The LIST Revised...

As I was making out my list for the children of who gets what and from whom, Christmas Eve v. Christmas Morning, etc. I realized that if I stop right now that they are even and we might possibly avoid the "gimme gimme" glut. To that end - I have removed three children's 'make' items from my list, which gave me time for a long bubble bath last night - aaahhhh!

We did finally get the tree decorated Sunday night and I've wrapped most of the gifts (need to dig out more paper) and things are looking rather pretty. I still wish everything had been completed two weeks ago, but... Just a little more sewing, a little more knitting, a little more wrapping and all will be finished.

My craftroom is a disaster and my work area in there keep shrinking, but I'm managing and I'm almost through. Thanks to all for cheering me on and I'll have more pictures after Christmas as I realized (only just now as I'm typing) that I've boxed everything up to wrap and have no pics yet - oops!


I can't wait to be finished and able to think about and concentrate on new projects with more distant deadlines!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Just Keep Sewing, Sewing, Sewing...

I'm getting there. I can finish everything by tomorrow evening, but I'm not sure I'm going to. I have to evaluate # of gifts/child so I may eliminate an item or two from Anna's list. Everything is cut out and ready to sew - just in case!

I did add one thing, a requested hat for my Daddy, and have finished it already. Gotta run - I've got sewing to do!

BTW - Andrea - I found this just for you!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Dad's Gift in Jeopardy

We had his great idea, Casey and I, to buy my Daddy a new digital SLR camera for Christmas. It turned out that just after we decided this his old (really old) manual Minolta 35 mm was stolen out of his van so it seemed the perfect idea yes?

Well almost... We found a GREAT camera at an even better price and ordered it - the Nikon D-40 - brand new on the market and with all the options we wanted. We ordered it and it arrived quickly and safely Wednesday afternoon. Casey opened it up to check it out and learn a little about it so we can train my father - that's when the trouble started.

Casey had the camera in his hands for about 5 minutes before he called me at the shop and said only this "NO." Immediately I knew we were in trouble and I relayed to him that no matter what - Daddy IS getting the camera for Christmas; he reiterated only "NO."

I came home ready to make my case and stand my ground, after all it's my Daddy's camera right? Then Casey hands me this exquisite piece of machinery and I was in love. The Nikon D-40 is a beautiful thing - it takes GREAT pictures, is super easy to use, is digital (which means I can shoot as much crap as I want) AND it makes the noise! You know - the 35mm SLR noise, a noise that I grew up with and love.

So now I have a problem. I intend to give the camera as a gift as planned, but I REALLY want one for myself. In and of itself that's not a problem - I'll get one, the problem is I don't want to wait. Quite a predicament, guess I'll practice my patience.

My pics from yesterday were taken with the D-40 as was this one:


That's my Pokey - she's a silly beagle and a Mommy's girl. We love her!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Photographic Evidence...

I have photos (some are crappy - bad light, no time, etc) of several of the finished items from the LIST.

Here goes:


I'm still working. I've got lots of sewing to do today and I'll be able to mark off a bunch of items tonight. I'm having so much fun - I hope you are too. Thanks for all the great comments and continued encouragement through my craziness!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I Think I Can! I Think I Can!

I am well on my way to finishing my LIST. Check out the crossed off items - not to bad huh? I'm not sure how many I'll mark off tonight as we are doing the last of our actual shopping (as opposed to virtual shopping) tonight and it will be a mad dash indeed.

Thanks for all the supportive comments and stay tuned to find out "Will she make it?"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Can She Do It?

Hey check out the "Between Now and Christmas" list over there on my sidebar. I'm taking bets on getting all those things done. I need your encouragement (and maybe prayers) to get through it all with my sanity in check, at least as in check as is possible for me.

What do you think? Can I do it?


I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Truant Blogger...

I've had the blogging blahs for the last couple of weeks. While trying to pinpoint why I realized that there is no ONE factor keeping me from the keyboard, but there are many. I've taken on more at work and that takes time and lots of mental energy, homeschool is in (almost) full-swing, I'm stressed about holiday crafting (moreso about holiday getting off my ass to do the crafting, but...), and November was just hard for me this year in ways that I did not expect.

My Mother's birthday was yesterday and I had planned a touching and charming post about lessons learned, examples of love, and whatnot, but when I sat down to write - I couldn't do it; words would't come without tears so... I'll file the idea away for another time.

Thanks to all who are bearing with me through this. I so enjoy the blogging community and want to get to know you better, please give me just a little extra time to get back on my feet.

I've got major sewing,knitting,crocheting, and crafting to do over the next few days and I am looking forward to finishing projects. I'll be back to crafty posting soon and have pictures and all that good stuff too. Until then, this made me laugh:



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Black Friday Shopping

Well I did it! I shopped on "Black Friday." I got up early (7:15) and washed my face, threw on my shoes (bunny) and sat at my computer to shop. Did I brave crowds and parking nightmares, and set alarms to wake up before dawn - NOPE! My theory this year is if I can't buy it online - I don't need it!

Believe me the $9.00 shipping I paid this morning was worth being able to sit at home in my jammies and bunny slippers and NOT deal with people. I bought this for Anna, and these for each of the kids. I'll do more shopping tomorrow after we decide our final list for everyone. Connie is still getting a quilt, and several others are still getting the embroidered dishtowels, but I'm not too worried about anything else. I've already gotten many gifts taken care of and I've got good ideas for everything else, so I think I'm in good shape.

I do have to make a trip to Harry & David (damn! I'm all broken up about it) to use an instore only coupon but I can do that next week - anyone like pears?


I am thankful!

We had homemade vegetable soup and good sandwiches for our meal yesterday. My Daddy and my brother came over and we had a nice time. I just wasn't ready to make my Mom's meal this year - not yet.

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and if anyone went out shopping today I just have one thing to say to you...

SUCKERS!!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

"Chicken Pops" Redux

Turns out it isn't Chicken Pox at all. As I looked at it I told Casey I thought maybe it was something else - so he went to the doctor yesterday and it is a skin born infection. Not sure how he got it - it's bacteria that's on the skin all the time, but once it breaks the barrier it can go crazy and cause the sort of breakout he has. FUN! I know - you all wanted to know that. Anyway some major antibiotics and a few days and he'll be fine - PLUS it's not contagious!

On to things more pleasant. Andrea and I spent 8 plus hours working in the shop on Sunday. We cleaned and we moved furiture and we cleaned out storage and we CLEARANCED tons of yarn. We worked very hard and while there is still more to be done, the shop is looking great. Our December calendar is almost ready and looking great as well.

I'll get lots of things done today crafty wise and have some pictures for posting tomorrow - didn't think you guys wanted pics of the rash (eeeewwww)!

Everyone go wish Katey Happy Birthday today!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

"Chicken Pops,"

as Anna would say. Breakthrough Chicken Pox is the official title of what we have - we've all either had Chicken pox or been vaccinated, yet we have the rash! We're all feeling fine and I am showing no symptoms, but the kids and Casey all have a very very mild, but definitive, case of Chicken Pox. It sucks!

I had to cancel a crochet workshop this morning and bail on 3 people waiting for me to teach them to crochet - I'll rescedule, but it sucks to bail out at the last minute. I figure the students would rather reschedule than be contaminated though so I'll be scrambling this week to get things together for make up sessions.

On a positive note our December class calendar is looking great and we have lots of new things in store for the shop. I am so excited.

Now, if I just weren't contagious!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Long Days...

I am so tired, but I am also mentally energized. I worked last night until 11 p.m. at the shop with one of our favorite yarn reps and the night before that I was there until 9:30. We have so many new and exciting things coming up for the shop and I can't wait to get started. I've got about 1000 ideas running through my head and I'm chomping at the bit to get moving.

I'm going to be working more for the next few weeks - both on shop things and on Christmas stuff that I still need to take care of. Here's a photo of the Sock Tote I sent out as a prize for Socktoberfest: Sock Monkeys!!!



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Literary Journey

We've been at the Library a great deal lately and it always makes me realize how little I read anymore. To that end I've made some lists:

A) Books I haven't read, but want to: Pride & Prejudice, Look Homeward Angel, Of Mice & Men, Emma, Little Women

These books have been on my list for sometime and I never get to them - that's a good goal for next year.

B) Books I have read, but wish I hadn't: The Jungle, The Federalist Papers, Grapes of Wrath, Animal Farm, Catcher in The Rye

Most of these I had to read - for school or should have read in school, but Cliffed - so I went back and read them - why I'll never know - perhaps I'm more educated for reading them, but I was happy ignorant too!

C) Books I'm glad I DID read: Anne of Green Gables, As I Lay Dying, Great Expectations, Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, The Giving Tree (Anything Shel Silverstein)

These are just some of my favorites. I've read Anne at least 3 times and I never ever get tired of it. I LOVE Dickens (who doesn't) and unlike many I LOVE Faulkner.

D) I am currently reading: Lots of children's books (best books EVER) and The Body Farm

What are your favoties and what are you reading?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Little House in The Suburbs...

(that's googlemap satellite imagery of MY house)

"Knit it All!" There's a goal for you! Christina, AKA 'Knitty-D' has a goal to knit all of her Rhinebeck 2006 Fiber Festival purchases BEFORE Rhinebeck 2007. Considering what Knitty-D purchased that is a reasonable, yet big, goal. I like the concept though - the "use what you have" BEFORE getting more idea. I want to do this as well - use it all.

I have so much and I find myself constantly wanting, driven to, more. I think about our pioneering American history and how people "made do." I know I romanticize the life - because it was no doubt truly harsh - but I can't help but believe that it was also happier.

The world today beeps, and buzzes, and whirs at a dizzying pace and no matter what I have - in over abundance - I always want newer, better, more. Being bombarded with ads from every side, T.V., billboards, magazines, radio, the beloved internet - it's EVERYWHERE - I constantly am presented with more ways to seperate me from my (ok my husband's) hard earned money.

Don't get me wrong, I love and thoroughly enjoy my very modern lifestyle I just think sometimes it would be easier without cell phones, and answering machines, and email, and instant access, and TiVO (ok NOT TiVO - that's just crazy talk). Anyway, more life with less - that's the ultimate goal; less stuff, less running, less spending (or at least different), less disconnect - more time, more family, more laughter, more contentment, - happier.

The pioneering Americans and many generations that followed understood value, they understood usefullness, and they understood hard work in a capacity I will never know. My life - just the daily survival part - is easy by comparison and while I take the bad with the good (I do love me some TiVO) I wonder what I'm missing by having everything.

So, a goal - "knit it all!" - or in my case - "Use it All!" is adopted. not a "don't buy anything" binge (because everyone knows where most of those lead), but a new way of thinking. I am "thinking home" first and asking myself "do I already have something I can use or make work? Do I really need it? Do I really want it?" I am working on projects I already have and gifting to others those I am never going to complete. I expect using materials I have and completing projects I am already mentally, and finacially invested in to bring me great joy and contentment.

So I set off with the American Pioneers as my role models and a hopeful, expectant attitude to "Use it All" and seek More with less. Who will join me?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

p.s. Speaking of TiVO: Thank you BS Galactica writers for giving us back Lee with the bod and for the gratuitous abs footage this past week - truly - Thank You!

Snarky Sneaky Pals Q & A

1. What kinds of things do you like to knit?
Anything really, I am knitting lots of socks right now and have plans for lace and kiddo sweaters all winter so...

2. Is there any one thing that you are just dying to have and haven't/won't purchase for yourself?
I'm bad that way - if I want it I buy it, but I'd love to have more roving - for spinning - or wool felt for sewing, and I like blank lined journals for keeping lists, oohh - or those knitpicks circular needles for socks

3. What scents do you like?
Cinnamon, citrus, vanilla, I wear Shallimar (but that's too pricey - we'll make hubby get it!)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wish list.

5. When is your birthday?
May 4

6. Do you celebrate Chrismas/Hanukkah/Kwannza/Yule?
Religiously Christmas, but hey - I'll celebrate anything if gifts are involved!

7. Do you have a favorite color?
RED!!!

8. Any colors that you absolutely hate?
I don't dig blues too much, but both my babies look great in it so...

9. Any allergies to fiber?
Nope, but not too crazy about the mohair

10. Anything else your pal should know?
Plain White Chocolate GOOD! I also sew and quilt and lately embroidery. I am allergic to coconut and cherries.

Mixed Bag of Tricks or Treats

Happy Halloween! I mean I guess happy? I really don't care for Halloween - now Fall - I dig Fall, but Halloween - the jury's still out and it doesn't look good.

I always went door to door as a kid - dressed up as an angel, a robot, Shirley Temple (do kids even know who that is anymore?), or some other non-creepy character and we had fun, but in the last 20+ years Halloween has become something different, something darker and more dangerous. I wonder if parents are aware that their pre-teen and teenagers are out smashing pumpkins (breaking tiny hearts), egging houses, scaring (really scaring) the small children, etc. Where are the parents that these behaviors go unnoticed and unchecked? Why is it that Halloween is the second biggest spending holiday - it's right behind Christmas? What happened to homemade costumes and creativity - NO - now we need the $200.00 Princess Fluff & Stuff Ensemble - for a 5 year old!

But then, I have two small children who want to dress up and carve pumpkins and go out for candy, so we do. We have homemade Princess and Firefighter costumes made from regular dress up clothes and stuff we have around (grand total I think $3.00 for some glitter face paint) and we'll got out and ring doorbells tonight with the other families. We will have fun and the kids will no doubt be precious.

I still don't like Halloween.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

If Pretty Little Bluebirds Fly...

Many works in progress around here, and while I'd like to blame my slacker-posting on that - the ugly truth is I've just been lazy about getting photos taken and posted.

We're (the kids & I) having fun reading (I'm enjoying this and this) and learning and studying, as well as crafting and sewing, and knitting and getting things organized to take photos (since I'm so good at that) keeps getting bumped to the end of the list. Then I feel bad about posting without pictures (kind of dull) so I just don't post - not a good cycle.

Today as soon as the sun came out (well as much as it's going to) I dragged everything out and grabbed the camera. Daddy's not available to take my photos this weekend so I just decided to bite the bullet and go for it - bear with me please.

Here is Toby on his birthday - he turned 4 this past Monday and we had fun - just family and lots of fun.



This is another tea towel I'm working on (Christmas gifts) - they are fun and I'm really enjoying making each of them. I am making 4 each of 3 different designs. You've seen the cherries and now the bluebirds. You'll have to wait for design #3 (probably next weekend).


These are Toby's birthday socks - yes I realize I'm past the deadline; I am waiting to finish them during the class I'm teaching, as the example. They are made from 1 skein of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sport in the color Rainbow and I'm using size 3 needles (2-circulars) with just a basic 2 x 2 ribbed leg sock pattern.



Here is a finished patchwork baby bib. I think they turned out really cute and they are such fun to make. I've got 10 of them for sale in my shop . Several of them coordinate, but each of them is completely unique. They are made from 100% cotton fabric, batting, and thread with hand-dyed batiks and poly/cotton blend trim & ties. All are quilted and all are one of a kind.



I'm still working on the sock knitting totes - hopefully finished up by the weekend. The converted garage/craftroom isn't heated so I find myself avoiding it in the early mornings and late evenings (prime sewing times at my house). I located the space heater yesterday and things are warming up!

Still looking forward to knit night!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Knit Night!

WooHoo! I finally get to go back to knit night for a couple of weeks. My thursday meetings are over for the next few weeks and so tonight I get to go giggle with my friends. I can't wait! Now I just have to figure out what to take with me...

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WooHoo!

Jeffrey Won! I'm so glad. I loved Uli's show, Laura's was appropriately stuffy - exquisite, but stuffy and cold, Michael's was rather "Hoochie Mama!" but there were some really creative pieces.

I like Jeffrey - I know he was portrayed as a total ass, but I think alot of that was editing, and alot of it was just "I don't have time for your crap!" attitude - which I can relate to.

Way to go - now when does season 4 begin?

My WIP Friday will be a little late this week as I've been running today and haven't made any pictures. I have a socktoberfest update, a WIP update, and a shop update to photograph and take care of over the next two days. Thanks for hanging with me through the pictureless days!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Can't...Blog...Must...Watch...

Project Runway that is. Andrea loaned me the DVD's of season 2 (I'm ready for season 1 now - I know you're through them *grin*) and I've been watching for the past few days. As a result I've gotten lots of embroidery finished.

I am working on design #2 and it's more involved than the cherries, it's really sweet little bluebirds and it's fun - keeps my hands busy.

Now I better go make sure we have popcorn onhand for the season finale of Season 3 Project Runway - I rooting for Jeffrey!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Three Words...

Maple Machiatto; Yum-O!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WIP Friday

I've been sewing this week. Making some items for gifts, for give-aways, and for the shop. I'm having a good time and trying to use what I have. I did hit the quilt shop yesterday for some more fatquarters; I needed backing for the bibs I'm making.

I get a little woozy in the batik section of the shop and I always buy more than I plan to. I'm blaming the fabric dyes - yeah that's it. It couldn't be that I just lose control when it comes to colors and patterns and just about anything hand-dyed - NOPE - it MUST be the fumes from the fabric dyes.

I'm teaching a class this Saturday (and for the two following) on socks. I'm teaching the socks on two circular needles method. It's going to be fun! If any of you are interested - there is still room in the class. The Purly Gates is the knit shop in Marietta, GA where I work and teach - check us out!

OK - Photos of the works in progress:


An overview of the past couple of days, more socks knitting totes, and some patchwork baby bibs.

And here's a bib "flower" just for fun!

As soon as everything is finished I'll have Daddy shoot photos and I'll post them here and in the shop. Meanwhile - have you checked out Lolly's page - there are some GREAT photos of finished socks, etc. Oh and go see Stacie's new yarn storage unit that her hubby built for her!

Photography

I am a crappy photographer. I have a digital camera so that I can shoot and shoot and shoot until something comes out right. My father, on the other hand, is a very very good photographer. So he will be taking all of my shop photos from now on. Now, I'd better go call and let him know.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Before and After

Lunch that is.

Andrea and Katey came over for an impromptu lunch and we had the best time. They both ate my Rachael Ray modified recipe and enjoyed it. That makes me happy! It makes me happy because I enjoy cooking for and feeding my friends, AND they are both fairly particular eaters so them liking it is a HUGE compliment! Thanks Guys! We did some yarn and fabric swapping and a good time was had by all!

Before lunch I was sewing strips of leftover fabric together and after lunch I began hacking up the strip units and sewing them back together into squares. I am making random patchwork baby bibs and it's fun just throwing the fabric together. I should have some finished bibs by the end of the week.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Anna and Baby Xander

My newest nephew Xander.

He's the one all the past baby stuff has been made for. He's very sweet and completely squooshable. Makes me think another would be nice. Then my two start konking each other on the head and I remember why we only have two - NO energy left for #3. I love the idea of lots of kids, I just don't think I'm wired for it. I'm too high-strung.

Who likes to cook? I LOVE To cook - not so much with the baking, but I LOVE to cook. I make a mean chocolate chip cookie and kongo squares at Christmas, but that's about all I do in the baking department aside for them occasional cake mix or brownie mix - I'm pretty good at add eggs, stir, dump cook. Back to cooking.

I LOVE Rachael Ray and her cooking methods & philosophies. Her style is what I grew up with - a little of this, some more of that, and tada! Dinner's ready. Just like Alicia is a Barefoot Contessa devotee, I am a Rahael Ray junkie! I've been using her books lately for dinners and the family is happy (and full). I love to eat at home with my family all around me. We've been (ok I've been) struggling this spring and summer to be home and scheduled. I haven't wanted to plan or follow-through on anything. Sometimes it was just too hard. I'm enjoying the new groove and we're eating better and healthier. It's still hard to function with a giant part of my life missing, but I'm trying and you, my friends, help me daily. Thank you!

Love and Prayers to Laurie who is travelling this week - hope you get to see the Mythbusters again!

We're cooking at home this week, knitting socks, embroidering (as soon as I go get another skein of green), and sewing. What are you doing this week?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

W.I.P. Friday

Cheery Cherry Towel:


Fun Day, but not much time for posting - sewing to do. Shop update to come soon!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Socktoberfest

Lolly, our socktoberfest maven, posed the following questions:

When did you first start making socks and how did you learn?
About a year ago - I started with a felted Christmas stocking and went from there. I just followed the pattern (Fibertrends 204x) and it was really easy.

What was your 1st pair and have they held up over time?
My first PAIR of socks was for my son Toby and yes! They are made from Plumouth Sockota and are now too small, but he won't let me give them away.

What would you have done differently?
Used larger needles and longer ribbing

What method do you use? Crochet, DPN, Magic Loop...?
I started on 5 DPNs and enjoyed it that way, but 2-circs has become my favorite. It is truly super fast and I can use a bigger needle for most of the sock and tiny ones for the bottom to make the socks stronger and more comfortable.

What heel is your favorite?
Heel Flap - it works and it's very durable. Plus it's really fun to work.

How many pairs have you made?
About six, but I'm working on that...

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

71,854...

Have you guys been HERE to my friend's blog? Linda is great. She's a nice lady and knits really beautiful things. I hate her! NO NOT REALLY!!! I promise. It's just that, well, after reading a few of her posts I was inspired to do a REALLY dumb thing.

You see that number in the title, that is the total yardage of knitting/crocheting yarn I have in my stash. Yeah I know - that's alot. That's the count AFTER I purged the stash. It's insane or I am or maybe both??? That's ok - I am also inspired to stashbust and knit the yarn I already have as I sorted it all out by project and am ready to go.

I'm not saying that I'm on a yarn "diet" just that I will really be thinking about every purchase (if there are any). I have new perspective though and that's good so maybe it wasn't dumb after all.

In totally unrelated news, my friend's Miata was stolen right from under her deck. REALLY - it was parked behind the house where it can't even be seen from the street and now - POOF! Gone! Mean People SUCK!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Birthday Redux and Clearing Out

Anna's birthday was wonderful and lots of fun. It was really simple - the way we wanted it. Anna had a GREAT time, we all did. After everyone went home, the house was relatively tidy again, and the children were all tucked in their beds - I had a mini-meltdown. Special days are great, but part of them (a bigger part than I expect most times) really SUCKs without my Mom.



Sorry to open so somber; on to good stuff. I finished Anna's birthday socks - one toe has to be reworked as I apparently got carried away and knitted it too long - damn CSI!

Friends, my craftroom is a nightmare. It's perpetual state of cluttered, yet manageable has developed into full blown chaos. So, I'm clearing things out! I've already emptied 3 bins (you know the ones - big rnough for the kids to sit in and pretend it's a boat) of stuff and will be emptying out even more as the week goes on. WooHoo! It feels really good.

I've been reading a book (ok I finished it in a day and a half) Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston; it's enlightening. Now I am not one for metaphysics, but this gal has changed the way I look at and think about how clutter (and mess) affects my life. She's got some great insights and I am enjoying the process.

I am planning now for Make-a-Day October. That's my own little catch phrase. The idea is to make something everyday. To sew, and knit, and scrapbook, and cook, and craft with the kids everyday during the month of October. My goals are to finish up some languishing UFOs and also get lots of gift sewing completed BEFORE the holiday craziness.

I want to do this not only to avoid holiday rush and enjoy making things, but also to use up some of the things I have in my craftroom and see what else I can get rid of, because if I am not using it - I don't want it cluttering my mind and my space.

Looky what Andrea made me!



It's a felted pumpkin; isn't it cute? Sorry for the blurry photo - it's still pretty dark in here and I wanted to post the shot.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Happy Birthday Anna!

My girl is 6 today. She''s growing up and changing too fast, I can't wait to see who she'll be tomorrow, but I wish I could.



Not much time for posting today - what with party making, etc. We're just having dinner at home - Chicken noodle soup by request (salad and fruit by requirement) and then presents with Grampy and Uncle Michael.

Cake - frosted
Gifts - wrapped
House - as clean as it's going to get for my dad & my brother!

Now Bring On The Fun!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Blocked Out!

Hey - here's the pink/orange wrap all blocked and ready to go:


And here's what we did this week:

Our first visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It was really nice and lots of fun. The way it's designed you really don't get a perspective of how enormous the place really is, which I'm nt sure is a good thing, but it is beautiful.

Guys don't forget to join Socktoberfest (I'll get my button tomorrow). It's lots of fun and I hope to get lots done.

I was commenting on another blog about Christmas knitting and how I'm not doing it. I've already begun buying giftcards for Christmas gifts. I am knitting and if there is something in the basket that suits someone special then goody for them, but if not - that's ok too. I think this year the holidays are going to be hard enough without adding more stress. Knit for the fun of knitting and for special people - NOT for deadlines. When you knit or craft for a deadline it often sucks the joy right out of the process.

So here's to a happy holiday season for all (yes it's early) with ease and true enjoyment! And forgive me if you run into me in the shop while I'm working and I am all about "Holiday Knitting" - come on it's retail and we've got to pay the rent!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I Finished Something!

I finished the pink wrap - Now I need to block it and clean up the ends tonight (I'll post pistures then). It is really pretty and it was fun to work on; now I'll have to learn how to do ACTUAL entrelac. I am going to make the Lady Eleanor Shawl out of the purple/olive Silk Garden eventually.

I am almost to the heel on Anna's second sock. I'll be finished in a day or two and then wrap them up for her birthday. Then on to Toby's second sock - actually I need to rework the toe of the first one as well so maybe I'll finish those by the weekend.

Do you guys know the Lime & Violet podcast. They are truly laugh your a** off funny in a different way than Knitty D & the City (my faves). I am finally caught up and waiting anxiously for the next one. I LOVE listening to these podcasts - it's like sitting with girlfriends!

I am not going to be at knit night for the next couple of months. I am worrking an Emmaus weekend and the team meetings fall on Thursdays - bah!

Katey, Laurie, and I have some fun things brewing so stay tuned for more information soon. Shhh! It's a secret!

BTW: (totally unrelated) I want one of THESE! I might have to pick one up SOON!!!

I've been planning sewing projects lately as well - like I said before - this is my very favorite time of year and I get really productive. I'll post pics as soon as anything is picture worthy.

I also organized my stash last week and whoa! I have lots o' stuff. Not as much as I imagined, but still... I put everything in large zipper bags along with the patterns and made a list of the projects I have yarn for. I'm not going to bore you with the list today (I'll save that for another post), but let's just say - I'd better knit faster! Might be time to break out my knitting machine and get somethings made up quickly.

One minor confession: I have enough dishcloth cotton to make 27+ ballband dishcloths from the Mason Dixon book. guess what everyone is getting for Christmas!!!

Shameless self promotion to follow:
After ordering 5 skeins of Andrea and buying all that Schaefer the other night please visit my Etsy shop and help me out. I hope to have a shop update in about a week!

Just because I am now convinced that every post should have a photo here's what happens when you give the 5-year old the camera (it's not flattering):



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WIP Friday (and then some)

I've been such a slacker about the groups I've joined, but I'm here now and I LOVE fall. I feel so motivated and energized. I've been working on this pink Mock Entrelac wrap for a little over a week now and I'm almost finished.



It's made from Kid Seta (which is like kidsilk haze or doceour et soie) and a rayon cord from Cascade called Fiesta. The cord either used to be called rio or is now called Rio - I'm not sure, but my label says Fiesta. It's really a very quick knit (if I'd work on it consistenly) and lots of fun. It is sooooo soft!

Also - I had fun at the yarn shop last night. Susan, our Schaefer Yarns dealer (I'm sure I meant Rep) brought her bags and bags of yarny goodness and this is what I came away with:


It's gooooood!
That's 4 skeins of Nancy in an odd-lot colorway to make a cardigan or a basic "sweatshirt" style sweater for yours truly, 2 skeins of Knitty D & Wendy's Favorite :Anne (the only two she had, which will be over-dyed), Another skein of Nancy to make a sweater for my little Toby-nater, and one skein of Soxie by Great Adirondack (not from Susan) in a colorway called "Caution!" It's hot pink and Lime Green with a little orange and acid green - really more pink than my so-so photo shows.

As if that's not enough yarn and money...

I am ordering though the shop ANDREA from Schaefer Yarns. It is gorgeous lace weight silk. This will be next years knitting as I am ordering 5 skeins of it at 1053 yards/skein. Go check out their color pages - they have GREAT colors. I ordered Andrea in Frida Kahlo, Catherine The Great, Gertrude Ederle, Indira Gandhi, and Clara Barton. I wanted a dozen more colors, but well - we have to eat.

OK - I've babbled as long as I possibly can - time to kick my day into high gear and finish up the things that must be done.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I always wanted to be a goddess

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Goddess. You are constantly giving and are unconcerned with reward, you simply want others to love knitting as much as you do. If someone wants to knit miles of novelty yarns, you are there for them. If someone wants to learn short row shaping, you can help. There are no taboos in knitting, only opportunities to grow. Everyone should have friend like you around if they want to learn to knit, and there's a good chance that your passion has rubbed off on a few others.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

I had another image in my mind's eye, but I'll take what I can get!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I found the Noro...

WooHoo! I found my missing ball of silk garden! It was WAY under the seat of my husband's car and he found it last night. Hey - Men who bring you yarn are HOT!!!

I spent some time this weekend dividing my stash into projects, packaging everything up with the pattern, and making a list of what I have in there waiting on me. I didn't log the sock yarn - part time shortage, part denial. The list is long, but really not as long as I thought it would be - Still - I MUST get knitting.

I am working now on a mock-entrelac scarf/wrap in hot pink and orange. It's pouring here so no good light for pictures today. I'll see what I can do later if it ever lets up.

Thanks for well wishes!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

5 Years and 6 Months

I've read many touching posts today remembering September 11. Wendy's is particularly poignant. I too remember the horror and anger and endless sadness of that day - of this day. I remember knowing that OUR world, America's world, was changed forever and wondering what was next. I remember feeling the unity of our nation as we mourned and as we looked ahead; surrounded by the spirit of patiotism. Today I feel very much alone.

Today my mom has been gone from me for six months. I am not one to dwell on the day my mother died - I celebrate her life, not her death. With everywhere I turn focused so much on today's date it's hard to believe that it has been six months; so long, but such a blur.

Little things still hit me sideways, like buying new shoes for my kids and realizing that we can't "go show Grammy." Or wanting an opinion on something before I decide. Or even finishing a crafting project without my mom to show it to. I haven't finished many things lately - Oh I've started, but somehow finishing just doesn't come as easily these days; it will always be changed.

So I've had a difficult day all around. My prayers are with those in harm's way and those who suffer loss or hardship. My freedom and eternal grattitude are owed to such and I am truly blessed and proud to be an American.

Things I love about my country:

My gift of choice, to say what I want, live where I want, worship whom I want, work if I want, and follow the leaders I choose.

My Flag, and ALL that it stands for and the price at which that comes

Things I love about my Mom:

Her Generosity, and the spirit of giving that outlives her.

Her Words, that I hear in my head and heart and in my children's prayers.

I wish I had a better picture to share, but this is one she would love of her with Anna Christmas 2001. She loved my babies so!

Mom I miss you!

Being so vulnerable is difficult for me at best, especially to those I know personally, but I know I can share with you. Thank you for indulging me and for supporting me.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

"Pardon Me Boys..."

Is that the Chattanooga Choo-Choo? Why of course it is! Fun was had by all and little more will be disclosed - it's the "girlfriend's oath" afterall. We laughed and laughed and laughed some more. A few things were determined to be universally true.

#1 You don't need to be drunk to have a GREAT time.



#2 Other people might think you ARE drunk if you're having too good a time.

#3 Starbucks is NOT a library

and last but not least


I'm so glad I went and I'm glad to be home. I so enjoyed my time away and will be knitting and sewing furiously with all the items I bought. I'll have more trip photos tomorrow and shots of the "Loot" from the weekend as soon as I get some decent light - it was overcast today.

I hope everyone else had a wonderful holiday weekend (if U.S.).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

As Promised...

Pictures! I have pics of finished projects.

I finished the knitting on these silk eye pillows


LONG ago, but just got to sewing them up and sewing/filling the lining. They feel WONDERFUL! Silk - La Luz silk from Fiesta (leaftover from Stephanie's shawl for the shop). One is filled with flax & lavendar and one is filled with flax & peppermint - YUM!

Also here are some things I've been sewing:
Cool Card Cases:


And Zippered Pouches:


Both the cards cases and the zippered pouches are for sale in My Etsy shop. Check them out and buy them for your friends (then keep them for yourself).

I had another chiroprator visit today and I cannot express how happy I am that I can finally knit pain free (relatively) again. WOOHOO!!!

Tonight is knit night and I am excited about it, plus I'm travelling this weekend to a ladies retreat and am looking forward to that as well.

I don't have any cool Pokey pictures today, but believe me she's a doll. Pokey is my special puppy. She's very sweet, and very pretty, and well she's pretty. I love her and she makes me laugh out loud!

I'd better go fix my hair - normally not something I worry too much about but, I got caught in a downpour and it needs some serious help.


I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I can Knit! I can Knit!

Finally! I can knit again. I've had shoulder pain for the poast few months hat just would NOT get better. After a visit to a chiropractor and lots of "snap,crackle, pop" It feel soooo much better. It's still not right, but it's getting better. I go back tomorrow for more twists & turns and hopefully lots less pain.

I was able to knit last night and some today - I just have to take it easy still - so I've been sewing. I haven't got any finished pictures for you as everything is in progress.

Are you guys as addicted to Project Runway as I am? I didn't watch until this season, but I was quickly sucked in and now can't wait for each new episode. I am not a fashion kind of girl, but I love the creativity and sewing plus the characters are "FABULOUS!" It's not on until late tonight so until then I must "Carry On!"

I'll have pics and a BIG shop update tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Calling Amy Nunmaker...

We intterupt your regularly sheduled blogging for THIS important message:

Amy N. I need your email address please

Thanks!
amy at thedements dot com
I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And You'll Always Have a Neighbor....

(You'll always have a pal - if you ever navigated on the Erie Canal.)

WARNING: Only a true friend could reveal to you the things I am about to share.

Nearly a week later and I'm still tired from our Knit All Night party. We had the BEST time. Many thought we were crazy, dorks, stupid, you name it they thought it, but let me tell you - WE HAD FUN!!!!

It was truly insane with tons of people and food and yarn and prizes. We laughed and told jokes (some funny some not so much, baaa!) and we ate and knitted (well they knitted) and shopped and learned new things about personal grooming - it was very educational!

Now after about 1 a.m. all "rules" (not that we follow them anyway) go out the window and pretty much anything goes. Including this:



That's Katey and as I only arrived in time to take the picture I have NO idea what was going on and I was afraid to ask, but it was funny so here you go!

Then there was Marybeth - who's inquiring mind wanted to know...



And of course Amy N, Ginger, & Stephanie (from L to R) who laughed right along:



We did have a GREAT time and can't wait to do it again!

And to leave you with more funny pics here are some of my doggy Pokey. She's a sweet doggy and, well, she's pretty!

Pokey & The Frog:


Cute Right?


Now try the overhead shot:



Yeah - that's what I thought too!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Life's To-Do List

Grabbed this list HERE - it's fun - no typing just putting things in bold that you've done. It's fun to trace this one back and see what everyone has done. Some more are here and here;

Life's to do list - Completed items are bolded

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said 'I love you' and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the Northern Lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen an eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 10 provinces or all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched wild whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Posed nude in front of strangers
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played D&D for 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the Snake Dead River
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Got flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Had a one-night stand
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in aisles at Rocky Horror
96. Raised children.
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Created and named your own constellation of stars
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an illness that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Petted a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Petted a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read The Iliad
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146: Dyed your hair
147: Been a DJ
148: Shaved your head
149: Caused a car accident
150: Saved someone's life

So What's Up?

The prizes ship out today - woohoo!

I am scrapbooking and making cards (Oh please! You knew I was a closet scrapbooker).

I am working with the kids on homeschool projects (lots of paint=lots of fun).

I am planning a trip (two actually).

I am NOT knitting - Boo Hiss (snake crying) as my shoulder keeps getting worse - YES I have an appointment!!!!

I'm not really sewing right now either as my craftroom is all but out of control, but I am working on it. I think I am mouring knitting. I know I am feeling frustrated by having all these ideas and projects I want to make, yet... Also - the craftroom is the converted garage (read no AC vent) and gets pretty darn hot by mid-day.

I do have several items on the table that will get finished this week. I'm feeling inspired and will be back at the sewing machine today!!! Yeah!

I am updating the SHOP today with some zippered pouches and card/coin holders. Time to start thinking about Christmas gifts guys....

That's all I know (sort of boring, huh?) for now.

Here's a pic of my girl when she was about a year or so old.



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And the winners are....

Kate A and ikkinlala! Thanks for playing. This was fun. Guys if you'll leave me a nother comment and be sure to fill in your email field it will send me your email address and I can contact you and find out where to send your prizes!

Congrats! and thanks to all!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

WOW WOW WOW!!!

Thanks All! What a response. Thanks to all for the well wishing and for all the comments. Boy - mention the word prizes and the lurkers jump right out into the open don't they? Cool!

I'll pop the names in a hat tonight and draw for prizes when I get home from knit night. I'll post the winners first thing in the morning! I can't wait. Is it wrong for me to be as excited about giving prizes as I hope you are about winning them? Who cares! I'm having fun.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Blogiversary - YAY!!!

Happy Blogiversary to me! It seems really weird that I blogged for an entire year. I looked back at my first post a moment ago and I realize now what an incredible journey these past 12 months have been. Some really good and some really bad things happened this year, yet I am still standing - unreal!

Thanks to all the new friends I made. It's so much fun! I really didn't know what this blog adventure could bring. I made many new friends and feel so very fortunate for that. I look at my world differently and with more perspective from knowing such a diverse group of people through the blogs; to me that's invaluable.

My outlook changed. My husband's career changed. My desires changed. My children (really) changed. My home changed. My family changed. I changed.


I look forward to a new year and new friends and new changes. So enough of all that goopy stuff ON WITH THE PRIZES!!! YES, prizes!

As is customary with blogiversaries I have prizes - good ones too!
Leave me a comment before Thursday @ 10:00 EDT and I'll put you in the drawing on Friday.

I'll be sending out two sets, each consisting of:
a mini tissue holder, a coin purse/card wallet, a zippered pouch, and some more goodies that I am working on today (you'll have to wait until tomorrow for photos of that).

Just a preview.

Thank you for joining me for the ride. I hope you stick around!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

"Hot Like Fire!"

Anna: "Mommy will you please roll my window down. I'm hot like fire."

It IS 'hot like fire' and as such I've been doing - you've guessed it - absolutely nothing! I haven't crafted much - the room needs straightening. I haven't shopped - please, dragging two children out in this heat and in and out of carseats UGH! I've only done enough dishcloth knitting to REALLY make my shoulder hurt - which is not that much these days. Mostly - we're sitting on the couch watching movies, random TV, reading, listening to music, and catching up on podcasts. Woohoo!

Knit night is tonight and I have a few ideas for that, but it's guild night and lots of people probably won't be there so...

Off I go to educate my children in our air-conditioned comfort. If only webvan was still around - then I wouldn't even have to leave the house for organic produce!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Be Safe...

Be safe as you travel tomorrow, friend. Call me when you've rested. Love to You!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

12 things in 12 Months

Life is always a "learning process." Sometimes lessons are easy and fun and sometimes lessons are nigh impossible and poignant. The past 12 months has presented me with many of both and lots in between.

Here are 12 things I've learned in the past 12 months (in no particular order):

1. How to have a friend. Being a friend has always come easy for me. Giving to and helping others is no trouble, but accepting such help proves difficult. This has been a year in which I was (an still am) forced to rely on others and I am better for it. Each friend, old and new ,brings different joy and challenge to my life and I am still learning. Thank you all and please bear with me.

2. There are harder things than the death of your mother. Impossible as that seems - it is true. Loss is certain and final and can be processed, grieved, and dealt with. Uncertainty is agonizing.

3. Don't ride Mission Space 2 consecutive times and then order a Margarita. You'll miss out on a great dinner.

4. I am NOT a domestic goddess, nor will I ever be, but I CAN cook. OK - I already knew that, but I have accepted it and choose to do the things I am good at and pay someone to do the rest.

5. I really enjoy being at home.

6. Being kind and being 'nice' are NOT the same thing and being kind is more important.


7. Children's school scissors will cut ANYTHING, including clothing, hair, and skin.

8. Super Glue really does work instead of stitches (now ask me how I know that school scissors will cut skin).

9. Children grow up too fast; there is nothing I can do to stop it; it really sucks!

10. Love is found at every age and time and it is always a good thing.

11. Macs are not "The Devil" (with the exception of Quicken for Macintosh).

12. Laughter strenghtens your heart, even when it's breaking.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Crafting HALTED!

Can't Knit
Can't Sew

MUST READ THIS:




Ikea in the mail and no bills - Good Day!

BTW: Hope Travis is recovering well and easily!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Yesterday...

Yesterday I worked on these:


and this:


And now I have these:


and this:


The top pic are ornaments pieced, cut, and ready to be sewn (120+ of them) next is another ballband dishcloth for the Christmas box (which is actually a basket - hmmm) then there are NAKED NEEDLES - oh no! Finally - that's my worktable and as much as I would LOVE to live in THIS space or THIS one and be one of those neat and tidy workers - it just ain't gonna happen!

Now I know that Alicia confessed a while back to having someone clean her home - well so do I and my house still doesn't look like that. This could be part of the reason:


Three dogs, another kid, and two adults who are much more interested in ANYTHING other than housework could also be part of it. Hey we're working on it and it's coming along.

Forgot to give proper thanks to Caro the other day for the GREAT zipper find, amd also going to have to thank her for her comic book board storage idea for fabric - guess what I'll be working on this week & weekend. Who knows, maybe I'll transform into one of those "neat studio" folks after all (not bloody likely - STOP laughing you're going to fall out of your chair!).

Anyway - check out Katey's new bags, and THIS great sight for pattern and color inspiration. Also be sure to check out Lolly today - her blogiversary was yesterday and she finished some great purple projects posted today.

I'm still working on the shop update and will be posting the zippered bags soon. I've got some ideas about denim lately too so those will come soon. Now I'd better go cast something onto those naked needles!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe