwarts Sock Kit Swap 4. I'm pretty excited about it and looking forward to participating.
That's it for now, I'm going to grab some lunch and enjoy E's nap time.
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