Welcome to Llama-mama's Fiber Frenzy!!

Address Change Requested:

2008-01-30T18:00:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellow Bloggers.....

The move has taken place.....please come visit me at:

Knits and What Knots

I will be making my posts there now......hope to see you soon!

Bustin' a Move!

2008-01-29T18:57:00.000-05:00

I am in the process of moving my blog to wordpress...I will have a new blog name and hopefully a new look. Things are not going as smoothly as I would have liked, just because I am not all that familiar with wordpress. I will continue to post here until my wordpress blog is up and running. The new link will be:

www.knitsandwhatknots.wordpress.com

Ya, now just incase you want to see my progress...I make a post here when the move is official.

I will keep this site as a back up.

Happy knitting!

Hot Cocoa Question Week 4

2008-01-28T13:07:00.000-05:00

I don't vacation much, but my best vacation was about 4 years ago. Brian and I went to Chicago. Two ducks out of water. You have to know us to appreciate that statement. Two Yoopers in the big city, neither of us has been to a big city. We didn't take a map, mistake #1. Traveling 80+ on the interstate, there is a fork in the road, Brian asks me "which way do I go?" and I replied abruptly "I don’t' f*&^ing know, go left!” We pull into Chicago at just after 5 on a Friday, what were we thinking, drive around and around the block dodging people, and taxi's to find the motel. We ended back up on the freaking freeway on the opposite side of our exit which was not but a block away, so holding on and thanking god we got rental insurance on the car, we zoom across the six lanes of traffic. We get to the motel, but where in the he** is the parking lot, every motel has a parking lot right? NO, not in Chicago, so we pull into an alley. Not a bright idea as there is a vehicle parked in front of us, trying to get out and one pulls in behind us. Brian goes into the motel and hands the keys to the parking attendant, what are they called again? He parks the car, and we don't see it again until we leave on Sunday. But hey, we paid $30 a day to NOT see the car; we don't even know where he parked it!! We thought we would walk around and see the city, we have our GPS, but the buildings block out the signal, so how will we know where the motel is, well it is right next to Starbucks, we can remember that.... well let me be the one to tell you there is a Starbucks on about every block!!! We are also next to a tall building. Oh ya, they are ALL tall buildings. Rest assured we remembered we were a block away from the Berghoff (bar, restaurant). We went on the Sears Tower, Navy Pier, passed on making donations for the poor, even though it was tax deductible. I could go on an on but I will stop there….I think you get the point!! Two ducks out of water, yup that was us.

Ever wish.....

2008-01-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

that something you want would just show up in the mail. You know what I am talking about, that little something that you REALLY wish you had, but are to cheap to buy for yourself. That is what I am talking about. I know it probably sounds sill but, you know just how it is.

That little item I am refering to is that cow, pig, chicken, sheep (whatever farm animal) kitchen timer. I was sent a link to a couple and they are really cute, and I would like one, I really really need one (ask my rising bread), but I just can't bring myself to spend $10 (ya I know $10 piddly bucks) on one. I guess I should just add it to my "wish list"!!!

Hat Attack!!

2008-01-25T14:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, so you have heard of the great Sock Wars, right? Well have you heard of Hat Attack? It is just like sock wars only your weapon is a HAT, that is right a hat. You may join the HAT ATTACK by clicking here and following the directions. There is also a group on Ravelry. Come on get in on the fun...join HAT ATTACK!

Busy Morning...

2008-01-22T09:36:00.000-05:00

It was before 8:30 a.m. that I had the kids off to school, hubby off to work, dishes done, meatballs for pot luck tonight cooking, bread rising, dogs fed, watered and put to bed, woodstove attended to, cats fed. It has been a busy morning, hopefully I can be this productive for the rest of the day....but lets not hold our breath ok?

Everytime I make bread it reminds me that I need to get kitchen timer.... do you think they make sheep, llama, chicken, goat, pig motif ones?

Hot cocoa Swap Question #3

2008-01-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

What is the most 'random' memory you have from your childhood?

Well let see there was the time I was blown off the porch and into the garbage bags, at about the age of 3. Or the time, that mom took me to get my vaccinations and I kicked and screamed so she being the sweet kind mother she is, picked me up to comfort me, and the nurse or Dr, yanked my drawers down and gave me the shot in the butt. OUCH!!! I layed down in the back seat of the car all the way home, just sobbing. (on my belly of course)Or wait, maybe it is the memory of my pet bunny "thumper" being accidently stepped on by my mom, while he was playing in the house, or no wait maybe it was when I was hit by a car while riding my bike, no it has to be miss-spelling the word NeceSSary at the spelling bee....oh I give up....to many to list!!!

B is for .......

2008-01-22T09:24:00.000-05:00

BABY Llama of course....would you expect less from a proud Llama-mama?

Cass is having a contest......

2008-01-21T09:36:00.000-05:00

Stop by Cass website and enter her post #444 contest. Tell her I sent ya!!

Another FO.....

2008-01-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

WTF!!! Three in a month...what is up with that!!

Here is a photo of the calorimetry I made for my daughter. I made it a bit narrower than normal and I like it alot better. I may have to just knit myself up another one.

I also learned how to put the sleeves on Brians sweater yesterday so hopefully I will have some knitting time this weekend. It would be a perfect weekend for it as the weather is suppose to be below zero all weekend and snowy....but we have to split wood again.....procrastination is one of our better traits!!!

Hot cocoa Swap week 2 question

2008-01-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Now that we're in the thick of 'Winter'... has your knitting changed to match the season? Are you moving on from dishcloths, and tank tops to afghans, hats and mittens? Has your yarn changed from silk or cotton to wool, superwash or heavier cottons?

I knit what I feel like knitting when I want to knit!! Altho I do seem to do more hats during the winter. Yarn, does not really change. I generally like to knit with wool....I have even thougth about making a wool discloth....who cares if it felts!!

Network with the fewest dropped calls.....

2008-01-14T15:28:00.001-05:00

B-O-L-O-G-N-A......
What we don't have to do to get a cell phone signal!!!

I am afraid....very afraid......

2008-01-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

that this is going to take over my kitchen!!! It still is suppose to raise for another 30 minutes.....someone please check in on me. If I don't respond, I may be swallowed by the enormous loaf of bread dough!!!

To the oven it goes.....I am not going to let it over take me!!!

Whew!!! I made it!!

Winters in the UP.......

2008-01-14T13:23:00.000-05:00

Bright and sunny on moment and snowing and blowing the next....only in the UP!! Could be 90 today and -20 tomorrow!!! Never predictable thanks to the great lakes!! But thatis ok....live life one day at time is about all we can do.

I am baking bread, again. It has become either a daily or every other day routine for me. There is nothing like home-made bread, and it makes the house smell ohhhh soooo good. Today's bread requires 5 raisings so it better be good and fluffy!

I am so looking forward to spring...hopefully we can make a greenhouse and I can start things early. I have my seed orders ready to go.

Well better get to knitting the daughters calorimetry.

Scavenger Hunt Swap

2008-01-09T13:50:00.001-05:00

I have joined the Scavenger Hunt Swap. Check out the blog for info on the swap....it sounds like it will be fun and tell her I sent ya! Better Hurry she is only taking 50 participants!

Scavenger Hunt Swap Questionaire:

1) Do you knit, crochet or both? I Knit. How long have you been doing it? I learned when I was a child, but knit try to knit as much as I possibly can now.

2) What is on your needles/hook right now? Which set? Lets see, a calorimetry, socks, and a sweater.

3) What is the most frequently used tool in your knitting bag? My needles, naturally....secondly are my stitch markers!

4) What are your 3 favorite yarns (fiber type or brand)? I like Lambs pride and knit picks. I really don't have a favorite. I use mostly my handspun. What are your 3 least favorite? Acrylic, and novelty yarns!!! Other than those I really have not found something I really dont like.

5) What is your favorite color? I really like blue and green, along with earthy colors. Nothing neon or to bright please.

6) If you had a 5 minute shopping spree in your LYS, how would you plan your attack? hmmmm....yarn, yarn, yarn and maybe needles.....

7) What is your favorite FO and why? My favorite FO...hmmm has to be my calorimetry. It is posted on my blog.(post a pic if you have it!)

8) What are your favorite things to knit/crochet? I will knit anything. I like to knit socks.

9) Do you collect anything? sheep, llama's alpaca's, chickens, pigs, goats, I think you get the idea! :-)

10) What are your five favorite things (not necessarily knitting related)? My family has to be my favorite thing. But lets see....I like to weave, spin, knit, garden, read.

11) Are you on Ravelry? You bet I am. What is your ID? llamamama, naturally.

12) Do you drink tea/coffee/cocoa? Yes....all of the above.

13) Favorite Sweets? dark chocolate, if I need something sweet.

14) Any allergies? no, however I don't like strong fragrences as they make me ill

15) Do you have pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats, 4 cockatiels, 5 llama's, 2 alpaca's 2 sheep, 4 goats, 1 chicken, 1 rabbit ..... I think that is all for now. kids? two a teenage son and a preteen daughter....Lord help me!!

FO......

2008-01-09T13:26:00.000-05:00

I love my calorimetry!! I hate hats, but this will certainly keep my ears toasty warm and with the upcomming forcast I finished it just in time. Now I am going to make one for my daughter. I hate acrylic and dislike novelty yarns but that is what she chose, so that is what it will be. Thank goodness they knit up quickly!!

Cocoa Contest

2008-01-08T06:58:00.000-05:00

1. Who's favorite animal is an Otter? Anne K.

2. Name someone who prefers whipped cream with their hot cocoa Angela T.

3. Find 3 people who live outside of the United States Alex E.

4. Name a fan of Harry Potter Michelle

5. Name someone who crochets Alice A

6. Name someone who DOES NOT have a healthy supply of notions Ana Sophia F.

7. Name someone who has NOT put up their questionnaire yet (just put a date with your answer in case they put it up after seeing their name listed somewhere ;-) ) Angela A-H Jan 8

8. Who likes to have Kahlua, Baileys, or Peppermint Schnapps in their cocoa? Annemarie M.

9. Name someone who knits fingerless gloves as a 'quick knit' Liz M.

10.Name someone who's looking forward to gardening this spring. Angie H.

11.Who's favorite way to drink cocoa is with a gorgeous Frenchman, while overlooking the eiffel tower from a French Cafe? (I'm right there with you... well at the table next to yours!) Kris L.

12.Name someone who's favorite animal is NOT a dog or house cat Amanda D.

13. Name someone who's favorite treat is NOT chocolate. Michelle.

14. Who plays Candyland? Criquette

15. Name someone who DOESN'T get the winter blahs Ashley C.

A is for Alpaca.....

2008-01-06T10:34:00.000-05:00

I've joind the A-B-C along 2008, being hosted by knitorious

Here is how it works:

"Members in this year-long group -- knitters, spinners, fiberists (yeah, I like that!) -- post a photo to their blog and/or the Flickr group every two weeks to correspond with a letter of the alphabet. Photos can be related to fiber, but do not have to be; they should reflect the personality of the photographer, and something of importance or meaning to them.

Post at least one photo in each 2-week period to match the corresponding letter of the alphabet. There are 52 weeks in a year and 26 letters of the alphabet, allowing two weeks per letter (Weeks 1&2=A, Weeks 2&3=B). Example: - "A" is for... Alaska, asparagus, alpaca, astronomy... Whatever you choose, it should have some meaning for you."

Here is my "A" photo!!

Cocoa swap questionaire

2008-01-05T10:56:00.000-05:00

Cocoa:
1. What is your favorite way to drink cocoa? Prepared with milk? Water? from home made recipe or store bought?, In a tea cup, or big mug? I prefer my cocoa mixed with milk, it is so much creamier!! Home-made recipe or store bought really does not matter. I prefer a BIG mug!! Its chocolate who wouldn't!! :-)

2. Marshmallows or whipped cream? Both are equally good, but I use whipped cream if I have it.

Yarn/Knitting/Crochet
1. What is your favorite type of yarn? I really don't have a favorite. I will try anything. In what colors? I love blues and greens...earthy colors...not so much of a red, orange or pink fan.

2. Do you knit or crochet (or both)? Knit

3. What are your favorite type of needles, would you like to try something new? My favorite needles are bamboo. I do not like metal or plastic. Try something new, no I prefer to stick to my bamboo...thank you.

4. Do you have a healthy supply of notions? suppy yes, healthy no.

5. What one thing do you keep thinking you need to buy for your knitting habit (outside of yarn)? books, needles, stitch markers....can just never have enough.

6. What is your favorite 'quick knit/crochet' pattern (quick gratification) It would have to be a dishcloth....I really don't have anything else that knits up quickly.

Miscellaneous
1. What is your favorite thing to do in the Winter? Knit, weave, spin

2. What is your favorite animal? hmmm...llama's, alpaca's, sheep

3. Do you get the 'winter blahs'? You bet I do.

4. What is your favorite way to beat the blahs? knit

5. What is the thing you are most looking forward to this spring? starting seeds and planting a garden

6. What are your favorite treat? I am not much for sweets but I love dark chocolate

7. What is your favorite board game? hmmm I really dont have a favorite, but I like parchessi and farmopoly (monopoly with a farm theme)

8. Do you have any children (furry or human)? I have a son and a daughter, llamas, alpaca, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, birds, chickens and a husband (hey he counts)

9. Do you have any allergies or special considerations you partner should know about? No allergies that I know of but I do not like strongly scented or perfumey things, they make me ill.

Well all be.....

2008-01-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

Maybe there is a little geek in me after all!!! I have some progress bars and they are working and they are customized. I don't know how clever I will be with the next ones so enjoy these ones while they are there!!!

Happy knitting....

Try and try again

2008-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

I am still trying to get the progress bars working on this blog. As you can see I have projects listed as on the needles but no progress bars showing where I am at on them. Computer Geek...I am not!! Apparently I am not a knitting geek either as the sock blocker keychain I so diligently worked on until my fingers bled (hey those size 0 needles are point littl suckers!!) and the damn sock is to small, I can't even get it on the blocker. GRRR!! I used the pattern the correct needle and opal or regia sock yarn...it calls for any sock weight yarn...didn't work. The sock looks cool though as the cuff is light blue the leg is white and the heel blue the foot red and the toe white...oh hell..why not just post a picture!!But Hey it makes one hell of a cute Christmas ornament, don't ya think?So knowing I am not one to give up I will be trying another one with larger needles and the same yarn....I am going to have a keychain come hell or high water!! I will admit knitting the little sock was fun and now I am not so afraid to knit the Los Lobe Hose that I purchased many years ago. I will also be knitting more of these little socks for tree ornaments, perhaps string them all together and make some interesting new garland!! Happy Knitting.....

Its here ......2008 that is .....

2008-01-01T08:59:00.001-05:00

Finally

2008-01-01T08:52:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the 12 dishrags for my Mother-in-law for Christmas...ya a little late but better than never!! We have not has our Christmas here with them anyway so I am ok. She wants to have the rest of the family together but I don't see that happening with all the different schedules. Oh well.......

I think I am going to do the sock blocker key chain next but I really would like to knit a pony tail hat for my daughter and a calorimetry for me. I don't like hats and well I think that just may be the ticket.

I am anxiously awaiting the partners to be sent for the hot cocoa swap...I think tha is going to be so much fun.

I have markers to make for the stitch marker exchange as well. They go pretty quick so I am not to worried about them. And I've got two weeks so send them out so I am good.

Holidays......

2007-12-30T10:36:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and will have a wonderful New Years.

Brian and I took the in-laws to lower Michigan to their sons house for Christmas, It was a nice little get away but it is nice to be back home in our own little nest.

I did get quite a bit of knitting done and Brian finished his dishcloth (yes, he is learning to knit!!!). I finished the sleeves for his sweater, so now I am ready to attach them to the sweater as I knit from the arm pits up!! So I can happily say it is about 3/4 of the way done. Brian says he has a new appreciation for the sweater after knitting that dishrag (LOL)!! I still have one dishcloth to knit for the Mother-in-Law, I will get that done in the next couple of days. (we have not had our Christmas yet). There are afew things I have on my list to knit next but just need to decide what one to pick up. I want to knit some fingerless gloves with some lucious baby alpaca I purchased, and I would like to knit the sock blocker keychain, and I would like to work on the toe up socks I started almost a year ago. Will see what floats my boat when thime comes.

Have a wonderful New Year everyone!!

I need all the help I can get and.....

2007-12-16T15:19:00.001-05:00

this just might do it....I joined the Hotcocoa swap!! I am excited about participating in the swap....I think it (like others) will be alot of fun!! One of the requirements for the swap it to post to you blog once a week and we all know I have NOT been doing that so maybe this will help!!!

Swing on over to the swap and get registered!!!

Today....

2007-12-16T15:14:00.002-05:00

was another day of putting up firewood. Had a friend come out with his splitter so we didnt have to rent one!! Thanks Steve!!! So we are set again or a couple of months and then we will be at it again....why or why can't we get this done earlier. I hate procrastinating but why do today what you can do tomorrow!!!

Catching up.....

2007-12-10T18:38:00.000-05:00

Why does life have to be so hectic all the time? Running here, running there, doing this, doing that...all I would really like to be doing is MORE knitting!

I did get to meet the little group (3 people) that I met on Ravelry, at our local library for an hour and a half of knitting last Wednesday and am looking forward to the same this week! It is nice to have a few people to visit with and knit, too.

I do go to a friends house most Tuesdays (weather and schedules permitting) to knit and I get a lot done, can't say the same about her tho. I do try diligently to keep her on track, but its not easy!!

I have three dishcloths to knit for the mother-in-law for Christmas. I thought I had a sleeve done for the hubby's sweater but when I had him try it on it was to short so more knitting to do on that, and I started the othe sleeve. I will say lots of love has gone into this sweater! :-)

I have filled in as hostess of the Winter Stitch Marker Swap, and hopefully that goes well. It is my first time hosting a swap like that. I have all the partners assigned and hopefully no one was assigned themselves. If this one goes well, I might just take up hosting one of my own. Its alot of work, but it is also a lot of fun.

The kids put up the Christmas tree on Friday. I will have to take photos and post later. I just looked at the count down to Christmas Ticker in my sidebar and I did a WTF!!! Where does time go?

I am still considering my move to wordpress and I think I make that plunge after the holidays.

Happy knitting.....

The joys of winter.....

2007-11-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

Our storm hit, but didn't drop much snow. I thought "what a great day to get some knitting done" but... our electricity was out for 4 hours this morning and that meant no heat! So I fired up the oven and baked bread!! YUMMY!!!

Then I baked the dogs some cookies.........

Now I am very tired and don't feel like knitting....It is bitter cold outside -1 degree F to be exact. The furnace blower is running what seems to be nonstop...with the cost of heating fuels, I am glad we have an outdoor wood boiler!!!

A great new find......

2007-11-19T10:28:00.000-05:00

I finally took a few minutes out of my schedule to play on Ravelry What a great place! Its well worth the waiting list. I have found several groups on there that are great and one is a "yooper fiber arts" group, naturally I join it!!! They are trying to get a fiber group together once a week at the local library....how great would that be! I am looking forward to attending on week, I am sure I will have a lot I can offer such a group.

I am so excited!!!

Considering a move ......

2007-11-19T10:25:00.001-05:00

I am considering moving my blog to wordpress...I have seen some blogs that have moved and i like the way they look and work. I am doing some more research, and if I move I will I will keep this one as a back up and will post a link here to the new site.

I said it would be worth the wait......

2007-11-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

Here are my two new fiber children.....they are ALPACAS!!!!!

Rosie (Senor Rasado) is a gelded male and is just loveable. How can you not love a face like that!!

And Springsteen AKA Boss. Boss is an intact male, so now I can breed my girls here. (do you think they will act like tramps in front of their Mom?)

I am going to be a grand-llama-mama!!

2007-11-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

We all know I take my female llama's and their cria to the county and UP state fair each year, and they are hosted by the Alpaca's and their family. They then go to the Alpacas Ranch for a little nooky. My girls are turning in to tramps!!! They took their time to decided if they realy wanted to be bred, but when they made the decision to do so they made it a mother daughter event, side by side!!! and well when the newest baby, woody, saw what the boy was doing to his mom, he said enough is enough and stated jumping on moms back to get the male off of her. Someone got up and the girls swapped partners!!! I don't know what they saw at the fair but....my oh my!!! We had them both preg-tones (ultrasound for llama's) and they are both knocked up. I am gonna be a grandllamamama around August 22, 2008!!!

Here is a photo of the happy family....from left to right...back row Estile, Socks (these are my two tramps) front row..Porter and Woody. Getting a family photo was not easy.....you get a llama to pose!!!

Kid Debate....

2007-11-09T10:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our mediation appointment for the custody of the kids. Mediation was court ordered and frankly I preferred it over the judge, a stanger that knows nothing about our family, making a decision about my children. Anyway....the kids, the ex, Brian and I had a meeting with moderators and came to an agreement that the children would live with me during the school year and spend 3 weekend a month at their dads and then they will spend the summer with him and then 3 weekends a month with me. We also decided to have family meetings every other month so that we make sure EVERYONE is on the same plane. So I think this will work better for everyone. At least I hope so....I don't want to do this again.

It is here......

2007-11-06T17:55:00.000-05:00

Winter that is!!! This is what I woke up to this morning....about 10 inches of white sh*t!!! It is wet and heavy as it was mixed with rain. The electricity keeps going off and on. No schools in the area today, all are cancelled.

Halloween Wishes to all.......

2007-10-31T14:05:00.001-04:00

Trick or Treat Smell My .....

2007-10-29T23:10:00.000-04:00

....how about you just take a peek at the cool pumpkins my kids carved tonight.

Jessica did this one and it is a cat (just incase you couldn't tell) She is 11 (almost 12) and she came up with the idea and carved it by her self. I think it is just awesome.

This one is my 14, soon to be 15, year old sons. Can you tell he has cars on his mind? In case you just can't see it or are not an automobile buff....the eyes are the Pontiac Emblem, the nose of course is Chevy and the mouth is VW. I think it was a clever idea and is a great pumpkin!!

Hard at work.....

2007-10-29T22:56:00.003-04:00

Here are some of the photos I took while we were cutting the wood I mentioned in an earlier post.

We still have the big pile you see to cut and the rest that you see to split. then it all needs to be stacked!!!!

Getting ready for winter

2007-10-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

all our leaves are now on covering the ground. They came down in a hurry. I fear winter is on its way. They say we are suppose to have a warm one and that means lots of snow! That is ok I don't mind shoveling, but I hate the bitter cold. I spent a couple of hours piling wood. We ordered twenty full cords of wood, that is a full logging truck and trailer full. It is bigger stuff and most of it is oak. We spent one weekend cutting and splitting and got about half of it cut and about a quarter split. Now that has to be piled ever so neatly and the rest cut and split...hmmm....wonder what we might be doing this weekend. Anyone want to volunteer to come help???

2007-10-25T16:51:00.000-04:00

I can knit intarsia.....can you?

2007-10-25T16:44:00.000-04:00

My 'teach Kena to knit intarsia" days are over!! I can do it!! Here is a picture of the dishcloth I made. It was a special order and it made me learn how to knit intarsia. I am very thankful to have a very good knitting friend with patients...or wait..is she a patient...some days it seems that way! Anyway in a few short minutes she had me up and knitting!

GOT MILK????

2007-10-24T08:10:00.000-04:00

Brian and I are thinking heavily about getting back into the goat milking business. I want to take it a step or two further than he did, when he used to do it. I want to pasturize the milk, bottle and sell it and make cheese. So that is where our reasearch is heading at this time. We have looked at a few different farm's to enlarge our operation, but that is going slowly. We may just start here, and then make the move. We don't have pasuture so we have to feed hay 365 and well that is no fun and not cheap!

On another note I have been doing a little knitting. I have my intarsia dishrag completed and one more to make to fill the order...I needed to do some brain less knitting yesterday at my friends house during our weekly get together and so I worked on the never ending sweater I am making for Brian. I have to get knitting on it so he can wear it this winter. I started in a year ago, but took some time off because I was getting tired of knitting in circles and I wanted to do something different....well I started a pair of socks....that was fun until I got to the foot where I was doing guess what. Yup!!! knitting in circles....duh...what was I thinking....so those are sitting on the needles. Then I moved into a dishrag knitting frenzy....burnt out on those so back to the sweater. Did I ever mention how much I hate UFO's!!!????

Fiber Whim.....

2007-10-24T08:01:00.000-04:00

I finally got word that my girls are not going down anymore for breeding so hopefully they are with child. I can go pick up my llama's when I get my truck back from the shop....hopefully this place fixes it right!!! Nothing more frustrating than having to have a wrecker come and get it after you get it back from the shop and then spend another $1000 to "fix" it and it still don't start or run, except when it is bright and sunny out. Keep in mind we are in Upper Michigans were several feet of snow are the norm for the upcoming winter months.....this is our plow truck!!! Kind of a VERY important vehicle to have running, especially with a 1/2 mile drive way very prone to drifting!!

I will be bringing home two new 4-legged fiber procucing children too....you will have to wait to see what!!! I know suspense is a killer but trust me it will be well worth your wait!!!

From football to wrestling.......

2007-10-24T07:53:00.000-04:00

Well football season is over, and my sons team never won a game...poor boys. Josh sprained his ankle so he couldn't play the last game, I felt bad, but what is a mom to do!! He has signed up for wrestling now, so this will be another new experience. I hope he enjoys it. I am so proud of him for wanting to try these new sports. I enjoy watching him! Now he just has to get his grades in order, no matter how hard I try, I don't seem to know anything.

Knitting, I've been!!

2007-10-15T09:02:00.000-04:00

I discovered a few months ago that dishrags make great sample projects and are a wonderful thing to knit to learn a new technique. So I have been wanting to learn to knit intarsia for a long time and this was a great opportunity. I had a request for a two colored dishcloth with a dog paw in it.....I knew it could be done, but I had no clue how to do it but not wanting to lose a customer I told the gal, sure I can do it for you, thinking....ok now I have to learn how to do this. Thankfully I have a great knitter friend and her and I get together once a week to knit or spin. So last weeks get together was "teach Kena to knit intarsia day". I found it really was not hard and that it was a great way to tie knots and have no clue how you get them undone!! Here is a photo of my work in progress:

I also joined a Stitch Marker Exchange and I recieve my first set in yesterdays mail. They are great....I am a big fan of the tile game MahJong so these are perfect. I just don't know how this gal knew that!!!

Happy knitting!!

Birthday wishes.......

2007-10-13T11:01:00.000-04:00

to my wonderful hubby!! Ummmm....honey that big "40" is getting closer!!!

Knitting away.....

2007-10-02T13:38:00.001-04:00

Thought I should pop in to let everyone know I am still alive and well. Not much new going on in my hectic life. Was nice to watch as the dog passed both of my childrens lockers in the search this morning....that is always a nice feeling.

I had joined a monthly dishcloth, a fall dishcloth, and a stitch marker exchange. I have everything done and ready to mail but one set of stitch markers and don't ya know it not one photo!! Like I have time to take photos...come on.... get real!!

In my spare time, HA, I have been knittin dishcloths for my mother in law for Christmas. I have decided that she is going to get one for each month, and each is going to coincide with an event in that month...such as a pumpkin for October. I have three done only nine more to go....oh I am about half done with the 4th so 8 1/2 to go. Have no clue what I am going to get any one else...she is easy!! After these are done, I will be working on the sweater I started a year ago for Brian. I really want to finish that, this winter so he can wear it. I also have a pair of socks on the needles from some handspun, I need to finish. I hate unfinished projects and I know this so why do I keep starting more!!! Someone please stop me!!

I am looking at getting a job at a local farm...I love working with the animals and so this will be a great learning experience as long as it is worth my 45 minute drive one way. How much does it pay? Good question...not sure yet!!

I really should dig through the storage in the barn and find the Halloween decorations so I can put them up but then there are enough cob webs in here that they are a natural decoration!!!! Housework is way over rated.....!!

Happy knitting!!

Fall into Autumn exchange topic of the week........

2007-09-25T09:44:00.000-04:00

I think my favorite thing about Autumn is the lack of bugs and the cooler temperatures. I also love the color of the leaves, but hate to see them fall!! :-) I love Halloween too, it is such a fun holiday.

I GOT MY INVITE!!!!

2007-09-23T09:40:00.000-04:00

Watchout Ravelry here I come!!! (after my coffee!!) I think it may require more than one cup tho.....see ya later!

Where did I go wrong?

2007-09-21T07:33:00.000-04:00

Well this morning sucks.....its a hard day for me. But tears and all I will get through.

I asked my daughter what she was going to do if she was at her dads house and had to get herself up for school in the morning when he was not home and she said "set an alarm". I further explained that is she missed the bus, there would be no one there to take her to school and she said she would call the neighbors!!! There is a part of me that wants to say just go (so they can see it really isn't so bad at mom's), but I can't. Kind of a "you made your bed, now lie in it"!! I know is not because I am a bad mom or anything like that. He has a nicer house, he has more money (twice as much). I can't compete with that! I am doing the best that I can with what I have. They are not going with out anything, and I am always there for them 24/7 365 ! And if I should happen to not be here, Brian is.

The entire thing yesterday was about his schedule change and the kids saying they want to be there. They have never told me that out right, the ex has, and I have to ask the kids what is going on, then they say "ya we want to live with dad".It was about my son and what he wants, the daughter was not mentioned once by the ex's attorney. She is a budding 11 year old, who is going to be there when mother nature calls? she claims dads girlfriend who is only there on weekends. I don't remember good old Mom-o-nature calling only on the weekends, did I miss something? I can't change their mind and am very afraid I am going to lose the kids. This is killing me. This is very hard it is making me sick. I know I did the right thing my leaving him, but what did I do to deserve this? Should I have stayed there and been miserable so my kids would have a nice home and be with their friends?

The judge says we have to go to mediation and try to come to an agreement as we have been agreeable in the past. If we can't then we go through a full blown long drawn out custody battle in December and that the kids are old enough to consider their expressions. I don't want to go to mediation and have to talk to him, we can't talk civially and I am sick and tired of argueing with him.....thats why I left. I don't think its going to work well for me because I can't stand him.

When I aske the kids the reasons they are these....the environment is better, (there are leafy prettier trees and grass, not Jack Pines and sand) there is a four wheeler, dads wood stove is easier to open, that is our childhood home (they are 14 and 11) and that is where they should be, that is where they started school and that is where they should finish, they are in 6th and 9th grade and have not gone to school there for three years, neither will be in the same school. My son likes the BoyScout troop there better, my daughter misses her friends she had at school there (how does she know they are all still there, she plays with one when she is at her dads, I don't let my son do the mechanical repairs on my vehicle I take them to the mechanic, etc...you get the picture....not because they are going hungry orI beat them, all material things. Oh ya, my son said he can walk in the woods and see wildlife at his dads and he can't do that here, but he did shoot a 5 point buck while he was hunting here (oh but he had to sit and wait for that) and we see deer nightly in the field. In fact, we scared too off yesterday morning while going out to the bus.

Everyone keeps telling me I won't lose the kids, but I really think they are wrong. I don't know what to do.......

So Tell me What time of day are YOU?

2007-09-18T18:34:00.000-04:00

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits.

Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle.

Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it.

You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Dish cloth swap topic of the week and More!!!

2007-09-18T07:38:00.000-04:00

Topic of the week:

When I knit dishcloths I use my bamboo needles and any cotton yarn that I have that will work. I usually have either sugar and creme or peaches and creme on hand so that is ususally what I use. I do have some other heavy cottons for weaving tha I use as well.

Now for life.....My sons bird died, it was a sun conure and he was very upset. I had just read in the paper that there were two cockatiels for sale so I thought I would call....in the mean time I posted on the local freecycle pages as well one other local yahoo group that I was looking to give a bird a good home. Well I got a response for two male cockatiels, with the cage and accessories for sale, Make offer. After playing 20 questions I told the gal the current financial situation, broke as usual, the son had $25 to spend on the birds would she accept it. I don't know if I offended her or what but she said if he wanted them he could just have them. So done deal, pick up on Tuesday (today). In the mean time the other gal calls and says $40 for the two females (see where this is going). So Made a deal with her and picked those two up yesterday....hopefully we will have baby birdies!!! So we have gone from on bird to 4 trying to raise a family!!!

My llamas are at the alpaca farm being bred....and after two month they finally gave in and went down for the male. Now to keep trying until they spit at the male, that indicates "Hey I am pregnant, you did you job now GO!!" Then in about a year they will deliver, ugh....and we think 9 months is bad!!!

Custody battle still on for Thursday afternoon. I am really not to worried about it, but the thought of the possibility of losing your kids, ages 14 and 11, when you have been there for them since birth, is a hard one to get out of your mind.

Off to spend the day with a friend!!!!

HMMMMM........

2007-09-13T07:37:00.000-04:00

These quizes are generally pretty accurate but I am not sure about these two!!

What Kena Means

K is for Kind

E is for Enchanting

N is for Natural

A is for Articulate

What Does Your Name Mean?

You're Animal Farm!

by George Orwell

You are living proof that power corrupts and whoever leads you will
become just as bad as the past leaders. You're quite conflicted about this emotionally
and waver from hopelessly idealistic to tragically jaded. Ultimately, you know you can't
trust pigs. Your best moments are when you're down on all fours.

Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

Wicked Weather

2007-09-12T06:47:00.000-04:00

What is up with our weather? In the upper 80's one day and then suddenly it is barely hitting 50, windy, rainy and just plain miserable. Had to fire up the woodstove a couple of days ago, nothing like wood heat!! I am not ready for the weather we are having, but I know it comes every year and I am never ready for it. Last year it was a brown Christmas and even into January we had no snow. We got blasted with it though in the end of February and March. Marquette got 48 inches in one snowfall, we didn't get that much. I think we are not going to be so lucky this year. I think we are going to have a "bad" winter, with lots of snow. That is ok, I don't mind shoveling. Actually I would rather shovel snow than have it be 90+ out. You can only take off so many cloths and then your still hot and yucky!

My son has a football game tonight in Ishpeming. Hopefully they are not playing in the rain this game. Good Luck Josh and the Patriots....have a great game!!

Summer VS Winter knitting

2007-09-11T06:49:00.000-04:00

Do you change what you knit or what you knit with when the seasons change from Summer to Winter? I don't. I knit over the summer on dishcloths, and socks. I am not more apt to start knitting on the now hubby's sweater tho, not because its winter but because the kids are gone to school and I can sit and knit for an hour or so a day (have to watch Y & R)!! I seem to knit whatever it is I feel like knitting at the moment. I have been doing quite a few dishcloth swaps lately and that is fun knitting different cloths each time.

Today is rainy and cool out. We need the rain, but I wish it would have come along earlier in the summer. I fear we are in for a very hard winter, but we need it to help with the summer drought and we have not had a "bad" winter in a while.

Happy knitting!!

Fall in to Autum Dish cloth questionaire

2007-08-30T17:41:00.000-04:00

1. Do you knit or crochet? KnitHow long have you been doing it? I learned as a child, but have been doing much more knitting in the last 5 or so years.

2. Have you made dischloths before? Several Do you use them yourself, give them as gifts, or both? I use some and give some as gifts, so both!! :-)

3. What's your favorite cotton to make cloths from? I really don't have a favorite. What cotton would you like to try that you haven't before ? I usually use Sugar & Cream or Peaches & Cream.....so anything other those two I would give a try.

4. If you knit, do you prefer circular or straight needles? This depends on what I am knitting. I normally use straigts for dishcloths. For all, do you prefer wooden, metal, or plastic needles? I love Bamboo!!

5. What are your favorite colors? I really like darker blues and greens. Any colors you don't like much? I can do without pinks.

6. What do you like best about Autumn? The cooler days and no bugs!!!

7. Pies: Pumpkin? Apple? Pecan? All of em? or No Thanks! Ha ha ha....PUMPKIN is the ONLY kind!!!

8. When you were a kid, were you the one who couldn't wait to get started with school , or the one who overslept on the 1st day? I couldn't wait for school. I enjoyed learning and being with my friends. College on the other hand was totally differnt!! Just let me sleep!! LOL

9. Do you celebrate Halloween? (The real key here guys is especially knowing if you have an aversion to the holiday or little goodies/decorations associated with it, given the timeframe of the swap)Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I love it!!

10. If you had to choose just 3 edible 'goodies' to eat for a full year, what 3 would you choose? Hmmmmm.....Chocolate, Chocolate and more Chocolate!!! Hey its three!!!

11. Do you have any pets? 2 dogs, 2 cats, 4 goats, 2 sheep, 5 llama's 1 parrot, 1 chicken Kids? 1 teenage son and 1 daughter Husbands who seem like kids? ;) 1 Husband and he is the biggest kid of all!

12. If you were to describe a particular yarn that shares traits of your personality, what would it be and why? I have no clue, what yarn I would be.

13. Do you use your cloths mostly for dishcloths, or as facecloths? Dishcloths

14. Favorite Fall Holiday: Halloween or Thanksgiving and why? (Feel free to share another fall memory if you do not celebrate either of these holidays) Halloween. I like to see the excitment in the kids and their costumes. The decorations are also wonderful.

15. Do you have any allergies or aversions your pal should know about? I am not allergic to anything that I know of, however I cannot tolerate the strong perfumes. No heavily scented things please.....they make me sick.

Yarn Study.......

2007-08-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

When stored in large quantities, in enclosed spaces, the Pheromones, (in
the yarn,) cause memory loss and induce the nesting syndrome, (similar to
the one squirrels have, before the onset of winter, i.e. the storing of
food,) therefore, perpetuating their species and not having a population
loss due to their kind being cut into pieces and mixed with others.

Sound tests have also revealed, that these yarns, emit a very high-
pitched sound, heard only by a select few, a breed of women known as
"loomers." When played backwards on an LP, the sounds are heard as
chants, buy me, loom me, and wind me into a ball ".

In order to overcome the so called "feeding frenzy effect," that these
yarns cause, one must wear a face mask when entering a storage facility
and use ear plugs, to avoid being pulled into their grip.

(One must laugh, however, at the sight of customers in a yarn store, with
WW2 army gas masks and headphones!) . Studies have also indicated, that
aliens have inhabited the earth, helping to spread the effects, that
these yarns have on the human population. They are called "YARN STORE
CLERKS".

It's also been experienced, that these same Pheromones, cause a
pathological need, to hide these yarn purchases, when taken home (or at
least blend them into the existing stash.) When asked by a significant
other if the yarn is new, the reply is, "I've had it for
awhile."

Author Unknown

Dish Cloth Swaps...

2007-08-27T12:27:00.000-04:00

I just received my package from the "Dog Days of Summer" dish cloth swap.

Please join me in the "Fall in to Autumn" Dishcloth swap. Registration begins Sept 1....you can click the link to find more info.

Good But Wet Game.....

2007-08-27T12:04:00.000-04:00

My sons team lost their first football game, but they played hard! It was a very good game even though it poured down rain for all but 15 minutes so needless to say we were soaked!! I never gave rain a thought, when we left the sunny skies of home. I will make sure we have it next time just in case. He has another game tomorrow, but I don't think I will be traveling the 2 1/2 hours to get there. I went to the first game and that is the "most important" in my eyes.

A Honda???!!!!!

2007-08-23T10:53:00.000-04:00

I'm a Honda S2000!

You live on the edge, and you live for the adrenaline rush. You don't need luxuries, snob appeal, or superfluous gadgets. You put your top down, get your motor revving, and take all the curves that life throws at you at full speed. So what if you spin out occasionally?

Take the Which Sports Car Are You? quiz.

Brief Note

2007-08-23T10:11:00.001-04:00

I am going to be changing the name of the blog to something hopefully more catchy and easier to 1) spell and 2) remember!!

Hand Dyed Yarn Swap and an update on life

2007-08-23T09:05:00.000-04:00

I received my package from the hand dyed yarn swap, the colors are Yummy!! I will start knitting the sock pattern which is also very cool when life gets back in order for me.
I have court on the 20th of Sept and that should be interesting. I will be glad when it is over, maybe all the "threats" will end. My children come first and Brian and I both go with out to make sure the kids have what they need. My son has his first football game tonight and you can be 100% certain I will be in the stands cheering him on!!! I am very proud of my children! This is a photo I took during his scrimmage last week.
We had a great last weekend. We visited my parents, the kids were at their dads so it was just Brian and I. He went fishing and caught "REAL" fish, you know the ones that fight and are big enough to keep. He is used to catching little fishes, that we always have to throw back!!!
For some reason I don't think fishing for pan fish is going to be very exciting for him anymore....Will some one please shut him up!!! While the guys were fishing, I hung out with mom at the Wild Blueberry Festival...sorry no photos of me spending money!! I did find a few things for Christmas gifts tho, now to find a safe place to hide them and NOT forget where it is!!!

Etsy Store Up and Running

2007-08-13T15:25:00.000-04:00

My Etsy store is up and running in full force. I have sold several items alread so that makes me happy. It also inspires me to make more items. Please take a moment and stop by to see what I have. You may find something you just can't live without!! LOL I will always be adding new items so be sure to keep checking in.

Etsy Store in Progress....

2007-08-01T20:01:00.000-04:00

It has been one heck of a day....hot and humid. YUCK!! I have been trying to get things back in order no that the studio is back in the cabin. I still have alot of work ahead of me, but am taking some time to put together and Etsy Store. Give me a day or two to get it together but you can check it at llamamamafiberfrenzy.etsy.com

Been knitting..........

2007-07-29T09:38:00.000-04:00

I have decided to knit my daughter, who hates camo, a camo colored shawl to wear for the wedding. I didn't want to make her wear Realtree or Mossy Oak camo if she does not like it....what a nice mom hey!!

It is a tie wrap shawl.....here are a few in progress photos:

The Sorting Hat has spoken.....

2007-07-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

with the release of the new Harry Potter book, I just had to find out which house I belonged to....seems it is Ravenclaw!! Better than Slytherin.

I'm a Ravenclaw!

A better day..

2007-07-17T07:51:00.000-04:00

Well yesterday was a better day and I am starting to calm down a little bit. First of all -- all of the financing for the store has fallen through because of one stupid thing or another. And they were all stupid. I won't even go down that path, except I am packing up and moving back into the cabin I started in. It will be ok. I also was able to get out of my lease so that was a big relief for me!! And I talked to my attorney....that eased my mind a bit to. Then I don't have a wedding band for Brian and the clock is ticking.....so had a friend that won a $500 gift certificate from a local jewlery store and he lived in lower Michigan. I called and asked if I could buy the cert from him on a time payment plan and he said "Take It, I am not worried about it" So now I get to go shopping!!!

I am a firm believer in things happen for a reason.....I just don't know what the reason is right now!!

I am going to finish up the bag from the felted bag exchange today and get it in the mail before the end of the week. I apologize to my spoilee for being so slow, but hopefully when she reads my blog she will understand. I have joined the Dog Days of Summer Dish Rag Swap, but you can knit those up in an evening, and I am in the Hand dyed yarn (sock yarn) swap and the Stitch Marker Swap...I have never made markers before but I have always wanted to so this is a good excuse to get moving.

Have a great day!!

Here we go AGAIN......

2007-07-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Well the EX is at it again!!! He told me yesterday that the kids want to live with him and wanted to talk about it. He gave me full custody of the kids two years ago with out going to court, no fight, he signed the papers in my attorney's office. Now he says that he can provide better for them and give them better living conditions. Sure he makes in excess of $70,000 versus our $40,000 and yes he has a nicer house, and its not a mobile home. My kids never go with out food, etc they have a roof over their head and I take them to whatever sporting, or after school thing they want. I can't buy them toys like four wheelers etc cause I don't have the money. Yes our water and sewer were frozen for a couple of months last winter but they never went dirty, we went to the school to shower, or to the future inlaws....we hauled water for dishes, cooking and drinking in from the barn. We have an out house on the property from the old camp, we used that. We don't have a landline phone, but the kids have a cell phone.....I am just a wreck......I have had my kids from day one and have always been there. My son who is 14 has missed about 15 days of school since he started and that is because his appendix ruptured, and my daughter who is starting 6th grade, had missed 4 days ........

Sorry I had to vent.....like I said I am a wreck!!!

Hand Dyes Yarn Swap

2007-07-11T08:09:00.001-04:00

I have taken on another swap!! This one is a Hand Dyed Yarn Swap -- Sock Yarn. I can't wait to play with they dyes again. Please check out the blog and join us.

THE ARRIVAL I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR......

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

Socks finally did it...she made me a very proud LLAMA MAMA!!! She gave birth to a bouncing baby boy at 10 pm on July 9th. He is just adoreable as you can see. Brian wants to name him Potter as in Harry Potter because is is quite hairy and my daughter wants to name him Woody...because when we were watching him last night as he was trying to stand he was trying to nurse on the wood walls in the stall...it was quite funny.

Choosing a suitable housemate...........

2007-07-08T10:09:00.000-04:00

Rules for choosing a suitable houseperson who can live with a
knitter:

1. On your first date, pull out your knitting at the most romantic moment
during dinner at a nice restaurant. Does he/she flinch, even slightly?

2. Invite him/her to your house for dinner. Does he/she seem annoyed when
you
have to clear the yarn off the dining room table to make room for the paper
plates you use so dishwashing doesn't eat into your knitting time?

3. Take him/her to your favorite LYS. (Local Yarn Store) Does he/she shift
from one foot to
another, keep checking the time, or offer to wait in the car instead of
fondling the yarn, suggesting nice colors, or offering to pay the bill?

4. Does he/she buy you dumb gifts like flowers, candy, or a store
bought scarf instead of a gift certificate to a yarn shop?

5. On vacations, does he/she hide the Yellow Pages to prevent you from
looking up yarn shops in the vicinity?

6. Does he/she make snide references to grandmas who knit, your cute little
hobby, or your "crocheting"?

7. Do you notice a sharp intake of breath when you show him/her your stash?

8. Are there signs of protest when you turn down a trip to Hawaii because
Stitches (or any other Fiber Seminar or Gathering) is held that week?

9. Does he/she expect that housekeeping, cooking, washing the car, or
walking
the dog will take priority over your knitting?

10. Does he/she rattle on about nothing knowing full well you are counting
or
concentrating and can't be bothered?

If the answer to 3 or more of these questions is yes, the person you are
considering is unsuitable and probably cannot be trained. Next!

Dog Days of Summer First Contest Answers

2007-07-07T10:21:00.000-04:00

Ingrid is someone who crochets.
Jen has never made a dishcloth before.
Risa has been knittin less than 2 years while Abby C has been knitting for more than 5.
Barb N. is not a resident of the US.

Felted Bag Exchange

2007-07-07T08:55:00.000-04:00

I recieved my package from my secret pal for the Felted Bag Exchange. I love the goodies she sent and the bag is awesome!! It is huge!!! I can't imagine how large it was BEFORE felting. >

I have also received my package from the Spring Dishcloth Exchange, but I forgot to take a photo to post before I put everything away and to use!! I apologize to my pal for that.

Dog Days of Summer Dishcloth Swap Questionaire

2007-06-28T21:35:00.000-04:00

Do you knit, or crochet, or do both? I knit.
How long have you been knitting\crocheting? I have been knitting since a child but more in the last few years
Have you knit dishcloths or dishtowels before? Yes, hundreds
What are your favorite cotton yarns? Don't have a favorite
Is there a cotton or linen you’ve been dying to try but have not? Not that I know of
Are there any cotton yarns you don’t enjoy knitting with? Not that i have found
What type of needle do you prefer using? (Metal/Wood/Plastic)Bamboo
What other projects do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? socks, socks and more socks
Do you have other hobbies or enjoy other kinds of crafting? I weave and spin
What kind of treats do you like? Chocolate? Candies? Nuts? CHOCOLATE
What colors are your kitchen and bath decorated in, if any? None Really
What are your favorite colors and what colors do you dislike? Blue and Forest Green....can live with out Pinks and Reds
Do you drink coffee? Tea? Other beverages? Love flavored Coffee
Do you have any kids (human or pet variety!)? two two legged and several 4 legged
Do you have any allergies? No
Please share 3 tidbits about yourself that you think your pal and other swappers might find odd or interesting. I raise llama's and sheep. I love outdoors things, and am having a CAMO wedding in August!!!

Dark, Mysterious and MOODY??????

2007-06-25T08:42:00.001-04:00

YUP explains me to a T!!! Scary how these things can be so accuarate!!

Dark Purple

To others, you seem a bit dark, mysterious, and moody.
In truth, you are just a very unique person who doesn't care what others think.
And you really enjoy your offbeat interests and friends.
You've decided that life is about living for yourself - simple as that.

What Color Purple Are YOU!!

Spending time with the family.

2007-06-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

The family went to the Sawyer Aviation Expo 2007 yesterday at KI Sawyer. KI Sawyer is an Retired Air Force Base. It was a great day to be out....sunny but breezy so not to hot. There were several thousand people in attendance. My two children got to take a Young Eagles Flight, this was a free ride in an airplane sponsored by the EAA. They thought it was great and my son even got to fly the plane!!!

Busy, Busy, Busy.......

2007-06-20T16:18:00.000-04:00

Thought I should drop in for an update before everyone thought I was lost.....

I have been super busy working in the store trying to get things ready, it is a long and slow process and as long as the banks do their parts I will be up and running soon!! I have been spinning and dying and weaving....oh my!!!

I have been working on my tote for the Felted tote exchange and I have my package ready to mail for the dish rag swap...if I could only remember to get it to the post office!!!

Socks, the very pregnant llama, is due anytime so that is another waiting game....I hate waiting!!!

I went to Houghton yesterday and sheared two llama's and next Tuesday I am heading there again to do 5 more....I need to be shearing llama's like I need another project or a hole in the head but hey!!! I just signed up for the next dish rag swap....the dog days of summer!!!

Amongst all of this I am planning a wedding....well I am coordinating it with my two maids of honors....its going to be a camo wedding and is going to be just plain FUN!!! You go girls!!!!

I've been tagged!!!

2007-05-25T08:20:00.000-04:00

The rules, copy/pasted from my tagger's blog:"Each person tagged gives 7 random facts about themselves. Those tagged need to write on their own blog those 7 facts as well as the rules of the game. You need to tag 7 others and list their names on your blog. You have to leave those you plan on tagging a note in their comments so they know that they have been tagged and to read your blog."

1. I am a Young and the Restless Fan
2. I am getting married this summer.
3. I love llama's.
4. I took second place in a 5 state sectional Archery competition.
5. I took first place in two state Archery competitions.
6. I got Brian into Archery.
7. Salad is not food....its what food eats!!!

I am going to tag 7 people from the Felted Bag Swap.....they are....
Anne K.
Deb
Jennifer S.
Iva C.
Shawnee
Mandie
Dana

Felted bag Last ?

2007-05-25T07:56:00.000-04:00

I found that I have things in common with many of the swap members....but I am going to pick......

Cathy H....as we both have read the Maggie Sefton books (ok, she is one ahead of me), and we both like Bamboo Circular needles.

Channon.....the darker the chocolate the better....you go girl!!

Tiffany ....we both use flavored fat free coffeemate in our coffee.

Where's your favorite place to knit or crochet?

2007-05-17T20:27:00.000-04:00

My favorite place to knit is "where ever I can, when ever I can"..........I don't know how to explain it any better than that!!! I knit on the couch, in the recliner, in the car (not safe I know), at work (shhhh, I am suppose to be setting up shop), while I am waiting for the kids, on the porch, in the boat!!!

Chan's Contest

2007-05-12T06:49:00.000-04:00

Hey folks these are my answers to Chan's questions for the contest on the Felted Bag Exchange Blog

So, what gives you hope?

What gives me hope are the children of the world. The ones you see doing deeds for others and using thier manners. A little Please and Thank you for a child, give me hope that there is something better to come of this world. Seeing a child hold open a door for the elderly give me that same hope of love and peace to come. The world has gone so far astray that it is sad. To see these little children doing such simple things really means alot and I have a much greater respect for those children.

How do you recharge and get energized when you're feeling drained?

I suppose take a nap wouldn't be a good answer, hey!!! When I am feeling drained and down, I like to curl up on the couch with either a good book or my knitting and just have a mindless moment!!

And what is your favorite summer adventure, whether it's a memory or an item on your agenda for this year or both?

I have a couple of favorite summer adventures on has to be when I was home just out of college and I went fishing with my dad, a fish about jumped into the back of the boat and I yelled "what the f**k was that?" My dad looked at me and said "What did you say?" He heard me loud and clear but......I gues at nearly 21 I still wasn't allowed to say those words. An item on my agenda is Competition Outdoor Archery....its like golf for archers, walk through the woods to 28 station and shooting arrows any distance from 11 to 80 yards both up and down hill. Great Fun!!!

KNitting Survey

2007-05-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

Knitting SurveyA knitting survey, as seen on Pollyanna Rainbow Sunshine and the Needles of Doom. (and I found it on Rhonda the StitchingNuts Page.)

Mark with bold the things you have knit, with italics the ones you plan to do sometime, and leave the rest.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter stitch
Knitting with metal wire
Shawl
Stockinette stitch
Socks: top-down
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with camel yarn
Mittens: Cuff-up
Mittens: Tip-down
Hat
Knitting with silk
Moebius band knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop stitch patterns
Knitting with recycled/secondhand yarn
Slip stitch patterns
Knitting with banana fiber yarn
Domino knitting (=modular knitting)
Twisted stitch patterns
Knitting with bamboo yarn
Two end knitting
Charity knitting
Knitting with soy yarn
Cardigan
Toy/doll clothing
Knitting with circular needles
Baby items
Knitting with your own handspun yarn
Slippers
Graffiti knitting
Continental knitting
Designing knitted garments
Cable stitch patterns (incl. Aran)
Lace patterns
Publishing a knitting book
Scarf
Teaching a child to knit
American/English knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to make money
Buttonholes
Knitting with alpaca
Fair Isle knitting
Norwegian knitting
Dying with plant colors
Knitting items for a wedding
Household items (dishcloths, washcloths, tea cosies…)
Knitting socks (or other small tubular items) on one or two circulars
Knitting with someone else’s handspun yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday related knitting
Teaching a male how to knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a living
Knitting with cotton
Knitting smocking
Dying yarn
Steeks
Knitting art
Knitting two socks on two circulars simultaneously
Fulling/felting
Knitting with wool
Textured knitting
Kitchener stitch
Purses/bags
Knitting with beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac
Knitting and purling backwards
Machine knitting
Knitting with self patterning/self striping/variegated yarn
Stuffed toys
Baby items
Knitting with cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with synthetic yarn
Writing a pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with linen
Knitting for preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform knitting
Short rows
Cuffs/fingerless mits/armwarmers
Pillows
Knitting a pattern from an online knitting magazine
Rug
Knitting on a loom
Thrummed knitting
Knitting a gift
Knitting for pets
Shrug/bolero/poncho
Knitting with dog/cat hair
Hair accessories
Knitting in public

What have you learned to do that has marked a definite change in your knitting life? I have to say spin and dye my own yarns and knit with them, as well as Toe up socks.....they rule!!!!

I knew Spring had Sprung when....

2007-05-10T06:50:00.000-04:00

several things took place.......it stopped snowing and started to warm up....I saw robins, I saw deer tracks in the yard and best off all when a wild turkey scared the crap out of me!! Lets see.....we have a chicken that had excaped the butcher block a couple of years ago, so she turned in to a free range chicken and gives me eggs in the summer, then some how we acquired a wild rabbit.....it hangs out with chicken like they are friends. Then one day I was taking the laundry out to the vehicle (I was going to the laundry mat, thankgoodness) and when I opened the door the cat came running in the door, thinking it was kind of strange I looked around and didn't see anything, but when I reached for the door of the van, I saw chicken, rabbit and heard "GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE" and wings flapping......it was a flipping wild turkey!!!! What a nut house I live in!!!

I am still alive......

2007-05-08T07:05:00.000-04:00

Just been busy!!! I have been weaving up a storm for the shop, and Brian is making a couple of stained glass projects. I received both my swap partners so I should be knitting. I have a friend coming by the shop today and she is bringing her spinning wheel so it should be a fun day. I will probaby knit my dishcloth during that time and probaby weave. I have not knit for so long......with moving into the shop and trying to get things going.

I am hoping the weather gets a little better her, we need rain badly. I want to start some seeds, and maybe I can do that tomorrow evening. After school events are slowly coming to an end, so that leaves me a little more time to get some other stuff done. They couldn't come to an end at a better time either with gas at $3.18 a gallon!!

Happy knitting everyone....off to the bus stop with the kids......

Felted bag exchange questions....Week #1

2007-05-02T06:46:00.000-04:00

How did you get interested in felting? I had seen some things done and the concept of knitting something so huge and then shrinking it into felt was interesting to me. I had to give it a try. I just picked out a pattern at he LYS for a felted hat and went to it.

Shop Update

2007-05-01T07:36:00.000-04:00

Thought I would stop by so everyone knows I am still alive and kicking!!!

I have been working on the shop feverishly and it don't seem like I am getting anywhere. I have been working on weaving up some rugs and I am trying something new that well.....just didn't work on the first two so now I am still trying to perfect it. I will post photos when it is completed. I took down the weavers guild art display yesterday so I have a few more things to display in the shop and if i remember ( that is the key....if) I will take some photos of some of the other things I have woven and post them here .

I received my Pal for the Felted bag exchange and can't wait to get some more information from her so i can start knitting it up......not like I needed another project....but I did need something else to inspire me!!

Until next time............have a great day!!

Looking Forward To Summer Because.......

2007-04-26T06:54:00.000-04:00

I love participating in outdoor archery tournaments!! It is a great sport. We shoot compound bows distances anywhere from 11 to 100 yards, both up and downhill. I took second in our UP affiliation last year!! I also am looking forward to summer so that I can get down and dirty in the garden. I am patiently waiting to put up a greenhouse, but I love my garden and usually end up canning several quarts of both green and yellow beans, and having a never ending supply of Zucchini squash. With our short growing season, I am lucky if I can get a couple of nice pumpkins for carving at Halloween time, for the kids. I got two nice ones last year and they were perfect!

Skeins -N- Panes.........

2007-04-22T10:00:00.001-04:00

that is the name of my new store!! What more fitting for a yarn and stained glass shop!! LOL

I just thought I would stop by and give an update. I have almost everything moved in......WOW!! Where did all that stuff come from and how in the heck did it fit in my old studio.....no wonder I didn't have room!! LOL

I am hoping that by the end of the week I will be weaving or dying fibers!! I will keep you updated. I will have some photos to post soon!!

The Move Begins.....

2007-04-18T07:50:00.000-04:00

YIPPEE!!!! I was handed a key to the store yesterday!!!

I am going to get the laundry done this morning and start moving my studio in. Unfortunately, my truck is not repaired yet, and I will have to make small trips with the van.....but I will be totally moved in over the weekend. My doors will not be open to the public for a few months as I have to build up the inventory. As I get inventory made up it will be for sale...they will include "clouds" of dyed roving for felting, felting needles, hand spun yarn, rovings, woven items, etc...

Have a great day and if you don't hear from me for a couple of days you will know why. ;-)

Dishcloth exchange questionaire!!

2007-04-17T07:37:00.000-04:00

When did you learn to knit? about 4 years seriously
Who taught you? My mommy taught me, when I was little, but it was something I did just now and again
What was your very first completed object? Dishcloth
Your most recent? Socks
What was the very first thing you sent to the frog pond? (pulled out and started over) Dishcloth
Your most recent? sleeve for sweater
What is currently on the needles for you? toe-up socks, sweater, and sleeves.
What types of needles do you enjoy working with? Love Bamboo What have you tried and hated? Metal
Have you knit dishcloths before? Yes
What was your favorite one? I don't have a favorite....I have liked them all
Least favorite? none
Do you use homemade dishcloths or face cloths yourself, or give them as gifts, or both? Both
What are your favorite and least favorite scents? (For your body, such as soap/lotion/etc) I really don't have any favorites....but I don't like patchouli!!
What are your favorite colors? Blue and Green
What colors (if any) are your bathroom and kitchen decorated in? really nothing specific
What other hobbies and crafts do you enjoy? spinning, weaving, stained glass, competition Archery
Chocolate: Dark? White? Milk? Ew? Has to be DARK!!!
Do you like salty treats? You meant I can't have both! :-( What kinds? any will work
If you could go anywhere in the world for one day and spend the day any way you wanted, where would you go and what would you do? Rome I would go to the Vatican......
Do you have any allergies? (Yarns, foods, etc. that might impact what your pal can send) Smoke, is a no-no for me.

Spinning away

2007-04-15T06:34:00.000-04:00

Not much to post about today. I shot in a State Archery Tournament yesterday and well, lets just say, I could have done better. Was certainly not my day to shine!! ;-(

Friday afternoon I spun up one bobbin full of white yarn and plied it. Now I have to set the twist and dye it. I will hopefully be able to get another one spun up today. I will have to find something good on TV to watch while I am spinning. Maybe I will toss in a movie! I will post photos of this yarn when I get it dyed.

I hope everyone has a good day.....

Baa Baa Black(?) Sheep have you any wool.........

2007-04-12T11:21:00.000-04:00

Yes sir, Yes sir, 4 boxes full? HMMMMM, that don't sound quite right.

It was like Christmas in April here yesterday, literally....still snowing here! ;-( UPS truck showed up with 4, yes 4, boxes full of roving for me to "oooh and ahhh" over. All of the fleeces are from my animals but one, they are all just lovely and I can't help but keep touching and looking at them. Oh the little things in life!!! :-)

Tri-Loom

2007-04-11T07:36:00.000-04:00

I had a great day yesterday...got to have lunch with a good friend I have not seen for about 4 years. We met on the internet in about 1999, and have been good friends ever since. Last I saw her two daughters, they were swinging on the swingset in the yard just singing away, well now they are 12 and 14 ....... and very nice young women!!! Where did the time go......?????

I picked up two tri-looms, too. One for me and one for others to weave on when I get the shop opened up. Looks like I will be moving in my stuff end of the month, unfortunately I won't be ready to open the doors for a while.

I have a box of fiber coming in soon so watch for more dying to take place. I have some orders for some handdyed, handspun yarn so watch for those as well. And for you needle felters watch for some packet of colored roving, for felting to be posted.

Have a great day!!

Happy Easter!

2007-04-08T08:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Easter.....hope the "bunny" treats you all well!!!

Questionaire Answers

2007-04-06T07:40:00.000-04:00

1. How long have you been knitting? about 4 years seriously How did you learn? My mommy taught me, when I was little, but it was something I did just now and again

2. What are your favorite yarns to knit felted bags with? I have never knit a bag, but I like Lambs Pride or Hand-spun for my felted hats

3. What are your favorite needles to knit with? gotta be bamboo!!

4. What are the last 3 bags you knitted (include URL for Yahoo! or flickr album or your blog if you have them!)? You can also link to patterns if you don't have pictures of your finished objects! I have not ever knit any :-(

5. Do you carry the bags that you knit, give them as gifts, or both? I have not knit any, but the one I wove for myself carries my "knitting in progress"!

6. What is your favorite felted bag that you have knit for yourself? I have none!

7. What are your favorite colors? Blue, and Forest Green
Do you like bags in these colors or choose other colors? These are my favorites, but I really am not picky....

8. Chocolate: White, Milk, Dark, or not so much? Had to be DARK!!! YUMMY!!

9. Coffee, Tea, or Milk? a POT of coffee, Please!

10. Do you prefer sweet or salty treats? You meant I can't have both! :-(
What kinds? any will work

11. If you went into Bath and Body Works and could only come out with one item, what would it be and what would it smell like? I don't like Bath and Body works.

12. Do you enjoy any other crafts or hobbies? I love spinning and weaving, and do competition archery and enjoy fishing, camping, basically anything outdoors is wonderful!
Do you collect anything? does looms and fibers count?

13. Are there any bag patterns you have not yet knit, but hope to someday? he he.....all of them!

14. What is currently OTN (on the needles) for you? a sweater, and a pair of socks both with handspun from my own flock

15. What is your most recent finished object before that? Socks

16. What's cutest: Puppies, Piggies or Pixies? Since I raise hogs, I have to say Piggies!!!

17. Do you enjoy reading? Yup Books, Magazines, or both? Both

18. Do you have any children? (kid-kind or pet-kind apply!)I have three two legged children (the fiancee' counts!) and 15 4 legged children.

19. What are some of your favorite yarns for other projects? I really enjoy working with handspun. I also like Lambs Pride.

20. And for the final question, one I see debated all over: Novelty Yarn: Love it! Hate it! or It depends! It really depends!

Anyone up for an exchange?

2007-04-06T07:33:00.000-04:00

I found this exchange on KnittersReview.com, and thought I would post the info here to for anyone who may be intersted.

It is a Spring Felted Bag Exchange...info can be found at http://feltedbagexchange.blogspot.com/

I have never made a felted bag, but I have made knit/felted hats, so I am going to give this a try.....check it out.... sign up.....maybe we will be secret pals :-)!!

Easter dying

2007-04-05T15:42:00.000-04:00

When the kids finished their yarn painting, I decided I would toss in blobs of roving into each of the cups. Here are my results......once again some pretty cool colors. Rememer these dyed eggs and this is just the left overs. The dyes were mixed according to the directions on the Paas box for vibrant colors. Both the painted yarn and these blobs (just handfuls, nothing measured) of roving were wet before they were dyed. I let the roving sit over night, but the yarn was dyed and immediately put in the oven at 200 for about 5 minutes to set the dyes then rinsed. The roving was just rinsed, til clear. You could also wrap the yarn or roving, in saran wrap and "nuke" for about 30 seconds. I generally use Jacquard Acid dyes or Procion MX (I sell them too), but thought this would be a fun experiment with dyes that were just going to get tossed. Best of all the kids had fun, and so did I!!!

Calling to the dye pot

2007-04-05T13:42:00.000-04:00

Remember that white yarn that was calling out to the dye pot "dye me, dye me"? Well the kids finished up decorating Easter eggs last night, so I let them paint it with the left over dyes. Here are the end results.......

Very beautiful pastel colors!!!

Hand-spun stash

2007-04-04T12:58:00.000-04:00

My handspun stash is not as big as I thought!!! :-( Well I do have the yarn to finish the sweater with, too!

The green was rainbow died and spun, it is the same yarn as I am knitting the socks with. The candy stripe, was steam dyed and spun. There was not enough to do much with in singles and plying it back onto itself would have muddied the colors, so I plied it to white. I am not sure what I am going to do with this, skein. The white is calling to my dye pot "dye me dye me" I just have not decieded what color. The last skeins and the close up are going to be a lacy knit sweater, for ME ME ME!!

Rugs

2007-04-04T09:16:00.000-04:00

Here are a couple of photos of the rugs that I wove. I have 5 looms, two are rug looms, and the other 3 are for weaving scarfs, dishtowels that sort of thing. I have done several custom rugs, which is what inspired these colors. These are extra rugs from the custom colored warp, and were all snapped up in a quick hurry. "A purple rug, exactly what I was loooking for".....who would have thunk it!!!

Socks

2007-04-03T23:12:00.000-04:00

I am also knitting a pair of socks with hand spun. My local weavers guild, Yarnwinders, had a dying night and I dyed some roving. I took it home, spun it and am now knitting it into socks. This is fiber from my Border Leicester sheep.