I LOVE Weekends

I do. I always have.

I used to cram weekends full of "To Do" items simply because doing anything with two rambunctious children is easier when not outnumbered. For the past few months, and especially lately, I've tried to keep our weekends as free as possible. Saturdays still hold a few "to do" items, necessities like hair appointments, and some fun errands (though Microcenter is only fun for one of us, but he goes to JoAnn's so it's not really a chore). But Sundays?

Oh Sundays! Quiet and peaceful with good food to cook and eat and movies to watch or books to read and lots of music always. We play games and Wii and take naps, do school lessons as a family, craft, Bible study and just enjoy our family. Yes, Sundays are the best.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

You are Evil and You Must Be Destroyed!

WARNING: The following information is not for the faint of heart and MAY cause dependency and/or late-night cravings.

Three Little Words

Pecan Pie Cookies

Let me tell you first hand that these are a problem. Harry's (Whole Foods) makes all kinds of sweets and baked goods and for the most part I do ok to just get our ciabatta bread and perhaps a baguette and some muffins for the kids - then I move on (past the cheese counter which is my REAL weakness, but...). Then, there was Andrea - damnit - who in the past heralded the praises and joys of said Pecan Pie Cookies. Then there was a call from my father who has brochitis "can you please bring me... various list of get better things..."

So there I was, at Harry's, IN front of the cookie and muffin case. I had already passed the fancy chocolates corner and only picked up a milk-chocolate with almonds for my sick father - good me! I think (probably out loud at this point after being in the grocery store with two children for the better part of an hour) "Oooh! Pecan Pie Cookies! I should get some of those for Daddy - he'll love them; after all, he IS sick." Right so of course I get him two and pick up two for myself while I'm at it.

Of course I "try them out" in the car. Granted I was hungry, but there is NO picture because the cookies didn't even make it CLOSE to home. In fact I considered turning around and going back for more, but then I thought better of it (read - I was on a deadline to get lunch to my dad and couldn't swing it). Damn those cookies are good. Pecan Pie Cookies are like make you leave the house at 10 p.m. (if Harry's were open @ 10p.m.) kind of good - like Hot Krispy Kreme - ooh Krispy Kreme. I'd better go make dinner now - I seem to be hungry.

BTW - Daddy LOVED his two cookies too and he's feeling much better - must have been the cookies right?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Trashy

Thursday is trash pick up day at our house ('cause I knew you were dying to find out). I was thinking this morning and considering all the trash our household of 4 people and 5 pets generates. And here's my secret (shhhhh): I'm a closet environmentalist - ack!

Yes it's true. I could be a total "green freak" if I allowed myself (because I am obsessive) - no because I care. But I am NOT a total "green freak." Good for you (and all of us) if YOU are & thanks - truly. Maintaining my sanity (shut-up!) and marital bliss (I'd make him even crazier than I already do) requires a different approach to "green" in my life.

I carry my box in and out of Harry's (and other places too) and I buy organic as much as possible, heck we're even buying a Prius in a month or so (gosh how average is that?). I have been evaluating my reasons for all of this during the social climate of "green" being trendy and "in."

Well as you know I care NOTHING for being "in" or trendy so I asked myself "Self? Why or even ARE these things important to you?" I'll stop recounting the quoted conversation I had in my head - you can relax I'll just get to the point (in a minute or two).

Being "green" for me is almost a selfish choice (maybe it always is?) in that I carry boxes into Harry's because it's easier and I don't have to figure out where to store or toss all those plastic baggies. I buy organic because it tastes better and if I can cut out at least some of the chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones pumped into myself and my children - WooHoo I'm doing it. We're buying a Prius because it's cheaper on gas with Casey in Atlanta rush hour daily and let's face it (for gadget and techno freeks like us) it's really cool! I take a short shower (usually) so that I can have some quiet time to myself before the kids wake up. I turn out lights because they give me migraines (and I hear my father's voice in my head when they are left on, but I think that's another post).

I don't compost (though it might be fun), or garden, or reclaim rainwater (like it rained here this year?!?), or ride my bicycle to make my ginormous T.V. work (though my a** would be smaller if I did b/c I LOVE T.V.), or use biofuels (don't even get me started on why ethanol is EVIL), heck, I don't even recycle on a consistent basis (SHAME). I AM more aware and more cautious about what we put in our bodies and in our homes. I "go green" where it is reasonable for us at this point and always strive for more (without being my completely obsessive self) incrementally. I admire those who do more and those who go all-out; I understand those who don't and those who don't care. I'm somewhere in the middle - do what I can where I can as I can - and it's enough.

I do have a goal of reducing the amount of garbage we generate (again selfish, as we just plain have too much stuff) which means I have to remember GIGO, but I can work on that and I'm sure my garbage collector (they don't pay those guys enough) will be appreciative.

When I doubt myself I just remember the immortal words of great thinker Kermit the frog "It's not easy being green."

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I Wish To Read

I wish I could be IN that photo to do it too.

For 2008:

• My Sister's Keeper
• The Knitting Circle
• Anne of Green Gables (again)
• The Kite Runner
• Anna Karenina
• Water for Elephants
• The Golden Compass 1, 2 & 3
  
• Grace Walk
• Wicked
• Death's Acre
• Eat, Pray, Love
• Emma
• The Time Machine
• William Faulkner & Southern History
• The Island of Dr. Moreau
• A Thousand Splendid Suns
• The World Without Us
• The Measure of a Man
• No One Belongs Here More Than You
• The Call of The Wild (again)
• The Nine
• A Walk Across America
• A Touch of Wonder
• The Pillars of The Earth
• A World Without End
• As I Lay Dying (again)
• My Antonia

What do you wish to read this year?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Vicodin Good!

Makes me Love EVERYBODY! And it quells the migraine.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Square Pegs

"Square pegs, square pegs, square, square pegs..." You remember that show? Yeah - I know - that song is going to be stuck in my head all day too.

I've been thinking lately (nearly burned the house down *grin*); soul searching one might say - not me, but 'one' might. I've come to this:

I don't fit in!

It's something I've always known and am quite satisfied with. For the past few years I've found myself straining to "fit" somewhere and I can't really figure out why I've been trying. I like not fitting. I like going against the grain, ruffling feathers, marching to the beat of my own drummer, rocking the boat, using lots of idioms... Really I have always been happy on the outside. True, sometimes the outside is lonely and often it is scary. Ultimately 'outside' is where I belong and where I am happiest.

I have struggled against my own nature to 'fit' myself into this group or that group even into 'typical' social roles - it doesn't work. I don't fit in my church groups, small social groups, large online forum groups, heck I didn't even fit in my Girl Scout Troup nearly (ack!) 30-years ago. For better or worse I'm just me; quirky and creative, opinionated (cough *understatement* cough) and loud, kind and generous, gracious and stubborn, smart and funny (sometimes).

My sister-in-law, who struggles with self-certainty, maintains that I don't care what other people think of me - not exactly. More accurately, it doesn't matter if others LIKE me. If someone likes me that's their choice - if they don't that's fine too. I don't waste time and energy 'fitting' myself into someone else's mold or idea of who he or she thinks I should be.

I truly am a "Square Peg"; you know what? I like it.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

What? Snow? Here?

It's snowing.

It's pouring.

This blog post is boring!

Last weekend's wintry loveliness.



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

All's Quiet on the Eastern U.S. Front...

Been reading. Can't talk and read. Can't knit and read. Can't sew and read. Can't watch T.V. and read. Can just read and read.

Read this:
And This:
I know I'm behind on the knitting book. And HEY!!! Someone could have warned me!

Read LOTS of children's books (we read at least 5 everyday) and we're listening to The Golden Compass.

Now I need to find something else off my shelf to read - probably Tuesdays with Morrie. I could knit or sew something before I begin the next book, but it's so cold here lately that I just want to sit on the couch with my quilt and read.

What are you reading? Anything good?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Toby's Favorite Trick

Disturbing No? He's 4 there. Loves to show that to everyone he meets. He always gets a laugh. For an encore he sticks his tongue UP his nose.

We're so proud!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Amy Sews

I made some things for the kids today:

A Skirt for Anna out of mini-cord (McCalls 5168)




And a Camp Shirt for Toby out of a Cotton Jungle Print (Butterick 3475)




Both projects were simple, but had some details that made them fun. I love sewing for the kids and sewing in general.

I will have many more items finished over the next 6 weeks or so b/c a group I am a member of is having a "Stash Game" in February and it's a competition. Many of you may not know me well, but I am fiercely competitive and I want to WIN. So sewing is going to feature strongly in February! Better watch out SewingMamas!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Anna Sews

We bought Anna a new sewing machine; a Janome Jem Gold 2. It is perfect and easy to use and lovely; a little (and big) girl's dream machine.

Anna wants to sew all day everyday - like this:


and this (finishing by hand):


She makes things for herself, her brother, just because, but mostly for - the cats - like all of these:




The quilt blocks were in the scrap bin, a long-ago abandoned project and Anna made them into pillows herself.

Apart from keeping her safe with the machine, I don't help Anna at all (like she'd let me)and she just goes to town with her imagination and her new machine.

I'll Keep You Posted!


AmyDe

Reminders of Home

Dinner was simple, easy, familiar; a meal I remember from childhood. Tonight we ate "Pepper Steak."

Pepper Steak is a classic American 1950's dish of hamburger patties, tomato sauce, green peppers and, as my Mom did, served with rice and green beans. As I was putting this meal together I was uncertain of a few steps. Nearly two years later I still almost picked up the phone to call my mother. It's strange how, if only for a moment, a meal from my childhood made me feel so grown up and alone.

I am thankful for the moment; the bittersweet memory. I am thankful for the recipe and knowing my way around the kitchen. I am thankful for all the things of me that are "Hers." I pray daily that I give my children as much as my mother gave me.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

L.E. Funt, Thy Name is "Trouble"

Here is what should have been a really cute project.





Instead it's really NOT. It's just weird.

The pattern is from my new book Toys to Sew. The pattern itself was horribly vague. Neither Andrea, an excellent seamstress and smart lady, nor I could decipher the written directions fully. We went with what we know about sewing and finally got things together. It's still weird. I tried to put it into the "Throw me away, I'm really UGLY" bin, but Toby loves him.

I'm glad Toby loves him, even if it's just because he's "Mommy made"; in the end I guess we all need to be loved.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

What will $2.25 and 15 Minutes Get You?

Get your minds out of the gutter! What is it with you guys *grin*?

A Cute-as-can-be girl's top that's what! I made 5 of these this morning for Anna. For her size it's a top, for a toddler, a cute spring/summer dress. Completely adjustable and completely easy either way!

Here's what I did: (yes, it's officially a tutorial)

1. Start with two regular bandannas (22" x 22") from the craft or discount store and 1-1/4 yards of coordinating ribbon (about 1" wide) cut into two equal pieces.



2. Fold and press a 1-1/4" (approximately) hem casing on each bandanna. I don't measure OR pin, but feel free.



3. Stitch casing VERY close to original hem line. Be sure to back-tack at the beginning and the end. Repeat for bandanna #2.





4. Thread (test) ribbon through each casing with a large safety pin. Tie off one shoulder side.



5. Adjust gathers around neck and tie off shoulder #2. Pin fit underarm at point where side seam will begin.



6. Remove test ribbon. Sew side seam (right sides together) very close to original hem lines. It need NOT be perfect - this should be easy and the original bandannas are not "perfect" anyway.



7. Press hems open.



8. Thread "actual" ribbon through casing and tie one side. Fit on child and tie side two. Trim excess ribbon. Adjust gathers and admire your work (the sewing's pretty good too huh?).



9. Side/Underarm view



10. Back view



11. Tack edges to ribbon and you are finished!



These are Fast, fun, and easy to make. Anna will be wearing these this spring and even now over her turtle necks. I can think of so many fun things to do. I can't wait to get some orange and white bandannas and make UT tops for Anna and a UT dress for a friend's toddler.

Let me know what you think!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Gift Bin 2008 Begins

These are ready made denim totes embellished with silk kimono scraps. I used a raw edge technique to apply the silk. They were fun to make. I used items I already had on hand. I FINISHED them, AND I really like the turn out. All in all I am very pleased! Off they go into the gift bin.




I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Looooooonnnnngggg Weekend

That's what it feels like and it's wonderful! Casey got off work last Friday and doesn't go back until the 2nd. Yippee! I LOVE it! We're all having fun sitting around in our p.j.'s and playing games all day.

I did run out to the fabric stores with Andrea yesterday and we had a blast! I picked up this:

and Andrea got this:


I see lots of cutie-pies in our future!

Christmas was wonderful - nice and quiet. We played and played and will be doing more of just that all week/weekend. I can't wait!

I've been sewing some as well and it's bliss. I can't wait to finish things up and have photos to share. Soon.

I'll keep you posted!
AmyDe

Merry Christmas to Me!

Last week my iron met an awful fate - a kitten.

NO! Don't be so morbid. Mac the wondercat just knocked it off the ironing board (it was off and cold) and busted the thermostat dial to bits. WooHoo - Time to get a new iron! I had the last one for nearly 14 years, but it worked and that was good enough for me.

So I searched for a REALLY good iron and found an amazing deal on Amazon (don't you adore Amazon?). I got this...


What's most Fabulous is I got it for $49.99 and FREE shipping!

It's pink and it's wonderful! I love it and I know we'll be best buds for many years to come!

Thanks Wondercat, and Thanks Casey for not making me wait until Christmas!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

New Directions

A Blog about Knitting, Sewing, Crafting, & Life in general with a husband, 2 kids, and 3 dogs. I'm having a ball! That was my tagline above.

When I began this blogging adventure that tagline was fun and comfortable. These days it seems confining and a little overdone - like a fancy pair of shoes that look fantastic, but after an hour you remember why they are in the "way back" of the closet - "Oh yeah, these pinch!" To that end there are changes coming.

This blog was originally focused on knitting, that's where I was 3 years ago. I was managing a yarn shop and completely immersed in a knitting lifestyle. I worked knitting, I blogged knitting, I talked knitting, and I LIVED knitting. My life is different now.

I LOVE knitting and crochet. I also love sewing, and scrapbooking, and homeschooling, and being a wife, and being a mommy, and being a friend, and finding and fulfilling my small role in God's big world. There are times I blog about things not knitting related when I feel it's against the rules (albeit self imposed "rules"); like I strayed from the "THIS IS A KNITTING BLOG" code and "NOW I'LL BE PUNISHED!" I recognize the ludicrous nature of that sentiment, yet it is somehow so very prevalent and even more persistent.

I am officially breaking that mold - Here and Now! This is MY blog and it is filled with the things in my life that I love - ALL the things I love. Why I am only now realizing and acting on this is beyond me, but sometimes God has to drop a piano on your head right...

This inner struggle is in part why I have had the blogging blahs lately. Often I feel like I have nothing interesting to say and maybe sometimes I don't, but I hope you all still hang around. In fact I hope you invite your friends and neighbors. I hope you share with me what is going on in your life - not just the big stuff, but the small stuff too. "Small stuff" is what makes us interesting; it's what connects us all. That's what I want - to feel connected.

The blogging community is vast and often fickle, but it is also good and inspiring; it's where we connect with each other, and ourself. Please keep me in check and don't let me be vast or fickle - I want to be connected (I'd also like to be famous, but only sometimes).

I do love my life and I am having a ball. Thanks for listening to what bounces around in my head.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Unless He Has Studied His A Grippa...

Which I have!




Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti


Thanks Amy - that's fun!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Feel Free...

Please feel free to link to the Meme below. I've had everal requests and am handling it all here. I'll have an actual post later today.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Christmas Meme

My Friend Anna (who LOVES Christmas) sent this to me in email. I figured it's a cheap way to get a blog post in so here goes...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Both

2. Real tree or artificial? Fake


3. When do you put up the tree? A week or so before Christmas


4. When do you take the tree down? A week after New Years


5. Do you like eggnog? Blech! No!


6. Favorite gift received as a child? Cow Girl Outfit - with guns (I was 4)


7. Do you have a nativity scene? yes


8. Hardest person to buy for? Michael - My brother


9. Easiest person to buy for? My Anna girl


10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? um, tis the season to be gracious right?


11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail


12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Charlie Brown Christmas (is it wrong that I can't wait this year for Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd?)


13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? January


14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? From time to time


15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Sausage Balls


16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Colored flashing ones


17. Favorite Christmas song? Drummer Boy (I almost put down "Last Christmas" by Wham, but even I couldn't keep a straight face)


18. Travel for Christmas or stay at home? Home


19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen –But do you recall the most famous reindeer of all. Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer had a very shiny nose.


20. Angel on the tree top? Angel


21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? From family Christmas Eve - then Santa comes Christmas Morning


22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? The contrived factor of having to buy gifts b/c a day dictates it - oh and the MALL


23. What I love most about Christmas? Vacation Days

Consider yourself tagged!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Slow Death by Cough Drops...

I have allergies. My allergies are neither normal, regular run of the mill pollen, dust, cats allergies, nor epi-pen carrying bee, peanut, strawberry allergies. NO, they fall somewhere in the obscure range of the rest of my life.

I have a sulfa allergy - not too uncommon - but I also have a sulfite hypersensitivity (they are unrelated - weird huh?). I have to read the labels of everything and stay away from common ingredients like wine, shellfish, dried fruit, and now it seems COUGH DROPS! Apparently Ludens Cherry Cough drops are poison to me. They are made of Pectin which is on the "These things will KILL you list" Good to know - NOW!

So many many doses of benedryl and asthma inhaler and lots of very nice naps later I am almost a functioning member of the human race again. I still can't walk up the stairs quickly (lest I cough myself into oblivion), but it also gets me out of housework.

BTW: can't take advil cold & sinus anymore either It's FUN learning things the hard way right?

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Cat & Mouse

Literally:





This is Mac. Mac the Wonder Cat - as in "I wonder what he's going to get into next?"

Mac loves "meeces to pieces."

Slow week - I've resorted to pet pictures. Still sick, still waiting to get better.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Imagination and Inspiration

I LOVE Legos. I always had them as a child and (with the exception of stepping on one barefooted) I still think they are one of the greatest imagination toys ever invented. My kids will play with Legos for HOURS - really - and they'll play so well together while they do it - AMAZING!



Toby's latest creation.

Good Mail Day Today:



Gotta love Crafter's Choice. Of course I signed up for the two (one in each email - Casey - they are already paid for) memberships BEFORE I saw Oprah's episode on Hoarding and swore I am NEVER buying another thing - EVER! Did you guys see that? Shock and Awe I tell you - seriously!

I'm still sick so I'm going to pile up in bed with my new books and be inspired.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Hairy Christmas and a Crappy New Year!

Can you say "FUNK" boys and girls? Well the blogless wonder that I've been since - oh - AUGUST knows the word all too well. No single cause for the downturn - lots of things piling up until there is such an emotional mountain of CRAP I can't see daylight. Thanks Andrea for putting up with me and helping me through EVERYDAY - wouldn't make it without you.

New Blog I'm reading, Creative Little Daisy, says it well HERE with a tirade that I found WAY too familiar yet strangely comforting.

After a major meltdown last week (Thanksgiving STILL sucks w/o Mom) the fog is beginning to lift - some. Pair the meltdown with purging about 40 metric-tons of CRAP (really good stuff, but CRAP in my life right now) - mostly from the craftroom - THANK YOU AMY N and AADD - and the light at the end of the tunnel is looking a little less like an oncoming train.

On the other hand - Christmas is completely finished and almost totally wrapped. I have a few giftcards to order from my bank, but that's the last of it. Thank goodness for the internet, Toys R Us, and REALLY good planning. Now will the tree get put up - eh! Eventually.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

I've been working away. Here are a few (there are more, but I lost the light) of the things I've finished in the last 2 months, plus some random yarn shots.




I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

I am Grateful

Faith and the freedom to express it
An Incredible Family
Pets 3 dogs and now 2 new kitties
Friends who call every day
Hobbies that I love and are useful
Talent and creativity
A well stocked pantry & deep freeze
Nice clothes to wear
Reliable and PAID for cars to drive
Home and house
Health
TiVo
This place to share my life and make new friends



I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

The Hustler...

Situation: Kitty Cat loses baby tooth

Anna (7): "Now the tooth fairy will bring Mac a treat!"

Mommy: "No, the tooth fairy doesn't come for kitties."

Anna: "Can I have it? (the tooth)"

Daddy begins explaining how it will get lost or broken and it's germy, etc.

Mommy: "No, Anna. The tooth fairy will NOT bring you money for Mac's tooth."

Anna: (with impish grin) "Oh."

Daddy: "I can't believe she was trying to hustle the tooth fairy!"

Mommy: "That's MY girl!"

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Hey Laurie!

Test = A-OK!

I hope you're having a great time and I hope you fly home safely.
Love to you!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Calling Maha...

Maha - if you contacted me it must have been trapped by my spam filter. Please contact me again to collect your prizes.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

We Interrupt Our Regularly Scheduled Blogging...

For a Migraine. Better now. On to good stuff!

The Winner Is:

Maha!

Thanks ALL who left comments - I feel like Sally Field "You like me! You REALLY like me!"

Maha send me an email at eemayde_at_gmail_come with your addy, etc. and I'll get your prizes out to you ASAP!

Thanks again all!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

For Andrea:

I'll announce the winner of the contest tonight I promise, but in the meantime if you want to make KILLER Mac & Cheese - here you go!

1 pound elbow macaroni (I like the ones w/ridges to hold more sauce) - cook it al dente
1 T Olive oil
2 T Butter
3 T Flour
1-1/2 C WHOLE milk (don't skimp - use whole)
3 C shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (like Cabot from reg. grocery)
1/2 tsp nutmeg (I barely use a smidge - NOT 1/2 tsp)
1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper (more or less as desired - I use a little less)
Salt to taste - the cheese is very salty so you won't need much.

Pasta needs to be ready, but still HOT, BEFORE making sauce.

Heat a medium-size dep skillet over medium heat. Add oil and butter. When butter melts into the oil, stir in the flour. Gently cook, whisking flour & butter together until smooth and flour has had a chance to cook (2 - 3 minutes). Slowly add milk while continuing to whisk. Gently bring milk to a bubble while stirring frequently. Allow the milk to thicken a bit then stir in 2 C of cheddar cheese a handful at a time. Season sauce with nutmeg, cayenne, and (I add) black pepper - taste & see if it needs salt. Add cooked pasta to sauce and coat completely by turning it over and over in the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and pop it under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

It's really easy and REALLY good!!!

Thanks Rachael Ray

Dang, now I'm starving!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Still on Track AND A Contest!!!

Hi all! I'm still on track in the August madness I've created for myself. I'm one day (and one skein I need to pick up) away from finishing my Daddy's afghan. I finished one sleeve of a baby sweater and have one more to do and I'm right at half-way finished with my Branching Out scarf.

I measured all of my swatches, started making pattern notes and am heading in the right direction on the sweaters. I stayed out of the craft room today as it's stinking hot and there's no A/C out there - tomorrow = fan.

You've stayed with for this long now the fun stuff:

A Contest!
August 9th is my 2-year blogiversary - really I've been droning on about knitting and crafts for 2 long years. Leave me a comment between now and Midnight on the 9th and I'll put your name in a drawing to win
This:


along with a couple of other surprises. So delurk and leave me a comment for your chance to win FREE STUFF!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

2 More Down...

Bags that is - for a total of 6 so far. I felted the two for me this morning and one turned out great - one needs some work, but it's manageable. I've also finished about 1/3 of the Branching out scarf and washed and dried all of my sweater swatches. Now I need to measure the gauges and make pattern notes - then I'm going to dig in on the sweater making.

I'm picking up more yarn today to finish Daddy's afghan and will be finished with it this week. Then I'll start another and be right on schedule with my Ambitious August. I'll try to get pictures when there is sun.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

And She's Off...

I'm making headway! I finished 4 felted bags today (all but the felting) and I swatched all the sweater yarns for the other projects.

I am well on my way (to the funny farm where life is beautiful all the time and I'll be happy to see those nice young men in their clean white coats and they're coming to take me away HA HA!!!!).

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Ambitious August

Do you KNOW me? I can't so anything "small." When I decide on projects I go ALL out and here is my stash to work through for August:



Don't be too alarmed.





OK go ahead and panic momentarily.

NOW - are you still thinking "There's no F** way!" You might be right, but then again...

I have THIS:



Which allows me to churn through st st projects at light speed. I am determined to stash bust and I am determined to give knitted Christmas gifts to my family and friends. August is going to be a BIG month for me.

Some of the yarns pictured are for handknitting/crocheting projects to be finished in August, but most are bound for the Bond.

Here's the Official August List:
10 Felted Tote Bags
6 Handtowels with crocheted edging
"Woody" Sweater for Anna*
"Pea" Sweater for Anna*
"Bill" Sweater for Toby*
"Jay" Sweater for Toby*
Tank Top for Anna
Sierra T-Shirt for Me
Fantasy Naturale T-Shirt for Me
Felted Potholders
Purple Crocheted Afghan for my Aunt
Branching Out Scarf for my Dr. Friend
AND finishing (this week) a couple of WIP that are REALLY close to completion.
*From Debbie Bliss Junior Knits

So, who's taking bets? Think I can do it? Think I'll be stark raving MAD by mid-August? Think I'll finish early and get to add more projects to the list (God forbid I take a break)?

Tell me what you think!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Props!

Guys I've been listening to podcasts like mad (again) and want to send out some links to those I am enjoying most. Some of these are new and lots of fun - I like the new perspectives about life and about knitting/fiberarts in general.

Sharon of She-Knits is fun and funny. I LOVE her "stream-of-consciousness" approach that feels like she's right next to you sharing a coffee. Sharon is a self-proclaimed "felted purse-a-holic" and WOW does she make some pretty bags. Check her out and give her a listen.

Marly of Yarn Thing is completely adorable! She's fun a quirky and exactly the kind of friend you'd love to bop around to yarn shops with. Her sweet laughter always makes me feel good. Give her a listen as well - tell me what you think.

Jenny & Nicole from Stash n Burn crack me up and also get me stash-diving (thanks for that). They also make me feel GREAT about using my Bond sweater machine to help me crank through the (rather formidable) stash. WooHoo!

Also - Kelly from Knitpicks is charming and sincere. Kelly also talks about spinning and that's always fun. Hearing her perspective on new yarns and some of the business aspects of yarn reminds me of working in the shop and I LOVE that.

How about giving these guys a listen and letting me know what you think.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

ALERT...

Be advised - the crazies are in full force today!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Convergence

Good Camera
Decent Light
Time
Motivation
Light at end of tunnel no longer looks like oncoming train
=
Photos



Just a few of the things I've made/bought since - oh - April! Been a while - I know.

Everything is still not in there, but it's good enough for now.

The GIANT T.V. hasn't sucked out my brain completely, but playing wii on it is REALLY cool!

BTW - Hang in there friend - You'll be home soon!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Mmmm!

BIG TV GOOD!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Coming Soon to a Friend's House Near You...

Or maybe not so near, but I'm flipping out I'm so excited so I'm telling all of you!

We're getting THIS!!!!




WooHoo! Thank you honey!!!

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe

Problem!!!!

Completely

Totally

Irrevocably

Addicted

To

HOUSE MD.

Don't send help - I'm watching T.V.

I'll keep you posted!

AmyDe