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weekend update

We've all survived a wonderful weekend of houseguests, scroching temps and a birthday party for a soon to be 5 year old. (Five years old already. It seems impossible.)

Despite the crushing heat, Jess' birthday party was a success. We are now knee deep in Playmobil around here.

Now Jess' actual birthday is a little more than a week away, but she had the unfortunate fate of being born the week in between our two family reunions, so we always celebrate early.

Despite the weekend's festivities, there has been some knitting. (even a trip to the yarn shop.)

Behold my new sock yarn.

My LYS had just gotten Fibertrends FELTED SQUIRREL PATTERN. So I snatched that up, along with the new IK.

That red blob is a felted hedgehog; pre-wash.

Then there is also the Perfect Pie Shawl, and the Boobalicious tank.

My read a good book swap book came! It's a mystery set in Manhattan, and the partner even included a map for me. How very cool! Thanks, Liz!

Here we are now going to the south(west) side...

Yesterday, I dropped Jess off to spend some time with her Auntie, swung by Jennifer's to pick her up and then we made our way to My Sister's Knits.

I have to say that the shop does a lot with it's very limited space.

We got there early, perused the shop made a couple of purchases, and then headed up to Ridge Park to wait for the Harlot speech. We were less than enthused to be in 90 degree heat, with no beverage options in sight. (Well, the park did have vending machines, but they were all broken. What a tease.)

Stephanie was witty, and funny and wonderful, as she always is. Afterwards, Jennifer found Katy and we walked back to the yarn shop, where Stephanie signed books.

The wait in line was pleasant, although we were SO THIRSTY. As we waited, we heard rumors of a water cooler in the back of the shop, and spotted it, right after it broke. d'oh!

Anyway, I saw Stephanie, got our books signed, petted the fleece artist sock, and gave Steph a chicken. It was a lot of fun.






Hmm...seems I have no pictures of my purchases. I bought some sock yarn and some alpaca laceweight. (Made in good ole' Indiana.)

As you all may or may not have noticed, I collect laceweight. I haven't made but one item that has called for laceweight, but I keep buying it. This time I think I bought it in anticipation of Jess' return to school and my three hour break during the day.

my mess.

My guest room/craft room/etc. (I can't believe I'm actually showing you all this mess.) It needs some serious help.



Saturday I will be having guests stay here. (Yikes!) This week will be a "stuff and go" kind if clean up. But it seriously needs help.

Last night I couldn't sleep so I finished up some headbands for my SILS and made this little eyeglass case for my Ma.

I'm in a serious knitting slump. My WIPs right now are two blankets and 3 or 4 pairs of socks. I don't even want to look at them anymore.

Maybe I'll be reinspired when I see the Yarn Harlot on Monday.

Welcome to Texiloy

We hung out with Jennifer and Zander today. Jessica renamed the park "Texiloy". I have no idea, but the kid gets marks for originality.

Jennifer scored some Ravenclaw Yarn from Sunshine Yarns for me.

Jessica's honeybee socks.
See how far I am?

Last night I had both socks down to the heel turn and I though I would do another fitting before the gussets. They didn't fit. I couldn't even get them past her ankle. They fit two weeks ago. I was crest fallen. I frogged them both and started over.

I found a new way to use my vintage buttons.

On the sewing front, I have more chickens, and a couple of bigger projects in the works, along with a few more aprons to finish up.

My main concern right now is my inhereited Pfaff 360. I have no info or accessories for it. They are all probably still at Ida's somewhere, but I'm not about to drive 5 hours just to find out. So, I've been searching for these things via goggle. I have a couple leads, Pfaff is sending me a photocopy of the manual. The only other info I have is that my Pfaff was made in Germany sometime between 1960 and 1969, and parts are "limited".

I'm also once again considering where we should move our little blog to. I need something that allows multiple/guest bloggers. Typepad has my attention, but I'm not sure I want to fork over the $$. I'm just going to have to think on it.

I'm also thinking about what to do with our guest room/craft room/old computer graveyard. I've been inspired by Dan, and his room makeover, so expect some pictures soon.

weekend update

It has come to my attention that I have not posted a picture of Animal in a while, so here you go.

He currently is holding the ENTIRE contents of his food dish in his mouth.

Sunday, we spent the afternoon hanging out with Jennifer and her peeps. (She has some great pictures of the kids in the pool.)

Today we broke and turned on our AC. Jess and I attended a funeral today, and by the time we got home we were so hot and wiped out that we both agreed the AC was a good thing.

Before we came home though, we stopped by the toy store, and Jess spent some early birthday gift money to add to her playmobile collection.

Knitting? sewing? Yes, there has been a little of both, but no pictures as of yet.

Thursday

Jess was wonderful yesterday. We have had some behavior "issues" lately and it was so nice to have my sweet little girl back. I hope to see more of her.

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday!

A thank you from Alison, for helping with Sockapaloooza.

A "Just 'Cuz" package from Wendy. Boy, does she spoil me. Look at the cute little project bag, and matching mini wallet/cardholder. The squirrel iron ons, the squirrel and acorn buttons, the plastic sock holder, the CHOCOLATE soap and lotion.I haven't had a chance to check out the recipes. Missing from the picture is a CD she made for Jessica, who is very excited about getting a gift in the mail.

Last night I hung out with Jennifer at Starbucks, and had my new favorite drink. Tangerine Frappacino. (YUM!)

While Jennifer wrestled with her perfect pie mohair shawl, I finished part of Jess' birthday gift. (the top) and then came home and sewed up the rest. (the skirt) Now I'm just hoping it all fits.

Yesterday was a very good day, exact;y when I needed a very good day. Thank you to Jess, Alison, Wendy, Jennifer, and Zee who made it so.

By the way, Carma, Nate told me your news. I cannot even picture it.

Not for the faint of heart

Y'all remember my Rogue from the Knitting Olympics right? the Knitting Olympics that I stumbled right before the finish line when I ran out of yarn for the sleeve cap? The Rogue that I ordered more yarn, finished the sleeve cap and then put it aside because I was too mad to sew it up?

Well, today I decided to take it out and sew that last sleeve on. But, before I did, I tried it on, and decided it was too big.

The good news is, I've lost some girth since February. (Yay!) The bad news is, I decided to frog the whole thing.

I'll make another Rogue eventually. It was a joy to knit and something I would definitely wear. But now what to knit with the reclaimed Barlett yarn.

For those of you who are still with me, a picture of Jess in her new yellow dress.

aprons

Well, it's been too sticky to knit around here. Saturday I woke up feeling awful, and had to cancel my activities for the day. Sunday we headed over to my Ma's to celebrate her birthday, (Which is today. Happy Birthday, Mama! We love you!)

But I did knit a bit while enjoying Ma's air conditioning. I'm working on your basic raglan cardigan for Jessica. I had originally decided to make her the denim tunic from Weekend Knitting, but I was bored to death by the endless seed stitch.

I have also been sewing some. I've made my favorite Stalker a chicken, (No picture, I want her to be surprised.) been working on a dress for Jessica, (Also no picture, because right now it just looks like a pile of yellow fabric.) and some aprons.

They are made from some of the kitchen towels from Ida's.
Jess has picked one out for herself.

short post. no pic.

Just hanging with the roost.

Some chickens went on to new homes yesterday, so I'll have to make up some more. Jess has claimed three as her very own. She rounded them up in their "coop"(laundry basket) Then asked me what they ate. I told her they were pretend chickens, so I think maybe pretend chicken feed. She decided chicken feed sounded gross, and they would instead eat pretend chips. Jess then proceeded to pick up the very tiny fabric scraps from around the sewing machine, and threw them to her chickens, all they time saying,"Chick, chickchickchick..."

It was damn cute. It almost made up for her complete meltdown that morning.

I'll be your little chicken if you'll be my honey lamb.

Welcome to the flock.

It's the best picture I could take at 1am.

I'm having way too much fun. In a sea of blankets and socks, I think I needed to drag out the ole' sewing maching for a little instant gratification.

what the heck is erin up to?

How about a little bit of everything.

We had a wonderful holiday weekend. Saturday we went over to Jill's house for a cook out.

Sunday we were spen the day on Lake Michigan in a coworker's boat. Jess LOVED it.

Tuesday, we went to a cousin's cookout. The truly weird event of the day was when my friend, Andy showed up. Turns out he knows my cousin and actually does a little local radio show with him. We all just never realized we all knew each other. Weird stuff.

There has been knitting.

You are looking at the mish mash that are my WIPs.

There has been cleaning. I've been cleaning out our guest room, aka the junk drawer of our home. It's clean enough now to set up my sewing stuff again, hence...

Today is her birthday...*Na na na nanana..*

I know you are all busy today with your celebrations, cookouts, picnics, etc. (at least stateside.) But as your and yours are enjoying the day, make sure to tip back a beverage of choice in honor of Carma. Today is her __th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Sweets I hope you're having a bast.

Deja Vu

My magic yarn ball arrived Friday! It came from Emily (Who was a recipient of some of my stitch markers last summer in the Bead It swap.) in Idaho. The yarn you ask? Noro Iroha. This stuff is SOFT!! I think I'll be making some handwarmers out of it.

The magic yarn ball experience has been wonderful, but the funny part is, I have had some contact with both of these bloggers before. Pop over to Rebecca's site and see the beautiful Sophie bag she made with her magic yarn ball. (She was also the recipient of my sockapaltwoza socks.)

Also while I was out Thursday night, Jess and Nate snuck out to the hardware store to make me a surprise.

My very own PVC Niddy Noddy. But there are two there you say? Yes. Jessica got one too. She is extremely excited about it, even though she doesn't really get what it's used for.

no rhyme or reason

I submitted my Togs for Toys KAL for the month of June. You can see it here. While you're there you should look at all the great outfits everyone has come up with so far.

There has been knitting. I've been working on a blanket for my nephew,

a pair of socks for an upcoming birthday,

The wicked socks, (they are so slow-going with the size 0 needles and the soft Baby Ull.) and a little wallet-type thing for my polka dot swap partner.

One item is missing from the picture, but you get the idea.

The polka dot swap is my second swap through SWAP BOT. The idea behind this is great. The first swap was the magic yarn ball swap. I forgot to take a picture of the ball before I sent it to Rebecca. I hope she's gotten it. I haven't received mine yet, but the deadline to send is not until June 30th.

Tonight the Stitch and Bitch is "unofficially" meeting and I'm looking forward to getting out of the house for awhile.

I'm still trying to play catch up around here and I'm just not there yet. Hopefully I can get caught up this weekend.

Back to basics

my trekking sock came with me to the Pioneer Village, and we took in the sights. Well, we took lots of pictures of spinning wheels, and only one of the trail itself.


We stayed at the Inn at Spring Mill, and walked the trail down to the pioneer village. It's very neat, on the weekends they have volunteers there to actually work in the village. They have a woodshop, leather shop, grist mill, weavers house, spinners, quilters, a very pretty garden that's kept up, a distillery, etc. Anyway, like I said, all we have here are spinning wheels to share.

"the low wheel"

"the walking wheel"
Oh, and the sock. I ripped out my original picot-edged sock and just went for my basic sock. I have yet to cast on the second, I have another pair of socks that are due for an upcoming birthday.

back to business.

Geez, I don't know where to start. We had a wonderful vacation with the In-laws. Saturday we drove to Butler County, Ohio, to celebrate my MIL's birthday. It was very fun. Nate made her a bluebird house out of some leftover cedar from her barn.

Monday we all headed out to Spring Mill State Park. (Watch for a trek with me post later this week.) This year there were no trips to the Bedford ER (Yay!) and a good time was had by all.

We stayed until Wednesday then we all headed to Gibson County, Indiana. We got to visit with Aunt Ida for a bit. She's seems to be doing much better than when we last saw her in October. We all headed to the house to go through some more things in the house.

We scored some kitchen items and a sewing machine, (It's a Pfaff, and it weighs a TON.) and here are some pictures of the some of the haul.


Knitting? well, I've been a bit of a knitting flake. I started a shawl, but I've ripped it out. Same with a blanket and my trekking sock. So no knitting pictures with this post.

back home

We returned home last night. I'm still unpacking, then there's the grocery shopping etc. I'm hoping to be back in the swing of things by Monday. Have a great weekend.

mini skeins

Ok, so Wednesday we had Jennifer and Zander come over to play. I have no visual record of the event, but Jennifer does, so pop over there for supreme cuteness.

Before they headed over, Jennifer emailed me that she's bring me a bag of wool. (does this girl know how to make my day or what?) So I'm thinking she's bringing me a little shopping bag of these tapestry wool skeins. I was SO wrong. Correct on the tapestry wool, (the skeins are about 40 yds each.) but wrong on the bag size. She arrived at my door witha GARBAGE BAG full.

I already have a plan. It's to be an entrelac throw.

with LOTS left over.

Also, look what was in my mailbox yesterday.

It's a postcard from Lesley while she is abroad in Europe. How sweet!

Tomorrow we start our vacation, so I might not be posting until the end of next week.

Oh, before I forget, Hop on over to Lesa's and wish her a Happy Birthday!

keep on trekkin'...

Jess and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful, sunny day. (Oh, by the way, yesterday's illness was due to Jess eating ALL the tomatoes we had bought Sunday, and then topping it off with a spaghetti dinner.)

Jess and I decided a TREK was in order. Although maybe a short one to sort of break us in for next week's trip to Spring Mill.

I grabbed my trekking 108 and decided I was making things far too hard on myself and just a plain ole stockinette sock would do.

So we headed down the road to Sunset Hill County Park.

We wandered through a few trails, and past "No-Can-Do" Pond. (Mrs. Murray would not let anyone disturb her pond. No swimmers, boaters, frog giggers, no one. That's how it got it's name.)

Then we took one of the trails...

...To visit the former owner of the property. He really did pick one of the more beautiful spots to spend enternity.

Oh, the sock? Well, I didn't get too far.

Jess, a camera, and a sock might just be a little too much for me to handle simultaneously.

A rough start to summer vacation

My very last sockapaloooza post, I swear.
I volunteered to be a "sock savior". A person to fill in for a pal that dropped out, that way, everyone gets socks.

I finished them last night.

the pattern is Gullwing Socks from Socks, socks, socks. The yarn is Shelridge Farms, Soft Touch Ultra. Man they weren't kidding, after washing these socks were VERY soft. I hope the recipient likes them.

I also finished my trekking socks last night. I was hoping to work on these while I contemplated what pattern to use for the other trekking yarn (108) I have in cue. These were Suppose to fill in for my Trek along with me obligations until I picked a pattern for the other yarn. I still don't know what pattern to use. Any suggestions?

Jessica and I are quarrantined to the house today. Our morning started with Jess throwing up last night's dinner, and I don't want to take her anywhere until I'm sure it was an isolated incident.

So, in the meantime, I started my nephew's furry blanket.

and I've dug out all my books and patterns, in hopes of finding the perfect sock pattern, and a tank pattern for this.

Oh, Jess would like to show off her new haircut.