Crochet of Many Colors

Our dog Samson

2011-04-24T00:25:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from my new phone. Once i figure out how best to make this work, I plan to start blogging again.

Mimi

Knitting and the Olympics

2010-03-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Olympics this year were great, I enjoyed watching the many exciting events and following the medal counts. There were many sad stories and many happy victories.

I decided to participate in the Ravelympics this year. The object of the Ravelympics is to cast on a project that is challenging to you during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics and complete it by the end of closing ceremonies. The project is supposed to be challenging to you personally, for example: a technique you've never done before. I chose to make a pair of felted slippers. These are knit holding two strands of yarn together for the sides and three strands for the bottoms on very large needles. They are knit to what appears to be a very ridiculous size and then felted in the washer. Felting binds the stitches and shrinks up the fabric. My family looked at the completed knitting and said there was no way they would shrink enough to fit. It took two full agitation cycles on my washer, but I think they came out just fine.

I finished the felting process on Wednesday evening, waited two days for them to dry, then painted traction/anti-skid lines on the bottoms with puff paint on Friday evening, and waited overnight for that to dry. Finally on Saturday morning I was able to wear them. I wore them as I watched the closing ceremonies on Sunday night, while of course, I knit on something new.

One Hell of an Accomplishment!

2009-10-01T09:44:00.001-07:00

This is the Girasole by Jared Flood. The yarn is Cascade 220 in Goldenrod. I used 8 and a half skeins. I cast this on on June 21st, Summer Solstice and finished it the day before yesterday.
It still has to be washed and blocked. I'll post new pics once that's done.

Lessons Available!

2009-01-14T16:13:00.000-08:00

I am available for private lessons in either crochet or knitting.

1st lesson is $15 for one hour.
This lesson is hands on instruction to get you started.
You will need one skein of worsted weight yarn in a light color, wool or acrylic.
For crochet you will need a Size I hook, for knitting you will need a pair of Size 8 needles.

2nd lesson is $20 for one hour.
With this lesson I will give you handouts on yarns, we'll discuss different weights, fiber types and their various uses. We'll also continue your hands on instruction.

3rd lesson is $20 for one hour.
Basic pattern reading, stitch abbreviations, difficulty scale and gauge. Continued hands on.

Additional lessons and specialized instruction $20 for one hour.

Royal Braid and Diamonds Dishcloth

2008-12-18T12:40:00.000-08:00

I'm currently putting my patterns into PDF files and will be adding them to Ravelry very soon. This is one I worked up last year and just never got around to posting. I hope you like it.

Royal Braid and Diamonds Dishcloth

By Mindy Hobgood

12” square

Worsted weight cotton
Size 8 needles

CO 53 sts
Knit 4 rows in Garter St

Row 1: (right side) Sl 1, k7, *p1, k7; rep from *4 more times, p1, k4, p3, k2, c4f, p3, k4.

Row 2: Sl 1, k6, p3, k3, p3, *k1, p1, k1, p5; rep from * to last 10 sts, k1, p1, k1, p3, k4.

Row 3: Sl 1, k5, *p1, k3; rep from * 6 more times, p1, k2, p3, c4b, k2, p3, k4.

Row 4: Sl 1, k6, p6, k3, p1, *k1, p5, k1, p1; repeat from * to last for sts, k4.

Row 5: Sl 1, k3, *p1, k7; repeat from * 3 more times, p4, k2, c4f, p2, k4.

Row 6: Sl 1, k6, p6, k3, p1, *k1, p5, k1, p1; repeat from * to last 4 sts, k4.

Row 7: Sl 1, k5, *p1, k3; rep from * 6 more times, p1, k2, p3, c4b, k2, p3, k4.

Row 8: Sl 1, k6, p3, k3, p3, *k1, p1, k1, p5; rep from * to last 10 sts, k1, p1, k1, p3, k4.

Repeat row 1-8 till piece measures approximately 11 to 11 ½ inches, end with 4 rows garter st.

Holiday projects

2008-12-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

The deadline is fast approaching and I only have one project completed. The River Rapids Socks for Jo are done.

The yarn is Cherry Tree Hill Supersock Merino in Tropical Storm, knit on size 2 dpns. No alterations to the pattern. I'm thrilled with these.

I still have to finish a stocking for my friend's baby.

As you can see, this is croche, I'm not only knitting these days. :) The yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease in worsted weight and I'm using a G hook. The colors are Navy, White Frost and Blue Heather. I need to go get anogther skien of the Blue Heather. I think I've made the foot a little too long, obviously I've been making too many socks. :)

The two remaining projects are also socks:

This one is Hedera from Cookie A. The yarn is Koigu. I'm very happy with the way these are turning out. I'll tell you all about the modifications I made later.

And this one is Monkey, also by Cookie A. This yarn is Claudia Hand Paints in Chocolate Cherry. I'm still waffling on this one. It's hard to tell here, I had to lighten the picture a bit to make the colors show up properly, but the colors are creating a sort of wide striping effect. I'm not sure I like the striping with this pattern. I did look at some of the projects on Ravelry and I see a lot of people have used stripy yarn. But..I'm still not sure. What do ya'll think?

Good idea!

2008-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:00

Does anyone read Michelle's blog? She's fellow Las Vegan and crafter. We met through the Las Vegas Knitters group. She is a lovely person, inside and out. I enjoy reading her blog, she has some very interesting recipes and lots of good crafty stuff. A while back she started making reusable cloth pads. These might seem a little wierd to some people, my friend Nicki thinks they're "creepy". I think they're brilliant, so I made some.

These are all made from cotton flannel. The ones with the two different prints used are panty liners. The ones made from a single print are pads, they have two layers of terrycloth (recycled from old kitchen towels). They also have a pocket opening that allows the insertion of additional terrycloth layers.

These are the terrycloth inserts:

They all have snap closures. I was afraid the snaps would be uncomfortable, but I can't feel the snaps at all. I have used them (after the pics were taken) and am very happy with them. I've purchased a few more flannels and some fleece and I plan to make lots more. I'm planning to have enough of these to stop using the paper ones entirely. Just a little less trash in our landfills.

In case your wondering...

2008-10-22T16:31:00.001-07:00

this is still a craft blog. My rant the other day was because I was so frustrated talking to cranky people all day long. I need a new job.

Anyhow, on a happier subject, I just discovered this. Dudes, I really wanna go. I'll have to work on that.

I am still knitting, lots. I don't have any pictures to show you because my laptop died and that's were the pictures are. I am working on a pair of socks for my good friend Jo, who we all lovely refer to as Ma. I am making Sock Bug's River Rapids Socks. You may recall I attempted this pattern once before and it didn't go so well with the yarn I was using. This time the yarn is working out much, much better. I am using Cherry Tree Hill in the Tropical Storm colorway. This time...it's the pattern that kicking my ass. Which I have to say is just stupid because it's really an easy pattern. I have had to frog sections of it three times so far for dumb mistakes. Apparently, I just can't seem to remember where I am in the pattern repeat. I'm still on the first sock and really the pair ought to be done by now. I have two more pairs of socks I really want to have done by the holidays for gifts, so I have got to get a move on.

Since the socks were beating me up so badly, I decided to cast on something new. I am making a pair of Knucks for my hubby. I love the yarn, it's a grey color, with some white flecks and a few little random flecks of light blue. You can only see the blue bits if you look really close and under the light. The yarn is Rowan Felted Tweed, I think the colorway is Whisper. This is some of the yarn a bought when I went to Pennsylvannia for my job training. I like the way they're coming out. I started out using DPN's, but I only have a set of four. When it turned out I really could use an extra needle I got out my Knit Picks set and used the circular needle to help me get all the little fingers in order and joined together. Now, I'm using the circular and magic loop to work the hand portion and I'm really much happier. I'm hoping to finish the first glove by the end of the week.

Just a little rant on the subject of insurance

2008-10-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

I'm not here to discuss politics and I am not addressing the issue of the millions of Americans who do not have access to medical insurance. I'm speaking directly to those of you who do have employer sponsored insurance coverage. I work in this field, specifically in customer service and claims processing. In the past few months I've noticed an alarming problem: A complete and total lack of education on the part of the insured. No one understands how their plan works, how much it pays, what you as the insured are going to have to pay out of pocket, what is covered and what isn't. I am going to place a small portion of the blame for this on the employers, but the bulk of it I'm placing on your shoulders, the insured members. When you were hired you were given plan documents, a Certificate of Coverage and a Schedule of Benefits. (If you weren't, go to your employer and demand these!)

Now assuming you have this, did you read it or did you throw it in a corner to collect dust? If you didn't at least look it over, you should. These documents contain very important information you need to know. Among the things you should know are:

1) Do you have a deductible? If, yes, how much is it? Is it based on a calender year?
2) Which services does it apply to?
3) Do you have a copay or coinsurance?
4) What is the percentage of your coinsurance?
5) Does your plan have a wellness benefit?
6) Does your plan have a pre-existing clause?
7) Is your plan an HMO or a PPO?
8) Is your plan fully insured (expenses paid by the insurance company) or self-insured (expenses paid by the employer itself)?
9) Are you covered if you travel from home?
10) If you are admitted to a hospital that is contracted with your plan and they call in a specialist who isn't, will his services be covered?

There is so much more you should know and it's all contained in those documents. TAKE THE TIME TO READ THEM. If you don't understand something, by all means, please ask for clarification. All I'm trying to say here is, take the responsibility and educate yourself so that you are not surprised next time you receive a denial from your insurance company. Also, if you have educated yourself, not only will you understand their reason for the denial, you will also be in a better position to refute the denial if the insurance company has made a mistake. You may even be able to avoid getting denials entirely, just by following your plan's guidelines.

Would you like to know what I did a couple of weeks ago?

2008-08-31T13:03:00.001-07:00

I had my sinuses remodeled. Seriously. Do you remember those headaches? I decided that the neurologist was on the wrong path so I took myself to an ear, nose and throat specialist. I had a few reasons to suspect it was a sinus issue. One: With my headaches I frequently had pain running through my left cheek and Two: I’ve lost count of the number of sinus infections I’ve had in recent years. So, the ENT ran of few tests, one of which was a sinus scan. The scan showed a “pocket” of air built up in my sinuses, yep, you guessed it, on the left side. So he recommended surgery. By the way, the “air pocket” has given my husband tons of ammo with “airhead” jokes.

I went to the hospital at 12:15 on Monday and left at 6:00 the same day. He did a bit of –plasty here and some resection there; some balloon inflating, and then of couple of splints to hold it all in place. (Hey, Margie, I’m really noticing a trend here, medical people are really into putting balloons in strange places.) Anyhow, after all that they gave me a refillable ice bag and some gauze, along with an elastic sling to hold it perfectly in place under the nose, they sent me on my way. They also gave me strict instructions not to blow my nose for two weeks.

After a few days of napping and recovering, I went back into the doctor’s office to have the splints removed. That was a strange sensation, and I won’t tell you about the little, itty, bity, vacuum he used. I am doing well, my nose is still a bit sore and it feels a little like the inside of my nose has been painted with superglue and allowed to dry. A few more days should resolve that. The doctor also gave me a bottle and some saline solution mixing packets. I have to rinse my sinuses twice daily. It softens up the dry crusty stuff and feels much better for about 10 minutes...until everything dries back up.

I don’t yet know if the surgery will get rid of my headaches yet, still too sore to tell. I will say that sneezing is incredibly painful, not as bad as when the splints were still in, but still.

Mi Vida Loca

2008-08-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

My crazy life. Things have been really wild and busy around here. A few weekends ago we went to Utah for our roommate Dave's little sister's wedding. It was a lovely ceremony and of course the bride was beautiful.

This is Katy and her father, George.

Everyone in Dave's family is so wonderful, I just adore them all. Do to some unfortunate circumstances, our weekend in Utah wound up being very stressful and we were forced to stay an extra day to resolve some issues. Dave's family was incredibly helpful and supportive throughout the ordeal. We will be eternally grateful to them. Sorry about the vagueness here, but the details are private.

Me and Lynn

The following weekend we drove to California for Dave's Mom's wedding. Another lovely ceremony and both brides were lovely. Yes, I said both, it was a lesbian wedding. They have been together for about 18 years and they decided to take advantage of the new law in California and make it legal. I'm thrilled for them.

Kathy and Peggy

I apologize for the crappy quality of this picture. I took it on my cell phone. Thankfully, the trip to California was better than the one to Utah, no unexpected ordeals.

I have a couple of new projects started. One is a Seraphina for a dear friend who is having a really rough time right now. (It seems as though everyone is struggling right now, hopefully things improve soon.) I'm using Jo-Ann Sensations Rainbow Boucle in pink/white. I've lost count of how many times I've made this pattern, it's definately one of my favorites. The other project is a Plastic Bag Tote. It's made from "yarn" created by recycling plastic shopping bags. There's a link on the pattern page on how to cut the bags up and turn them into the "yarn". Dave and our friend, Terri, did all the work cutting up the bags and rolling the yarn into balls for me. I should have enough to make a few bags, I'm not sure yet how many though. I'll be giving one of them to Terri for helping me out. :)

Good news!!!

2008-07-14T10:39:00.001-07:00

I have some excellent news about my nephew's condition. Here is the email I received from my brother explaining the situation.

>>>>I can't say enough about the fact that God is faithful to his people when they pray. We just got Parker's bloodwork back from 2 Sundays ago and the genetic disorder that the Dr's diagnosed him with we found out that he does not actually have. It was explained to us that the hospital just looks for indicators and he had all the indicators of this genetic disorder. But I truely believe it was each of your prayers that led the Great Physician to heal Parker from the 1st blood work done at the hospital to the 2nd set of tests run by the genetics dr. We are truely a blessed family and I think each of you for everything you do for us. And if you have had to deal with me and my wound up self throughout this ordeal I apologize if I have been a bit on edge. I can truely say that this is a huge monkey off of our back.

Sincerely,

Steven Liles <<<<

I'm very happy this came out OK for Steven and his baby. This is a huge relief for our family.

I have some bad news

2008-06-30T16:32:00.000-07:00

I talked to my Mom a couple of days ago and the doctors have discovered that Parker has a rare genetic disorder. It's called Medium Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency or MCADD. I know, that sounds really scary. If your curious here's a link. It's pretty serious, but manageable. If they keep a close watch on his diet and eating times he should be just fine. I'll let ya'll know if I learn anything new.

2008-06-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

I have baby pictures!

Check this little guy out, he's so cute!

This is my little brother Steven, his girlfriend Jamie, and Parker Earl. Everyone is home, healthy and happy. The baby is doing very well.

Announcement!!

2008-06-19T09:55:00.001-07:00

I am now an Auntie for the 14th time! My little brother's first child was born late last night.

Stats:
Parker Earl Liles (boy)
June 19, 2008 at 12:30
6 lbs, 5 ozs, 22 inches long
Curly hair and blue eyes.

I don't have any pictures yet. I'll upload something as soon as I get something from my brother.

2008-06-12T17:11:00.000-07:00

I finally got out my camera and took some pictures. So would like to see a finished object or two?

Here is my hat:

Grumperina's "Odessa" in Misti Alpaca Worsted, size 4 and 6 40" circulars, using the "magic loop" method.

Here is the hat I made for my roommate Dave. I used the same pattern I made my hubby's hat from. Shown here. The yarn is Classic Elite Inca Alpaca color #3302, it's a pretty blue with green, I bought it at Nancy's Quilt Shop here in Vegas. I used size 8 and 9 40" circulars, also using the "magic loop" method.

This picture was taken at the Boulder City Ren Fair. I was so close to finishing the hat, I was weaving in the ends in the car on the way there.

Here's what I did:

With smaller needle cast on 104 sts, knit a 2 x 2 rib for 4 1/2 inches. Then switch to larger needle, ss for 2 1/2 inches. 6 decreases (k2tog) evenly spaced around, decreasing every row until 14 sts left, cut yarn and thread thru the remaining sts, pull tight, weave ends.

I still have a few pictures to show, but I'll hold off on those (so I'll have something to post about.)

Modus Operandi

2008-05-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have a really bad habit of procrastinating on things. Things like laundry, filing the bills, writing in my blog... There's always a good reason for skipping, you know, something more important to do at the time. Then a a couple of days go by, then a couple of weeks or even months and suddenly you realize that you have no clean underwear or that its been three months you last posted anything. I keep telling myself I'm going to stay more on top of things, but it just never seems to stick. I blame it on my "artist's brain". So full of ideas for making pretty things that nothing mundane has a chance. Anyhow, life has been going OK. We just celebrated my hubby's birthday last week, he got a birthday dinner on Tuesday and a big BBQ in the park on Saturday. My job is going well, hubby's company has lots of work, the dogs are doing well and Dave is...well, Dave. I hope everyone out there in Blogland is doing well, too. I have lots of FO's to catch y'all up on, and some fun new projects to share. I try to post those soon, but...no promises. ;)

In the meantime, here's a picture to distract you:

Raspberry Cheesecake Monkeys

2008-02-20T16:34:00.000-08:00

I finished my first pair of Monkey socks. I say "first pair" because I strongly suspect I will be using this pattern again. The yarn is from Sock Pixie in the "Raspberry Cheesecake" colorway. Size 2.5 mm dpn's.

I added leg gussets to the back of these socks too. Here's a close-up:

I love these socks!!!

One out of three

2008-02-19T17:30:00.000-08:00

Not what I was going for. I'll admit, I over-committed myself. The only project I was able to complete for the Pahrump Fiber Arts show was the round ripple baby blanket. The Monkey Socks are really close, don't even ask about the hat. Angie, Mamie and I drove to Pahrump Wednesday to drop off the entries. The drop off place was The Quilted Dragon, this place is a beautiful little quilt shop. I bought some gorgous fabric. Anywho, our group has four entries. My crocheted baby blanket, a crochet baby blanket by Mamie, a crocheted turtle toy by Sandra and a pair of knitted socks from Angie. I can't wait to see how everyone does in the judging.

Here is a picture of my entry:

The yarn is TLC Baby in the "Snooky" colorway. Size G hook. It took 2 and a half skeins to made the blanket 45" across. I edged this with a round of reverse single crochet. I have a skeins and a half left so I'm thinking about making a jacket and hat. Any pattern suggestions (knit or crochet)?

This one is for my friend Tracy. The baby shower was this Saturday, so I wrote her an I.O.U. letter explaining that the blanket was entered in the Fiber Art Show and I would bring it to her afterwards, I included this picture of the blanket. She loved it and her husband was really flattered that I had made something for them that was so nice I could enter it in a show like that. It's really just a simple blanket, I'm happy he feels it's so special.

Baby fever

2008-02-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned my friends Liane and Josh? They had a baby girl at the end of December and she's beautiful. I went a little crazy and made several baby items for her.

This is the first set I made. A knitted cap and sock set. The hat didn't fit, but the socks do.

This set is crocheted. It's a bit bigger than the knitted set so it will be a couple of months before she can wear these.

Both set were made with leftover sport weight baby yarn from my stash. I don't know the brand name.

I also crocheted this little dress and matching shoes. The pattern is "Pink Parfait" by Rebecca Leigh, from Beautiful Baby Boutique. The yarn is Bernat Softee Baby. This is the 0-3 months size, but the baby is very, very small and my not be wearing this until she's about six months old.

This is the front.

This is the back.

I just love the shoes! I tempted to make another pair in black and white, I think they would be adorable. What do you think?

Happy Birthday Margie!

2008-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Tonight is our crochet group meeting and I got an email reminder that today is Margie's birthday. I'm thinking shots might be in order. ONLY 1 or 2, I have to be at work at 5 am tomorrow. Over the next few weeks we are training online with Pennsylvania, so we have to be logged in for thier time zone. Anywho, I missed last week's crochet meeting so I'm happy to be going tonight. I can't wait to see what everyone is submitting for the Pahrump Fiber Arts Show. I have some preliminary pictures of mine. Wanna see?

For the Crochet catagory:

A round ripple baby blanket. This is for my friend Tracy, she's having a boy in April. The yarn is TLC Baby in the "Snooky" colorway. Size G hook.

For the knitting catagory:

Grumperina's "Odessa" hat in Misti Alpaca worsted. The color looks a little turquoise here, but it's more of a country blue. I'm using the Magic Loop method. You can see I have a long way to go on this one.

Cookie A's "Monkey" socks. The yarn is from Sock Pixie in the Raspberry Cheesecake colorway. I'm using Knit Picks Harmony DPN's in size 2.5 mm. I love these needles! Thanks Sheri!! The first sock is almost finished.

For more info on these projects, visit me on Ravelry, I'm grandysdaughter there.

Ok, I'm off to work on these.

I'm back from Pennsylvania

2008-02-04T15:30:00.000-08:00

I returned from my trip safe and sound. It was an enjoyable trip. I'm going to like this new job very much. Everyone I met at the company was nice and so helpful. The hotel they put us in is is a good place to stay; the Inn at Reading. Training went well; our trainer, Sherry is wonderful. I chaneled the harlot and convinced her to take a sock picture.

After work hours we did a little shopping. We went to the VF Outlet and visited Coach, Dooney Burke, Lee, Wrangler and more. I didn't buy any purses, but I did buy some jeans for my hubby, oh and some shoes for me. We also went to the Berkshire Mall, where I bought a pair of shoes and a pair of silver hoop earrings. Anybody seeing a trend here?

Sherry took us to West Reading one day for lunch and I was able to visit a lovely yarn shop. The Yarn Gallery. This is a very nice little store, the ladies there were very friendly and helpful. I bought just a little bit of yarn and some circular needles, I post more about those later.

I saw a celebrity?!

Any idea who this is? My traveling companions and I didn't have a clue, we had to ask. We knew he was famous because people were talking excitingly and taking his picture. So, I took a couple of pictures too.

Apparently, it's Flava Flave. He was on our flight to Las Vegas. After we picked up my luggage, Flave fell in step with Lynn and I on our way out to the parking garage. I asked him how his flight was. He said it was good but that he was just happy to be going "h-o-m-e!" I couldn't have agreed more.

One last comment; I was more excited to see Leslie's baby at the airport than I was seeing Flava. Leslie is one of the other trainees that was traveling with me. She talked about her baby all week, how cute he is and how much she missed him. I have to agree, he is a cutie, I'd have missed him too.

I'm off to freeze my butt off.

2008-01-26T19:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I haven't done so well with my resolution to post at least once a week. I'll have to do a little catching up. Our crochet/knit meeting on Tuesday the 15th had 18 members in attendance! The most ever for our little group. It was so very exciting, several of them were newbies. I hope to see all of the new people come see us again. Our group is gearing up to participate in the 12th Annual Fiber Arts Show in Pahrump, NV. I'm very excited that our group will be represented.

Tana is doing very well. She saw the eye specialist this past week. We are treating the eye with drops to increase her tear production. This should help it self-heal. We'll check back in with the doctor in a month. If there is no sign of regrowth of the mass she probably won't need additional surgery.

Angie is loving her new job, I'm very happy for her.

And me, I'm leaving for Pennsylvania in the morning. I'm going to visit the companies corporate offices for orientaion and training. I'l be back late Friday afternoon. I'm a little nervous, but I'm also very happy to be returning to work. I will be working from home paying medical insurance claims and taking some customer service calls. I'm very interested to see how their program works.

When I get back I will post some FO photos for you. I've been working on some baby items for my friend Larry. I'm almost done with all her stuff. My friends Ryan and Tracy are having a baby too. A little boy due in April. I started a blanket for them. And my little brother is having a baby in June. We don't know the sex of that one yet. I'm contemplating what to make for him.

Well, ya'll have a good week and I'll see you when I get back.

Lots of good news!

2008-01-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

First: Tana's stitches came out and the cone came off. She's doing very well. She will be seeing the oncologist soon.

Second: My friend Larry had her baby. A little girl, 5 pounds and 17 inches long.

Third: I got a new job! The best part is I will be working from home. I'll be going to Pensylvania at the end of the month for training. I'm so excited, I can't wait.

Fourth: My good friend Angie got a new job too!

We'll be doing some celebrating this weekend!

The "C" word.

2007-12-27T12:09:00.001-08:00

The animal hospital called yesterday to tell me that the results came back on the mass taken from Tana's eye. It's Squamous Cell Carcinoma. While I was trying to breathe again, the guy on the phone asked me if I knew what those terms meant. Yeah, I know, its CANCER. My dog has skin cancer. That's one word you never imagine you'll hear associated with your dog. I'll have to take her to an oncologist for a consult. The vet said they'd probably want to do a "further resection" on her eye and "aspirate the lymph nodes on that side of her body". Another surgery, ugh. My poor puppy. I asked about further treatment and he really didn't know, that's why they're referring me to an oncologist. I'll keep you all updated as we go along here.

How about another random picture just to lighten the mood?

The River Walk in San Antonio. We went to San Antonio last year for Lynn's nephew's graduation from basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. We stayed in a lovely hotel right on the River Walk, it was so beautiful there.

Breakfast cookies

2007-12-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

Every year when I was little my dad would make Bisquick sausage balls for breakfast on Christmas day. I've made it a tradition to make them for my family every year now. I love these things!

Bisquick Sausage Balls

1 pound breakfast sausage

3 cups bisquick

2/3 cup milk

4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease cookie sheet.

2. Brown sausage, allow to cool.

3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. You will probably need to use your hands so make sure the sausage is cooled enough.

4. Shape into 1 inch balls and bake 20 to 25 minutes.

I hope you enjoy this one. Have a happy holiday! I'm off to finish shopping for presents!

All is well

2007-12-21T13:20:00.000-08:00

Tana came home late yesterday afternoon. She is doing just fine and her eye doesn't look bad at all. She has a couple of stitches that will have to be removed in two weeks. In the meantime she has to keep the cone on her head to keep her from scratching the sutures out. I don't know how I'm going to manage to keep that thing on her for two weeks. I've already discovered that it makes it very difficult for her to eat and drink. The edge of it pushes her dish away when she puts her head down to eat. I fed her by hand last night and this morning. The water dish is rather large so when she drinks the whole cone has to go in which poors water down her chin when she lifts her head, but again a smaller dish gets pushed away. Any suggestions you have that might make this easier for her would be much appreciated. I did zero knitting and crocheting last night. I felt so bad for Tana, I took the stupid cone off and just held her all evening. I put it back on her before bedtime and learned that thing is a pain to put on. I have to carry her up and down the stairs too, because she can't see them clearly. Now you all know what a complete softie I am when it comes to my dog.

In knitting news: I finished Lynn's hat. Here's a picture.

He loves it. Now I'm back to work on the Devil Baby Blanket. The baby will be here by year end, so I better knit fast!

Tana's going to have a rough day.

2007-12-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Resting peacefully with no idea what's in store.

Isn't she cute? I'm stressing a little today because my baby has gone to the vet for surgery. She has a mass growing on her right eye that must be cut out. They are going to have to take a little bit of her eyelids to get all of the mass. The mass was growing so it was necessary to get it removed before it got to large and she lost the eye completely. They are cleaning her teeth while she under anaesthesia too. I'm anxious for her to come home. She's going to be mad at me for days though.

Doesn't it look awful?

She going to have to wear one of those cone things on her head and that is so going to piss her off. I wouldn't like it either. I'll post again when she comes home and let ya'll know how she's doing.

More sewing and some partying.

2007-12-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

Our crochet group drew names for a Holiday exchange. I drew Margie. She is a knitter as well as a crocheter. I planned to make her a DPN needle holder like the one I made myself last week. Then I learned Margie would prefer one for circular needles. So this is what I came up with:

This is what it looks like all folded up. I crocheted the hanger for it as well.

This is what the inside looks like. I picked the skull fabric because of this. Go see, it's really cool. So I knew she'd like the skulls. Last night was our crochet meeting and gift exchange party. Margie loved it. I'm so happy.

The meeting/party was great fun last night. My dear friend and "adopted little sister" came with me. This is Nicki:

She's working a scarf for a friend of ours. This next picture is a newbie to the group (I'm sorry I don't remember her name), Margie, Sherri and Mame. Sherri drew my name, she got me an awesome set of Harmony Sock DPN's. Thank you!!

This is Sandra and Sandy.

This is Susan, Deb and Angie.

Everyone had a good time, as usual. If you haven't joined us for a meeting, you really ought to come down sometime. Every Tuesday night at the O'Aces on Cheyenne and Rainbow.

I got sidetracked

2007-12-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

I was planning on writing a blog post, but when I logged into the computer, I got sidetracked on EBay looking at iPod cases. Who knew there were so many different kinds of cases? Leather, silicone, crystal, aluminum, acrylic. Hard case or soft? Do I want an arm band, neck strap, or a belt clip? Too many choices. I'll have to decide later my brain is too far gone from all the holiday shopping hubby and I did today. Besides, I don't have any money left.

I'm tired just thinking about all the wrapping we have to do now. How are ya'll coming on your holiday shopping?

The knitting on the new hat is going slowly and hubby keeps asking when it'll be done. He claims his ears are cold. I shouldn't have told him the hat was for him, he's gonna make me nuts until I finish it.

How about a random pic, just for fun?

This was taken in Amsterdam at Vondelpark in May of 2005. Awesomely beautiful, huh? That park rocked, it was so pretty there.

Do you like cranberries?

2007-12-14T08:57:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share my favorite holiday recipe for cranberry salad. I've always loved this stuff. My family made it for holiday dinners when I was kid and now I make it.

Cranberry Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 20 oz can of crushed pineapple (drained)
1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups mini marshmellows
1 12 oz container of whipped topping

Directions:

1. Wash cranberries and remove any bad ones. Coarsely chop cranberries in a food processor. Place ground cranberries in a large, non-metal bowl and stir in sugar. Cover bowl and refrigerate overnight.

2. Stir in crushed pineapple, chopped pecans and whipped topping. Fold in mini marshmellows.

Enjoy!

Prototype

2007-12-12T16:35:00.000-08:00

I did a little bit of sewing today. Can you guess what this is?

It's a DPN Roll.

Those are US sizes 000 through 5 dpns. I have room to get sizes 6 through 11, including 10 1/2.

I made a fold down top to keep the needles from falling out.

The fabric is just some stuff I had here in my craft room. It came as a package with all three fabrics together. I'd bought it because I loved the color combinations. I'm glad i finally found a good use for it. I'm happy with the way it turned out, but I can definitely see where I'll make changes if I make another one.

100th post

2007-12-11T21:46:00.000-08:00

Hey ya'll it's my 100th post! Woo hoo! Took me a while to get here, hopefully the next 200 won't take as long. You know that hat I mentioned on Monday? It's finished. I don't have any pics, I gave it to one of my hubby's friends. Mike had asked me to make him a hat because he was the only guy in the company who didn't have a one. It's finally gotten cold enough to need a hat here. I've started another hat now, this one is for my hubby:

This is Misti Alpaca Hand Dyed in worsted weight 4 ply. It's so soft and beautiful. It's a delight to knit with, I think I'm in love. This colorway is navy, tan and brown, I bought it at Nancy's Quilt Shop. They have another colorway in pinks and browns that I might have to go back for. I did go back and get some more alpaca to make a couple more hats.

This first one is more Misti Alpaca worsted in a solid blue. Color #6309. This is sort of a dusty, country blue.

This second one is Classic Elite Inca Alpaca color #3302. This one is very soft and has a bit of green running through the blue. I want to make a hat for our roommate, Dave. I knew it had to be blue, but I wasn't sure which one he'd like. He picked the Inca Alpaca. So I'm thinking I might pick up some beads and make an Odessa hat from the Misti Alpaca.

The guys really like this yarn too, it will be very soft and comfortable to wear. I told my husband he was getting an "upgrade" from $2.00 acrylic to $20.00 alpaca. He claimed he deserved it. Ha ha ha. Maybe just this once since he did give me an Ipod.

Bias Scarf

2007-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Have you tried knitting on the bias yet? It's really fun. I just finished a scarf in this technique. Whatcha think?

The yarn is TLC Essentials in Shaded Denim. Using size 10 straight needles, I cast on 24 stitches and used the entire skein. Finished size is 4 inches by 86 inches.

I've moved onto a new project. I'm making my first knitted hat. I'm using Bernat Satin in Ebony. Size 8 circulars using Magic loop. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Happy Anniversary to me!

2007-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday the 6th was my 14th wedding anniversary. 14 years!!! I can't believe I've let him live this long. :) He surprised me with a really cool present:

An iPod Nano. I love it! It has 8 gigs of memory and I've filled it half full already. I had a Rio Carbon that was 5 gigs and completely full. The volume button on it had broken (on loud), I've been using headphones with an in-line volume control for quite some time now. Hubby decided I just couldn't have a broken mp3 player anymore. He's really quite sweet sometimes. Anyhow, I was able to upload all the music I had previously copied to my laptop for the old player. It took over 5 hours for the computer to convert all the songs files (from Rio's file type to iPod's file type). I had over 1000 songs. The file type iPod uses must be smaller somehow, because it took up a little less space than before.

The iPod requires you to use iTunes to manage your files. Having access to the iTunes store could be a really bad thing for me. I downloaded a handful of music videos just so I could see how the video quality is on the Nano. It's really clear and looks great. Those cost me $1.99 each. Songs are $0.99. I have to resist the urge to look at the music, I could spend a fortune! Instead I have been listening to Podcasts, they're free. I've really enjoyed them.

Here are some of my favorites so far:

CRL with Vickie Howell

Knit Picks Podcast

Lime and Violet's Podcast

Yarn Craft this one is from Lion Brand yarns and the current episode has a wonderful interview with Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

I still have a few others to listen to, I'll let you know if I like them. No, they aren't all about knitting, I did download a couple of other subjects.

I finally got it right

2007-12-05T16:12:00.001-08:00

It took a few tries to get the pattern right, but here they are. Colinette Jitterbug socks in the Jay colorway, one skein, five size 2 / 2.75mm Knit Picks double point needles.

The color distribution is pretty wild. I really do like it and I'm glad I went with a plain ribbing rather than a lace design. Here are a couple of detail pictures.

I cast on 64 stitches and worked a 1 1/2 inch p2, k2 ribbing cuff. For the leg, I worked a 5 1/2 inch rib as followes--with 16 sts on each needle, p1, k2, p2, k4, p2, k4, p1. (Note: I did shift one stitch to the needle on the right all the way around to make the different rib patterns match up, sort of.) I made a slip stitch heel over 32 sts for 32 rows. The foot is plain stockenette. I'm very happy and hubby likes them too.

Did you miss me?

2007-11-15T13:23:00.000-08:00

Wow! I just signed on to post and realized how very long it's been since I was here last. Man, am I lame. It has been busy here though. The last weekend of September we went to Six Flags Magic Mountain in CA. It was hubby's business partner's daughter's 17th birthday. We took most of the companies employee's with us, plus a handful extra. We rented a beautiful house up in the mountains about an hour from the park. When we arrived we went to the grocery store and stocked the fridge and ate most of our meals at the house instead of the park. Don't worry, we still managed to eat lots of park food anyway. I've got lots of pictures, I get some up when I finish fighting with Flickr.

In the meantime, I have some sock pictures for you. I started these to learn short row toes and heels. I'm on a mission to learn all the different techniques I can. I used the stitch pattern from Wendy's Double Eyelet Rib Socks. I just used short row toes and heels instead of her toes and heels.

I really like the wire hanger sock forms. When I wash my socks, I just hang them from the shower curtain rod in the bathroom to dry. I got the instructions here.

Here is a closeup of the stitch detail:

And now a detail of the heel and toe:

When I finished the socks I gave them to the birthday girl I mentioned earlier. Before I gave them to her I made a simple paper band. I just used card stock and typed up a little note in Word. I included fiber content and washing instructions:

Holding pattern

2007-09-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

You know that new pair of socks I cast on the other day? I'm not happy with them. The Colinette JitterBug is gorgous, shades of tuquoise varying from light to dark, with bits of cranberry, burgundy, green and blue sprinkled in. I'm very much in love with the color. The problem is I don't like it with the stitch pattern. The colors are pooling, a lot. So much so that the socks appear to be one color and one side and a different color on the other. I also think the yarn is too dark to see the stitch pattern well.

Exhibit A

This side of the sock is mostly dark.

Exibit B

This side of the sock is mostly light.

Exibit C

This is a view between the two above (I rotated 1 needle instead of flipping it over.) You can see that the color pools are starting to "travel" around the sock. I'm OK with with that, I just don't think it works with the stitch pattern. I'm debating on finishing the socks and giving them away, or frogging them to the ribbing and working them in a simpler pattern. Possibly just plain old stockinette or a wide ribbing?

I would still love to make this sock pattern, but I think I want a lighter colorway with less variation. Good excuse for yarn shopping!

In the meantime, I started a new crochet project. I using the new Red Heart Soft Yarn I purchased a few weeks ago. It's a beautiful shade of purple. (You might have noticed a trend here, yes purple is one of my favorite colors, my other favorite is green.)

I'm giving the shracket from Uncommon Threads another shot. I recently mentioned I had attempted this pattern before and didn't have enough yarn for it. I think I'm good this time, I've got three skeins. I'm using an N instead of a P hook. I thought P was just larger than necessary.

I let you know how it goes.

Finished socks for hubby

2007-09-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

Grey Striped Cascade Fixation Socks

I've completed my second pair of socks in Cascade Fixation. This pair is for my husband.

Details:
Cascade Fixation color #9192, self-striping shades of gray.
Size 3 DPNs

Hubby likes them very much, as soon as I finished them he put them on and wore them for the rest of the day. I had to steal them back this morning in order to take the picture.

New Socks

2007-08-31T22:25:00.000-07:00

I cast on a new pair of socks today. I am using Collinette Jitterbug in the Jay colorway. I purchased this yarn in San Fransisco when Angie and I were on the Yarn Harlot trip. I'm using Sockbug's River Rapids pattern. I am making these for the Ravelry Sockdown Challenge.

I tried casting these onto a Size 1 47" Addi circulars to make both socks at the same time. Wrangling the cable and two balls of yarn was just more of a challenge than I was up for, so I switched to my Knit Picks DPN's. I'm using Size 1 - 2.5mm. It's going much better.

Ravelry

2007-08-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

I finally got my invite to Ravelry about two weeks ago. I'm loving it. I've been very busy uploadng pictures of my stash and my projects. I can't wait to see everyone when they go live. I'm under the name Grandysdaughter so feel free to add me as a friend.

I’m locked out of my own brain today.

2007-08-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

I’m going through my day today doing stupid stuff that would make people think I have no brain. I know I’ve got one, I used it before (once or twice); but, for some reason today I can’t seem to access it. My headache isn’t too bad today so that’s not it. Maybe my brain just went on vacation without me. I’m so glad it’s Friday.

Anybody else ever lose access to their brain?

Butterfly Rib progress

2007-08-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of progress pictures of my Butterfly Rib socks. I've completed the first sock and the second is cast on.

I'm very happy with the way the gusset in the back came out. Hopefully I can repeat what I did for the second sock.

One skein?

2007-08-17T12:34:00.000-07:00

I haven’t broken down and cast on any new socks yet, but I did have a breakdown of another kind. I’ve been eyeing Red Heart’s new Soft line since it came out. I’ve been dying to try it out but I’ve been resisting it…until today. I went to Michaels at lunch and three skeins of the Lavender color just begged to come home with me. I haven’t turned into a yarn snob yet; I still love my easy care acrylic yarn.

I’m thinking I’m going to try this shrug again, the "shracket" version. I had attempted this once before in Red Heart Super Saver in a variegated color I just loved. The problem was I only had one skein and it just wasn’t enough…and wouldn’t you know it…Red Heart had discontinued that particular color. I could only find it online and was just too lazy to order it. So I frogged my progress and wound the yarn back up. I still haven’t decided what to do with it now. I’m still very much in love with the colors in it. What can you make from a single skein of variegated Red Heart Super Saver?

For the love of sock knitting

2007-08-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Twice a day I go outside with my friend and co-worker to take a break. She smokes, I knit. Today one of our shop guys happened to walk by. He stopped to say “Hello”, then looked at me and said “You’re knitting!” He sounded a bit surprised.

I answered him, “Yes, I am.” Hee hee hee, I’ve just shocked another Muggle!

Then he asked “Is that a sock?”

“Yes, it is.” Woohoo, I’ve reached the point where my tube of knitting is recognizable as a sock.

Just for fun I did some knitting in a bar yesterday when my friend and I went to lunch. Might as well, that place is a little slow with the food. My friend looked a little embarrassed to be seen with me knitting there. She’s just begun to crochet; I don’t have her fully converted yet.

I received a very lovely surprise yesterday. My friend, Angie gave me Knit Picks new Double Pointed Needle Sock Set! I’m so excited; I can’t wait to try them out. It’ll be a couple of weeks though, since I currently have three pairs of socks going right now. Although, don’t be surprised if I break down and cast on another pair, just because I can.

Purple Socks

2007-08-07T09:00:00.001-07:00

Purple Cascade Fixation Socks

They are Cascade Fixation Color #6388 in Trekcelt's Varsity Socks in a solid purple. I had a little difficulty working with this yarn in the beginning but I finally got the hang of it. I'm very happy with the way this pair turned out. The picture is a bit off in color, they look blue here. They really are purple.

Just so ya'll know....

2007-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

I didn't fall off the planet. I'm doing OK. I finished a pair a socks a couple of weeks ago. They are Cascade Fixation Color #6388 in Trekcelt's Varsity Socks in solid purple. I'll try to get some pics. I started a new pair in Cascade, no real pattern this time. It's a self striping colorway in shades of gray. I'm making them for my husband, although there are days I don't think the grouchy a** deserves them. I'm also working on my Butterfly Rib Socks in the purple Koigu I bought in Petaluma. I restarted them to add a gusset to the back of the leg to better fit my chubby legs. I'm very happy with the way the gusset came out. Last night I took a needle and ran some cotton thread through the stitches and took them off the DPN's so I could try the sock on. Perfect! Hopefully I can remember exactly how I did the gusset so I can repeat it on the second sock. Anyhow the first sock is back on its needles and I'm going to be starting the heel very soon.
I'm still crocheting as well. I've been working on my fall colors blanket. It's a five color repeat with a main contrast color row between each color. So that makes the pattern a ten-row repeat. The length of the blanket with take 14 repeats, I'm on the seventh repeat. Woohoo, almost halfway there! I really want to finish this one soon.
It seems I need to bust out the camera and take a bunch of pictures for ya'll. Maybe tomorrow, tonite is our Crochet Meeting. See you there!

Finished Seraphina

2007-07-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

I finished my Seraphina

Our local crochet group here in HELL (I mean Las Vegas..it's been up to 120 degrees the last week or so), decided a while back we would do a Crochet-a-long. We were all making the Seraphina shawl in various yarns. Mine is in Patons Grace in the "Lavander" colorway. I finished weaving in ends on Friday, but I still need to block it. Many of our group have already finished thiers. Angie even made two! You can see some pictures here.

How I am supposed to sleep through this?

2007-07-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend I had one more medical test to take. A sleep study. My primary doctor ordered it. He thinks I might have sleep apnea. This is where your throat closes up and you stop breathing at night and when you gasp for air you wake up. Apparently this can happen up to one hundred times a night and you may never realize it! I have very severe allergies (read: allergic to everything under the sun.) According to my mother I have always snored very badly, even as a small child because of my allergies. My husband says I snore and claims to have heard me stop breathing on occasion. Since I’ve never heard myself snore I can’t confirm this.

Anyhow, I went to the Sleep Center on Saturday night and checked in. They connected a ton of electrodes to me. There were two on each of my legs, one under my chin (along with a microphone), one next to each eye, one under each ear, and several on the back of my head. In addition to that, they put straps around my abdomen and chest with sensors on them. It’s a good thing I took a sleeping pill; otherwise, I’d never have slept with that much crap glued/tied to my body.

I haven’t heard anything on results yet, but I’m a little concerned as to the quality of data they may have gotten. You see, sometime in the middle of the night a really loud alarm went off. It scared the hell out of me. When I buzzed to technicians, they came into the room and seemed a bit surprised by the sound. Apparently they hadn’t heard it up front. They returned a couple of minutes later to tell me it was from someone breaking into one of the nearby stores (the sleep center is located in a strip mall.) Yeah, so much for getting a good night’s sleep.

They “put me to bed” around 10 pm and came in around 5:30 in the morning to release me. Hopefully they got the data they needed, ‘cause I gotta tell you, I do not want to do that again! I still have glue in my hair, even after washing it.

See the baby?

2007-06-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

My friend, Angie and I went to San Francisco/Petaluma to see Stephanie Pearl-McPhee a couple of weeks ago. She's on tour promoting her new book. (It's a great book.)

I finally downloaded all the pictures from my camera today. This picture is from our first day there. We went to Pier 39, ate clam chowder, checked out the sea lions and shopped. Lots of shopping.

Isn't he cute!

We maybe shopped too much. We found this really wild tea that blooms into flowers when you brew it. It tastes really good too.

I'll post more pictures tomorrow. Right now my head is trying to explode.

These guys really like to bark!

Under pressure

2007-06-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

After having to wait an extra week because the lab didn't draw enough blood for all the tests.....I finally have a diagnosis. The lab called while I was on vacation in San Fransisco to tell me I needed to come back in and have the additional blood draw. I took care of that on Monday after we got home. The doctor's office called me to schedule my follow-up and they told me the one test the lab didn't get done takes 10 days to run. You'd think they could have run that one and skipped something that didn't take as long to process!!!

Anyhow, I finally saw the doctor and all the labs were normal, as was the chest x-ray. The diagnosis? Excess pressure in my spinal fluid is creating my headaches. WTF??? It's just some strange thing that happens to some women, usually those who are overweight. He gave me a prescription to take to help lessen the pressure and advised me to lose weight. He felt he didn't need to take a lumbar pucture to verify the diagnosis unless I really wanted him to. Yeah, I'll pass. His opinion is based on looking into my eyes (with a really bright light) and seeing that my optic nerve is flat. Apparently having this pressure in your head places pressure on your eyes as well and can cause a loss of vision. Great...lose weight or go blind. Well, I guess I have some serious dieting to do and some major incentive. I'm also thinking an appointment with my eye doctor is in order.

The results are in...we need more tests.

2007-06-01T17:15:00.000-07:00

My appointment with the neurologist to go over the MRI's and the EMG was yesterday. Everything came back normal. The only thing they found was some swollen lymph nodes in my neck. Those are probably the result of a recent upper respiratory infection. Since I haven't had an upper respiratory infection quite some time we were "back to the drawing board". We went back over all my symptoms, headache, neck pain, ear aches, pain radiating down my left arm, stuffy nose. I told him I had expected the head MRI to show a sinus infection. I asked him if my symtoms could be the result of some other kind of infection. He said if it was my primary care doctor would have found it in the bloodwork. I informed him that my primary care doctor hadn't done any bloodwork. So he order lots of blood tests and a chest x-ray (to check for that upper respiratory infection). It's about damn time, I've told my primary care doc a couple of different times I thought it might be an infection!!

The neurologist did tell me about another possibility. He said my headaches could be caused by excess pressure in my spinal fluid. He wants to do a lumber puncture. Yeah, not real thrilled with that idea. He said I didn't have to make a decision right then, I could go home and discuss it with my husband first. I told him I wanted to wait until we had the results from the lab work and chest x-ray. Lynn agreed when I told him.

The doctor also gave me a couple of other options. He told me about a headache specialist in town I could go to. The only problem is he's not on my insurance. I'd have to pay him out-of-pocket. We'll hold off on that for now, I don't have that kind of money. He also mentioned a type of drug for depression that sometimes helps people with headaches like mine. If the tests don't come up anything I might try it. I'll have to research it first.

So, still no anwsers, but at least we're getting closer.

7 Random Things

2007-05-26T14:05:00.000-07:00

There’s this thing going around on several of the blogs I read where you are supposed to list seven random things about yourself. So here goes:

1: As a kid I lived on wheels. I was on roller skates or a bike, every single day. My best friend and I used to skate back and forth across her front porch listening to the soundtrack to “Footloose”.

2: I was born in Colorado, but raised in Texas. The town I grew up in only has a population of about 2800 people. I’ve also never been east of Texas (in the U.S.)

3: I was born with two earlobes on my left ear. I think technically the one was somehow split so it appeared to be two. You couldn’t really see the second lobe; it was a smaller one behind a larger one in front. Doctors told my Mom it would eventually “drop down” and be normal. It never did. I had my ears pierced at 11 years old (it was only through the front lobe) and a couple a years later the piercing tore all the way out. At 14, I had surgery to repair the rip and they cut off the back earlobe. If you look you can see where it used to be.

4: I have 2 sisters and 3 brothers. My sisters are from my mom’s first marriage and my two older brothers are from my biological father’s first marriage. After I was born they got divorced and my mom later remarried. Her third husband adopted all three of her girls and a few years later they adopted my little brother. They are still married today and he is the man I call my “Dad”.

5: My husband and I were introduced on a blind date. My cousin Laurie and I were sharing an apartment at the time and she only introduced me to Lynn because she hated the guy I was dating at the time. (She was right, the guy was a jerk.)

6: I have no musical talent, but I really wish I did. My sisters used to tell me I couldn’t “carry a tune in a bucket”. I don’t sing in the shower but I will crank the stereo and sing in my car. I sometimes sing in my office when I’m working.

7: I am the world’s biggest klutz, always have been. I trip over thin air and bang my arms and legs on everything in my path. I knock things over and spill drinks. It’s a really good thing I never became a waitress or went to work in an antique shop.

Ok, that’s enough random for one day.

Beaten, burned, electrocuted and stabbed

2007-05-24T10:53:00.000-07:00

The last few days have been rather exciting. We went camping this weekend in Parker, AZ. We stayed in La Paz County Park, right on the Colorado River. There were sixteen of us that went, we had our own little “tent city”. We bar-b-que’d and rented Sea-doo’s and floated on a big raft. It was a really good weekend. The “beaten” part would be the little sore spot on the side of my head my where I bonked it on the lamp hanging in the center of our tent and the “burned” is the sunburn on my chest. I wore sunscreen and tried to stay out of the sun as much as possible but somehow managed to sunburn just the tops of my knees and my cleavage. My knees are no big deal but the boob burn really itches right now.

The prior auth for the EMG finally came through and I had that done yesterday at lunch. That accounts for the “electrocution and stabbing.” The tech put all these little stickers on my hands, some were little squares on my palms others were long thin strips that wrapped around my fingers. Then he clamped wires to some of them. He took a marker and made little blue hash marks on my wrists. Finally he took a gizmo that looked an awful lot like a tazer gun and dipped the prongs in some gel and touched the hash marks with it and sent little zaps of electricity through my arms. He did this several times from several different places on my wrists and elbows, occasionally moving the wires around to different stickers. When he was done testing both my arms he called the doctor in to conduct the second part of the test. The doctor stuck a needle in my hand and arm in several different places and then had me flex that muscle. With the needle in it! (Remind me not to do this test again.) All of this is supposed to tell them if I have a pinched nerve somewhere that’s causing my headaches. I have a couple of small bruises from needle and my arm is a little sore today, but it’s not too bad. I’ll let ya’ll know when I get the results.

MRI's are really loud

2007-05-16T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, I went in on Saturday morning and had the MRI on my head and then again on Monday morning for one on my neck. It wasn't too bad. After you change into the "high fashion" nightgown, they lay you on the table and push it into the machine. They give you headphones and put it on whatever radio station you like. The headphones also allow them to talk to you from their controls outside the booth. They take several different scans and each scan lasts a different length of time, anywhere from 20 seconds to five minutes. The machine makes a "knocking" sound while it does the scans. The knocking is quite loud loud and changes in tone and rhythm from scan to scan. The table was a little uncomfortable as it is narrow and there was no were to lay my arms, I had to hold them up, which caused my left arm to ache. After the several scans the tech gave me an injection of contrast and took one more scan. Laying very still for the head scan was fairly easy, for the neck scan it was a little harder. I wasn't supposed to swallow, but my throat has been feeling very dry and I'm having some sinus drainage so that part was very difficult. I wound up involuntarily swallowing a few times. You don't realize how often you automatically swallow until your not supposed too.

I called the Neurologist to see if he had the results yet. He does, but he still wants to do one more test. A nerve conduction study, an EMG. The test still has to be prior authorized and scheduled. Once that's done, then he'll bring me in for an appointment to go over all the tests. Grrr. Arggg. Frustrating heh?

That's alright, I'm "smarter that the average bear" (as my Daddy says). I went by Steinburg Diagnostic on my way home and picked up copies of the reports. The report for my brain MRI says that my brain is fine-no tumors. Whew! The one for my neck says all my vertebrae are OK. The only thing that one mentions is some swollen lymph nodes-possibly related to an upper respiratory infection. I keep telling my regular doctor I think I've got an infection!! Unfortunately, I still have to play the waiting game with these guys.

Tana in the duffle

2007-05-15T16:57:00.000-07:00

I came downstairs on Saturday morning to find this on my living room floor:

After I laughed my butt off, I just had to take a picture. She doesn't seem to get the joke, though. After I took a couple of picures of her, Lynn picked her up in the duffle so I could take a couple more. She really didn't appriciate this much. But she looks so cute.

That's my hubby and our other dogs are in the background there.

Fetching FO's

2007-05-12T17:57:00.001-07:00

While I was taking sock pictures the I thought I'd take some pictures of the finished Fetching gloves. Yes, they were finished ages ago and I never got aroung to taking the pictures. The pink ones are for me and the blue ones are for my Mom. These were made with sport weight yarn on size 3 DPN's.

Finished Twinkle socks and First sock

2007-05-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

The Twinkle socks are done!

I finished them at the Crochet Meeting on Tuesday. This is my first knitted pair and I had lots of fun making them. I will definately be knitting lots more! These where knit from the cuff down loosely following the Yarn Harlot's instructions from Knitting Rules. The yarn is Lion Brand Baby Soft in Twinkle Print knit on four Size 3 DPN's.

I did finish that first wool sock. I thought ya'll might like to see it too. I'm not sure yet what I'll do with it. The foot is too big around and too short to actually fit anyone.

Laurie would be ashamed of me

2007-05-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

If you haven’t read Crazy Aunt Purl today…read her first. She’s very unhappy about the types of women’s t-shirts available today. Did you read it? OK, here’s why she’d be ashamed of me. Today I’m wearing a baby pink, cap sleeve t-shirt with Tinkerbell on it and it’s got lots of sparkles. It says “Simply Spoiled” on it in big yellow letters. My husband hasn’t seen it yet, but I’m sure he’ll agree with its sentiment. By the way, I think Laurie and I are close to the same size, so I’ve got some of that “armchub” she mentioned. Oh well, sorry Laurie!!

On the headache issue...MY MRI HAS BEEN APPROVED!
Turns out the doctor actually ordered two, one with contrast and one without. I have one scheduled for Saturday morning and the other on Monday morning. I'll let ya'll know how they go.

Crochet-a-long

2007-05-07T19:25:00.000-07:00

Our Crochet Group has decided to do a Crochet-a-long and we're making Seraphina shawls! I've made several already which you can see and my blog here. (Check under "Completed Items".) I'm excited, I've been looking for a good excuse to make another one. I really love this pattern! It works up so beautifully in just about any yarn you want to use. Since I have one in Lion Brand Homespun, a nice heavy weight winter shawl, I've decided to make one in Patons Grace for a nice light weight for summer. I chose the Lavander colorway, it's shaded from a medium purple to a very light purple to white to a peacock blue. I can't wait to get started.

I made my husband proud

2007-05-04T19:35:00.000-07:00

The prior authorization for the MRI was requested one week ago yesterday and still hasn't been approved. So I talked to my Human Resources lady here at work and she called our company's insurance broker. She put me on the phone with our representative and I explained my situation. The woman on the phone, Lisa, was very helpful, she emailed me a release form to fill out allowing her to speak on my behalf. I completed the form and faxed it back to her. Now she is going to contact our insurance company for me and try to expidite the process. My husband was very impressed.

Stressed out spazmo

2007-04-25T19:11:00.000-07:00

The appointment with the neurologist went OK. He felt me up around my neck and back, hit me with a little rubber hammer, touched me with a vibrating tuning fork and poked me with a safety pin. Sounds kinky huh? He was testing my reflexes and sensations. His verdict: the only thing wrong with me is stress. He ordered an MRI "just to be sure". I have to wait until the insurance company approves it. I'll let ya'll know when that happens. He didn't say it, but I think he wanted to tell me I need therapy. Maybe I just need a vacation.

Finally

2007-04-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow is the big day. I'm finally going to the neurologist for my headaches. I just have to swing by the Steinburg on the way there and pick up the films from my neck x-rays. Dudes, cross your fingers they figure this shit out. My head was so bad this weekend, it was radiating down into my left arm again. I sat in my chair on Sunday morning and cried. I tried not to cry this morning too. I've barely crocheted or knit anything in the last couple of days. I slept most of the day on Saturday though. Meanwhile, my hubby and roommate cleaned the entire downstairs, did some grocery shopping and bar-b-cued. Of course, this was all because they had a big poker game, but hey, it was still a nice thing to do.

In other news, Angie came over on Friday night and brought her swift and ball winder. We had lots of fun winding sock yarn in little balls. (Just don't ask Angie about the skein of Tofutsies that became a huge knotty mess on us.)

When did that happen?

2007-04-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

I was getting ready to go to the Crochet Meeting last night and I was trying to decide what project to take when I realized the only projects I'm currently into right now are...knitting. I've been a crocheter for years and years and suddenly, I'm a knitter. I have two major crochet projects in the works right now; a couple of afghans and there are a couple more I'd like to make. In knitting, I have two pairs of socks on the needles, several more pairs in mind(including these), a scarf I'm designing, a hat a want to make, a black lace stole I want to design, and a couple of sweaters I'm dreaming about; I'm also thinking about making a bunch of cotton washcloths for winter holiday gifts. There's probably more, but that's all I can think of right now.

Check it out!

2007-04-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

It's a sock!

I finished the first one and cast on the second one. Hopefully I'll have the second one done soon.

Spirit Scully

2007-04-15T11:02:00.000-07:00

Here is the free hat pattern I promised. Enjoy!

Spirit Scully

Make this hat in your man’s favorite team colors.

Skill level: Easy

Size: Average male head (ego not included)

Worsted Weight yarn (I used Caron Simply Soft)
Main color
Accent color 1
Accent color 2

Size G hook

Rnd 1: With main color, chain 4, 11 dc in fourth chain from hook, join with slip stitch to top of first dc. (12 dc)

Rnd 2: Ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each dc around, join. (24 dc)

Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next st, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (36 dc)

Rnd 4: Ch 3, dc in next st, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (48 dc)

Rnd 5: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 2 dc in next st, *dc in next 3 sts, 2 dc in next st* repeat around, join. (60 dc)

Rnd 6-8: Ch 3, dc in each st, join.

Rnd 9: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, *dc in next 3 sts, ch 1, sk next dc, join. (15 ch 1 spaces)

Rnd 10: Join Accent Color 1, ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1), sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row.* repeat around, join.

Rnd 11: Join Accent Color 2, ch 3, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, *dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row, dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st* around, join.

Rnd 12: Join Accent Color 1, ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch 1), sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped stitch on previous row, *dc in next st, ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st, dc in skipped st on previous row.* repeat around, join.

Rnd 12: Join Main Color, ch 3, dc in skipped st on previous row, *dc in next 3 sts, dc in skipped st on previous row* around, dc in last two dc, join.

Rnd 13: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join.

Rnd 14: Ch 3, dc in each dc around, join, fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Please let me know if you find any errors.

Referral received

2007-04-14T21:51:00.000-07:00

So I went to my follow-up appointment with the nutritionist. She ran the tests again and the results were better this time. The supplements definitely seem to be helping. I also called my regular doctor and found out what was taking so long with my referral to the neurologist. They had the wrong home phone number for me. They mixed up one number. So, the nurse gave me the name and number of the doctor they are referring me to and I called and scheduled and appointment. Finally! All I have to do now is get a copy of my neck x-rays to take to the appointment with me.

So here's the story...

2007-04-12T16:39:00.000-07:00

Those stairs lead into the little trailer where I work. It houses a handful of us out behind the main building, we are the company stepchildren. Anywho, I was running a few minutes late the other day and had my hands were full. I'd stopped at the market and bought some apples and rice cakes. (They were for that whole "trying to eat healthier" thing.) I hit those stairs and went dowwwwwn. I have a lovely little bruise on the top side of my foot/ankle where I hit the step and my left arm is bit sore. Other than that I'm good. I'm an expert at falling on my face, literally. Check out this story from a couple of years ago, and the pictures here and here. And yes, I know that blog hasn't been updated in ages.

Sock progress and headache update

2007-04-10T21:38:00.000-07:00

I went back into my stash in search of possible sock yarn and this is what I came up with:

Lion Brand Baby Soft Twinkle Print, it’s a sport weight, 60% acrylic, 40% nylon yarn. I thought it would make a great “practice yarn” and the stretchyness is good. (Just don’t tell the “yarn snobs” I’m making socks with acrylic yarn, they might faint.) I think these will be nice house socks for me and if the yarn is good enough for the babies its good enough for me! I’m working “top down” and have completed the first sock through the gusset decreases so I’m on the home stretch. I’ll be looking for some assistance when I get down to grafting the toes. Haven’t quite figured out that Kitchener stitch yet. I’m working on size 3 DPN’s and I’m getting some laddering between the needles; I’ll have to work on that.

I’ve still got some of the pink left over from the Fetching wrist warmers, I was wondering if I have enough to make a small pair of socks for my friend’s daughter…

I ordered the Yarn Harlot’s new book and a sock book from Amazon; they should be here tomorrow. I’m trying the resist the urge to order some sock yarn from The Loopy Ewe. I still haven’t placed my order for the hemp yarn. I have some in my stash I want to try out first. I did swatch it up a couple of weeks ago, just haven’t cast on for the socks yet.

The headaches are improving. I went to a nutritionist last week, she ran some tests to see what parts of my body are weak and gave me supplements to take. I feel like I'm taking an entire bottle of pills every day. They're doing something for me, I haven't had any hot flashes in the last week!

There's a story here...

2007-04-10T12:40:00.000-07:00

I'll tell you later.

Out and about

2007-03-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

I made it out to a Crochet meeting last night. We tried out a new venue and it worked out quite well for us. I had a good time even though the only thing I accomplished was frogging a couple of things. After discussing the lack of bounce in the socks I was working on I decided that yarn would better suited to something else. So...I ripped. I also found a mistake in a granny square I was working on so that got ripped too. I tried working on a couple of other projects but I just wasn't "feelin' it". I am doing a little bit better today though, it was so nice seeing everyone last night!

I'm still alive

2007-03-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

I haven’t blogged in a while; I’m still fighting that monster of a headache. It’s been going on for almost two months now. It’s gotten so bad it’s radiating down through my neck and into my left arm. My doctor is convinced it’s somehow related to an arthritis flare up in my neck. ??? He is however; referring me to a neurologist, assuming the referral ever comes through. He also took a neck x-ray. There’s talk of sending me to a chiropractor, depending on what the x-rays have to say. I did go get a massage on Saturday. WOW! She found lots of knots and pinched nerves and tight places I didn’t even know I had! I was so sore yesterday I could barely move. I’m still a bit sore today, but I am feeling better. My neck still hurts but the headache is improved.
My knitting and crocheting have been almost at a standstill because of the arm pain. I did manage to finish the dishcloth a couple of weeks ago. I’ll get a picture and the pattern for it posted soon. I still owe you guys the hat pattern too. Gotta get the hubby to pose for a picture in it. I also started a pair of socks. I’m trying a yarn in cashmere and cotton; I have the Sea Foam color. It’s from my stash; I’d picked it up in Amsterdam a couple of years ago. (Yes, even vacationing in Europe I found a yarn store.) I love the feel of it, but there’s not a lot of elasticity (decent amount stretch but it doesn’t bounce back). I may have to make them a little smaller to compensate, which shouldn’t be to hard since I haven’t gotten very far on them anyway.

Tuesday night fun

2007-03-07T09:55:00.001-08:00

Last night's crochet meeting was great. We had the privilage of meeting two new people. Hi Angela and Tina! Angela was working on the cutest socks using the magic loop, toe-up and two-at-a-time. I gotta try that!! Tina brought her very first completed afghan, it's so beautiful. Verna showed off a stack of gorgeous knitted dishcloths. Mary is working on another nylon purse, she just makes them up, she's so talented! Our other Angela is making the cutest Koala bear, she's going to enter it in the Clark County Fair. Good luck, I'll bet you get a ribbon! Margie is making an adorable star blanket in pretty bright colors and Jamie is working on an afghan in fall colored granny squares, I can't wait to see them finished. If you weren't there...we missed you!!

I wish I could say I felt better today, but my head is pounding. Thank you all for your "Get Well" wishes. I'll let you know what the doctor says on Friday.

I finished the first beanie, I'll try to get a picture of it tonight and post the pattern.

Here is the progess on the the dishcloth:

I'm very happy with the way this pattern is turning out. I should have this one ready to post soon too.

Is Spring here?

2007-03-06T10:59:00.000-08:00

It's a beautiful day today. Sunny and warm, it's about 70F right now and it's supposed to get to 76F later. I just wish I felt better, I woke up this morning with a pain in my left neck and shoulder, and my head still hurts. It's been hurting for a few weeks now, my doctor even tried giving me a shot in the a** a couple of weeks ago. All that did was make my butt sore. I've tried 3 different prescriptions and the latest contains caffeine, which my system reacts badly to. I guess have a month long headache is making me cranky today. Anyway, I'm headed back to the doctor on Friday. Friday was the soonest they could get me in, just another reason to be cranky. That's OK, tonight is the Las Vegas Hookers Crochet Meeting. Something to look forward to, to get me through my day.

Unfinished socks

2007-03-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

It is with great sadness that I tell you my first knitted sock remains unfinished. Unfortunately, it may never be finished for I am apparently allergic to wool. I tried on my half-finished sock to see how it was going to fit (it’s a little bit big). After a few moments of stretching it and contemplating the adjustments I would need to make, my foot began to tingle and itch. It still felt uncomfortable a couple hours after I had removed the sock. Strangely enough, the wool does not seem to bother my hands, aside from drying out my skin. I’ve also realized that working with the wool gives me a headache. I do have an ongoing problem with headaches, but the wool seems to make them much, much worse. So for the moment the sock is on hold. I’m searching for some cotton yarn to try. My local yarn store tells me they are getting some in soon and will call me. I’m also considering trying a hemp yarn. Lanaknits Designs has some that I have used for other projects in the past.

In the meantime, I am making sample hats for two beanie/skull caps I have designed in crochet. I will put the patterns up here as soon as I have my samples done for pictures. I am also working on a design for a knitted dishcloth. I will probably make this a free pattern as well. I plan to have several small items available as free patterns to “get my name out there”. I’m contemplating some other designs to submit to publishers. I also have a “set” that I am considering self-publishing. I’ll tell you more about that later.

Here's a preview of the dishcloth.

The cat is out of the bag

2007-02-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

My husband and his friend are opening their own plumbing company. They obtained a business license and tax id number a few months ago, when the company they worked for was sold. The Reno division of that company was soon closed and the possibility of closing the office here became a real concern. It’s still up in the air as to what will happen to it. A few weeks ago my husband’s partner passed the test for his Contractors License, less than two weeks later the corporation that had purchased the company the guys were working for found out and fired them both. Needless to say, the last week or so has been an exciting scramble to pull together the final pieces of their company and get it up and running. I have every confidence in my husband and know he and his partner will build a successful and prosperous business. Congratulations and Good Luck, gentlemen!

Finally a decent picture!

2007-02-25T18:25:00.000-08:00

I whined a little about the quality of my pictures, so my roomate Dave took a few more for me. This close up came out pretty good. I'm happy now.

HMB Contest Prize

2007-02-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

I made a necklace today for the Heartmade Blessings squares contest. The contest is currently under way. This necklace will be one of the prizes that will be awarded.

This is a lousy picture, I had to use my cell phone, my digital camera was dead. I'm charging it and will try to take some better pictures later. The stones are Unakite chips (a green and reddish-pink colored stone) and the pendant is a yarn cutter. I love the gold leaves, I might have to make some earrings out of the leftovers. :)

Inspired by Heartmade Blessings

2007-02-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

I designed this square for Heartmade Blessings a couple of years ago. I designed it with the Operation Purple Heart program in mind. This program collects squares in combinations of Red, White and Blue or Purple and White (or Red and White for Canada). The blankets assembled from these squares are given to the surviving parents or spouse of our fallen solders.

Shield of Honor 12" Square Version 1

I hook or size needed for gauge.

Worsted weight yarn: use two shades of the same color.

Stitch Guide:

FPdc - yo, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.,br>

Note- all dc's are done in back loops only throughout.

Starting with darker color, ch 5, sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring, sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Round 2: Change to lighter color, ch 3, 3 dc in next st (corner made), dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 5: Ch 3, dc in next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 6: Working in back loops only, sl st in each st to corner st. Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, dc in next 5 st, sk next st, FPdc around next dc on prev row {1st dc to the right of 1st FPdc}, FPdc around 1st FPdc, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next dc, (sk next st, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next dc on prev row {1st dc to the right of 1st FPdc}, FPdc around 1st FPdc, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next dc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 5 sts - covering sl sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 6 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 4 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 8: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 7 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 7 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 7 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 9: Ch 3, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 8 st, sk next st, FPdc around 1st FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 3 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc, (sk next st, dc in next 8 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 8 sts, sk next st, FPdc around next FPdc on prev row, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in same st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 3 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, FPdc in next FPdc) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 2 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 10: Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st around, with 5 dc in each corner st, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Shield of Honor Version 2

2007-02-18T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here is an alternate version of the Shield of Honor square. I wasn't happy with my first version, so I came up with this one. Then I thought others might like the first version so I decided to keep them both.

Shield of Honor 12" Square Version 2

Designed by Mindy Hobgood

I hook or size needed for gauge.

Worsted weight yarn: use two shades of the same color.

Stitch Guide:

FPdc - yo, insert hook from front to back around post of stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), (yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) twice.

Cluster stitch - *yo, insert hook in stitch indicated, yo and pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook; repeat from * 2 times more, yo and draw through all 4 loops on hook.

Starting with darker color, ch 5, sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 3, 23 dc in ring, sl st in top of beg ch 3.

Round 2: Note - dc's are done in back loops only on this round. Change to lighter color, ch 3, 3 dc in next st (corner made), dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next st, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 3: Ch 3, dc in next st, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 2 sts, 3 dc in next st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 4: Ch 3, dc in next 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row, (dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts on previous row) 3 times, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 5: Note - dc's and sl sts are done in back loops only on this round. Sl st in each st to corner st. Ch 3, 4 dc in same st, dc in next 4 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 4 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 4 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 4 sts covering sl sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 6: Ch 3, dc in next st, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 5 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 5 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next st, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next st, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 3 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 7: Ch 3, dc in next 3 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 st, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st, (sk next st, dc in next 6 sts, 5 dc in next st, dc in next 6 sts, sk next st, FPdc around first FPdc on prev row, dc in same st, dc in next 2 sts, FPdc around next FPdc, dc in next 2 sts, dc in next FPdc, FPdc around same st,) 3 times, sk next st, dc in next 2 sts, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 8: Note - dc's are done in back loops only on this round. Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st around, with 5 dc in each corner st, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Round 9: Change to lighter color, ch 3, (yo, insert hook into same st, pull up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook) repeat once, yo and draw through all 3 loops on hook, beginning cluster made. *Ch 1, sk next st, (cluster st in next st, ch 1 sk next st,) repeat to corner, 5 dc in corner st,* repeat from * each side, end ch 1 sl st into beg cluster.

Round 10: Change to darker color, ch 3, dc in each st and each ch 1 sp around, with 5 dc in each corner, end sl st in top of ch 3.

Help, I have no thumbs!

2007-02-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Dinner with Mike and Nikki was fun, we had a great time and the food was awesome. Mike's Aunt and Uncle celebrated their Anniversary with us as well, so it was one big party!

Here is what I accomplished on my gloves over the weekend:

Yes, they still need the thumbs knitted in.

Now we're really gonna party!

2007-02-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Mike!!!

!!!Happy Birthday Nikki!!!

2007-02-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

Hey Ya'll! Just a quick shout out to my dear friend Nikki! Have a great day. Can't wait for dinner tomorrow, it's going to be so much fun. We're going to a really neat fondue restaurant. Its.So.Very.Good.

HMB Ghan for Karen

2007-02-01T13:51:00.000-08:00

Here is the completed comfortghan for my friend Karen. I used the "Flat Braid" joining method by Priscilla Hewett. The edging is from "50 Crocheted Afghan Borders" by Jean Leinhauser. I don't remember what number it was, but I did modify it a little bit. Here's another link for it: http://www.anniesattic.com/detail.html?prod_id=19213 . I love this book, it has some really great borders that I want to try.

Fetching knitting

2007-01-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

Here it is..

My first finished item done on double point needles. A fingerless glove from Knitty.com. The yarn is Bernat Softee Baby. As you can see it's a little too small. I have it cast on again, this time I'm adding one pattern repeat and a few extra rows to the top. It should be right this time. Once I finally finish this pair in pink, I want to make my Mom a set in blue. I'll have to go back and make another small one and give that pair to someone with smaller hands. By the time I finish all that maybe I'll be ready to move on to socks!

Enough with the pity party!

2007-01-23T12:54:00.000-08:00

Hey ya’ll. I’m still not feeling to good, but I am doing a bit better. I made an appointment with a new doctor to get a “second opinion” on the liver disease diagnosis. I’m working on gathering test results and medical records to take with me. I’m also trying to write down my medical history, symptoms and concerns to discuss with him. I really need a game plan to tackle this new condition along with all the other ones. I’ve also been trying to eat better and I have already lost a little weight. The exercise part is a little harder since I have no energy and I’m feeling so tired. I’ll just have to start slow.

If you’ve read my blog in the last week you may have noticed that my little Avatar over there was pouting. Her arms were crossed and she had a very sad look on her face with a background scene of question marks. I was feeling very upset and confused about this diagnosis, but a dear friend helped me feel better. When I came home from work the other day my husband pointed out a white binder and told me it was for me. Puzzled I picked up and looked through it. One of our friends (who also works with my husband) had printed out several articles on Fatty Liver Disease, treatments, vitamin therapies, and more. He neatly organized it with dividers and wrote me a supportive note on the first page. I was so surprised and touched. Thank you, Will.

So, I’ve changed my Avatar. That cheering crowd is all my friends and family supporting me right now. I love you all!!

What do you mean my liver is fat?

2007-01-17T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not coping well with my life today. I was out sick for several days last week due to severe pain in my upper abdomen and back. My doctor and I thought it was my gall bladder and I was mentally preparing for surgery. Nice and simple and done with, right? WRONG. My doctor ordered an ultrasound on Wednesday morning. Afterwards the tech tells me the scan is negative for gallstones, go home and call my doctor tomorrow and it was only 9 am! After leaving two messages Thursday morning I was finally able to speak to my doctor late Thursday night. He informed me that I have "Fatty Liver Disease". What the h*** is that??? OK, so I need to lose a few (read: several) pounds. Apparently there is fat IN my liver, which is a bad thing and can lead to all sorts of not-so-fun complications such as cirrhosis or cancer. There is no "medical" treatment for this, the only thing I can do is diet, exercise and avoid alcohol. Yes, I should be doing these things anyway, and was planning to...see my New Years Resolutions. I'm just having a really hard time wrapping my poor little brain around this new diagnosis. You see, I have previously been diagnosed with SEVERAL other disorders and this is just ONE more and I'm wondering how many diseases one person can reasonably have. Maybe I shouldn't ask, the doctors might come up with another one.

Another quiz

2007-01-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

This is funny. I think "Crochet Guru" is probably more accurate, but the description is right on.

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Guru. You love knitting and do it all the time. While finishing a piece is the plan, you still love the process, and can't imagine a day going by without giving some time to your yarn. Packing for vacation involves leaving ample space for the stash and supplies. It can be hard to tell where the yarn ends and you begin.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla Join Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to everyone, I hope your Holidays were wonderful and that this will be a great year for you all.

Here is a list of my 2007 resolutions:

* Lose weight. This will be the hardest one. No more Pop Tarts and less fast food!!!

* Exercise more. Use that gym membership my husband is always fussing at me to use or cancel.

* Use up some of my yarn stash. It’s really not that big (not like my mom’s, I love you Mom!), I know I can eliminate most of it.

* Finish up several of my unfinished projects. I’m going to log them all on the right over there and put up progress bars (once I figure out that tricky HTML thing).

* Post to my blog at least once a week. I gotta give you guys a reason to come back and leave me more comments.

* Write lots of crochet patterns. I have so many ideas, I’m surprised people don’t see them spilling out of my head.

* Get at least one pattern published. This does not include the ones I plan to self publish.

* Conquer knitting. I really want to make socks. I made a small swatch on double pointed needles the other day. The DPN’s weren’t so bad once I got going on them.

* Make more squares for Heartmade Blessings (see “use up stash”).

Here’s to the New Year and good luck on your resolutions!

More chubby cheek family pictures.

2006-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is Dad, Mom, Steven, Tonya and me. The dogs are Nicki and Mandy.

Me, Tonya and Steven.

White Elephants.

2006-12-21T14:01:00.000-08:00

Here is my first "officially completed" knitted project. A drop-stitch scarf in Joann Sensations Bellezza Collection Cosetta Yarn. I gave it away for our white elephant gift exchange at work. That's the game where you get to "steal" presents from each other. Our IT guy opened it, then the owner of the company stole it from him! I got an outdoor clock/thermometer, it'll go perfectly in our courtyard.

This isn't the airport.

2006-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Last night was our weekly crochet meeting. We meet every Tuesday at a small bar/restaurant on my side of town (northwest). Our group recently filed to become a Chapter with the Crochet Guild of America. We are the Las Vegas Hookers. :) It was a very exciting evening; we had three new members show up. Angie (our resident crochet teacher) spent some time with one of them teaching her how to read a Christmas stocking pattern. One of the other new ladies brought an adorable black purse she’d made for her granddaughter; she’d edged the top of it with pink fun fur and made a floppy hat to match. So very cute!

A funny thing happened when I first arrived. A few weeks ago I purchased a wheeled yarn tote to carry all my supplies in. You can see it/get one here (mine is pink.) It’s completely loaded with several works in progress. Anyways as I approached to door to the bar, there was a drunken man standing outside. He was holding a set of keys in his hand and standing next to a bike and he commented on my tote…

Drunk man: This is a bar, not the airport.

Me: OK.

Drunk man: The airport is east, way over that direction. (waves his arm in that direction and slurs)

Me: OK

Drunk man: This isn’t the airport.

Me: Yes, I know.

Drunk man: But planes do land here sometimes.

Me: Uh huh.

I darted inside after that and told my friends about him.

I do have to admit he’s right, even about the planes landing…A couple of weeks ago a small one made an emergency crash landing in the middle of the street a few blocks over.

How about a facelift?

2006-12-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

I did it, I switched over to Blogger Beta. Blogger has been begging me to for weeks. So, I decided a new name and a new layout/color scheme was in order. The name comes from one of my favorite songs, Dolly Pardon's "Coat of Many Colors". This song has very special meaning to me. When I was growing up my mother made me many crocheted items which I always proudly wore. I loved everything she made, but my classmates always made fun of me for wearing them. It didn't matter to me, I wore them anyway. My mother is a very talented crafter, and I am proud to have inherited her talent.

I am the Moon.

2006-12-10T15:18:00.000-08:00

This is cool. I like this card.

You are The Moon

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Moon is a card of magic and mystery - when prominent you know that nothing is as it seems, particularly when it concerns relationships. All logic is thrown out the window.

The Moon is all about visions and illusions, madness, genius and poetry. This is a card that has to do with sleep, and so with both dreams and nightmares. It is a scary card in that it warns that there might be hidden enemies, tricks and falsehoods. But it should also be remembered that this is a card of great creativity, of powerful magic, primal feelings and intuition. You may be going through a time of emotional and mental trial; if you have any past mental problems, you must be vigilant in taking your medication but avoid drugs or alcohol, as abuse of either will cause them irreparable damage. This time however, can also result in great creativity, psychic powers, visions and insight. You can and should trust your intuition.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Speaking of Seraphinas.

2006-12-03T11:02:00.000-08:00

I found this pin on Ebay.

Here is another completed shawl. This one is for my sister Patty. She loves cows. You can see the shawl I made for my other sister, Tonya here.

A bed for the brat.

2006-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

I decided to use up some of my leftover Homespun (from all those Seraphina shawls.) This is what I came up with. My dog is so damn spoiled, but so very cute. I'm thinking of writing up a pattern for this (with a few changes.) Anybody want it?

Samson wants a handmade bed too.

2006-12-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

"I'm just testing it out, Mom."

This is too funny! This is Samson trying to squeeze into Tana's new bed. Notice the cushion in the corner by his butt? That's his bed, but it's not handmade.

The chubby cheek family.

2006-11-25T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is me and my sister Patty and another one of me with my youngest nephew, Anthony. I can't believe how much my sister and I look alike now. Everyone in my family has these huge cheeks.

Cutest baby ever!

2006-11-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

This is my great nephew Hayden. He's so cute, but I don't think he was very happy about taking a picture with me.

Three generations

2006-11-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

This is my sister Patty with her daughter Heather and Heather's baby Hayden (my great nephew.) This was taken right after he was born, a little over a year ago. My niece looks really young but she's actually 22 now. Hard to believe, I remember when she was Hayden's size.