Excuse Me, Miss?

I think something landed on your head:


That's "Blogless Laurie" and boy am I ever going to pay for posting, but I couldn't (well didn't) resist.


Oh and here is Stephanie giving new meaning to the term "PIG HEADED!"



Wednesdays are supposed to be random right? Can't get any more random than that huh?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

UPDATE: "Beige Alert"

Scruffy Puppy Recovered. Again: Scruffy Puppy was indeed found deep under the couch at approximately 9:45 p.m. EDT. Thank you for your support.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

ATTENTION: "Beige Alert"

Has anyone seen this missing puppy? I'm sure she's around the house or in the car somewhere, but she has a hole and is losing beans fast. If she isn't found soon I fear the worst - a very upset little boy who misses his Scruffy Puppy.

She is 9 years old, about 10" long, and answers to the name "Scruffy Puppy"





If you have any information leading to the recovery of said puppy please inform me immediately!

Thank You!

"Beige Alert Out"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Well It's About Time!!!

I'm FINALLY finished with the lilac afghan. It's been nearly 3 weeks since I started it and I am glad it's over. I still have a few ends to work in, but other than that - WOOHOO I'm done!

Now I get to work on my in-progress felted bag, Dana's Lacy Shrug and Today I have to quickly make a ribbon shawl for my MIL. The shawl is the most pressing as it's deadline is Sunday - I'll finish it no problem.


My Pokey - taking the afghan for a test drive. The afghan pattern was from Donna Kooler's Colorful Afghans book. I used Caron Simply Soft (14 3-oz skeins) in color orchid. I made the pattern at 160 stitches instead of the 120 it called for.


Spread out on the king-sized bed for scale.


Edge Detail


Hammy Anna! She jumps up onto the bed and said "Mommy take MY picture!" So I did!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Another Year...

Happy Birthday to Me! - Friday the 4th actually. It was pretty good - Lunch with my Dad and my kids, dinner here at home with the family, and pizza with Daddy & my brother tonight. Not too shabby - quiet, nice and no work - it WAS weird on Saturday, but good.

Oh and Casey got me this:


That's a 30 gig U2 Video I-Pod and I love it! I love that it's red. My Honey is the greatest!

I'm almost ready to shoot FO pics of the purple afghan and of a shawl and a felted bag, hopefully all ready for photos tomorrow!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

My New Favorite Thing...

NO! It's NOT the purple afghan (though I am ready to start the edging). It's my new basket from Lantern Moon. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it - don't you?




I got it at a really nice little shop in Macon (on the way to Tybee). The Shop is Creative Yarns. It is beautiful and the people are lovely.

BTW - don't know what's up with the website for Wild Fibre - I'll call her tomorrow and see if I can find out - then I'll post an update.

Thanks for your encouragement about the lilac afghan! Thanks to you guys I soldiered on and am now up to the edging. I would have finished this morning, but couldn't find a size J hook - so Casey stopped by HL and bought me one - I'll finish during Stargate - or as we call it at my house - "All New Hunky Daniel." Michael Shanks = YUM!

It's weird not to have to go to work in the morning, but it's also very nice not to have the obligation. I have a feeling it's going to be weird for quite some time!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

But I Don't Wanna!

Work on this purple blanket anymore that is.



I am tired of it - infinity! Do you ever get to that point with a project - you are about 3 - 4 hours away from it being totally finished and all you can think about is something else ANYTHING else to work on? I keep truding along, but progress is slower than I want it to be. Another day or two and I'll be done. Truly - "I Don't Wanna!"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Tybee

I visited Tybee Island this past weekend with several of my knitting girlfriends. We had a wonderful time laughing and shopping and playing games. I have pictures - and while they might not make too much sense to you - you'll have to trust me that FUN was had by all.


Here we all are on the beach the last morning before we hit the road. It really was a perfect weekend weather wise - so beautiful.
back: AmyDe (me), Amy N, Katey, Stephanie, Heather
front: Sherrie, and blogless Laurie



This is a photo of Jennifer and Isabel Harvey from Wild Fibre in Savannah, GA. LOVELY people and a lovely shop. Below is a project on display in their shop - it's gorgeous and it's a workshop - check out their website for more information.




This is us "being the wind" it can't really be explained and we've found that it's not funny to anyone but us - nonetheless - here we are outside the knit shop in Savannah. We received many strange looks - but we're OK with that!

There's much more adventure to post about, but it will keep.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

UP and DOWN

UP
So it's "Girl's Weekend" this weekend. Several of my knitting friends and I are travelling to the beach for the weekend. We have, of course, mapped all the knitting stores in the area and on the way and some serious shopping will certainly ensue.

DOWN
Tonight is the last knit night at The Purly Gates. We are closing this weekend. I'm sure it is going to be an emotional night. I've come to know and love so much that sweet little shop.

UP
I've been shopping and have most of my summer wardrobe taken care of (need at least one more nice blouse) and I'm glad to have it over with - I hate trying on clothes. Oh and BTW if it ever comes up that I want to go to Lane Bryant with BOTH my kids in tow will someone please whack me in the back of the head until I come to my senses? They were good, but it was just hard.

DOWN
It's a rough time of year for me. My parents' wedding anniversary was April 24 - they would have been married 43 years. My birthday and Mother's Day are still hard - even over a year later.

Andrea, my heart is with you and your mom today. Celebrate your memories and know you are loved!

UP
Retail therapy being what it is during this difficult time, I have a bunch of great new clothes, new haircut & color (OK same color it USED to be before the grey took over), and a new I-Pod from my hubby - early birthday present - I LOVE it!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we travel this weekend. I'll have pictures of our adventures in yarn when we return.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Actual NOT Recycled...

Sorry for the recycled photo of the stash on Monday. Here are some NEW photos of what I've been working on this month.


Christmas Gifts for various family members - all the handles are inside and the bags just need to be felted, but this week that seemed too much like laundry and after folding 5 loads I'm not interested. I've got some time!


These are also Christmas gifts for various people - can't tell you who! I've got 2 more I want to make and them I'm done with this scarf - potentially FOREVER!


I hope to finish this by the 30th! It's making my wrist hurt, but that's what massage and naproxen are for right? Again a Christmas gift.


This is the Lacey Shrug for Dana. Originally intended to be a shop model, but... The yarn is wonderful! All I have left is 60" of that lace panel on the left. The color in this photo is not great (late afternoon light) I'll get a better one when it's finished!

Today while I had my hair colored (some parts of having birthdays sucks - GREY) I started a ribbon shawl for a friend for Mother's Day and I'll hopefully make another one while on vacation with the girls this weekend. I'm not so sure drunken knitting is a good idea, but hey - I've got that gift list in my sidebar to wrestle with and by damn I'm going to knit drunk if I have too!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

For Katey

My Version of the Rachael Ray Chicken Burgers:

2 pounds ground chicken
2 Shallots, finely chopped (or 1/2 small onion)
2 T dijon (or spicy) mustard
1/4 pound havarti w/dill cheese cut into 1/4" cubes
salt/pepper to taste

olive oil (for pan)

mix together and form into 1" thick burgers.

cook in non-stick skillet (the cheese melts out so nonstick is best) for about 6 - 7 minutes on each side.

Yum-O!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

For Those Who Want to Know...

I added notes to this photo. Click on it to see them. I have just a little more yarn to sort into those cubes & bins and then it's all organized and "squared" away. I've been knitting and crocheting like mad and have about a dozen things to photograph over the next couple of days.



So, all this lovely yarn from the yarn shop has found its way home with me and what am I working on? Caron Simply Soft Acrylic - it's true. I am crocheting an afghan for my cousin (for Christmas) and she's getting acrylic. That's OK - the Simply soft really is very soft and it crochets REALLY fast. It's also pretty much indestructible and that's good considering.

I went to the dentist today and it was a big accomplishment for me. I must have a root canal, which is not too bad considering I've been putting off the visit for 7 years or so... All in all it was pretty good. Thanks Andrea!

This is the last week of The Purly Gates. Everything is 60% off and it's going to be a very long Thursday Knit Night. I'll post more on that another time.

For now, I'm off to crochet more on the afghan. I'm down to the lace border on the Lacy Shrug for Dana, but I can't work on that while the kids are awake so lilac acrylic it is!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Details...

Some questions have come up about the stash storage.

It's from Target - 3 2x4 cube units stacked on their sides and the companion drawers. It was easy to put together (Casey did it so it was REALLY easy for me) and fairly inexpensive.

Yes there is yarn or fiber for spinning in all of the drawers.

It's sorted in ziplocs by project/type. The cotton blends are sorted by project/type too.

I really like it and now I just need to finish the rest of the room (it's well on its way) so I can get to everything. I had to do some major reshuffling to get the yarn set up that way and it's taking a little while to sort it all out.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

When Stash Attacks....

You have to beat it into submission.




Like This.


It's all in there - all the yarn AND all the fiber for spinning. I do have one small box in my bedroom of things that I am working on this week, but otherwise - it's in the cubes and 53 is all I'm at liberty to disclose.

I've got to charge the batteries to get pics of all the finished items from the past 2 weeks so...

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

AWOL

Sorry I've been awol lately. I'm trying to knit and crochet as fast as I'm acquiring yarn and if I can eliminate sleeping and eating and quicken my pace to let's say the speed of sound then I can actually accomplish that goal.

The shop closing is going well, - we're selling it all. All of our models are for sale too.

Some of you may have noticed "The List" sneaked it's way in over on my sidebar. So far that's the knitting/crochet list for the holidays. It doesn't include sewing or other crafting yet, but I'm sure those things will crop up - or maybe long about July when my arms fall off from knitting so much I'll resort to buying everyone a gift card and blow the list up! I've got a good start, but it remains to be seen where I'll end up.

Pictures soon I promise - because blogging w/o pictures gets boring so... soon. Right now I have to go and watch Drive and see how Nathan Fillian and his fine self fares!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Shop Closing Update...

Starting tomorrow (Thursday April 12) everything is 40% off at The Purly Gates. EVERYTHING! We still have some really nice stuff - come and grab it while you can!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Needless to Say...

Needless to say, that with the shop closing, my stash has exploded. Guys, you thought it was bad before? HA! I'm making no confessions or disclosures I'll just say - I need more bins, several more bins - the big ones!

If disaster strikes I'm prepared!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

A Closed Door, An Open Window

The shop is closing.

It's sad and heartbreaking, yet hopeful and full of opportunity at the same time.

It's been a rough week, but the decision is the right one for Ginger and Dana.

If any of you are within driving distance - everything in the shop is 25% off.

I'm looking forward to having my Saturdays back. It's been nearly 3 years of working nearly every Saturday - that's a lot! I didn't realize that I have worked so many Saturdays until the idea of NOT working on Saturday came up. It's going to be nice!

Thanks for everything. Hopefully regular blogging, complete with pictures, will resume tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Happy April Everyone!

I love spring. I love that it comes early here in Atlanta. April is always lovely (for non allergy sufferers) in my home town.

It looks like everyone at project spectrum is embracing April too. The colors changed from blue/white/grey to pink/green/yellow and the flickr pages look like they have exploded with SPRING! It's truly lovely.

Sorry to be absent and slow with photos, I've been having a rough week or so, more on that tomorrow. Things will get better as soon as I am able to share with you guys what's going on. Thanks for your patience and Restless Knitter - yep that was me on Unwound episode 9 & 10. I LOVE Kelli's podcast - you guys should ALL check it out!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Hated It - Moving On!

I've been working on a T-shirt sweater (started it about a year ago and put it down) for a while now. I picked it back up as the project for the shop' new knit along.

I HATE IT!

I love the pattern. I can't stand the yarn. It looks great, it feels great, and it's going to pick like crazy. One of those sweaters you can either be VERY careful in (which I'm not inclined to be) or wear about once before it's ruined.

So, I ripped the needles out and am moving on.

That's OK! I'll make the T-shirt on a yarn I love - either my red Fantasy Naturale, or my lime Sierra - maybe both!

I'll have pictures tomorrow of the Rayon Jacket I'm working on.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

How is THIS even possible? 50,932.1!!!

How is it possible that after all the de-stashing and knitting I STILL have 50,932.1 yards of yarn in my stash - and I haven't been buying!

I DON'T think there is anything wrong with having lots of yarn - I just wish I could knit it faster.

My local friends know how much (a really really lot) yarn I got rid of and I'm still crazy stash lady!

I made a spreadsheet with intended project,name of yarn, & quantity and 50,932.1 yards is what I came up with. I'm sure there is still some yarn hiding somewhere waiting to be tallied up.

50,932.1 Yards = 28.94 MILES

THAT'S TOO DAMNED MUCH!!!!!!

I have enough yarn for 26 pairs of socks, 10 felted bags, 30 dishcloths, 4 Involved scarves, 8 Lace shawls, 7 kids' sweaters, 4 sweaters for me, lady Eleanor, AND the two projects I'm working on now - at this rate I'll be knitting forever!

This is insanity I'm telling you! I have completely LOST my mind (We won't even talk about sewing or other crafts right now)!

I'd better go knit - apparently I have work to do.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Another FO for Casey & Whip-Up.Net

Socks! Finally his socks are finished. Once I resolved to just rip out and rework the toe and then decided to rework the heel (he hated the dutch heel called for in the pattern) they were really easy and quick to finish.

Yarn: Great Adirondack Soxie Merino Superwash (I don't remember the colorway)
and Knitpick Essential (the brown parts)
Pattern: From Knitting Vintage Socks
Needles: Turbos size 2 (2-circ method)


I am glad that I decided to use contrasting heels/toes otherwise I wouldn't have had enough yarn. The Soxie has plenty for ladies' socks, but for men's socks they run a little short.





BTW: Thanks to the WhipUp folks for the mention about the Flickr group yesterday. I was thrilled! I feel famous! Have you joined the group yet? - Hey go do that now.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Still High as a Kite...

Photo parade today! I'm still drugged out on pain-killers, but hopefully not for too much longer.

Here is Casey in his sweater:



And here is Casey's ass [oh, and the back of his sweater]:



Nice Huh?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

In Progress...

*DISCLAIMER* Blogger LOADED on prescription medicine. If babbling/pelling errors abound blogger is not entirely responsible.

Casey's sweater is finished and it got chili this weekend (yeah) so he could actually wear it. I am so happy with the finished product - it fits perfectly and looks GREAT on him (I may be biased there, but...).

I am halfway through the foot section of Casey's sock #2 and will be finished with it this week.

I picked up a longtime UFO T-Shirt Sweater I started about a year ago. I cleverly arranged for it to be the current "Knit-Along" project for the shop. Now I'll get it finished as there are about 4 other ladies knitting one with me. All I need is a little healthy competition to get me completely motivated. I am such a show-off it's not funny.

I also started a new project for the shop (the Bloom shawl wasn't working out). It's the lacey huggy-shrug jacket from Knit Two Together. I am making it in Blue Heron's Beaded Rayon colorway: Leaf and it is soooooooooo pretty. I just started this evening and I LOVE it!

Having 3 things on the needles at once is driving me a little crazy though so I'll have to finish that sock up ASAP.

In other news:

I'll be on the next Unwound Podcast advertising/advocating the new Flickr group. You guys, Kelli is GREAT and always fun to listen to. Check her out! The new episode (#10) should be ready very soon.

I think I have kidney stones (again). I've been to the doctor and he ordered a CT, but the imaging center was closed so I'll go Monday and get the official word. Meanwhile I'm pretty drunk on Darvocet - so No worries, except that my knitting guage on the shrug may be different when I'm not high - I'll worry about that later. Right now high is pretty good.

I'll take some good photos tomorrow in the sunlight and post them. I can't wait to show you Casey's sweater - he loves it by the way - even better!

I'm going to lie down now and try to stop spinning.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

We've Only Just Begun...

Good thing this isn't audio huh - otherwise you would be hearing my "best" Karen Carpenter interpretation about now.


The Flickr Group is going well and I am very excited about it. Everyone's work is GREAT and it's so much fun to see the different projects.

I need a button. If any of you graphics people (coughKATEYcough) know anything about that please help me out. I like the icon used for the group, but am open to any ideas.

Casey's sweater is FINISHED!!! I'll have to wait for him to come home to get a good photo.

I am working on Casey's socks


I finished this around thanksgiving last year, but he hated the heel I used and the toe was "squashy" - so it sat. I ripped it out before the heel and used a traditional heel flap and toe and now he loves it!


spinning up some fiber I bought on Etsy in January


and a Bloom Shawl for the shop no photos yet).

So far so good and I'm having a blast!

What are you working on?

I'll Keep You Posted!

AmyDe

My New Flickr Group

Inspired by Project Spectrum, Unwound Podcast (episode 4 listener poll), Yarn Shop experience, The Lime n Violet Boards and Podcast, and more...

I have created a flickr group:

Show and Tell Yarn 2007

I started a Flickr set of my own to keep track of finished knits/crochets in 2007 then I began thinking about a central place for all of us to post 2007 completions. I am very inspired by others' WIP. Each of us has such unique creative talent I want to see how it all turns out.

I want Show and Tell Yarn 2007 to be a place that everyone can have a
"Hooray for Me" shouting post, because let's face it - the pets aren't
always as thrilled as we'd like.

My only guidelines are knitting and/or crochet or yarn in general and BE NICE because Mean People Suck!

Please join me and help me spread the word as well. It's time to show off your amazing talents and support fellow stitchers.

Here's the link to the group:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/showandtellyarn2007/

and here's the onsite description:

About 2007 Show & Tell Yarn Projects

A central place for showing off your 2007 finished knits & crochets.
Find adoration and inspiration amongst your fellow stitchers. Please
give as much information with your photos as you feel comfortable with
and be sure to link your blog (if you have one).

As always BE NICE because Mean People Suck!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I'm Famous!

I'm in the listener polls section of this week's (episode 9) Unwound Podcast. It's kind of cool! Check out the podcast - it's one of my fovrites!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Photos Photos Everywhere!

I promised pictures and here they are!!!







Many Crocheted Scarves from the Happy Hooker book (Cascade Cash Vero)
Anna's Crocheted Mitts (Cascade Cash Vero)
Bloom Shawl (Noro Blossom #6)
Clapotis (Lorna's Laces Lion & Lamb in Rainbow colorway)
Casey's In-Progress Sweater (Jo Sharp DK Tweed)

More tomorrow!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

FO's!!!!

Yeah! Clapotis is finished! Casey's sweater is awaiting seaming (I have to wait for my student to catch up). I started working on the Bloom shawl from Knitty. I am making it in the yarn AND color that the pattern calls for - weird for me, but I did have to change to bigger needles. It's quick and easy and will be finished before the weekend is over.

I am working on Casey's socks again as well and really enjoying them this time so... at least they are good TV or Knit Night projects.

I know I promised you photos today, but I am battling the onset of a migraine so photoshoots will have to wait until tomorrow. I'll get some fun "live-action" shots at the shop tomorrow night.

I did update my sidebar. I added a list of many of the podcasts I am enjoying lately. They are lots of fun and I just have to listen - not watch anything on TV (good for allergy/headache season). While many of you are still entrenched in full blown winter - check out my weather box over there to the right - spring is HERE for us.

If you use I-tunes please subscribe to the podcasts through that. Some of them are a little racey and not all are about knitting - you can read the descriptions and reviews on I-tunes and get a better feel for each show. Like TV - the shows are all different and I encourage you to give them all at least a try and then keep the ones you really like. It's information about knitting and/or crafting - I like it all so... I'll talk more about them in the next few weeks. Be sure to check out Unwound and Pixie Purls. Pixie is a local girl and Kelli (Unwound) is practically local - in Birmingham, AL.

That's all for today - I'm going to crash and stave off the migraine!

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

LMAO

I'm back for a minute today and then full force tomorrow. Friday night was Knit All Night at the shop and we had the best time!

Katey brought her Italk recorder and so now all of our antics are on record - this is NOT a good thing *grin.* I did listen to it later (nicely edited K) and nearly wet my pants laughing so hard. I think it may only be funny to those of use who were there - Casey couldn't follow along.

Today I've got work to do on the website and some email tasks to take care fo for the shop. Casey's sweater is finished, yet unassembled and the Clapotis is about an hour away from completion which is screaming at me, but website first!

I've finished 3 crochet scarves and 1 pair of mitts (for Anna) in the last week and yesterday I ripped back Casey's sock (old UFO) past the heel b/c the toe was squashy and he didn't like the dutch heel used in the pattern. So I did a traditional heel flap and turn and now I'm in the gusset decreases.

I'm beginning to feel scattered with my projects though so I think after I update the website I'll start finishing things up and taking pictures. That way I can focus on one project at a time.

don't forget about Project Spectrum and go check out the Flickr group - some really great stuff going on over there!

I've been listening to podcasts like crazy lately and I'll put a lit in the sidebar in the next day or two.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Lullaby Wishes

Lie still my little one, safe in my arms
Love will protect you from all of life's harms
And if love could make lullaby wishes come true
Then here are my lullaby wishes for you

I wish you moonbeams and tumbling clowns
Circuses, kittens and merry-go-rounds

I wish you sweet songs to sing through the years
A smile that's so warm it will dry all your tears

So hush now my little one the world is asleep
Here are my lullaby wishes to keep
And I wish they could all come true for you
I wish they could all come true

I wish you rainbows to color your skies
May the winders of life always light up your eyes

And when love comes along may you give it a chance
And learn to say yes when life asks you to dance

While the moon gently sails through the sea of the sky
I'll sing you my wishes in this lullaby
And if love can make lullaby wishes come true
Then here are my lullaby wishes for you

Big Project Part A...

The massive craft room PURGE! Here are just the beginnings of the project. Thank you Andrea for all your help and support - I couldn't do this without you!






Granted some of that is toys from the kids rooms, but most of it came out of the craft room. I didn't take pictures of the 5 - 6 garbage bags of fabric and yarn that are give away to my friends OR of the actual garbage - those pictures are just the donate pile.

I'll take more shots as I go along. It should all be complete after the weekend. I've got to find some different storage solutions for the room in general so...

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

It's Time...

I'm working on a very big project today and will have pictures tonight to show all. I can't tell you more. Stay Tuned!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Oh My!

It's been a while since I posted with actual crafty content, but today I will not disappoint. I have been knitting away on Clapotis and on Casey's sweater (I'll finish the back tonight) but a couple of weeks ago we needed shop samples so I took a break for about 4 days and made these:




From the top: A crocheted and felted bowl from Conjoined Creations yarn (wool & soy silk)
A quick and easy baby hat from Cascade's Fixation
A felted tote made from paintbox (K1C2) and Galway (Plymouth) - both held double
Another felted tote made from Miss Priss (Schaefer) and Cascade 220 - both held double

I'm still cleaning out my stash and getting organized all over the house. It feels good to get all the excess out of my home. I've got a long way to go, but I keep plugging along.

I finally added a "Bloglines" button to my sidebar - so you can subscribe at will!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Quick Note:

Guys watch Uncommon Threads today on HGTV - "Crafty Helpers" - My friend Caro is on! Very cool!

I'll keep You Posted!

AmyDe

Only 6?...

I was tagged by Alicia for the 6 weird things about me Meme. I am in general weird so I'll just give you the top six:

Disclaimer: None of the following oddities may be used against said "odd one" at any point in the future!

1. I give GREAT directions unless I am actually in the car trying to navigate. Don't let me navigate (right girls)! I will sound certain - I AM certain - I am also WRONG!

2. I will watch The Fifth Element everytime I catch it on TV. It's almost compulsive - I MUST stop and watch it - even though I own the DVD and have seen the movie about 20 times.

3. I won't eat blue food! Not candy or kool-aid, not jello or M & M's(I don't like the red ones either) - the only exception I ever make is for Electric Lemonade @ 50's Prime Time Cafe in Disney's MGM Studios - rum and vodka make all the difference.

4. I get crazy when Casey (husband) eats Kit Kats without breaking them into individual sticks first - or he eats an oreo without opening it up, or he doesn't seperate the jellybeans by color and/or flavor (and he says I'm the weird one).

5. Speaking of Jelly beans, I once won a costume contest for being a bag of jelly beans. I wore a plastic bag with holes cut in it for my feet and arms and filled it with balloons. I was in 7th grade.

6. I watch Crossing Jordan, CSI 3 times/week, and Law and order more than that - through all the blood and gore I'm fine, but that animated toenail fungus commercial just makes me want to crawl under the couch and hide. It completely grosses me out!

Thanks Alicia for tagging me - this was fun.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Etsy...a Few Notes

I LOVE Etsy! I get a small thrill watching the "recently listed items" pop up and scroll across the homepage. It is so much fun to see what others are crafting and to see what they are selling, etc. I have to tear myself away so that otherthings actually get done - like making new things, or you know, feeding my children. It makes me feel good to see crafters selling their items and making money at something they love; It's Good! I meet many neat people through Etsy and what's more fun than expanding your crafting community and creating friendships along the way?

It makes me feel GREAT when someone buys something I make. I hope that they will enjoy the item as much as I enjoyed making it. The whole process is a thrill for me from the conception of an idea, gathering of materials, construction, listing, advertising, answering questions, the sales transaction and finally shipping an item off to it's new home. I especially love it when someone buys something from me that they are giving as a gift - when you see an item and say "hey I know someone who will LOVE that!" That's good stuff!

WARNING: Shameless Self Promotion:

I have several sock knitting (or any other small knitting) totes listed and some other items that expire soon so get them while you can. I'll be listing more items over the next few weeks also. Hey maybe you'll see my items run across the "recently listed items" bar (because it really is fun to watch). Check Etsy out (if you haven't already) and have some fun looking around at what everyone's making. You'll be inspired.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Spinning

So I bought a spinning wheel Saturday. The local spinning guild had it's "Garage Sale" day and I found what I wanted there - a Louet S10 for CHEAP. Two of my good friends, Katey and blogless Laurie (happy birthday btw), have wheels and now so do I.

Spinning is something I have been fascinated with since I was a little girl. Maybe it's a Little House on The Prairie thing, or maybe it was the girlscout trip o Historic Charlestowne when I was about 11 - I'm not sure, but I have always wanted to do it - so now I am going to.

I was worried about learning to spin on the wheel as I have coordination issues. In college they made me stand in the back of our aerobics class because I was cracking everyone else up. I have trouble getting my hands AND feet to cooperate. I was right - I was a bit of a spaz and Katey was enjoying that she knew something I didn't (maybe enjoying it a little too much *grin*). After a few minutes I got it and Katey's evil plans were thwarted - though she's still much better at spinning than I am mind you!

I'm still working on Clapotis and Casey's sweater and both are coming along nicely. I've cleared through most of my yarn and fabric bins and have LOTS and LOTS of give away - and it's all really GOOD stuff, but it's yarn and fabric I'm never going to get to so... out it must go! My local friends are going to have a very good "Happy New Year to Amy's Clean Craft Room Day" as they get surprise gift bags full of yarny goodness.

I was brutal on the stash and I still have some more to get through - I did yarn and some of the fabric - I haven't even gotten to scrapbooking or miscellaneous crafts. More to come - rather, more to go.

Meanwhile sign up for Project Spectrum 2.0 - it's going to be GREAT!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

The Aftermath of a Crafty Christmas

I made many lovely things for family and friends this year and my craft room (ok the whole house) is showing it. It's time for a PURGE! I am going to pull everything out of the craft room and sort it by categaory - then PURGE like crazy. (I haven't taken "before" pictures - can't risk them being around forever.)

THEN I will decide what storage solutions I need and reset the room. I figure (with some help) that I can get through the sort/purge in two full days. It will take another two days to shop for and assemble any pieces I need and reset the room. Then my goal is to actually craft everyday. I have two entire bins (big ones) of UFOs (That's UnFinished Objects) that I want to FINISH before the end of January.

I've got LOTS of work ahead of me! Anyone want to join me in the January Clean Out? You can purge your craft rooms/areas/stashes too.

Any of my local girlfriends who love to purge and organize things (you all know who you are) want to give me a hand?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

What a Bore...

I've been lately! I haven't updated in forever, I haven't even replied to much email...snore! Life is good here. Christmas came and went and New Year's couldn't get here soon enough.

That week of "nothing" in between was hard for me. It was quiet and still, which I normally love, but I found it just plain empty this year. 2006 was truly a roller coaster year and I am looking forward to 2007.

I usually like roller coasters literally and figuratively, but sometimes you get off of one that gives you a sick headache or worse and this year has been one of those; like riding Mission Space 2 times in a row and then ordering a Margarita - let's just say I wouldn't recommend it - even for those of us with strong stomachs! Maybe I'll wait on-line for the carousel this year?

I have been knitting this week though. I started a Clapotis (for me!) in Lorna's Laces Lion and Lamb color: Rainbow - it's going to be very loud (like me)! This yarn is yummy to knit with and I can't wait to be finished so I can wear it. I just started today and I'm almost to the straight sections. I am also knitting a sweater for Casey in Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed DK - a dark green & size 6 needles - it's going faster than I thought and is also very yummy to work with.

Steph - you asked me if I still like the camera - the only thing I don't like about it is that we had to give it to my Daddy for Christmas. The Nikon D-40 is very nice indeed and you can't beat the price!

I'd have pictures, but like I said - we had to give the good camera to my dad so...

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

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.